Votary

A **v****otary** is a rabbit who lives a monk-like life and follows the path of Flint and Fay. A group of them resided at Halfwind Citadel, and would open meetings and hold rituals in Leapers Hall.

Though united in their loyalty to the memory of King Jupiter and their support of the Cause, the votaries have been divided as to the role their order is meant to play. There exists an "activist branch" who train as soldiers and engineers, while other votaries feel that warfare demeans their order.

The votaries are distinguished by their blue robes.

## Information

### *Prince Lander and the Dragon War*

Mother Saramack sends Hollie Grimble to the votary about the lines for memory.

### *The Last Archer*

Jo Shanks gives money to the votary Sister Lala, and thanks her for passing it on to the widows. She objects, as Jo is giving away most of his pay again, but Jo only smiles and says he has to leave, as he will be late.

Lund tells Jo that Sister Lala was looking for him, calling her loony, which Jo objects to, telling Lund that she is "wonderful". Lund accepts this, but then suggests that Jo go to the summer mingle with Sister Lala.

While at Cloud Mountain, Jo sees votaries around the base of Cloud Mountain's seven standing stones. He notes that he had considered joining the votaries when he was young, as he was "a devout rabbit", but had instead joined the military in honor of his father.

### *Ember Falls*

Picket sees votaries kneeling in Leapers Hall, and notes that the votaries seem out of place in a citadel devoted mostly to soldiering. He has also befriended some of them.

Following the Attack on Halfwind Citadel, Heather and Picket see Heyward in a blue robe. Heyward revealed that he had joined the votaries, as during the battle he thought he was going to die without having done anything special. He had seen a votary fighting while seeming somehow assured, and then was very grateful when Bleston saved them, leading him to join the votaries. Heyward became an initiate of 'the brothers' and told Heather and Picket he was very happy and feels at home among them.

Heather notes that, following the sharing of her story and the battle at Jupiter's Crossing, she heard that there are many votaries around Cloud Mountain's seven standing stones.

The votaries led an assembly in Leapers Hall. They filed up onto the stage, Prester Kell and his wife Sage Kins last of all. Loud music began, and votaries waved branches in front of the wall lamps to cast eerie shadows in the hall, then they heaved upwards with the branches, which unnerved the Terralains. The votaries roared, and as soon as the music stopped Prester Kell and Sage Kins leapt the first standing stone. The music became happy, and Prester Kell and Sage Kins leapt the remainder of the stones. Prester Kell gave a speech, they sang a song about the Leaping, and then Kell invited Bleston to speak.

While at Cloud Mountain, Heather sees a votary and asks him the way to Cloud Mountain's standing stones. After directing her, he blesses her, touching his ears, eyes, and mouth.

Before the Battle of Rockback Valley, Emma instructs the other doctors to get some rest, as it may be their last chance for a long time. Speaking to a votary is one of the things she recommends they do.

### *The Archer's Cup*

Jo Shanks mentioned the votaries, whom Slimmo said were wise, and he agreed. Jo told Slimmo that he admired them. Slimmo, Lokson, and Lokson's band accompanied a party of votaries on an important mission from Blackstone to Halfwind.

### *Ember Rising*

Following the Retaking of First Warren, several votaries were gathered around First Warren's Seven Standing Stones. Seeing how the votaries were close to the entrance to the steps, Weezie expressed doubt that she and Picket were allowed up. However, one of the votaries knew Picket from his time at Halfwind Citadel, and nodded for them to come up. Picket touched his ears, eyes, and mouth, and the votary bowed to him. Picket saw that some of the votaries were aiding others from Halfwind in teaching some First Warren younglings the game of bouncer. When Picket reached the top of the first standing stone, he saw five votaries chiseling off the remnants of the statue of Garten Longtreader that had resided there before. The votaries finished, gathered up their tools, and descended the steps.

### *Ember's End*

A team of Halfwind votaries assisted Lieutenant Heyward in preparing the defense of First Warren, before it was attacked. Soon before the siege of First Warren, Jo saw Heyward's team of votaries setting up bowstrikers on the wall.

Emma notes that Jo serves the older votary does generously. Emma tells Heather that Prester Kell, Sage Kins, and the Pilgrim were looking for a site for the Votive Sanctuary, and Winslow, Whit, and Cole were helping.

## Notable votaries

* Kell (Halfwind's master votary)
* Sage Kins
* Heyward
* Lala