Durant Chandler was born in the bustling capital of Agratis, Rockhaven, under the shadow of its formidable castle. His family, long-serving retainers to the Roberts dynasty, imbued him with the values of honor and loyalty from an early age. His father, a seasoned captain in Duke Malcolm Roberts’ army, often regaled Durant with tales from the battlefield, filling his imagination with tales of gallantry and chivalry. His mother, a skilled healer, taught him compassion and the importance of caring for others, nurturing a sense of duty that would define his life.
As a child, Durant stood in awe of the knights and soldiers who paraded through the streets, donned in shining armor. Each clang of metal against metal, each cry of battle, stirred something deep within him. He was often found training with wooden swords alongside friends, instilling in them the principles of fair play and respect. It was understood among families across Rockhaven that military service was a noble calling, and Durant accepted this mantle with honor.
At fifteen, he enlisted in the army, following in his father’s footsteps. With grit and determination, he excelled in training, quickly proving himself as a capable fighter and a natural leader. He was known for his strategic mind and keen sense of battlefield ethics, often advocating for mercy and honor even amidst the chaos of war. This caught the attention of Duke Malcolm, who was eager to instill the virtues of chivalry in his ranks.
Durant’s ascent in the military was marked by several key victories. During the Iron Scepter Conflict, he led a daring ambush against invading forces that threatened Agratis. His success not only halted their advance but also earned him the admiration of his peers and the respect of the duke. With each campaign, Durant forged an unbreakable bond with his fellow soldiers, viewing them not as mere subordinates but as brothers-in-arms.
He was appointed the Lord of Easthedge, a strategic stronghold on the eastern frontier, further cementing his status as a key figure in Agratis’ military leadership. The title came with immense responsibility, which he approached with a sense of duty that sometimes left him feeling burdened.
As Field Marshal, Durant became known not just for his martial prowess but also for his unwavering adherence to the code of conduct he held dear. He believed in protecting the weak, sparing the innocent, and facing enemies with dignity. Durant often found himself in moral dilemmas where victory could be easily obtained through deception or ruthlessness. Yet, he would remind those under his command, “A true warrior’s strength lies not only in his sword but in his heart.”
His guidance earned him respect within the ranks and the loyalty of those who believed in the ideals of chivalry and honor. Durant’s reputation as a steadfast guardian of Agratis influenced the army’s morale, rallying them around a shared purpose.
Despite his esteemed position, Durant struggled with personal sacrifices—years of separation from loved ones, losing friends in battle, and the weight of decisions that affected countless lives weighed heavily on him. He often sought solace in the quiet woods surrounding Easthedge, reflecting on his grandfather’s saying: “To serve is to sacrifice.”
As he navigated the complexities of leadership, Durant remained determined to uphold the legacy of the Roberts family, striving to prove that honor could prevail even in the darkest of times. His dedication to Duke Malcolm was matched only by his commitment to protecting the realm he held dear.
In a world where loyalty is often tested, and valor can lead to unexpected consequences, Durant Chandler stands as a bastion of integrity—a Field Marshal whose heart beats for Agratis and all it represents. As tales of his exploits spread, he knows that the true battle lies not only on the field but also in upholding the ideals that define him as a leader and a man.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Durant first appears in The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer Book Two).
