Wilfred Longtreader

A coloring page depicting Wilfred Longtreader.

**W****ilfred Longtreader** is the brother of Garten and Whittle and the uncle of Heather, Picket, and Jacks. Shortly after the fall of King Jupiter, Wilfred adopted the king's son, Smalls, and raised him as his own. After the War for All Natalia, he married Airen, and together they adopted fifteen war orphans.

## Biography

### Early life

Wilfred was born the younger brother of Garten Longtreader, and he and his brother Whittle grew up to serve under Garten in the Council of Seven Ambassadors. Unfortunately, Wilfred and Whittle both failed to discern Garten's forthcoming treachery, to which Wilfred bore painful witness. Having accompanied Jupiter Goodson on a journey, Wilfred was sent to Lookout Point only to be mobbed and restrained by Garten's thugs. Bound and gagged, he was forced to watch and listen as Jupiter was set upon, captured, and ultimately murdered by the forces of Morbin Blackhawk and Garten.

Having escaped captivity, Wilfred regrouped with the king's faithful council in the aftermath of his death. He became the traveling companion, protector, and guardian of Smalden Joveson, the king's son and chosen heir. Unfortunately, Wilfred and other loyal members of the Longtreader family fell under suspicion due to their association with Garten.

As a result, Whittle and Sween Longtreader, with whom Wilfred was very close, were forced to take their daughter Heather into hiding at Nick Hollow. Wilfred, meanwhile, bore the burden of slander, and may have suffered even greater personal tragedy. When asked later if he had a wife and children by blood, he would lament:

### *The Green Ember* / *The Last Archer*

Nearly thirteen years after the death of King Jupiter, Wilfred and Smalls were forced to leave First Warren due to its deteriorating situation and the hostility of Winslow Joveson. They traveled north of Nick Hollow, and remained there for an unknown stretch of time for unknown reasons.

However, upon heading south again, they were alerted to a potential danger to Wilfred's family in Nick Hollow, and quickly traveled to reach them. Sadly, they arrived just in time to see Whittle, Sween, and baby Jacks taken away by wolves under the command of Redeye Garlackson.

Wilfred and Smalls managed to locate Heather and her brother Picket, saving them from Redeye and another wolf. Unable to accompany an unconscious Heather and the younger bucks into Seven Mounds, Wilfred made his way around the outside to a stream emerging from the Seventh Mound.

He was eventually contacted by Picket, who informed him of Heather's revival and Smalls falling unconscious and the close pursuit of Redeye Garlackson's allies. Having found an anchor with a chain, Picket passed it through to Wilfred so that it could be used to break down a dam preventing their escape.

Using a boat also found by Picket in the Seventh Mound, the four made their way down the Whitmer River, with Wilfred suggesting that all four of them travel to Cloud Mountain. Smalls was initially opposed to the idea, but the conversation was cut short by Picket waking up. Unaware that Heather had been listening in, Wilfred gave them some details of his history and that of Natalia in general, though he admitted he couldn't tell them everything. The group intended to stop at Decker's Landing, but upon finding it in flames with wolves nearby abandoned the boat and traveled to the Savory Den.

Wilfred's party received a mixed reception from the inhabitants, particularly at the news of Tommy Decker's death. However, they were welcomed into Cloud Mountain by Lord Rake, whom Wilfred spoke to with surprise at the presence of Helmer. Wilfred, Smalls, and Rake were later forced to come to the black rabbit's aid when the training devices of Helmer's tree threatened to kill him. They were able to rescue Helmer, but Wilfred was none too pleased with the other rabbit due to Smalls nearly dying in his place.

In communications with the various secret citadels, Wilfred attempted to unify them, but found his relation and resemblance to Garten a great obstacle. Harbone Citadel in particular felt that doom was imminent, and Wilfred felt that their mistrust is understandable. Eventually he joined Lord Rake in initiating Heather and Picket at Lighthall, where Wilfred disclosed the tragic history of their uncle's involvement in King Jupiter's death. He then revealed the reason for the hostility they had suffered from some other rabbits as well.

As a Citadel Congress was held at Cloud Mountain, the situation grew to the point where Wilfred feared he would have to evacuate Smalls and his brother's children. At Halfwind Citadel, Lund mentioned to Jo Shanks that Wilfred was at Cloud Mountain, prompting shock that he hadn’t been arrested. Searching for Smalls, Wilfred later came out onto Cloud Mountain's plateau while Captain Frye was drilling his force of soldiers from Halfwind Citadel. Frye was quick to accuse Wilfred of being in league with Garten and aiding in his treachery, which Wilfred denied while admitting he felt he should have discovered his brother's duplicity.

He implored Frye to turn his anger towards the true enemy, only to find himself surrounded by Halfwind soldiers. Fortunately, Smalls arrived and led Wilfred away to a meeting of the citadel lords before things became violent. After talking with Lord Ramnor of Halfwind, Wilfred agreed to be put on trial in hopes of helping the Cause move past its divisions; however, both Lord Rake and Helmer refused to allow it. Wilfred and his family later attended the assembly of Cloud Mountain's inhabitants and the visiting citadel forces, after talking over their unfair treatment.

After the energizing gathering, Wilfred and Picket practiced some swordplay before being interrupted by Heather, who had learned Smalls' true identity. The Battle for Cloud Mountain then took place, and Wilfred quickly set off in search of Smalls. He was angered to learn that his ward might have departed with the untrustworthy Kyle, who collaborated with the wolves in arranging the attack. Wilfred joined Helmer in leading a countercharge against the retreating wolves, only for Heather to arrive with word of Smalls' journey to Jupiter's Crossing.

Wilfred quickly traveled there and gathering reinforcements, trusting Heather to do the same and Helmer to reach Lord Rake for support. The large force arrived just in time to witness Picket saving Smalls and killing Redeye Garlackson, and then charged in to chase off the wolves seeking to avenge their captain. Smalls, now revealed as heir to the throne, quickly acknowledged Wilfred's role in keeping him safe through the years after his father's death. Wilfred later joined Smalls and the other lords and captains in counsel, expressing great happiness with his niece and nephew.

### *Ember Falls* / *The First Fowler*

Wilfred was present during a council meeting at Cloud Mountain, where Lord Rake noted that recent revelations regarding Wilfred's loyalty have allowed the various citadels to begin consolidating their intelligence networks. As the mission to get Smalls and various others to Halfwind was discussed, Wilfred spoke to calm Emma's anxieties about her delayed mission to Harbone. He later traveled as part of Smalls' escort, which was saved from the attacking Preylord Solus by the timely action of Helmer's advance team.

Sometime later, Wilfred was present at a meeting of Smalls' court at Halfwind where they discussed an alarming development: the sudden appearance of a rabbit army approaching from the southwest. After some deliberation the council decided that, despite Smalls' initial plans to help defend against the expected attack of this force, it would be best if he continued to Kingston as planned.

Before the Fowlers go to defend Cloud Mountain, Picket mentions his uncle, wishing Wilfred was there because he would know what to do.

Unfortunately, Smalls chose to attack the slave camp, and his party was ambushed and decimated. Wilfred looked on as Smalls fought valiantly but watched with horror as he was run through and carried off by a Preylord. Badly wounded himself, Wilfred made his way back to Halfwind, triggering a perimeter alert in the process. Heather, Picket, and Picket's comrades in the Fowlers came upon him, and to them Wilfred delivered the dreadful news of Smalls' apparent death. Heather began attending to Wilfred's injuries, but soon departed in company with Perkinson to reach Cloud Mountain and ensure Emma's safety.

The remaining Fowlers carried Wilfred back to Halfwind's sickbay, where medics continued to tend to him. Picket then questioned him regarding the circumstances of Smalls' death, and then admitted that he had pled with Smalls to make the foolhardy attack. Though dismayed, Wilfred ordered Jo Shanks and Coleden Blackstar to prevent Picket from leaving. He then helped Picket recognize that, though he had acted wrongly, he could not hold himself entirely responsible for Smalls' actions or those of their enemies. Wilfred then urged his nephew not to abandon the fight but to carry on in Smalls' memory, particularly as they faced the looming menace of Morbin's enormous army. When Picket mentioned that they apparently had Bleston's support, Wilfred was deeply startled, but became unresponsive before he could explain his reaction. When Heather told the news to Lord Rake, he deemed that if Wilfred saw it, it was certain.

### *Ember Rising*

Wilfred is mentioned by Cole, who notes that his father confirmed the report of Smalls’ apparent death. He is later mentioned by Hewson, who noted that he and Wilfred disagreed on the feasibility of attacking and retaking First Warren. Picket later mentioned him to Weezie as he told her about his family and close friends.

### *Ember's End*

Having been healed through the ministrations of Jone Wissel with the last of the True Blue to be found at Halfwind, Wilfred led the remaining inhabitants of Halfwind to First Warren. Along the way they met Jo Shanks, who had just come from infiltrating the Terralain camp. The entire party then traveled to First Warren, where Wilfred broke in on Emma's council. After a happy reunion with Picket, Wilfred delivered dire news: the Terralains intended to attack First Warren at dawn, their force having swelled to twice its already massive size with Naylen's reinforcements.

While Emma led an envoy to the Terralain camp, Wilfred took charge of a party of rabbits heading to Harbone for safety. Unfortunately, he arrived to find the citadel in ruins, having been attacked by the Preylords, the Wild Wolf Pack, and members of Akolan's Longtreader Command in advance of the planned assault on First Warren. Wilfred aided the arriving Fowlers in wiping out the remains of the Wild Wolf Pack, along with all but one of the attendant "Wrongtreaders". He and Picket revealed themselves to the captive, who then delivered crushing news: that Heather had supposedly been killed by Garten.

Wilfred led the refugees of Harbone and Halfwind back to First Warren, where Emma expressed surprise at his vitality. The source was soon discovered to be Jone Wissel's use of True Blue, but unfortunately no more of the planet could be found for use on other rabbits. Wilfred later spoke with Helmer, and the two remarked about a bet they made back at Cloud Mountain concerning Picket. Wilfred also noted, with some distress, that Helmer was pained by a wound suffered due to Garten's treachery.

Wilfred soon joined the defense forces of First Warren, and bore witness as Picket killed King Farlock, noting that the miraculous move seemed familiar. Wilfred later took charge of a Royal Warrenguard force fighting back against a force of wolves, and was saved by the timely arrival of reinforcements under Picket and Helmer. After the end of the War for All Natalia, Wilfred joined Picket's family and closest friends—including a very much alive Heather—at the first Feast of the Mending. At some point, he married Helmer's widowed sister Airen, and the pair—according to Heather and Smalls' daughter Maggie—had fifteen adopted children, all of them war orphans.

## Physical appearance

Wilfred is a large, lean, muscular grey rabbit that is said to look similar to his brothers, Whittle and Garten.

## Personality and traits

Wilfred is a kind, good-natured rabbit, loving towards his family and unfailingly loyal towards his king and country. This love has not blinded him to the faults in those he loves, and in the case of Picket he is quick to offer needed reproof and counsel. After such correction, he is always quick to express his love and to encourage the miscreant to become better than they have been. Though devoted to his family, his loyalty to Smalls was his highest priority. Despite this, he also recognized Smalls' imperfections, though he did not let the mistakes of others diminish his opinion of them.

Regrettably, though Wilfred recognized he was not directly responsible for the death of King Jupiter, he did blame himself for failing to detect Garten's treachery. As such, he felt that he deserved the scorn of other rabbits, though he did not believe the same of his niece and nephew. He also took no comfort from Rake's attempts to alleviate his sense of guilt. Despite the shame upon his family name and hostility of others, Wilfred worked diligently to unify the Cause against Morbin Blackhawk. He was also determined to see the name of Longtreader rid of the stain Garten's treason had placed upon it in the eyes of many.

Though patient, Wilfred would contend with aggressive opponents when needed, refuting Captain Frye's slanderous comments and making his own remarks on the captain's oral hygiene. He was also grateful for Heather's compliments for his efforts, and impressed by her youthful wisdom.

Wilfred is a capable fighter, fearlessly facing off with the likes of Redeye Garlackson despite suffering injury. He possesses great strength and endurance, seen by his ability to carry the nearly full-grown Picket on his back with little apparent effort. Wilfred was also one of the few to survive and escape the ambush in the Shade Hills, a testament to his fortitude, though he was left badly wounded. He is skilled in both fighting with and throwing a sword, demonstrating the latter in executing what Heather termed "a perfect throw" to save Smalls. Wilfred is also a capable medic, and can imitate the call of a whippoorwill, though he admits that his is slightly too fast.

## Family trees

 - The Longtreader Family -

Note: Broken lines indicate relation through affinity or adoption or distant relation; unbroken lines indicate relation by blood.

 - Helmer's Family Tree -

Note: Broken lines indicate relation through affinity or adoption or distant relation; unbroken lines indicate relation by blood.

## Relationships

### Garten Longtreader

Garten was Wilfred's oldest brother and his superior in the Council of Seven Ambassadors; Wilfred has described himself as Garten's "right hand". In hindsight, Wilfred felt that he let his relationship with Garten blind him to his brother's treachery. In his view, Garten's actions should have aroused his suspicions and, had he not been so trusting, he might have prevented King Jupiter's death. His belief was that Garten turned against Jupiter when his focus shifted from serving the cause of the Thirty Warrens to his own position.

### Whittle and Sween Longtreader

Whittle is Wilfred's brother, and the two served together as Garten's lieutenants in King Jupiter's Council of Seven Ambassadors. Wilfred is close to both his brother and Whittle's wife Sween, though after the death of King Jupiter he was separated from the pair for many years.

### Heather Joveson

Wilfred first met Heather when she was an infant, shortly before her parents fled First Warren for Nick Hollow. They didn't meet again until many years later during Redeye Garlackson's attempt to capture the Longtreader family in Nick Hollow. Heather loved her uncle and grew to admire him, and was saddened by the things he had to endure when hew as so obviously a good buck. When Heather was having a hard time or did not know what to do, one of the very first rabbits she would turn to was Wilfred.

### Picket Longtreader

Wilfred loved Picket. He was slightly hash with the young buck over his attitude, which he believed was not okay. Picket got out of that, however, and later Wilfred comforted Picket's woes about causing Smalls' death, sharing some of himself with Picket and assuring Picket that he was not a traitor. When Picket needed someone to talk to, Uncle Wilfred was high on his list, and Picket would often wish Uncle Wilfred was with him.

### Smalden Joveson

**Smalden Joveson**: I'm not his natural son. He has...adopted me.

—*The Green Ember*, pg. 110 |  | ”

Wilfred was given charge of Smalls after the prince's father, Jupiter Goodson, was slain by Morbin Blackhawk. He both deeply loved and ardently admired the younger buck, whom he treated like his own son.

### Helmer

Wilfred and Helmer served King Jupiter together in the days of his reign, but after Jupiter's death their relationship became strained. However, Helmer was one of those who did not think Wilfred a traitor, and expressed willingness to fight in order to keep Wilfred out of prison. After fighting together in the attack on Cloud Mountain, they seemed to have rekindled their friendship, and made a bet concerning Picket. Following Helmer's death, Wilfred married Helmer's sister, making them brothers-in-law.

### Airen

After the end of the War for All Natalia, Wilfred sat with Airen, Helmer's widowed sister, at the first Feast of the Mending. The pair later married, and subsequently adopted fifteen war orphans.

## Trivia

* The name "Wilfred" is of Old English origin and means "desiring peace."
* According to S.D. Smith, Wilfred and Helmer's bet—mentioned in *Ember's End—*regarded whether or not Picket would perform well as a result of Helmer's training. He also indicated that Wilfred actually doubted Picket's potential, and thus lost the bet to Helmer.
* On his Goodreads Q&A page, S.D. Smith responded “Yes.” when a fan questioned whether Wilfred was ever married.

## References

1. ↑ [1]
2. ↑ [2]
3. ↑ https://www.goodreads.com/questions/1606098-was-wilfred-ever-married-or-do-we-learn