Personality

Henry is wary, clever, and unexpectedly tender. A loner by instinct, he is fiercely loyal once trust is earned. He speaks in brief phrases, letting silence do much of the talking. Beneath his cautious demeanor lies a quiet bravery that reveals itself only when it truly matters.

Appearance

A small, wiry rat with storm-grey fur and a long tail, Henry’s ears twitch at every sound and his dark eyes never stop scanning his surroundings. He often carries a small pouch of found things, stones, bits of string, tiny tools, items others might overlook but he knows will be useful.

Strengths

• Keen Observation: He notices what others miss, subtle shifts in energy, hidden movement, and changes in both people and land.
• Survivor’s Instinct: Resourceful and adaptive, Henry knows how to move through danger without drawing attention.
• Unshakable Loyalty: Rarely spoken aloud, but absolute. Henry would protect the few he trusts with everything he has.

Role in the Story

Henry arrived in Mills Beary by accident, curled up inside a shipment of grain, yet the magic of the village accepted him without question. His past is still unfolding, with hints that his connection to the land runs deeper than even he understands. Often the first to sense when something is wrong, Henry becomes a quiet companion to both Lily and Little Red, standing watch at the edges where others rarely look.

Excerpt

“It’s too quiet,” Lily whispered.

Henry gave the smallest nod, his nose twitching toward the forest. “I agree,” he said. “Something isn’t finished. Rowan stirred things he didn’t understand.”