Bander and Rander

Two curious characters in “Quest for the Red Sapphire” and “Sapphire Crucible” are Bander and Rander Greenlith.  They are the main character Linvin’s cousins and his Uncle Anvar’s nephews.  They begin the first book having despised Linvin for their whole lives.  When Linvin shows up on their door asking for help on his quest, he finds nothing has changed.  They only agree to come after Linvin promises them a handsome bribe upon their return.  Rander is small and frail.  He is meekly built and not much of a physical threat.  What he lacks in body he makes up for in brains.  He is a schemer, a plotter, one who is always thinking of a way to advance his own cause.  Rander is intelligent though he lacks wisdom.  Bander is just the opposite of his brother although it is hard to tell sometimes.  He is thickly built with muscle to spare.   Bander could overpower most humans in a fight.  He is nearly a match for Linvin.  Brawn happens to be where his prowess stops.  He has a very simple brain.  His top goal is to get food and as much as he can eat.  It is said that there isn’t a thought in his head that didn’t originate in Rander’s.  Bander is controlled by his brother and does whatever he says.  Thus, Bander is the muscle behind Rander’s mouth.  Rander said not to like Linvin, so Bander doesn’t.  Particularly early on in “Quest for the Red Sapphire” they are more trouble than they’re worth.  As time goes on, however, they begin to come around and use their tools to help in the mission.  Linvin comes to depend on them to take on responsibility during the campaign.  They evolve on the trip.  Rander learns to use weapons and begins to contribute.  Bander stops listening to his brother and finds his own voice.  By the end they are very major players.