Coleden Blackstar

*You are right here in your story. Don't skip ahead.*
Massie Burnson, *The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner*, p. 32
**WARNING: SPOILERS FOR *THE ARCHER'S CUP* ARE AHEAD; CAUTION IS ADVISED.**

Cole Blackstar, as pictured on the cover of The Archer's Cup.

**C****oleden "Cole" Blackstar** is the son of Lord Victor and Lady Blackstar and the twin brother of Heyna. He is a member of the Fowlers.

## Biography

### Early life

Cole enjoyed a happy but busy childhood, being trained in the mining, military, and courtly traditions of Kingston. He and Heyna, in their youth, also became acquainted with Lokson, son of their father's counterpart from Blackstone Citadel, Lord Lokken. Sadly, Cole's prowess as a fighter was of no use in their family's greatest personal tragedy. He was absent when enemy forces killed his mother, an event that brought much sorrow to the Blackstars.

Despite the loss, Cole remained firmly dedicated to the Cause. He and Heyna, who trained to fight after their mother died, became close friends to Prince Smalden Joveson and enjoyed several adventures together. Cole was also involved in special missions in the area of Kingston Citadel, and achieved the rank of captain despite his youth.

### *Ember Falls*

Cole arrived at Halfwind Citadel with his sister Heyna and their father, and they joined a meeting of Prince Smalden Joveson's council. Smalls later introduced the pair to Heather and Picket Longtreader, noting them as old friends of his. Lord Victor left the pair at Halfwind while he left with Smalls to return to Kingston. Cole was promptly recruited to fill a vacancy in the Fowlers under the command of Lord Captain Helmer.

Perkinson, one of the Fowlers, mentioned having met Cole previously, and noted that despite his reserved nature Cole was a formidable warrior. At Cole's first training session with the Fowlers, he spotted the first signs of the Attack on Halfwind Citadel, and tackled Helmer to the ground to save him from an enemy arrow. After briefly being pinned down by attackers, the Fowlers were reinforced by soldiers from Halfwind, though even then they were badly outnumbered. Following a short rest, Cole accompanied Helmer back out into the battle.

Halfwind's forces were saved by the timely arrival of the Terralain army under Bleston, who soon took command of Halfwind. Some time later, the Fowlers discussed secret messengers sent to other citadels at lunch, and Picket announced his intent to leave himself. Cole later joined his comrades at the Fowlers' training course, but they were interrupted when Helmer and Captain Frye arrive with word of a wolf force marching on Cloud Mountain. The Fowlers prepared to march with the rest of Halfwind and Terralain's forces, but volunteered to investigate a sentry warning.

The cause for the warning proved to be a badly injured Wilfred Longtreader, returning with dire news: Smalls has been killed and carried away by the Preylords. While Heather and Perkinson leave to see to the safety of Emma, Smalls' sister and chosen heir, Cole and the others took Wilfred back to Halfwind Hospital. After Wilfred shared the details of Smalls' apparent demise, Picket confessed to urging the prince to attempt his foolish raid. Cole and Jo Shanks, initially unwilling to meet Picket's eyes, stopped him from running away, and accompanied him to rejoin the force after Wilfred spoke to him.

Cole joined in the charge at Jupiter's Crossing as the rabbits engaged the wolf army, working with Jo to save Picket from an attacking wolf. Their group later retreated to Rockback Valley to regroup with their fellows. Upon finding that the Terralains have abandoned them, the bloodied bucks refused to give in to fear. Led by Picket, they took their places at the front of the army, and then charged into battle against the wolves.

The Fowlers briefly regrouped and, upon learning that there is no apparent hope of escape, Cole headed back into the fight. However, Picket was able to leave using a glider cape developed by Heyward, and secured aid that turned the tide. Many rabbits, Cole among them, were thus able to survive the intended massacre.

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

#### From Cloud Mountain to Blackstone

**Cole**: We'll do our best, Pick. Anyway, your task is far more dangerous than ours.

—*Ember Rising*, p. 51 |  | ”

Cole and Jo later led a group of other bucks into battle to reinforce a unit under Picket and Helmer, who were attacked by Terralains under Tameth Seer at Jupiter's Crossing. After forcing the Terralains to surrender and withdraw, the pair informed Picket that the remnants of Smalls' party—including Cole's father—had made it back to Cloud Mountain. They presented Picket with Smalls' scarf, and comforted him as he bemoaned his foolish counsel to the prince. As Picket and Helmer headed out on their own mission, Cole and Jo bid them farewell before leaving to join Emma. Acting as Emma's honor guard, the pair accompanied her on a tour of several of the secret citadels, beginning with Vandalia Citadel.

While stopped on the way to Blackstone, Heyna and Cole shared their history with Emma at her request, including the tragic fate of their mother Lady Blackstar. Emma, learning of their shared family connection, accepted the Blackstars as cousins, and insisted that they address her by name and not title in private. Cole, Emma, Heyna, and Jo then split from the rest of Emma's escort and made their way to Blackstone unaccompanied, while the rest of the group traveled to Corby, planning to rendezvous at Harbone Citadel. As the group neared Blackstone, Cole took the lead as a scout, silently directing the others with hand signals as they prepared a distraction to ease their entry into Blackstone.

Following Maggie Weaver's council, they acted the part of haughty courtiers, though Cole was quick to express his distaste for the role. After a bewildering encounter with Gallipot Grenda and an infuriating one with Lead Captain Truff, the four were escorted to spartan quarters near the Blackstone mess hall. Cole volunteered to stand guard on Emma's room while Heyna and Jo left to get food, while also expressing fear that it might become necessary to flee the hostile citadel. Lokson then appeared with his army, whom Cole and his companions briefly mistook for attackers. After a short talk, Lokson correctly guessed at Cole and Heyna's identities, with Cole recalling their childhood acquaintance.

Cole remained behind to guard Emma's room as agreed, and Heyna was quick to insist that he be relieved after she and Jo had eaten. However, their plans were interrupted when a messenger named Cleeve Hapson arrived with a supposed summons from Lord Ronan. The invitation proved to be false, with Matron Breelia Wilder being the true source of the message. After conversing briefly with Emma and her companions, Wilder left for a meeting of the Lord's Council. Cole urged that they get Emma out of the citadel, but Emma insisted on attending the council meeting. Unfortunately, the four then discovered that they have been locked in the room, and that someone had started a fire outside the door.

#### Division of Blackstone Citadel

Thankfully, they were able to escape and make their way to the Lord's Quadrant, where they burst in on the council meeting. During the discussion, the four learned that the citadel had been plagued by threats from a mysterious enemy calling themselves Bane Graveheart. Cole remained behind in the council chamber as Jo, Truff, and Lokson left to investigate a threat to the water gate mentioned in Graveheart's latest letter. After they returned, Cole suggested possible motivations for Graveheart's actions, though Matron Wilder was quick to condemn them as mere emotions. Wilder was soon arrested on suspicion of being Bane Graveheart, and Cole's party was led back to the mess hall for breakfast by new friend Amber Hewson.

Cole lay down to rest afterwards, and rose when Jo returned to their new quarters, advising him to get some rest. Heyna then arrived, and the three discussed Lokson's invitation for them and Emma to join him for dinner. After some banter, mostly at Jo's expense, Jo surprised the pair with the news that Nate Flynn and the Bracers had arrived to back them up, offering up Nate to take his place at the dinner. Cole and Jo then poked fun at Heyna, who wished she could find such a replacement, before the twins guessed shrewdly that Jo would seek to spend the evening with Amber Hewson instead. After their respective meals, Cole and the others informed Jo that he would be among Emma's representatives at a newly organized event: the Ultimate Archer's Cup.

Once they were alone, Cole correctly guessed that Jo's time with Amber went badly, but was puzzled by Jo's vague answers regarding her disinterest. He encouraged Jo, and the pair briefly discussed the matter of Bane Graveheart before their conversation turned to the tournament. Cole admitted to having made a wager with Captain Cheltham, Lokson's arrogant right-hand and Jo's principal competition, before urging Jo to prepare as best he can. Unfortunately, their sleep was interrupted by the Bracers, who brought word of Matron Wilder's escape. The bucks joined Lokson's army and the Blackstone forces in splitting into search parties, with Cole, Jo, Owen, and Studge joining a party led by Slimmo, Blackstone's head chef.

Being intimately familiar with both the workings of Blackstone and the surrounding area, Slimmo led the younger bucks to the shore of Black Lake, where they found Matron Wilder's secret boat gone. They were then forced to take cover from wolves patrolling the area, and Slimmo led the group to his hidden network of caves. After waiting some time for the wolves to leave the area, the group returned to Blackstone, and are updated by Amber on the situation. The next morning, Cole allowed Jo to sleep a bit later while he attended to various tasks, allowing his friend some rest before the Ultimate Archer's Cup was to commence.

#### From Blackstone to First Warren

**Coleden Blackstar**: You just sent our flag through a raptor sentinel, for one. That was very creative, by the way. And there are a few other things happening.

—*Ember Rising*, p. 406 |  | ”

Following a heated altercation with Cheltham as they entered the mess hall, the two encountered Slimmo as he was leaving on an errand of his own. Jo expressed the belief that Slimmo was in love with Matron Wilder and going after her, and the pair then joined Heyna, Emma, and Grenda at a table. After speaking to Grenda alone about Amber, Jo expressed disinterest in competing to Cole, who suggested that winning might at least bring Jo some comfort in the midst of his confusion. He then joined Emma and Heyna in the stands on the Blackstone common, watching in amazement as Jo made it through to the final round of the cup.

As the twins and Emma came to congratulate Jo, he and Amber informed them of another letter from Bane Graveheart; Emma tasked Cole with keeping Jo focused while she, Heyna, and Amber left to attend Ronan. Heading to the mess hall for refreshment, Cole and Jo were accompanied by Grenda, but their discussion greatly disturbed Jo. He charged Cole with locating Captain Truff, who had been absent all day, and Cole set out to do so. Failing to locate the missing captain, he collected Owen and Studge and headed to meet Jo at the Lord's Quadrant.

The three burst in just in time to help Jo subdue Slimmo, now revealed as Bane Graveheart, with Cole taking an unconscious Lady Elisabeth from the maddened cook while the others restrained him. After being restrained, Slimmo revealed the whereabouts of a drugged Truff, whom Cole promised to find after accompanying the soldiers escorting Slimmo to the dungeon. Later, at a ceremony where the now unified Blackstone rabbits pledged themselves to Emma, Cole congratulated Jo for his role in bringing it about. Nate then reported to Cole before being showered with adulation for winning the cup, which Jo forfeited by leaving to stop Slimmo.

Some time later, the twins and Jo rescued Emma when a secret meeting with Kylen nearly led to her murder at the hands of Tameth Seer. Cole later joined the vanguard of the Cause in the Battle for First Warren, fighting alongside Captain Frye before being reunited with Picket. The pair then came to the aid of Moonlight against Daggler and the Black Band. Cole engaged Daggler in battle but was outmatched, but saved by Helmer's timely intervention. Emma's court then arrived, and Lord Victor stayed behind to look after his son while the others enter the governor's palace. Doctor Zeiger would later inform Picket that Cole had survived the battle with only minor injuries.

### *Ember's End*

**Cole**: We aren't sorry to do our duty, Captain. But it was truly awful, and I'll never forget it.

—*Ember's End*, p 87-88 |  | ”

None the worse for wear after his participation in the retaking of First Warren, Cole was sent to spy out the Terralain camp along with Jo and Heyna. The trio managed to pass through the Terralain lines, Cole amusing himself at Jo's expense, and the trio witnessed the massive buck Tunk singing to himself and dancing while on guard. While Jo infiltrated Kylen's tent, Cole and Heyna set about sabotaging Terralain assets, all three later making a narrow escape from the camp using glider capes. Becoming separated from Jo, Cole and Heyna reunited with him and a party from Halfwind led by a recovered Wilfred Longtreader at the gates of First Warren.

Acting on intelligence that the Terralains intended to attack the following dawn, Cole and the other Fowlers escorted Emma to meet with Kylen. Cole and Jo reacted with amusement upon recognizing Tunk among the soldiers who came to meet them, and with Helmer safeguarded Emma while Picket was confronted by Prince Naylen. The trio remained outside Kylen's tent as Emma and Picket met with the prince. After witnessing an explosion in the direction of Harbone Citadel, the Fowlers traveled to investigate while Lallo, a messenger newly arrived from First Warren, escorted Emma back to the city.

The Fowlers arrived to find Harbone in ruins, the fleeing inhabitants under attack by the remnants of the Wild Wolf Pack. Cole and his comrades rallied the survivors in fighting back against the wolves, killing or driving them off. They began a cautious search of Harbone's ruins but were forced to abandon the task when it became too dangerous. As the younger bucks and Helmer discussed the sad circumstances, Wilfred appeared with a party that had been heading to Harbone, warning that another force of attackers was on its way. These enemies, a force of rabbits from Longtreader Command in Akolan, viciously assaulted the weary rabbits but were eventually overcome, with only one being taken back to First Warren as a prisoner.

Cole and Jo came to Picket's room the following day and awakened him with their debate as to whether or not they should disturb him. The trio went to observe Maggie Weaver's interrogation of their prisoner, who informed the Cause of the various phases of the imminent Siege of First Warren. They also accompanied Emma to see Missy Dreft, an aged apothecary who shared the history of Firstflower. Cole later took charge of training the newly formed Royal Fowlers Auxiliary.

On the day of the Siege of First Warren, Bannon questioned whether he should call for Cole during a discussion with Picket. Picket rejected the suggestion, knowing that it would fall to Cole to marshal the forces of Kingston in the temporary absence of his father Lord Blackstar. Cole arrived at the west gate of First Warren by glider cape, joining the various citadel lords in pledging the loyalty of Kingston's forces to Emma through Helmer. He and the other Fowlers later gathered with other young bucks as bait for a trap to destroy Morbin's ground forces, which sadly saw Helmer sacrifice himself to accomplish that task and to destroy a force of raptors that included two of the Six.

Just prior the final phase of the battle, Cole was among the remnants of Emma's council who gathered atop the old palace. Though the group had no real answer for Morbin Blackhawk, arriving at the head of the last wave of attacking Preylords, or for his fleet of wolves sailing down the River Flint, they resolved to continue the fight. Cole, Jo, and Picket led the Royal Fowlers Auxiliary into battle, and were among those fortunate enough to survive the last throes of the War for All Natalia. A year later, Cole was among the attendees of the first Feast of the Mending, joining other honored guests at a table set aside for the family and friends of Picket.

Some years afterwards, Cole joined King Smalden Joveson—who had been saved from the wound thought to have brought about his death—and his brothers Winslow and Whitbie Joveson in their search for the site for a Votive Sanctuary.

## Physical appearance

Coleden is a black-furred buck with a diamond-shaped white patch on his forehead. He wears a brown tunic with white sleeves, grey trousers, and a black cape. A patch can be seen on the shoulder of his left arm. He closely resembles his twin sister Heyna, the only notable difference between them being Cole's white forehead patch. He is about the same age as Heather and Picket Longtreader.

## Personality and traits

Cole is a reserved buck, well-versed in the affable etiquette of the court at his home of Kingston. Despite this, he can be quite friendly once he's gotten to know someone, joining in his fellow Fowlers' jokes and regarding them as brothers. He is also not afraid to ask questions or voice opinions.

Cole is a fearsome warrior, so skilled and fierce that growing up he had to train with groups of opponents rather than one-on-one. He is tall and strong-armed, while also possessing grace in battle.

## Family tree

 - The Blackstar Family -

\*Note: The identity of Lord Blackstar II and his relationship to Fleck Blackstar is currently unknown.
## Relationships

### Victor and Lady Blackstar

Victor Blackstar and his wife were Cole's parents, and he loved them deeply. Despite the demands of their noble positions, both of Cole's parents did their best to devote time to Cole and his sister. The loss of his mother sorrowed Cole greatly and remained a source of pain for many years afterwards. Victor did his best to comfort both of his children and did his best to assuage Cole's irrational feelings of guilt regarding the loss of their mother. Cole, in return, loved his father and held him in the highest esteem, though the fun-loving young buck wasn't above humorously imitating Victor among friends.

### Heyna Blackstar

Heyna was Cole's twin sister, and the two were very close growing up, sharing many experiences. These included happy times with their mother and the tragedy of her death. Accompanying their father to Halfwind Citadel, the pair were assigned to separate duties. Eventually, both became part of Emma's entourage as she toured the secret citadels, with Heyna acting as a lady-in-waiting and both of them acting as her protectors. The two of them eventually shared a powerful conversation with Emma regarding their mother's death, and thus came to act more casual around her while in private.

This openness included involving Emma in their friendly teasing of Jo Shanks. Fiercely protective of his sister, Cole bristled at the idea of Jo courting her, but his worries were quickly assuaged. Heyna, for her part, praised Cole's exceptional skills, though she was also quick to point out areas in which he was less adept. She quickly came to Cole's side after coming upon him wounded during the Battle for First Warren, but was content to leave him in the care of their father as she accompanied Emma. The two enjoyed some amusement at Jo's expense during their infiltration of the Terralain camp as well.

### Smalls and Emma Joveson

**Coleden Blackstar**: We are due some more, it seems.

—*Ember Falls*, p. 62 |  | ”

Cole and his distant cousin, Prince Smalden Joveson, were friends in their youth, particularly after Smalls was forced from his childhood home in First Warren. Together with Heyna, the pair enjoyed a number of escapades before Smalls openly declared himself to the members of the Cause. At Halfwind Citadel, Smalls made a point of introducing his two old friends to his new friends, Heather and Picket Longtreader, and was quick to support Helmer's proposal that Cole be recruited to the Fowlers. Later, after Picket's counsel led to Smalls' apparent death, Cole was horrified, but would afterwards affirm that Picket, Heather, and their uncle Wilfred were Smalls' "truest friends."

**Cole (imitating Lord Victor)**: It's hard for me, but I know it's a good decision. I trust you, Emma.

—*The Archer's Cup*, p. 11 |  | ”

Emma, who was also Cole's distant cousin and princess, first became acquainted with him and Heyna at Halfwind Citadel. It was not until after the Battle of Rockback Valley, when Emma learned the truth of her identity, that she and her cousins began to become close. Cole served as a member of Emma's honor guard, but in private moments began to open up around her. This was particularly in evidence when they journey to Blackstone Citadel, and Cole—like Heyna—agreed to address Emma by name in private.

Cole remained her stalwart defender as well, becoming angered on her behalf at the harsh treatment they received from Blackstone's residents. He would also join Heyna and Jo in coming to Emma's rescue when she was attacked by Tameth Seer. Later, Cole joined the other Fowlers in seeking to alleviate Emma's feelings of embarrassment over feinting while attempting to glide to the Terralain camp, helping to break the tension with his reserved wit.

### The Fowlers

**Smalden Joveson**: He would be an excellent choice.

—*Ember Falls*, p 63 |  | ”

Cole joined the Fowlers shortly after arriving at Blackstone Citadel, and soon found himself at home among the other young, skilled bucks. Helmer brought up the possibly of his addition to the unit during a meeting of Prince Smalden's council. Helmer briefly became annoyed with Cole's seeming inattention during their first training session, but Cole proved to be observing signs of an imminent attack and even acted to save Helmer's life. Cole would continue to serve under Helmer, often being entrusted with important positions such as serving as a personal guard to Princess Emma.

Upon having Daggler pointed out to him and his crimes against various rabbits, including Helmer's family, explained to him, Cole eagerly charged into battle against the villainous captain. He proved to be no match for Daggler, but Helmer intervened to save his life and bring an end to the sadistic rabbit. Helmer would also express his regret to Cole, along with Jo and Picket, after they were forced to endure the tragedy of the destruction of Harbone.

**Perkinson**: The Blackstar kid? Cole?

**Picket**: Yes.

**Perkinson**: I've met him a few times. He seems okay. Doesn't talk much, but he's a fighter. I know that. They don't raise any other kind down at Kingston. Especially Lord Blackstar's son. They are a rare breed.

—*Ember Falls*, p. 76-77 |  | ”

Perkinson had encountered Cole previously and respected him as a fighter in spite of his quiet, courtly demeanor. Cole seemed to have no issues with Perk, though the pair were only seen to interact in company with the rest of their unit. Nothing was seen of how Cole reacted to Perkinson's betrayal of the Cause.

Cole and Picket first became acquainted after arriving at Halfwind, and seem to have settled into an easy friendship based on their shared loyalty to the Cause. Picket was willing to confide in Cole, along with the other Fowlers, regarding his plans to leave the Citadel in secret. Later, Cole felt comfortable questioning Picket regarding their investigation of a signal sent prior to the army marching to Cloud Mountain. Cole was later horrified to learn of Picket's involvement in Smalls' supposed death but prevented him from fleeing at Wilfred's insistence. He also fought loyally alongside Picket during the Battle of Rockback Valley.

During a subsequent engagement with a party of hostile Terralains, Cole and Jo both helped Picket overcome the desire to strike a fatal blow against one of the enemy. They then presented him with a scarf of Smalls' sent to him by Emma, which caused him to break down in tears. Cole and Jo both spoke comfortingly to their friend, who in turn pled with them to see to Emma's safety. Later, during the Battle for First Warren, Picket and Cole embraced upon meeting in the midst of the conflict. After the battle, Picket was quick to inquire after Cole's safety, and was relieved to learn that he had not been seriously hurt.

After the attack on Harbone, Cole was reluctant to disturb Picket, whom he believed to be asleep, from what he expected would be his friend's final chance for rest before the Siege of First Warren. At the first Feast of the Mending, Cole was among those chosen to join Picket at a table of honor.

Cole may have formed the strongest bond with Jo Shanks, regarding him—like Picket—as a brother. This affection often manifested in the form of teasing and jokes at Jo's expense, whether along with the other Fowlers or with Heyna and Emma. He and Jo both came to Picket's aid during the Battle of Rockback Valley, and later in an altercation with a force of Terralains. As they accompanied Emma on her subsequent tour of a number of secret citadels, Jo respected Cole's privacy as he, Heyna, and their father had a heartfelt conversation with Emma.

The pair continued to engage in banter with Emma and Heyna as the four of them traveled to Blackstone. During the trip, Jo opened up to Cole regarding the subject of marriage, much to Cole's surprise. Cole briefly suspected that Jo might be interested in Emma, and disputed Jo's claims that he wouldn't be a worthy suitor. When Jo remained adamant, Cole came to suspect that he might have his sights on Heyna and treated his friend to an angry glare before his concerns were assuaged. The two would continue to work together, and with Heyna, to protect Emma during their time at Blackstone.

Cole's friendship would be expressed particularly in the form of moral support as Jo navigated several difficulties, from an infatuation with Amber Hewson to an antagonism with Cheltham. Though supportive, Cole also continued to poke fun at Jo and to aggravate him in certain situations, such as by informing him that he had made a wager with Cheltham regarding the outcome of the Ultimate Archer's Cup. During the search for Breelia Wilder, Cole risked his own life to save Jo from a fatal fall. He became greatly concerned when Jo began acting strangely just before the final round of the tournament, but heeded Jo's wishes and thus helped to avert tragedy.

After the cup had been decided, with Jo suffering disqualification due to pursuing greater priorities, Cole expressed sympathy despite Jo's contentment with the situation. The two and Heyna would later work together to save Emma from several Terralain soldiers, and again to infiltrate the Terralain camp in the Great Wood. Cole took great delight in shocking Jo during the operation, before solemnly bidding him farewell as they undertook separate tasks. Later, the pair would both be amused at the sight of a guard they had seen dancing while he thought nobody was looking, much to the astonishment of their companions.

## Trivia

* The name "Cole" is of English origin and is derived from the byname "Cola." It means "victorious" or "dark-skinned."
	+ Additionally, the surname "Blackstar" is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "blaecan," which means "to bleach."

## References

1. ↑ [1]
2. ↑ [2]
3. ↑ [3]