Hephaestus

Hephaestus is the younger brother of Atticus and the reason why Atticus ultimately decides to go on the quest. After being severely injured in the raiding of Barley Village, he is in the hospital for the rest of Champion Batticus.

Hephaestus loves to read books about weapons and magic. He and Atticus tease each other and enjoy making jokes at the others' expense. Hephaestus must use a crutch to walk around and thus doesn't get out much and doesn't have many friends.

Champion Batticus
Hephaestus is first introduced when Atticus is sent home early from work due to not feeling well. He reluctantly tells Atticus that Celeste had come by asking him to meet her at the tree house. Hephaestus uses a rope tied around a rafter to pull himself out of bed and tells Atticus that the wood seems to be breaking and Atticus says he'll try to fix it later. When Atticus runs home to save his brother he finds Hephaestus knocked out and pinned under the broken rafter. Atticus managed to drag his brother half way out of the house but the two are ultimately saved by Sir Ardmann and Dame Mereli.

Hephaestus is confined to the ICU afterwards and Atticus is distresses about not being able to see him for a long time. When Attticus does get to see his brother, he blacks out due to the horrible condition Hephaestus is in. This causes Atticus to dedicate himself to the quest so that he can get the reward money and pay for Hephaestus' recovery.

Atticus
Hephaestus loves to tease Atticus and get on his nerves. He also depends on his brother a lot and asks for his help when he needs it. They get along well and care for each other deeply, as evidence by Atticus risking his life to save Hephaestus.