Hulver

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## Physical description

### Gender

Male

**Hulver**, an elder of Duncton Wood and oldest mole in the system at the time. He is renowned for his knowledge and friendship to Bracken.

## History

### Duncton Wood

Hulver was likely born in Duncton, and eventually became an Elder among Bindle, Rune and the others. When Mandrake entered the scene, Hulver was very upset by this new way as Hulver is a very traditional mole, and too, was probably very frightened by Mandrake's physical appearance and personality. As such, even though he didn't agree with Mandrake's modern ways, he couldn't object completely to him.

Hulver began to go alone every Midsummer to perform the rites. Mandrake would allow him to go alone, until eventually, he wouldn't allow even that. Hulver prayed to the Stone to send a scribemole, or a mole who could fight against Mandrake and Rune's new reign of darkness. Hulver began to retreat and make his home far from the Barrow Vale; to the south slopes, near the chalk crevice. As fate might have it, Bracken, as exploratory as he was looking for a new home, found Hulver's burrow. They began to talk and share worms, after which Hulver spoke a grace (likely peaking Bracken's interest). The two continue their conversation, where Hulver explains to Bracken that his father wasn't pleased by his progress, as quote: "You're not nasty enough!". More questions and talk awoke a friendship between the two, and began Bracken's true interest in the Stone. Hulver soon talks about the Ancient System, of Uffington, of the White Moles and of course, the scribemoles from Uffington. Soon too, it would be time for the June meeting of the elders. Before he would leave, he promises to Bracken he would take him to the Ancient System.

On the way to the meeting, he sees Rebecca, who was searching for him. They talk of the old times (as only Hulver would remember); of Rebecca the Healer, of the Ancient System, of Mandrake's reign and how he has 'changed' the system... another tale Hulver spins is of Groundsel, the Owlkiller. Hulver speaks about his trek to the peak of Duncton hill, about Midsummer and its rites. Lastly, he speaks of the Stone, of its ritual, and eventually, of Bracken—how he might need her help and vice versa.

It would soon appear as Bracken had reported, that Rune was on his way to kill Hulver when he bumped into Bracken earlier. That clinched it; Hulver told Bracken there was little time and they must go to the Stone that night. As they trekked to the Stone, Bracken dug a burrow for them both, where Bracken would have one of his last teachings from his mentor; of Merton and the Blowing Stone of Uffington. The next teaching would occur when they made another burrow, the final, where Hulver taught Bracken the history of Duncton Wood, of the elders of the past, of famous fights and worm-poor years. Of Mandrake and other tyrant moles of the past, and of Rose the Healer. Afterwards, he taught Bracken the last part of the ritual. Then, the plan was finally set to complete the ritual.

When night fell, they proceeded to the Stone, and Bracken would pretend to be Hulver, and when Mandrake, Rune and Burrhead entered the scene, they all began to chase Bracken when Hulver began reciting the words of the Midsummer ritual. It was then that Mandrake would realise the truth, and come waltzing back to the Stone, and kill Hulver. As the hit was about to connect, Bindle appeared and took the blow for his friend. Then, Hulver would meet his end as Burrhead and Rune finished him.

## Appearance

He had a wrinkled snout, ragged greying fur and greying paws. Had a way of laughing at the end of a sentence, which makes what he says seem nothing more than a joke.

## Personality

* Cheerful
* Gentle
* Sprightly
* Wise

## Quotes

> They think I'm old and traditional down at Barrow Vale, and perhaps I am, but unless you honour something, you honour nothing. There's more to being a mole than burrows, worms, fighting and mating—much more. I hope you'll have the sense to see that one day.
>
> — Hulver to Bracken, *Duncton Wood*

> Words change in the speaking, so I want you to know what they mean rather than what they are. Listen to the spirit that lies behind them, that's what you most need to remember.
>
> — Hulver teaching Bracken about the Midsummer ritual, *Duncton Wood*

## Relationships

### Bracken

Hulver's first encounter with Bracken was by chance, when the elder felt an inexplicable impulse to visit the old tunnels at the sloping hill in Duncton Wood which he once called home. Hulver saw something within Bracken which set him apart from other moles, a courageous spirit and thirst for exploration that was nigh unheard of under Mandrake's rule, and he set about teaching the youngster about the Ancient System and its ways. This feeling became stronger after Hulver met Rebecca, and he felt as if the two young moles' destinies were somehow connected. Hulver and Bracken became fast friends, though Hulver at times became irritated with himself when he couldn't quite find the words to explain something to Bracken, who still had much to learn.

In the days prior to his death, Hulver entrusted Bracken with memorising the final phrase of the Midsummer ritual, possibly in the event he could not speak the words himself, and hoped the old ways would be carried on by Bracken long after he was gone, just as Hulver had done before.

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### Mandrake

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### Bindle

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### Rune

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### Burrhead

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### Mekkins

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### Dogwood

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## Gallery

A portrait of Hulver, drawn by SilentXSpectre
## Trivia

* Hulver is likely named after a synonym of the holly tree (the hulver tree).

## References

1. ↑ Horwood, William. *Duncton Wood* (*The Duncton Chronicles* #1), p. 26. Kindle edition.
2. ↑ Horwood, William. *Duncton Wood* (*The Duncton Chronicles* #1), p. 77. Kindle edition.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Horwood, William. *Duncton Wood* (*The Duncton Chronicles* #1), p. 20. Kindle edition.
4. ↑ Horwood, William. *Duncton Wood* (*The Duncton Chronicles* #1), p. 21. Kindle edition.
5. ↑ Horwood, William. *Duncton Wood* (*The Duncton Chronicles* #1), p. 72. Kindle edition.
6. ↑ Horwood, William. *Duncton Wood* (*The Duncton Chronicles* #1), p. 104. Kindle edition.
7. ↑ Horwood, William. *Duncton Wood* (*The Duncton Chronicles* #1), p. 109. Kindle edition.