by C S Marks
Despite the fact that they remained the bitterest foes, they were each still somewhat aware of the other, though Gorgon’s spirit was now spent to the point that Gaelen could barely sense him. An unwanted but permanent bond had been forged between them, and Gaelen almost welcomed it, though Gorgon did not. If and when he gained strength and ventured forth again, she would know, and would seek to destroy him again. He could never sufficiently avenge the hurt she had done him.
Now he looked up into the night sky, unaware that Gaelen was in that moment doing the same as she traveled back to the Woodland stronghold with Rogond at her side. Her eyes could not see the stars, but her spirit perceived them. Gorgon’s eyes were undamaged, and the bright lights could be clearly seen, but within his heart the bright light of Gaelen’s vengeance burned forever, and his spirit saw only darkness.
GLOSSARY of NAMES
With aid to pronunciation:
Aincor (INE-cor): Elf of the Èolar, a great scholar and warrior, known as the Fire-heart. He was among the most skilled and passionate of his people, but he was prideful, and his reckless acts bore terrible consequences. It is said that he was incapable of fear. Because of his perceived invincibility in battle, he was appointed the first King of Tal-elathas. It is unflattering to be compared with him in terms of willfulness. He produced two sons, Asgar and Dardis. Name means "fire- heart". (ain-fire, cor-heart)
Airan (EYE-rahn): Lord Airan, Elf of the Eádram that founded the realm of Tal-sithian. From airith (noble).
Alduinar (AL-dwee-nar): Ruler of Tuathas at the time of the Third Uprising. He successfully repelled Kotos’ forces, and was a good friend and ally of the High King. His name means "worthy guide".
Alterra (Al-TAIR-ra): The World That Is; the Realm in which these tales take place. From terra (earth) and alta (being).
Amandir (AH-mahn-deer): Elf of Tal-Sithian, spouse of Brinneal. His name means "artful one". From aman (artful).
Ambros (AHM-bros): Great River of Western Alterra, it is formed by the Eros and the Brocca in the north. From ambra (great) and ros (river).
Angael (AHN-gehl): Small but doughty mare ridden by Gaelen in her youth. Name means "valor-mare". From gael (valor, feminine).
Anlon (AHN-lon): Great horse belonging to Gaelen and Nelwyn’s uncle Tarmagil. Name means "champion".
Anori (Ah-NOR-ee): Men who dwell in the eastern regions of Alterra. Though they are comprised of many cultures, little is known of them in the West. It is said that there are great eastern civilizations founded by them—strongholds of learning and enlightenment. The Anori are physically smaller than the Tuathar, with golden skin, raven or reddish hair, and dark eyes. They fear the Elves, and many consider them to be evil. The foundation of this belief is not known.
Of particular note among Anori tribes are the Khazhi-folk. These are short, stocky, brown-skinned nomads. As horsemen they are unexcelled, and though they are gentle and hospitable to their friends, they are fierce enemies. From anoir (east).
Aontar (Ay-ON-tar): The One Lord of All, the Creator. Also known as the Lord of Light.
He formed the Lands of Alterra and endowed them with light in the form of stars, sun and moon. To aid and instruct His children, Aontar sent emissaries known as Asari. They played a great role in the growth and enlightenment of the Elves and the men of Tuathas.
Arialde (Ah-ree-AL-deh): Lady Arialde, the Asarla who founded Tal-sithian with Lord Airan. She is one of the only female Asari, and is the keeper of the Stone of Léir. Water is her element. From arialdas (beautiful).
Aridani (Ah-ree-DAHN-ee), sing. Aridan (AH-ree-dahn): Men. One of the mortal races, men have spread into nearly every region of Alterra. Highly variable in appearance and culture, they may be savage or enlightened depending on influence and opportunity. For the most part they are unremarkable, reasonably peaceful folk quietly living their daily lives. They are the farmers, the tradesmen, the fishermen, laborers, and craftsmen. They maintain trade with the Elves and also with the dwarves, providing both goods and services. Men have founded several great realms, which have served as repositories of learning and lore. Most notable among these was Tuathas, but the great cities of Dûn Bennas and Dûn Arian have also stood as fortresses of Light.
Regrettably, men are subject to sickness—their numbers were vastly reduced in the Great Plague of s.r.7216. Known as Tâmo-fuath, the terrible death, this pestilence devastated men in nearly all areas of Alterra; it was spread by the wind and spared very few. The Duathar and the Anori lost nearly eight of ten, and though the northern and western peoples fared a little better, they still lost more than half their number. Only the far southern city of Dûn Arian was spared, and that was only because of her isolation and because the winds in that part of the world prevail from the sea. Name means "those who fade". From aridar (fading).
Artan (AR-tan): River formed by the 2 streams that flow from Monadh-talam.
Aruinnas (Ar-WEE-nas): The Greatwood Forest. From Aruinnas (forest).
Asarla (Ah-SAR-la) pl. Asari (Ah-sah-REE): Ancient magic-users sent to enlighten the children of Aontar. Each was affiliated with one of the four elements—earth, water, air, or fire. Their influence is at the heart of most of the great Elf-realms, as well as the northern realm of men known as Tuathas.
The Asari were never many; it is thought that only twelve were sent by Aontar. Of those, only three are known to remain in the western lands at the time our tales begin. Two are of the light—Lady Arialde of Tal-sithian, and Lord Shandor of Mountain-home. The other, Lord Kotos, sits at the right hand of Wrothgar and is responsible for much of the corruption of men.
The founders of the Elven-realms of Eádros and Tal-elathas, and of the northern realm of men known as Tuathas, are believed lost. They were called Léiras the far-sighted, Cuimir the beautiful, Baelta the bright, and Duinar the guide.
Three Asari made their way to the far eastern lands; their fate is unknown to Western scholars.
The last two turned to Darkness during the Time of Mystery. Though it is believed that they no longer dwell in Alterra, they were said to have given rise to the Bödvari, the demonic captains of Wrothgar’s army.
The powers of the Asari vary according to the gifts given them by Aontar, but all are very learned, and they are capable of exerting their influence to protect their people. The Elven-realms have remained hidden from their enemies largely due to the Asari, who do not stray from them. The exception was Shandor, who actually went forth on several occasions, notably during the Second Uprising.
The climate within their lands is moderated by their benevolent power. Mountain-home, for example, is not locked in the grip of deadly winters despite its location, and the lands of Tuathas did not often suffer from flooding or drought.
The Asari can beget children, though rarely have they done so. These included the Bödvari, who thankfully could not beget children themselves, and Lady Ordath of Mountain-home, daughter of Lord Shandor.
Asgar (ASZ-gar): Elf of the Èolar and elder son of Aincor. Asgar was like Aincor in temperament. After witnessing the disastrous consequences of his father’s stubbornness, he declined the throne in favor of his cousin, Ri-Aldamar. His name means "the bold".
Aureth (OW-reth): Maiden of Tal-sithian, friend of Brinneal. From aura (dawn).
Baelta (Bah-EL-tah): Asarla, friend of Kotos, whose dark influence turned him into the unwitting servant of Wrothgar. Baelta so regretted the destruction caused by his deeds that he took his own life. His name means "bright light".
Belegund (BEH-le-gund): Northman, Ranger and friend of Rogond. His name means "noble warrior". From bele- (noble) and gunnar (warrior).
Bödvari, sing Bödvar (BODE-var): Dark servants of Wrothgar, they are the offspring of Dark Asari. They are as black demons that kill their enemies with fire after first paralyzing them with fear. They are terrible enemies in battle. From bödvar (demon).
Brinneal (BRIN-nee-al): Golden-haired Elf of the Èolar, she moved to Tal-sithian after the fall of Tal-elathas. She is
the mother of Gorgon Elfhunter and the spouse of Amandir. Name means "beautiful young maid".
Brocca (BRAW-ka): The river in the north that, along with the Eros, gives rise to the Ambros. It is as wild and turbulent as the Eros is smooth and gentle. From broca (restive).
Brunner Aigred (BROO-nair AYE-gred): The cold-spring that flows from the Great Mountains into the Linnefionn. From aigred (cold, High- elven dialect) and brunner (spring).
Brunner Ia (BROO-nair EE-ya): The cold-spring that flows through the Greatwood, eventually entering the Darkmere. From Ia (cold, Sylvan dialect) and brunner (spring).
Capellion (Ka-PELL-lee-on): Master of Horse in the Greatwood realm. His name means "horse master". From capella (horse).
Conegal (Con-eh-GAHL): One of the renowned Lords of Tuathas, he was a great friend of Ri-Aldamar.
Cós-domhain (Coss-Dome-Ha-EEN):Great Dwarf-realm, known as the Realm of Caverns. Ruled by Lord Grundin. From cós (cavern) and domhain (domain). At the time of these tales there are three dwarf- realms in Alterra: they are Cós-domhain, beneath the Great Mountains, Cós-tollan (the Rûm-harnen or Harnian) beneath the Northern Mountains, and Cós-anor, beneath the Eastern Hills. One of the greatest known dwarf-realms, the City of Rûmm, was destroyed by Elves of the Eádram during the War of Betrayal.
Cronan (CRO-nan): Sturdy dark chestnut pack horse belonging to Rogond and Galador.
Cuimir (coo-ee-MEER): Asarla that founded Eádros, the Realm of Light. He was lost during the War of Betrayal. Name means "comely, handsome". From cuimas (handsome).
Cúinar (COO-ee-nar): Sylvan Elves, Wood-elves. Considered to be of lesser stature than High-elves, they did not have the benefit of Asari influence. They are more earthy and innocent, possessing a very deep bond with the forest, and they possess unique abilities. They have a greater empathy with and understanding of other creatures, and form strong bonds with beasts and birds. At the time our tales begin there are two large groups of Cúinar remaining in the west of Alterra—the Elves of the Greatwood under the reign of Ri-Aruin, and those of the Monadh-ailan, the Verdant Mountains. Examples are Gaelen and Nelwyn. From cúin (silent).
Dardis (DAR-dees): The second son of Aincor, Dardis was a highly talented and inventive artisan and lover of learning. Unlike his father, Dardis was of gentle temperament and was revered especially by the dwarves. He was apprenticed to an Asarla named Léiras (the far-sighted), who taught him of the making of things that could be endowed with magical properties. It was Dardis who made the mirror given to Gorgon Elfhunter; he also created the Stone of Léir.
Much of what transpires in Alterra has little to do with magic. The people live and die according to the laws of nature, and are subjected to the hardships of living as in any other world. It was once true that magic played a greater role in the affairs of Alterra, and the scholars state that the waning of magical influences reflects the waning of the Asari. Yet there is still magic at work in the world at the time these tales begin, and Dardis is responsible for much of it.
Léiras instructed Dardis in the making of magical things—blades, rings, mirrors, amulets, armor, and shields. Mirrors made by Dardis could tell an enemy from a friend despite outward appearances; hence it was Dardis who first realized the treachery of Lord Kotos. He was killed on the eve of the Second Uprising.
Dardis was rather plain and disheveled, often spending months in his "chamber of inspiration" as he created some new and wondrous object. Gentle, humble, and unassuming, he was perhaps the most universally beloved of all Elves in Alterra.
Darkmere: Name given to the Great Forest Realm (Greatwood) when Wrothgar took up residence in the Laban Fuath. The Elves refer only to the southern part of the Forest as the Darkmere, but others make no such distinction. See also Dominglas Forest.
Diomar (DYOH-mar): Man of the Tuathar, sire of Rogond. His name means "the proud". From diomas (proud).
Dominglas Forest (DOME-een-glas): The vast woodland occupying approximately one-third of the northern lands of Alterra. Sylvan Elves patrol and maintain the north, but Wrothgar has overtaken a large area in the south. From domhain (domain) and glas (deep green). See also Greatwood, Darkmere, Aruinnas.
Duathar (DOO-ah-thar): These are the men of the south. Like the Anori-folk, they represent a vast array of cultures, but all have been shaped by the harsh desert lands that are their home. Also known as "sutherlings", many Duathar are tribal, and they often war with their neighbors and with each other. Yet there have been some great scholars among them, and when they find themselves in more civilized surroundings there is little that they cannot achieve. They are very fierce fighters, and are skilled horsemen. They have occasionally troubled the area near to Dûn Bennas, but have always been driven back.
Duinar (DOO-ee-nar): Asarla who founded Tuathas, the northern realm of Men. He appeared to be very old, with a long snow-white beard and a lined, weathered face. He was thought slain during the cataclysmic rising of the Fire-mountain that destroyed Tuathas and all lands near it. Earth is his element. Name means "guide".
Dûn Bennas (Doon-ben-NAS): City of Men founded by the Tuathar, located in the southern tip of the Monadh-ailan where the Ambros enters the Sea. It was built by survivors of the ruin of Tuathas, together with men already living in that region, and it has since withstood many assaults upon its gates. Dûn Bennas is a fair city, and has within its walls one of the great libraries of western Alterra; the lore and works contained therein are equaled only by those of Mountain-home and of Dûn Arian. Name means "white fortress". From dûn (fortress) and benna (white).
Dûn Arian (Doon-AH-ree-AHN): Largely unknown City of Men founded by the renowned scholar Salasin, located in the far southern lands. Also known as The Citadel. Name means "fortress of silver". From dûn (fortress) and ariant (silver).
Dwarves: The third of the great races of Alterra, and the least understood, as they tend to keep to themselves. They were also created by Aontar, but they name Him Fior, the Maker. They call themselves Rûmhar, the Delvers. Their tongue, Rûmhul, is known to very few outside their own race, and is among the most difficult languages to master.
Dwarves are arguably the cleverest of all folk, and they make many wonderful devices. They also make things of great beauty and worth, for they are craftsmen matched only by the Èolar. They are diggers and delvers, and they live almost exclusively in underground realms, though they go abroad in daylight quite happily when needed. They are short in stature, but broadly-made and very strong for their size. They are also quite hardy and tolerant of fire, which is a good thing as they work huge forges deep underground.
All dwarves are bearded, and they take great pride in the length and lushness of their beards, thinking it highly amusing that the Elves have none. As with men, they have a limited lifespan, although dwarves live longer. Two hundred years is about average.
Dwim (DWEEM): Dwarf of Cós-domhain.
Eádram (Ay-AH-drahm): High-elves, Elves of the Light. The Eádram founded most of the High-elven Realms of Alterra, together with the Asari. Of these there were four, but only two remain at present. The Realm of Eádros was lost in a terrible conflict known as the War of Betrayal. The other lost realm, Tal-elathas, was the great center of the Èolar. The remaining realms are Tal-sithian, founded by Lord Airan of the Eádram with Arialde of the Asari, and Monadh-talam, or Mountain- home, founded by the Èolar together with Lord Shandor. High Elves are endowed with an inner light; with practice they can call upon it during battle. Examples of High-elves are Galador and Lord Airan of Tal- sithian. From eádra (light).
Eádri (Ay-AH-dree): The Evening Star.
Eádros (Ay-AH-dross): Elven-realm, greatest of the Eádram. It was lost in the War of Betrayal, destroyed by the Dwarves of Rûmm. The complete tale of the War of Betrayal is told by Fima in Ravenshade. From eádra (light).
Elàni (El-LAN-ee): Elves. Immortal and impressive, they do not willingly serve the Darkness, though they may unwittingly do so through pride or deception. They have established some of the greate
st realms in Alterra. Because of their very long lives, Elves are highly skilled, and many are quite learned. They make many beautiful things, and are unrivalled as musicians, singers, poets, and artisans. Elves are formidable in battle, and quick to defend their lands from any perceived threat.
Elves are almost universally beautiful, High-elves in particular. They are tall and very well made, with fine, silken hair that is usually worn long and flowing or plaited to keep it out of the way. Their hair may be of any color: silver, flaxen, golden, chestnut, mahogany, or raven. Their elegantly-shaped ears aid in distinguishing them from men. Their eyes are bright, and may also be of any color— the High-elves tend toward blue and grey, the Sylvan Elves green and brown. The males are beardless, which also separates them from men and rather pointedly from dwarves.
