Aelfric Nightshade, captain of the famous mercenary company known as the Shadowclaws. 35. Dirty blond hair. One eye is hazel, and the other he lost years ago; he wears an eyepatch over the right side of his face.

Charming, roguish, glib, charismatic and an excellent leader, Aelfric's charms are just as much of a weapon in his arsenal as his skill with a blade. He trials every aspiring Shadowclaw by combat. Despite his easygoing nature, he's cunning, ruthless, and does what needs doing.