The Strength of the Few

James Islington

The Strength of the Few

James Islington
75 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2025

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Catenicus is the version of Vis Telimus living in the Republic of Res. The adopted son of a Military senator, he hides his true identity as a conquered prince while secretly working with a resistance group. Following a deadly trial, he enters Governance with a missing arm. He relies on his intelligence and new Will abilities to survive the dangerous politics of Res.

Key Relationships

Closest Friend of Eidhin

Trusted Ally of Aequa

Adoptive Son of Ulciscor

Adoptive Son of Relucia

Son of Cristoval

Companion of Diago

Student of Veridius

Secret Associate of Ostius

Former Romantic Interest of Emissa

Former Student of Lanistia

Siamun is the version of Vis who awakes in Obiteum following the Labyrinth trial. He possesses the unique ability of Adoption, allowing him to control the Will of others. Horrified by the practices of this world but determined to stop an impending disaster, he trains to infiltrate the heavily guarded city of Duat.

Key Relationships

Student of Caeror

Rescuer and Friend of Ahmose

Associate of Netiqret

Enemy of Ka

Deaglan is the version of Vis existing in the clan-based world of Luceum. Initially unaware of the parallel worlds or his unique abilities, he desires a peaceful life away from conflict. He must adapt to a foreign language and warrior culture while forming new bonds.

Key Relationships

Guest of Grainne

Friend of Tara

Target of Lir

Vassal of Ronan

Saved by Cian

Son of Cristoval

Relucia is Ulciscor's wife and a covert member of the Anguis resistance. Having survived brutal punishment in her youth, she maintains a hardened perspective on violence and revolution. She views the oppressive system of the Hierarchy as the true evil that justifies extreme measures.

Key Relationships

Wife of Ulciscor

Adoptive Mother of Catenicus

Associate of Ostius

Aequa is a highly capable student from the Academy who shares the trauma of a past disaster with Catenicus. Resourceful and sharp, she serves as one of Catenicus's most reliable allies in managing the dangerous factions of Res.

Key Relationships

Friend of Catenicus

Friend of Eidhin

Eidhin is a Cymrian student attending the Academy under duress from the Republic. He lives by a strict moral code and believes every person has a boundary they must not cross. His outsider status forms the foundation of his strong bond with Catenicus.

Key Relationships

Friend of Catenicus

Friend of Aequa

Son of Baine

Caeror is Ulciscor's brother who exists in Obiteum. Despite living in a dangerous environment, he maintains a relentless optimism. He serves as Siamun's primary mentor and teaches him about the mechanics of Will to stop a coming disaster.

Key Relationships

Mentor to Siamun

Brother of Ulciscor

Ulciscor is a Military senator in the Republic of Res. As Catenicus's adoptive father, he expects cooperation and obedience. He maintains a stern exterior while participating in the volatile politics of the capital.

Key Relationships

Adoptive Father of Catenicus

Husband of Relucia

Brother of Caeror

Employer of Lanistia

Veridius is the principal of the Academy on Solivagus. He possesses deep knowledge about ancient history, parallel worlds, and the true nature of Will. He often acts as a gatekeeper of dangerous secrets.

Key Relationships

Principal of Catenicus

Commander of Emissa

Ka is a mysterious and highly powerful entity who rules the city of Duat in Obiteum from a hidden pyramid. He is believed to be responsible for cyclical apocalyptic events and commands a vast network of reanimated servants.

Key Relationships

Enemy of Siamun

Supporting Characters

Ostius is a mysterious operative for the Anguis resistance who possesses the rare ability to shift between different worlds. He acts as Catenicus's handler. He displays a ruthless pragmatism in his efforts against the Republic.

Key Relationships

Handler of Catenicus

Associate of Relucia

Ahmose is a reanimated individual, or iunctus, living in the city of Duat. Cautious and aware of his vulnerable status, he provides Siamun with crucial information about the city's structure while offering companionship in an otherwise hostile world.

Key Relationships

Companion to Siamun

Netiqret is a focused and unflappable assassin operating in the city of Duat. She leverages her lethal skills to survive and provides Siamun with access to secure areas. Her assistance comes with specific demands of her own.

Key Relationships

Guide for Siamun

Caretaker of Kiya

Lir is a pragmatic druid associated with King Ronan's court in Luceum. Recognizing Deaglan's potential for combat, he actively directs the young man's path. He blends spiritual authority with political maneuvering.

Key Relationships

Manipulator of Deaglan

Court Member of Ronan

Court Member of Tara

Tara is King Ronan's daughter and the most skilled fighter among the students at Loch Treanala. Having lost her succession rights due to a facial scar, she dedicates herself to becoming a formidable warrior and leader of her warband.

Key Relationships

Friend of Deaglan

Daughter of Ronan

Fellow Student of Conor

Opponent of Gallchobhar

Emissa is a former classmate of Catenicus who previously betrayed him. Working closely with Veridius, she attempts to mend her fractured relationship with Catenicus by offering access to sensitive military information.

Key Relationships

Former Romantic Interest of Catenicus

Subordinate of Veridius

Ruarc is a powerful druid who breaks traditional vows of neutrality to support a coup in Luceum. He harbors intense hostility toward individuals arriving from specific locations. He actively hunts Deaglan across the country.

Key Relationships

Ally of Fiachra

Enemy of Deaglan

Decimus is a rigid and combative figure in the Republic. He views Catenicus's physical injury as a weakness and uses his influence to demand public tests of strength, driven by his own sense of pride and grief.

Key Relationships

Father of Iro

Rival of Catenicus

Commander of Indol

Iro is a former classmate of Catenicus. Pressured by his father's demands, he participates in a high-stakes chariot race that tests his abilities and his willingness to engage in aggressive tactics.

Key Relationships

Son of Decimus

Rival of Catenicus

Diago is an alupi, a large, intelligent wolf-like creature. He displays fierce loyalty to Catenicus, serving as a protector and scout during dangerous excursions.

Key Relationships

Companion to Catenicus

Grainne is a farmer in Luceum who rescues Deaglan from a violent raid. She provides him with shelter, care, and an introduction to the local language and customs.

Key Relationships

Caretaker of Deaglan

Daughter of Onchu

Gallchobhar is a massive warrior who initially serves as a champion. Aggressive and ambitious, he utilizes Will in combat and frequently challenges those he deems unworthy.

Key Relationships

Opponent of Deaglan

Former Champion of Ronan

Opponent of Tara

Cristoval is Catenicus's father and the former ruler of a conquered kingdom. He prioritized his family over political gain. He possessed dangerous knowledge regarding ancient history and the true nature of the Republic.

Key Relationships

Father of Catenicus

Father of Deaglan

Lanistia is Ulciscor's second-in-command and Catenicus's former trainer. She experiences terrifying moments of lost autonomy, becoming a pawn in a larger conflict despite her combat prowess.

Key Relationships

Employee of Ulciscor

Former Mentor to Catenicus

Baine is Eidhin's father and a subordinate to a cruel military senator. Driven entirely by the need to protect his family, he is willing to compromise his moral code to ensure his son's safety.

Key Relationships

Father of Eidhin

Bargaining Partner of Catenicus

Ronan is a regional king in Luceum who commands loyalty from his subjects. He faces political instability and war as rival factions challenge his authority.

Key Relationships

Father of Tara

Liege Lord of Deaglan

Former Commander of Gallchobhar

Kiya is a young reanimated individual accompanying Netiqret. She serves as a crucial link to the complex information network that controls the city of Duat.

Key Relationships

Dependent of Netiqret

Companion to Siamun

Conor is a student warrior training at Loch Treanala. He quickly accepts Deaglan into their group, fostering a supportive environment focused on teamwork rather than competition.

Key Relationships

Classmate of Deaglan

Classmate of Tara