William Wright was born and raised in the bustling city of Alchester, the son of a dedicated city guardsman and a hardworking mother who ran a stall in the local market. From a young age, William was immersed in the values of diligence and integrity. His father’s tales of maintaining order and justice instilled in him a profound sense of responsibility toward his community, while his mother’s unwavering commitment to providing for their family imparted lessons in perseverance and honesty.
Growing up, William often accompanied his father on patrols, observing the inner workings of law enforcement and learning about the complexities of dispensing justice. He admired the respect his father earned on the streets, believing that proper authority came not from intimidation but from mutual respect and understanding. This philosophy became the cornerstone of William’s character. He was determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, but he also sought to carve his own path in law enforcement.
After completing his education, William entered the ranks of the Ministry of Justice as a cadet officer. His keen analytical mind and exceptional attention to detail quickly set him apart, allowing him to solve cases that stymied more experienced officers. His honest approach and willingness to treat all individuals—victims and suspects alike—with respect earned him a reputation as a fair and trustworthy investigator. While some inspectors resorted to intimidation tactics and manipulation, William believed in the power of empathy and understanding to elicit the truth.
“My name, sir, is Inspector William Wright.” He reached into a jacket pocket, withdrawing the sword and star badge of a king’s inspector. “This man is wanted for questioning. You will turn him over to me at once.”
Captain Belford scoffed. “Or what?”
“Or I’ll have the lot of you arrested.”
For all of three seconds, no one said a word. Then every Guardsman exploded with laughter. I didn’t laugh with them. Instead, I watched for Geoffrey’s next move. The captain laughed along with his men, but that could change instantly. A move against Inspector Wright was my signal to break free from my captors. It might represent my only chance.
- THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE
At just twenty-five years old, William became the youngest inspector in the history of the Ministry during a period of unrest in Kallendor. This rapid promotion was rumored to have resulted from his discreet involvement in solving a high-profile crime that had captured the king’s attention. It was said that he had earned the king’s ear by delivering critical insight that led to the swift resolution of the case, although the details remained shrouded in secrecy. Whether these rumors were true or not, they contributed to his respect within law enforcement circles and increased expectations of his capabilities.
Despite the temptation to exploit his newfound status, William remained grounded, believing he had a duty to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. He navigated the challenges of his role with a level head, often seeking advice from his parents and remembering their teachings to guide his actions. William understood that the burdens of leadership required not only intelligence but also compassion, and he made it a point to foster relationships with his fellow officers and the citizens of Kallendor.
As an inspector, William Wright has dedicated himself to crime solving, often tackling cases others would avoid due to their complexity or the high-profile nature of those involved. He approaches each investigation with the same earnestness and commitment instilled in him during his upbringing, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard and that justice is served.
FIRST APPEARANCE
William first appears in The Assassin's Blade (Assassin Without a Name Book One).
