lilansui

Arc 3: The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape Chapter 17 After the Sura council agreed on Azula’s departure, the date was set for three days later. The island was awash with preparations as people hurried to the village hall to register their loved ones’ details, and the military office finalized the list of soldiers traveling with Prince Azula. Others brought unique gifts to the prince’s manor, hoping the offerings would soften the Lyria Kingdom’s B

I'm jumping in here to create a character list for my story, Blades of Ashes (BOA). It's turned into a bit of an epic project, which was unexpected, but I'll keep going. I should add this character list to help track everyone from each arc. BOA is written in arcs, with a different case developing in each arc. Characters may drop off and return as each arc develops; others may only appear in a particular arc to serve the purpose of the case and never appear again. It's a quest, hehehe. The main characters are Azula Doriel and Raithion Maenaer, and will always remain constant. Arc 1: The Case of the Forged Silver Coins: This case develops during a period of economic and political turmoil in the Empire of Lyria following the ascension of Basileus Dio Adertha. A currency crisis begins as lightweight, forged silver coins flood the markets, causing public unrest and significant financial losses for common citizens. Draeya General Raithion Maenaer, operating undercover at the Counterfeit Inspectors Unit, learns from the imperial assayer that the forgeries are made using "burnt ore," a unique material rich in iron and titanium mined exclusively by the Sura Clan. He must find out the truth of this case to exonerate the Sura Clan. Characters: 1. The Baker: - A local citizen of Genad who attempts to exchange silver for gold denaris, highlighting the impact of the forgery crisis on commoners. 2. Exchange Bureau Attendant: - The official who implements the new weighing rules and informs the baker of the rejected, lightweight silver. 3. Bureau Guards: - Burly soldiers in identifying silver-green uniforms who maintain order in the exchange hall through intimidation. 4. Sura Cargo Carriage Driver & Assistant - Seasoned clansmen transporting "burnt ore" from Naga State to the capital before being ambushed. 5. Mercenaries (Huga Nedin’s Men) - A group of ten riders who hijack the Sura shipment to obtain the black ore for their master's plans. 6. Raithion Maenaer (General Draeya) - Introduced, watching the city from the Counterfeit Inspectors Unit while operating undercover to find the source of the forgery. 7. Haedor Ayas: - Raithion’s most trusted friend and lieutenant, disguised as a bureau guard to assist in the investigation. 8. Inspectors - Palace officials working at the Counterfeit Inspectors Unit to document the currency collection. 9. Master Sinsa - The wizened imperial assayer who identifies "burnt ore" as the forger's material and pleads with Raithion to protect the Sura Clan. 10. Dio Adertha (Basileus) - The young, twenty-five-year-old ruler of Lyria, struggling with political factions in his capital. 11. Thanir Maenaer (Marquis Draeya) - Raithion’s father, who presents an "imperium" from the late Basileus Rokas to Dio, pledging his family's military support. 12. Noriel Maenaer - Raithion’s sister, whose lavish wedding to Hujan Draug serves as the Maenaer family’s formal introduction to the capital's nobility. 13. Hujan Draug - Noriel’s handsome groom, who is elevated to Viscount status upon his marriage into House Maenaer. 14. Soriel Maenaer - Raithion’s youngest sister, who presents the wedding rings at Noriel's wedding and immediately catches the interest of Basileus Dio. 15. Silveren Maenaer - Raithion’s mother and Marchioness Draeya, who oversees the family's transition to Genad. 16. Marius Doriel (Sura Chieftain) - Introduced presiding over a wedding at his manor; he is later arrested and tortured to death in the capital. 17. Lasma Doriel - Marius’s wife and a primary healer who provides the clan's moral compass. 18. Alise Doriel - Marius’s daughter and the intended heir to the Sura Clan chieftaincy, who eventually leads the escape from Genad. 19. Juya - A smart council member and accountant who helps Alise manage the clan's affairs. 20. Torak - Marius’s secretary who delivers news of the cargo robberies to the Chieftain. 21. Azula Doriel - Marius’s "unruly" son and an innovative blacksmith, first seen swimming in the lake on Sura Island. 22. Alva - A Sura woman who manages the ancestral home and is described as a sister figure to Azula. (In later chapters, there is a rampant typo of this name that is Alvas. I'll edit it soon to fix her character name.) 23. Kalas - A Sura blacksmith and close companion to Azula who assists in his secret technological projects and helps Magnus manage ore transportation. 24. Huga Nedin - The boss of the mercenaries responsible for hijacking the Sura carriages. 25. Lian - Huga’s most reliable subordinate, who suggests planting the stolen carriages to frame the Sura. 26. Magnus - Azula’s godfather and a clan elder who urges Azula to hire protection for the next ore shipment. 27. Sennin - Azula’s best friend, who accompanies him on the dangerous mission to Genad. 28. Vandra - The manager of the Teba Inn at the Endless Port who identifies the "mythical" Draeya General for Azula. 29. Magistrate Netan - The lazy and corrupt port official in Naga State who is forced to record Azula's theft report by Raithion. 30. Hulan - A mercenary boss and spy working for Gesi Ajai, first encountered as an officer in the magistrate's office. 31. Gesi Ajai - The primary antagonist, a "cobra-like" courtier from Witia State, plotting to take over the Ministry of Finance. 32. Sazama - Gesi Ajai’s trusted henchman who helps manage the silver forgery plot. 33. Naeri Ajai - Gesi’s beautiful daughter, who is forced into a political marriage with Raithion as part of a bargain for the Sura Clan's lives. 34. Theod Dorn - The head of the palace guard and Basileus Dio’s reliable confidant. 35. Amola - A legion scout who captures the scurrying Hulan after the carriage ambush. Arc 1 Antagonists & Catalysts + Gesi Ajai and Sazama are the architects of the plot, using the Sura’s unique burnt ore to facilitate the forgeries and frame the clan. + Magistrate Netan and Hulan represent the corruption that allowed the scheme to flourish at the local level. Arc 2: The Case of the Belladonna Poisoned Palace Maid: This case begins after the Sura Clan has faced a crisis. In the Lyria Empire, the political status of House Maenaer reaches its peak with Soriel Maenaer becoming the Basilinna and Raithion being named the Commandery Prince. Soriel is caught in a deadly plot when a palace maid, Eden Kata, is found dead in Soriel's closet at the palace. In a bid to protect Soriel's standing as the new Basilinna, Princess Sanan uses her authority and orders the new Commandery Prince to investigate the death of the palace maid. This arc follows Raithion's attempts to strengthen his sister's position in a palace that would ruin her without a second thought. 1. Eden Kata - The victim, a palace maid who was murdered with belladonna-laced peach blossom pastries. 2. Soriel Maenaer (Basilinna) - Raithion’s sister and the new Empress, who discovers Eden’s body in her closet. 3. Raithion Maenaer (Draeya Commandery Prince): - The lead investigator appointed to solve the murder. During this case, Raithion has been elevated to the office of Commandery Prince of the Lyria Kingdom. 4. Haedor Ayas (General) - Raithion’s second-in-command, who assists throughout the investigation. 5. Kailu (General) - Raithion’s best friend, who works undercover in the palace to uncover evidence and make arrests. 6. Chalia Leas (Head of the Palace Maids) - Arrested by Raithion on a murder charge. 7. Dain Liarel (Imperial Coroner) - The official who examines the body and identifies the belladonna poison. 8. Viessa Beidi - A palace maid and accomplice to Chalia. 9. Two Unnamed Palace Maids - Additional accomplices of Chalia who are arrested alongside her and Viessa. 10. Fidias Pallas - A palace guard and the grieving fiancé of Eden Kata. 11. Lois Kata - The mother of the victim, Eden Kata. 12. Cherry Kata - The younger sister of Eden Kata, who identifies her sister’s engraved hairpin. 13. Princess Sanan - Basileus Dio’s aunt, who utilizes her authority to order the Commandery Prince to investigate the case. 14. Basileus Dio Adertha - The ruler of Lyria who presides over the court meeting and issues the final judgment. 15. Dowager Basilinna Olneth: Dio’s mother, who attempts to use the murder to discredit Soriel but is present during the investigation's conclusion. 16. Grand Dowager Basilinna - Dio’s grandmother, whose office officially backs the investigation. 17. Hagas Jodan - The inner palace baker who testifies. 18. Lieutenant Volker - A legion inspector who assists in finding the victim's family and securing evidence. 19. Finance Officer - An official from the treasury who verifies the authentic gold denarii stolen from deceased maids. 20. Gesi Ajai -The new Minister of Finance, who attends the court inquiry. 21. The Prime Minister - Attends the court inquiry and questions Raithion about palace loyalty. 22. Firo Briale (Imperial Tutor) - A court official who questions the late-night summons. 23. Vaeri - One of Soriel’s attendants who was present when the body was found. 24. Galor - A lieutenant guarding Soriel who delivers news to Raithion. 25. Daron (Darion) - Raithion’s butler who manages his personal residence. (Another one with a typo, it should be Daron, but there will be parts with Darion that I will get to as I edit.) 26. Naeri Ajai (Commandery Princess): Raithion’s wife, who is present during his return to the capital. Later has a grand wedding with him. 27. Palace Scribes: Officials who manage the ledgers and record the court's findings. 28. Unnamed Healer: An expert from the healing clinic who warns Raithion against touching the poisonous belladonna flowers. 29. Meira: Soriel's bodyguard. 30. Vanya: Soriel's shadow/secret bodyguard. 31. Maenaer Estate Guards - Sentries at the family fortress in Draeya County. 32. Cassius - An old attendant left to manage the Draeya manor. 33. Aryn and Sira - Housekeeping sisters in Raithion’s household. 34. Sharian - Daron’s son and Raithion’s primary personal attendant. The great escape to The Sura Clan Island: 1. Alise Doriel - Azula’s sister, seen ill during the escape. 2. Rest Stop Healer - A local practitioner who treats Alise during the flight from Genad. 3. Azula Doriel (Sura Clan Chieftain) - Seen leading his people to the Sura Island and later governing as a "Mourning Chieftain." 4. Sura Clan Members - Families and craftsmen fleeing Lyria in a convoy. 5. Acting Lieutenant - A Maenaer officer reporting mercenary movement. 6. Mercenaries (Men in Black ) - Hostile forces sent by Gesi Ajai to eliminate Sura stragglers. 7. Sennin - Azula’s best friend and a key member of the Sura leadership. 8. Juya - A Sura council member and accountant who assists Alise and Azula. 9. Lasma Doriel - Azula and Alise’s mother. 10. Magistrate’s Lieutenants & Port Officers - Hostile officials at the Lyrian port attempting to seize the Sura ship. 11. Sura Ship’s Crew & Captain - Clansmen managing the escape. 12. Lena - A healer’s assistant on the Sura ship. 13. Evie - A Sura healer who discovers Alise is pregnant. 14. Magnus - Azula’s godfather, who helps lead the clan and manages island affairs. 15. Funeral Drummers & Volunteers - Sura men performing the final rites for the Genad victims. 16. Spiritual Monks - Spiritual Leaders similar to monks from the Sura Mountain temple who tattoo Azula. They run ceremonies on Sura Island. 17. Wolfe Silverberry - A fierce Sura warrior who worked alongside the others on the docks and helped build the first commissioned carriages. 18. Five Unnamed Crew Men - Sura kinsmen who survived the shipwreck and worked "day and night" to meet the deadline for the grain shipment back to the island. 19. Nerasa Kingdom Individuals/ Trevan Pearcliff - A Nerasa General and son of the Prime Minister, whom Azula rescued from the sea. He provided the Sura with a workspace, trade permits, and commissions for cargo carriages. 20. Nerasa Soldiers - A group of soldiers who filled the Sura’s inn searching for the "savior" of their general. 21. Nerasa Metal Crafters - Artisans whom Azula personally trained in carriage-making techniques to comply with regional trade rules. 22. Nerasa Workers - Laborers at Rewa Port who eventually collaborated with the Sura team on large export orders. 23. Master Yaitan - Azula's blacksmithing master, who eventually moved to the Sura's established yard at Rewa Port to manage crafting. 24. Sura Scholars - Clan members sent to Nerasa Kingdom to be trained as teachers, healers, and builders to help modernize Sura Island. Arc 3: The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister's Narrow Escape: (Currently Ongoing) This case begins five years after the Sura exile from the Lyria Kingdom. Gesi Ajai, who is now the Minister of Finance, is frustrated with Raithion, who has managed to keep all his plans under check. So, he plots to assassinate the Prime Minister using a toxin called Silver Malice. His daughter, Naeri Maenaer, overhears the plot and attempts to warn her husband, Raithion, but she is poisoned by her own lady-in-waiting, Rasa, a spy for Gesi. While Naeri dies, Raithion’s young son, Yulin, also ingests the tea and falls into a life-threatening condition. The arc follows Raithion's attempts to save his son, and the desperate journey he takes to Sura Island to find Azula Doriel after five years. Characters: 1. Raithion Maenaer (Draeya Commandery Prince) - Seen training soldiers at the Ninid State border before returning to the capital. 2. Haedor (Lord General) - Raithion’s second-in-command, assisting at the border and later during the manor lockdown. 3. Prince Kailu Adertha - Raithion’s best friend and a secret prince who assists in the border inspections and the poisoning investigation. 4. Yulin Maenaer - Raithion’s four-year-old son and heir, who survives a poisoning attempt. 5. Skye Maenaer - Raithion’s infant daughter. 6. Naeri Maenaer (Commandery Princess) - Gesi Ajai's daughter and Raithion's wife, who dies after drinking poisoned tea. 7. Ruairidh (Ruri) - Alise Doriel’s and Yemin's son and Azula’s nephew. 8. Azula Doriel (Sura Prince/Chieftain) - Seen innovating technological advancements like rail carts on Sura Island and later receiving Raithion’s warrant. 9. Lasma Doriel - Azula’s mother and a master healer who identifies the "Silver Malice" poison and saves Yulin’s life. 10. Prince Rane Adertha - The young heir of Basileus Dio and Soriel. 11. Soriel Maenaer (Basilinna) - Raithion's sister and Empress of Lyria, who uses her "soft power" to support her family and husband. 12. Noble Ladies of Genad - Guests at Soriel’s tea party. 13. Romance Writer - Providing entertainment at Rose Hall by telling stories. 14. Prime Minister’s Wife - A guest at Soriel's party, cultivating ties with the Basilinna. 15. Noriel Maenaer (Lady Draug) - Raithion’s sister, who later assists in the funeral arrangements and supports Silveren and Raithion. 16. Meira - Soriel’s open bodyguard. 17. Silveren Maenaer (Duchess Maenaer) - Raithion's mother, who manages the household and the children during the tragedy. 18. Jaguar - A sponsored scholar and tutor for the Maenaer children (He is mentioned). 19. Rassa - Naeri’s closest attendant and a spy for Gesi Ajai. At some point, her name may appear as Rasa. This is also a typo to be fixed later. 20. Sharian - Raithion’s personal attendant and Daron's son. 21. Daron - Raithion Maenaer's personal butler who manages his residence and his needs. 22. Stable Steward - A manor employee. 23. Aryn and Sira - Housekeepers at Raithion Maenaer's residence. 24. Benira Ajai - Gesi's wife, who stages a public scene at the Maenaer gates after the poisoning. 25. Gesi Ajai (Minister of Finance) - BOA's primary antagonist, who plots to assassinate the Prime Minister and attempts to blame the Prime Minister and House Maenaer for Naeri's death. 26. Sazama - Gesi’s trusted confidant and accomplice in the assassination plot. 27. Naeri's Carriage Driver - A witness to Naeri's movements on the day of the poisoning. 28. Healer living in the manor - An initial medical responder for Naeri and Yulin. 29. Dain Liarel (Imperial Coroner) - Identifies part of the poison and greatly assists in Yulin’s survival. 30. Lieutenant Volker - A legion inspector assisting the investigation. 31. Imperial Healer - A specialist from the palace. 32. Basileus Dio Adertha - The ruler of Lyria, who provides Raithion with the Imperial Warrant for the Sura Clan. 33. Princess Sanan - Dio’s aunt, who supports Basileus Dio, Soriel, and Raithion's family. 34. Theod Dorn - Head of the Palace Guard and Dio’s confidant. 35. Vanya - Soriel’s shadow/secret guard. 36. Aria and Callie - Naeri’s attendants interrogated regarding the poisoned tea. 37. Jaxon - A mason who provides key evidence about the broken teapot. 38. Old Apothecary - A specialist who informs Raithion that only the Sura Clan can cure Silver Malice. 39. Skye's Nanny - She manages the infant's daily needs. 40. Thanir Maenaer (Duke Maenaer) - Raithion's father, who takes over the Commandery Office during Raithion’s absence. 41. Laine -A Sura student assigned to work in the metal workshops after a school mishap. 42. Heng - A Sura metalsmith who mentors Laine, he works in Azula's workshop. 43. Tanya Nuovis (Sura General) - Oversees island defense and has helped grow Sura Island's military. 44. Wolfe Silverberry - A fierce Sura warrior and Azula's security chief seeking justice for his lynched son. 45. Sennin - Azula’s best friend and a council member involved in trade and administrative affairs. 46. Juya -A Sura council member and accountant who supports Alise and Azula in the running of the clan. It is said he is sweet on Alise. 47. Kalas - A Sura council member in charge of mining. 48. Magnus - Azula’s godfather and a core member of the Sura council. 49. Daiku - Leader of a Sura tactical unit in charge of protecting Ruri. 50. Hana - A Sura healer’s assistant at Healer's Cove. 51. Alvas (Alva) - A Sura council member overseeing education and social welfare; she assists in Yulin’s treatment. 52. Valnor Gallea - A Sura potter whose high-fired porcelain becomes a valuable export. 53. Trevan Pearcliff (Nerasa General) - Azula’s ally and the son of the Nerasa Prime Minister, who provides the Sura with a draft agreement to help them fight for an equal agreement with the Lyria Kingdom. 54. Priest Suner- The spiritual priest who performs Naeri’s funeral rites. So, that's a really long, involved list. I've tried to list the names as they appear in each Arc, squeezing in everyone who appeared in each one. I may have left someone off, but I'll work on updating this list as I go. I'm still writing, still determining how Wolfe would like Raithion in any world. I mean, Wolfe is too angry, with good reason, but... sigh. There is a roughly drawn map, but I'm currently not happy with it, so I'll share that at a later date. Thank you for checking this out! Cheers.

The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape Chapter 16 Azula woke with nervous energy running through him the next morning. He bathed, dressed, and ate breakfast early. After leaving a message with Sennin so that Lasma and Alise would not look for him, he headed to the village hall. At the village hall, he entered the office assigned to him and sat down at the laden desk to read reports sent by traders, council members, and Sura Clan members with pro

The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape Chapter 15 The Sura Clan was generous when they decided to be gracious. Raithion could not complain about the quiet, neat rooms assigned to Haedor, Sharian, and Dain. The food was served in a bright dining room on the east side of the building. The platters of food were brought in by two young men who were kind with their greetings but remained tight-lipped about the island. “I tried to ask how the rest of

Currently working out in what circumstances would Raith be liked by Wolfe...hahaha, hardest thing on earth. There are a lot of misunderstandings between Raithion and Azula. Hopefully, the next few chapters will put them on the same footing some more. It was really difficult to write about Yulin's troubles. Unfortunately, that is just what his grandfather is like and Yulin couldn't escape it, so I'm glad to get out of that dark period for this boy. I'm looking forward to Azula's heart thawing and brighter days for Yulin. You're hanging out in my muse's thoughts, hahaha, Yulin will find some fun moments with Ruri, the-macadamia-eating-cool-boy. As for Raithion and Azula, their peace is...probably going to be more difficult...hahaha so much work to do.

Arc 3: The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape Chapter 14 Azula rode a fast horse from the Old Docks back to the Doriel Manor. At some point in the last year, the Sura people had started calling it the Prince’s Manor. He had no choice but to accept their respect, but at this point, it was the hardest thing he could ever face. Being chieftain of the Sura clan made his heart ache, especially when he had to face a man he’d once thought of as being as str

Arc 3: The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape Chapter 13 Azula finished crushing nuts for the children, then sat back, his gaze fixed on the ship approaching from the horizon. The mere thought of the clan council debating their stance on the Lyria Kingdom brought on the dull throb of a budding headache. He pressed his index finger to his temple, closed his eyes, and took several measured, calming breaths. Who would dare sail for Sura Island? Mos

Arc 3: The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape Chapter 12 Raithion dressed in formal clothing for his official visit to the palace. It was a day after the funeral, and the city was awash with gossip of Naeri’s death. Under Soriel's guidance, the scribes had published the story of Naeri’s death at the hands of her most trusted lady-in-waiting. Gesi Ajai was busy trying to control the narrative, but there was no way to hide the truth. Raithion had insis

Hehe, I'm guilty of lurking, really. Excited to be able to post today. Someone asked a question, and I just flew over like a guilty chile. Will try to be more present here.

Arc 3: The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape Chapter 11 Soriel entered Basileus Dio’s office in the afternoon with a joyous wave for his staff. Dio stopped reading the reports from the military office and gave her his full attention. His wife looked radiant in a pink dress that whispered and shimmered with every step. Her long black hair fell down her back, pinned with butterfly clips that caught the light when she moved. She approached his des

Arc 3: The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape Chapter 10 Five years was a lifetime that passed by in a wave of burning ambition. For the Basileus, his young Basilinna, and Gesi Ajai, who worked at collecting money using the acquired Sura Clan workshops like a sandstorm devouring the landscape. His daughter, Naeri, now a Commandery Princess, turned into a desperate wife in the Maenaer residence that belonged to her husband. Faced with a cold husband a

9 On Sura Island, at the foot of Mount Sura, Azula sat in his boat in the middle of the lake, staring at the letter delivered by Vandra, Teba Inn’s manager in the port city. He was the only one willing to show them kindness and sent them messages by pigeon. Magnus claimed that Vandra owed him a favor for saving his daughter from a bandit, so their ties could not be easily severed. Still, they had to be careful not to place Vandra’s livelihood in danger, so they would not rely on him too hea

8 Raithion watched Haedor seal the gates of the Doriel Manor. His trusted legion officers had searched it thoroughly, making sure no one was inside. They left everything untouched, even the food was as just as Azula’s family had left it. Haedor supervised the officers nailing the gates shut and then painted the new Draeya Commandery Prince seal on the gates. A white lion’s head with the name Maener under it. Raithion stared at it with mixed feelings. The first time his father told him abo

- Dante: One of the main characters, father of Zach and April. He is the son of Nora and Christophe Arturo, and Landi is his great-grandfather and grandmaster. Dante is a blood-born fire warlock and the master of Artri House. He has a history of past lives with Tani Ryuzo. •Nora Arturo: Dante's mother, grandmother of Zach and April. She is married to Christophe Arturo and is the matriarch of Artri House. Nora is knowledgeable about fire magik and runs a side hustle where she sells artifacts

Chapter Twenty-Five Dante lay on the bed where Tani had left him. Kinon stood on the right side of the bed, while Amu stood on the left. Sahdrina stood at the foot of the bed. Together, they held up a barrier to keep the fire magik from leaking from Dante, flooding the room, and spilling into the rest of the house. Cale sat in an armchair by the door, his gaze fixed on Dante. “When do you think he’ll wake up?” Cale asked. “When nature is done with him,” Kinon said softly. “His fir