Tenzing Tharkay

tharkay and arkady by kurokato on Diviantart

According to William Laurence, Tharkay's mother was Nepali and there was "irregularity about the marriage" of his parents.

Tharkay's father was involved in his education, as his perfect high-class English diction is noted in his first appearance. His British family seemed to accept and even cherish him until his father's dead, when they moved to claim Tharkay's inheritance.

Tharkay was forced to accept odd jobs as messenger, translator and facilitator. In carrying this line he became acquaintanced with Avraam Maden, a businessman of Spanish sheparhic originins stablished in Istanbul. Tharkay was a suitor of Maden's daughter, Sara.

Tharkay was a poliglot, speaking both English and Chinese fluently as well as French and Durzagh, the dragon language.

### 1806

From *Black Powder War.* Tharkay was sent to China with instructions addressed to Laurence by Admiral Lenton ordering him to travel to Istanbul to pick up three dragons eggs. Once it became clear that the sea-route involved a long delay, Laurence requested Tharkay's help in guiding them through the land route and to Istanbul. Tharkay was invaluable both in crossing the desert and in the political intrigue in Istanbul.

During his visit to Maden's house, Tharkay discovers that Sara Maden was engaged. Tharkay confessed to Laurence that he would never return to Istanbul.

### 1807

From *Victory of Eagles.*

During the Napoleonic invasion of Britian, Tharkay became an irregular attached to the British Aerial Corps. His knowledge of Durzagh and his ability to deal with the Palmir ferals made him a captain of sorts.

Tharkay rescued Laurence from prison after a naval disaster, something that made a deep impression in Laurence. Later, when Laurence was required by Arthur Wellesley to harass the French soldiers, Tharkay was able to prod Laurence in a different direction.

### 1808 - 1809

From *Tongues of Serpents.*

Tharkay, now in funds, accompanied Laurence to his exile in Australia. Although he kept his motivations secret, it was implied that he had been comissioned by the East Indian Company to investigate a smuggling operation taking place in Australia. Tharkay suggests to Laurence that he and Temeraire may become privateers and fight against piracy in the Pacific.

### 1811

from *Blood of Tyrants.*

Tharykay traveled to China with Arkady with a message to Laurence and Temeraire. However, before they could reach them, they were attacked and captured by a traditionalist faction of the Imperial court. At this time, Laurence suffered amnesia and only had a vague idea of Tharkay's identity. Nevertheless, having learned of the plot and of Tharkay's captivity, a rescue operation was mounted. When Laurence found Tharkay in his cell, he was brought back to the events of *Victory of Eagles* when Tharkay rescued him. The shock was enough to bring most of Laurence's memories back.

### 1812 - 1813

from *League of Dragons*

Tharkay worked as a spy for the British government. He made multiple advances in France as well as Turkey, where he was able to discover the theft of Temeraire's egg and give warning.

Tharkay suspected that around this time his cousin Ambrose, sold his identity to the French government in hopes that he would be captured and executed. Indeed, this would had been his fate if Laurence hadn't intervened to request a favour from the emperor.

After the war, the lawsuit between Tharkay and his British relatives was resolved in his favour, thus receiving his father's land and wealth (although much of it had been squandered). The land had the right to a dragon representative in Parliament, so Tharkay offered it to Laurence and Temeraire.

## References

1. ↑  https://twitter.com/naominovik/status/520355231272804352?lang=en
2. ↑ Novik, Naomi. Black Powder War: A Novel of Temeraire (p. 30). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
3. ↑ Novik, Naomi. Tongues of Serpents: A Novel of Temeraire (p. 214). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition
4. ↑ Novik, Naomi. *Black Powder War* [p.2] Ballantine Books.
5. ↑ Novik, Naomi. *Victory of Eagles.*
6. ↑ Novik, Naomi. *League of Dragons.*

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