Born into the chaos of a border skirmish, Milo never knew his parents. A group of soldiers found him as an infant, wrapped in a blood-stained blanket beside his dead mother. The company adopted him as their own, raising him in the harsh but honorable traditions of military life. His earliest memories consist of marching songs, the clash of steel, and lessons in swordplay from grizzled veterans.

The soldiers named him Milo after their fallen captain, teaching him everything they knew about warfare. By age ten, he could field strip weapons and recite battle formations. At twelve, he served as a messenger during his first siege, darting between defensive positions under a hail of arrows. His natural affinity for combat emerged early, along with an uncanny ability to read battlefield situations.

His real education came during the Siege of Thornkeep, where he spent three months learning the intricacies of defensive warfare. The older soldiers taught him every trick they knew about surviving extended sieges. He learned which walls needed reinforcing first, how to spot weaknesses in enemy formations, and where to position archers for maximum effect. These lessons proved invaluable in his later career.

Jakinda thought she heard Serena shout a warning but needed no such advantage as she dodged Milo’s clumsy attack.

“Got bored waiting, so here I am, ladies,” he said, his sword swinging for Jakinda’s head.

Jakinda ducked, rolled, and came up in time for Madilyn to launch her whirlwind of an attack at her again. Jakinda blocked one strike, deflected another, dodged a third, and retreated from Milo as his sword sliced into the sand where she’d stood a second ago.

“This is the fight you’ve all been waiting for!” Barnabus yelled from somewhere behind Jakinda.

Jakinda’s opponents closed from either side now.

“Reckon we’ll make this quick, little girl,” Milo said. “You’re fast, but you can’t fight the both of us at the same time.”

- THE ALCHEMIST’S FORGE

At sixteen, Milo fought in his first proper battle, distinguishing himself by holding a breach in the walls until reinforcements arrived. His actions caught the attention of several mercenary captains, but Milo chose independence over company life. He wanted the freedom to choose his battles and set his own terms.

The following years saw him fighting across the Freelands, building a reputation for reliability and skill. He took part in dozens of sieges, learning from each experience and adding to his tactical knowledge. Commanders sought his expertise in siege warfare, particularly his knowledge of defensive formations and counter-assault techniques.

Between contracts, Milo found his home in High Holt, attracted by its bustling mercenary quarter and famous fighting arenas. The city's gambling dens provided entertainment, though his fortunes rose and fell with the roll of dice or turn of cards. His losses never bothered him much, viewing gambling as just another form of combat, albeit with coins instead of swords.

The fighting arenas became his training ground, where he honed his skills against other warriors. His matches drew crowds who appreciated his efficient fighting style and tactical approach to combat. Unlike showmen who played to the audience, Milo treated each arena fight as a serious battle, earning respect from fellow professionals.

His reputation grew over the years. Employers learned Milo brought more than just sword skills to a contract. His experience with siege warfare proved valuable, as he could spot weaknesses in defenses or identify the best points for assault. Many a castle fell or was held because of his insights.

Life as a freelance mercenary suited his independent nature. Milo never felt comfortable with permanent attachments, preferring the freedom to choose his contracts and walk away when the job finished. Still, he maintained a strict code about contract fulfillment, never abandoning an employer mid-job regardless of circumstances.

The years of combat left their mark in scars and stories, each one adding to his experience. He carries a collection of weapons earned from various campaigns, though his favorite remains a plain but perfectly balanced sword won in an arena match. His armor shows signs of regular maintenance rather than ornamentation, reflecting his practical approach to warfare.

Between contracts, Milo can often be found in High Holt's taverns, sharing drinks and stories with other mercenaries. He enjoys teaching younger fighters, passing on the lessons he learned through a decade or more of combat. Like his fighting style, his advice focuses on practical effectiveness rather than flash or theory.

Through fifteen years of warfare, Milo has maintained his enthusiasm for combat while developing a pragmatic approach to survival. He treats fighting as a profession and art, refining his skills through arena matches and battlefield experience. His straightforward nature and reliable performance ensure a steady stream of contracts, allowing him to live comfortably while pursuing the life he knows best.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Milo first appears in The Alchemist's Forge (The Alchemancer Book Four).