The Cause

The double-diamond emblem of Whitson Mariner, used as the symbol of the Cause.

### Purpose

To rid Natalia of Morbin Blackhawk's tyranny and reinstate the line of Jupiter Goodson as the true monarchs.

## Book information

### Appears

• *The Green Ember*
• *Ember Falls*
• *The Last Archer*
• *Ember Rising*
• *The First Fowler*
• *Ember's End*
• *The Archer's Cup*

Healing is on the horizon, but a fire comes first.
Bear the flame.

**T****he Cause**, or **The Resistance** (the members of which were known as the **Heralds of the Mended Wood** or derisively as **Causers**), was a group of rabbits loyal to the late King Jupiter and to his rightful heirs. They fought for the Mended Wood.

## History

### Origin

The Cause began as a number of secret citadels formed after the death of King Jupiter the Great to protect those loyal to Jupiter's line and the hope in his heir. They prepared in secret to overcome the wolves and birds, retake the cities under Morbin's possession, and free the rabbits there. This was done by training new soldiers, creating weapons, and fighting Morbin's armies. Some members of the Cause, however, participated instead in showing others why they must fight, like the inhabitants of Cloud Mountain and the Citadel of Dreams.

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

Lady Glen tells Heather and Picket that while King Jupiter is gone, his cause is still alive. Heather and Picket are sent outside so that their parents can talk to Lady Glen, and Heather jokingly tells her brother that she doesn't think King Jupiter's cause is picking berries.

Heather asks Mrs. Weaver what good the inhabitants of Cloud Mountain are doing, and why they should not all fight for King Jupiter's cause. Mrs. Weaver tells Heather that some are called to bear arms, but others are called to show the reasons why they must fight.

When Captain Frye accused Picket of treachery, he says that he would never turn traitor. Picket shouts that he would do anything for the cause, as they all would. During the assembly, Mrs. Weaver called on the rabbits of Cloud Mountain to be faithful and united in King Jupiter's cause. Uncle Wilfred told Heather and Picket that Garten had stopped thinking about the cause and instead about his place in it.

Just before the battle at Jupiter's Crossing, Picket thought of the cause they all believed in, that he was dying for. He calmed, and then planned out his attack. Afterward, Smalls became the open leader of the cause, which continued to be fragile.

### *Ember Falls/The First Fowler*

The forces of The Cause are still not united, and Prince Smalls aims for a citadel congress. There are wolves blocking the way out of Cloud Mountain, however. Helmer leads an advance team to distract Preylord Solus and the wolves, and Prince Smalls makes it safely to Halfwind Citadel.

Prince Smalls attempted to go to Kingston for a citadel congress, but fell in an attack at a slave camp. Emma became rabbitkind's new leader. The rabbits later defeated the wolves and birds in the Battle of Rockback Valley, and soon after Heather savei Emma from being carried off to Morbin's lair.

### *Ember Rising*

Princess Emma toured the secret citadels of Natalia, rallying them to her cause.

While in Akolan, Heather Longtreader spoke to the inhabitants of the Seventh District of the Cause, and how things were outside of the High Bleaks.

Helmer and Picket Longtreader entered First Warren, where they became acquainted with the resistance there. Soon after, they were able to begin the Battle for First Warren. Emma's army entered the city, and eventually overcame the wolves, birds, and traitor rabbits, and First Warren was liberated. Emma then addressed the city and announced a pardon for all rabbits who had been betrayers before but were willing to now join her cause. Many rabbits joined her on the stage, and she pardoned them all. A celebration then began.

### *The Archer's Cup*

Jo Shanks pledges his loyalty to Emma, saying that he will fight for her and for the cause until the Green Ember rises or the end of the world. Emma talks about how important the cause is, and how they must get those of Blackstone Citadel on their side. However, they are divided and reluctant to join Emma. Cole says that Emma has great value to the cause, and must not be lost. Amber also pledges her loyalty to Emma, saying that she would do anything to help Emma's cause. Slimmo tells Jo that he is a hero of the cause. Jo and Amber both express how much they want Lord Ronan to add Blackstone Citadel to the cause. Emma tells Jo that he must win the Ultimate Archer's Cup and represent Emma's royal cause. Lord Ronan eventually pledges his loyalty to Emma and the Cause, and the whole of Blackstone Citadel has a party.

### *Ember's End*

Knowing of the impending siege by Morbin's army, Princess Emma attempted to rally the Terralains to her cause. Unfortunately, they still thought her a witch and usurper, and would not help her, going so far as to attack First Warren along with Morbin, instead of helping defend as Emma had wanted.

On the day of the siege, the Terralains arrived at First Warren. However, Kylen and Naylen turned on Tameth Seer, and accused him of being a liar and being allied with Morbin Blackhawk. The ensuing fight led to Tameth Seer's death, and the Terralain army turned around and attacked the oncoming wolves, instead of First Warren. Kylen later returned the Whitson Stone to its rightful owner, Emma, apologized for all he had done, and pledged himself to the Cause.

After a long battle, in which both sides suffered horrendous losses, Prince Smalls, who had returned from the Tomb of Lander's Dragons and saved from a fatal wound, was able to kill Morbin Blackhawk with Flint's sword. The sword broke, as the last enemy had been killed, and the Mending began. The Cause had succeeded, and Smalls became king of the rabbits in the Mended Wood.

## Notable members

* Emma Joveson (former leader)
* Heather Longtreader (Scribe of the Cause)
* Helmer (Lord Captain of the queen's army)
* Picket Longtreader (war hero)
* Smalden Joveson (former leader)