Cinder Foxwell

Goliath / Fighter

Submitted character story

Cinder Foxwell wears his family's helm even when he sleeps. It hides the green light in his eyes and the corrupted markings under his skin. The cracked plate does a poor job of hiding the rest. Plants wilt where he lingers, animals refuse his hand, and shadows sometimes turn before he does.

He was a soldier long before the curse. When his company lost a retreat route, he held a narrow breach with Inheritance, the old halberd now fitted with a shattered red gem. He remembers the gem breaking. He remembers enough men getting out to make the choice seem worth it. The days after are less clear, and Captain Rusk's report names Cinder as the cause of the disaster.

Now he takes the road jobs that let him sleep beyond the village walls. He is controlled, practical, and careful about where he plants the halberd. His sister Mara still sends letters asking when he will visit. He has answered every one without giving her a date.

A smith called Maela believes the missing piece of the red gem could let her contain the curse. Rusk has that piece. Cinder wants it, along with the names left out of the retreat report. He also needs to find out why the voice inside Inheritance can repeat the company's old commands, and why he sometimes catches himself obeying.