At the start of the series Barda appears to be a poor beggar living on the streets of Del. He is revealed to be a ex-palace guard who assumes the role of protector to Lief, much to both his and Lief's dismay. He is a skilled swordsman and frequently makes jokes about being stuck with two young hot-heads- Lief and Jasmine. He is about the same age as Lief's parents. During the series, Barda competes in a contest in which he describes his special skill as strength. He helps Lief and Jasmine along the quest and is always strong-hearted, never gives up hope and is rather a gentle giant. At the end of the third series Barda finds love and the happines. He marries Lindel of Broome and has six children all taller than their parents and like peas in a pod.

(from: Wikipedia)