Ambrose (of Sithicus)

Ambrose (?-752 BC) is a character from the Spectre of the Black Rose novel. He is a Sithican merchant who owned a shop by the Veidrava Salt Mines. Ambrose's shop was the frequent hang-out spot for his friends Ogier, Kern, and Ganelon. He also performed his duties as caretaker for the madness-stricken Helain, the would-be wife of Ganelon. Although somewhat racist in that he believed going to the Vistani for special aid put the soul in jeopardy, he was nonetheless amicable and fair enough in trading with the Wanderers that Magda Kulchevich called him a friend..

Although truly as kind as he was known to be, Ambrose was not without his skeletons in the closet. He worked underneath the thumb of Azrael Dak, whom extorted him to comply with a betrayal against the Wanderers. Failure meant Helain would go off to the salt mines. Upon Azrael's behalf, Ambrose delivered shadow salt to Inza.. Inza later made use of this salt to call salt shadows down upon her fellow Wanderers in order to see her mother Magda killed

In addition to Azrael's coercion, another factor drew Ambrose towards evil. Many years earlier, Ambrose had been possessed by a salt shadow in the Veidrava Salt Mines. His will enabled him to fight off the unnatural creature's control for a long time. However, a violent encounter with a pair of abusive Politskara, Markel and his elf associate. The encounter ended with Ambrose's killing of both politskae, the flight of Helain, and Ambrose noticeably changed. Ambrose was no more; instead, only a grim parody "Ambrose".

Later, "Ambrose" lured both Ogier and Kern were both lured into a trap at the Black Chapel. There, salt shadows ambushed and possessed both Ogier and Kern, effectively transforming them into the minions of Azrael Dak. When Ganelon came to stop Azrael and his ritual, Ambrose, Kern, and Ogier tussled with the intruding Ganelon.. Ultimately, all three of Ganelon's friends met their doom when Ganelon activated the crystal orb given to him by Malocchio Aderre. However, in his last moments, the kindly Ambrose took over once again to give a warm smile and compliment to Ganelon..