Miles Stanworth was born in the bustling port city of Fairgate, where salty sea air mingles with the vibrant hustle of merchants, sailors, and shipwrights. His father was a respected harbor master, and his mother ran a small tavern frequented by sailors and travelers alike. Growing up among the docks, Miles developed a deep love for the sea from an early age. He would often sneak aboard ships, listening intently to the stories of seasoned sailors recounting adventures of storms weathered and treasures discovered across distant shores.
As a teenager, Miles began his formal training as a sailor, working as a deckhand on the merchant vessels that frequented Fairgate’s busy harbor. He mastered the ropes, learned the rhythms of the tides, and developed a keen instinct for navigation. His natural affinity for sailing quickly garnered him a reputation as a skilled seaman, and he was entrusted with increasing responsibilities during voyages.
Over the years, Miles became known for his steadfastness in the face of adversity. He was fearful of nothing. A fierce storm at sea or the threat of pirates didn’t faze him. His empathetic nature endeared him to his crewmates, who relied on him for his skills and calming presence. Miles believed strongly in camaraderie and treated everyone with respect, from the captain to the lowest deckhand.
Jacob paused, both to let that settle in and to allow any who wished to speak to do so. One man, Miles Stanworth, stepped forward. Miles was senior amongst the mates.
The airman looked to his left and right as if sizing up those nearest him. Then he removed his cap and said, “Sir, I think I speak on behalf of most of the crew when I say this: To hell with Captain Kreg!”
A boisterous chorus rang out in support.
When the noise subsided, Miles went on. “Never met a meaner, more rotten son-of-a-bitch in my life, sir. I, for one, am damn happy to have you as our new captain.”
Another round of bedlam sounded.
Then Miles turned and raised his arms. “Let’s hear it for Captain Madison! Hip, hip, hurrah!”
- THE NULLIFICATION ENGINE
However, the world was changing. As the skies offered new routes ripe for exploration, the rise of airships sparked Miles’s curiosity. He felt a stirring ambition to explore beyond the limits of the sea. When an opportunity arose to join the airship, Griffin, Miles leaped at the chance. This decision wasn’t made lightly. It was a departure from everything he had known, but the allure of the skies was too great to resist.
Once aboard the Griffin, Miles was excited yet apprehensive. The vastness of the air was different from the sea, yet many principles of sailing remained the same. He worked hard to adapt, quickly becoming a valuable crew member. However, he was soon faced with the rigid command style of Captain Kreg, whose harsh demeanor conflicted with Miles’s collaborative approach to leadership. Despite this, Miles understands the necessity of following orders for the good of the crew and their missions.
Miles often finds himself mediating conflicts among the crew and striving to uphold morale while navigating the stern demands of the captain. His sense of duty and loyalty keeps him anchored, and he has earned the respect and trust of his fellow airmen, who see him as a pillar of support amidst the challenges they face.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Miles first appears in The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer Book Two).