Lloyd

Lloyd Stealle is a human spiritblade, a master of sword and spirit, and the heart of the companions in Ruins on Stone Hill. At eighteen, he stands 6'2" with broad shoulders, tousled brown hair, and deep blue eyes, clad in red leather armour. He wields two oversized blades with whirlwind speed, and the blades can burst into flame — not from enchantment alone, but from a martial discipline that trains body, mind, and spirit together until a warrior can call on spiritual essence to enhance strength and agility.

Lloyd is the youngest son of a well-to-do Penwick family. His father is Lord Kratos Stealle, and Penwick's history — pirate wars, fleets, and the Stealle name — travels with him even when he would rather be judged on his own merits. After earning the title of spiritblade, Lloyd left home to make his own way and help others. He was headed toward Tarrsmorr for work when he vaulted, literally, into a battle to save Glolindir, Aksel, and Seth from monstrous foes, and chose to stay with them afterwards.

In Ravenford, that choice becomes public. At Ravenford Keep, Lloyd is revealed as young Lord Stealle, a revelation Book 1 treats as a turning point: the helpful sell-sword is also nobility, with a Penwick name the court recognises. It changes how Ravenford sees him, and it matters in Andrella's orbit as well, though this page goes no further than Book 1 does. What does not change is his manner. Off the battlefield he is gentle and easygoing; on it, he is the companion the others rally around when a giant, a golem, or a dark mage makes the odds look final.

Lloyd's Book 1 arc is about earning a name rather than inheriting one. By the end of the book, Ravenford knows both names — Lloyd, and Stealle — and he has earned the first in front of witnesses who matter.

See Andrella for Ravenford's heir, and Glolindir, Aksel, and Seth for the friends who saw Lloyd fight before they knew his surname.