Astrul Desway

"The boy was young, but acted as though he was already a man. Whisper it quietly, but I fear that it was his mouth that got him killed. No great conspiracy, just a boy who didn't know his place."Ser Roland Osteler, to High Elder Marlon regarding Astrul

Astrul Desway is a minor character in the Sabre of Meitor campaign. The youngest son of High Elder Vallogo Desway, Astrul is fifteen when he is killed during the events of the Black Speech.

It is his death that is considered the catalyst for the War of the Four Powers. As a direct result of Astrul's murder, the Heroes of Time sent on a quest to find his killer.

Astrul has been described as not a particularly strong boy, or bright for his age. It is said that he was obsessed with becoming a man, and many believe that is what ultimately got him killed.

He is a minor POV character, the first in fact.

The Black Speech
Astrul was sent out on the morning of the Soul Hero celebrations by his father Vallogo to make one last round of the important establishments.

The last place on Astrul's list was the Holy Roads Inn. The boy did not stay long, wishing instead to make for the Soiled Maiden, a dubious establishment on the edge of town. Upon arrival, he was involved in a standoff with a scarred man (implied that it is Harry) as well as illegally consume the bitter drink.

Before long, Astrul grew lusty over the waitress Sal, who had not been at work that day. Endeavoring to find her, Astrul discovered her in the midst of copulation with his new friend Ol' Hairy. In a fit of rage, Astrul challenges the older man to a duel to the death for Sal's love. Sal was not fully aware of who Astrul was at the time.

However, as the two men tried to find a place to fight, Ol' Hairy is killed by a shadowy figure. To prevent witnesses, this figure kills Astrul too, though not before noting that his father would be joining him soon.

Personality
Growing up in a rich household, Astrul is a spoilt child, dreaming endlessly of the things he would do when he becomes a man. This drive to act older than he really is is what causes his death. Ironically, Astrul died a few weeks before his 16th birthday, when he would officially become a man.