Opal’s the kind of kid who’d rather read the manual than press the button, unless pressing the button looks really interesting. Her mom died when she was little and so lives with her dad, who is hopelessly old-fashioned and arcane.
Opal’s got a scientist’s brain. She’s into astronomy, math, physics, history, and taking things apart just to see how they work (even if they don’t always go back together quite right).
Most people at school don’t know what to make of her. She’s quiet, smart, and asks way too many questions, but Opal’s not trying to fit in. She’s trying to understand the world. And once she sets her mind to something, there’s no stopping her.
Will knows more than he should, and he’s smart enough to keep most of it to himself. He’s the kind of kid who reads three books at once, finishes all the puzzles before anyone else even finds the edge pieces, and still has time to beat the high score on every game in the library’s logicomp lab.
Will’s parents love him, but don’t always have time for him with their busy lives. He doesn’t talk much at school, but when he does, people listen, because Will always knows stuff others have missed. He’s quiet, loyal, and just a little mysterious.
Prisoner 876309, also known as Flint, was the most talented mage Andrin had seen in centuries, but he chose to use his ability to enrich himself and wreak havoc. His last crime was one of terror, when he purposefully caused two airships to collide, killing all aboard.
Now housed in the magical suppression unit of the New Andrin Dungeon, along with many of the criminals he trained, he longs to seek his revenge.
Cali is a miniaturized, domesticated dragon. He was originally owned by a wealthy financier, but he was too much trouble, so was released onto the New Andrin city streets where he lives until he meets Opal. He knows right away he needs to protect her, even if she doesn’t know.
Biriad is a karuk summoned by Opal from the lowest realms. Now that he is physical, he wants to take in all the life-force he can. He also wants to stay as far away from Opal as possible. He knows that only his summoner can return him from where he came, and he will do whatever it takes to never go back.
Hwue (pronounced Hue) is a young Aellivi teacher who helps Opal learn to see the magic all around her. He is a gifted magi who is given the assignment of training Opal as quickly as he can so that she is able to take on Biriad. He is proud of his student and enjoys watching her grow.
Liwan is Will’s teacher in Aelliviss. He first mistook her for a child but quickly learned she was much older than he was and rather than playing with toys, she is studying for her river pilot license. She teaches him about his dreams and how to better understand them.
Queen Areu is the leader of the Aellivi. She welcomes Opal and Will to her kingdom and provides each of them with the teacher they need to learn to fight Biriad. She is over 100 years old and is a skilled archer and sculptor.