Elizabeth Hurst, merchant's daughter with a taste for more adventure
                 than her station allows, under the care of her
                 governess ...

Rose Philips, middle-aged woman with a Past and a mysterious power,
              soon to re-encounter her old acquaintance ...

Joseph Bradby, in his youth the deadliest swordsman on the high
               seas, now a drunk supported only by his apprentice ...

Edward 'Ned' O'Hara, street rat pleased to find he has developed some
                     skill with the blade