Barin

Erika's brother. It would be a misnomer to say Barin isn't a main character. He makes a huge sacrifice in the story. In all three books, its the tragedy that befalls Barin that drives the others to press on. Strong, handsome, heir to the throne, Barin carries a responsibility to his father and to his sisters to hold the kingdom. And yet his army alone is powerless against the evil forces that confront them.

In writing the character of Barin, I can't help think about the older brother that I was supposed to have had. My mom lost her first baby, and it was a boy. He would have been four years older than me, and I would have looked up to him in ways that I never had the opportunity to look up to anyone while growing up. Erika and Barin's relationship is powerful, even though they struggle with trying to understand each other. But it's a beautiful relationship none the same, one that today I wish I had had with my older brother who never was.