Angharad, who prefers to be called Harry, is a young orphaned woman from the Homeland. She feels displaced and restless in the remote desert outpost of Istan, struggling to conform to polite colonial society. Tall and independent, she possesses an unexplained resonance with the local landscape and the native Hillfolk culture that sets her apart from her peers.

Corlath is the king of the native Hillfolk of Damar. Burdened by his duty to protect his people from a looming Northern invasion, he is guided by an ancient magical intuition known as kelar. His frustration with the Outlanders' dismissal of his warnings is complicated when his magic compels him to abduct a young Homelander woman against his better judgment.

Jack is a former Homeland military officer commanding the fort near the Damarian border. Unlike most Outlanders, he holds a deep respect for the Hillfolk and their traditions. His political outspokenness and refusal to dismiss local wisdom position him as a rare bridge between the colonizing forces and the native population.

Mathin is one of Corlath's elite Riders and serves as a vital mentor figure. Tasked with training Harry in the martial and survival arts of the Hillfolk, he is stoic, rigorous, and deeply honorable. He communicates more through action and quiet observation than through extensive dialogue, demanding excellence without coddling his student.

Thurra is a powerful and cruel Northern war leader. Supported by a vast, unnatural army and dark sorcery, he represents an existential threat to the people of Damar. He is a silent, monstrous figure whose bloodlust drives the impending conflict and forces unlikely alliances.

Luthe is an immortal seer who resides in a hidden mountain valley. Operating outside the normal bounds of human time, he possesses immense knowledge but carries the isolating burden of his long life. He offers philosophical guidance rather than direct answers to those who seek his counsel.

Richard is Harry's older brother and a civil servant stationed in the Homelander-occupied territory. Practical and focused on decorum, he attempts to integrate his sister into colonial society while keeping certain truths about their family heritage hidden from her to protect her social standing.

Lady Aerin is a legendary queen and heroine of the Hillfolk, remembered for slaying dragons and wielding the magical blue sword, Gonturan. Though she exists in the past, she remains a potent symbol of feminine strength and leadership, serving as a guiding spirit for those who follow in her footsteps.

Sir Charles is the Homelander administrative official in charge of Istan. He embodies colonial governance, viewing the Hillfolk with a mixture of bureaucratic detachment and suspicion, though he acts as a kind, if distant, host to Harry.

Lady Amelia is Sir Charles's wife and Harry's hostess in Istan. She is deeply invested in the social etiquette of the Homeland and tries to encourage Harry to fit into polite colonial society, representing the conventional life Harry feels alienated from.

Terim is a Hillfolk Rider and the son of Murfoth. He respects martial prowess and quickly befriends Harry after learning of her performance in the laprun trials, demonstrating immediate loyalty to his newfound friend.

Senay is a young female Rider from the village of Shpardith. Inspired by Harry's presence and skill, she becomes a steadfast companion and fiercely loyal ally during the journey toward the impending conflict.

Kentarre is the leader of the filanon, an isolated group of forest-dwelling archers. Guided by prophecy, she brings her people and their formidable hunting cats to offer vital support against the Northern invasion.

Narknon is a giant hunting cat belonging to the Hillfolk camp. She is an effective hunter and forms an immediate, affectionate bond with Harry, providing her with much-needed companionship in a strange environment.

Tsornin, also known as Sungold, is a magnificent golden warhorse given to Harry. Intelligent and highly responsive, the horse becomes an essential partner to Harry as she learns the bridleless riding style of the Hillfolk.

Cassie is the daughter of a local Homelander official in Istan. She is a popular young woman who represents the conventional, carefree life of the colonial youth that Harry struggles to relate to.

Elizabeth, commonly known as Beth, is part of the Homelander social circle in Istan. Like her sister Cassie, she gossips about the mysterious Hillfolk and participates in the comfortable social rituals of the outpost.