Dougal was born in the bustling port city of Fairgate, known for its vibrant markets and the constant ebb and flow of sea traffic. His family struggled to make ends meet, living in the shadowy alleys of the docklands. His father, a dock worker, was often out of work due to seasonal shifts, while his mother did laundry for the wealthier families living close to the city center.
Despite their hardships, Dougal's parents instilled in him a strong sense of perseverance and resourcefulness. However, as the oldest of four siblings, Dougal often needed to supplement the family's meager income. Starting from a young age, he learned the skills of the street—how to pick pockets, determine which merchants might turn a blind eye, and the art of persuasive bartering.
Dougal never delighted in theft or deception but saw it as a necessity in his world. He was a quick learner, watching the older boys in the neighborhood and picking up their tricks. Yet, Dougal had a moral compass. He avoided targeting the truly impoverished, focusing on those who seemed to have more than enough.
A turning point came when he was caught, not by the city guard, but by an enigmatic old sailor who took him under his wing. The sailor, known simply as "Old Finn," saw potential in Dougal, teaching him about the sea, navigation, and even a bit of reading and writing by recounting tales from his travels. Old Finn became a father figure, guiding Dougal away from a life of escalating crime.
When Old Finn passed away, Dougal monetarily felt lost again. But determined to escape the escalating skirmishes between rival street gangs and a looming future of more profound crime, he saw the Seacean Navy as his way out. At seventeen, Dougal enlisted, determined to forge a new path.
Though he faced challenges due to his lack of formal education, Dougal's quick thinking and street smarts impressed his superiors. He developed a reputation for reliability and ingenuity during stormy voyages and unexpected skirmishes with corsairs. Over time, he earned an honorable discharge, leaving the navy with skills and a newfound sense of self-worth and purpose.
On leaving the navy, Dougal faced the choice of returning to Fairgate or seeking new horizons. The airship Griffin, admired in port for its elegant lines and tales of daring explorations, offered him the fresh start he sought. Serving aboard the Griffin, Dougal became known as a steadfast airman with a knack for navigating tricky situations, both on deck and in the air.
Now, as he sails the skies, Dougal's past still whispers to him but serves as a reminder of how far he's come. With loyalty to his new crew and a yearning for adventure, Dougal seeks not only to prove himself but also to ensure that, this time, he truly belongs.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Dougal first appears in The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer Book Two).
