John Buttle originally lives in Seacliff Fief. Buttle was a known criminal but was never convicted of any of his crimes which range from theft to murder. Buttle is the original owner of Shadow the dog whom Will finds on his way to Seacliff Fief . Buttle had wounded the dog with his spear when she had attempted to bite him. Will and Alyss find Buttle spying on their conversation when she visits Will. Buttle having only come to Will's cabin to get the dog back finds himself in a tight situation, when Will and Alyss have him cornered, and attempts to threaten them with what he overheard about Will's secret mission. Will however solves the situation by disarming Buttle and knocking him unconscious with his throwing knife and Saxe knife. Unwilling to kill Buttle, Will gave him as a gift to Gundar Hardstriker the Skandian captan hoping to get him out of the country.
However Gundar's ship Wolfcloud crashed and ran ashore on the coast of Norgate Fief and Buttle escaped killing two of Gundar's crew. Buttle worked his way to Castle Macindaw and joined forces with Sir Keren the rogue knight who had taken control of the castle by poisoning his uncle and cousin. Buttle was made Garrison Commander by Keren and led the chase of Will , Orman , and Xander as they escaped the castle to try and find Malkallam (Malcom ) in hopes of healing Orman of the poison. During the chase Buttle took an arrow to the leg. Upon reporting to Keren that Orman had escaped, Buttle recognized Alyss , who was in disguise as Lady Gwendolyn , and discovered the secret mission he had overheard was taking place.
Will gives him to the skandians
Alyss helps Will give him to the Skandians