Lok the Hammer

About the Book

In Book II, Lok the Hammer, Lok dissolves many a Wouachouian feud against local military factions, such as bandits, and petty Warlords, putting them in their place. Lok marries, deceitfully, Lynn, a daughter of Herrohvell, and finds himself, reluctantly, placed in the Wouachou Military School for Officer Candidates. It is near this time that the Wizard gives Lok a certain war hammer, the very one which was used to kill him in his early teens, and from which he derives his mythical surname; Lok the Hammer.  Follow Lok as a young man in his mid-twenties, traveling away from the Orient as a hired mercenary, settling disputes among the Gogs and Ma-Gogs. He wanders with a growing band of Pirate outlaws; Freed Slaves, miscreants from all nations, including Nahrvoldian Mangaks, who have pitted themselves against the ancient "code," of Mangak. Soon after his turn North up the mighty Ivory River, Lok and his small Army, now numbering over six-hundred, enlist in the cause of the brawny, indomitable, "Rhog" Essox, 'High King' of the Scythians; (from Sky-things--a bastardized name of the ancient Scythians).  Discover Lok, the outlaw, as he finds himself in demand as a lawman. He is learning lessons in Leadership, and the misuse of unbridled authoritarian command.

About the Author

Over the years, Robert P. Shyan-Norwalt has been a preacher, soldier, demolitions construction worker, corrections officer, OTR truck driver, and professional blacksmith. Robert has written an online, essential blacksmithing, damascus steel making, and pattern welding tutorial that has received high acclaim. This book, his second work of fiction, reflects his life-long experiences and learnings. He has been a student of history, especially with Old and New Testament, edged weapons, and military strategy for over 30 years. A former long-term member of various Middle Ages historical reenactment societies, and a self-taught amateur scholar, he has extensive knowledge of different classical through post-Middle Ages European histories and cultures.  He was a decorated soldier in the US Army for over 14 years. His extensive military experiences, numerous military occupational skills, stealth maneuvers, and engagements provide realism, accuracy, and passion to the battle scenes, logistical activities, and individual combat episodes in this heroic fantasy.  His former work as a Evangelistic clergyman and seminary student provide the skills to blend words and new belief systems into a coherent and creative whole.  His work as a professional artisan blacksmith, swordsmith, and artist allow him to vividly portray weapons and armor, to provide the artwork for this novel.  Robert presently lives in rural Indiana with his wife, dog, and two Belgian horses. He has three adult children and five grandchildren.  He has operated his full time blacksmith/swordsmith business out of his home-based workshop since 1999, has several apprentices, and has done numerous educational demonstrations in different venues, including Earlham College.