| “ | Jab, jab, Jezal, jab, jab! | ” |
— Varuz to Jezal
| ||
Lord Marshal Varuz is The Union’s most famous living soldier, and as the overall commander of the Union Army, a member of the Closed Council. He is also a master trainer of soldiers in fencing for The Contest, having trained previous champions Sand dan Glokta and Collem West. He is now training Jezal dan Luthar.
Appearance and Personality[]
Varuz is an old man in his sixties, with iron grey hair and moustaches. For his age he is still fit and agile, with remarkable stamina. He can be a hard task master with the fighters he trains, though reputed to have mellowed with age. He is also a bit of a pompous bore. He plays squares with skill; a game presumably similar to chess.
History[]
In his youth, Varuz was himself a champion in The Contrest. Some nine years before the series, Varuz was in command of the Union forces during the First Gurkish War. A triumph was laid on for him when he returned from his victory over the Gurkish.
At the start of the series, Varuz is the senior commander of the Union Army who remains at home during wartime, while Lord Marshal Burr is the junior commander who goes on campaign. As a member of the Closed Council, and he tries to remain neutral in the rivalry between the divided factions of Sult and Marovia.
The Blade Itself[]
Varuz is training the talented Jezal dan Luthar in preparation for The Contest. However, continually frustrated by Jezal's lack of commitment to his fencing, he eventually reaches out for help from his former pupil Sand dan Glokta. It works, in a way, because Jezal eventually dedicates himself craft when his lover Ardee West shames him. Despite going three touches down in the final, Jezal improbably goes on to win, much to Varuz' delight.
Before They Are Hanged[]
The Lord Marshal is only seen briefly once, when Crown Prince Raynault is found murdered.
Last Argument of Kings[]
When the Gurkish invade Midderland and lay siege to Adua, Varuz personally takes command of the Union defences, since Lord Marshal West and the majority of the army are away in The North. In the Battle of Adua, the Gurkish eventually breach the outer city-wall in two places, and seem on the verge of victory when they penetrate the inner city through Arnault’s Wall. However, Lord Marshal West returns just in time from The North to turn the tide of the battle, with help from Grand Duke Orso of Talins. In the aftermath of the "victory" against the Gurkish, Varuz was missing, presumed dead; certainly dead since he was conducting the defences from the Tower of Chains, which was destroyed.
Sharp Ends[]
Varuz is the leading officer of the army in Kadir.