Warden of Marshwood Hill

The Warden of Marshwood Hill was a fully grown male heron who ruled the marshes near the Eastern Sea. He was friends with Boldred. He aggressively enforced the law in the marshes, punishing his reptile subjects or "lawbreakers" very severely, sometimes eating them. The Warden was easy to insult as he constantly referred to himself as "the law." He hated fire.

The Warden rescued Martin the Warrior, Rose, Pallum, and Grumm Trencher from a tribe of cannibalistic lizards after being warned by a dipper bird. He then was saved from two slowworms, a grass snake, and an adder by Martin. After leading Martin the Warrior and his fellow travelers through the marshes, the Warden promptly flew away, saying that he might help them in the future.

He re-appeared during the battle against Fort Marshank, having been notified by Boldred. The two birds dropped a large net over Marshank during the battle.