Cei

Cei debuts as Sir Cei, Castellan of Boval Castle under Sire Koucey, a Wilderlands knight of about thirty summers, distant cousin of Koucey's from Gans. Introduced as "a tall, hulking, sulking, bitter-faced man" with "a flair for organization," "utterly incorruptible" but "much like being a teenager under the eye of a matronly and disapproving aunt." Had stayed home from the Farise campaign to run Koucey's estates.

First on-page action: textbook knightly charge leading the cavalry that saves Minalan from a gurvani raid at Minden's Hall, skewering the raiders' leader on his lance. Clashes with Minalan throughout (orders Pentandra arrested on Koucey's word, diverts peasant bacon to the garrison in the infamous "bacon and beer" row, sides with Garkesku against Minalan). Minalan's running verdict:

Cei is a perfect Castellan. That also means that he's a complete asshole most of the time.

When evacuation comes, Minalan sets him to judge refugees' goods, and Cei herds refugees through the magical portal, the last man through the breach. By book's end he is leading the Bovali survivors in refugee camps south of Alshar.

Cei appears only in offscreen reference, continuing to lead the displaced Bovali refugees south through this book's span. No on-page scenes.

The book that transforms Cei from Koucey's "sulking" castellan into Cei the Dragonslayer. Three structural chapter titles bookend his arc: "Sir Cei At The Lists," "The Wedding Of Sire Cei And Lady Estret," and "The Dragonslayers."

Castellanship at Sevendor. Minalan offers him the post at the Magelord's wedding. Cei leads the advance party to Sevendor, confronts Sir Erantal with a "blanket-sized scroll" and his intimidating big voice, and runs the entire rebuild: haggling "like a widowed goodwife" to spend nearly a thousand ounces of gold on wine, beer, carpenters, and blacksmiths; handling the Railan-vs.-Goody-Nanily kitchen war; organizing Yeomanries and explaining feudal custom to Minalan. Signature verbal tic: "It occurs to me, Sire . . ." Minalan says:

This was how Sir Cei told you that he thought you were messing things up.

On Minalan's ambition:

Spoken like a true knight. It occurs to me that acquiring property, title and position can change a man, Sire.

Elevation to Sire. Cei wins Cargwenyn at the Chepstan Spring Fair tournament. Minalan bets 14 ounces at 300-to-1 odds and wins roughly 4,200 gold plus 4,800 silver. Key jousting scene: Cei's magical sport Talent (a sonic/concussion shockwave when he charges) first manifests, his lance's impact on Sir Ewen's helm producing "a thunderous crash, one that seemed far in excess of the usual shattering of a lance." Through clever diplomacy Cei wins the fief and hand of Lady Estret of Cargwenyn, blonde, blue-eyed, widow with daughter Faresa, Baron Arathanial's distant cousin.

The Cambrian Dragon. The climactic deed. After Pentandra's lightning bolt and the allied magi stun a dragon, Minalan orders Cei to make a single-knight cavalry charge at the beast's exposed neck with a snowstone-tipped lance. Cei's silent acceptance: "If this is what my lord requires of me . . ." He fits a snowstone pendant over the lance-point, bellows "SEVENDOR!" and charges. His sonic shockwave, channelled through the snowstone at contact, tears the dragon's neck "half-asunder from the body, a great charred hole smoking in the rain." Cei is found unconscious, bruised but alive; his destrier dies. Thereafter he is universally Sire Cei the Dragonslayer.

Cei is the primary chivalric mentor to Rondal and Tyndal in this POV book. He had tested Tyndal's swordplay personally at Sevendor and "would have scolded him into the Void" for sloppy footwork. He is founder and Head of the Estasi Order by the end of the book (set up by Tyndal and Rondal as a surprise): "Me?" Sire Cei asked in surprise.

At Cargwenyn. After Relan Cor, Minalan sends the boys to Cei for a full course in chivalry. Extended dialogues on the role of a knight, wine etiquette ("Wine is a luxury, a suitable symbol for a hereditary class"), tea, and the responsibilities of land-holding gentry. Memorable:

A man who falls to a sword cannot plow a field or clip a sheep.

When they finally match swords, Cei's magical sport Talent triggers defensively and Tyndal is kicked "like a charger. With both hooves."

The snowstone scouting mission. Minalan orders Cei to covertly investigate illegal snowstone mining across the border in Taragwen. Cei teaches the boys practical reconnaissance under the guise of a hunting trip: reading terrain, questioning a barman sideways, paying a gentlemanly bribe, working hospitality rules ("If one knows which questions to ask, a man might say a few words in passing that give you what you desire to know"). He even sings "a lovely melody about love in the springtime."

The debt-collection errantry. Sends Rondal and Tyndal to collect honey and wax debts owed to Cargwenyn with a pouch of "nine, ten copper pennies, perhaps a few silver as well. I trust in your ability to use it wisely, or add to it as you see fit." The boys successfully use the Dragonslayer's name to impress noblewomen.

Major book for his personal life and warrior identity. Son Kestran born at Cargwenyn weeks after Almina. Cei was "beside himself" at Minalan's elevation to Baron and enthusiastically ordered baronial regalia.

When the Dead God's emissary calls his name on the battlefield ("This is clearly Sire Cei, the Dragonslayer. He who struck the fatal blow to the beast at Cambrian Castle"), Cei acknowledges with stoic discomfort: "I have that honor." Minalan notes he "was not comfortable with his new fame. Particularly hearing of it from the mouths of his foes."

The warhammer debuts (as yet unnamed). Cei acquires his signature warhammer, his chosen weapon from now on. First seen:

Sire Cei was smashing logs to splinters with his new warhammer.

Cormoran had it made along with a dragonhide shield and dragonscale armor crafted from the Cambrian dragon's hide, matching Minalan's dragonhide breastplate. At the Battle at the Poros he wields it to devastating effect against a trollpack, slaying siege worms: "Sire Cei was standing in the prow, swinging his new warhammer like Duin himself," bellowing "SEVENDOR!" again. A great shaggy hound attaches herself to him after the lake-swim escape, becomes his loyal pet companion. He gets "a little more religious when he was going into battle." Sarcastic note on Minalan's dragon-plan: "Your secret plan is me?"

Minor book. Cei and Festaran run Sevendor smoothly during Minalan's adventures. At Chepstan he represents Sevendor at the Spring Fair:

a big draw. Cei was still uncomfortable with his fame, but he was growing accustomed to it.

Greets the returning, exhausted Minalan says:

helped me up to my workshop and into the padded chair

and screens his messages during convalescence. He is with Alya and Dara at the Kasari Grandmaster's religious moment, notably nodding gravely alongside.

The Sashtalia war makes Cei a battle-legend again. He fights under Baron Arathanial against Sashtalia as a hired vassal-knight for the season. Arathanial: "Sire Cei wields that hammer like a scalpel. He's been crushing rocks and trees with his hammer and everyone cheers" and "I doubt any in the Bontal Vales could best Sire Cei. I would see him joust again this year, but I forbade it."

At the fall of Sashtal Castle, Cei uses his warhammer and magical Talent to destroy the portcullis and great doors of the keep, breaking a three-day siege. He is Arathanial's high war-counsel ("as cunning at strategy as he is at the fray").

Hosts tournaments at Sevendor:

Sire Cei was the very picture of chivalry as he rewarded well-struck blows, counseled squires on their form, and entertained his lieges with song and story. He was gracious and magnanimous, the perfect knight. And he was loving this. Sire Cei is a modest man, but he does have an ego.

Hosts Baron Arathanial; Estret plays harp and sings; stepdaughter Faresa serves as cupbearer. Cei inspects the illegal tavern brew in person ("Cei likes strong beer as much as any knight"). Estret wrestles him into a "Castabriel ruff," the latest style.

Cei appears only by reference. Astyral cites Minalan's inclusive council ("even sports like Sire Cei and that funny knight of his, Sir Fes"). A poignant note in the aftermath of Greenflower: Dranus tells Pentandra that Sevendor is grieving and leaderless while "Sire Cei returned from that little territorial spat on Sevendor's borders."

Tyndal/Rondal POV. Cei is chiefly referenced as Head of the Estasi Order ("the head of our order, Sire Cei the Dragonslayer"). Tyndal's rueful dragon-PTSD:

As much glory as Sire Cei had won as the Dragonslayer, Tyndal was no eager to match his feat.

Key plot pivot at book's end: Gareth reports "Master Minalan went to his tower. Later he came out in a hurry, and fetched Sire Cei. They disappeared. Then word came that they went to the abbey, and collected Alya. Then they disappeared." Cei has left Sevendor on Minalan's secret Yule quest.

Cei plays a massive role. Accompanies Minalan on the Yule quest and is the first knight selected for the Olum Seheri rescue raid, volunteering freely "swearing before Briga that he would see the quest done." Minalan says:

both the most loyal and the most powerful warrior I knew.

Tactical advice summed up: "I propose hitting them. Really, really hard."

Estret is fittingly furious (via Bemia: "taking her husband away from her children on Yule, Yule!, for some damnfool secret mission"). Cei is a member of the Scholars team alongside Onranion, Lilastien, Aeratas, Azhguri, Hance, Sandoval, Mavone, Minalan. In the undercaverns he hammers draugen and Nemovort; duels Reshtitelin to exhaustion, saved only by dividing attention among three opponents. Worries about time:

it occurs to me, gentlemen, that perhaps this is not the ideal occasion. Every second we wait is a second we allow our foes to discover us.

The climactic moment of his career. At the end of the raid, Korbal's staff, mounting Sheruel himself, is kicked loose and rolls into Cei's hammer range. "With the most sublime expression of serendipitous satisfaction, Sire Cei of Sevendor gave a mighty, wordless shout and threw every bit of emotional energy he had into splitting Sheruel into a thousand pieces." The blow cracks Sheruel's sphere along the left face, darkens the irionite nearly to black, and releases a thaumaturgic shockwave that knocks everyone unconscious, but does not quite destroy the Dead God. Closest anyone has ever come.

Earlier, he formally receives Prince Tavard with contempt barely hidden. Recovers at Cargwenyn after the raid. Presides with Minalan over the mass knighting of warmagi at Sevendor, speaking "clearly and passionately, in his Wilderlands brogue," a speaker of unexpected eloquence when the subject is chivalry. Minalan says:

Head of the Order, he was universally acclaimed as the epitome of arcane chivalry.

Small presence. Minalan says:

Banamor and Sire Cei had taught him [Gareth] well.

Tyndal's militia drilling is credited to Cei's constant training. Avden reminds Minalan of "Sire Cei, in his younger days." Barthalon's sport Talent is likened to Cei's. No battlefield role this book.

Cei remains Steward of Sevendor during Minalan's exile. Koucey (now the Crafted Man) asks Minalan to convey his regards: "Do pass along my regards to Sir Cei, Sire Cei, he corrected himself. I do wish him the best of health and prosperity," a rare nod from the old master to his former castellan's elevation. Tyndal recalls to Koucey: "Sire Cei nearly shattered old Sheruel." Cei's missives reassure Minalan of the barony's safety. Later, when asked for Minalan's location for briefing, Cei delivers grim news: "Isily. They took Isily. Or what's left of her." Draugen have taken Isily's brainless body from Holy Hill Abbey.

Cei opposes Alya's wish to join the Anghysbel expedition:

Alya, it's dangerous! And no man knows what lies beyond.

When Minalan sides with Alya, Cei visibly squirms:

Sire Cei looked back and forth between the two of us, a barely-suppressed look of panic twisting his mustache.

Lady Estret delivers a gently pointed speech that the Spellmonger's continual absences are "a strain on Sire Cei," while Estret bears the brunt. His stewardship is nevertheless "exemplary. The markets were packed. The revenues were high. The people were prosperous." Cei is quietly preparing Sevendor for potential war with Prince Tavard: accelerating Karshak castle-work and reinforcing the garrison.

Investigates a mercenary company encamped near Laripose as possible invasion prep. Rondal: "I trust Sire Cei's judgement." Pentandra and Arborn ride to Sevendor for the Spellmonger's triumphal return from exile; Cei organizes the homecoming. "Sire Cei had spared no expense or energy in welcoming home the Baron and Baroness from their exile." Cei and Estret sit on a raised platform at the gates, Cei in a "new mantle that seemed embroidered to resemble dragon scales." Minalan presents him with "a long, elegantly scrimshawed war horn" in gratitude. Minalan publicly names him Sire Cei of Caergwynen (variant spelling of Cargwenyn). Reports over two hundred casualties of a draugen raid and manages crisis ops. Politely doubts Minalan can bend the Alka Alon Council: "You are sounding quite confident, Excellency."

Short novel, Minalan's journal voice. Cei reveals at dinner that Estret is pregnant again ("he, too, is to be a father again. His lady wife told him just before the Darkfaller raid"). Included in all military strategy sessions for the Merwyni campaign, reports Sevendor's alliances are robust, and notes even Fleria, formerly hostile, sent knights to Chepstan Fair.

Fights at the Darkfaller/Olum Seheri reprise raids. Vivid scene:

I saw Sire Cei recovering from bashing in the great iron portcullis of the castle with his war hammer. He seemed pleased.

Begins freeing prisoners. At the Yule Court homecoming he and Estret precede Minalan and Alya in the grand procession; Cei has set up the magnificent dais and curated a feast for two thousand. Provides "steadfast support" to Sire Ryff during Fallawen's birth. When the Enshadowed strike during Yule, Minalan sends Ruderal "to awaken Sire Cei," who "had donned his armor to command them." Also escorts Dara through political machinations regarding Baron Arlastan's suit, advising her to be "as boring as possible" if uninterested.

At the Battle of Darkfaller (final phase), Cei leads the Sevendori war-band. Lanse reports to Minalan says:

Sire Cei leads the Sevendori here. Both have managed credible cavalry charges.

Cei's hammer in action:

with every swing of his warhammer he drove back the skirmishers as he fought his way toward the troll. A moment later the great beast fell, his spine crushed by the Dragonslayer's mighty blows.

Charges through thick ranks to try to seize Sheruel from the desperate Enshadowed sorcerer; Astyral notes "If Sire Cei's strike on him in Olum Seheri didn't shatter him, he could survive a drop of a few stories." He's still "valiantly trying to rally the Sevendori to drive their way toward the green ball."

At the restored Sevendor, Cei officiates King Rard and Queen Grendine's announcement:

Sire Cei announced them, as the sun lightened the sky around Rundeval.

Minalan credits him as "most selective in hiring staff for the new castle," even luring away Banamor's cook from the Alembic ("It is said that the Mayor and the Dragonslayer had words over it"). Minalan categorizes him with Marcadine and Salgo as "the aging chivalric veteran," a first hint of his aging.

Cei now represents the mature senior vassal at the kingdom's high table. At the royal reception, Alya and Minalan share the dais with King Rard, Queen Grendine, "Count Markadine of the Wilderlaw and Sire Cei and their wives," a social station where he is named alongside a Count of the Wilderlaw. Provides Minalan shrewd policy advice on Robinwing and competing markets:

If you cannot defend what you hold, then it isn't yours.

Preparing the latest Yule Court, Cei is "a master of such organization without visible stress." Wry diplomatic reporting:

His Highness has been preoccupied with matters of state since you left.

Has a prepared briefing book for every vassal meeting:

The Spellmonger cannot be expected to keep the minutia of all of his domains in his head.

Still fiercely protective of Ithalia: flushes and delivers the disconcerting news about Lilastien's disappearance, noting Ithalia wept ("disconcerting to see her in such a state"). Minalan's summation:

No man holds power on his own. From Banamor and Sire Cei to Gareth and Terleman, to hundreds if not thousands of others who ensured my rule.