Sir Hector Oliva

Sir Hector Oliva is a Commander in the Special Security Division of the Legion Intelligence Office, placed by Magnarch Venantian to escort and then oversee Hadrian and Valka during their detention at Maddalo House on Nessus. Thirty-seven years old, olive-skinned, and marked by a long reddish-brown braid, he carries a highmatter sword and holds no love for the Holy Terran Chantry.

Oliva studied Cielcin language and culture at the War College on Ares and was exiled to Colchis for eight years following an improper liaison during a rescue mission. Though informal in bearing, he is sharp and candid: he reveals to Hadrian that Venantian arranged for Hadrian's arrival on Nessus to keep the Inquisition's questioning under the Magnarch's authority rather than the Chantry's. He practices daily with an antique bow and is a formidable fencer -- fighting with tremendous speed in a high saber guard, he twice defeats Hadrian in their bout and pulls back without gloating each time. He confesses to having considered joining the Cid Arthurian monks as a boy, but did not pursue it. A musician as well, he plays the mandora and sings a tenor farewell for his men before his unit departs Carteia under new orders to report to Legion Intelligence and proceed toward the Veil in connection with the Extrasolarian warlord Calen Harendotes.

Oliva's future reputation is formidable: he will become the Champion of the Battle of Taranis, captain of the Siren, and commander of the last defense of Nessus -- and one of only two men ever to face Syriani Dorayaica in single combat and survive.