Rake

**L****ord Rake** was the leader of Cloud Mountain. He was the adoptive father of Emma Joveson.

## Biography

### Early life

Lord Rake was a close friend of King Jupiter and a trusted leader in the Thirty Warrens. In the latter capacity, he was with the army of the kingdom when it left First Warren on a diversion orchestrated by Garten Longtreader. As such, he was not present when the afterterrors took place, during which many rabbits—including unknown members of his own family—suffered greatly or were killed. Rake returned to First Warren too late to prevent them, but quickly set about doing what he could for the survivors and for the future of rabbitkind in Natalia.

Unlike Garten, Lord Rake was aware of a secret network of tunnels and caverns within Cloud Mountain that made perfectly suited to serve as a refuge for members of the Cause. In particular, he made an effort to convince farmers and artisans to join him on Cloud Mountain so as to create a community that embodied the ideals of the Mended Wood. Rake was also part of a council of surviving lords, joined by Lady Glen and Maggie Weaver, that gathered hastily in the aftermath of King Jupiter's murder. On Maggie's suggestion, Emma—Jupiter and Lady Glen's little known youngest daughter—was entrusted to Lord Rake's guardianship so that she could be brought up safely and secretly as heir to her older brother, Smalden Joveson.

Lord Rake was among the trusted few who knew of Smalls' true identity and thus fully trusted his guardian Wilfred Longtreader and Wilfred's brother Whittle, both of whom were suspected by many other rabbits of being in league with their oldest brother Garten. He was public about his ongoing confidence in the faithful members of the Longtreader family, and thus came to be seen by more ignorant members of the Cause as having been deceived by them. Rake also endured the trial of having Emma, his ward, suspect him of stealing her away from her parents. Fortunately, though his patient attentions and the aid of Maggie Weaver, who had by then joined the Cloud Mountain community, Rake was able to help Emma see the truth about his care for her.

Though Emma lived for a time in the village on the Cloud Mountain green, Lord Rake eventually welcomed her into his personal quarters on the mountain. Lord Rake slept in their shared common room and help meetings with the Cloud Mountain council and others in an adjacent conference chamber. Whether Rake was aware or not, this arrangement allowed Emma to eavesdrop on various conversations and thus remain well-informed about the state of affairs in Natalia. In spite of this, Rake was able to conceal a number of secrets from her for her own protection.

In spite of his association with the Longtreaders, Lord Rake was rightly esteemed for his role as leader of the Cloud Mountain community and an essential figure in the formation of the secret citadels. He was also the commander of all military personnel on Cloud Mountain, with Pacer serving as his lieutenant in the elite Forest Guard unit. Though it was hoped that Cloud Mountain would remain hidden from Morbin Blackhawk and his allies, Lord Rake spent years preparing for the possibility that it would be discovered and attacked. After the Cause suffered from a number of betrayals, it was made a law of Cloud Mountain that no newcomers could enter without Lord Rake's personal approval.

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

Lord Rake came to welcome Smalls, Wilfred, Heather, and Picket upon their arrival at Cloud Mountain, warmly greeting Wilfred upon seeing him. He called for Gort and Emma to join the group and broke the news of Tommy Decker's death to Wilfred's party. Upon seeing his fellow rabbits in the midst of grief, Lord Rake uttered the rallying cry of "It will not be so in the Mended Wood." He accompanied the newcomers inside, and spoke with Wilfred and Smalls briefly, promising to speak with Wilfred further when his friend remarked on the presence of Helmer.

Together with Smalls and Wilfred, Lord Rake raced to Helmer's rescue when his latest training exercise went awry. Afterwards, Rake berated Helmer for his continued recklessness, which on this occasion had nearly cost not only his own life, but that of Smalls as well. Though Helmer expressed the view that he should be exiled, Rake refused to do so and encouraged Helmer not to forget who he truly was. Sometime later, he presided over the calling ceremony in which Clove Halmond took Gloria Folds as her apprentice.

Lord Rake later helped Smalls rescue Picket from a guard whom he had provoked in a fit of anger, only to find the younger rabbit in an altercation with Helmer. Rake was stunned when, as Emma and Heather were helping Picket away, Helmer initiated a calling ceremony accepting Picket as his apprentice. Picket accepted before Rake could halt the proceedings, and after discussing the matter with Helmer Rake decided to allow the arrangement. He made the conditions that Picket would have brief visits with Maggie both before and after his training with Helmer each day, and that afterwards he would attend initiation with Heather in Lighthall. Lord Rake was present at the pair's first lesson, during which he and Wilfred went over part of the history of King Jupiter and their family's role in it.

Lord Rake covered the topics of King Walter Good, his sons Bleston and Jupiter, Jupiter's selection as heir, and the bestowal of the Green Ember upon him by his father. He also detailed, briefly, Jupiter's reign, including the Red Valley War and its climactic confrontation between King Jupiter and Garlacks, for which he was present. Rake also mentioned many of the Lord Captains, and the belief—ultimately false—that King Jupiter could not be defeated or killed. When Wilfred then told of Garten's betrayal, Rake was quick to protest the depth of guilt that Wilfred and Whittle both felt over failing to recognize and halt their brother's intent.

After Wilfred explained what Garten had done, and the shame it had brought upon their family name, Rake noted that they had the option of taking on another. Wilfred refused, expressing his determination to restore the name of Longtreader to honor, and Picket vowed that he would never use another name. Lord Rake then explained that many who were aware of the Longtreaders' identities were suspicious of them because of Garten's actions, particularly the personnel of the secret citadels. He was also quick to proclaim that none of them, including Wilfred and Whittle, deserved to be treated as such.

When Heather questioned what was depicted in the covered tenth window of Lighthall, Rake simply stated that, for the time being, it was incomplete. Shortly thereafter, a Citadel Congress was held at Cloud Mountain at Lord Rake's invitation, and rabbits from most of the citadels arrived to take part. Unfortunately, Garten's ongoing efforts to sabotage the Great Alliance he had once helped to build were telling, and there was much contention among various new arrivals and the inhabitants of Cloud Mountain. Jo Shanks and Lund, both of Halfwind Citadel, discussed the matter of the invitation with skepticism, being among those who believed the Longtreaders corrupt and Lord Rake to be a fool or a traitor himself.

Halfwind's Captain Frye was also contemptuous of the Longtreaders and expressed no regard for Lord Rake's defense of them. After the belligerent captain had a confrontation with Wilfred, rumors circulated among the Halfwind soldiers that the lords—including Rake—had narrowly voted to rebuke Frye for his aggressive behavior. Whether or not this was true, Frye filed a complaint with Lord Rake, of which Halfwind's Lord Ramnor was aware. This eventually resulted in a meeting between Rake, Ramnor, and Helmer in Rake's conference room, which unbeknownst to them was overheard by Heather and Picket.

At the meeting, Rake flatly refused to allowed Wilfred to be put on trial, both because of his awareness of Wilfred's innocence and because he felt that the Cause needed to overcome their disunity. Though Ramnor was sympathetic, he warned Rake that the citadels could take the Longtreaders into custody by force if necessary. Rake lamented the division among rabbitkind, and when Helmer placed the blame on "Longtreader", Rake was quick to assert that Garten, not Wilfred, was responsible. Afterwards, Rake took the stage in the Master Hall of Cloud Mountain to introduce Maggie, who spoke to the gathered rabbits.

When the Battle for Cloud Mountain occurred, Lord Rake joined in the defense, and joined Wilfred and Helmer in pursuing the invaders to the southeast. Lord Rake became separated from the other two during the chase and was eventually sought out by Helmer after it was learned that the attack was a diversion from an ambush laid for Smalls at Jupiter's Crossing. Using Rake's horn, they rallied a number of rabbit soldiers and joined them to those gathered by Wilfred and Heather. They arrived at the crossing just in time to witness Picket's spectacular defeat of two birds of prey and Redeye Garlackson, before charging in to rescue him and Smalls from a force of wolves.

At Lord Rake's suggestion, Smalls—now revealed as Jupiter's heir—called off the pursuit, making use of Lord Rake's horn both for this and later to call for a meeting of the lords and captains of his army. Lord Rake began making further preparations for the defense of Cloud Mountain, as its location and purpose had now been revealed to Morbin through Garten Longtreader. As a result of the battle and the Longtreaders' actions during it, Lord Rake's long support for them was vindicated.

### *Potter's War*

**Note:** *Because* Potter's War *has yet to be publicly released, Lord Rake's role in the story shall not be disclosed on this wiki. Should S. D. Smith ever choose to publish* Potter's War*, a complete summary shall be added. Thank you.*

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

Lord Rake took part in the failed mission to locate and rescue Whittle Longtreader, receiving a minor head injury as a result. Later, he would be among the attendees of a meeting of Prince Smalls' council and a number of soldiers and Cloud Mountain residents. The purpose of this meeting was to brief the attendees on plans to get Smalls to Halfwind Citadel and later to Kingston in hopes of completing the unification of the various factions within the Cause. Lord Rake noted during the meeting that, thanks to the issue of the Longtreader family being resolved, he and Lord Ramnor and been able to unify their intelligence-gathering efforts.

As part of this effort, Rake dispatched an advance force to Halfwind, only for them to run into a force of wolves not attached to the garrison at Decker's Landing. He also invited input from Maggie Weaver during the meeting, before turning matters over to Helmer. Rake, together with Lords Ramnor and Victor Blackstar, would be among those who would accompany the prince while Helmer took command of a smaller advance party. They would briefly be menaced by the Preylord known as Solus, but Helmer's party—most notably Jo Shanks—were able to eliminate the raptor and open up the way for all the surviving rabbits to reach Halfwind.

Some time later, Lord Rake joined Smalls' council at Halfwind after the Cause because aware of the unexpected approach of an unknown army from the southwest. Rake protested the idea that Morbin could have had a force of wolves in that desolate area, only to learn that it was composed of rabbits marching under a banner of a black sky filled with silver stars. Lord Rake expressed a willingness to call for reinforcements from Cloud Mountain but noted that it was another potential target if the strange rabbits proved hostile. He also consented to Heather and Picket, as well as Coleden and Heyna Blackstar, being brought in on the secret of Emma's true identity.

After Smalls' party left for Kingston, Lord Rake returned to Cloud Mountain in company with Pacer and the Forest Guard. Upon learning that the army of rabbits was led by Bleston, and that he possessed the Whitson Stone, Heather was shocked due in part to having believed that it was in the possession of either Smalls or Lord Rake. She would later lament not having him to turn to for advice, while Picket would contemplate Lord Rake's ongoing efforts to evacuate Cloud Mountain. Picket would later express the intent to leave Halfwind secretly so he could go to Cloud Mountain and speak with Lord Rake.

Heather later came to find Rake shortly before the Battle of Rockback Valley began and informed him of Smalls' apparent death. Rake then made her aware of the sheer size of the enemy force massed against them, and the two then made Emma aware of her true identity. Both then attempted to convince her to leave Cloud Mountain for her own safety but submitted to her wishes when she insisted that they proceed as planned. He spoke with Emma subsequently about her true identity and why he had kept the information from her, with Maggie Weaver later telling Emma of her own role in the plan.

After Emma's discussion with Maggie, Lord Rake arrived to inform them that the battle had begun and to check on Maggie's readiness as guardian of one of the secret passages into the mountain. Before going to oversee the mountain's defense, he expressed his regrets and love to Emma. Lord Rake was later captured on the plateau above Cloud Mountain by the Terralain forces led by Bleston and Garten Longtreader, having been told that Emma was already their prisoner. When she and Heather emerged from the mountain, he learned that he had been deceived, but their peril made the point moot.

Rake condemned Bleston for his treachery and for the so-called peace he intended to make with Morbin Blackhawk. When a bird killed by Picket crashed onto the plateau, Heather took advantage of the situation and attacked Perkinson, one of Bleston's agents. Lord Rake was able to grab his dropped sword and lead his forces in attacking the Terralains. However, when a Terralain archer fired an arrow at Emma, Lord Rake leaped into its path and took the arrow in his chest.

Sadly, the turmoil of the conflict saw Lord Rake die before Emma could get to him, either to provide help or to share parting words. When Emma agreed to allow Garten to depart Cloud Mountain, one of his lieutenants protested in light of Lord Rake's death. As Pacer had disappeared, Emma promoted Picket to the rank of captain and placed him in command of the Cloud Mountain defenses in Lord Rake's stead. Emma later commended the defenders for their bravery in spite of Lord Rake's loss and expressed the desire to give her own life in his honor.

### *Ember Rising*/*The Archer's Cup*

Lord Rake was mentioned in a session of the Lord's Council of Blackstone Citadel attended by Emma Joveson. Lord Ronan praised Rake as one of the best rabbits in the Cause, only to be informed of his death. This revelation, while devastating to Ronan, was not news to Matron Breelia Wilder, who had learned of it through her own intelligence network. In a later confrontation with Kylen, Emma refuted his accusations of treachery by noting that Rake was killed by one of Bleston's conspirators.

### *Ember's End*

Rake was mentioned by Picket Longtreader while he and Airen are discussing Helmer's past. Emma also expressed the wish that he were with her during the Siege of First Warren.

## Personality and traits

Lord Rake was friendly, being one of those who trusted the Longtreaders, and kind. He was brave; he leapt into the fight with Helmer's raptor dummies to save Helmer. Lord Rake loved the community of Cloud Mountain, was protective of them, wanted the best for them, and fought for them. He was very involved in Cloud Mountain's community as well, leading each assembly and listening to each inhabitant, and most loved him well. Lord Rake was brave and good; he eventually gave his life for his adopted daughter, to her great grief.

Lord Rake had no ability as a crafter, according to Emma.

## Physical appearance

Lord Rake was a tall, older rabbit with grey and white fur. He had an elegant bearing and was well dressed. He wore a gold chain with a bright pendant, a long sword with an elaborate silver hilt, a grey cape over a white tunic with a simple crest featuring two diamonds, the left red and the right green.

## Relationships

### Emma Joveson

**Emma (hugging him)**: My father.

—*Ember Falls*, pg. 263

Lord Rake was Emma's adoptive father and loved her very much. Lord Rake was proud of Emma's work as a doctor, and encouraged her. Emma confessed to Heather for a time she thought that Lord Rake had stolen her from her parents, but that Maggie Weaver changed her mind. Emma said that Lord Rake was a good guardian to her. Lord Rake knew that Emma was a princess, and hoped to see Smalls crowned and Emma a princess in the Mended Wood. He eventually traded his life for Emma, and Emma wept.

### Smalden Joveson

Lord Rake presumably knew of Smalls' identity before Heather and Picket did. Smalls offered to leave if it would help the safety of Cloud Mountain, and while Lord Rake acknowledged this it did not need to happen. Smalls was grateful to Lord Rake for sheltering his sister for many years. Lord Rake arrives at Jupiter's Crossing to save Smalls. After it is revealed that Smalls is the bearer of the Green Ember, Lord Rake addresses him as 'Prince Jupiter'. Lord Rake offered advice to Smalls but also listened to and respected the young prince.

### Wilfred Longtreader

Lord Rake and Wilfred knew each other well. Lord Rake was one of the ones who did not think Wilfred a traitor because of his Longtreader name, going so far as to defend Wilfred from those that did. When Wilfred arrives at Cloud Mountain, he and Lord Rake talked privately about many things. Lord Rake was of the opinion that Wilfred felt too much guilt over Garten's betrayal. Lord Rake refuses to turn Wilfred over to Lord Ramnor for a trial. He trusted Wilfred and agreed with Wilfred in many things.

### Heather and Picket Longtreader

When they arrive at Cloud Mountain, Lord Rake sees that they are well cared for. Lord Rake approved Picket's apprenticeship to Helmer, something that pleased him. He showed that he cared for the two, instructing Picket to be careful and assigning them to Maggie Weaver to help them. Lord Rake was part of Heather and Picket's initiation, telling them the story of Walter Good and Jupiter Goodson. Lord Rake was one of the rabbits Heather and Picket went to when they needed help. In the ensuing conflicts, he supported them and defended them from those who thought them traitors. While Heather and Picket were not very close to Rake, he was good to them and they appreciated him.

### Helmer

Lord Rake joined Wilfred and Smalls in rescuing Helmer from the raptor dummies. He then rebukes Helmer for being 'reckless', which angers Helmer. Lord Rake reminds Helmer of what he once was and could be again. He was not pleased about Picket's apprenticeship to Helmer. However, after Picket changes Helmer, Lord Rake has a better relationship with the lord captain.

## Trivia

* The name "Rake" is of English origin. It means "throat," and was a name given to those who dwelt in a narrow pass or on a hillside.
* At one point in development of *The Green Ember*, S. D. Smith was going to have Lord Rake be a dog, but changed this on the recommendation of editor James D. Witmer.

## References

1. ↑ [1]
2. ↑ [2]