Reynold Morgan hails from a family of accomplished merchants in Alchester, where ambition and savvy business acumen were cherished traits. From a young age, he was instilled with the values of hard work and pragmatism, leading him to pursue a formal education in commerce and engineering. Recognizing the rapid technological advancements taking place during his youth, Reynold quickly developed a fascination with technology and innovation, believing that science could serve as the backbone of progress for society.
This passion for knowledge led him to co-found the Society for the Progression of Science & Technology alongside a group of like-minded individuals. As the Society flourished, Reynold became known for his cautious but shrewd decision-making, carefully evaluating opportunities for growth and expansion. His negotiating skills helped secure valuable partnerships, ensuring the Society’s stability and growth.
In his personal life, Reynold’s marriage to Gwendolyn Goddard was initially one fueled by romance and shared intellectual pursuits. They shared a deep connection, igniting a passion for progress and invention that brought them together. However, as time passed and the realities of their partnership set in, the dynamic shifted. What once felt like a collaboration built on mutual admiration devolved into a relationship of convenience, with Gwendolyn increasingly frustrated by Reynold’s cautious approach to life and business.
“Because he also instructed those men to bring me to that alley to kill me.”
“You sound sure of it.”
“I am. Reynold and my brother have been at odds over the direction of the Society for years, with one issue in particular in a stalemate for the better part of two years now. Since the current primary council is only four years into their ten-year tenure, and because Walter and Reynold each held sway over an equal number of others on the council, the possibility of a decision being made on this matter was next to nothing. Unless something swayed the vote. That something was my husband’s death. Walter has a way with words, and if words aren’t enough . . . With Reynold out of the way, he’ll have little trouble convincing the others to see things his way. My brother knew this. Or, he thought he did.”
- THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE
Gwendolyn, an equally talented inventor with aspirations of her own, yearns for bolder moves within the Society, believing it could lead to groundbreaking innovations that would cement their legacy. Her ambitions often clash with Reynold’s more conservative strategies, creating tension in their personal and professional lives. He values stability and careful planning, while she dreams of daring ventures that could propel them to new heights. This fundamental difference in outlook has led to a growing rift, with Reynold becoming increasingly aware of Gwendolyn’s discontent.
Despite the tensions, Reynold remains committed to the Society’s mission, sensing the importance of forging strong foundations before attempting to reach for the stars. He takes pride in the longevity of their endeavors, believing that success is built on patience and perseverance. However, as Gwendolyn pushes for more audacious projects, Reynold finds himself at a crossroads, questioning whether his cautious nature might hinder the Society’s progress and the future of his marriage.
Confronted with his wife’s discontent and the shifting dynamics within their partnership, Reynold grapples with an internal conflict: the need to honor his principles while attempting to bridge the growing divide in his relationship with Gwendolyn. As he navigates the complexities of business and love, he faces the daunting task of finding a path that honors the Society’s legacy and the aspirations of the woman he once deeply admired.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Reynold first appears in The Assassin's Blade (Assassin Without a Name Book One).
