The Stones of Resurrection

by Tameri Etherton

  Danuri A Province located in the West. The second largest city to Caer Idris, Danuri is widely known for their wine and ale making skills.

  Danurian Anyone of Danuri descent.

  Darennsai (Dar-en-sigh) An ancient title given to Taryn by the Eleri. Most don't know the true meaning of the word, thinking of it as nothing more than an honorific bestowed upon her by the Goddess Verdaine. Only a few know the word means, Daughter of the Sky. Less an oath than a promise that one day Taryn will sit at the side of Verdaine, as a goddess in her own right. The Eleri reject this idea.

  Dark The part of ShantiMari that is derived from the sun. Only men are skilled in the ways of the Dark, except for the anomaly. To have Dark powers does not automatically make one bad, or evil. There are many good men who use their Dark Shanti for good.

  Dark Master A highly skilled practitioner of Dark ShantiMari.

  Dark Shanti The male side of ShantiMari.

  Darathi Vorsi (Dah-rahth-ee Vor-see) Aside from the carlix, darathi vorsi are the oldest creatures on Aelinae. Several thousand seasons ago they disappeared from the planet, but the Eleri hold the belief that one day they will return.

  Delante (Day-lan-t) A dance performed with a group of people.

  Dreem A whisky-like drink that ladies don't usually partake of.

  Drerfox Cousin to the fox, a drerfox is bigger, with fangs coated with poison. Their coats shimmer in the sunlight, blending them into the background, making them difficult to see during the day.

  The East A geographical location on the map indicating all lands, properties, kingdoms, etc east of the Spine of Ohlin.

  Eirielle (Air-ee-elle) The one of prophecy. Said to be the destroyer or the savior of Aelinae, depending on which prophecy you read. Only one Eirielle is ever said to be created, but that doesn't stop those of the Light and Dark from trying to make one. The Eirielle is rumored to possess all the strands of ShantiMari: Light, Dark, Eleri, and Black. Although, the last is only known to the Brotherhood.

  Eiriellean Prophecy A collection of prophecies that record various oracles’ visions and ramblings about the Eirielle. Throughout history, there have been those that decried the prophecies, and those that touted them as truth. Nearly everyone fears either version coming to pass.

  Elennish (Elle-enn-ish) The oldest language on Aelinae still spoken in the East and West.

  Eleri (Ee-ler-ee) A mysterious clan of elf-like men and women who live in the Narthvier. They stay within the borders of their forest and don't like outsiders coming on their land. The Eleri share a collective conscious, in that they can call on the wisdom of past and future Eleri in times of duress. The oldest race on Aelinae, they and the darathi vorsi share a common bond. Thought to be caretakers of the beasts, when the darathi vorsi disappeared, it was a time of great mourning for the Eleri.

  Fadair (Fah-d-air) The name Eleri have given to anyone not Eleri. It is meant to be used as a way to signify someone not of Eleri descent, but often it is used as a disparaging slur against non-Eleri.

  Faerie Cakes Small cakes light in texture, but filling. Made with sponge cake and jam, these are Taryn's favorite. Don't ever leave a plate sitting around or she'll eat them all.

  Feiche (Fee-ch) A large black bird similar to a raven, but faster and a bit bigger. They hunt in packs and are capable of taking down a small horse if so inclined.

  Gaarendahl (Gare-en-doll) An older castle located between the Spine of Ohlin and the Summer Sea. It belongs to Valterys's family, but Zakael uses it most often.

  Geigan (Guy-gan) A warrior race of people. Dark in coloring, they are rumored to be the source of mating with the Sitari.

  Glamour A slight shimmering beneath the skin. Found only on Eleri.

  Godsteel A metal forged by the Artagh of Haversham. Stronger than any other metal, godsteel is unbreakable. Long ago, only the gods could wield weapons made of godsteel (hence, the name), but at least two swords have made their way into mortal’s hands. Rhoane’s and Taryn’s. But there are rumors that a few other swords have been tainted by Black ShantiMari. Their owners are unknown at this time.

  Grierbas (Greer-bah) A large, wolf-like animal that makes its home in the Narthvier. Wild and territorial, grierbas keep away from civilizations, even avoiding the Eleri.

  Grhom (Gr-om) A spiced drink made by the Eleri. It has healing properties and gives strength through the many ingredients used to make it. Taryn likens the taste to a thick chocolate mixed with chai. Occasionally, the Eleri will add alcohol to the drink.

  Gyota (Gee-o-tah) In Eleri, gyota means ‘destroyer’.

  Harvest The months during the season between Summer and Wintertide. On Earth, this time is referred to as Fall.

  Haversham A mountainous region where Artagh mine for gems, minerals, and the necessary metals to make weapons. Highly guarded, outsiders are not welcome in Haversham

  Hildgelt (Hill-d-gel-t) A Danurian ornamentation made from thin layers of blown glass.

  House The family name by which most Aelans associate themselves. Every House has their own color and insignia. It is by these outward displays members of nobility and the court can recognize another’s importance.

  House Galendrin Ohlin created this House for Taryn on her crowning day. This is the highest honor anyone could hope to achieve and has only been done once.

  Kiltern River A river that runs north of Paderau to Ulla.

  Lan Gyllarelle (Lahn Gill-a-rell) A vast lake located in the Narthvier. Its waters are rumored to hold healing properties. The Eleri often hold ceremonies on the banks of the lake.

  Lake Oster Located between Talaith and Paderau, Lake Oster is often used as a stopping point for travelers. Fresh water and an abundance of fish refresh stores between the two great cities.

  Levon (Lee-von) A sleek black bird. Faster than any other birds, the levon is a favorite form of transportation for those competent in transformation.

  Light A strain of ShantiMari found in females born on Aelinae. Not all women exhibit traits of the power, but are able to pass on Light ShantiMari to their daughters. Eleri females have Light ShantiMari, but their powers will differ from the Fadair’s in that they use nature as a catalyst and Fadair use the air and sky. The Lady of Light is able to manipulate weather and has slight control over the sea.

  The Light Throne The ancestral court of The Lady of Light, otherwise known as the Empress of Talaith. Also referred to as the Crystal Court. The actual throne is made of ancient oak from the Narthvier. Woven into the planks of wood is a thin layer of crystal.

  Mari (Mar-ee) The female side of ShantiMari. Also referred to as Light.

  Midvale A small town located a days’ ride from Ravenwood.

  Mind-Speak A form of communication used between two people within their minds.

  Mount Nadrene (Mount Nay-dreen) The holiest place on Aelinae, Mount Nadrene is where Nadra sent Taryn through a portal to Earth. It is also a cavern filled with glittering crystals and a large lake. Some believe the cavern is the birthplace of all the gods and goddesses of Aelinae.

  Nadra (Nah-d-rah) The Mother Goddess, she and Ohlin created Aelinae

  Narthvier (Narth-veer) A vast forest covering the northeast portion of Aelinae. The Eleri make their home in the Narthvier, or vier as some call it. The Eleri are protective of the forest and use veils to dissuade unwelcome visitors. Only the Eleri know how to raise the fabled veils.

  Obsidian Throne The ancestral home of the Lord of the Dark. The actual throne is made of the same oak planks as the Light Throne. Within the wood fibers is woven obsidian granite.

  Offlander Any person raised outside of the courtesies of court. The term is an insult of the highest order.

  Ohlin (Oh-lynn) The Great Father, he and Nadra created Aelinae

  Paderau (Pah-der-oo) A vast city ruled by Duke Anje. Paderau sits between the Narthvier and Talaith, which makes it a busy port city for trading goods.

  Paderau Palace The home of Duke Anje and his family.

  Privy Council A body of advisers t
o the Empress of Talaith. The council is made up of senior members of the highest Houses. On occasion, as with Hayden and Duke Anje, a junior member can represent their House in council. Also included in the privy council are the High Priest, and captains of the guard or military.

  Ravenwood The less formal home of the Duke of Anje. When in residence, he oversees the local businesses.

  Sargot (Sar-go) An orange-like fruit that tastes similar to a mango.

  Seal of Ardyn Seals created by the Elder Gods to keep Rykoto imprisoned in the Temple of Ardyn.

  Shanti (Shahn-tee) The male side of ShantiMari. Also referred to as Dark.

  ShantiMari (Shahn-tee Mar-ee) Two halves of the same whole. ShantiMari is a power found in all things on Aelinae. Within men and women, it manifests itself in varying degrees from no visible signs, to extremely powerful. Those in positions of great power will have more ShantiMari than those born to the lesser clans or Houses. ShantiMari is often referred to as Light and Dark, or female and male. Within the confines of ShantiMari are rules, or etiquette. The power can be culled from the smallest pebble to the stars themselves. Wielding more power than one is capable of controlling often leads to a painful death.

  Shadow Assassin Neither alive nor dead, Shadow Assassins were the elite force of Kaldaar’s army. Only a powerful Dark Master can create the demons.

  Shadow Spawn, Shadow Soul Nicknames given to the Shadow Assassin.

  Sheanna (Shee-ahn-a) An exiled Eleri. When and Eleri is sheanna, they are required to cut their hair and live outside the borders of the Narthvier until a certain amount of time has passed. Once they return to the Narthvier, they must complete the purification ceremony before they are considered to be Eleri once more.

  Silden River This river runs south from Paderau to Lake Oster.

  Sitari (Sit-ar-ee) Blue skinned warrior women who live in a community devoid of men. Their island sits at the southernmost edge of Aelinae. It is rumored their preferred mates are Geigan males. Sitari women can be found in other kingdoms of Aelinae, usually scouting for the strongest to procreate with. Once coupling has been achieved, the Sitari return to their island. Male offspring are said to be sacrificed to their goddess.

  Skirm (Sk-ur-m) A banana-like fruit. The leaves of the skirm tree are broad and often used in cooking roasted meats.

  Smelting Day An annual celebration of Artagh to honor their god. The fires of Haversham burn brightest on Smelting Day, but no actual forging is done. Instead, the Artagh participate in dances and rousing songs around the flames.

  Spine of Ohlin The range of mountains stretching from the Temple of Ardyn in the far north to the Summer Seas in the south.

  Summerlands An island kingdom located south of Talaith in the Summer Seas.

  Summer Seas The body of water covering the entire southern area of Aelinae.

  Sword of Ohlin Also known as Ynyd Eirathnacht. Ohlin had the sword made out of godsteel for his daughter, Daknys. The bearer of the sword must be pure of heart and worthy of the weapon.

  Sylthan Age (Sil-than Age) The fourth century of Aelinae’s time clock.

  Talaith (Tal - eth) The capital city of the East. Ruled by the empress, also known as The Lady of Light.

  Temple of Ardyn (Ar-din) Rykoto’s temple and source of power. He was imprisoned here by Daknys and the Elder Gods after his defeat in the Great War.

  Treplar (Treh-p-lar) Round apple-like, spiky fruits from the Summerlands.

  Trin A form of currency in the East.

  Trisp A thick alcoholic drink.

  Ulla (Oo-la) A kingdom located in the far East of Aelinae. The Ullans are a tribal people, following their herds throughout the season. Ullan horses are of the finest stock.

  Verdaine (Vehr-d-ane) Daughter of Nadra and Ohlin, goddess of the Eleri.

  Verdaine’s Prophecy When Rhoane was born, Verdaine prophesied that he would be exiled from his people until the gyota returned. His fate would be tied to the one who is and who is not for all time.

  Veil A mysterious barrier preventing outsiders from entering the Narthvier.

  Vier Nickname of the Narthvier.

  Vorlock A huge, lizard-like creature with heavy scales and a wide frill around its head. Vorlocks contain a poison that can kill a man or woman instantly.

  Weirren (Weer-en) The ancestral home of the Eleri King and Queen.

  Weirren Court The gathered nobility of the Eleri live among the many buildings interwoven through the ancient tree that makes up the Weirren.

  Weirren Throne Built into the oldest tree on Aelinae, the Weirren Throne is a living, breathing seat.

  Western Seas The body of water located off the Western Coast of Aelinae.

  About the Author

  Tameri Etherton is the award-winning author of the Song of the Swords series. She grew up inventing fictional worlds where the impossible was possible. It’s been said she leaves a trail of glitter in her wake as she creates new adventures for her kickass heroines, and the rogues who steal their hearts.

  She lives an enchanted life traveling the world with her very own prince charming and their mischievous dragon, Lady Dazzleton.

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  Read More from Tameri Etherton and explore the World of Aelinae at

  www.TameriEtherton.com

  Acknowledgments

  This book is dedicated to my fabulous husband,

  David Etherton.

  Not only because he loves me,

  but he embraces my special kind of crazy.

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  I find myself in the wonderful position of being able to thank those who have made this journey possible. From the first people I met at SCWC who encouraged me even when this story was a hot mess (I’m looking at you, Matt Pallamary!), to my early readers who slugged through more words than were necessary. Alexzandra Etherton, you are my sun, my moon, and my stars. You weren’t afraid to tell me the truth and helped make the story stronger for it. Nicole Breton, beta reader extraordinaire! She made me realize Sabina had something to say and this book is the result of our conversations. Laura Case made me think about word choice. Well, one specifically. I still used it, but not as much. Kate Wood kept me laughing with her witty and spot-on comments. He can’t hurt you if he’s dead! I wouldn’t be here today without my HDSA’s. They’re always there, lurking, but never far if I need them. I love you ladies with all my heart.

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  My RWA Chapters of San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County, as well as my online chapters, again, I couldn’t have done this without you! The advice, the support, the camaraderie, it’s all helped shape me into the writer I am today. And helped shape this book into the book it is today. Which brings me to my fabulous editors who helped whip my writing into legible prose. Faith DeBishop Williams and Sharon Pickrel, you ladies rock hard. I have to thank Carol Phillips for her unwavering support of my books and her wonderful artwork.

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  To Debra Kristi, thank you for being my friend through the tough times and the exciting adventures. I miss being half a state away, but know I am always with you in your heart.

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  And finally, I am thankful to my family for their continued support and enthusiasm. None of this would be possible without them. David, Alexzandra, and Michael, you are my everything. Always.

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  The Song of the Swords adventure continues in book three: THE TEMPLE OF SACRIFICE (published previously as The Temple of Ardyn).

  Look for book four, THE RUINS OF BETRAYAL this September.

  The Stones of Resurrection, Song of the Swords Book Two

  Copyright © Tameri Etherton (2014, 2018) All rights reserved.

  Second edition. Previously published as THE STONES OF KALDAAR

  www.TameriEtherton.com

  ISBN: 978-1-941955-16-1

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without t
he prior permission of the publishers.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the author’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  Requests to publish work from this book should be sent to:

  Tameri@TameriEtherton.com

  Cover design: Deranged Doctor Design

  Interior artwork by Carol Phillips at Radianceweb.com

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