Birle

Birle is the 14-year-old protagonist of the novel, a heroine in every sense of the word. Birle hates the drudgery of her life as the innkeeper's daughter. She especially resents her stepmother, Nan, who is frequently critical and is a demanding taskmistress. To escape the endless work and boredom of life at the inn, Birle has betrothed herself to a huntsman, over the objections of her father and Nan.

The wedding will take place at the next gathering of the people, the spring fair. Birle is intelligent and practical. Before their deaths, Birle's grandparents taught her to read and write, as well as to decipher maps, skills forbidden to the common people. Birle is attracted to Orien, but accompanies him on his journey as much to avoid her own life as to protect his. Throughout their quest, Birle is the dominant personality. She has much more knowledge of...