Delmar

Delmar is one of Castile’s lieutenants, responsible for training and field coordination. He is a capable soldier who helps Eryk develop practical combat skills and helps the company act decisively under pressure. (Chapters 9–10, 35, 57)

Biography

Training and command

Delmar helps turn Eryk from a raw recruit into a useful member of the company. He asks which weapon Eryk prefers, then divides his training between spear work with Firth and dual-wielding with Konstantin. This reflects the company’s practical approach: the soldiers should become effective in the weapons that suit them, rather than simply look uniform. (Chapters 9–10)

In the field, Delmar assigns responsibilities and reacts quickly when plans change. During the siege, he coordinates soldiers across the barricades, directing them to slide, rise, and fire in sequence. He also takes immediate action against a centipede threatening Eryk, stopping its advance before it can reach him. His leadership balances clear commands with the ability to act personally when a threat reaches the line. (Chapters 15–16, 54–57)

Service through political conflict

Delmar remains part of Castile’s leadership team through the tribunal and the company’s deployments. In the Shimmering Labyrinth, a wight and eleven specters overwhelm him. Konstantin warns that Delmar may rise as a specter, so the group beheads and burns his body. Castile mourns him and appoints Eryk to take over his duties. The loss leaves a lasting gap in the company’s command. (Chapters 35, 63–69, 140, 209)

During the Emperor’s later campaign, Adrian wields Delmar’s former runic sword, a sign that the company has had to redistribute equipment after its losses. The text does not say exactly when Delmar’s sword changed hands or establish that its new bearer inherited Delmar’s command duties. Its later use cannot mean Delmar remained with the company after the Labyrinth. (Chapter 243)

Appearance and personality

Delmar is a direct, experienced officer who tends to give instructions without ceremony. He is attentive to how soldiers perform and assigns training according to their needs. In battle he is decisive and willing to enter close combat rather than remain behind the line. (Chapters 10, 15–16, 57)

Magic and abilities

Delmar is a soldier and instructor rather than a spellcaster. His demonstrated strengths are weapons training, command, and close combat. (Chapters 10, 15–16, 57)

Relationships

• Castile Duval: Serves as one of her lieutenants. His death in the Labyrinth leaves a command vacancy she fills by assigning Eryk his duties. (Chapters 9–10, 35, 140)
• Eryk Marko: Assigns him weapon training suited to his preferences and later relies on his field contributions. (Chapters 9–10, 15–16)
• Adrian: Fellow lieutenant who shares command and logistics responsibilities. (Chapters 9, 35)
• Firth: Works with the veteran to train and lead soldiers in the company. (Chapters 10, 16)