I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce you to one of my favorite characters – Liora, a young woman whose journey is one that I believe will leap off the pages and into your heart. While she is not the main character, Liora became a great joy to write.

A Shepherd Thrust Into an Unforgiving World

Liora comes from the peaceful shepherd families of northern Benan, part of the Benan-Telaim people – what she describes as “little spotted people” with their characteristic freckles and shorter stature. Her world was simple, predictable, and safe until tragedy struck with devastating force. When Chehmati mercenaries murdered her family, everything she knew was ripped away in an instant.

She embodies that universal experience of being thrown into circumstances far beyond what we ever imagined we could handle. One day she’s tending sheep in familiar pastures, the next she’s navigating political intrigue, deadly combat, and a world where chemical warfare is becoming the terrifying new normal.

The Remarkable Navigator

Rescued by Federation forces, Liora finds herself working as a navigator for Officer Natan – a role that showcases her practical intelligence and knowledge of the region. She’s not a trained soldier or seasoned warrior, but she possesses something equally valuable: an intimate knowledge of the terrain and an unshakeable moral compass.

Her background as a shepherd gives her unique skills that prove invaluable in unexpected ways. She understands the land, can read the weather, and has that pastoral wisdom that comes from years of quiet observation. But don’t mistake her gentleness for weakness – when push comes to shove, Liora demonstrates remarkable courage and resilience.

The Character Who Sees What Others Miss

One of Liora’s most compelling aspects is how she serves as a bridge between different worlds and cultures. Her Achih relatives connect her to the resistance movement, while her work with the Federation exposes her to Union politics and military strategy. She experiences firsthand the propaganda and misconceptions that fuel conflict between nations, constantly challenging herself and others to see beyond the assumptions and prejudices that divide the various factions in this war-torn world.

Moral Struggle & Moral Courage

What really sets Liora apart is her moral struggle with the violence surrounding her. She’s not bloodthirsty or eager for revenge, despite her personal losses. Instead, she wrestles with the necessity of violence in a world where survival often depends on it. Her horror at chemical warfare and her wish that every Chehmati oak could be burned away shows someone who understands the true cost of progress built on destruction.

Her relationship with her teammates – particularly her reactions to their casual discussions of combat – reveals someone who refuses to become hardened by the brutal realities of war. She maintains her humanity even as the world around her seems to be losing its soul.

The Character I Root For

Liora represents hope in a darkening world. She’s not the chosen one with special powers or the seasoned warrior with unmatched skills. She’s someone who chooses to do what’s right despite her fears, who maintains compassion despite her losses, and who keeps searching for family and belonging even when everything familiar has been taken away.

When planning my novel, I framed the world, major plot lines, and the story’s ending before I sat down and completed my first draft. Though most major developments are decided before I actually put the story to paper, I tried to remain flexible as to allow the characters to tell their story and share their thoughts in the moment. This means that not every character or plot line is decided in advance.

While writing Oracle of the Terebinth, Liora became one of my favorite characters. She offered the perspectives no one else was willing to put forth. In a manner of speaking, Liora represents a youthful idealism that refuses to be crushed. Despite all that has happened to her, I can’t help but root for her, and I hope this shines through as you read her character.