I wonder if it's connected to the 14th and/or Mana. The spells, I mean. I think it really is a bit too late to introduce new characters; likely, whoever it is will be someone we've at least heard of. (...But then again, as my friend reminded me, Sherril/Cyril/whatever-we're-calling-him-now is pretty much completely new, so who knows...)

*nods* I think it'll all come together.