Severo

Severo is the Prince and Cardinal of Grandinsula, both the religious and secular leader of the island. He was the second of two sons, and the least favored by his father. Severo's father intended him to be a priest, but Severo becomes the island's ruler after his older brother Gaspar dies in a rock climbing accident. Severo is not a typical ruler, as he prefers simple quarters and simple dress to the finery allowed his office.

Severo divides his time between the daily business of the island and serving as the island's religious leader. He faces the first difficult tests of his career, when two strangers, the atheist Palinor and Amara the wolf-girl, arrive in Cuidad. Severo makes the unlikely decision to use Amara as an experiment to show whether the knowledge of God is inborn, partially in hopes of proving a point that will save Palinor's life...