Jansen

Jansen is a Hound trainer known for tracking people through both the city and the wilderness. He helps prepare Eryk’s trainee group for field work, developing the practical skills they will need to operate as Hounds. (Chapters 213–223)

Biography

Training the new Hounds

Jansen first enters Eryk’s training when Cornelius has him lead the recruits into the Eastern Legion Hall. He moves silently through the building to surprise them, setting the tone for Hound training: awareness and readiness matter even when the trainees believe they are safe. Later, Cornelius introduces Jansen as one of the Empire’s best stalkers, effective in both rural and urban settings. (Chapters 213, 216)

When Cornelius returns to the capital, Jansen remains with the trainees and takes charge of their instruction. He helps refine Eryk’s archery, paying attention to his aim and release, then teaches the recruits to track targets and move through the city without being detected. His instruction is direct and practical, designed to prepare them for assignments rather than ceremony. (Chapters 214, 216–217, 220–223)

Jansen also helps coordinate the group’s first field challenges. The trainees are divided into teams and sent to follow one another through the city. He explains the rules and monitors the exercise, while Eryk’s unusual tracking and combat skills complicate the training. (Chapters 219–224)

Appearance and personality

Jansen is a quiet, capable trainer who moves silently and takes his work seriously. He smirks when surprising the trainees, but his instruction focuses on disciplined skills that can keep them alive. (Chapters 213, 216, 220–223)

Magic and abilities

Jansen’s defining specialty is stalking and tracking people across different terrain. He also coaches archery and teaches recruits to follow targets through the city. No spellcasting ability is established for him. (Chapters 216–217, 220–224)

Relationships

• Eryk Marko: Trainee whom Jansen trains in tracking and archery. (Chapters 213–224)
• Cornelius: Hound commander who assigns Jansen to lead and train the new group. (Chapters 213–214)
• Val and Savino: Fellow trainees whom Jansen supervises during tracking exercises. (Chapters 220–224)