Renart

**Renart** is a young trader and a native to Haven, and the first person to make contact with the Magickers upon their arrival in the world. His curiosity about the newcomers and willingness to barter with them leads him to forge a lasting friendship with the group.

## Biography

### Early Life

Very little is known about Renart's life before his first meeting with the Magickers upon their arrival in Haven. He refers to Naria as his home city, implying that he was born and raised there. He was trained as a trader from an early age, and presumably joined the Trader Guild when he was of an age to do so.

He was the first person from Haven to make contact with both the Magickers and the Dark Hand after their initial arrival. He bartered supplies with both groups and taught them how to survive in Haven. While the former group treated him with courtesy and friendship, he was met with open hostility by the Hand, who captured and tortured him. Other Havenites believed all of the new "invaders" from both groups shared the same malicious intentions, which made Renart's actions unpopular among the chieftains who ruled the local lands.

Renart's trading license was revoked and he was demoted to the position of clerk, as he had initiated trade with both the Magickers and the Hand without permission from his master and guild. The guild leaders also presumably believed him responsible for facilitating the activities of the Hand, who had begun to hunt down the people of Haven and raid their villages for supplies.

At some point during his dealings with Avenha, Renart fell in love with Mantor's daughter, Pyra.

### The Gate of Bones

Following his fall from grace within his guild, Renart was summoned to Avenha by Chieftain Mantor, to help Pyra with documenting the contents of the town's storehouses. When he asked the chieftain why his help was necessary, Mantor implied that he believed Renart deserved a second chance, and that his dealings with the Magickers could prove useful. After he and Mantor witnessed the Dark Hand ransacking Avenha, Renart was sent to seek aid from the Magickers.

## Personality

Renart is kind and inquisitive by nature, which serves him well as a trader, but also frequently gets him into trouble. When the Magickers and the Dark Hand came to Haven, he initially pitied the newcomers, fearing for their survival in a land which they seemed ill-equipped to handle. The Hand took advantage of his kindness, but this did not alter his generally positive outlook of the Magickers, whom he formed close friendships with. He can be somewhat timid in social situations, and is reluctant to speak his mind, particularly to those of higher social standing. However, he has a strong moral compass and a good sense of right and wrong, and will not capitulate if he deems something unworthy. He is also easily embarrassed, particularly where Pyra is concerned.

## Appearance

Renart is described as a tall, thin man with a wiry build. Like all Havenites, he has six fingers on each hand. The area between his thumb and forefinger on both of his hands is tattooed with the traditional symbols of the Trader Guild, and he has several more markings on the backs of his hands and fingers. He is mentioned to be wearing sneakers, which he presumably acquired in trade with the Magickers.

## Relationships

### Pyra

> "Her free hand tightened about her cutlass, her wrist like a mask over the expression on her face. Renart thought for a fleeting moment he’d never seen anyone more fierce or beautiful."
> —*The Gate of Bones*, "Night Raid"
>
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Not much is known about Renart's history with Pyra, or if they were acquainted before the events of *The Gate of Bones*. However, they appear to have a good working rapport and a mutual respect for one another.

Renart presumably fell in love with Pyra sometime shortly after the Magickers and Dark Hand came to Haven. He admires her strength and tenacity, and her genuine care for her people. Pyra enjoys teasing him, particularly where his feelings for her are concerned. She does not mock his affections, however, and later appears to return them to some degree.

Much like Gregory's support for Gavan in his pursuit of Eleanora, Mantor appears to regard Renart's feelings for Pyra with a positive outlook. He remarks to Renart on one occasion that a trader would be an asset to their family line, implying that he would not be opposed to Renart courting his daughter.