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Armada of Antares

Page 24

by Alan Burt Akers


  nidge!: A Djang insult.

  Niklana: Small island to the north of Hyrklana. An exception to the usual rule that nik as a prefix means half and as a suffix small.

  nikvove: Half-size vove without fangs and horns.

  Nikvove of Evir: Galleon of Vallia burned by Hamalian skyship. (BMA)

  Notor Zan: The Tenth Lord, the Lord of Darkness. Rises when there are no suns or moons in sky of Kregen.

  Nulty: Retainer of Paline Valley, privy to secret of Hamun ham Farthytu appointed by Prescot as Crebent to Paline Valley. A loyal man.

  Numim: A diff of powerful physique and lion-like face with great golden mane and whiskers. The Numim girls are very beautiful.

  Nundji: Once a warrior god of Djanduin but because of his evil jailed by the other warrior gods in a leem-hell.

  O

  obbie: Slang term of swods for an ob-Deldar.

  Obdjang: The two-armed gerbil-faced Djang of Djanduin, not a warrior but one of the executive and administration Djangs.

  Obfaril: Young lad rescued with Prescot from Jikhorkdun in Huringa. His burning desire to become a kaidur changed to an interest in vollers as part of household of Esser Rarioch. Nicknamed Oby.

  Obquam, Strom of Tajkent: A flying man of Havilfar who assisted in the rescue of Delia and Prescot and their friends from the Jikhorkdun of Huringa. Not a volrok. (ARA)

  Ogra-gemush: Island kingdom slightly isolated from the Hoboling Islands to their northeast in the Sea of Opaz.

  Ombor: Mythical flying monster of immense size and fiery heart, who dying is yet reborn, whose breath scorches cities, whose tears water the oceans, whose hearts beat for all humankind. Gives name to enclave of Strombor in Zenicce.

  Onglolo: Constellation of Kregen.

  Operhalen: A noble House of Zenicce, colors blue, green and ivory.

  ordel: Cattle animal of Kregen, similar to Earthly shorthorn.

  Os, River: Very large river of Havilfar rising in the Mountains of the West and flowing eastwards to empty into the Ocean of Clouds by two large mouths opposite northern Hyrklana. Called He of the Commendable Countenance.

  Otbrinhan: Chief of Yuccamots who extended hospitality to Prescot and the shipwrecked crew of Ovvend Barynth. (AVA)

  Ovvend: A Kovnate province of Vallia to the west of Delphond.

  Ovvend Barynth: Galleon of Vallia saved from burning by Prescot but subsequently driven ashore and wrecked. (AVA)

  Oxkalin the Blind Spirit: Minor godling of chance, appealed to by gamblers for good luck.

  P

  Pachak: Diff of middle height, with two left arms, a whiplike tail equipped with hand, straw-yellow hair. Very highly-valued as guards and mercenaries, intensely loyal, favored by Prescot, who believes their berserker rages when fighting are part of their carefully controlled image. Highly skilled fighters.

  Paktun’s Promenade: A marching song of Kregen.

  Palazzo of the Four Winds: Palace in Djanguraj.

  Paline: Maid to Rosala of Match Urt. Taunted Prescot in his rescue, urging and mocking him with the Jikai. (BMA)

  Paline and Queng, The: A tavern in Djanguraj whose obdjang landlord made the best vosk pie in the city. (FLA)

  Paline Valley: An estate in northwest Hamal close to the Mountains of the West. Prescot became Amak in curious circumstances.

  Panshi: Prescot’s chamberlain in Esser Rarioch.

  parclear: A sherbet drink.

  pasham: A honey-melon-sized fruit smelling like old socks and tasting like the sweepings of a totrix stable. Processed for use in voller production.

  Pastale: A wine of Segesthes, the export monopoly of Operhalen.

  Paz: The grouping of continents and islands of Kregen including Loh, Segesthes, Turismond and Havilfar; and Vallia and Pandahem.

  Pe-Na, Planath: A Pachak, Prescot’s personal standard bearer.

  Pereth, Kov: Commander of the armies of the north of Hamal, relieved of command by Queen Thyllis. (AVA) (AMA)

  Persinia: Promontory of southern Segesthes between Port Paros and Balintol, north of the Undurkor Islands.

  Phu-si-Yantong: Wizard of Loh.

  Piraju: Island of the Risshamal Keys off northeastern Havilfar.

  Planath the Wine: Proprietor of The Loyal of Sidraarga in Yaman (MHA)

  Podia: A Lamnian village on the island of Shanpo in the Lesser Sharangil Archipelago of the Shrouded Sea.

  prianum: Shrine, one for each color, for trophies received in the Jikhorkdun. The priana in Huringa were: Green, the Emerald Neemu; Blue, the Sapphire Graint; Yellow, the Diamond Zhantil, and Red, the Ruby Drang. This last was Prescot’s color.

  Pride of Hanitcha: Hamalian skyship destroyed by Prescot. (AVA)

  purtle: Cheap pine wood of the taiga of Southern Havilfar.

  Q

  Quaesa: Feather-brained apim girl rescued by Prescot from Manhounds. (MHA) (ARA)

  Que-si-Rening: A Wizard of Loh.

  Quivir: A Stromnate within Prescot’s island Kovnate of Zamra.

  R

  Radak the Syatra: An enormously powerful wrestler from a semi-barbarian tribe living close to the Mountains of the West in Hamal. Bested in a contest with Rees, he subsequently refused to attack Rees’s people and took refuge in the estates of the Golden Wind. (BMA)

  Rango: Rank of nobility between Strom and Elten. Feminine is Ranga.

  Ranjal, Stromich: Twin brother to Strom Rosil na Morcray.

  Ranks: The four main military ranks on Kregen are often abbreviated as: Chuktar — Chuk. Jiktar — Jik. Hikdar — Hik. Deldar — Del.

  “Rank your Deldars”: Usual challenge to open a game of Jikaida.

  Rapechak: A Rapa who escaped with Prescot from the Manhounds of Faol and who was believed drowned in the River Magan after escape from Mungul Sidrath. (MHA) (ARA)

  Rashi: Wife to Rees, Stromni of the Golden Wind.

  Rees: Son to Rees, nicknamed Reesnik. Slain by assassins of Vad Garnath (AVA)

  Resplendent Bridzilkelsh: A brokelsh spirit used as oath.

  Rhapaporgolam the Reaver of Souls, By: A Rapa oath.

  Rig: A Warrior God in the pantheon of Djanduin.

  Risshamal Keys: Strings of many islands stretching like fingers from the northeast corner of Havilfar.

  Riurik, Vangar: The Strom of Quivir, owing allegiance to Prescot.

  Roban: Younger son to Rees.

  Rogahan: Nicknamed Wersting. A Deldar of varters, a fine shot.

  Rogan, King: Husband to Queen Fahia of Hyrklana, a nonentity. (ARA)

  Rosala of Match Urt: Beautiful but icy-cold maiden of Hamal appealed to Prescot acting as Hamun for help. Taken from intended marriage with Casmas the Deldy. (BMA)

  Rumferling, Naghan Stolin: Chuktar of the army of Djanduin, assassinated by the leemsheads. (FLA)

  S

  Sacred Court of the Warrior Gods: In the Palazzo of the Four Winds in Djanguraj where Prescot fought the last fight with Nath Jagdur.

  Saenda: Hare-brained apim girl rescued by Prescot from Manhounds. (MHA)

  Saffi: Golden lion-maid, daughter of Rees. Abducted by Vad Garnath and brought back from Cripples Jikai in Smerdislad by Prescot. (AVA)

  Savapim: Agents of the Savanti.

  sazz: A fruit-flavored sherbet drink.

  scarron: Brilliant scarlet jewel of great value.

  Scavander, Evold: Wise man of Valka, given courtesy title of San.

  Scented Sylvie, The: A riotous tavern of the sacred quarter in Ruathytu.

  Schtump!: Abusive way of saying clear off or get out.

  Sea of Opaz: Extension of Southern Ocean between Vallia and Pandahem.

  Secret Lore of San Drozhimo the Lame, The: A book of wisdom composed a thousand years ago by the sage Drozhimo.

  Sensil Quarter: One of the districts of Ruathytu famous for its manufactories turning silk into sensil.

  Shanpo: Island of the Lesser Sharangil Archipelago.

  Shara: Daughter of Melow the Supple, sister to Kardo.

  shif: Contemptuous term for serving girl or
slave wench.

  Shining Quarter: Situated on a slight eminence inside the Walls of Kazlili in southwestern Ruathytu, occupied by wealthy horters.

  Shinnar: An Och village on the island of Shanpo.

  Sidraarga: In conjunction with Magoshno, subsidiary deities to Migshaanu of Migladrin, although the connection is unclear.

  Singing Forests, The: Kovnate province south of the Mountains of the North in Vallia, rich in valuable timber.

  Sinkie: Charming wife to O. Fellin Coper.

  Skull Bay: Sickle-shaped bay on north coast of Havilfar.

  slursh: A rich form of porridge, superb with red honey.

  Smerdislad: The fortress city of the Kov of Faol.

  Sogandar the Upright and the Sylvie: A drinking song of Kregen which always causes great merriment among the swods by reason of the refrain which goes: “No idea at all, at all, no idea at all.”

  Song of Tyr Nath, The: A marching song derived from the myth cycle, The Quest of Tyr Nath.

  Sorah: A prosperous island of The Shrouded Sea, headquarters of the slave trade carried on by the Katakis in that area.

  South Lohvian Sea: Sea between Loh and Havilfar.

  stavrer: The size of a wolf with a fierce wolf-head, eight legs and stumpy tail, variously marked and colored, a loyal watchdog.

  Stikitche: Assassin.

  Street of Sweetmeats: Street of the sacred quarter in Ruathytu off which is the alley containing the tavern Tempting Forgetfulness.

  Street of Threads: Street of tailors in the sacred quarter of Ruathytu opening off the Kyro of the Vadvars.

  Stuvan: A middling quality wine.

  Sultant, Nalgre, Vad of Kavinstok: An unpleasant noble of Vallia who led the aborted deputation to Hyrklana and gave Prescot trouble.

  Sumbakir: A provincial town of south-central Hamal where Prescot worked as a carpenter in the voller yards. (FLA)

  swod: A private soldier, a ranker, one of the PBI (Poor Bloody Infantry).

  Swords, Bridge of: Connects the soldiers’ quarters north of the Havilthytus with the sacred quarter of Ruathytu.

  T

  Tarnish: Nation to the south of the Tarnish Channel.

  Tarnish Channel: Large bay and inlet of the Ocean of Doubt in southwest Havilfar.

  tamiyan: Tree with bright yellow blossom.

  tan: A Ddjang’s house or clan indicated by middle tan name.

  Tancrophor: Country famous and infamous for its pearl fisheries in The Shrouded Sea.

  “Tchik”: Command given to a fluttrell that turns the big bird into a savage killer.

  Thafey, Chido ham: Good-natured idler of Ruathytu’s sacred quarter. Holds a courtesy rank of Amak and will become Vad on his father’s death. Friend of Rees and Prescot.

  thoth: South.

  Thraxter and Voller, The: Comfortable inn in the Horters Quarter of Ruathytu where Prescot first stayed in the city.

  Thyllis: Queen of Hamal. Seductive, vicious, violent, evil. Crowned empress during enormous celebrations in which Prescot played a part.

  Thyllis the Munificent: A goddess in an ancient myth whose story was much favored by Queen Thyllis.

  Tilly: Golden-furred Fristle fifi rescued with Prescot from Arena of Huringa and now part of the household of Esser Rarioch.

  toc: copper coin worth one sixth of an ob. In Hamal the slang name is Havvey — a bitter and mocking reference to Havil the Green.

  Tolfeyr, Nath: Bladesman of Ruathytu who befriended Prescot.

  Tomor Peak, Battle of: Fought in Tomboram in Pandahem when Prescot and the small army of Vallia and Valka with Djang aerial cavalry defeated the Hamalian flank force of the army of the north. (AMA)

  tralk: Six-legged risslaca with wide horny crushing mouth and two enormous armored pincers. Size of a horse and varicolored.

  Trechinolc: A cactus. A constituent of the drug Memphees.

  Tridents, Kyro of the: The imposing paved square surrounded by colonnaded shops standing at the foot of the descent from Esser Rarioch.

  Triple Tails of Targ the Untouchable, By the: A Kataki oath.

  Triumph of the Gods. The: Song cycle celebrating local legend of Djanduin.

  Tryfant: A diff not much larger than an Och, foppish, well led will put in a wild enough charge; but disastrous in retreat. Prescot says he has no great feelings for them one way or the other.

  tsu-tsu: Tree giving a nourishing nut favored by Mirvols.

  Tulema: Dancing girl from a dopa den rescued by Prescot from Manhounds of Faol. (MHA)

  Turko the Shield: A Khamorro, a high kham, escaped with Prescot from Manhounds and aided him in Mungul Sidrath. Has a mocking way with him. Goes always at Prescot’s side in battle carrying his huge shield. A good comrade.

  Tyr Korgan and the Mermaid: A rollicking song of Kregen.

  U

  Ulverswan, Nath: Kov of Singing Forests in Vallia. In opposition to Prescot in his schemes to aid Pandaheem against Hamal. (AMA)

  Under a Certain Moon: Once upon a time.

  Unglue your wings: Havilfarese expression for hurry up and get started.

  Urigal: Dusty little town in the Kovnate of Waarom in Hamal.

  urn: North.

  Uttar Djombey: A large island off the west coast of Djanduin, south of Hyr Khor. Kytun Kholin Dom is the Kov.

  V

  Vakkansmot: A town of Valka.

  Valinur: A ruggedly beautiful area of northern Valka.

  valkavol: Small red and white bird of Valka, harmless unless attacked. Then becomes frighteningly ferocious. Symbol used atop Valkan standard poles.

  vaol-paol: The Great Circle of Universal Existence. In voller production of silver boxes, the vaol boxes contain the mix of minerals, and the paol boxes contain the cayferm.

  Vela: Prescot’s sailing flier in the Battle of Jholaix. (AMA)

  verss: Finest white linen.

  Volgendrin of the Bridge: Flying island of west Hamal. Volgendrin often shortened to vo’drin. (AMA)

  Vorgar’s Drinnik: Wide parade ground, the Mars Field of Valkanium.

  Vyborg: A Kovnate province of Vallia.

  W

  Warrior Gods of Djanduin: Victorious martial array of the pantheon of Djanduin.

  waso: Five.

  Wazur: King of Ogra-gemush.

  “Wenda!”: Let’s go!

  Werl-am-Nardith: A minor religion of Havilfar.

  weyver: A long and wide voller, shallow and without a deck, with a small control cabin amidships. Used as barge. Called Quoffas of the Sky.

  Wil of the Bellows: A young Djang armorer working with Prescot.

  Wolfgang: A Savapim, from Germany, working for the Savanti and encountered by Prescot in Ruathytu. (AMA)

  X

  Xanachang: The paradise of the mythology of Xuntal.

  Xarmon: Prescot’s groom at the Battle of Tomor Peak. (AMA)

  Xilicia: An ancient kingdom bordering The Shrouded Sea. One of the countries manufacturing the superior mesh link mail.

  Xurrhuk of the Curved Sword: A deity of Xuntal.

  Y

  Yanthur: Rough country of Havilfar between Gorgrendrin and Migla.

  Yasi, Rosil, Strom of Morcray: A Kataki and a Chuktar in the army of Hamal, tool of Vad Garnath’s, slave-master, bitter foe to Prescot.

  Yellow Unction: A mellow wine of Kregen.

  yrium: A word of profound and complex meaning: force, power conveyed by office or strength of character or given to a person in a way that curses or blesses him with undisputed power over his fellows.

  Yuccamot: A sleek, otter-like diff with broad flattened tail. Live in villages along the Risshamal Keys, fishing, friendly, and proud of their webbed feet. Welcomed Prescot when shipwrecked.

  Yurncra the Mischievous: A Minor spirit of deviltry in many of the pantheons of Kregen.

  Z

  Zamra: Island off the east coast of Vallia. Prescot is Kov.

  zan: Ten.

  Zhantil and Sword, The: A brightly glittering constellation of Kregen.

  zhyan
: A very large very fine saddle bird of Havilfar. Pure white with scarlet beak and claws, with four wings. Most highly prized. Prescot says one zhyan in money terms is worth ten first-quality fluttrells. Their only drawback is their short temper.

  Zodjuin: A Warrior God of Djanduin, perhaps the most favored by fighting men, who bellow, for example: “By Zodjuin of the Stormclouds!” or “By Zodjuin of the Silver Stux!”

  About the author

  Alan Burt Akers is a pen name of the prolific British author Kenneth Bulmer. Bulmer has published over 160 novels and countless short stories, predominantly science fiction.

  More details about the author, and current links to other sources of information, can be found at

  www.mushroom-ebooks.com

  The Dray Prescott Series

  The Delian Cycle:

  Transit to Scorpio

  The Suns of Scorpio

  Warrior of Scorpio

  Swordships of Scorpio

  Prince of Scorpio

  The Havilfar Cycle:

  Manhounds of Antares

  Arena of Antares

  Fliers of Antares

  Bladesman of Antares

  Avenger of Antares

  Armada of Antares

  The Krozair Cycle:

  The Tides of Kregen

  Renegade of Kregen

  Krozair of Kregen

  Notes

  [1] Jen: the usual word for lord in Vallia.

  [2] Nikvove. The word nik, when used as a prefix seems to mean half. When used as a suffix it carries a more general meaning of small or diminutive. I believe this to be a correct interpretation of Prescot’s use of the word. As for Planath Pe-Na, the Pachak, and the affair of the Burned Man at Twin Forks, this is lost. [A.B.A.]

  [3] See Avenger of Antares, Dray Prescot #10.

  [4] See Bladesman of Antares, Dray Prescot #9.

  [5] See Fliers of Antares, Dray Prescot #8.

  [6] Wenda: Let’s go. Hurry.

  Copyright © 1976, Kenneth Bulmer

  Alan Burt Akers has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, to be identified as the Author of this work.

  First published by Daw Books, Inc. in 1976.

  This Edition published in 2006 by Mushroom eBooks, an imprint of Mushroom Publishing, Bath, BA1 4EB, United Kingdom

 

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