1st-generation American, his father, Wilhelm, was a wealthy Prussian “shadow hunter” long before the Reckoning even transpired and was from a long line of such hunters. Prior to his departure from Prussia at the age of 38, Wilhelm had already enjoyed a successful career as witch hunter or Schattenjäger as they were known. Unfortunately, he was a bit overzealous in his duties which resulted in him being directly responsible for the death of young man who had a very powerful family. Fleeing Prussia with only the clothes on his back, Wilhelm changed his name to “William Knight” and emigrated to the United States where he intended to start over.
From a very young age, following the mysterious death of their mother, Christian was groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps alongside his younger brother, Frederick. Together, the three Knights traveled throughout the United States, fighting what Wilhelm insisted were “monsters” although Christian honestly thought they were simply psychotics or evil men. In 1863, though, on his 15th birthday (July 3), everything changed and somehow, Wilhelm knew it. Two days later, on July 5th, Christian knew it too when the rapist and sadist they were hunting survived killing blows and … unleashed unnatural abilities upon them. Young Frederick died, his head torn from his body, and Christian was nearly killed as well. Only Wilhelm’s prowess and his use of an amulet that had been in their family for generations kept them alive, although the bastard escaped.
For the next twelve years, Christian and his father hunted the murderer who had killed Frederick, fighting the good fight along the way. More often than not, though, they arrived too late and the trail went cold for many years. Two years ago, it brought them to Santa Fe and they finally found justice for young Frederick, but at a heavy cost. Wilhelm, who was now entering his late 60s, was very badly injured, and it took months for him to recover, during which time Christian had to find employment. Out of necessity, he became an undertaker thanks to his skill sets. As his father recovered, Christian grew to see Santa Fe as home and decided that he was done with the shadow hunting business.
But, of course, it wasn’t done with him. Less than six months ago, he discovered a hideous truth: his father had not survived the fight with Frederick’s murderer, but had instead died and returned as … something else. By the time Christian discovered this fact, it was too late and his father had vanished. Investigation have revealed that Wilhelm is still somewhere in the Santa Fe area, so Christian broke out the crossbow and other implements he’d hoped to never use again.
Because now, he’s got to find Wilhelm. And kill him. Again.
