There are creatures in Glimmerwood that you respect. And then there is Bramblewick.

He is a badger — large, grizzled gray and black, with small dark eyes that look at you as though they have seen everything already and were not particularly impressed by any of it. His fur is weathered and his expression is permanently set to suggest he has just been interrupted during a very pleasant nap — which, most of the time, is exactly the case.

Bramblewick has lived on Thornroot Hill for longer than anyone can remember — possibly even longer than Fenwick has lived in the Hollow, though it would be wise not to say that out loud. His home lies deep beneath the roots of an ancient, gnarled oak tree that crowns the top of the hill. Its roots wind through the hillside like a branching labyrinth of tunnels and hollows — entirely private, and visitors are not invited. They are, however, grudgingly tolerated, provided they are polite, do not speak too loudly, and ideally bring a decent piece of cheese.

He is grumpy. He is impatient. He insists on being regarded as extremely dignified — and woe to anyone who uses the word „cute,“ „fuzzy,“ or any other word that might apply to badgers in general within earshot of him. Bramblewick is not a cute badger. Bramblewick is a badger with standards.

Somewhere in the forest lives his nephew Thistle — younger, sleeker, with brighter eyes. The two could hardly be more different. But blood is thicker than water, even among badgers.

And yet — anyone who listens carefully when Bramblewick speaks will quickly notice: behind the grumbling lives a creature who knows this forest better than anyone. Who has spent decades observing, sniffing, and registering. Who knows when something is wrong — long before anyone else has noticed.

Because Bramblewick may not enjoy company. But he loves his forest.

What the old badger of Thornroot Hill knows, why his advice matters more than he would ever admit — and what he has to do with a certain piece of cheese — that’s for you to find out in The Secret Cave of Glimmerwood.