Main Character:
Keeran
Keeran is an eleven-year-old boy (who'll soon be turning twelve), living in a town called Tynan in the state of Deverick. He lives with his two sisters and his aunt, because both parents were murdered (Murder isn't an uncommon thing in Tynan, and it's mostly ignored). He's used to death and very quiet, usually keeping to himself.
Rais, the Dictator of Deverick
Rais is the powerful and merciless leader of Deverick. He has a history of hiring assassins and thugs to do his dirty work and got to the top by no honest means. He grew up in the neighboring country of Kien, but claims to have lived in the town of Tynan (located in Deverick) as a young boy. When his father died because of an accident in the mines, Rais vowed he would never have a job so low, and aspired to become someone great. He got that wish, but sometimes late at night he has nightmares of the people he has hurt on that path. Despite this, throughout the day he carries out his morally unsatisfying plans.
Thaidan
Thaidan is the 11-year-old sidekick who grew up in the orphanage that Keeran and his little sister eventually end up in. He's an optimistic kid who has a small sense of humor (I'm sure it would be bigger if he had grown up in a happier place. The orphanage is more like a completely jacked-up humane society). He's smart and has been reading as long as he can remember, when he can actually find a book.
Farley
Farley is Keeran's 16-year-old sister who is in with the wrong crowd to try to get on their good side. She hopes it'll give them cause to leave her family alone until they can escape to Arecima. Unfortunately, this means she's developed all kinds of bad habits (such as smoking) and has occasional temper tantrums. She's terrified that it's only a matter of time before she ends up killing someone before someone kills her or her family.
Auburn
Auburn is Keeran's four-year-old sister who ends up in the orphanage with Keeran. She's shy and quiet like her big brother, but likes to try anything new, like her big sister. She's very intelligent, and if she could go to school, no one would hesitate to send her before themselves.
Aunt Vanna
Supposedly Vanna takes care of the kids, but that responsibility has mostly fallen to Farley. Vanna is their Father's sister and a drunk. She's the only one left out of her three brothers and two sisters. No one knows how she's managed to outlive them, as she was the shyest of the family. Supposedly she's very skilled with a knife, and certainly not afraid to use one if it involves protecting herself. Or the money she uses to buy drinks.
Rosna
Rosna is a close friend of Thaidan's and a sweet, friendly girl who is at the orphanage because her parents didn't want her. She helps Keeran and Thaidan in their plans to escape the orphanage and accompanies them on their first try, but doesn't live to see their successful escape.
Lovely place, Deverick.....
Well, there you have it. I applaud you if you read all the way through. ~applauds~
~Charlotte Grace, the Mind Traveler
