Gratianus

Gratianus is stern, perceptive, politically practical, and deeply concerned with Welsh security. He is willing to cooperate with Danes when their actions align with Welsh interests, but he does not confuse temporary cooperation with friendship.

He speaks directly even to royalty. When asking Canute for a future non-aggression agreement, Gratianus refuses to accept Ragnar answering on the prince's behalf and insists that the commitment must come from Canute himself.

His familiarity with Askeladd allows him to speak with the mercenary captain more frankly than almost anyone outside the band.

Gratianus is an experienced military officer with command authority over Welsh soldiers and familiarity with regional strategy, diplomacy, terrain, and border politics.

He carries a sword but receives little direct combat focus. His main contribution is planning safe movement through Wales while avoiding unnecessary fighting between Askeladd's Danes and Welsh forces.

Gratianus also acts as a credible political witness because of his long personal knowledge of Askeladd's maternal family.

When Askeladd's band reaches the River Severn while fleeing Thorkell, Askeladd sends a message across the water requesting assistance. Gratianus answers from Morgannwg with ships capable of transporting the company into Wales.

In exchange for Welsh assistance, he asks Canute to promise that a future Danish-ruled England will respect Welsh independence.

Gratianus guides the company inland and helps negotiate passage through neighboring Brycheiniog.

When Askeladd later explains his ancestry to Asser, Gratianus confirms the story. He remembers meeting the fourteen-year-old Askeladd when the boy arrived in Wales carrying his dying mother Lydia and asking to bring her home.

Askeladd is an old acquaintance whose Welsh heritage Gratianus knows and verifies.

Lydia is Askeladd's Welsh mother, whom Gratianus sees when the teenage Askeladd brings her back to her homeland.

Canute is the prince from whom Gratianus seeks a guarantee that Wales will not be attacked if Canute gains the English throne.

Ragnar accompanies Canute and initially attempts to answer Gratianus's political request for him.

Asser receives Gratianus's testimony when questioning Askeladd's claim to descend from Artorius.

Thorkell is the pursuing commander whose pressure makes Welsh assistance essential to Askeladd's escape.