Slanter (Shannara)

Slanter is a fictional character from the Wishsong of Shannara by Terry Brooks. He is a Gnome tracker who looks out only for himself traditionally, and does what is needed to stay alive.

Slanter left the Eastland at a young age, learning the skills of tracking from an old Borderman. He has traveled all the lands at one time or another, and as such is different from the rather reclusive Eastland Gnomes. He tracked for the Mord Wraiths simply because it was the smartest thing to do, and did not particularly enjoy it, even though he tracked Allanon. Slanter followed the Druid's trail to Shady Vale, where he had an encounter with Jair Ohmsford. Actually, he wanted Jair to tell him Allanon's whereabouts, but Jair attacked him with the wishsong. Jair made the illusion of many snakes wrapping around Slanter's body, and then Jair used a tree branch from an old maple to render him unconscious. Slanter later came after Jair, capturing him and turning him over to his master from the gnome race. Later, when Jair was rescued by the Weapons Master, Garet Jax, Slanter went with them on their quest, and developed a strong bond with the Valeman.

Slanter later joined Jair and the Weapons Master Garet Jax on their way to Graymark, though unwillingly and with no small amount of complaint. Despite this, Slanter proved a valuable ally to the company, and saved Jair's life numerous times. Slanter was also the only one of Jair's companions to survive the journey, and promised at their farewell that they would meet again.