Frances
Frances was a Knight of the Crystal Spire who served as one of the knights accompanying Zaira von Monocle's group during the events of For Steam and Country. He died in combat against Wyranth soldiers during the mission to traverse Wyranth territory.
Overview
Frances was a member of the Knights of the Crystal Spire and traveled as part of the group that included Zaira von Monocle, James Gentry, and Cid. He is depicted as a disciplined soldier, though his death resulted from a tactical error in the field. By the time of The Steam Knight, James Gentry reflected that he had barely gotten to know Frances before his death.
Role in For Steam and Country
In For Steam and Country, Frances traveled with James Gentry and Cid to the Wyranth capital as one of the knights accompanying Zaira's group. During a tense exchange between Zaira and her father, Baron Theodore von Monocle, Frances chuckled, drawing the Baron's sharp attention. Frances responded to the Baron with a brief "No, sir," and then shut his mouth.
Later, during a confrontation with Wyranth soldiers, Frances fired return shots alongside Cid. He made an error in exposing himself, and several bullets struck him in the chest. As the text records: "Frances made an error in exposing himself and several bullets pelted him in the chest." He collapsed and was killed.
Role in The Steam Knight
In The Steam Knight, Frances was referenced posthumously. James Gentry reflected on the cost of the mission to traverse Wyranth territory, noting that he had barely gotten to know Frances before his death. The novel records: "We'd made it, but at the cost of Frances' life."
Death
Frances was killed in action during the group's mission to traverse Wyranth territory. His death occurred during an exchange of fire with Wyranth military forces, the result of a tactical misstep that left him exposed to enemy fire.
Relationships
- Zaira von Monocle: Frances served as one of the knights in Zaira's traveling group.
- Cid: Frances fought alongside Cid during the firefight with Wyranth soldiers.
- James Gentry: Frances traveled with James as part of the same group. James later reflected that he had barely gotten to know Frances before his death.
- Baron Theodore von Monocle: Frances drew the Baron's sharp rebuke during an argument and responded with deference.