Dale Shannock - Secretary to the Regent
After the tragic accident that changed Ethan’s fate, Dale’s loyalty never faltered. Though he now prefers the shadows of the palace archives or the solitude of his small office, his vigilance remains constant. He accepted the unassuming position of secretary to the regent not out of ambition, but strategy—to keep watch over the palace and the dangerous ambitions brewing within its marble halls.
For two decades, he has done the only thing left within his power for his lost friend: he has guarded Ethan’s sister, the princess, with steadfast care and a silent promise that no harm will ever reach her while he still draws breath.
Snippet from Mech and Magic
Dale spies for Rowan
Dale had always known that the day would come when they’d have to side with an Andulan heir against Atherton. That heir was supposed to be Ethan, but Dale was starting to believe that Rowan was the better choice. Even if Ethan woke, which was unlikely, he’d been an impetuous and spiteful child, and would probably be an overbearing adult.
Dale still loved him. There was no helping that. Ethan’s spirit had been larger than his short life. Even after all this time Dale’s heart was firmly in his corner.
But over the last few weeks, while tutoring Rowan, they’d seen a spark in her—a spark of that intangible quality that all good leaders have. Dale had tried to qualify it—equal parts grit, intelligence and compassion, but also the ability to see a problem from all angles. The only thing she lacked was self-confidence.