Tor Bastard son of Pellanor who is dubbed a knight by King Arthur and later promoted to the Round Table.
Bagdemagus A minor knight who is angry when Tor is admitted to the Round Table. He leaves the court, intent on proving his worth. He finds Merlin in the cave, but Merlin tells him to ride on.
Royns of North Wales A powerful king who vanquishes the eleven kings who are hostile to Arthur. He is killed by Balyn and Balan.
Nero King Royns' brother, who is out to avenge his brother's death. An ally of King Lot's.
The Lady of the Lake The woman who gives Arthur his new sword, after he loses it in a fight with Pellanor. It belonged to her lover, who was killed his own brother. She then takes the sword to Lady Lyle of Avilon, who misused it.
Lady Lyle of Avilon A woman who wears a sword and scabbard at all times; she searches for the best and hardiest man in the kingdom to pull it out. Sir Balyn is that man.
Balyn He pulls out the Lady of Avilon's sword, and then beheads the Lady of the Lake, who killed his mother. This act loses Arthur's respect for Balyn. He kills Launceor and Launceor's lady, and he kills Garlon. He is also called The Knight of the Two Swords, and he both kills and is killed by his brother, Balan.
Balan Sir Balyn's brother.
Launceor of Ireland One of Arthur's knights; he sets out after Balyn to avenge the Lady of the Lake's death, but is killed by him, instead.
Mark A relative of Launceor's who wants to avenge his death. Merlin tells King Mark that Launcelot du Lake and Tristam (Mark's nephew) will one day fight the greatest battle ever fought between two knights. Mark's unchecked jealousy of Tristam is his downfall.
Bodwyne Mark's brother and a noble fighter whom Mark murders him in a fit of jealousy. Bodwyne's child, Alexander, grows up to be a knight who seeks revenge on Mark, but Mark is able to kill him first.
