Ethan von Lantern

Ethan von Lantern

---

Description

Ethan was slightly taller and more mature than James Gentry, with a muscular build and strong arms—noted as more muscular than Ivan, the Iron Emperor. He possessed a deep masculine voice and moved with notable grace and speed even in full mail armor—described as moving elegantly when fighting, especially with a sword. He was also noted to carry a faint peppery musk. He was described as having a strikingly handsome and beautiful face—"a face to die for"—with a tight jaw and serious expression, and was noted by Zaira as "dreamy." He was an aggressive fighter with brute strength, though he moved elegantly with a sword.

Note on hair color: The novel-based account on this page does not specify Ethan's hair color, while The Steam Knight describes him as having blond hair. Later books describe him with short-trimmed brown hair. See Conflicts.

---

Background

Ethan von Lantern hailed from Shellville, a fishing village on Rislandia's western coast, where his father was lord. He grew up as part of a minor noble family that rarely left home. His surname, von Lantern, was bestowed upon his family by King Malaky XVI. His father sent him to a boarding school in Rislandia City. He was later spotted by Cid for his athletic abilities and tested for entry into the Knights of the Crystal Spire. Due to the pressures of war, he was pressed into service and skipped some standard training classes.

In The Steam Knight, Ethan had been training with the knights for more than two years and held the rank of journeyman knight, serving as head journeyman—directing other journeymen and delivering announcements at mealtime with passion and intensity. He was rumored to be due for promotion to master knight soon. At the time of the events of The Blood of Giants, he was two years past his promotion to journeyman knight. He noted that the first duties of journeyman knights are to become teachers for new recruits, a role he took seriously in overseeing James Gentry's apprenticeship. He was also trained in courier duty for desperate situations, as well as in direction and advance scouting.

During the Wyranth invasion, his family fled from Shellville to Sun's Rest. He lost friends and family in the war between Rislandia and Wyranth, and harbored deep feelings about those losses.

The possible connection between his family name and Lantern Bay has been noted, though no confirmed relationship has been established.

---

Role in The Steam Knight

In The Steam Knight, Ethan held the rank of journeyman knight and served as head journeyman within the Knights of the Crystal Spire, directing other journeymen and delivering announcements at mealtime. He was described as one of the best knights and was rumored to be close to promotion to master knight. He was assigned to work directly with James Gentry as his journeyman mentor. He was already romantically involved with Zaira von Monocle during this period.

Apprehension of Marcus

Ethan intercepted James on the street near the Spire and followed him when James spotted Marcus. He disarmed Marcus by circling his blade around the knife hilt and pressed his sword to Marcus's chest. He used twine from his satchel to restrain Marcus and brought him to the knights. He was subsequently seated to James's right in Cid's office during the debrief.

Mission to Loveridge

Ethan was assigned to lead the mission to capture Lou, accompanied by two Grand Rislandian Army soldiers. He was issued forged Wyranth travel papers under the name Hans—described as a foreign-sounding Wyranth name—and held the rank of Major under this false identity. He was assigned to carry the aether-powered rotary gun during the mission.

He led the scouting mission to Lou's house, circling around the building during the night scout, and hid in a ditch behind the house after James shouted, returning to camp with torn and dusty clothes. He devised the plan to enter Lou's house via the basement hatch. During the assault, he fired shots into a sealed door to break it open, charged into the house, led the group through the smoke-filled building, knocked over a round table for cover, and motioned the group to conceal themselves by the stairwell. His pistol ran out of bullets after shooting the door; he reloaded during the fight.

He fought Lou in a sword duel, was wounded by Lou's blade near his chest, and pushed James down the stairs to save him from Lou's bullets. He drew his sword and challenged Lou with the words "Fight me like a knight, Lou!" before ramming his sword through Lou's belly, killing him. He tore fabric from Sergeant Lansing's tunic to stop the bleeding, then rushed to Loveridge to find a doctor and conscripted a civilian carriage cab to return to Rislandia City.

He recounted the mission to Cid, crediting James. He had by this point survived six espionage missions in total.

Mission to Find Dr. Metzengerstein's Lab

Ethan led the mission to find Dr. Metzengerstein's lab, disguised as a Wyranth soldier. He carried a grenade reverse-engineered from exploding bags encountered on the Zenwey continent. He warned about a Wyranth contingent in Loveridge and roving soldiers in serum-withdrawal delirium. He chastised James for drawing attention in the tavern, helped James position the tripod device in front of the window, rushed the door to fight the Wyranth soldier at the door frame, had his gun drawn and fired on a Wyranth soldier, and shot the older Wyranth man with a pistol. He killed a feral Wyranth serum addict by shooting him in the back of the neck. He shouted at James to get out when the engine was about to blow, led the way running through the corn fields and forest, and told James to keep going when gunshots blasted behind them.

He identified himself and James as knights to Rislandian infantrymen, explaining they were wearing Wyranth uniforms for intelligence purposes. He was noted as a skilled actor while undercover and told James to "blend in like a tapestry on the wall." He tended to get cranky when questioned.

Promotion and Return

By the end of The Steam Knight, Ethan had been promoted to full knight while James remained a journeyman. He volunteered himself and James for a mission to Nyanzi and escorted James to Cid's debrief. He participated in James's promotion ritual and was kicked by James during the ritual capture. Upon returning to Rislandia City, he reunited with Zaira von Monocle in the courtyard, kissing her on the cheek and whirling her around; his face lit up with excitement upon seeing her. He said he sometimes felt ill from stress. He also noted: "I notice a lot of things. It's why I keep getting promoted."

---

Role in The Blood of Giants

Aboard the Liliana

In The Blood of Giants, Ethan served as one of only two knights aboard the Liliana, responsible for assisting initiate Gentry's training and overseeing the mission. He was described as one of only three nobles on the ship and was part of King Malaky XVI's entourage. He defeated James in sparring on deck and offered to train Zaira in sword fighting. He had previously gone on an adventure with James in which they took down a traitor, and the two were noted to have a strong working relationship. He also commented that he and Zaira were the only eligible nobility aboard the Liliana.

During a boarding battle, Ethan lost a dice roll to James and initially stayed behind to protect the ship, but subsequently ran out of the mess and onto the deck alongside James when the fighting reached the vessel. He moved with confidence in his armor and, after the battle, appeared on deck near dawn. He led Zaira arm-in-arm across the deck, suggested she go inside and have a hot cup of tea, and explained to her the physiological effects of battle on the body as well as the nature of knight stamina training. He then went to check on James and the others.

Following the battle, Ethan sustained serious injuries: a broken bone in his sword arm from blocking a rifle swing by a Nightman, and a knife wound to his side. He wore a sling on his injured arm during the subsequent ocean voyage and was not permitted to join the landing party at Portsgate due to his injury.

During the voyage he invited Zaira to the deck to watch the stars and waves, took her hand on the starboard side, and his face flushed in starlight when James teased them. He also asked Zaira to tea alone in Rislandia City. He was credited with getting Zaira into the habit of drinking tea.

The Desert and Juiyan's Castle

Ethan initially considered staying with Gentry rather than joining Zaira's expedition into the desert, but ultimately both knights accompanied Zaira. During a rest break in the desert he broke an awkward silence and noted there might be no signs of life in the area. When the group arrived at Juiyan's Castle, he shrugged to Zaira indicating no reason to refuse Juiyan's invitation inside, though he expressed reluctance about the group separating into individual rooms.

Captivity and the Nightmen Arena

Ethan was held captive in the Nightmen Arena facility, where he was found by Zaira reading a book in the corner, not immediately looking up when she approached. He embraced Zaira warmly upon their reunion. During captivity he practiced swordsmanship outside with James and Corporal Fox.

During the escape attempt, Ethan took up a firing position behind supply crates in the hangar. He lifted a gun off a Nightman during the run and shot an explosive bag out of the air to detonate it in front of the pursuing Nightmen. He then grabbed Zaira by the arm and pulled her hard into the escape craft. In the dark compartment he blushed briefly, put his arm around Zaira's waist to anchor her while she rescued Dr. Estrella du Clockhand, and grabbed Dr. du Clockhand's wrist to pull her to safety.

He fought Nightmen hand-to-hand alongside James and Marina du Willet, shook free from captors during the Liliana's cannonball distraction, and kicked a guard. He was subdued briefly by a Nightman with a knife but subdued the Nightman in return.

Mission into Wyranth

Ethan went on a mission into Wyranth-occupied territory with James during the 20th Year of King Malaky XVI's Reign.

---

Role in The Fight for Rislandia

Aboard the Liliana and in Rislandia City

In The Fight for Rislandia, Ethan continued to serve as a crew member aboard the Liliana and as a companion to Zaira. He still wore his arm in a sling from his earlier injury. He held the door to the mess open for Zaira, and his eyes twinkled as she passed him. He was called to strategic planning meetings in the mess and was selected by Zaira to drop into Rislandia City alongside Marina du Willet.

During operations in Rislandia City, Ethan fired his gun over the railing at Wyranth infiltrators on rooftops and holstered his pistol once the ship was high enough. He accompanied Zaira into the city, shot a sniper targeting her while on rope ladders—firing three bullets and scoring a hit on a hidden shooter—and kicked in a door to a leather goods store. He climbed to a rooftop with Zaira to engage a sniper, covered her as she crossed a clothing wire, and shot the gunman in the hand. He waited for Zaira on the street after the rooftop fight and kept her protected throughout the confrontation.

He moved to Corporal Tyson's side before an ambush, was handed a freshly reloaded pistol by another soldier, called the count before firing, held Zaira back from approaching a wounded Wyranth soldier, and warned her about the risk of friendly fire. He also moved to protect Zaira when climbing a rope ladder, gestured for Marina, Rhys, and Dr. du Clockhand to take a second rope ladder, and shouted at Zaira to keep climbing after she was grazed. He checked Zaira's ear wound on deck and was told by her to tend to Marina and the others.

He stepped to Zaira's side at Plainsroad Village to console her and offered to accompany her to her house. He found a hidden floor compartment in Zaira's parents' room and took a book titled A History of the Rislandia-Wyranth Peninsula and a book of airship schematics.

He was noted to have openly expressed interest in getting to know Zaira better, and the two developed a confirmed romantic relationship during this period. He kissed Zaira in her childhood home, and upon doing so said, "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." He held Zaira while worried about his family after Portsgate was razed. He also invited Zaira to watch the sunset on deck and linked his arm with hers while moving through the forest, though he pulled his arm away after her father's reaction.

Infiltration and Ground Operations

Ethan was part of the mission party to ambush Wyranth forces and capture their vehicle. He knocked out the Wyranth driver with the hilt of his sword and drove the Wyranth vehicle to the mine. He wore a Wyranth uniform during the infiltration and lied convincingly at checkpoints, with Zaira noting that even her father had shown hesitancy when pretending to be a Wyranth soldier, but "Ethan had none." He addressed Marina du Willet as "Commander Willet" when praising her idea and woke Zaira when the Wyranth arrived at the road ambush site.

He ran to the Liliana to summon the airship and returned via airship on a rope ladder, handing his sword to First Sergeant Wright before running. He agreed to go below to warn others about incoming Wyranth and oversaw destruction of anything left behind at the facility, finishing Zaira's thought on the matter. He smiled earnestly when reassuring Zaira he would be careful.

During the street battle in the industrial district, Ethan fired his gun, flung himself onto Zaira pushing her into a broken shop window, told her to duck behind a table, sneaked out through another broken window to find a Wyranth sniper, and saved Zaira's life by shooting a Wyranth soldier at point blank range with a smoking pistol. He gave his pistol to Zaira and took a Wyranth rifle for himself. He tackled Zaira to the ground during the war room firefight and embraced her after General Swift was shot.

He was nearly trampled by the giant creature on the battlefield but Cid pulled him out of the way. He was present at the crash site among the knights who rescued Zaira; his face was tight with concern before relaxing when their eyes connected. He crouched in front of Zaira while speaking to her, provided an account of events from below during the battle, explained that army scouts found the giant's location, reported that captured Wyranth soldiers revealed information about the giant, and explained Ivan, the Iron Emperor's plan to secure giant locations and use them as weapons.

He also drove the horseless carriage during operations and was described as moving very quickly in action and as observant and quick-witted. He visited Zaira several times during her recovery and woke her with a kiss to her forehead while she slept, though he had to return to his duties with the knights. He had tears in his eyes when he thought Zaira was done for.

Farewell Before the Final Battle

Ethan came aboard the Liliana to say goodbye to Zaira before the battle, as he would be going with the ground units for the assault rather than on the airship. He kissed Zaira on the ramp of the Liliana, his eyes moist and shining. He clenched a fist with determination after Zaira confirmed her feelings, told her to stay safe, and said "Good luck, Baron von Monocle" when departing. He also needed to check in with Cid and the High Knight to report on the last mission.

---

Role in The Iron Wedding

By the time of The Iron Wedding, Ethan and Zaira were in a confirmed romantic relationship, though few people knew how close they had become. Zaira stated she was fully committed to him and privately hoped he would eventually ask for her hand in marriage. He was considered all but guaranteed to be with Zaira. Ethan had an office near the palace courtyard in Rislandia City and was stationed there as a knight.

Courtship and Personal Life

Ethan gave Zaira a red dress as a birthday gift and invited her to a private dinner at the top of the Crystal Spire, where knights prepared the meal. He asked James Gentry about Zaira's food preferences in advance of the occasion. He was noted to be better at preparing fish than meat. He wore a pinstripe brown suit with a vest beneath his coat for the dinner. Afterward, he walked Zaira back to her apartment. He told Zaira he loved her and kissed her passionately before departing on his mission.

Mission to Nyanzi

Ethan was sent on a mission to Nyanzi alongside James Gentry, taking him away from Rislandia City during the central events of The Iron Wedding. He and James had by this time become a noted team within the military. Before departing, he said "I serve the king first" and Zaira wrote him a farewell letter. He was away on a mission halfway around the world during the events of the novel, and his talent was noted as not being wasted in an infantry skirmish at the line. Zaira expected he would try to convince her not to return to the Wyranth Empire and wished she could find him at the camp and run into his arms. She also wished she were marrying Ethan instead of Ivan, the Iron Emperor.

Battle of Carnait Cove

Ethan piloted one of the two mecha suits during the engagement at Carnait Cove, arriving with Rislandian forces. He fired the mecha's projectiles simultaneously with James, used the mecha arm to blast flames, and swatted at bat gliders with the mecha. His mecha was toppled to the ground when Nightmen overran it, causing Zaira to cry out his name. He subsequently arrived at the inn after the battle and embraced Zaira on the battlefield.

Reaction to Zaira's Engagement

Upon learning of Zaira's engagement to Ivan, the Iron Emperor, Ethan expressed anger and heartbreak, looking at Zaira as if she had stabbed him in the chest. He was livid at the news. He threatened to challenge Ivan to a duel, saying "I'll challenge him to a duel." He turned his back on Zaira without a hug at the end of their conversation. He was absent from the wedding ceremony itself. Zaira wished he could see the good she was doing.

---

---

---

Relationships

• Cid: Cid spotted Ethan for his athletic abilities and arranged his entry into the Knights of the Crystal Spire. Cid also pulled Ethan out of the path of the giant on the battlefield. Ethan needed to report to Cid and the High Knight after the last mission.
• Lou (Knight of the Crystal Spire): In The Steam Knight, Ethan fought Lou in a sword duel during the mission to Loveridge, was wounded by Lou's blade near his chest, and ultimately killed Lou by ramming his sword through Lou's belly.
• Marcus (Wyranth Spy): In The Steam Knight, Ethan disarmed Marcus and brought him to the knights after intercepting him on the street near the Spire.
• Dr. Estrella du Clockhand: Ethan assisted in pulling Dr. du Clockhand to safety during the escape from the Nightmen.
• Corporal Fox: Ethan practiced swordsmanship with Fox and James during captivity.
• Marina du Willet: Ethan fought alongside Marina during the escape from the Nightmen and during operations in The Fight for Rislandia. He addressed her formally as "Commander Willet" and gestured for her to take a second rope ladder during the city operation.
• First Sergeant Wright: Ethan handed his sword to First Sergeant Wright before running to summon the Liliana during the infiltration mission.
• Sergeant Lansing: During the mission to Loveridge in The Steam Knight, Ethan tore fabric from Lansing's tunic to stop the bleeding after the fight with Lou.

In the short stories

In City Duty, Ethan has been promoted to full knight, uses the steam mechs in the field, and is assigned to Zaira's airship mission in Wyranth territory. He is mentioned only.

In A History of Rislandia

A History of Rislandia treats Ethan von Lantern as a figure of historical record rather than novelistic detail, commemorating him briefly but in notably elevated terms.