Maren
The unaging woman who loved Emrin, damned Bram, and rides north to save Hollowmere.
Maren is the sole keeper of Bram's secret pre-crown identity as Emrin, a man she loved before his transformation into the Deathless. Bound by an ancient bargain that halts her aging until Bram dies, she appears to be roughly thirty-five despite being over one hundred and twenty years old. Her return in Book 6 marks a pivotal shift; instead of striking him down for his choices, she stays through the winter to understand them, steadfastly refusing Corvane's attempts to buy his betrayal.
- True Age
- Over 120 years
- Apparent Age
- Roughly 35
- Key Relationship
- Loved Emrin; damned Bram
- Current Mission
- Laying a false trail for the Iron Baron
- Return Window
- Expected in Book 11
- Signature Items
- Bram's grey scarf and two carved birds
Lore & Background
Her presence is defined by a complex history of love and an oath that damned Bram to his current state. While bound to remain unaging, her actions in Book 6 reveal a protective rather than punitive intent; she chooses observation over execution during the winter stay. Her departure involves a strategic sacrifice as she rides north to mislead the Iron Baron, buying crucial time for Hollowmere.
Did You Know?
- She is the only person who knows Bram's true name before he became the Deathless.
- Maren carries two carved birds: a swift made by Emrin and a swallow made by Bram.
- Despite her youthful appearance, she has lived for over 120 years due to her bargain.
- She leaves wearing Bram's grey scarf as she heads north to create a false trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Maren appear so young?
A bargain binds her to remain unaging until the Deathless dies, keeping her looking roughly 35 despite being over 120.
Did she try to kill Bram when she arrived?
No, she stayed through the winter in Book 6 specifically to understand his choice rather than strike him down.
What does she do after leaving Hollowmere?
She rides north to lay a false trail for the Iron Baron, buying time for the town.
Who knows Bram's name as Emrin?
Maren is the only person who knows his pre-crown name, having loved him before he became the Deathless.