How are Elias and Harper related?
Direct Answer
Avitas Harper, a former student at Blackcliff Academy, is revealed to be the half-brother of Elias Veturius, the commander of the Blackcliff Academy’s legion.
Background
Elias, the son of Keris Veturia, also known as the Commandant, was given up at birth by his mother who left him with the Tribe Saif. Later, it is revealed that Keris Veturia, who is also a mother of Elias, kept another child, Avitas Harper, with her at Blackcliff Academy, keeping his true parentage a secret.
Evidence from the Text
1. The Revelation in An Ember in the Ashes
In the first book of the series, An Ember in the Ashes, it is mentioned that Avitas Harper and Elias have a mysterious connection. Avitas explains that he volunteered to become a spy for the Commandant because he wanted to learn more about Elias, whom he considers his "half-brother."
2. The Timeline
Here is a rough timeline of the events leading to the revelation:
• Avitas Harper is kept a secret by Keris Veturia, alongside Elias.
• Elias is raised by the Tribe Saif.
• Avitas grows up at Blackcliff Academy.
• As adults, Avitas volunteers to become a spy for the Commandant to learn more about Elias.
Reasons for the Secret
Why did Keris Veturia keep this secret?
Why did she not want her children to know they had a sibling?
Here are some possible reasons:
• Fear of judgment: Keris Veturia might have been worried about being judged for keeping a secret child with the same father.
• Fear of Elias discovering: She might have feared that Elias would discover his other sibling and cause unrest within the family.
• Fear of losing her influence: As the Commandant, Keris Veturia might have wanted to maintain her power and control, and keeping the secret helped her to do so.
Conclusion
Elias and Harper are revealed to be half-brothers, a secret kept hidden by their mother, Keris Veturia. This revelation adds complexity to the story, showing that even in a world where power and control are everything, family ties can be twisted and hidden.
In the Next Article:
We will explore the relationships between other characters in the series, including Elias and Laia, Harper and Helene, and others. Stay tuned!