Destin Karn

Also known as Destin, Karn, Lieutenant Karn

Major
First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 9

Gender: male
Age: young adult
First appears: Book 1 · Ch. 9
Books: 1

Description

A human man in a carefully composed outfit of fine black wool, trimmed with leather. His shirt has lace at the collar and cuffs, while plain boots and a simple swordbelt are made from fine leather. An amulet is tucked discreetly beneath his shirt. His hair, eyes, complexion, age, and build are not established by the available description, so present his face and physique without distinctive invented traits. A pale, lean young man with a sinuous, dancer-like build and fine-boned hands. His tawny-brown hair is paired with unusually pale hazel eyes beneath thick dark lashes; his expression is controlled and watchful, often blank or stony. He wears finely made but subdued clothing, commonly dark wool with leather trim and a lace-collared shirt, with plain leather boots and a swordbelt; at times he appears in the black uniform of the royal guard.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

MK
Marin Karnson
Marin is Destin’s father and a powerful general. Their relationship is tense and marked by criticism, control, and resentment, though Destin seeks his father’s advice before meeting the king.
Adrian sul'Hanhealer under his security supervision
Karn escorts Adrian to Jenna in the dungeon and monitors his work, at times threatening him. Their cooperation grows when Adrian treats Jenna and saves the queen.
ES
Evan Strangwardconflicting source relationships
Evan cares deeply about Destin’s safety and happiness, wants him to escape his dangerous family situation and build a life by the sea, and is disappointed that Destin remains in Ardenscourt to help him.
King Gerard Montaignesubordinate
Destin serves the king in the clandestine service and reports directly to him. Gerard assigns him sensitive missions, including finding Jenna Bandelow, while Destin fears the consequences of failing the king.
L
Lilaconflicting source relationships
Karn and Lila confer over a map and discuss plans to leave. Their exchange suggests cooperation and familiarity, though the precise nature of their alliance is not specified.
MC
Marc Clermontsuperior
Destin directs the search and relies on Clermont and his guardsmen to enforce it; their approach to Will escalates into a fatal confrontation.
QM
Queen Marinaprotector
Karn is deeply concerned for Marina, calling her the only truly decent person at court and insisting Adrian come to her aid.
T
Tezacompanion
Teza and Destin work together in Evan’s service. Teza reports Destin’s findings and actions to Evan, including his refusal of the money Evan sent.
Adam Wolfconflicting source relationships
Destin helped arrange the attack intended to kill Ash at Oden’s Ford and later remains involved in the Ardenine operation surrounding Ash’s disappearance. Ash’s identity and escape place them on opposing sides.
Jennaconflicting source relationships
Karn captured Jenna and is responsible for her father’s death. He interrogates her about her magemark and the Empress, though he also arranges food, books, a bath, and improved quarters for her.
LT
Lyle Talbotconflicting source relationships
Destin recognizes Lyle as Jenna after Will’s death and restrains her while deciding to save her for questioning.
WH
Will Hamletconflicting source relationships
Destin presses Will for information about Jenna. Will fears Destin’s magical questioning and kills himself rather than submit.