Minor Characters of The Iron Wedding
The following characters appear in The Iron Wedding in supporting or background roles. Each entry is drawn from events described in the novel. For major figures such as Zaira von Monocle, Ivan, the Iron Emperor, Marina du Willet, and Harkerpal, see their individual pages.
Ando
Ando was a Wyranth delegate who served as the carriage driver escorting Zaira von Monocle toward the Wyranth capital. During a bandit ambush on the road, Ando stepped out of the carriage to speak with the attackers and was grazed by a bullet near his ear fired by the bandit leader known as Whiskers. While rushing back to the carriage, he was shot in the back by the bandits and killed. Melker, the senior Wyranth delegate present, remarked that he "served the Empire well." Upon hearing the account, Ivan, the Iron Emperor declared: "Ando was right to protect your future empress. He will be honored, and his family will receive a reward for his sacrifice."
Baldwin
Baldwin was the local governor managing the southwestern coast of the Wyranth Empire, based at Carnait Cove. He was described as a pleasant, middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a hearty belly laugh who brought levity to the peaceful region. Ivan, the Iron Emperor introduced him to Zaira von Monocle during her time in Wyranth territory.
Dr. Busse
Dr. Busse was an alchemic specialist who produced a polishing concoction used on the engine of The Liliana. Harkerpal lost track of her following the first Wyranth invasion.
Dr. du Brass
Dr. du Brass was the original designer of the airship The Liliana. He was described by Zaira's father as "a brilliant man whose imagination and innovation has never been matched." Dr. du Brass was no longer alive or present at the time of the novel's events, and Harkerpal acknowledged that he could never hope to replace him.
Dr. von Gunsmith
Dr. von Gunsmith was a scientist who developed the Micro-Camera. He was mentioned by Matthias du Gearsmith as having been working on the device. Dr. von Gunsmith showed Zaira von Monocle the workings of the micro-camera, assured her it could take one hundred and five pictures, and maintained a laboratory where photographs had to be developed.
Ensign Carson
Ensign Carson was a crew member who participated in a diplomatic mission to Panderica. During or following the mission, he became convinced that the crew had transformed into vampiric pookas, a delusion apparently attributed to exposure to aether fuel. It took four people to hold him down before a medic was able to sedate him.
The Great Areth Emperor
The Great Areth Emperor was a historical ruler who commanded a vast empire covering most of the Areth continent. He coveted the crystal powers possessed by the original Rislandian settlers, wishing to harness those abilities for his mage knights. The text records: "a vast empire that covered most of the Areth continent. They had powers of various crystals the Great Areth Emperor wished to have for his mage knights."
Ivan's Great-Great-Grandfather
A historical Wyranth ruler, Ivan's great-great-grandfather was commemorated by a large statue standing in the Wyranth capital's town square. The statue depicted him in clothing from approximately one hundred years prior, including a ruffled shirt and a tri-cornered hat, and was surrounded by flowers and a green lawn. The statue bore a strong resemblance to Ivan, the Iron Emperor himself.
Ivan's Personal Seamstress
Ivan's personal seamstress handled the clothing of both Ivan, the Iron Emperor and Princess Kristina, having crafted their attire since birth. She was described as "an incredible woman." At the time of Zaira von Monocle's arrival in the Wyranth capital, the seamstress was nearly finished with Zaira's wedding dress and required only final alterations for proper sizing.
The Lieutenant
An unnamed Wyranth soldier, the Lieutenant reported to Ivan, the Iron Emperor that an automaton battle test had been a success and that the Rislandians had been caught completely unprepared. His exact words were: "The automatons did their job. The Rislandians were caught completely unprepared. The battle test was a success." He saluted Ivan and was dismissed after delivering his report. For more on the weapons referenced, see Automatons.
Melker
Melker was a Wyranth delegate who accompanied Zaira von Monocle on the journey to the Wyranth capital. Prior to the bandit ambush, Zaira had not spoken with him during the journey. When the attack occurred, Melker ducked and drew a pistol, proving himself capable with the weapon. He instructed Marina du Willet to "Protect von Monocle at all costs." After Ando was killed, Melker moved to the driver's seat and piloted the carriage into the capital, greeting the gate guard with a salute and presenting documents for entry. He later recounted the story of the ambush to Ivan, the Iron Emperor. Melker was noted to have shaken his head judgingly when Zaira did not bow to Ivan, and subsequently offered to show Zaira and Marina du Willet to the guest attendants. He sustained an injury during the attack when the windshield shattered and glass lodged in his neck. He was chided by another Wyranth for not waiting for the second carriage. Melker is identified as a Wyranth compatriot.
Reggie
Reggie was a minor character who obtained a bottle of old reserve wine for Ethan von Lantern's dinner with Zaira von Monocle.
Trevor
Trevor was the recently married husband of Dr. Estrella du Clockhand. Zaira von Monocle shared a farewell tea with both Trevor and Dr. du Clockhand before departing.
Whiskers
Whiskers, also referred to as "the whiskery man," was the leader of the bandits who ambushed the carriage carrying Zaira von Monocle toward the Wyranth capital. He was described as "a haggard-looking man with patches of long, whiskery hair on his face" and was missing his front teeth. Whiskers fired a gun at Ando, grazing his ear. He was subsequently shot and killed by Marina du Willet.
Wyranth Driver
An unnamed Wyranth driver transported Zaira von Monocle south from Rislandia City to Wyranth territory in a horseless carriage. He had been housed in the ambassadorial wing while awaiting Zaira's departure. Upon arriving at Ivan, the Iron Emperor's palace, he opened Zaira's car door and escorted her onto the red carpet.