Shan is a preteen boy living at Weldon Castle. Raised to honor the chivalric code, he practices archery and horse riding, eagerly preparing for his future responsibilities. He takes his duties seriously, carefully polishing his father's sword and dreaming of one day serving as a knight. When sudden danger forces him out of his comfortable life, his courage and resourcefulness are put to the test.

Lady Marian is Shan’s mother and Lord Weldon’s wife. She is an intelligent and perceptive woman who quickly distrusts the rough friends her husband's brother brings into their home. She prioritizes her family's safety above all else, making difficult and sudden decisions to protect her son from escalating threats.

Lord Weldon is the head of Weldon Castle and rules his region fairly under King Arthur. He actively manages his lands, checking on local farmers and ensuring the welfare of his people. Generous to a fault, he takes in his estranged brother and allows him to stay, demonstrating a kind but sometimes naive trust in others.

Uncle Lionel is Lord Weldon's long-lost brother. Having squandered his own fortune traveling abroad, he arrives at Weldon Castle and quickly makes himself comfortable. He is hot-tempered and egotistical, bringing strange men into the home, replacing the castle staff, and treating his nephew with outright cruelty.

Nappus is an elderly servant and skilled doctor at Weldon Castle. Deaf and mute, he communicates by writing in fireplace ashes and gathers information by reading lips. He spends his time collecting herbs from the garden to create medicines, making him an invaluable and observant asset to the household.

Magnus is a young shepherd boy who lives a humble rural life, expecting to take over his father's herds when he grows up. He is generous and hospitable, quickly moving past his initial suspicion to offer food, shelter, and companionship to travelers in need.

Sir Gareth is a knight of Camelot known for his friendly face and open mind. Embodying the ideals of chivalry, he supports the king's practice of listening to people of all social classes, volunteering his own services to investigate claims of injustice.

King Arthur is the wise and heroic leader who has secured peace across England. He dedicates specific days to meeting with commoners, acting as the ultimate judge to ensure justice is accessible to everyone in his kingdom.

Adam is a humble herdsman and Magnus's father. He provides shelter and advocates for his guests, eventually helping to arrange transportation so they can safely continue their journey.

Phebe is Magnus's mother and a rural farmwoman. She warmly welcomes strangers into her home and provides care and sustenance to those experiencing difficult times.

Sir Kay is a knight at Camelot who acts as a strict gatekeeper. He shows skepticism toward children seeking royal attention and attempts to enforce rigid rules regarding who can speak to the king.

Twiggs is a neighbor to the farming family who operates a river raft. He delivers hay to poor farmers along the banks and provides transportation to those needing to travel long distances.