The Glimmerstone Enigma

"Always know who you're stealing from." — Teffel's fourth rule of thievery History elevates grand gestures, champions, and legends, ignoring the actions of ordinary people and their pivotal impact. This is their story. When demonic forces turn an isolated monastery in the Glimmerstone Mountains into a killing ground, the world beyond remains blissfully oblivious to the coming darkness. Hoping only for a bit of revenge and a retirement fund, two driven survivors align with a quirky mix of amateur spies, treasure-hunting thieves, and an elven ranger who behaves more like a wine merchant than a mercenary. Isolated and underpowered, these unremarkable heroes quickly learn that raw steel and sorcery won't be enough to succeed. To unravel the enigma behind the slaughter, their plan escalates into a high-stakes grift: steal a mysterious prize right from under the nose of an unseen adversary—violating Teffel's cardinal rule in the process. What could possibly go wrong? For fans of the high-stakes chemistry of Six of Crows, the sharp wit of The Lies of Locke Lamora, and tactical, D&D-inspired party dynamics, The Unexpected Vanguard is a witty, high-stakes fantasy adventure trilogy.