Erken Hendriks, of the Hendriks family, is a man marked by loss and responsibility. His dueling scar on his left cheek, once a badge of youthful bravado that attracted admiration, now serves as a reminder of a different time—a time when he was a formidable Captain in the Iron Guard, riding his beloved Hadrosaurus, Woody, through the jungles of Seregon. Woody, a creature of habit, often amused Erken with its tendency to pause and munch on the leaves of the wukka tree, a memory that now brings a bittersweet smile to his face.
Erken's stories of adventure and daring as a ranger inspired his sons, though he now wonders if his tales of heroism led them to their early deaths. His first son perished during the The Tiamat Incident, a battle that claimed many lives seven years ago. His second son, filled with the same adventurous spirit, met his end on a quest a few years later. These losses weigh heavily on Erken, but he finds solace in the belief that his sons lived their lives fully, even if briefly.
Now, his youngest and only surviving heir, Leaf Hendriks, is missing in the jungle, lost alongside Clement Schoonoven. Erken's grief is compounded by the burden of self-blame. He sees his own hand in every misfortune that has befallen his family. Yet, Erken is a man who refuses to succumb to emotion; he knows the world depends on him and the crystals his family produces.
The Hendriks family's crystals, though not as sophisticated as those of the Schoonoven, are essential for weapons and propulsion. Erken despises living in the shadow of the Schoonovens, and the fact that they are entangled in his son's disappearance stirs a deep, simmering rage within him. The loss of his wife during Leaf's birth only deepens his resolve, making him a man driven by duty, loss, and an unyielding desire to see his family legacy endure.
Bearn Tuham is Erken's trusted lieutenant.