Dawnflight (The Dragon's Dove Chronicles Book 1)

by Headlee, Kim

  games helm. Ornate helmet specially designed for Roman cavalry games rather than combat in order to attract the attention of potential wealthy patrons.

  Geall Dhìleas (GAYall JHEYE-lay-as; Caledonaiche, “Oath of Fealty”). See Oath of Fealty. Origin: Scottish Gaelic geall (“promise”), dhìleas (“of faithfulness”).

  Glaschu (GLASS-koo) Monastery. Christian men’s religious community located near the Brytoni fort Caerglas in present-day Glasgow, Scotland. The monks are famed for their uisge beverage.

  gloria (Latin, “glory”). A chant performed during the Christian mass.

  Gododdin (go-DOTH-in). Brytonic: Guotodin. Caledonaiche: Gò Do-dìon (“Deceptively Difficult Defense”). Brytoni-controlled territory corresponding to modern southeastern Scotland and northeastern England. The Brytonic name is derived from the Latin name of the Celtic tribe inhabiting the area at the time of the Roman occupation, the Votadini. The Caledonaiche version implies that the region is deceptively well-defended. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic gò (“deceitful”), do-dìon (“difficult defense”).

  Great Disaster, The. Caledonaiche: An Ciorramor. See Alleluia Victory. Chaledonaich term for the mid-5th-century battle against the Breatanaich, doomed when their Sasunaich and Scáthinaich allies fled the battlefield before a single blow was struck. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic ciorram (“disaster”), mór (“great”).

  Gwynedd (GWIN-eth). Mountainous and sparsely populated region corresponding to present-day northwest Wales. Name origin: Brythonic variant of the Latin designation of tribal residents during the Roman occupation collectively known as Venedotia.

  Hadrian’s Wall, Hadrianic Wall. Latin: Hadriani murum. Caledonaiche: Am Balla Deas (“The South Wall”). Frontier fortification built in northern Britain by the Roman Emperor Hadrian early in the second century A.D. Extends from Wallsend on the River Tyne through Carlisle to the Solway Firth near Bowness-on-Solway.

  Hag, The (also the Crone). Caledonaiche: An Cronag h’Eugais. Late-life manifestation of the Life-Goddess. Caledonaich who see the Hag believe they soon will die; hence, she is also referred to as “the Hag of Death.” Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic cron (“evil,” “harmful”), eug (“death”), both of which are masculine nouns.

  Herring Cohort. Unofficial unit designation for the relief troops sent to the Isle of Maun to combat the Scotti invasion, based on the fact that most of the troops were smuggled to the island in the holds of herring boats.

  Horse Cohort. Latin: Cohortis Equitum. Unit in the Brytoni army consisting of eight cavalry alae and no footsoldiers, formed as a result of the Brytoni-Caledonian treaty forged after the battle of Abar-Gleann. First Ala is comprised of Brytoni horsemen; the remaining alae are comprised of Caledonians.

  hypocaustum (Latin, “under-burning”). The Romans’ system of heating rooms by pumping hot air from an underground furnace into pipes running beneath the floors.

  joining, joining ceremony. Caledonaiche: a’phòg naomhair (“the holy kiss”). The Caledonach marriage ritual, optional. Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic a’phòg (“the kiss,” fem.), naomh (“holy”).

  Jutes. Powerful Germanic tribe that originated on the Jutland peninsula in modern Denmark and began migrating to Britain in the late 4th century A.D.

  Keeper of the Chalice, The. Christian holy man selected to guard the Chalice and maintain its shrine; usually also serves as Abbot of Saint Padraic’s Monastery.

  kyrie eleison (KEE-ree-ay ee-LAYee-zone; Greek, “Lord have mercy”). Chant performed during the Christian mass.

  Laird (Scáthaichean, “Lord”). Honorific applied to the overlord of the Scáthaichean.

  lann-seolta (lahn-sayOHL-tah; Caledonaiche, “blade-cunning”). The term applied to Caledonach warriors who are particularly adept at predicting their opponents’ moves in battle, especially in regard to swordsmanship. Origin: Scottish Gaelic lann (“blade”), seòlta (“cunning”, “skillful”).

  lavender. Medicinal and aromatic strewing herb.

  legate. Latin: legatus. Senior Roman military officer, usually a legion commander, equivalent to a brigadier general. Badge: silver with appropriately colored enamel ring around the legion’s symbol.

  legion. Latin: legio. The largest unit in the Roman military infrastructure, usually consisting of six infantry cohorts and at least one cavalry ala, commanded by a legate. Technically, Arthur is Legatus Legio Draconis (“Legate of the Dragon Legion”), but his status as Dux Britanniarum is more descriptive and therefore supersedes the “legate” title, so I don’t use the term “legate” in this text.

  Levitical law. Ancient Hebrew law as set forth in the books of Moses—the first five books of the Bible, collectively known as the Pentateuch—but especially in the Book of Leviticus. The legal code derives its name from the tribe of Levi, the only one of the twelve tribes of Israel sanctioned to form God’s priesthood.

  Life-Goddess, The. Caledonaiche: Deò-Dhì (“Life-Breath from Her”). Caledonach deity who presides over every phase of mortal life, changing her manifestation from Maiden to Mother to Hag as the situation warrants. Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic deò (“breath,” “life,” “spark”), dhìth (“off her”).

  Lothian, Clan (LO-tee-an; Brytonic). Caledonaiche: Clan Lùthean (LOOT-hay-ahn, “People of Power”); full designation is Lùtheanaich Ghò Do-dìon Bhreatein. Brytoni clan of the region of Gododdin, Brydein. Banner: rearing amber bear on dark green. Cloak pattern: forest green crossed with dark blue and gold. Gemstone: amber. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic lùths (“power”).

  Lugh. Caledonach/Brytoni Lord of Light, symbolized by a bull.

  Lugnasadh (loo-NAH-sah). Summer festival celebrated by non-Christian Caledonaich and Brytons on August 1, characterized by horse racing and livestock sales; named for the god Lugh.

  mac (Caledonaiche). “Son of,” followed by the mother’s name; e.g., Angusel mac Alayna. Origin: Scottish Gaelic.

  machaoduin (mack-EYE-dween; pl. michaoduin; Caledonaiche, “son(s) of the unmanned”). Scáthaichean: o’neduine. An epithet with obvious parentage connotations; can apply to jerks, cowards, the condemned, the exiled, and traitors. Female form is nichaoduin (pl. naichaoduin). Origin: Scottish Gaelic mac (“son”), plus my invented compound, aoduin (“un-man”), inspired by ao- (negation prefix), duine (“a man”).

  macanrìgh (MACK-ahn-ree; pl. micanrìgh; Caledonaiche, “son(s) of the chieftain”). Origin: Scottish Gaelic mac (“son”), an rìgh (“of the king”).

  Macsen (Brytonic, “Great One”). Arthur’s horse (white stallion), named in honor of a predecessor of Ambrosius, Macsen Wledig (“Great Prince”).

  Maiden, The. Caledonaiche: An Òigh Naomh. Early-life manifestation of the Caledonach Life-Goddess. Origin: Scottish Gaelic an òigh (“the virgin”), naomh (“holy”).

  mansio (Latin, “abode”). The inn reserved for use by high-ranking military officers and civilian dignitaries; most Roman fortresses quartering a half cohort or more had one.

  Manx Cohort. Latin: Cohortis Mavnium. Unit of the Brytoni army stationed on the Isle of Maun consisting of one infantry century posted to Ayr Point (with the men from that century being rotated to guard the Mount Snaefell signal beacon, as well), two centuries at Caer Rushen, two centuries plus two cavalry turmae at Tanroc, and three centuries and three turmae at Port Dhoo-Glass.

  map (Northern Brytonic). “Son of,” followed by the father’s name; e.g., Urien map Dumarec. Brytons of southern clans use the variant ap, also in conjunction with the father’s name.

  Mark of Argyll, The. Caledonaiche: Fin-cìragh h’Argaillanaich. Designation of Argyll’s clan-mark, a pair of doves in flight. See clan-mark.

  matins. First of eight Christian canonical hours of the day. Properly occurring at midnight, the prayer service is sometimes combined with lauds, which is held at dawn. Origin: Latin matutinus (“of the morning”).

  Maun. Latin: Mavnum. Isle of Man in the Irish Sea.

  Mel (Caledonaiche, “Honored Spouse”). Th
e àrd-ceoigin’s honorific, prefixed to his name; optional. Closest modern equivalent is when a woman chooses to hyphenate her husband’s name to her maiden name. Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic màl (“tribute”).

  mo laochan (moe LYE-kan; Caledonaiche, “my little champion”). A term of encouragement usually applied to boys; female version: mo laochag. Origin: Scottish Gaelic, a diminutive of laoch (“hero, champion, warrior”).

  Mona (Latin). Brytonic: Ynys Mon. Anglesey Island, just off the coast of Wales. The island was a noted center for Druid worship and training until the Romans got nervous in the 1st century A.D. and destroyed their shrines and groves.

  Móran (MOE-ran; Caledonaiche, “The Many People”), Clan. Chaledonaich moniker for the Brytoni Clan Moray of Dalriada, Brydein, coined simply because there are so many of them. Full Caledonaiche designation: Móranaich Dhailriata Bhreatein. Origin: Scottish Gaelic móran (“many”).

  Móranach (MOE-ran-ack; pl. Móranaich; Caledonaiche). Of or pertaining to the Brytoni Clan Moray of Dalriada, Brydein. Origin: Scottish Gaelic móran (“many”).

  Moray (moe-RAY), Clan. Brytoni clan occupying the region of Dalriada, Brydein. Banner: black boar on gold. Cloak pattern: black crossed with gold. Gemstone: jet.

  Most Sacred Ground, The. Caledonaiche: A’Bhruach Mò. Area in the Nemeton within the innermost circle of stones where the altar resides. Origin: Scottish Gaelic a’bhruach (“the small area of high ground”), mò (“greatest”, “greater”).

  Mother, The. Caledonaiche: A’Mhàthair Naomh. Mid-life manifestation of the Caledonach Life-Goddess. Origin: Scottish Gaelic a’mhàthair (“the mother”), naomh (“holy”).

  Mount Snaefell. Highest point of the Isle of Maun; location of the main Brytoni signal beacon and Wyllan’s forge.

  Narrow Sea. Latin: Angusta Mare. English Channel.

  Navarchus Classis Britannia (Latin, “Commander of the Brytoni Fleet”). The Brytoni fleet commander’s official title, though Bedwyr seldom uses it.

  Nemeton, The. Caledonaiche: Nèamhaitan. A Caledonach holy place, a clearing surrounded by two sets of standing stones or live trees; each clan seat has its own. Caledonaiche name origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic nèamh (“heaven”, “sky”), àite (“a place”).

  Nemetona. Caledonach/Brytoni Goddess of War, symbolized by a lioness, said to drive a crimson chariot drawn by four winged, fire-snorting black mares.

  nic (Caledonaiche). “Daughter of,” followed by the mother’s name; e.g., Gyanhumara nic Hymar. Origin: Scottish Gaelic, contraction of nighean mhic (“young woman offspring”).

  North Wall, The. See Antonine Wall. Caledonaiche: Am Balla Tuat. Chaledonaich term for the Antonine Wall. Origin: Scottish Gaelic am balla (“the wall”), tuath (“north”).

  Oath of Fealty, The. Caledonaiche: Geall Dhìleas. The rite wherein a warrior pledges loyalty to a warrior of another clan; precursor of the knighthood ceremony. If trust is an issue for the person accepting fealty, the rite can be used for execution. Origin: Scottish Gaelic.

  The person holding the sword asks, “An dean thu, [Name and Title(s)], an Geall Dhìleas chugam, [Name and Title(s)], gus a’bàsachadh?” (Literally, “Make thou, [Name and Title(s)], the Oath of the Faithful to me, [Name and Title(s)], until the dying?”)

  The person swearing the oath responds, “A chaoidh gus a’bàsachadh.” (“Ever until the dying.”)

  og (Scáthaichean). “Son of,” followed by the father’s name; e.g., Cuchullain og Conchobar.

  Old Ones, The. Caledonaiche: Na Déathan Sean. Collective name applied to the Caledonach deities. Origin: Scottish Gaelic na déathan (“the gods”), sean (“old”).

  One God, The. Caledonaiche: An Díaonar. Caledonach term for the Christians’ deity. Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic an dia (“the god”), aonar (“alone”).

  Otherworld, The. Caledonaiche: An Domhaneil. In Caledonach mythology, this is the realm of the Old Ones, roughly analogous to Heaven but with more traffic of mortals and spirits back and forth between both worlds. Origin: based on Scottish Gaelic an domhan (“the world”), eile (“another”).

  Our Father(s). Alternate title for The Lord’s Prayer, referring to its first two words, sometimes assigned by one’s confessor as a mild form of penance.

  Pendragon, The. Brytonic: Y Ddraig Pen (“The Chief Dragon”). Latin: Draconis Rex (“Dragon King”). Caledonaiche: Àrd-Ceann Teine-Beathach Mór (“High-Chief Great Fire-Beast”). Honorific applied to the Dux Britanniarum, commander of the Dragon Legion.

  Pict(s) (Latin, “Painted Folk”). Epithet applied by Latin-speakers to one or more inhabitants of Caledonia.

  Picti (Latin, “of the Painted Folk”). Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of Caledonia.

  Port Dhoo-Glass (DOO-glass; Manx). Brytoni-controlled port named for its location at the confluence of the rivers Dhoo (“Black”) and Glass (“Green”), present-day Douglas, Isle of Man. “Above the river called Dubglas” is the site of battles 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Arthur’s twelve battles on the list cited in chapter 56 of the 9th-century Historia Brittonum. On my list, Port Dhoo-Glass is the site of battles 2 and 5.

  praetorium (Latin, “governor’s residence”). The living quarters of the garrison commander; also may be translated as “palace.”

  prefect. Latin: praefectus. Senior military officer; in Arthur’s army, this is usually a cohort or garrison commander. Badge: bronze brooch with either a red or green enamel ring around the legion symbol, or both colors if the garrison also has a cavalry unit.

  Rheged (HRAY-ghed; Brytonic). Caledonaiche: Rioghachd (poss. Rhioghachd; “(of the) Royal Land”). Political region of Brydein encompassing what is now northern England and southern Scotland. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic rioghachd (“kingdom”—though it’s interesting to note that this is a female noun).

  Rigan, The (Brytonic). A sea loch that’s the site of a Brytoni-controlled inland port in northwestern Brydein; present-day Loch Ryan, Scotland.

  rìgh (REE; Caledonaiche, “chieftain”). Origin: Scottish Gaelic rìgh (“king”).

  Rioghail (REEoh-hale; “The Royal People”), Clan. Caledonaiche: Rioghailanaich Chaledon. Member of the Caledonach Confederacy. Banner: purple eagle standing, on gold. Cloak pattern: black crossed with pale purple and red. Gemstone: amethyst. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic rioghail (“royal”).

  River Atan. Caledonaiche: Ab Atan (“The Swelling River”). Latin: Itouna. Brytonic: Ituna. The Eden River of the Eden District of Cumbria, England, a tributary of the Solway Firth. Name origins: Scottish Gaelic at (“to swell”), Brythonic ituna (“rushing”). The Latin version is a variant of the Brythonic word.

  River Clyd (Brytonic). Caledonaiche: Ab Chlotha (“Clota’s River”). Also referred to as “the Clyd;” the Clyde River, which forms the northeasternmost end of the Firth of Clyde.

  Ròm (Caledonaiche; poss. Rhòm). Rome, Rome’s (or “of Rome”).

  Ròmanach (ROH-mah-nack; poss. Rhòmanach, pl. Ròmanaich, poss. pl. Rhòmanaich; Caledonaiche, “(of the) Roman(s)”). Usually uttered in derision—though not always. These terms are also used by the Scáthaichean.

  Ròmanach War, The. Caledonaiche: An Cogadh Ròmanach. Term for the failed attempt of the Romans to conquer the inhabitants of Caledon in the first century B.C. Origin: Scottish Gaelic an cogadh (“the war”), plus my invented term, Ròmanach.

  Ròmanaiche (ROH-mah-neesh; Caledonaiche, “tongue of the Romans”). The Latin language.

  Rukh. Peredur’s horse (bay gelding).

  Rushen (ROO-shen) Priory. Christian women’s religious community located on the eastern coast of the Isle of Maun, presided over by a prioress.

  Sacred Flame, The (also the Flame). Caledonaiche: An Lasair Naomh. Caledonach symbol of religious purity, analogous to Christian holy water. Origin: Scottish Gaelic an lasair (“the flame”), naomh (“holy”).

  Sacred Ground, The. Caledonaiche: An Làr Naomh. The portion of the Nemeton between the inner and outer rings. Origin: Scottish Gaelic an làr (“the
ground”), naomh (“holy”).

  saffron. An herb that yields a yellow dye.

  Saint Padraic’s Isle. Islet off the western coast of Maun, opposite Tanroc; site of Saint Padraic’s Monastery. Present-day St. Patrick’s Isle.

  Saint Padraic’s Monastery. Christian men’s religious community founded by St. Padraic (Patrick) in the mid-5th century, located on Saint Padraic’s Isle and presided over by an abbot. Site corresponds to Peel Castle, St. Patrick’s Isle, which existed as a Celtic monastery for several centuries, until the Vikings turned it into a fortification.

  Samhainn (SOH-wen; Caledonaiche, “Summer’s End”). Brytonic: Samhain. Harvest festival celebrated by non-Christian Caledonaich and Brytons on November 1. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic samhainn (“Hallowtide”).

  Samhradh (SOH-hrah; pl. Samhraidhean (soh-wrah-JHAYan); Caledonaiche, “Summer Wraith(s)”). Evil resident(s) of the Otherworld; demon(s). In the Caledonach worldview, a warrior who dies dishonorably becomes a Samhradh, doomed to fight against the Army of the Blest for all eternity. Name origin: Inspired by Scottish Gaelic words samhradh (“summer”) and samhladh (“ghost” or “replica”).

  Sanctuary of the Chalice, The. Shrine established for the Chalice at Saint Padraic’s Monastery.

  Sasun (SAH-soon; Caledonaiche). Term referring to a single Saxon individual.

  Sasunach (SAH-soo-nack; pl. Sasunaich (SAH-soon-ache), poss. Shasunach (SHAH-soo-nack), poss. pl. Shasunaich (SHAH-soon-ache); Caledonaiche, “(of the) Saxon(s)”). Terms applied by the Caledonaich to the Germanic inhabitants of southern Brydein. Origin: Scottish Gaelic Sasunnach (“English”, “Englishman”).

  Saxon(s) (Brytonic). Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of the southern portion of Brydein; name possibly derived from their weapon of choice, the seax.

  Scarlet Dragon, The. Standard of the Brytoni army, a scarlet dragon passant on a field of gold, very similar to the present flag of Wales; also referred to as “the Dragon.”

  Scáth (SKITE; poss. Scháth, pl. Scáthan, poss. pl. Scháthan). Terms the Scotti people apply to themselves to demonstrate racial devotion to the warrior-goddess Scáthach. The Caledonaich use the terms “Scáth” and “Scháth” but follow their own rules for pronunciation and for indicating group membership. Whether or not this is the true origin of the term “Scot” and its affiliated words, I found the association far too tempting to dismiss.