Jakinda Rhe Alon

Jakinda Rhe Alon, a spirited sixteen-year-old girl of the eslar race, has always been surrounded by the beauty of Isia, the capital city of Panthora. The city’s dazzling spires, intricate carvings, and vibrant markets belied the sense of foreboding that loomed over her life since tragedy struck her family.

Jakinda was born into a family of modest means but considerable aspirations. Her father, Ensel Rhe Alon, was an ambitious businessman who valued integrity and hard work. Her mother, Awen Ren Alon, a graceful and astute ambassador, often spoke of the importance of diplomacy and honor. Together, they instilled in Jakinda and her younger brother, Hannu, a deep-seated belief in justice and the worth of individual effort.

For the first nine years of her life, Jakinda flourished in an environment filled with love and laughter. Ensel filled their home with tales of his business shrewdness while Awen educated the children about the world beyond Isia’s walls. However, everything changed one stormy night seven years ago when Ensel vanished without a trace. Rumors of his involvement with shady trade deals and whispered threats against him circulated quickly, although the family had always prided themselves on staying away from such danger.

The following weeks were shrouded in despair. The family’s search for Ensel yielded no results, while the weight of unanswered questions grew heavier. It was shortly after his disappearance that tragedy struck once more. Jakinda returned home one day to find her brother’s lifeless body lying in the alley behind their house, marked by the cruel hand of murder. Paralyzed by grief and guilt, she felt entirely responsible for their family’s misfortunes. “If only I had been there,” she often muttered, trapped in a cycle of self-blame.

Feeling abandoned by the universe, Jakinda’s personality shifted under the shadows of her sorrow. Her once-bright laughter faded into anger and defiance. Relationships within her circle of friends strained, as they could not understand the depths of her pain. Her mother, struggling to maintain their household, often struggled to connect with Jakinda, who was spiraling out of control.

“Jakinda Rhe,” Ensel Rhe said, nodding.

She said nothing back. The silence allowed Ensel Rhe more time to study her. Her rust-red hair remained long just as he remembered, though now it fell to her back in a single, economical braid. Her fighting garb consisted of leggings and a tight-fitting, sleeveless tunic, which fell just below her knees. Lean, muscled arms, with blue-black skin like all eslar, shone with a fine layer of sweat. From her figure, Ensel Rhe saw she’d the beginnings of womanhood about her. The hard edge of her eyes never wavered from his.

“I know you have many questions,” he said.

“I have no questions for you,” Jakinda Rhe said, her voice firm. “Nor have I any words save these: You are not welcome in this dojo. Leave.”

- THE NULLIFICATION ENGINE

Realizing her daughter needed guidance, Awen sought help. This led Jakinda to Gerwyn, a seasoned krill weapons master, who took her under his wing. Gerwyn’s gruff demeanor and no-nonsense approach forced Jakinda to channel her fury into discipline. As she trained, she discovered empowerment in mastering the art of self-defense; each strike of her weapon helped chip away at her inner turmoil.

Simultaneously, Awen introduced Jakinda to Ingrid Kane, a savvy mentor in business and politics. Ingrid recognized Jakinda’s potential and fueled her ambition by teaching her the strategic intricacies of their world. These lessons slowly transformed Jakinda from a girl consumed by grief into a young woman with direction and focus.

However, even as Jakinda began to heal her wounds, the memories of her father’s disappearance and Hannu’s murder lingered like ghosts, haunting her thoughts. She vowed to uncover the truth behind their fates, driven by a fierce need to prevent further tragedies. With every swing of her weapon and lesson in the boardroom, Jakinda developed a duality: the fierce protector and the shrewd strategist.

Despite her progress, Jakinda struggles with her perceived failure to save her brother and father. Each decision she makes, each skill she masters, is tinged with an urgency to make amends for her past. As she navigates the complex social and economic landscape of Panthora, her journey of self-discovery continues, intertwined with the bittersweet memories of her lost family.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Jakinda Rhe first appears in The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer Book Two).

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