The Water of the Wondrous Isles · Character

Leonard

The Castle of the Quest's chaplain, whose blessing and tears send Birdalone out alone onto the black water in the blood-driven Sending Boat.

supporting

Also known as Leonard, Sir Leonard, priest Leonard, St. Leonard

First appearance: I: Of Birdalone’s Grief; and of Leonard the Chaplain

As a supporting figure in The Water of the Wondrous Isles, Leonard is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The chaplain is meek and humble before Birdalone, but sorrow and trouble are evident in his countenance.

In the storyVIII: In the Meanwhile of the Departing of the Champions, They Would Pleasure Birdalone with Feats of Arms and Games of ProwessOpen this moment free

Leonard is the priest who has taught and befriended Birdalone during her years among the knights, and he is the last familiar face she sees before the boat carries her away from the haven. He stands speechless with grief as she bloods the stern and sings the raven-wine song, unable to hold her back or follow. His helpless blessing marks the threshold between her sheltered life and the solitary, dangerous voyaging that the rest of the story demands.

See Leonard in VIII: In the Meanwhile of the Departing of the Champions, They Would Pleasure Birdalone with Feats of Arms and Games of Prowess Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Leonard sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Birdalone's allies and mentors
Protagonist
Isle of the Young and the Old inhabitants
Quest champions and minor characters

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the three l…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Birdalone
friendship · positive
Leonard is a loyal and steadfast companion to Birdalone, offering support and camaraderie… How this plays out →
Birdalone
friendship · positive
Leonard is a loyal and steadfast companion to Birdalone, offering support and camaraderie… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Leonard in I: Of Birdalone’s Grief; and of Leonard the Chaplain

In the story

Leonard appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VIII: In the Meanwhile of the Departing of the Champions, They Would Pleasure Birdalone with Feats of Arms and Games of Prowess
The chaplain is meek and humble before Birdalone, but sorrow and trouble are evident in his countenance.
I: Of Birdalone’s Grief; and of Leonard the Chaplain
The chaplain visits Birdalone, offers to guide her outside, but is rebuffed.
II: Birdalone Learneth Lore of the Priest. Ten Days of Waiting Wear
Leonard the priest teaches Birdalone to read, and she proves an apt scholar.
III: Now Would Birdalone Ride Abroad
The priest Leonard teaches Birdalone writing, finding both pleasure and torment in being near her.
V: Sir Aymeris Showeth Birdalone the Mountains Afar Off
Leonard the priest is mentioned by Sir Aymeris as one who knows tales of the wild places and can tell them well.
VI: Birdalone Heareth Tell Tales of the Black Valley of the Greywethers
The priest who has been to the Black Valley and recounts the dangerous legend of the Stony People.
VII: Birdalone Beguileth the Priest to Help Her to Outgoing
The priest who is beguiled by Birdalone; agrees to provide the key and arrange her palfrey for the secret outing.
VIII: Birdalone Fares on Her Adventure
Helps Birdalone escape by leading her through the chapel and postern. He confesses his romantic love for her, is gently rebuffed, but receives a single kiss before she rides away.
I: Of Sir Leonard’s Trouble and the Coming of the Quest
Tormented by love and guilt, he tries to confess to Sir Aymeris but is silenced.
II: Now Ask They of Birdalone, and Sir Leonard Speaks
The chaplain who brings the news of Birdalone's disappearance and peril.
XI: Birdalone and the Black Squire Talk Together in the Hall of the Castle
The priest who carries Birdalone's message to Arthur to meet in the hall.
XII: The Knights and Their Fellows Betake Them to the Assaulting of the Red Hold
Hushed and abashed, fears to speak to Birdalone but resumes teaching her scribe-craft.
VIII: Birdalone Cometh to the Castle of the Quest, Heareth the Tale Thereof from Leonard, and Departeth Thence by the Sending Boat
The priest who has become a hermit in the bower; he tells Birdalone of the departures and the haunting fetches.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Leonard unlock in the free preview.

See Leonard in I: Of Birdalone’s Grief; and of Leonard the Chaplain

See Leonard in VIII: In the Meanwhile of the Departing of the Champions, They Would Pleasure Birdalone with Feats of Arms and Games of Prowess