I’ve always been fascinated by characters who exist in the liminal space between history and fiction — those whose stories feel so vivid, they seem to breathe. One such figure is Marcus Drusus, better known to some as Caleb, from The Last Kingdom series. Whether you know him from the books or the adaptation, Caleb is a man shaped by war, faith, and an unshakable loyalty to Uhtred. He’s not just a sidekick; he’s a quiet force, a man of principle who walks the fine line between duty and conscience.

If you could talk to him, what would you ask?

Here are 10 meaningful questions you might pose to Caleb — and why they matter.

What made you choose to follow Uhtred despite his pagan ways?

Caleb is a devout Christian, yet he serves a man who doesn’t share his beliefs. This tension isn’t just about faith — it’s about respect, loyalty, and the complexity of human connection. Asking him this question reveals how he reconciles his convictions with his devotion.

How do you maintain your faith in the face of so much violence?

War is a constant in Caleb’s world. He sees death up close, yet his faith remains intact. Understanding how he holds onto his spiritual center amidst chaos can offer insight into his inner strength and moral compass.

Did you ever consider leaving Uhtred's service?

This question gets to the heart of personal agency. Caleb is loyal, but he’s also human. Did he ever feel trapped? Did he ever dream of a different life? His answer could reveal whether his choices were driven by fear, duty, or something deeper.

How did you feel when Uhtred spared your life after your betrayal?

Yes, Caleb once betrayed Uhtred — a moment of weakness that could have cost him everything. Yet Uhtred forgave him. That forgiveness shaped the rest of his life. Asking him about this moment opens a window into his sense of guilt, redemption, and gratitude.

What do you think of the changing world around you — the merging of Saxon and Danish cultures?

Caleb lives in a time of transformation. The lines between enemy and ally blur constantly. His perspective as a Christian Anglo-Saxon who serves a half-Danish lord gives him a unique vantage point on identity and belonging.

Have you ever felt like an outsider in Uhtred’s household?

Despite his loyalty, Caleb is different — in faith, in background, sometimes even in temperament. This question invites reflection on how he navigates his place in a world that doesn’t always fully accept him.

What do you hope your legacy will be?

Caleb isn’t a warrior like Uhtred, nor a kingmaker like Alfred. He’s a servant, a chronicler, a man who lives in the background. But that doesn’t mean he’s without ambition or longing. This question asks him to step out of the shadows and consider his own story.

Do you ever wish you had taken a different path?

Everyone wonders “what if” at some point. For Caleb, that might mean a life in the church, or a life away from war entirely. This question gets at regret, choice, and the weight of the past.

Who do you trust most — God, Uhtred, or yourself?

It’s a revealing question. Caleb’s answer would show where his true loyalties lie and how he balances faith, friendship, and self-awareness.

What advice would you give someone trying to stay true to themselves in a world that demands compromise?

Caleb has walked this tightrope for years. He’s had to make hard choices, bend without breaking. His answer could offer wisdom not just about survival, but integrity.

If you’re curious about what Caleb would say — and want to explore the heart of a man shaped by faith, war, and loyalty — you can talk to him directly.

Learn about & chat with Caleb