Dunstan's path through Alchester's military hierarchy was neither rapid nor guaranteed. Born to a family of modest means in the city's middle districts, he lacked the noble connections that smoothed advancement for some officers. What he possessed instead was an unwavering dedication to duty, a tactical mind that could adapt to changing circumstances, and the kind of practical leadership that earned respect from the men and women under his command.
His early years as a sergeant taught him the streets of Alchester with intimate familiarity. Every alley, every rooftop, every potential hiding place became part of his mental map of the city he served. He learned to read the subtle signs that indicated trouble brewing in the shadows, whether from criminal activity, political unrest, or the supernatural threats that periodically plagued the capital. The experience of leading patrols through dangerous districts, while maintaining a delicate balance between authority and diplomacy, shaped his approach to command.
Promotion to lieutenant came after he successfully resolved a hostage situation in the merchant quarter without bloodshed, using negotiation and tactical positioning to outmaneuver a group of desperate smugglers who had barricaded themselves in a warehouse. His superiors took notice of his ability to think beyond simple applications of force, recognizing that effective leadership in a city like Alchester required more than just martial skill.
The captain's rank followed several years later when his predecessor fell during a border skirmish with raiders from the neighboring fiefdom. Dunstan inherited command of a demoralized unit and rebuilt their effectiveness through a combination of rigorous training, fair treatment, and leading from the front during dangerous operations. His men learned they could depend on him to share their risks, rather than simply issuing orders from a safe distance.
Command of Alchester's city watch brought responsibilities that extended far beyond simple law enforcement. As Commander Aldric, Dunstan found himself navigating the complex political currents that flowed through the capital, balancing the demands of noble houses, merchant guilds, and royal authority while maintaining order on the streets where ordinary citizens lived and worked.
His weathered face, marked by hard lines earned through years of difficult decisions, reflects the burden of command in a city where conventional threats mingle with supernatural dangers. The blue plume on his helmet marked his authority, but Dunstan understands that true leadership comes from the trust of his subordinates and the grudging respect of those who operate on the wrong side of the law.
Those who serve under Commander Aldric know him as a leader who shares their dangers rather than simply directing them from safety. His willingness to march at the head of his column during dangerous operations, to stand with them when facing supernatural threats, and to make the hard decisions has earned their loyalty through demonstrated competence rather than mere rank.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Dunstan first appears in The Assassin's Skill (Assassin Without a Name Book Four).
