Hamish McRory

**Hamish McRory**is a a main character in *War*. He previously appeared as a guest character in*Contact.*He returned as a featured character in the 2021 Christmas Special "A Bell Cast In Iron."

In terms of the series narrative, Hamish was the last valet of King Bentley II at the conclusion of the War. He would kindle the flames of rebellion in post-war Cartonia. The story of Hamish's experiences at the King's side during the fall of Canis gave inspiration to the Free insurrection centuries later.

## Appearances

### *Contact*

Hamish McRory made his first appearance in "Into the Fire," when he informed King Bentley Connelly of the destruction of the Vulpus Dam, the death of the Vixen Queen, and the flight of hundreds of Cartonians. Bentley hid Hamish from the advancing Vulpine forces, but delivered one final message of hope. Bentley was murdered that night in a public execution. Hamish spread the King's message to anyone who would listen, and kindled the initial flames of rebellion in post-war Cartonia. This scene was repeated in "Bless My Homeland."

### *War*

Hamish returned in "Two Moths Drawn to the Flame" in the year 719. He arrived in West Terrier at the age of sixteen with nothing but a single suitcase, having been dismissed by the noble Lady Shetland's service shortly before her death. Both of Hamish's parents died from the war plague, and there was nowhere else for him to go. He presented a letter of recommendation to Royal Head of Household Callum Clackmannan, who accepted his application and employed Hamish as valet to King Bentley II. Hamish met the King on the day of the Granite Bloc's summit in Highland Castle.

Hamish quickly became a loyal servant and favorite of the King. In "No Matter What" in 723, Hamish accidentally walked in on Bentley speaking to the ghost of Victoria Vixen. Bentley confided in Hamish the emotional anguish he still felt for her death, and showed Hamish the memorial he built for her on the lake. Hamish moved Bentley by saying two traditional Canisian prayers for Victoria's soul. The exchange brought the King and valet much closer together.

Hamish declined a position on the 725 expedition south in "The Good Must Associate," preferring to remain at the King's side until the end and fight for Cartonia in a post-war world. After the passengers departed Canis on November 3, 725, in "Bless My Homeland," Hamish stayed in Highland Castle. The fall of Canis rapidly followed, culminating in the capture of West Terrier on November 11. As Hamish and Callum Clackmannan shared a drink at the battle's end, Hamish received a telegram from Diana Loudoun announcing the collapse of the Vulpus Dam. Hamish immediately ran the telegram to the King. Bentley helped Hamish hide from the invading foxes. Bentley did not escape himself, and was publicly executed outside Highland Castle the same night. Hamish managed to flee the castle and the capital, and on Bentley's orders sought to find Diana Loudoun, the only known survivor of the Dam's collapse. Hamish spoke of the King's bravery at the end of his life and of the Dam's collapse, long after the War ended. Hamish's story provided hope to future rebellions, including the Free, which sought to retrieve the royal heirs from beyond the Vixen Cliffs.

### "A Bell Cast in Iron"

Hamish returned as a featured character in the 2021 Christmas Special "A Bell Cast In Iron." The episode was set on Christmas Eve, 776, over fifty years following the War's conclusion. By that time, Hamish had become an old man but was still traveling around Cartonia sharing his story. For the first time since fleeing West Terrier during the fall of Canis, Hamish returned to his old home and visited the village of South Terrier. There, he encountered an equally ragged Matthew Palmer, who bequeated to him the Harmony Crown. Matthew imparted Hamish with the Crown's secret purpose and entrusted him with passing along the knowledge. Hamish agreed to do so.

## Character

### Namesake

Hamish's name is Scottish in origin, as are the names of most in Canis.

## Trivia

* Hamish's scene in "Into the Fire" was not originally planned, and was added in the editing process to end the episode on a stronger note. As such, Hamish's character was inadvertently created.
* Due to his importance across three seasons of Storytime, as well as his first scene in *War*, Hamish is one of the author's favorite characters.
	+ Hence why Hamish was chosen as the main featured character in "A Bell Cast In Iron."