Bitters'

Bartholomew "Bitters" Graham is a man who lacks pleasantry. The Captain of the Hayston militia hates useless banter, dispising most, and reports to the Chamberlain, Argyle Parson's only.
  He was a young orphan, born in Breeston's outer ward of Jack Dobbins. Bitters knew early if he ever wanted to earn an honest living, he would have to leave the city. Bitters harrassed the teamsters that took the wagons south to Hayston, finding one who would stow him away for two silver oaks.
  He lived in the elements for weeks, nearly starving to death until joining a picking crew that autumn. He never could hold a position in the fields until luck found him, and he secured a job at an alehouse, tossing out drunkards and protecting the strumpets that worked the upper floors.
  Bitters' was introduced to the militia while attempting to detain two of their men who lacked the coin to pay the alehouse. The altercation ended with all three men bloody from a street fight, and both militia men were bound and turned over for arrest.
  His gruff honesty earned him a position, and he accepted the day rounds while working evenings at the alehouse, never wavering in his duties. He stayed out of the gambling houses, didn't knock up a crofter's daughter, accepted bribes, or stole from the militia stores.
  He earned his position nine years ago, beating out his fellow squad sergeants by passing a test from the Chamberlian. As Argyle insulted the candidates for the open position. He received boot-licking from all candidates except Bitters, who returned the insult, slapping Argyle out of his chair and walking out of his quarters.
  Showing the Chamberlain that he wasn't a lickspittle, Argyle invited him back and offered him the position. Bitters' has served the Chamberlain faithfully, never having children or marrying, choosing his duty instead.
  Bitters' was charged with Harwin Parsons when the lad's anger couldn't be curtailed with punishment. Bitters dedicated his time molding the lad into a soldier and claims Harwin as the son he never wanted but raised as his own. Bitters was one of few who witnessed Harwin and Edmund's father lose his life protecting Argyle. He was there when they discovered the lads, days later after Harwin was found begging along the roadside. He has always looked out for them, knowing the harsh reality of being an orphan.