Azar

Azar is a stylish young warmage who favors tight-fitting black leather and silks. He fights with a blade and dual warwands, displaying a maniacal glee in battle, and helps Minalan raid the goblin lines to steal witchstones.

Newly titled Knight Magi and Baron of Megelin, Azar brings considerable cavalry command experience to the Goblin War campaign. His warmage abilities combined with his knightly combat training make him an effective field commander. He is notably warmer and more personally likable than many of the Order's members — Minalan's associate Alya is said to get along well with him. His barony of Megelin provides him political standing within the Five Duchies' feudal order.

Azar operates as Commander of the North from Megelin Castle, leading the Megelini Knights in aggressive patrols and raids into the Penumbra against the gurvani. By the time Minalan visits, Azar has built Megelin into an imposing fortress and military force, though it is his castellan Bendonal the Outlaw who supplies the discipline and organization behind Azar's bold leadership. When Azar becomes trapped behind two goblin legions at the manor of Gillain, Minalan must mount a rescue mission — a testament to Azar's willingness to charge into overwhelming odds. He also contributes nine captured witchstones from the winter campaign.

Azar is formally named Commander of the North and charged with building a Commandery to defend the northern Penumbra. He arrives at a warmage council leading the Megelini Knights, now a substantial and battle-hardened cavalry force supplemented by warmagi of the Horkan Order. His bravado is tempered by genuine competence — Minalan notes that while Azar charges blindly into battle, he is not stupid, and his men have extraordinary morale. Azar's competitive nature vis-à-vis Astyral and Terleman drives all three to surpass each other in valor and achievement.

Azar appears briefly in strategic councils about the Alshari situation, pledging his troops to Duke Anguin's restoration effort alongside Astyral. His role is primarily military — he has little patience for court politics but understands that a stable Alshar gives him the resources he needs to keep fighting the gurvani. He is present at Pentandra's council in Vorone, where he makes clear his only concern is killing enemies, not managing kingdoms.

Azar attends Sevendor's grand Enchanter's Fair and participates in the emergency council when the Nemovorti threat escalates. He and Astyral pledge their forces to Anguin. His presence at the Conclave of magi highlights his growing stature among the High Magi — his single-handed charge against the dragon at Vorone's palace has made him legendary, and he does not let anyone forget it. He participates in the rapid deployment against the gurvani incursion at the end of the book.

Azar is a senior figure in the planning councils for operations against the Nemovorti and the Penumbra. He hosts a major military council at Megelin Castle, showing off his expanded fortress with characteristic pride. His rivalry with Astyral and Terleman for martial glory continues to drive him to bolder and more dangerous operations. His castle is described as a trophy room of his victories — goblin banners, broken shaman staves, and the dragon fang from Vorone all on display. Bendonal the Outlaw keeps Megelin functioning while Azar takes the glory.

Azar participates in the defense against a major gurvani assault, commanding the northern flank. His warmagi and the Megelini Knights distinguish themselves in the fighting. He is part of the inner council of senior warmagi that Minalan relies upon to coordinate the defense of the Wilderlands. His aggressive tactics and willingness to strike deep into enemy territory continue to define his contribution to the war effort.

Azar is central to the operations against Korbal's forces, leading combat actions that include fighting alongside Noutha — their first notable partnership in the field. He commands one of the flanks in the major assault into enemy territory and holds his position under extreme pressure. His battlefield bravado is on full display — Tyndal watches him single-handedly confront challenges that would give any rational man pause. He begins to develop a professional respect for Noutha's abilities.

Azar attends the ceremonies as Minalan consolidates the Magelaw, serving as a senior vassal and military commander. He participates in the aftermath of the great battle and is present at the wedding of Noutha and Azar's colleague — foreshadowing his own romantic arc. He continues to operate from Megelin and is one of the Count and Countess of the Magelaw's most formidable military assets. Minalan increasingly relies on Azar as the hammer of his military operations.

A landmark book for Azar: Minalan promotes him from Baron to Viscount of Megelin, cementing his status as one of the most powerful lords in the Magelaw. He is also appointed Ducal Executioner, a role he fills with characteristic enthusiasm — personally beheading the treasonous lords of House Farradine after their public conviction. His castle continues to grow, with a third bailey under construction. He hosts military councils and his Megelini Knights remain the premier cavalry force in the Wilderlands.

Azar is mentioned in passing as Minalan prepares the Anghysbel expedition. His forces continue to hold the northern Penumbra. Without the central conflict touching Megelin directly this book, he operates in the background as the reliable military anchor of the Magelaw's northern defenses.

Azar's forces are on alert as Minalan recovers from his wounds sustained in Anghysbel. He is part of the broader military command structure that holds the Wilderlands stable during Minalan's incapacitation. His relationship with Noutha continues to develop in the field during joint operations.

A pivotal book for Azar personally and professionally. He fights with distinction at Darkfaller, protecting prisoners alongside Noutha — she saves his life when he is knocked down by a giant spider, and together they fight their way out. King Rard honors him publicly for his valor. At the end of the book, in the presence of King Rard and the assembled court, Azar seizes the moment and proposes to Noutha — she accepts, to widespread surprise and delight. He receives an estate from Rard as part of the post-battle honors. His wedding to Noutha is described as the foundation of Vanadori high society, attended by fellow Viscounts, Count Marcadine, and the cream of Wilderlands nobility.

Azar and his new wife Noutha fight together as a formidable duo throughout the campaign at Olum Seheri. Newlywed and battle-loving, they are described as "bloodthirsty newlyweds" who recount their combat exploits to each other with obvious affection. Azar serves as one of Minalan's senior envoys during the parley with the enemy, named formally as Viscount Azar of Megelin. He and Noutha are blessed by Duin the Destroyer after fighting in the war god's presence, an honor that deepens their already formidable martial prowess. They escort the last of the army through the portal at the end of the battle.

Azar sends Bendonal the Outlaw to Farise to serve as Minalan's herald and warrant officer during judicial proceedings in the city — a sign of his continued support for Minalan's operations even when he himself is not present. He remains the military backbone of the Magelaw while Minalan is undercover in Farise, and is referenced as one of the great warmagi Alya considers when assessing who could handle Minalan's mission in his place — only to conclude that none of them could manage it as well as Minalan himself.