Gary of Naxen

Gary of Naxen (properly Gareth the Younger) is the son of Duke Gareth of Naxen and the Duchess of NaxenN. He is also the husband of Cythera of Elden and godsfather to Alianne of Pirate's Swoop. He is currently the Prime Minister of Tortall under King Jonathan of Conte. He has been called the king's closest advisor.

Gary is first described as being "big" (though not as big as Raoul of Goldenlake) with chestnut hair and eyes. As an adult, he is described as heavyset and pale. He is often acknowledged as being smart and sarcastic, but by Lioness Rampant that sarcasm seems to have been tempered. He is often noted as being very involved with his work.

History
Gary is first presented as quick-witted and sarcastic, a good sponsor for Alanna of Trebond because he can answer what questions she has. It is Gary who introduces Alanna to her first group of friends, including Jon, Raoul, Alexander of Tirragen and Francis of Nond. His curiosity (read: eavesdropping) is useful for getting information to aid others. He is also a betting man, often restricted to the palace for various pranks, including kissing Lady Roxanne for ten gold nobles.

Originally, Gary is seen to be closest to Alex, but after the Sweating Sickness, we see less of their friendship and more of his closeness for everyone else. He is close to Alanna and Jon, and is one of the first people at the palace Alanna reveals her true sex to. Gary serves as one of Alanna's instructors in her preparation for the Chamber of the Ordeal.

As Gary ages throughout the novels, he becomes more responsible, reflecting the seriousness of ruling a country and also reflecting his father's influence. In fact, the Duke we see in Song of the Lioness is very much like the Prime Minister in Protector of the Small-- outwardly serious but with an occasional glimpse of a joker. Gary does have a very important role in Tortall. While Jon concerns himself with wars, foreign policy, and Immortal beings, Gary's task seems to be the maintenance of internal Tortallian affairs.