Arlen Walkerton was born into a humble household in Brighton, where his father worked as a diligent clerk and his mother as a seamstress. Arlen was taught the value of hard work, honesty, and modesty from an early age. His parents instilled in him a sense of pride in their simple, comfortable life. Growing up, Arlen excelled in his studies, showing a keen mind for logic and fairness, which eventually led him to pursue a career as an adjudicator. His role as a mediator between the wealthy families and businesses of Brighton suited his personality perfectly, as he preferred working behind the scenes, out of the spotlight.

For years, Arlen lived contentedly, believing that a life of quiet service and stability was enough. However, everything changed when he met Verna, a charming and ambitious woman with a sharp mind and a talent for navigating the intricate social circles of Brighton. While Arlen found her ambition daunting, he was also captivated by her drive, believing that she would be the perfect partner to complement his more reserved nature. After they married, Verna began pushing him to climb higher within Brighton’s social hierarchy. Though Arlen resisted at first, he eventually gave in, partly out of love for Verna and partly because he believed it might provide a better future for their daughter, Serena.

As Serena grew older, her magical talents became evident, and Arlen was proud of her abilities. When she was apprenticed to the master sorcerer Persimmius, he thought it was a sign that their family’s fortunes were rising. But when Persimmius perpetrated a disastrous magical experiment that destroyed a substantial part of the city, Arlen’s world turned upside down. While Verna saw the scandal as a threat to their social standing, Arlen was more concerned with Serena’s well-being. However, he reluctantly agreed to Verna’s plan to send Serena away, believing it might be best for their daughter’s safety and future prospects.

“It is good to see you safe and sound, Serena.” Arlen came forward with arms extended but, hesitating, changed the gesture at the last minute to a simple squeeze of her arm. “Welcome home,” he said, smiling. Her father had the same fit and trim figure, maintained by regular bouts of fencing. It actually was good to see him, Serena thought, but she wasn’t about to let such feelings lessen her resolve.

Serena curtsied to her father, responding in her most pleasant voice. “Thank you, Father. It’s so wonderful to be back.”

Verna’s expression grew more peevish.

- THE NULLIFICATION ENGINE

Now, Arlen struggles with his guilt, feeling torn between his duty to his family and his love for his daughter. Despite his moral compass, he often feels overwhelmed by the pressures of his wife’s ambitions. Arlen was always drawn to the sport of fencing, and so he maintains a regular routine with the foil to cope with his internal struggles, finding solace in the discipline and physical challenge it provides—a brief escape from the complexities of his personal and professional life.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Arlen first appears in The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer Book Two).