Legacy of the Blood (The Threshold Trilogy)

by Callie Kanno

  Adrie (ah-DREE): the name used by Adesina during her time in the High City.

  Aekuor (AY-koo-or): a giant sea serpent that attacks ships.

  Aleron (ah-LAIR-on): a former citizen of the High City and friend to Adesina. He died during the rescue mission of Adesina’s father.

  Aletta (ah-LEH-tah): a refugee from the High City, and younger sister of Deasa.

  Aradsus (ah-RAD-sus): a large desert creature native to Zonne. It is bigger than a horse and resembles something between a boar and a scorpion.

  Aurym (AH-rim): a magical race of creatures, distinguished by their golden hair and four arms.

  Banolf (BAN-olf): a nation across the sea, northeast of Sehar.

  Basha (BAH-sha): Adesina’s fiercest enemy and former rival in the Shimat order. She was responsible for the kidnapping of L’iam, and initiated the ritual that opens the Threshold between worlds.

  Be’ezal (bee-EY-zal): a race of winged demons that drink blood.

  Belen (BEH-len): a refugee of the High City, and younger brother to Deasa.

  Blood Weapons: customized weapon(s) given to Shimat graduates, forged with drops of their own blood.

  B’osli (b-OZ-lee): the tenth son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  Bren (bren): a Serraf in Adesina’s vyuhava that sacrifices her life to open the Threshold.

  Breyen (BRAY-en): Adesina’s Shar as a young student, and second to the Sharifal. He is father to Faryl, and lead many experiments regarding magic. He is also the secret leader of a splinter group of Shimat that intend to wrest power from the Sharifal.

  Cha-sak (cha-SAK): a demon Shimat (as opposed to a member of the Shimat organization) who longs to destroy humanity.

  Cor’a (KOR-ah): a member of the L’avan race, and personal maid to Adesina.

  Cre’sin (CREH-sihn): the seventh son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  Daemon Mount: a lone mountain in the desert of Zonne, where the Threshold is said to be located.

  Dava (DAH-vah): the title given to a L’avan when they are betrothed. Each L’avan child is taken to a Reader (one who specializes in reading the spirits of other human beings), who determines if there is another L’avan child currently living who would be an ideal match in marriage. If there is, the two children become betrothed. If there is not, the child goes on with their life as before.

  Deasa (dee-AY-sah): a former citizen of the High City and friend to Adesina. She escaped with a group of refugees and found a home in Emerald Harbor. Wife of Nordin; sister to Matias, Aletta, Grania, and Belen.

  Devlin (DEV-lin): Kendan’s father, who is deceased.

  Dezisla (deh-ZIH-slah): rival to Naiser the Mighty, and magistrate of Lam.

  Dreams: a vision in which the mind of a living person passes into the spirit realm. The Dreamer can see the spirits of the dead or events of the past. Dreamers can also see symbolic possibilities of the future.

  Ed’mon (ED-mon): the eleventh son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  Emerald Harbor: one of the five remaining cities found on Sehar. It is the only major port in the kingdom, and one of the few economic producers. The sea emerald plant, which grows in the harbor, is used to make a vibrant dye which is sold to merchants from all over the world.

  E’nes (eh-NEHZ): a L’avan Protector and brother to Adesina. He was named regent of the L’avan settlement during Adesina’s absence. His L’avan gifts include hyper-awareness of the world around him and telekinesis.

  En’ver (EHN-ver): a member of the L’avan race. Toddler son to E’nes and Wren’na.

  E’rian (eh-REE-an): mother to Adesina and E’nes, and wife to Me’shan. She was captured by the Shimat while pregnant with Adesina, and she was imprisoned until the birth of her daughter. She used the last of her life-force to forge a bond between Adesina and Me’shan, enabling them to find one another. Her spirit dwells in the Dream world, where she guides Adesina in her journey.

  Etan (EY-tan): a neighboring kingdom to Sehar.

  Fair Tides: the merchant ship that conveys Basha and L’iam from Sehar to Zonne.

  Falcon: the name of Adesina’s Blood Sword.

  Faryl (FAIR-ihl): a former Shimat test subject who escaped and hid in the High City. She was recaptured by the Shimat when the High City was destroyed, and she shared a prison cell with Me’shan. She is called an alchemist by the Shimat, due to her advanced abilities that stem from her L’avan mother. Breyen is her father.

  Fia (FEE-ah): a former citizen of the High City, daughter of Hass and Jelana (hosts to Adesina during her time there). She escaped with her family, and the group of refugees settled in Emerald Harbor.

  First Parents: a term that the Rashad use to refer to their ancestors who entered mortality with the Serraf.

  Fortress, the: the base of operations for the Shimat order, and the training facility for the students.

  Gaiana (guy-AN-ah): a magical race of people, distinguished by their lack of arms and powerful legs.

  Gainor (GAY-nor): a former citizen of the High City and friend to Adesina.

  Gauri le Jaya len Omana ol Henka (GAU-ree leh JAH-yah len o-MAN-ah ol HEN-kah): the Chief Elder of the Henka tribe.

  Ghaith (gayth): a neighboring kingdom to Sehar.

  Gi’tel (gih-TEL): the fourth son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  Great Desert, the: a land in the Dream world that is connected to Zonne. It bears the scars of violent magic, and the residue can still be felt.

  Great Wars, the: a period in human history that spanned approximately fifty years, filled with numerous and continual wars. It was primarily a war of magic, and the end of the conflicts also marked the end of magic in the world. See also: Plague Years, the.

  Hanta (HAN-tah): a tribe of Desert Dwellers in Zonne, and the enemies of the Henka.

  Hass (hahs): a former citizen of the High City and host to Adesina during her time there. He was among the refugees that settled in Emerald Harbor. He is a carpenter by trade, but was forced to work in the mines (where he lost his leg). His wife is Jelana, and his daughter is Fia.

  Henka (HEN-kah): a tribe of Desert Dwellers in Zonne that give shelter to Adesina and her companions during the seasonal storms. They are shape-shifters, and each have an animal guardian (whose shape they can imitate) from the time they are young.

  Hestia (HEH-stee-ah): the leader of the Ojuri, one of the Northern Tribes.

  High City, the: a city that was established with deliberate isolation from outside influences. Adesina was sent there by the Shimat, and lived there for less than a year. After she left, the entire city was destroyed.

  Immortal Council: the leaders of the magical races who directed the Armies of Light during the Great Wars.

  Itho (IH-tho): an island nation northeast of Sehar, just off the coast of Joura.

  Jahan Lirit (jah-HAN LIH-riht): a bard that Adesina meets in Emerald Harbor. He is fascinated with the L’avan, and decides to travel with the High City refugees to the L’avan settlement.

  Jame (jaym): the main port city of Zonne.

  Jelana (jeh-LAH-nah): a former citizen of the High City and host to Adesina during her time there. She was among the refugees that settled in Emerald Harbor. She is wife to Hass and mother to Fia.

  Joining: a magical process where two souls are bound to each other. It is a ritual that was primarily used between the Serraf and the Rashad.

  Joura (JOR-ah): a coastal nation found on the continent to the northeast of Sehar. It is the home of Maizah’s parents.

  Karon (KAIR-on): the alias of Kendan during his years spent in Emerald Harbor.

  Kay’l (KAY-l): the eighth son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  K’eb (k-EHB): former L’avan soldier who now serves as Adesina’s personal assistant. His L’avan gifts include healing and hyper-awareness of the world around him.

  Kendan (KEN-dan): Adesina’s former Shar and former love interest. He betrayed her and manipulated her on behalf
of the Shimat order. He realized his love for Adesina and decided to leave the Shimat to join her cause. He was raised as the nephew of Signe, the Sharifal.

  Keeva (KEE-vah): Kendan’s mother, who is deceased.

  Kirin (KIHR-in): the military aide to L’avan (the man) during the Great Wars.

  Lake Breezes: an inn found in one of the small villages along the banks of the Sister Lakes.

  Lam (lahm): an ancient kingdom that bordered Sehar. In Adesina’s day it has split into two kingdoms, Ghaith and Etan.

  Lanil (la-NIHL): Adesina’s childhood friend. They were both raised in the Shimat nursery from infancy.

  L’aslo (l-AHS-loe): the first son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  L’avan (l-ah-VAHN): a man who lived during the time of the Great Wars and raised eleven orphan boys as his own sons. When his sons were grown, he convinced eleven Serraf to accept mortality and to become their wives. He was the founding father of the L’avan race.

  L’avan, the race of: the descendants of the sons of L’avan and their Serraf wives. They inherited magical abilities from the Serraf, setting them apart from other humans. They lived in isolation for centuries, but recent tragedy forced them to set forth on a new path. They are now striving to become part of the community of the world, and have founded a settlement away from their homeland.

  Layfan (LAY-fan): a variation of the name L’avan, used by the Henka.

  L’elia (l-eh-LEE-ah): aunt to L’iam and sister to L’unn. She is next in line for the L’avan throne, should something happen to L’iam.

  L’era (l-EY-rah): younger sister to L’iam, who died during the rescue mission at the Shimat fortress.

  L’iam (l-EE-am): King of the L’avan and husband to Adesina. He was kidnapped by Basha to be used to open the Threshold between the human world and the realm of magical creatures. His L’avan gifts include being able to channel pure energy (life force) and being able to sense the emotions/intentions of those around him.

  L’on (l-ON): L’iam’s older brother and former Crown Prince of the L’avan. He died during the mercenary attack on Pevothem.

  Lotannir (low-tan-EAR): a nation found on a continent southeast of Zonne.

  L’unn (l-UHN): L’iam’s father and former King of the L’avan. He died during the mercenary attack on Pevothem.

  Ma’eve (mah-EYV): another name for Adesina, primarily used by Ravi and E’rian.

  Maizah (MAY-zah): a Tracker for the Shimat organization. She has the ability to sense vyala, and therefore can track magic-users. She was born and raised in Shimat captivity, and has never known anything but obedience. She is also mute.

  Mar’sal (mar-SAHL): a L’avan protector. He joined Adesina on her journey to rescue L’iam. His L’avan gifts include healing and the manipulation of density.

  Matias (mat-EE-az): a refugee from the High City, and older brother to Deasa.

  Meerca (MEER-kah): a Zonnese shipwright who is friends with Zulimar.

  Me’shan (meh-SHAHN): a member of the L’avan race. Adesina’s father and governor of Yavar. He was captured by Adesina when she was a teenager, and turned over to the Shimat. When Adesina discovered the truth of the Shimat, she led a rescue mission to retrieve Me’shan. He is husband to E’rian, and also father to E’nes.

  Mirinda (meer-IN-dah): the first queen of Sehar.

  M’os (m-OHS): the sixth son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  Na’cum (NAH-koom): the ninth son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  Naiser the Mighty (NAY-zer): the founder and first king of Sehar. He gained renown during the Great Wars.

  Nayati the Scholar (nah-YAH-tee): one of the founders of the Desert Dwellers of Zonne, and writer of the ancient tome that fell into the hands of the Shimat.

  Nordin (NOR-dihn): a former citizen of the High City, among those who escaped to Emerald Harbor. He is husband to Deasa.

  Northern Tribes: nomadic groups of people, generally ostracized from society. They are treated with distrust and contempt by others, and therefore usually keep to themselves.

  O’nan (O-nan): the third son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  Pallavi le Prema len Darshan ol Henka (pah-LAH-vee leh PREE-ma len dar-SHAHN ol HEN-kah): the Henka elder representing the Darshan clan, and the Keeper of Memory.

  Per (pehr): one of Adesina’s Shar, or teachers, when she was a child.

  Pevothem (peh-VOE-them): the homeland of the L’avan people.

  Plague Years, the: the decade following the Great Wars, where pestilence greatly reduced the world population. It is said that the plagues were born of magic, because magic-users were the first to be affected.

  Protectors: special L’avan warriors who have received elite training. Many of them serve the royal family.

  Qetza (KET-za): a race of magical creatures in the form of enormous serpents with feathered wings.

  Quinlan (KWIN-lan): a former citizen of the High City, and a blacksmith by trade. He is among the refugees that escaped to Emerald Harbor.

  Rabia (RAH-bee-ah): a member of the Rashad race, and mother to Ravi.

  Radwan (RAD-wan): the innkeeper of The Black Cat.

  Rajan (rah-ZHAN): current leader of the Rashad race, and mentor to Ravi.

  Rance (ranss): a member of the Rashad race, and former rival to Ravi.

  Rashad (rah-SHAD): a race of enormous felines with great intelligence. They serve as companions and guardians to the L’avan people. Their ancestors were the guardians to the Serraf.

  Rasim (RA-sim): the last king of Sehar before its downfall. He organized the group of assassins that eventually became the Shimat.

  Ravi (RAH-vee): a member of the Rashad race, and personal guardian to Adesina. He is the future leader of his people, even though he has no blood relation to the current leader. He is son to Riordan and Rabia, brother to Ruvim and Rissa, and betrothed to Remah.

  Remah (reh-MAH): betrothed of Ravi, and the Rashad representative in the L’avan settlement during Ravi’s absence.

  Riel (ree-EL): the Rashad companion to Sitara.

  Riordan (ree-OR-dan): a member of the Rashad race, and father to Ravi.

  Rissa (RIH-sah): a member of the Rashad race, and younger sister to Ravi.

  Ri’sel (rih-SEL): a member of the L’avan race. Brother to Me’shan and uncle to Adesina. His L’avan gifts include telekinesis and extreme focus.

  Ruvim (ROO-vim): a Rashad, and Ravi’s older brother.

  Satosh (sah-TOSH): a crewmember of the merchant ship Zephyr, and an amateur historian. He is also the adoptive father of Suvi.

  Savir an Kavi nan Darshan ol Henka (sah-VEER ahn KAH-vee nahn dar-SHAHN ol HEN-kah): a Desert Dweller whose life is saved by Adesina and her companions, and he offers them shelter during the seasonal storms. His name means Savir, son of Kavi, of the Darshan family group, of the Henka tribe. His animal guardian is a hawk.

  Sehar (SEH-har): also known as The Fallen Kingdom of Sehar, it is Adesina’s homeland. The kingdom was created shortly after the Great Wars, and the monarchy rules for many generations. Then, about seventy years before this story takes place, the royal family was killed and the government collapsed (hence, its name of the Fallen Kingdom). It now has no organized government other than what can be found in isolated cities or villages. The natives are called Seharans.

  Serraf (SEH-raf): magical creatures that look like beautiful women. They are the Watchers of the gateways between worlds, and the Rashad are their guardians and companions. They are immortal, and they can use all of the magical gifts of the L’avan instead of just one or two.

  Sesa (SEH-sah): a Qetza in Adesina’s vyuhava who carries L’avan (the man) on her back during the final battle of the Great Wars.

  Shar Children: students who are raised from infancy in the Shimat fortress.

  Sharifal (shar-IH-fahl): the title of the leader of the Shimat order.

  Shi (shee): a student training to become a member of the Shimat order.


  Shimat (SHEE-mat): a secret organization of warriors and spies, whose goal is to gain power and influence. They are trained extensively from childhood in a wide variety of topics, and then are sent out on missions when they have completed their education.

  Shimat demons: a group of shadow demons, from which the organization derived its name.

  Signe (SIG-nay): Sharifal of the Shimat order, and the woman who primarily raised Adesina from infancy to when she began her training. She also raised Kendan as her nephew.

  Sister Lakes: two lakes found on the eastern central lands. This also refers to the small community of villages that border the lakes.

  Sitara (sih-TAH-rah): the leader of the Serraf, as seen in Adesina’s Dreams.

  Solaran (so-LAR-an): a race of magical creatures similar to dragons.

  So’phus (SO-fus): the fifth son of L’avan, and one of the founders of the race.

  Suvi (SOO-vee): a teenage girl who lives and works aboard the merchant ship Zephyr with her adoptive father, Satosh.

  Tanar (ta-NAR): a city in Sehar, in the southern lands.

  Than’os (THAN-os): a L’avan Protector, and one of Adesina’s first students. He joined Adesina on her journey to rescue L’iam. His L’avan gifts include the manipulation of objects/elements and hyper-awareness of the world around him.

  Threshold Child, the: a figure in a prophecy told to the L’avan by the founder of the race. The Threshold Child is said to be the one who will lead the L’avan to their great purpose. Adesina is believed to be this person.

  Thresholds: gateways between the various realms, such as the human realm and the realm of magic.

  Toraun (TOR-awn): a person seen in one of Adesina’s Dreams, a member of the Aurym race.

  Torith (TOR-ith): the horse that L’iam gave to Adesina as a gift after her first visit to Yavar.

  Tuwa (TOO-wah): the leader of the Gaiana, as seen in Adesina’s Dreams.

  Urja le Asha len Darshan ol Henka: (UR-zha le A-sha len dar-SHAHN ol HEN-kah): a member of the Henka tribe, mother to Savir and Vanhi. Her animal guardian is a hare.

  Vanhi le Urja len Darshan ol Henka (VAHN-hee le UR-zha len dar-SHAHN ol HEN-kah): a member of the Henka tribe, and twin sister to Savir. Her guardian animal is a cobra.