Dance of Thieves

Jase Ballenger is the second protagonist of Dance of Thieves and becomes Patrei of Hell’s Mouth after his father’s sudden death at the beginning of the story. Jase’s job is to protect his family and Hell’s Mouth from the power struggles that occur in the wake of his father’s death. The Ballenger family’s history stretches back to the beginning of the continent, when Jase's ancestor Greyson Ballenger formed the first kingdom called Tor’s Watch. However, the rest of the kingdoms don’t recognize the Ballengers as the first family or kingdom but think of them as outlaws and encroachers. The Ballengers are offended by these outside perceptions, and Jase must protect his family legacy by confirming their legitimacy. When Kazi comes to investigate treaty violations, Jase sees her as a threat, especially after she mistakes him for a ruffian and pins him to the ground, hurting his pride and damaging his reputation among his people.

Jase lives by a code and his code is to protect his family first. His pride blinds him to Kazi’s true purpose and when she betrays him he’s blindsided. But he also loves Kazi and puts himself in harm’s way so she can live. When Kazi would rather die than give up the prisoners, he decides to sacrifice himself for her life. When Kazi tells him Beaufort planned to double-cross him, Jase is furious but also introspective because he and his father knew that the captain was trouble but ignored their instincts because of the fever cure that was promised. Jase starts to reevaluate the way his family has done things after Kazi comes because they have long given refuge to Previzi drivers who also traffic humans. Jase always tries to do the right thing and even after he finally gets everything his family dreamed of in the end, he wants Kazi and fights for her. He’s not afraid to admit his mistakes and do the right thing which is what makes him such a good partner for Kazi who needs unconditional love and loyalty in a partner after her past.

When they are captured by labor hunters, Jase passes the key to the other prisoners so they can escape before unlocking his ankle chain because he cares about the people of Hell’s Mouth and vowed to protect them. In the wilderness with Kazi, Jase’s opinion of her changes because he sees the vulnerabilities she tries to hide, and he wants to protect her and falls for her. Back in Hell’s Mouth he uses her to establish his position as Patrei and send a letter to the Queen of Venda asking her to cement his position of power since the Ballengers are being attacked by all sides.