When I first introduced Jaylocke in The Beast Hunter, I didn’t expect him to become such a fan favorite—or to play such a recurring role throughout the series. Yet, here we are, several books later, and he’s not only stuck around, but grown into one of Keltin Moore’s most trusted friends and companions. With his trademark grin and undeniable charm, Jaylocke has carved out a unique place in the hearts of readers—and mine, too! Let’s take a closer look at the irrepressible Weycliff Wayfarer.
Character History
Jaylocke is the son of Evik, the Patriarch of a nomadic troupe of entertainers and travelers. After losing his mother at a young age, he was raised by his father and the rest of the troupe, many of whom are family. His closest bonds within the troupe are with Mama Bellin, the wise and nurturing Matriarch; his younger cousin Maynid; and Ameldi, the troupe’s most gifted singer—and the keeper of Jaylocke’s heart.
From the moment he and Keltin meet, a fast friendship formed between them, driven by Jaylocke’s friendliness, loyalty, and bravery. While he’s both charming and helpful, he also tends to be lazy, which has caused him some trouble, particularly early on when he offended his ancestors by over-relying on their aid. (For a deeper dive into the Weycliff Wayfarers’ magic system, check out this blog post.)
Physical Description
Jaylocke is best recognized by his ever-present grin, a feature that makes him instantly memorable and provides a striking contrast to Keltin’s more serious nature. He has a shock of unruly blonde hair that adds to his carefree, roguish charm. When he’s first described, we also hear that he wears a distinctive vest covered in an assortment of buttons. This quirky detail was actually inspired by a gypsy character from a stage play I wrote, directed, and starred in back in seventh grade. I always remember that production fondly when I think about Jaylocke’s outfit.
What Purpose Does He Serve in the Story?
Throughout the series, Jaylocke serves as more than comic relief or a loyal friend—he’s a catalyst for action. While Bor’ve’tai represents faith and introspection for Keltin, Jaylocke is the voice urging him forward, often with a grin and a bold (if slightly reckless) plan. He’s Keltin’s motivator, always ready to solve problems, whether with quick wit or sheer stubbornness.
At his core, Jaylocke is a foil for Keltin. Where Keltin is measured and introspective, Jaylocke is bold and impulsive. He provides levity during tense moments and is always ready with a quip or a clever solution when things go wrong. Some of my favorite scenes are their shared moments of humor and camaraderie. I even like to think that Jaylocke’s style has rubbed off onto Keltin somewhat over the course of their friendship.
The Future
It’s been great to see how readers have connected with Jaylocke over the years. He’s been a consistent fan favorite, with many readers appreciating his humor, loyalty, and dynamic role in my stories. While I can’t give away too much, I’m particularly excited about what’s ahead for Jaylocke following the events of The Hunter’s Apprentice. Rest assured, his story is far from over, and there are plenty more adventures—and challenges—ahead for this grinning Wayfarer.
