Hesulton Branwick, known as Hesul to those who roam the gardens of Alchester, is a dedicated gardener and the groundskeeper for one of the few remaining temples in the city. With a gentle touch, he nurtures the blossoming flora that fills the sacred space, crafting a serene sanctuary for worshippers and visitors alike. He embodies the spirit of tranquility and reverence to the outside world, but within his heart lies a dark secret—a fascination with necromancy that led him down a shadowy path many years ago.
Hesul’s interest in the occult was ignited during his early years. While gardening, he stumbled upon ancient tomes hidden among the roots of the garden’s oldest trees, their pages filled with esoteric knowledge. He became captivated by the idea of life after death, drawn to the legends of those who wielded power over the dead. His thirst for knowledge intensified after he met Bishop Ashunde, a charismatic spiritual leader at the temple, who shared stories of arcane rituals and forbidden magic in hushed tones.
While Ashunde was ostensibly a figure of light, he harbored his own fascination with necromancy, driven by a desire to transcend mortality and gain ultimate wisdom. In private conversations with Hesul, he confessed his longing to return from death and wield power that few could fathom. Recognizing the shared curiosity and dark ambitions, Ashunde enlisted Hesul’s aid, revealing his plan to attain immortality by becoming an undead being.
Hesul spent the time chasing the urn as it bounced off a stack of dusty old crates and settled into a corner. Now, with it secured with both hands, he turned to face me. “You will not stop my master! It has been ordained that he shall rise this night of all nights! Nothing—not you, not the priests—will prevent that from happening! We shall be reunited! I need only invoke the ritual, and he shall be born anew!”
In my experience, there are two problems with zealots. The first? They don’t know when to shut up. The second, they think they’re invincible.
- THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE
The two forged a secret pact, engaging in clandestine rituals within the hidden recesses of the temple grounds. As Hesul cultivated rare herbs and enchanted plants, he assisted the bishop in gathering the components necessary for their dark rituals. Hesul meticulously followed Ashunde’s instructions and was completely invested in the process while wrestling without concern for the ethical implications of their actions.
In his role as groundskeeper, Hesul is careful to maintain appearances, earning respect among the temple’s congregation for his dedication. Yet he constantly navigates the complexities of his ties to the underbelly of Alchester, where he continues to gather rare ingredients and ancient texts to further enhance their necromantic studies. Each interaction with the hidden world feeds his growing obsession with the arcane. At the same time, he balances his responsibilities to the temple and Ashunde.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Hesulton first appears in The Assassin's Blade (Assassin Without a Name Book One).
