Ambrathas of Alamire

Ambrathas came upon a maiden beset by a dozen brigands who had routed her escort. He challenged the brigands and defeated them all in fair combat. The maiden thanked her champion and gave him a red and white checkered kerchief, which he tied about his neck. As he escorted the lady to her destination, they were attacked seven more times, each time by more fearsome foes. The final encounter was with eight demons. Each time, Ambrathas steadfastly repelled his opponents without thought of retreat and never complaining of his many wounds.

Eventually, they came to a hill overlooking the maiden’s destination, a castle of unnatural fairness. Ambrathas collapsed and could go no further. As he lay, he saw the maiden transformed into the goddess Larani. She told him that the castle below was hers, Dolithor, but that it was not his destiny to enter it, although he must ever strive to do so. Ambrathas heard the goddess map out his future as her champion. Although he knew his inadequacy for the tasks she set him, he accepted the challenge.

Ambrathas lay long recovering from his wounds. When he awoke the castle and the goddess were gone. In their place were a brooding dark fortress and five mendicant mortal priests who said they were sent to aid him. Their first task would be to take the dark castle below from its evil warlord. One of the mendicants blew a horn which was answered by the appearance of a small band of warriors who called themselves the Knights of Tirith. Ambrathas led the knights to the gate of the castle and challenged the occupants. Ambrathas and his band won the day, 'though hey were outnumbered five to one, then the Knights of Tirith departed.

The dark fortress was converted into a temple and chapter house for worthy knights, and named Alamire. The tiny priesthood trained acolytes who were sent abroad to spread the word, and Ambrathas entertained and converted warriors to the cause of the Lady of Paladins. For twenty years Alamire stood. Then the Knights of Tirith returned and bade Ambrathas send everyone away. After he did this, a mighty army swept down upon Alamire, and although Ambrathas and the Knights fought bravely, the castle was destroyed and all were slain.

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