Not every character changes the course of history—but many help shape the heroes who do.
During her first days at Velrendor Academy, Mada Mariner meets a variety of students who each leave a lasting impression. Among them are Sienna Dawnswift, Braylon Spindlewood, and Phineas Nightshade. While each approaches life at the academy differently, all three contribute to the mystery and excitement surrounding Mada's first year.
Sienna Dawnswift
If there is one student who immediately makes Mada feel welcome, it is Sienna Dawnswift.
After the Sorting Ceremony, Sienna is one of the first students to strike up a genuine conversation with Mada. Warm, friendly, and compassionate, she helps ease the uncertainty of arriving at an unfamiliar school and quickly becomes someone Mada can trust. Rather than treating Mada differently, Sienna sees her as another student beginning a new adventure.
Sienna is also one of the first students to mention the rumors surrounding the Hidden Prophecy. Though she doesn't pretend to know all the answers, she encourages Mada to think carefully about the whispers spreading through the academy instead of giving in to fear. Her kindness and willingness to listen make her an important friend during Mada's earliest days at Velrendor.
Braylon Spindlewood
Where Sienna offers reassurance, Braylon Spindlewood brings curiosity and energy.
Always eager to chase a mystery, Braylon has a habit of inserting himself into conversations the moment something interesting is mentioned. His fascination with the Hidden Prophecy and the Forbidden Wing reflects his adventurous personality, and he rarely passes up an opportunity to speculate about the academy's secrets.
Although his dramatic storytelling occasionally frustrates those around him—especially Sienna—Braylon's observations often point Mada toward questions worth asking. His enthusiasm reminds readers that Velrendor is filled with students eager to uncover the school's hidden history.
Phineas Nightshade
Few students are as difficult to read as Phineas Nightshade.
Unlike Sienna and Braylon, Phineas carries an air of mystery from the moment he appears. Mada and Ryn encounter him near the Restricted Archives, where his presence immediately raises suspicion. Though he claims to be "just browsing," his interest in forbidden knowledge suggests there is far more to him than he is willing to reveal.
Before disappearing, Phineas leaves Mada with a simple warning:
"Be careful who you trust."
Whether those words were offered as genuine advice or served another purpose is left for readers to decide, making Phineas one of Book 1's most intriguing supporting characters.
Three Different Perspectives
Together, these three students represent different sides of life at Velrendor Academy.
Sienna reminds Mada that friendship can be found even in uncertain times. Braylon encourages curiosity and the pursuit of hidden truths. Phineas demonstrates that not every mystery has an obvious answer.
While none of them stand at the center of the Hidden Prophecy, each helps shape Mada's first experiences at the academy and adds another layer to the world of Mada Mariner and the Hidden Prophecy.
Quick Facts Sienna Dawnswift Known For: Her kindness and welcoming nature. Role: One of Mada's first friends at Velrendor Academy. Braylon Spindlewood Known For: His curiosity about mysteries and the Forbidden Wing. Role: An adventurous student who enjoys uncovering secrets. Phineas Nightshade Known For: His mysterious behavior and interest in the Restricted Archives. Role: A student whose motives remain uncertain.
Keep moving forward,
Domonick