Despite the wisdom of not selling his life uselessly, Helmer came to feel he had betrayed the king. He chose not to do so, recognizing that he would only die in a futile effort he later escaped, but was left with a scar. Left with his sword, Helmer had the option to remove his arm and go to the aid of his king.

Garten then had Helmer chained to a tree near the Crossing by his right arm, where he could watch the betrayal and death of King Jupiter. Recognizing the deception, Helmer led his troops back, only to be ambushed by Garten's forces, who killed Helmer's beloved soldiers. Helmer came to command the elite King's Arm unit, a group of young bucks whom he loved like sons.Įventually, Helmer came to suspect that Garten Longtreader was plotting treachery, and Garten attempted to prevent his interference by sending his unit on a pointless assignment. Eventually, Helmer became a Lord Captain of the King's Army under King Jupiter, whom he deeply admired. Other comrades of Helmer’s youth included Frye and Wilfred Longtreader. Despite this, Hewson chose not to participate in a prank that Helmer and Airen pulled against a group of naval officers. Helmer and Hewson eventually became friends after fighting alongside each other, with Helmer saving Hewson from an enemy wolf. Helmer developed a heated antagonism with Hewson due to their differing social standing. His career survived the incident, though Airen was furious with the pair for not including her.

At one point, he did jeopardize his standing by swimming to Forbidden Island with Snoden.

Unfortunately for Helmer, he proved as natural a soldier as his namesake Brindle Cove had been a sailor, and there was always more fighting to be done. Helmer later joined the army, though he hoped that he would be able to return home and take up the family occupation of farming. As they grew these activities would grow to include Snoden, who later married Airen. Brother and sister enjoyed an antagonistic friendship, with Airen often goading Helmer into various actions besides their rambles in the Great Wood. Helmer, and likely Airen, was cared for by an aged nurse. Helmer and his sister Airen were born in First Warren, and lived in their family home built by their great-grandfather.

The green ember book series