Tornar MacLorn looms large in Gastown, even though he only appears briefly in Chapter Two, and Chapter Four, where he intervenes in Kasha’s deathmatch with Amarok with unforeseen consequences. It is not until Chapter Nineteen we learn Tornar left Kasha with her step parents for safekeeping, and Chapter Twenty Nine provides some of Tornar’s backstory and his true role as King of the North. 

Tornar is the Aslan behind the scenes. He sets Kasha’s journey in motion, though his true intention will not be realized until Book Two. 

Despite his numerous offspring, Tornar is a lonely character, and his shapeshifting ability as an Ice Bear matches his solitary personality. 

Tornar’s backstory grew over time. The legend of Cathul and the seven tribes which made up the Cathulla, are inspired by the story of giants prevalent amongst the indigenous people of North America, and the myth of the Picts as short, dark skinned people.