Gareth of Naxen

Duke Gareth of Naxen is a close adviser to King Roald of Conte (the elder). He is married to the Duchess of Naxen and has at least one child, Gary of Naxen. He is also the Prime Minister and Roald's King's Champion. In addition, he is very much involved with the training of the pages during Song of the Lioness, taking on some of the responsibilities, especially regarding discipline, that are later seen to be the territory of Wyldon of Cavall.

Gareth is described as being "tall and thin, with dull brown hair that fell into his muddy brown eyes." As he ages, his coloring starts to yellow and gray. He has heart problems, suffering his first heart attack at the end of Lioness Rampant, but as of Lady Knight he is still alive.

Duke Gareth is a master swordsman, at one time regarded as the best in Tortall. He does special training with some of the more gifted squires, including Alexander of Tirragen and Alanna of Trebond. He is also Gifted, and Tamora Pierce has stated on Sheroes that she sees his magic as being a dark rose in color. However, she also states that Duke Gareth no longer uses his Gift because it would put too much strain on him. In Alanna: The First Adventure it is mentioned that he taught the pages a spell to start fires.