The Glimmer Knight

A novel by Noreb Ampchino about a pair of brothers and their wizard companions.

## Synopsis

The novel follows the lives of two brothers and knights, Henrick and Castor By’glambit. The older of the two brothers, Henrick, has already completed his Test of Steel and the book begins with Castor’s work in preparing for the Test as well. The brothers are prophesied to become a great pair of warriors intended to save humanity from the corruption of demons from the Nine Hells. It chronically their journey to knighthood, their battle with the forces of evil, and the meeting of the tribal princesses. They are accompanied at all times by the magical warders, Marshel Tetherhold and Pria Highstation. During the time of the book, Castor also becomes bonded with a young drake by the name of Flightspirit.

Following is an expert from The Glimmer Knight by Noreb Ampchino:

> The rain was cold as it continued to fall in sheets.  Marshel could hear the droplets plinking off the armor of his silent companion.  For a large man, Henrick By’glambit could stand silent and undetected when he desired.  From their vantage on the cliffs edge their view was dark and hazy, but they could still make out the action far below.  Three individuals stood facing each other.  Two nearly had their backs pressed to the arrow-strewn cliff face, while the largest individual loomed violently just outside easy reach.
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> “Why must he always place himself directly in the middle of every conflict.  And to drag Flightspirit into as well.  It is nearly inexcusable.”  Henrick nearly growled from inside his plate helmet.
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> “Castor’s passion has always been his greatest strength and his greatest weakness, you know this Henrick.” Marshel responded.
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> Henrick’s grunt was the only response forthcoming from the giant.
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> “Besides, Pria will be sure her young ward does not fall too far into trouble.  Much like I do with you, more often than you would like to admit.” The wizard chided.
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> “Perhaps, but if I see my brother in trouble, I will not hesitate to intervene.  To hell with his honor.”  Agreed Henrick. “But hark, they start again.”
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> Down below in the narrow valley the combatants engaged again, this time with the young knight Castor taking the initiative.  With a challenging warcry, he charged the great red fiend, Hesporis, with his two-handed greatsword held high.  However, this was only a feint.  While drawing the attention of the fiend, Castor’s companion, a young blue dragon about the size of a large down, used its innate magic to shadow step behind Hesporis.  After appearing out of the ether with a pop and smell of rain, Flightspirit inhaled deeply through its flaring nostrils and exhaled again through its widening mouth.  Not just air escaped the dragon’s maw, but with it came a blinding flash of lightning.  On most mortals this strategy would have worked, but this was the fiend Hesporis.  Hesporis the Sea Scourge.  Hesporis of the Many Faces.  Hesporis the villain who took the life of Castor’s dear friend and squire, Masonal.  Upon hearing the arrival of the dragon, the red fiend quickly turned to present a hand, palm first to Flightspirit.  As the lightning discharged from the dragon, it met an invisible ward directly in front of Hesporis.
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> “You mortals are always so slow and predictable.”  Purred the demon.
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> “We’ll see,”  were the only words from Castor before he laid into the enemy.
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> Castor brought his greatsword down with all the force he could muster.  It was met by a short sword drawn from Hesporis’ own forearm.  The blades clashed together, both holding firm.  Castor was quick to follow up with a knee intended for the monster’s groin, but was blocked by Hesporis’ thigh.  Appearing in Hesporis’ other hand, a second bone short sword darted out for a thrusting strike to Castor’s exposed liver.  The young knight evaded quickly, but not quick enough.  The thrust grazed the man, breaking chain links and leaving a shallow gash on his side. Hesporis pressed his advantage, with quick strikes from both blades, slowly backing Castor up towards the cliff wall.  Castor attempted to disengage and create distance, but caught another strike to an exposed shoulder.  Bleeding from multiple wounds, the knight set his feet and prepared for another round.  Arrogant as ever, Hesporis seemed to be growing bored as he inverted his blades to run parallel to his forearms.  Castor rushed forward with three strikes intended to carve into the great fiend’s chest.  Hesporis deftly dodged the first two and caught the third in an X-guard using both blades.  Using the opportunity, Hesporis quickly stepped closer to Castor and placed his heel behind the heel of Castor and gave a great shove.  The knight sprawled to the ground on his back, losing his sword in the process.  The fiend lept towards the down man driving both blades towards killing blows.  Castor blocked the blows the only way left to him.  He drove both his hands into the tips of the blades and pushed his arms out wide.  The blades skewered both hands into ground on either side of Castor and pinned him to the earth.  Castor inhaled in apparent pain and met the eyes of his assailant.
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> “Like I said fool, too slow.” Teased Hesporis.
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> In response, Castor smiled and opened his mouth wide.  Out flashed a great bolt of electricity, removing the head of the demon from its shoulders.  The decapitated fiend’s body slumped down onto the man, slowly dissolving into filthy dust and ash.
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> High above the crags and arrow strewn valley wall, the two figures smiled and released a sigh of relief.
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> “Your brother survived another duel with evil it would seem.” said the wizard.
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> Henrick nodded in agreement. “I can never tell if he is incredibly lucky, or one of the best strategists of our age.”
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> “Either way, the man is effective.”
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## Characters

* Henrick By’glambit - Older brother and Knight of Steel
* Castor By’glambit - Younger brother and Novice of Steel
* Marshel Tetherhold - Wizard and warden of Henrick
* Pria Highstation - Wizard and warden of Castor
* Flightspirit - Young blue dragon and bonded drake of Castor
* Hesporis - Great fiend