Rhuda Ashlyn grew up in the serene but often secluded town of Ashdale, nestled in the heart of the Earldom of Kettering. From a young age, she developed a profound appreciation for nature, spending countless hours exploring the surrounding woods with her father, a skilled woodsman. He taught her the intricacies of woodcraft and survival skills, instilling in her a deep respect for the wilderness and its secrets. Armed with a well-worn axe—a gift from her father—Rhuda honed her combat skills as she trained herself to fell trees and carve useful tools, unaware that her talents would eventually chart a course far beyond her small-town roots.

As she matured, Rhuda chafed against the limitations of her quiet life, yearning for adventure and a sense of purpose. The stories of legendary patrollers who safeguarded the frontiers sparked her imagination, igniting a fierce determination to join their ranks. At eighteen, she left her hometown and traveled to Alzion Hall, where she immediately set her sights on becoming a patroller. Rhuda faced her share of challenges during her training, but her relentless dedication and natural abilities saw her rise through the ranks.

“Rhuda,” Evan said, smiling. “It’s good to see a familiar face.”

Rhuda Ashlyn, Scout First Class, was a fellow Alzion Patroller who shared the Dormont’s patrol routes with Evan and a handful of others. Her presence here was a surprise, but a welcome one.

“What sort of trouble you gotten yourself into this time, Captain Kingsley?” Rhuda asked, smiling. Rhuda was a beefy woman with short-cropped hair and a wide, friendly smile. Evan knew from experience that she was a damn fine hand with an axe and that her woodcraft was second to none.

“Nothing we can’t handle, I’m sure.”

- THE INVERSION SOLUTION

Now a Scout First Class, Rhuda takes immense pride in her accomplishments and the responsibilities that come with her role. Her skill with an axe is unmatched. As she patrols the frontier, she utilizes her woodcraft knowledge to track movements and gather vital information about those who would do the Four Fiefdoms harm. Working closely with her fellow patroller, Evan Kingsley, Rhuda has forged a strong bond grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to protecting the realm.

While she revels in her adventures and the camaraderie of her work, Rhuda often reflects on her roots in Ashdale. Despite her successes, her hometown's quiet hollers and woods remain close to her heart, reminding her of her journey and the values instilled in her as a child. As she continues to serve as a patroller and protect the land she loves, Rhuda is determined to honor her past while forging a brighter future, ensuring that others can also find the safety and solace she once found in the embrace of the wilderness.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Rhuda first appears in The Inversion Solution (The Alchemancer Book Three).