Marron Shed

From Glen Cook Wiki

Owner of the Iron Lily and a central figure in Shadows Linger. Shed is a loser who tends to have bad luck and make bad choices. His inn, however, is where Raven and Darling hide from the Northern Empire, while Raven earns money selling bodies to the Black Castle. Raven makes Shed his assistant, allowing Shed to earn enough money to get out of debt for the first time. Shed loses the money, but gradually gains courage and daring as he fights back against the moneylenders and seeks to emulate Raven after he leaves. Shed is caught by the Black Company after delivering a body to the Castle, along with his barmaid/partner Lisa Dae Bowalk. Shed decides to throw his lot in with the Company. He dies fighting heroically against the Limper.

Shed does many terrible things, up to and including murder; he also kidnaps a woman who betrays him (she was working for a moneylender) and turns her over to the Castle alive, condemning her to unspeakable suffering. But he also maintains a core of decency - a prime reason for his need for money is taking care of his mother, who needs caretakers - and when pushed, turns out to have a great deal of courage. Croaker is inspired by Shed's story of personal redemption and accords him a suitable place in the Annals as a result.