Donte

Donte is a veteran legionnaire who serves in Castile’s company and later becomes one of Eryk’s companions. He survives several campaigns, suffers losses in the Shimmering Labyrinth, and is ultimately reported killed in battle during the imperial conflict. (Chapters 11–24, 40–75, 132–146, 200, 243)

Biography

A veteran of the company

Donte is introduced as one of the soldiers assigned to manage the company’s horses. He has already served long enough to lose a finger to a giant snapper, and he continues to work alongside the company despite the injury. During an encounter with a giant snake, Castile’s shadow chains fail and the creature swallows him; the others kill the snake and recover him. (Chapters 11, 20, 23–24)

Donte later serves as one of Castile’s lieutenants and is described by Konstantin as having retired after years of service. He continues to appear with the company, taking on camp duties and helping during the campaign. His old age and veteran status are acknowledged when the men discuss the long time it takes to improve constitution through essences. (Chapters 40, 51, 58, 75)

Dungeon and later campaigns

Donte participates in the Shimmering Labyrinth expedition. He stands sentry with the other legionnaires and later suffers severe frostbite, with the company medic warning that his toes may need amputation. When the party begins dividing into groups, Donte is assigned to travel with Flavius and Linus. (Chapters 132, 137, 145–146, 166–175)

Donte survives the Labyrinth and later continues with the company through subsequent service. During the imperial battle, he and Malory are reported killed. His death marks the loss of a veteran whose service had spanned the company’s earliest campaigns. (Chapters 200, 217, 243)

Appearance and personality

The text identifies Donte as an older veteran and former lieutenant. His missing finger and later frostbite are the most concrete details about his physical condition. (Chapters 20, 51, 137)

Magic and abilities

Donte’s role is military service and leadership as a former lieutenant. The narrative does not establish personal spellcasting or a numeric score progression. (Chapters 11, 40, 51)

Relationships

• Castile: Former commander who appointed Donte as a lieutenant. (Chapters 40, 51)
• Eryk Marko: Fellow legionnaire who sees Donte through the company’s campaigns. (Chapters 20, 23–24, 132, 145–146)
• Remus: Fellow soldier who suffers frostbite during the Labyrinth expedition. (Chapter 137)