Jo Shanks

*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.**

Jo Shanks, as pictured on the cover of The Archer's Cup.

**J****o Shanks** is a member of the Fowlers and a soldier of Halfwind Citadel.

## Biography

### Early life

Jo was born the son of a lowborn archer, who was forced to retire from military service at Halfwind after suffering an injury. His mother was killed during the afterterrors, and the loss deeply affected his father. Jo was orphaned some years after the death of King Jupiter, with his father dying in disgrace and having incurred heavy debts. Working hard to make something of himself, Jo joined the army and paid back what his father owed. He then began donating the same amount he had previously set aside for debts to the votaries to help widows and orphans.

### From Halfwind to Cloud Mountain

Shortly before the Citadel Congress at Cloud Mountain, Jo trained hard in hopes of winning the Archer's Cup. His friend Lund supported him, though he lacked Jo's confidence that he could hope to defeat Nate Flynn, leader of the elite Bracers unit. Despite this, Jo was determined to succeed, looking to prove his worth to himself and to a number of others. These included superior officers Captain Frye and Lieutenant Drand, who were annoyed by some of Jo's more slovenly tendencies and his obsession with the Archer's Cup.

After witnessing Nate training with the other Bracers and learning that the buck he looked upon as a rival was actually annoyed by the cup, Jo came to question the worth of the competition. However, Lund convinced him to take part, reminding him that it might be his only chance at becoming an officer. Jo performed well in the event, eventually ending up in the top three along with Nate. However, in the final round's battlefield simulation, Jo was beaten by Nate and placed second in the tournament. Captain Frye took this as evidence that Jo was unfit as a soldier, and told him so.

Despondent, Jo returned to his quarters, but received a surprise visit from Nate, who invited him to temporarily join the Bracers to fill in for an injured member. The group then traveled with Halfwind's forces to Cloud Mountain, where Jo and half the force sat down to eat while the rest went to set up camp. Jo met and befriend Gort, whose cooking he greatly enjoyed. Unfortunately, his presence displeased Captain Frye, and some soup he accidentally spilled on his superior ended up causing an accident involving Gort and Eefaw Potter.

On the way up to camp, Jo and Nate observed Helmer and Picket Longtreader training with swords, and also observed Heather Longtreader. Jo found her beautiful, but upon learning her family connection was quick to condemn her as a traitor. Later, Nate informed him that Frye had expressed displeasure at Nate's decision to bring him along, and encouraged Jo to validate Nate's choice by doing his best. After a brief conversation atop on of the Seven Standing Stones with Smalls, whom Jo confessed much of his history to without really knowing why, he and his comrades began exercises. The action was interrupted by the appearance of Wilfred Longtreader, and a confrontation between him and Frye was only prevented by Smalls' intervention.

Jo and the Bracers were later assigned sentry duty in a fort near Cloud Mountain, and spotted Kyle making his way through the woods. Upon investigating, they were attacked by a group of wolves, and Jo was knocked out while hesitating to fire a shot intended to save his teammate Junder. He awoke in Cloud Mountain's hospital, where he was attended by Emma; the two hit it off almost immediately. However, he was ashamed by his failure to take action during the fight, and frustrated when both Emma and Nate ordered him to remain in bed. Emma also intended to have him visit Maggie Weaver; before this could happen, the attack on Cloud Mountain occurred.

Though Emma briefly pleaded with Jo to help her defend the hospital, she relented and allowed him to join the countercharge against the wolves. Along with soldiers from the various citadels, Jo followed the wolves out of the mountain, only to be ambushed by them. Jo's comrades were all either killed or knocked out, and a badly injured Jo dragged himself away from the battlefield. He was found by Heather, who did her best to treat his injuries. When he accused her of being behind the attack, she denied it and encouraged him, leading him to doubt his previous judgment of the Longtreader family.

After Heather left him, Jo made his way back to the field, where he passed Heather's kindness along by tending to another wounded archer. He then spotted Heather rushing across the opposite side of the clearing, with wolves in close pursuit. Though it aggravated his own injuries, Jo shot several of the wolves and even shot a wolf archer's arrow out of the air, saving Heather's life. He then passed out as a result of blood loss, unaware that Heather would subsequently worry about his fate.

Fortunately, Jo and his comrades were found and received medical attention, and Jo soon found himself back in Cloud Mountain's hospital with Emma. He then learned from her that Smalls was King Jupiter's heir, and that Picket and Heather had helped save him. Despite the fact that he had played a major part in Heather's being able to do so, Jo did not disclose this to Captain Frye and Nate. While recovering, he read Heather's story of how Picket had saved Smalls.

### Return to Halfwind

**Captain Frye**: I'm glad you said that.

**Jo**: Thank you, sir.

**Frye**: It's ignorant, and it won't work, but it tells me something about you. It tells me where you are. Stay alert, Shanks. Get back in the fight. We're going to need bucks like you. Maybe very soon.

—*The First Fowler*, p 21 |  | ”

A few weeks after saving Heather's life on the slopes of Cloud Mountain, Jo Shanks awakened to his last day in the Cloud Mountain clinic. Emma gave him his last dose of medicine and informs him that she would be leaving for Harbone Citadel shortly. Jo realized what a great friend she had been to him while he had been lying sick in the clinic, and they bid each other farewell. Jo made his way to the Savory Den, eager to partake of its fine food after weeks on hospital meals.

While waiting in line, he witnessed an angry Gort scold and chase his apprentice Breshwack out of the Savory Den, after Breshwack put too many spices in a dish, and offered to help an old buck named Caldwell by bringing his meal to him. After seating him at a table, he made his way back to the line and meets Ricker, along with his bucks from Chelmsford Citadel, the former of whom commended him for helping Caldwell. Before they got a chance to eat, however, a Chelmsford officer informed Ricker that he had been assigned to a dangerous mission, and Ricker and his bucks immediately left in order to fulfill it, after saying goodbye to Jo. While attempting to go outside the mountain, Jo was approached by Captain Frye, who showed him the growing wolf garrison at Decker's Landing.

Making his way to the Cloud Mountain plateau, Jo reunited with the Bracers, and was tasked to shoot at a target to prove that he was fit both to return to duty and to make his once temporary placement among the Bracers permanent. Jo soon demonstrated his ability, shooting past the target chosen by Nate Flynn to strike another one that their comrade Owen had dropped on the ground at Nate's direction. The Bracers would soon be called to a meeting of several lords and captains to discuss a mission in which they were to partake: insuring that Prince Smalls made his way safely to Halfwind as part of a mission to eventually see him to Kingston.

Jo, Owen, and Studge were assigned to a small advance force led by Frye and Lord Captain Helmer, and were joined by Aubray of Vandalia Citadel and Emma and Heyward, both of Cloud Mountain. Jo was somewhat puzzled that Emma, the best medic among those traveling, was not assigned to Prince Smalls' larger party, but didn't question the decision aloud. The advance party proceeded along the route both groups would take, heading first in the direction of Vandalia as a decoy against any spies in the midst of the Cloud Mountain ranks. Upon reaching a stopping point, Jo took the opportunity to become acquainted with Heyward, whom he found likable but a rather baffling addition to their number.

Jo and Owen were tasked by Helmer, whom they both found more than a little intimidating, with scouting ahead on their route. They soon encountered a large force of wolves blocking their advance, in company with a large raptor whom Jo mistook for Morbin Blackhawk himself. Returning to their comrades, they reported on what they had seen, and were soon informed that they were dealing with a kite rather than Morbin Blackhawk. After some discussion, it was decided that the group would split in half in order to try and divert the wolves and their raptor leader out of the path of Prince Smalls' party.

Jo, Emma, and Heyward ended up in Helmer's company, and after making another scouting run solo Jo was chosen to act as bait for a group of wolves. Acting as though he had collaborated with the garrison previously, he told the wolf leader Black Stripe the supposed location of the rabbits who had left him as prey for the wolves. Unfortunately, though several wolves left in response to this ruse one archer, by the name of Bant, stopped to examine Jo more closely. He then informed his leader of Jo's miraculous shot from the battle, revealing that he had been the archer whose attempt on Heather's life Jo had thwarted.

Fortunately, Jo's appearance of a victim bound helpless to a tree was part of his act, and a mechanism rigged up by Heyward pulled Jo safely out of harm's reach as he and Helmer dispatched the few remaining wolves with arrows. Jo, Helmer, and Emma then spied on the wolf camp from the top of a tree, only to see the Preylord, Solus, fail to fall for the ruse engineered by Frye's party. The raptor then swooped down on the four rabbits, killing Aubray and forcing Jo's party to find a hiding spot in order to avoid being spotted themselves.

Having failed in their diversion, Jo became resolved that there was only one way to stop Solus from hunting them: to hunt him. Working together, he and his three comrades created an explosive that they set out to attach to the raptor. In the process of traveling to their ambush point, the group found Owen, who had become separated from the rest of his group and soon joined in on their plan. Acting at Jo's suggestion, the rabbits set another trap with Jo as bait, only for Solus to catch wind of their plans and attack his concealed comrades. Fortunately, Helmer was able to attached the explosive, and Jo was able to save Emma from falling to her death.

After being rescued from a fatal fall of his own by Helmer, Jo got into position as Smalls' party appeared in the distance and Solus swept down on them. Lighting one of his arrows, Jo loosed it at the Preylord, striking the explosive package and destroying the cruel hunter. Jo's group joined up with the prince's, and they were later joined by Frye and Studge, who had survived their own encounter with Solus. Upon arriving near Halfwind, Helmer introduced Jo to his apprentice Picket, and Smalls honored Jo with the title of "fowler." Helmer then invited Jo to join his training sessions with Picket, both younger bucks reacting with discomfort at Helmer's obvious anticipation.

### The Fowlers

After Helmer formed a new combat unit, the Fowlers, Jo and Shanks were joined by Heyward and Perkinson, son of the legendary Perkin One-Eye. When Heyward spectacularly botched one of their training sessions, Helmer dismissed him from the unit, something that Heather-the group's newly assigned medic-took him to task over. Jo, ever grateful to Heather for saving his life, defended her when Helmer expressed annoyance at her presence. Some time later, Jo took part in another training session in which the Fowlers were joined by new arrival Coleden Blackstar, only for an army of wolves to attack.

Jo took an arrow through his arm during the fighting, and while Helmer instructed Picket to remove it, he also ordered Jo to head into the citadel to have it seen to. Jo was thus present in Halfwind Hospital to help save Emma, new head of Halfwind's medical staff, and her colleagues and patients from several of the invaders. Halfwind is later saved by the arrival of the Terralain army under Bleston. For some time afterwards, Jo was required to visit the hospital to have his arm examined and the dressing changed by Emma and Heather. During one such visit, Jo questioned the need for this treatment, only for Emma to snap at him over the matter.

As Heather attended to Jo's arm, he apologized for his flippant remarks, and the two briefly discussed the changed state of affairs at Halfwind. Jo proved to be among the many rabbits impressed by Bleston's leadership, which irked Heather due to her strong loyalty to Smalls. In a brief fit of anger, she pulled Jo's dressing painfully tight, for which she apologized before dismissing him. Jo subsequently joined the other Fowlers for a meal in Halfwind's mess hall, where they discussed the failure of several messengers to return from missions to Cloud Mountain and Kingston. Shortly after Picket announced his intention to leave for Cloud Mountain himself, Bleston's son Kylen arrived with Captain Valter and Tameth Seer to bring Picket to an audience with his father.

During another training session with the Fowlers, Jo arrived last and was thus tasked with setting up obstacles on the Fowlers' training course. Before and during this incident, he was subjected to some mockery from his comrades over Heather and Emma's treatment of his injured arm. The Fowlers were interrupted when Helmer and Frye arrived with news that Morbin's wolf armies were marching on Cloud Mountain, and that the Halfwind and Terralain forces would be marshalled to defend the resistance stronghold. As the armies prepared to depart, the Fowlers observed Picket's nervousness, but later accepted his instructions to rest while they waited to deploy. Jo and Cole both laid down on the ground, with Perk later teasing that he thought Jo had actually gone to sleep, prompting him to leap irately to his feet.

After a distant signal was heard, Picket volunteered the Fowlers to investigate the matter, and the group-including Heather-came across a badly wounded Wilfred Longtreader. He brought the tragic news that Smalls had apparently been killed while attempting to liberate a slave mining camp. While Heather and Perk left to bring this report to Cloud Mountain, Jo joined Cole and Picket in carrying Wilfred back to Halfwind for further treatment. After hearing the account of Smalls' death, Picket confessed to encouraging the prince to make the ill-fated attack, and both Cole and Jo were briefly unable to meet his eyes at the admission. When he prepared to flee the hospital, however, the two responded to Wilfred's instructions and stopped him, bringing him back to Wilfred's bedside. Wilfred's loving admonitions helped Picket face his guilt and grief, and the three Fowlers swiftly traveled to Cloud Mountain to rejoin the rest of the army.

The next day, Jo joined Picket, Helmer, and Cole in traveling with a force to Jupiter's Crossing, where they attacked a camp of Morbin's wolf forces. Jo fought alongside his two friends, making use of his archery skills to provide cover for them from an abandoned cart. They were soon forced to retreat to Rockback Valley where the rest of the Halfwind army waited. Unfortunately, the Terralain forces that were meant to come to their aid failed to appear, and the Halfwind rabbits soon found themselves surrounded and cut off from escape. Some of Jo's comrades despaired, but the Fowlers led the advance force to the new frontline to face the advancing wolves, inspiring the same courage in the remainder of the army.

Jo and Cole were briefly surprised when Picket charged the enemy wolves, but soon followed him into battle. Jo came to Picket's aid as he challenged General Flox, thwarting the white wolf's attacks and enabling Picket to cut him down. The pair and Cole eventually fell back to the rear of the army, and discussed their dire situation with Helmer and Frye. Jo and Cole soon charged back into the fight, but Picket was instead dispatched by Heyward to Cloud Mountain. This action brought much-needed assistance from the Forest Guard to the Halfwind troops, enabling them to force the wolf army back.

### From Cloud Mountain to Blackstone

**Emma Joveson**: It was kind of your idea, Jo.

—*The Archer's Cup*, pg. 6 |  | ”

Thanks to a brave sacrifice on the part of Heather, who allowed herself to be carried off to Akolan in place of Emma, now revealed as Smalls' sister, the rabbits at Cloud Mountain were given a reprieve to enable them to evacuate. Jo and Cole took charge of a group of soldiers traveling to Jupiter's Crossing, and arrived just in time to help Helmer and Picket's party deal with a force of attacking Terralains. Their intervention helped Picket resist the temptation to kill a Terralain soldier he had been fighting, and the Terralains subsequently departed under a three-day truce. Jo and Cole then shared news that Lord Victor Blackstar had returned, bringing with him confirmation of Smalls' apparent death and some of the prince's possessions.

On instructions from Emma, Jo and Cole delivered a scarf that had belonged to Smalls to Picket, causing their friend to break down in fresh grief. After receiving consolation from them, Picket asked Jo to keep watch on Emma, with Helmer adding that Jo must encourage the princess in her new role. Jo and Cole subsequently joined Emma's honor guard as she traveled to Vandalia Citadel, where the group spent some time before traveling towards Blackstone Citadel. Emma subsequently asked Jo's advice regarding a problem she was considering, and he encouraged her to "aim for the heart". Responding to his counsel, Emma had him bring Lord Blackstar to see her, and then announced her intent to continue to Blackstone to arrive there ahead of schedule.

Splitting off from the rest of the party, Jo traveled towards Blackstone with Emma, Cole, and Cole's sister Heyna. On the way, Jo and Cole discussed love and marriage, with Jo wondering if he should be looking for a partner in the midst of such urgency as the war. When they arrived at Blackstone, they lit small, controlled fires to distract the citadel's perimeter guard, then approached the main gate. Although at first the two remaining guards were startled and disgruntled by the appearance of Emma's entourage, eventually they consented to let them enter, with the elder of the two leading them to a chamber, then leaving to alert Lord Ronan of their arrival.

It was not Ronan who entered the chamber, however, but an old doe named Gallipot Grenda, who warned them that Ronan was very ill and that Blackstone was on the verge of collapse thanks to a series of threatening letters. Next to come was an extremely agitated Captain Truff, who told Emma that she was welcome to attend their post-breakfast council, then left. A younger officer than arrived to escort the group to their quarters. Emma lay down for a bit, while Jo and Heyna resolved to go eat. Their plans were interrupted, however, by the somewhat intimidating approachment of a pale red buck and his army. The red buck introduced himself as Lokson, the son of Blackstone's lord before Ronan, whom Lokson was trying to usurp. Lokson claimed that he had come to ensure that Emma was safe, and introduced Jo, Cole, and Heyna to his captain, Cheltham, a fellow archer to whom Jo took an almost immediate dislike. Lokson invited the group to breakfast with him, then leaves.

Jo and Heyna met Lokson and his army in the mess hall, where Lokson introduced them to Slimmo, a tall, friendly chef who was liked at once by the two younger rabbits, Jo especially. After they ate, Slimmo invited Jo into his kitchen, where he served him energizing blackroot tea and told him about the history of the "forbidden" substance, including the place where it grew, Black Lake, which was off-limits to the rabbits of Blackstone. Slimmo was interrupted by Heyna, who called on Jo to return to their quarters. Before they could leave, however, they were met by Cleeve Hapson, a messenger sent to inform Emma that her presence had been required by Ronan. As Heyna exited to fetch Emma, Cheltham informed Jo that Cleeve was in league with one of Blackstone's most forbidding forces, Matron Wilder's faction.

### Division of Blackstone Citadel

**Amber Hewson**: Then you will be disappointed. And that makes me feel so very awful. I'm sorry, Jo. Please forgive me.

—*The Archer's Cup*, pg. 154 |  | ”

Emma, Jo, Cole, and Heyna followed Cleeve to Blackstone's hospital, where they were met by a frightened Grenda, the elderly doe from when they first arrived at the citadel. Grenda warned Emma not to trust "her," just as Matron Wilder entered the hospital with her guard. Matron Wilder had Grenda removed, then, asserting that she spoke for Ronan, led Emma's entourage into an adjoining room. Wilder sparred verbally with Emma, who was furious that the older doe wouldn't let her attend to the ill Ronan. Just as things seemed about to escalate, Wilder's captain Devert entered through a secret door and informed her that Ronan had called an immediate council. Wilder told Emma that she might attend the council, then left through the secret door, leaving the princess and her company alone in the locked and sealed room.

A fire was lit from outside, and smoke began to creep in from under the door. Jo hacked at the lock on the door with his sword, then rushed the door. It gave way, and all four rabbits burst out. Though singed and tired, they made it to the Lord's Quadrant and were admitted to the council. Ronan apologized for his citadel's conduct, claiming that he had only just learned of Emma's arrival. Jo quickly noticed the presence of a beautiful doe scribe, Amber Hewson. During the council, Ronan told them about Blackstone's keymasters: Matron Wilder, Lokson, Truff, occasionally, and himself, who had access to three different citadel gates. Due to the placement of the most recent letter, which was pinned to his wife Elisabeth's pillow, Ronan believed that Bane Graveheart was one of the keymasters. As the council members fired shots at one another, Lokson suggested holding an event to boost the citadel's morale; namely, an archery competition. Suddenly, Ronan's wife Elisabeth burst in, bringing a new Bane Graveheart letter threatening the imminent destruction of the water gate.

Lokson and Cheltham made haste for the underground water gate, followed by Truff, his soldiers, and Jo. Lokson, Cheltham, Truff, and Jo passed through, finding a lit blastpowder keg within. Cheltham extinguished the fuse with a damp arrow - a shot that Jo failed to make - and they read yet another threatening letter pinned to the keg's rim. The four returned to the council room, where they found that Ronan had retired to his chambers. Accusations flew between the gathered keymasters once again, with many of the jabs aimed at Matron Wilder as her alibi weakened. The last straw came when Matron Wilder accidentally misnamed one of Ronan's children, prompting Truff to arrest her.

As Matron Wilder was led away, Amber Hewson accompanied Emma, Cole, and Heyna to the mess hall. Jo attempted to make conversation with Amber as they walk, but their interaction was awkward, and Emma rescued Jo by inquiring after Amber's family at Harbone Citadel. In the mess hall, a lovestruck Jo continued to observe Amber; he eventually blundered and fell, making a mess as a result of his distraction. Slimmo saved Jo, taking him into his kitchen, and the two discussed love. Slimmo revealed that he was deeply in love with a doe in his youth, but that her love for him died; he encouraged Jo to act on his feelings for Amber while he could. While in the kitchen, Jo noticed a pile of soaked clothes in Slimmo's laundry bin - which Slimmo claimed were wet with sweat - as well as the symbols B+G=♥ carved into a crate. Jo and Slimmo chatted for a bit longer over blackroot tea, then Jo left to seek out Amber.

Jo searched for Amber in Blackstone's common, but was unable to locate her. Jo also had a chance meeting with his old friend Nate Flynn, who had come with the Bracers to supplement Emma's entourage, and the two bucks caught up. Back in their quarters, Jo made plans to woo Amber. In the mess hall, Jo met with Slimmo, who led him to a table at which Amber was seated. Amber allowed Jo to sit with her and they had dinner together, compliments of Slimmo. After the meal, Jo attempted to tell Amber of his feelings for her, but Amber cut him off by revealing that while she did care for him, she was already engaged to Lokson.

### The Ultimate Archer's Cup

A confused and dejected Jo reunited with Emma and the Blackstars, who informed him that he would be representing The Cause by taking part in an elite archery competition the next day. Later that night, Jo and Cole were roused by Nate Flynn, Owen and Studge, who told them that Matron Wilder had escaped. The bucks assembled in the mess hall with the others, where Ronan's wife Elisabeth gave Ronan's keymaster key to Captain Truff and begged them all to find Matron Wilder and eliminate Bane Graveheart's threats. The bucks split up, and just as Jo, Cole, Owen, and Studge were about to go search, Jo was hailed by Slimmo, who asserted that he might know where Matron Wilder had gone and urged them to come with him.

Reluctantly, the four bucks followed Slimmo out of Blackstone Citadel. Slimmo said that he believed Wilder had a fallback base near Black Lake, to which he led Jo and his friends. On the lake's shores they found tracks, from which Slimmo deduced that Wilder had fled by boat. Just as they began pursuit, they spotted a group of wolves nearby. To escape the wolves, the bucks fled to Slimmo's Warren Fortress. While they waited for the wolves to pass, Slimmo showed Jo where he grew blackroot; coming back from the room, Jo happened upon a shrine-like place, where, once again, he spotted the carving B+G=♥. Slimmo joined him and explained that the room was dedicated to his lost love, whom Jon secretly assumed was Matron Wilder.

Some time later, Slimmo, Jo, Cole, and the Bracers returned to Blackstone Citadel. They were met by Lokson, who was testy on account of hearing of Jo's attraction to Amber. The bucks, minus Lokson, met with Amber, who revealed that Matron Wilder left behind a letter explaining that while she was not Bane Graveheart, she would never return to Blackstone. Cole and the others left for bed, but Jo once again attempted to explain to Amber his feelings for her. Again, Amber refused him, asserting that she must keep the promise she made to Lokson. Still confused, Jo wandered the citadel for an hour, during which time he resolved to win over Amber once and for all by winning the Ultimate Archer's Cup the next day.

The next morning, Jo readied himself for the competition despite Cheltham's continuous attempts to intimidate him. In the mess hall, he spoke once more with Slimmo, who revealed that he was preparing to win back his love. Thinking that Slimmo was going after Matron Wilder, Jo wished the cook luck. He also talked with Gallipot Grenda, who, having heard of Jo's pursuit of Amber, gently reminded him that love was not something that could be forced. His confidence all but drained, Jo entered Blackstone common, where he familiarized himself with his competition. Shortly, the Ultimate Archer's Cup began. Jo aced his first shot and made it to the second round, which was more difficult, with all but Jo, Cheltham, Lokson, and Nate Flynn being eliminated.

Just then, a worried Amber approached Jo, bearing yet another Bane Graveheart letter, this one threatening death and the citadel's destruction at nightfall. The archers took a break before the final round, and Jo and Amber informed Emma, Grenda, and the Blackstars of the news. Emma, Heyna, and Amber left to join Lord Ronan, while Jo, whom Emma told to stick with his task of winning the cup, along with Cole and Grenda made for the mess hall. On the way, Grenda received a compliment from Buster Harvey. In the mess hall, Grenda explained that Buster earlier mistook her for Matron Wilder, a comment Grenda resented, as she had never believed Matron Wilder beautiful. Cole commented that Grenda was as beautiful as Lady Elisabeth, to which Grenda responded that while they shared the same fur color, they had nothing else in common, adding that Elisabeth had many suitors in her youth.

### Bane Graveheart and First Warren

Jo contemplated what Grenda had said, his mind suddenly putting two and two together. Realizing from all that he had seen and heard that Bane Graveheart was Slimmo, Jo ordered Cole to find Truff and ordered Grenda to collect every antidote she could, telling them both to meet him in the Lord's Quadrant. Jo then hurried for the Lord's Quadrant himself despite the announcement that the final round of the Ultimate Archer's Cup was about to begin. Passing by the unconscious guards at the Quadrant gate, Jo entered Ronan's family chambers, where he found Emma, Heyna, and Amber, who were paralyzed but conscious. Terrified but determined, Jo pressed on.

Suddenly, Slimmo leapt out from behind a pillar, blowing poison darts at Jo. The archer dodged Slimmo's attacks and tried to reason with him, but the cook was crazed with his determination to kill Ronan and take Elisabeth for his own. Slimmo questioned how Jo knew he was Bane Graveheart, and Jo explained that the blackroot tea, Slimmo's supposedly sweaty clothes, the first lit blastpowder barrel, and the Ultimate Archer's Cup all helped him realize. Slimmo responded bitterly, asserting that he believed he could trust Jo due to the younger buck's own love for Amber; but Jo related to the cook the advice he himself had been given: that love could not be forced. Nevertheless, Slimmo pressed on with his plan, seizing Elisabeth's drugged body and preparing to kill the unconscious Ronan.

Just as Slimmo was raising his sword, Jo fired an arrow that flew through the rings of the cook's apron and found the wooden column behind, pinning Slimmo. The older buck cut himself free, but was immediately charged by Jo, who wrestled away his sword. Finally, Cole arrived, followed by Owen and Studge, all of whom helped Jo subdue a furiously struggling Slimmo. Jo convinced Slimmo to tell them how to relieve the rabbits he has drugged, and the cook also revealed that the blastpowder barrels he'd scattered around the citadel were only filled with pepper. Grenda began moving the drugged rabbits to the hospital, with Slimmo adding that Truff was drugged and locked in his secret pantry. Slimmo was taken away just as Lokson burst in and informed them all that Cheltham and Nate Flynn were still in the competition.

A day later, Jo and his friends looked on as Lord Ronan pledged his support to Emma and the Cause. It was also announced that Grenda had taken Matron Wilder's place as keymaster and that Nate Flynn had won the Ultimate Archer's Cup. A few hours later, Jo visited Slimmo in his detention cell and took him to Blackstone's main gate. There, he informed Slimmo that he had arranged for him to go with a group of votaries and Lokson, who had renounced his claim on the position of Blackstone's lord, and his army to Halfwind Citadel. Slimmo was thrilled and deeply grateful about this venture, and he bid Jo a tender farewell. Finally, Jo reconciled with Lokson, and they both admitted their own shortsightedness concerning Amber. Lokson even offered his place as keymaster to Jo, but the archer refused, asserting that his true place was beside Emma. Jo and Lokson therefore said their goodbyes, with both bucks expressing a desire to see the other, after the war was over, safe in the Mended Wood.

Jo was among the resistance forces involved in the Battle for First Warren, joining other archers in taking position atop First Warren's outer wall. He would later be the last of these archers to remain active despite repeated attacks by at least one of the city's raptor sentinels, whom Jo struck with multiple arrows before nearly being knocked from atop the wall. Recovering his footing, Jo was able to slay the raptor with his last arrow, only to be sent tumbling when the dead bird crashed into the wall beneath him. He was saved from a fatal landing by Picket, who arrived to help using a glider cape. Jo suffered some injuries as a result, as Doctor Zeiger later reported to Picket after the battle's conclusion.

### Trouble with Terralain

Recovered from his battle injuries, Jo joined the Blackstar twins in a mission to infiltrate the Terralain camp, which had been established a short distance from First Warren in the Great Wood. After observing the startling sight of a sentry named Tunk dancing and singing to himself, the trio made their way into the camp proper. While the Blackstars set about sabotaging Terralain assets, Jo infiltrated Kylen's tent and helped himself to a number of papers containing important intelligence. He also observed a conversation between Tameth Seer and Kylen's newly arrived brother Naylen, and thus learned of Heather's supposed death at the hands of Garten Longtreader.

Once the pair left, Jo left a note for Kylen under his throne before accidentally alerting the Terralain royal guard to his presence. Having lost his knife, Jo took one with a decorative hilt from Kylen's arsenal and cut his way out of the tent. Rejoining the Blackstars, the trio escaped the camp using glider packs, though Jo's was damaged by Terralain arrows and he only made it partway back to First Warren. He was then intercepted by a party of armed rabbits, but was soon relieved to discover the leader was none other than Wilfred Longtreader, whom he had believed dead. Jo joined Wilfred's party and the group made their way to First Warren, meeting up with the Blackstars and interrupting a meeting of Emma's council with dire news: the Terralain army, reinforced by fresh troops under Naylen, intended to attack the city at dawn.

Despite his recent ordeal, Jo insisted on accompanying Emma and the other Fowlers to the Terralain camp by glider pack, though he was disappointed when Emma ignored his offer for advice on flying. He later came to her and Picket's assistance when she fainted midflight, and joined in the effort to comfort her over the embarrassment. Jo was somewhat perturbed when Cole referred to Helmer as the founder of the Fowlers, rather than Jo himself, but was soon tasked with helping the older buck recover from his own rocky landing. The group made their way to another rooftop to get airborne again, and Jo helped a limping Picket in gratitude for his friend's assistance during the Battle for First Warren.

Finally, the group arrived near the Terralain camp and were taken into custody by the hostile soldiers, who marched them in to meet with their leaders. While en route, they were joined by a group of guards that included Tunk, much to Jo and Cole's amusement. Jo made it clear to Tunk that he had observed the other buck during his earlier infiltration, before expressing the hope that their respective forces wouldn't meet in battle. Jo then watched as Picket was attacked by Naylen, only for his friend to emerge triumphant and show mercy to the Terralain prince.

Jo remained outside Kylen's tent with Helmer and Cole while Picket and Emma met with Kylen. They were soon joined by Lallo, a messenger from First Warren with news of an imminent attack by Morbin's forces. An explosion rocked the camp, and the Fowlers realized that it had come from the direction of Harbone Citadel. As the Fowlers prepared to investigate and Emma left for First Warren, Naylen appeared with word that the Terralain army would attack in three days' time. Jo then instructed Naylen to look under Kylen's throne for his note, displaying his stolen knife as evidence that he had been inside the tent and spared Kylen when he could easily have killed him.

### The fall of Harbone

Jo and his comrades traveled to Harbone, spotting a convoy of raptors departing the scene as they arrived, and quickly came to the defense of the devastated citadel's surviving inhabitants. Though heavily outnumbered, they fought back against the Wild Wolf Pack, eventually killing or driving off the ragged remains of the wild enemy. Jo, Cole, and Picket then turned their attention towards searching Harbone's ruins for survivors, but were eventually forced to give up due to the instability of what remained of the broken warren. The three sat in sorrow with Helmer briefly, before Wilfred-who had been traveling to Harbone with a force to escort vulnerable civilians-appeared with word of more attackers.

These proved to be rabbits from Longtreader Command in Akolan, who attacked the weary defenders and their charges but were overcome. Jo fired a shot to stop one fleeing enemy without killing him, allowing them to take him prisoner. The cruel rabbit took pride in his actions, warning that this was merely a prelude to the horror that would soon be unleashed upon the rabbits of First Warren. Upon learning Picket's identity, the rabbit eagerly shared the news of Heather's apparent demise in spite of Jo's attempts to prevent it. Jo and Cole then joined Helmer and Wilfred in escorting Wilfred's party and the Harbone survivors back to First Warren.

Jo and Cole briefly debated waking a sleeping Picket, who had traveled back to the city ahead of them, but their words stirred him from slumber and he emerged to get an update from them. The three joined several other observers who watched from hiding as Maggie Weaver interrogated their prisoner, from whom they learned that not only the Lords of Prey but the legendary wolf king Farlock would be attacking First Warren. Leaving the scene, the trio convened with Emma, Helmer, and others, and the conversation turned from their foes to the Lord Captains of Natalia. After hearing from Helmer that three of his former colleagues had disappeared on a search for True Blue, Emma asked Jo to accompany Mrs. Weaver in an effort to locate the oldest apothecary in the city.

The pair found Missy Dreft, a doe so old she was confined to her bed, and Jo returned to the palace to collect Emma and several others while Mrs. Weaver remained with her. Jo led the group back to Missy's home, where she unfolded the story of True Blue, or Firstflower, with Prester Kell adding what he knew of the plant's history. Learning that Jone Wissel, who had knowledge of the plant, was part of Wilfred's company, Jo volunteered to fetch the pair and bring them to Emma. In the following days leading up to the expected mass assault on the city, Jo kept busy at various errands, often coordinating with other archers in Emma's army or helping to train the newly formed Royal Fowlers Auxiliary.

During a visit with his old comrades the Bracers, who had been folded into the Highwall Wardens, Jo was sent to investigate a flag signal garbled by the incompetence of a buck named Farns. While waiting, he was approached by a runner named Dalla with a message from Lord Blackstar, Heyna, and Lady Glen, for him to meet them some distance north of Chelmsford. Traveling there by glider pack, he was met by a curious group of rabbits, the leader of whom identified himself only as the Pilgrim. Jo was immediately impressed by the strange older rabbit, who introduced him to Lady Glen. After a brief conversation, Lady Glen informed him that they had called upon him for his help, as a hooded and cloaked rabbit emerged from hiding nearby.

### Siege of First Warren

**Jo**: Probably rebel and try to start my own rival kingdom. Sorry, might be a little soon for that one.

—*Ember's End*, p. 310 |  | ”

Jo and his new acquaintances worked together to save Kylen from an assassination attempt by Tameth Seer, before joining the Terralain army in marching to First Warren. There Kylen and Naylen confronted their treacherous advisor, and Jo helped to thwart the villainous seer and his guards. Farlock's army then arrived and engaged the forces of the Royal Warrenguard, and Jo joined the Terralains in charging to the aid of their fellow rabbits. He continued to fight outside First Warren as the forces of Blackstone came to reinforce the Terralain force, before being tasked by Lord Ronan with escorting a still weak Kylen to the old palace.

As they traveled, Jo gave some good-natured ribbing to the penitent prince, and later looked on as he begged Emma's forgiveness and surrendered the Whitson Stone and his claim to the throne to her. As they finished, the first wave of Preylords approached the city, and Jo called for as many arrows as could be brought to him. They soon learned that the raptors had brought shields to protect them from the Cause's blastarrows, and that this first force was being led by Falcowitson. Jo saved Emma from an incoming enemy spear, and after determining that Falcowitson was out of bowshot range went with Picket to signal the deployment of the Blackhawk Option.

Jo returned to the palace with Picket, shortly before Lady Glen and the Pilgrim's band arrived, with Jo taking the liberty of introducing the Pilgrim to Helmer and Picket. When Kylen determined to rejoin Naylen on the battlefield, the Pilgrim agreed to take his band to accompany him, and Jo eagerly volunteered to join the Pilgrim's force. Helmer agreed, but instructed Jo to join them at the appointed time to employ their alcove strategy, and Jo departed after a brief farewell to Mrs. Weaver. As the group traveled through the city, Jo joked and talked with Kylen and the Pilgrim, before witnessing the older buck's stunning skill with his special arrows.

While Kyle and the band headed out to join the Terralain force, Jo and the Pilgrim climbed up to the top of the city wall to check on the defenders. Jo found his comrades decimated, with Nate badly injured and others missing, with Dev Meeker left in command of what resources they had left to fight. Seeing a second wave of Preylords approaching, led by two of the Six, Jo and the Pilgrim prepared to target them from atop a barracks formerly inhabited by Morbin's wolf soldiers. Unfortunately, before Jo could fire the arrow given to him by the Pilgrim, one of the raptor kings shattered the walls holding up the roof upon which they stood.

### The ending and the Mending

Separated from the Pilgrim, Jo found himself with a single arrow and a broken bow as the eagle he had meant to shoot tore apart the remainder of the barracks, sending Jo falling through several floors. Before the eagle and his hawk companion could kill the helpless Jo, the Highwall Wardens attacked, giving Jo the opportunity to snatch up a discarded bow. He then fired off his arrow, which killed both eagle and hawk, scattering their raptor followers. Falling from the wall but saving himself with his damaged glider pack, he encountered a group of Chelmsford soldiers, and learned that Lord Felson had been killed in the fighting. After having his injuries seen to, Jo headed for the palace, leaving the Chelmsford bucks to reinforce the Highwallers.

Jo and Cole met Picket and Helmer, fresh from engaging one of Morbin's wolf armies, at a prearranged spot with several other soldiers. They were intended to act as bait for the enemy, luring them into position before the rabbits blew a hole in the dam holding back the waters of Lake Merle. Unfortunately, the mechanism to set off the blast failed, and Helmer sacrificed himself to ignite the explosives while the bucks used catapults and glider capes to escape the ensuing flood. The surviving Fowlers returned to the palace where they joined the remnants of Emma's council. The gathered rabbits faced a grim prospect: though Helmer's sacrifice had killed two more of the Six and many other raptors and wolves, a final wave of attackers led by Morbin himself now approached a city with shattered defenses and greatly reduced defenders.

Led by Picket, Jo and Cole flew at the head of the Royal Fowlers Auxiliary as they launched a desperate aerial charge against the remaining Lords of Prey. Fortunately for the defenders, the rabbits of Akolan's resistance arrived in a fleet of ships, and helped to decimate the last raptors and wolves. With them came Smalls, the reports of his death proving false, who joined Picket in bringing an end to Morbin using the legendary Stone Sword of Flint. The weapon broke after piercing Morbin's heart, signaling a prophesied end to all conflict for rabbitkind and the beginning of the longed for Mending.

A year later, Jo was among the attendees of the first Feast of the Mending, joining a table set aside for Picket, his family, and several beloved friends. Elevated to the rank of captain, Jo continued to serve the rabbits of Natalia, dutifully working under Emma and showing special consideration for the votary sisters as he always had. Heather, alive and now Smalls' wife and queen, discussed him with Emma early one morning, noting him as a prospective husband for Emma. Content with her life as it was, Emma turned the conversation to other topics, including an impending expedition of the Pilgrim's that they believed Jo would be joining. Picket and his wife, Louise, also named their son after Jo.

## Physical appearance

Jo is a lanky buck with brown fur. He is described as having long, skinny legs. He wears a pale tunic bearing the crest of Halfwind Citadel, dark green pants, a brown belt, a tattered cape, and a bracer on his right arm. He carries a bow as well as a small collection of arrows looped over his chest.

## Personality and traits

**Whit**: There aren't enough arrows in the world.

—*Ember's End*, p. 289 |  | ”

Jo is a devout follower of the path of Flint and Fay, and at one point had even considered becoming a Votary. However, his father's oft-repeated counsel moved him to enter the military instead, training as an archer as his father had before him. While he became a highly skilled archer-enough that Helmer later compared him to the elite archers of Harbone Citadel-he was less attentive to his sword maintenance. Thanks to his training at Halfwind, he is proficient in hand-to-hand combat and sword fighting, though the other Bracers shared the opinion that he was the least skilled among them with the sword.

Jo also had a tendency to arrive just barely in time to muster and other important events, eliciting much disapproval from his superior officers whom he in turn disliked. He also harbored a one-sided sense of rivalry with Nate Flynn, believing him to be something of a snob. Like many soldiers of various secret citadels, he also unjustly accounted all members of the Longtreader family to be traitors due to the actions of Garten Longtreader, and considered Lord Rake of Cloud Mountain "a Longtreader dupe" for his continued friendship with Wilfred. Upon realizing the truth, he repented of these incorrect attitudes.

For much of his life, Jo was set to prove himself and to gain distinction, particularly as a means of paying back various slights. However, after he got to know Nate and was rescued by Heather, he became truly dedicated to the Cause. This led him to join the Fowlers, with whom he developed strong bonds despite the tendencies of some of his teammates to tease him. He also held great respect for Heather and Emma, proving apologetic after he annoyed the two with a flippant remark.

## Relationships

### The Fowlers

**Picket Longtreader**: Where *is* Helmer?

**Jo**: (Hears Helmer crash nearby.) Found him.

**Picket**: Go find the founder, Fowler.

—*Ember's End*, p. 53 |  | ”

Heyward was the first of his future teammates whom Jo met, during their journey from Cloud Mountain to Halfwind. Jo found himself perplexed both by Heyward's intellectual language and by the buck's placement in their group, though he developed a liking for the odd buck. This proved fortunate, as he would come to rely on a number of Heyward's contraptions during their journey and throughout the remainder of the war. However, when Heyward was dismissed from service in the Fowlers, Jo made no argument against the decision, though presumably this was due to recognizing Heyward's inability as a fighter and not out of any sentiment against his comrade.

Jo met Picket Longtreader at the end of the journey from Cloud Mountain, having previously observed him from a distance before being introduced to him by Helmer. The two developed a firm friendship, which included a fair amount of good-natured teasing over such subjects as Picket's reputation and Jo receiving medical care. In battle the two worked together closely, each often intervening if they saw the other in danger or need of help. Though Jo was dismayed to learn of Picket's role in urging Smalls on to a mission that led to the prince's supposed death, he acted to prevent him from leaving and later comforted him in his guilt. The pair would honor each other with the address of "brother", and Picket's regard for Jo was such that he later named one of his children for him.

Little is known of Jo's relationship with Perkinson, the fourth recruit to the Fowlers and son of the legendary Perkin One-Eye. There doesn't seem to have been any particular friendship or hostility between the pair, though Jo found Perkinson's competitiveness with Picket to be rather annoying. Perk wasn't above teasing Jo either, but otherwise seems to have treated him respectfully.

Jo and Cole also became firm friends, almost like brothers, following the latter's recruitment to the Fowlers. Though Cole was often quiet and reserved, he would show a more warm, fun-loving disposition around Jo in more private moments. Some of this manifested in joining his sister Heyna in making Jo the butt of various jokes, which Jo received with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. In spite of this, Cole was kind and supportive to his fellow Fowler, and would at times use his humor in an effort to dispel Jo's somber moods. The two worked well together in combat and other dangerous situations, with Cole acting to save Jo's life on at least one occasion.

During their journey to Blackstone, Jo felt comfortable enough with Cole to speak to him privately about the prospect of finding a wife, something Cole found surprising. As Jo shared his feelings, Cole became somewhat amused, wondering if Jo was considering Emma, and rebuffing Jo's assertions that he wasn't worthy to court their friend and future queen. When Jo insisted that he didn't think things could work with Emma, Cole's attitude briefly changed, becoming irate at the thought that Jo might have his sights on Heyna instead. Jo quickly allayed his concerns, expressing the feeling that he felt that Heyna was like a sister to him.

### The Bracers

**Jo Shanks**: That's incredible, Nate, because I feel the same about you all. Especially you. It was such an honor to fight alongside you. And I'll always be grateful you gave me that chance.

—*The Archer's Cup*, p. 136 |  | ”

Jo originally considered the Bracers as rivals, most particularly Nate Flynn due to the other archer's legendary reputation. Jo became obsessed with proving himself the better archer and humbling Nate, whom he mistakenly believed to be arrogant due to his successes. However, while observing Nate during a training session shortly before the Archer's Cup, Jo was surprised to learn that Nate found such events an annoyance and was dedicated to fighting the war, not winning prizes. This had a staggering effect on Jo's perception, and for a time he considered dropping out of the tournament. He was eventually persuaded to take part, and was pleased when he outshot all the other Bracers and found himself in the midst of his long-awaited showdown, as he saw it, with Nate Flynn.

Jo was deeply disappointed upon losing to Nate, and was hostile when Nate approached him after the tournament. Taken aback, Nate nevertheless proceeded to offer Jo a temporary spot among the Bracers, provided Jo was willing to snap out of his self-pity. Humbled by Nate's offer, Jo admitted to his jealousy towards the other archer, and Nate voiced the firm sentiment that they were comrades, not competitors. Unfortunately, Nate was forced to take Jo to task later after Frye reproved him for bringing Jo along, and urged Jo to prove that Nate had not made a mistake in doing so.

After Jo and Junder, another Bracer, were injured in a skirmish, Nate visited Jo in the Cloud Mountain hospital and was quick to refute Jo's feelings of guilt over failing to take a shot that might have killed Junder when it was intended to save him. He also insisted on Jo remaining in the hospital and submitting to whatever treatments Emma prescribed, commenting dryly when Jo expressed determination never to end up in a hospital again with a war looming. The pair reunited during the Battle of Cloud Mountain, but Nate was knocked unconscious during the fighting. He later questioned Jo about what had taken place after he was knocked out; some time later, he would question a rumor he had heard about Jo making a spectacular shot during the fighting.

Nate insisted on Jo proving he was back up to standard as an archer before accepting him as a permanent member of the Bracers. He expressed disappointment when Jo seemingly failed his test, but was then pleased when Jo proved to made a better shot than the one he had tasked him with. The two later attended a meeting of Prince Smalls' council, and noted that they were back in the midst of the action. When Jo was recruited to join the Fowlers, Nate was all the more honored to know him, later admitting that he and the other Bracers bragged about their former comrade. He and Jo happily reunited at Blackstone, though both were less than thrilled when they were called upon to take part in the Ultimate Archer's Cup.

As the tournament approached, Nate correctly deduced Jo's dislike for Cheltham and desire to beat him. Some time later, Nate and Jo would interact during preparations for the Siege of First Warren. Jo did his best to assuage an exasperated Nate's frustration over the incompetent Farns, noting that their superiors weren't trying to annoy them by not removing him from his post. Later, during the Siege of First Warren, Jo found Nate horribly wounded as a result of the Preylords' attacks. Despite Jo's insistence, Nate refused to be removed from his post and taken to safety, and later joined the other Highwall Wardens in charging to Jo's aid as he was attacked by two of the Six.

Of the other Bracers, Jo seems to have been closest to Owen, though the white buck wasn't above teasing Jo over his past failures. However, Owen was impressed by Jo's swordsmanship and later by his penitent attitude over misjudging Nate. Their growing friendship was strained for a time after Junder was injured so badly that he lost an arm, with Jo believing that Owen blamed him for not making a shot that could have saved their comrade from the grievous wound. Despite this, Owen was happy to see Jo rejoin the Bracers after the Battle of Cloud Mountain, and the two were later assigned to the advance team for Prince Smalls' mission to Halfwind.

Owen and Jo had a number of conversations on the trek, though Owen would assert his slightly superior rank to Jo when they were sent on a scouting mission. Jo was later relieved when Owen was revealed to have survived an encounter with Solus, and joined Jo's team in a plan to bring down the cruel raptor. After hearing that Jo had been inspired by experiences with bouncer, Owen did make a point of noting that Jo had never won a game of bouncer. Owen and the other Bracers later greeted Jo warmly at Blackstone, and worked together with him during the search for Breelia Wilder. Later still, Owen would join in the defenses during the Siege of First Warren, joining the other Highwall Wardens in coming to Jo's defense.

Jo's relationship with Studge, though friendly, was somewhat more antagonistic due to Studge's tendency towards snide or complaining comments. Jo, recognizing that there was no real animosity behind Studge's remarks, would often give as good as he got, though their verbal sparring would often inspire groans among their fellow Bracers. However, during preparations for the Siege of First Warren, Jo responded with considered logic to one of Studge's complaints, and would thus accomplish the rare feat of rendering the other buck speechless. Upon finding the Highwallers decimated by the battle, Jo questioned Studge's whereabouts but received no answer.

### Emma Joveson

Jo first met Emma at Cloud Mountain following a clash with several wolves, with Emma overseeing Jo's recovery from injuries sustained in the battle. After helping Jo recover from shock resulting from memories of his encounter, the pair began to bond over some humorous banter, though Emma was firm in insisting that Jo remain in the hospital and later visit with Maggie Weaver. Later, she pled with him to remain at the Halfwind hospital to help defend it from wolf attackers, but allowed him to leave to join in the counterattack against the invaders. The pair were reunited when Jo returned to the hospital after the battle, with Emma happily noting Jo's return to consciousness before presenting him with a copy of Heather's story.

Emma oversaw Jo's care in the ensuing weeks before clearing him to return to duty in the Halfwind forces. She then informed him of her imminent journey to Harbone, and Jo expressed concern for her well-being. Emma reminded him that neither of them had chosen a career meant for safety, and the two friends exchanged a fond farewell before parting. The separation was short-lived, as the two soon found themselves assigned to the advance party in the mission to get Smalls and his court to Halfwind. During the adventure, Emma was amused by an unflattering comment made about Jo and teased him about it briefly, but was also quick to see to his well-being after some tense situations. Later, she and the others would trust in Jo's plan to confront Solus, and Jo acted to rescue Emma from two potentially fatal falls.

In their time at Halfwind, Jo continued to respect Emma as a healer and friend, though a somewhat flippant comment of his earned him some harsh words from her; unseen by Jo, she winked at Heather immediately afterwards, suggesting that her performance was only half-serious. Shortly thereafter, Jo learned that Emma was in fact a princess, which somewhat affected his perception of her and of course forced him to behave deferentially towards her in public. Despite this, the two kept up their usual joking banter in private or in the company of the Blackstar twins. At Cole's suggestion that Jo might be thinking of Emma as a possible future wife, he dismissed the notion partly due to the fact that she was royalty and he was only a commoner, and partly due to observation of her interactions with Morgan Booker at Vandalia.

Jo worked with the Blackstars to insure Emma's safety during her time at Blackstone, and instinctively pulled her into a protective embrace after she suffered a minor injury after being caught in a fire. Realizing that he wouldn't save her by doing that, Jo quickly turned his attention towards making an escape route. Emma later displayed noticeable amusement at Jo's obvious infatuation with Amber Hewson and his resulting clumsiness. Jo also reluctantly accepted the assignment to participate in the Ultimate Archer's Cup as one of her champions, and Emma expressed her fervent support for him.

When Emma determined to travel to the Terralain camp, Jo insisted on traveling with her despite narrowly escaping from the enemy forces only a short time earlier. By this point, his friendship with Emma had become common knowledge, and would be commented upon by both his friends among the Highwall Wardens and Lady Glen. Some years after the war's conclusion, Heather brought Jo up as a prospective husband for Emma; Emma replied that Jo was working for her and was "as good a buck as could be imagined" but noted that she didn't feel the need at that time to be married.

### Heyna Blackstar

Heyna, together with Cole, became good friends with Jo after making his acquaintance, though the two siblings found it quite amusing to make jokes at his expense. Emma was included in this banter as the four made their way to Blackstone Citadel, with Heyna making the cutting remark that Jo's earlier advice to Emma had been right primarily because he had been unknowingly agreeing with her. The two would later bicker over attending a dinner with Lokson, with Jo responding to Heyna's dislike of Lokson with his own contempt for Cheltham before revealing that he had found someone to take his place. Heyna then guessed correctly, and with some amusement, that Jo had someone else in mind to spend dinner with: Amber Hewson.

For all her teasing, Heyna was quite complimentary towards Jo regarding his archery skills prior to the Ultimate Archer's Cup. She struggled to speak to him after being drugged by Slimmo, and later expressed sympathy over his disqualification from the cup and resulting failure to potentially be recognized as the greatest living archer in Natalia. She and Cole would later, despite being on a dangerous mission with Jo, express amusement at terrifying him with a stealthy approach, much to his annoyance.

### Heather Joveson

Upon first seeing Heather from a short distance, Jo found her beautiful, but his opinion of her quickly soured when he learned she was a member of the Longtreader family. When Heather came upon Jo badly wounded in the woods, she surprised him by attending to his wounds, an act that he questioned based on his belief that she had enabled the attack on Cloud Mountain. Responding kindly in her denial of this accusation, Heather assured Jo that she had done her best for him and that help would arrive soon, kissing him on the cheek before departing on another task. Upon seeing her later, fleeing a patrol of wolves, Jo was filled with a conviction that she must be protected and acted to do so, endangering his own life in the process.

Jo came to regard Heather as a trusted friend, and maintained a sense of gratitude towards her for treating his wounds on Cloud Mountain without apparently ever revealing his own role in saving her. He spoke up in her defense when Helmer complained about her appointment as the Fowlers' medic, and they later discussed how she had been affected by Bleston's takeover of Halfwind. Upon hearing Tameth Seer claim that Heather had been killed, Jo was horrified, and struggled with how to break this news to Picket. Some years later, Heather-though herself happily married-deemed Jo a suitable husband for Emma and "a gallant captain"

### Amber Hewson

**Jo Shanks**: But I don't want to give up on love.

**Amber Hewson**: If we give up on honor, then maybe we aren't ready for love.

—*The Archer's Cup*, pg. 202 |  | ”

Jo first became infatuated with Amber after seeing her at a council while visiting Blackstone Citadel with Emma and the Blackstar twins. He admired her beauty and quiet, pleasant demeanor, to the point where he would become tongue-tied and clumsy-footed in her presence. Encouraged by his new friend Slimmo, Jo attempted to tell Amber of his feelings for her over a dinner, but she cut him off, informing him that thought she did care for him, she was already engaged to Lokson, another of Jo's new acquaintances at Blackstone. Jo tried to speak to Amber again after returning from searching for the escaped Matron Wilder, but once more she silenced his hopes by asserting that her promise to Lokson must be kept.

Amber's continued rejection puzzled Jo, who hoped that her opinion of him would improve if he won the Ultimate Archer's Cup, even as his pursuit of Amber created tension between him and Lokson. Jo received a reality check on his feelings for Amber, however, when Gallipot Grenda issued him a gentle yet honest lecture on the truth that love cannot be forced. After the villainous Bane Graveheart - revealed to be Slimmo - was found and captured, and peace at Blackstone Citadel was restored, Jo let go of his hope to woo Amber, reconciling with Lokson and wishing him and Amber the best of luck together.

### Grare

**Slimmo**: If you weren't you.

**Jo**: Yes.

**Slimmo**: Seems to me that who you are, is a character anyone would admire. It inspires me, really, to be a better buck.

—*The Archer's Cup*, p. 125 |  | ”

Jo met Grare, or Slimmo, after first visiting the Blackstone mess hall, and quickly befriended the chef, particularly after recognizing the family resemblance between him and Gort. An admirer of archery, Slimmo was pleased to meet Jo, and in the spirit of their new friendship and shared loyalty to the Cause offered Jo some of his secret blackroot stash. After Jo tripped into a dining table and made a mess of himself, Slimmo took him into his kitchen to clean up, and the pair enjoyed a longer chat, during which they discussed Jo's upbringing at Halfwind and Slimmo's long ago romance. Easily seeing Jo's interest in Amber Hewson, Slimmo arranged for the pair to dine together in private that night, encouraging the younger buck. When Amber left, Slimmo was dismayed to see Jo not going after her, and refused to accept it when Jo claimed that there was no future between them.

After Breelia Wilder escaped, Slimmo offered to lead Jo and several of his comrades to Black Lake to search for her, saying he felt compelled to help stop her if he could. During their time in Slimmo's hidden lair, Slimmo confided in Jo regarding his name for the place, admitting that he was embarrassed to say it in front of Cole. Jo came across his shrine to his lost love, and came to believe that Slimmo had been in love with Wilder in his youth. Under this same mistaken belief, Jo did not prevent Slimmo from leaving in what he thought was pursuit of her. It was only later, as several pieces of information came together in his mind, that Jo realized that it was Lady Elisabeth whom Slimmo had loved and who he was now going after.

Jo confronted Slimmo after the chef had already stunned several rabbits, pleading with him to abandon his villainous course. He did his best to dissuade Slimmo from his misguided course, condemning his continued pursuit of Elisabeth and his threats against her husband and the other denizens of Blackstone. Once Slimmo was subdued, Jo pleaded with him to help them save his victims, only for Slimmo to reveal that he had not permanently harmed anyone. Jo later led Slimmo out of his cell to join Lokson's party to Halfwind, explaining the terms of Slimmo's penance to the penitent buck. When Slimmo asked if he could shake Jo's hand, Jo embraced him, expressing his hopes for his friend's redemption.

### Lokson

**Lokson**: I would do anything for her. I would give anything to be worthy of her love. But I'm afraid I never will be.

—*The Archer's Cup*, p. 224 |  | ”

Jo initially reacted with hostility upon encountering Lokson, believing him to be a danger to Emma, but was soon put at ease by the other buck. He was baffled by the fact that Lokson's supporters referred to him as "Lord", despite the fact that he had not received his father Lokken's title. Jo came to regard Lokson as a possible suspect in the mystery of Bane Graveheart, though he didn't seem particularly biased against him as a result. The main conflict between the pair came from the fact that they both felt affection for Amber Hewson, who had agreed to marry Lokson some time previously. Despite this, Amber obviously cared about Jo, something that hurt and infuriated Lokson.

Jo later approached Lokson about his feelings, with Lokson admitting that he felt he unworthy of Amber despite loving her. When Jo pulled Amber into a comforting embrace after the arrival of another letter from Bane Graveheart, an observing Lokson was crushed, and for a moment seemed ready to loose an arrow at them both. Instead, he turned his energy towards making it into the final round of the Ultimate Archer's Cup, only to forfeit his place by rushing to Amber's aid when he learned she might be in danger. Seeing Lokson's genuine concern for his betrothed, Jo congratulated him, and the two would later part on good terms. Lokson would even offer Jo his place as a keymaster of Blackstone, which Jo politely refused in favor of remaining in Emma's service.

### Cheltham

**Jo Shanks**: You bet I would.

—*The Archer's Cup*, p. 140 |  | ”

Jo heard of Cheltham, one of the most renowned archers of Harbone, quite some time before the pair actually met. Jo found the other archer to be particularly aggressive, and a strong dislike developed in him towards Cheltham when the other buck began to mock him for failing to sever a lighted fuse with a bowshot that Cheltham made successfully. Cheltham was eager to prove himself Jo's superior in archery, particularly after learning of Jo's feelings towards Amber. Cheltham belittled Jo for even considering himself worthy to court a lord's daughter, no doubt in part due to Amber's previously agreeing to marry his best friend Lokson.

Cheltham continued to mock Jo into the opening rounds of the Ultimate Archer's Cup, arranging with a bribed official to embarrass Jo in front of the crowd. However, Jo refused to give in to his tricks, and soon silenced Cheltham with some spectacular shooting. Jo's efforts also helped to expose Cheltham's cheating. After the cup was concluded, with neither Jo nor Lokson competing in the final round due to abandoning the tournament for more pressing concerns, a disgraced Cheltham was unable to meet Jo's eyes for more than a second.

## Trivia

* The name "Jo" is of English origin and means "God shall add another son."
	+ Additionally, the surname "Shanks" is of English origin and is a diminutive of "Crookshanks", which would be given to a tall or gangly person. This is fitting, as Jo is described as being tall.

## References

1. ↑ *Ember's End*, p. 387
2. ↑ *Ember's End*, p. 387
3. ↑ [1]
4. ↑ [2]

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