Helena

Helena is a woman in Eryk’s early training barracks who practices with a staff and helps him improve. After their paths separate, they meet again when Eryk is serving as a Hound and she is guarding Mage Selene Greco. (Chapters 2–5, 230–231, 270)

Biography

Training with Eryk

Eryk notices Helena practicing with a staff in the barracks and works to befriend her. The two train together, and she helps him improve his weapon skills before they are assigned to different squads and sent along separate training routes. Eryk misses their practice after the separation, and he later credits the time with Helena for helping his performance in a staff competition. (Chapters 2–5, 73)

Helena is one of very few women in the training barracks, and Eryk sees that she faces harassment from the male recruits. She is described as rough around the edges, but she continues her training rather than withdrawing from the barracks environment. (Chapters 2–5)

Reunited during the Hound assignment

More than a year later, Eryk encounters Helena while tracking Selene Greco. Helena is guarding Selene with Sylph and recognizes that Eryk is a Hound, though she does not immediately remember his name. Their reunion changes the encounter: Helena appeals to him not to attack and asks whether Selene can be brought back alive. (Chapters 230–231)

After Eryk spares Selene, Helena and Sylph are left alive and with money to flee. Later, Selene learns that the Hound who spared her had known Helena, and she asks whether Helena and Sylph survived. The story confirms their escape but does not establish their later destination. (Chapters 270, 299–301)

Appearance and personality

Helena is a trained legionnaire and staff user. She is described as rough around the edges, direct under pressure, and able to recognize Eryk despite the change in their circumstances. (Chapters 2–5, 230–231)

Magic and abilities

Helena practices with a staff and later serves as an armed guard. No personal spellcasting or numeric ability score is established. (Chapters 2–5, 230–231)

Relationships

• Eryk Marko: Training companion who reunites with Helena while pursuing Selene and chooses to spare her. (Chapters 2–5, 230–231)
• Selene Greco: Mage Helena guards; Helena argues for Selene’s life during Eryk’s intervention. (Chapters 230–231, 270)
• Sylph: Helena’s fellow guard and later traveling companion. (Chapters 268–270, 301)