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Russet is a squirrel who is a member of the Circle and brother of Heath. Together, they are among the most trusted animals in the Circle who were always loyal to Crispin.
Appearance[]
Russet is described as a tall squirrel, with the tip of his left ear missing. It's said that he looks very similar to his brother Heath.
Personality and traits[]
Russet and Heath are loyal and dependable squirrels, and Crispin even considered them as possible candidates for Captaincy, but decided against it, as they both would've refused the title because neither of them wanted to be promoted over his brother. Crispin also remarks that neither Russet not Heath actually want the position, and he believed that they would be happier if Urchin became a Captain.
History[]
Urchin and the Heartstone[]
Russet and his brother Heath first appear as members of the Circle. They escort Needle to Brother Fir's turret when he discovers that the Heartstone was a fake. Later, Russet and Heath are put in charge of the search for Juniper, who disappeared along with Urchin, but they are unable to find him, unaware that he was on Whitewings Island. They are also present when Urchin and his companions arrive on a ship from Whitewings.
The Heir of Mistmantle[]
Russet and Heath are present at Princess Catkin’s naming ceremony. Later, when Queen Cedar goes to look for missing Catkin herself, Crispin tells Russet and Spade to accompany her. During the mudslide, Russet works together with Arran and Docken by bringing timbers to reinforce collapsing burrows, and Juniper persuades Russet to let him take the props to Captain Lugg, since he is smaller and lighter than Russet. When Urchin and Juniper almost slide down into the collapsed burrow, Russet and Heath drag them out.
When Urchin, Juniper and Needle discover Husk’s body, Crispin tells Docken, Russet and Heath to appoint two animals of each species to go down to the pit and see Husk’s remains to stop the rumors. Eventually, Russet and Heath stand as an honor guard for Captain Lugg’s body, and they are present when Urchin and Needle are accepted into the Circle.
Urchin and the Raven War[]
Russet is a part of the fighting force from Mistmantle Island that travels to Swan Isle to drive the ravens out, and he fights alongside King Crispin. When Crispin is wounded by the dying Archraven, Russet rushes to treat his injuries with the help of Pitter and brings him back to Mistmantle.
When the ravens invade Mistmantle, Russet fights bravely, defending the Tower together with Crispin, Cedar, Padra, Docken and others. Russet and Heath are present when Queen Larch arrives with reinforcements from Whitewings, and Crispin tells them to send out messengers announcing that Mistmantle is finally free.
Urchin and the Rage Tide[]
When discussing the appointment of new captains, Crispin mentions Russet and Heath, but says that neither of them wishes to be promoted over his brother, and decides to appoint Urchin instead. Later, Russet and Heath, together with other members of the Circle, attempt to rescue Mossberry’s followers during the first Rage Tide, and they reach out to help Urchin when he is almost swept down the cliffs.