Marulk

Marulk is polite, kind and somewhat shy. He quickly becomes friendly with Riko and Reg and enjoys having other children near his own age at the Seeker Camp.

He is diligent in his duties under Ozen and responds seriously to instructions despite her intimidating personality. His gentleness contrasts strongly with his mentor's imposing demeanor.

Marulk is also accustomed to Ozen's teasing, including the maid clothing she makes him wear. His embarrassment does not undermine the strong attachment and loyalty he has toward her.

Marulk is a Blue Whistle, placing him above apprentice-level Red Whistles and demonstrating substantial cave-raiding experience despite his young appearance.

He can navigate the Second Layer, assist with the Seeker Camp's operations and perform ordinary delver duties. His training under Ozen gives him access to instruction from one of the most experienced White Whistles.

Marulk has a physical sensitivity to sunlight and therefore spends much of his life within the Abyss, where direct sunlight is limited.

Marulk meets Riko and Reg when they reach the Seeker Camp. He acts as a friendly intermediary while Ozen subjects the travelers to much harsher scrutiny.

During their stay, Marulk becomes close enough to Riko and Reg that their eventual departure genuinely upsets him. His life also shows Riko another model of apprenticeship: a young delver being personally trained by a White Whistle rather than raised through the Belchero Orphanage.

The supplementary Marulk's Daily Life stories expand his routine at the Seeker Camp and his interactions with its other inhabitants.

Ozen is Marulk's teacher, guardian and commanding figure at the Seeker Camp. Despite her intimidating treatment of him, Marulk is deeply attached to her.

Riko befriends Marulk during her stay at the Seeker Camp, giving him a rare opportunity to spend time with someone near his own age.

Reg also becomes Marulk's friend during the visit, and Marulk is saddened when the pair continue their descent.

Simred, Yelme and Zapo are fellow cave raiders associated with Ozen's expedition group and the Seeker Camp.