Nathaniel Manes grew up in the rough streets of a lawless city, where strength and intimidation were the currency of survival. His father, a ruthless enforcer for a local crime boss, taught him from a young age that weakness was a luxury he couldn’t afford. Under his father’s harsh tutelage, Nathaniel learned the art of coercion, intimidation, and violence, mastering these skills with a natural proficiency that set him apart from others.

When his father was eventually betrayed and killed by the very gang he served, Nathaniel was left to fend for himself. His reputation as a fearsome enforcer grew, attracting the attention of the Warders, a secretive organization with its own agenda. Recognizing Nathaniel's talents, they recruited him to become one of their enforcers.

Nathaniel quickly rose through the ranks, becoming known for his efficiency and ruthless effectiveness. He never questioned orders, viewing his work as simply a continuation of what he had always known: the strong make the rules, and the weak follow them. His ability to bend others to the Warders' will earned him respect from his peers and trust from his superiors.

Despite his harsh exterior, Nathaniel harbors a deep resentment toward those who show weakness, a reflection of his own insecurities stemming from his father's betrayal. This drives him to be even more brutal in his methods, determined never to be seen as weak or vulnerable. In the eyes of the Warders, Nathaniel Manes is the perfect enforcer—unyielding, loyal, and utterly reliable.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Nathaniel first appears in The Assassin's Blade (Assassin Without a Name Book One).