Rail Jenkins

Rail’s life began in the quiet shadows of Norwynne Keep, a formidable fortress nestled at the edge of the Barrens Ocean. Orphaned at a young age, he was left on the doorstep of the keep, wrapped in a simple blanket with a small, tattered note that provided no clues about his parents’ identities or their fate. The keep’s caretakers, unable to track down any relatives, took him in but never officially adopted him, leaving Rail in a state of limbo between belonging and isolation.

Growing up within the towering walls of Norwynne was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, he was surrounded by the hustle and bustle of soldiers training, nobles meeting, and the stern yet protective presence of Lord Vuller. On the other hand, Rail often felt like an outsider, marked by his unknown lineage. As other children played and forged bonds, Rail worked alongside the castle’s servants, performing menial tasks and carrying messages throughout the vast corridors.

Despite his status, Rail found solace in the daily rhythm of the keep. The work kept him busy and afforded him glimpses into the lives of the nobles and warriors he shared a home with. He learned the intricacies of castle politics through whispered conversations and the nervous exchanges of those bearing news. As he ran messages, he became a silent observer, absorbing lessons in loyalty, betrayal, courage, and the weight of responsibility.

“Seems we’ve a visitor,” Tippin said.

The visitor held a letter. Mr. Gyles, who stood guard duty, exchanged a few words with him. Then the airman called over a ship’s boy—Jacob saw it was Rail—before sending the boy scurrying up the gangplank straight to Jacob. Rail saluted, then delivered his message.

“Sir, the landlubber has a letter for the captain. Says he won’t give it to anyone but him.”

Jacob suppressed a smile. Rail had been a landlubber himself a little over a week ago. “Send him up. I’ll deal with him.”

- THE INVERSION SOLUTION

Though loneliness at times consumed him, Rail’s spirit remained unyielding. He quickly became known for his reliability and quickness, proving that even the most minor workers could be invaluable. The servants grew fond of him, often providing him with scraps of food or kind words, fostering a sense of community even amidst his status as an outsider. He focused on honing skills to help him excel in his role, developing a keen sense of direction and an acute understanding of the keep’s layout.

Rail’s relentless curiosity pushed him to explore the less-traveled parts of Norwynne Keep during his free time. He discovered secret passageways, forgotten storage rooms, and even a small library filled with dusty tomes. He often lost himself in the pages of ancient texts, dreaming of adventure and intrigue beyond the keep’s walls. Despite the confines of his humble existence, Rail dreamed of becoming more than just a gopher. He longed to carve out a legacy, to uncover the truth of his origins, and to find his place in the world.

As he entered his teenage years, questions about his parentage became more pressing. Rail could not shake the feeling that he was destined for something greater, an inkling fueled by whispers of destiny in the tales he read. Determined to find answers, he began to seek opportunities to uncover the truth behind his past, scanning the faces of travelers visiting the keep for any hint of familiarity. It is an ongoing endeavor, one which he hopes to bring to an end soon.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Rail first appears in Engines of Alchemancy (The Alchemancer Book One).

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