An Echo of Things to Come

by James Islington

  Aelric Shainwiere (AIL-rick SHAYN-weer): Ward of the king, brother to Dezia. A talented swordsman who, for political reasons, deliberately lost the most recent final of the Song of Swords held in Desriel.

  Aelrith (AIL-rith) / The Watcher: One of the sha’teth, who was once commonly seen by Shadows in the Sanctuary. Now deceased.

  Aganaki (ag-an-AH-key): The Eastern Empire’s ambassador to Andarra.

  Alaris (al-ARE-iss) / Alarais (al-are-ACE) / Alarius (al-ARE-ee-us): One of the Venerate, and former king of the Shining Lands. Considers himself Tal’kamar’s friend.

  Alchesh Mel’tac (AL-chesh MEL-tack): The first Augur. In legend, driven mad after seeing too much of the future. Soon after the creation of the Boundary, he warned of its eventual collapse and Aarkein Devaed’s return. Though his visions were initially considered reliable, after several hundred years without apparent threat from Talan Gol, his writings were dismissed by the priests of the Old Religion and struck from canon.

  Aliria (al-IRR-ee-ah): One of the Elders at Tol Shen. Wife to Lyrus Dain.

  Andrael (AN-dree-el) / Andral (AN-drahl): One of the Venerate. A talented inventor. Creator of the five Named Swords, which were forged for the purpose of killing the other Venerate. His deal with the Lyth forced Tal’kamar to erase his own memories in order to reclaim Licanius.

  Andras (AN-drass): The royal line of Andarra.

  Andyn (AN-din): Wirr’s bodyguard, assigned due to rumors of an assassination plot after Wirr inherited the position of Northwarden.

  Asar Shenelac (AY-sarr SHEN-eh-lack) / Tae’shadon (TAY-shah-don) / The Keeper: One of the Venerate. Meets Caeden in the Wells of Mor Aruil in order to help restore Caeden’s memories.

  Asha (ASH-uh) / Ashalia (ash-AH-lee-uh): A Shadow. Childhood friend of Davian and Wirr, having grown up with them in the Gifted school in Caladel. Turned into a Shadow by Ilseth Tenvar in the aftermath of the attack on the school. Made Representative for Tol Athian by Elocien Andras, who also had her secretly take on the role of Scribe for the Augurs Erran, Fessi, and Kol.

  Astria (ASS [sounds like “mass”]-tree-ah): A woman from Caeden’s past, who was murdered and replaced for a time by Nethgalla.

  Ath (ATH [sounds like “math”]), The / Nethgalla (neth-GULL-uh): A creature of legend, known for her ability to take the form of others.

  Brase (BRAZE [sounds like “raise”]): A Shadow working in the library at Tol Athian.

  Breshada (bresh-AH-duh): A Hunter who mysteriously saved Davian and Wirr from two other Hunters in Talmiel. Wields Whisper, one of the Named Swords.

  Caeden (CAY-den) / Tal’kamar (TAL-cam-are): After waking with no memories in Desriel, Caeden eventually discovered that he had deliberately erased them, primarily in order to fulfil Andrael’s bargain with the Lyth and obtain the sword Licanius. After travelling to the Wells of Mor Aruil and meeting with Asar Shenelac, he remembers that he once called himself Aarkein Devaed.

  Cyr (SEAR): One of the Venerate. Assisted Aarkein Devaed in the destruction of the city of Silence.

  Daresh Thurin (dah-RESH THOO-rin): The Desrielite ambassador to Andarra.

  Dastiel (DAS-tee-el): A Shadow working in the library at Tol Athian.

  Dav (DAV [sounds like “have”]) / Davian (DAY-vee-en [sounds like “avian”]): Grew up an orphan in the Gifted school at Caladel, where he became childhood friends with Asha and Wirr. An Augur.

  Deldri Andras (DELL-dree AN-drass): Younger sister of Wirr, daughter of Elocien and Geladra.

  Dezia Shainwiere (DET-zee-uh SHAYN-weer): Ward of the king, sister to Aelric. Talented archer whose romantic relationship with Wirr must be kept secret, due to her lack of an official title.

  Diara (dee-ARE-ah) / Diarys (dee-ARE-iss): One of the Venerate.

  Dras Lothlar (drass LOTH-lar): The Representative for Tol Shen. Suspected by Taeris and Laiman to have had a hand in the king’s strange illness during the attack by the Blind.

  Driscin Throll (DRISS-kin THROLL): An Elder at Tol Shen. Mentor to Ishelle. Formerly part of the sig’nari, and attempting to locate and train the newest generation of Augurs.

  El (ELL): The benevolent deity of the Old Religion.

  Elliavia (ell-ee-AH-vee-uh) / Ell (ELL): The murdered wife of Malshash. Her name is sometimes shortened to Ell, pronounced the same as El.

  Elocien Andras (el-OH-see-en AN-drass): The former duke and Northwarden. Father to Wirr and Deldri, husband to Geladra, brother to King Andras. Killed by an Echo during the battle for Ilin Illan against the Blind.

  Erran (EH-rin [sounds like “Erin”]): An Augur who worked in secret at the palace for Elocien Andras. Later, revealed to have been Controlling Elocien for the past two years.

  Fessi (FESS-ee [sounds like “messy”]) / Fessiricia (fess-eh-REE-sha): An Augur who worked in secret at the palace for Elocien Andras, alongside Erran and Kol.

  Garadis ru Dagen (GA-ruh-diss rue DAY-gen [“GA” as in “gash”]): The leader of the Lyth. Struck a deal with Andrael in which he agreed that the Lyth would guard the sword Licanius, in exchange for the promise of eventual freedom from Res Kartha.

  Gassandrid (gass-AN-drid) / Gasharrid (gash-AR-id): Considered the founder of the Venerate. The first to reveal to Tal’kamar the inevitability of the future, and suggest to him the reasons behind it.

  Gawn (GORN [sounds like “thorn”]): One of the Hunters whom Breshada killed in Talmiel in order to save Davian and Wirr.

  Geladra Andras: (gell-ADD-ra AN-drass): Wirr’s and Deldri’s mother. Elocien’s widow. A former Administrator who despises the Gifted.

  Havran Das (HAVE-ran DASS): A merchant in Ilin Illan, used as bait by Alaris to lure Caeden into an ambush by the Blind.

  Iain Tel’An (ee-AIN tell-AN): A young nobleman from Ilin Illan who is interested in courting Asha.

  Iria Tel’Rath (IRR-ee-ah tel-RATH): Daughter of Lord and Lady Tel’Rath. Suggested as an appropriate romantic match for Wirr.

  Ishelle (ish-ELL [sounds like “Michelle”]): An Augur, originally met by Davian on the road to Ilin Illan prior to the Blind’s attack on the city. Has been under the tutelage of Elder Driscin Throll, with the full knowledge of Tol Shen’s Council, for the past two years.

  Isiliar (iss-ILL-ee-are): One of the Venerate. Driven insane after she was imprisoned in a Tributary by Tal’kamar.

  Jakarris si’Irthidian (jah-KARR-iss see-er-THID-ee-an) / Scyner (SIGH-ner): An Augur from before the rebellion, now a Shadow. Killed the other twelve Augurs at the beginning of the rebellion twenty years ago. More recently, posed as the Shadraehin to the Shadows in the Sanctuary. Killed Kol after attempting to blackmail Kol, Fessi, and Erran into helping him.

  Jin (JINN): The Shadow who first introduced Asha to the Sanctuary. Killed by Aelrith.

  Karaliene Andras (KA-rah-leen [“KA” as in “carry”] AN-drass): Princess of Andarra. Daughter of King Andras, cousin of Wirr and Deldri.

  Kevran Andras (KEV-ran AN-drass): King of Andarra. Brother of Elocien, father of Karaliene, uncle of Wirr and Deldri.

  Kol (COLE [sounds like “pole”]): An Augur who worked in secret at the palace for Elocien Andras, alongside Erran and Fessi. Killed by Scyner.

  Kolis (KOLL-iss): An Administrator who attempts to interfere with Asha’s journey to Deilannis.

  Laiman Kardai (LAY-men CAR-dye) / Thell Taranor (thell TAR-ah-nore): Chief adviser to King Andras. Asha discovers a mysterious connection between him and Taeris when she overhears a conversation between the two of them after the battle with the Blind.

  Lethaniel (leth-AN-ee-el): One of the sha’teth.

  Lyannis (lee-AHN-iss): A young nobleman from Ilin Illan who is interested in courting Asha.

  Lyrus Dain (LIE-russ DANE): An Elder at Tol Shen, and the leader of the Council there.

  Malshash (MAL-shash): An Augur. Davian’s mentor during his sojourn to the past in Deilannis. Husband to Elliavia. Is able to shape-shift, an ability which he claims to have temporarily stolen from Nethgalla.

  Marut Jha Talkanor (MAHR-ut JAH TAL-can-
or): The Desrielite God of Balance.

  Andan Mash’aan (AHN-den mahsh-AHN): The commander of the Blind army that attacked Ilin Illan.

  Meldier (MELL-deer): One of the Venerate. Imprisoned in a Tributary by Tal’kamar.

  Muran (moo-RAN): The captain in charge of the outpost at the Boundary.

  Narius (NAH-ree-us): An Elder at Tol Shen.

  Nethgalla (neth-GULL-uh): See Ath.

  Nihim Sethi (NIGH-im SETH-ai): The priest who accompanied Taeris, Davian, and Wirr to Deilannis. Killed by Orkoth.

  Orkoth (ORE-koth): The creature from Deilannis that slew Nihim. Appears to obey orders from Malshash, and has been instructed not to harm Davian.

  Paetir (PAY-ter): A warlord from Caeden’s past, who attempts to ambush the Venerate using kan-enhanced weaponry.

  Pria si’Bellara (PREE-ah sih-bell-AHR-ah): Administration’s current second-in-command under Wirr.

  Renmar (REN-mar): One of the Hunters whom Breshada killed in Talmiel in order to save Davian and Wirr.

  Reubin (ROO-bin): A Shadow working in the Tol Athian library.

  Rill (RILL): Captain in charge of the guards at the Tel’Andras family estate in Daran Tel.

  Rohin (ROE-in): An Augur who arrives at Tol Shen after the Augur Amnesty is announced.

  Scyner (SIGH-ner): See Jakarris si’Irthidian.

  Serrin (SAIR-in): A Gifted from Caeden’s past who uses the Siphon to enslave Silvithrin.

  Shadraehin (SHAH-druh-eh-heen): The leader of the “rebel” Shadows living in the Sanctuary. Originally thought to be Scyner, later revealed to be a mysterious woman.

  Shammaeloth (shah-MAY-loth): The malevolent deity of the Old Religion.

  si’Bandin (sih-BAN-yen): A minor House in the Assembly.

  si’Danvielle (sih-DAN-vee-ell): A minor House in the Assembly.

  si’Veria (sih-VER-ee-ah): A minor House in the Assembly.

  Tachievar (TACK-ee-eh-var): A senior Administrator.

  Tae’shadon (TAY-shah-don): See Asar Shenelac.

  Taeris Sarr (TAY-riss SARR): A Gifted. Face heavily scarred. Currently the Representative for Tol Athian despite a contentious relationship with Tol Athian’s Council. Accompanied Caeden, Davian and Wirr during their escape from Desriel via Deilannis. Present three years ago at Caladel when Davian, as a child, was attacked. Has been researching the degradation of the Boundary for many years.

  Tal’kamar Deshrel (TAL-cam-are DESH-rel): See Caeden.

  Thameron (THAM-err-on): An Elder at Tol Shen. Appointed by Tol Shen’s Council as Scribe to the Augurs.

  Thell Taranor (thell TAR-ah-nore): See Laiman Kardai.

  Thil (THILL): An Elder at Tol Shen.

  Torin Wirrander Andras (TORE-en weer-AN-der AN-drass): See Wirr.

  Tysis (TIE-sis): One of the Venerate. Killed by Andrael during the destruction of the city of Silence.

  Vhalire (vah-LEER): One of the sha’teth, mentioned to Asha by Aelrith during their encounter in the Sanctuary.

  Wereth (WHERE-eth) / Werek (WHERE-ek): One of the Venerate. Creator of the Siphon.

  Whylir (WILL-eer): The Narutian ambassador to Andarra.

  Wirr (WEER [sounds like “beer”]) / Torin Wirrander Andras (TORE-en weer-AN-der AN-drass): Gifted. Northwarden. Prince of Andarra. Brother of Deldri, son of Geladra and Elocien, cousin to Karaliene, nephew to Kevran. Secretly sent to the Gifted school in Caladel by his father, where he met and became friends with Davian and Asha. Due to his lineage and ability to use Essence, he was capable of changing the Tenets by himself.

  Glossary

  Absorption endpoint: A common element of kan machinery that absorbs Essence.

  Administration: An Andarran organization dedicated to uploading the terms of the Treaty with the Gifted. Led by the Northwarden, members are bound to the Tenets via Oathstones, by which they receive a red Administrator’s Mark on their forearm.

  Administrator: A member of Administration.

  Adviser: A Vessel in the Great Library in Deilannis, used to locate texts about specific subjects.

  al’goriat (al-GORE-ee-at): One of the five Banes led by Aarkein Devaed during his invasion of Andarra.

  Alkathronen (al-KATH-ron-en): The last city of the Builders. Also connects each of the Builder’s various wonders via portals.

  Alsir (AL-seer): A small town in Andarra.

  Andarra (an-DARR-uh): The country in which Davian, Wirr, and Asha reside. Originally spanned the entire continent north of the Menaath Mountains before Devaed’s invasion two thousand years ago. Now bordered by Talan Gol to the north, and Desriel and Narut to the west.

  Arbiterium (arr-bit-EER-ee-um): A structure in Deilannis, in which the Jha’vett is housed.

  Assembly: The Andarran legislature.

  Augur (AWE-ger): People who have the ability to use kan to Read and Control minds, manipulate time, and see into an inevitable future.

  Augur Amnesty: An amnesty passed by the Assembly in response to the attack by the Blind, removing the death penalty for any Augurs who are willing to undertake the task of sealing the Boundary.

  Banes: In Andarran legend, warriors led by Aarkein Devaed during his invasion that were mixtures of men and animals, and all but impossible to kill.

  Blades, five: See Named swords.

  bleeder: A derogatory term used by the Andarran populace to refer to the Gifted.

  Blind: The invasion force from beyond the Boundary that attacked Ilin Illan. Known for their unusual helmets, which completely cover their eyes.

  Boundary: The enormous wall of Essence to the north of Andarra, which encapsulates all of Talan Gol.

  Builders: The mysterious race who constructed Ilin Illan, Alkathronen, and many other wonders.

  Caer Lyordas (care lee-OR-das): Castle from Caeden’s homeland.

  Caladel (CAL-ah-dell): Town on the southwest coast of Andarra, where Davian grew up. Formerly home to one of the Gifted schools run by Tol Athian.

  Conduit: The enormous cylinder of constantly flowing Essence in the Sanctuary.

  Cyrarium (sear-AIR-ee-um): A massive storage container for Essence.

  dar’gaithin (dar-GAY-thun): One of the five Banes led by Aarkein Devaed during his invasion of Andarra. Taller than a man and snake-like, armored with black scales that absorb Essence.

  Dareci (DA-reh-kai): The enormous capital of the Darecian Empire. Destroyed by Aarkein Devaed. Now known as the Plains of Decay.

  Darecian (dah-REE-see-en): Refers to the long-vanished race that came to Andarra a thousand years prior to Devaed’s attack. Extraordinarily advanced and powerful Gifted.

  Daren Tel (DAH-ren TELL): The area in which the Tel’Andras family estate is located.

  Darklands / Markaathan (mar-KAH-thahn): The realm beyond the rift in Deilannis, from which kan is drawn.

  Decis (DECK-is): A small village in Andarra.

  Deilannis (dye-LAN-iss): Long abandoned, mist-covered Darecian city straddling the border of Andarra, Desriel, and Narut.

  Desriel (DES-ree-el): Hostile country to the west of Andarra. Governed by a theocracy that believes that Essence is not for mortal use.

  Devliss (DEV-liss): The river that separates Andarra and Desriel.

  Disruption shield: A complicated shield of kan designed to protect an Augur from both physical and mental attack by other Augurs.

  dok’en (dock-EN): A device used to create the illusion of a physical area within someone’s mind, which can then also be accessed by others.

  Door of Iladriel (ih-LAD-ree-uhl): Archway in Deilannis, the official entrance to the Inner City.

  Echo: A being originating from the Darklands that utilizes a dead person’s body and memories.

  eletai (ELL-eh-tie): One of the five Banes led by Aarkein Devaed during his invasion of Andarra. Wasplike creatures that can fly and act with a hive intelligence.

  Elhyris (EL-here-iss): A country from Caeden’s past.

  endpoints: Common mechanisms within kan machinery that serve a pre-defined purpose.

  Eryth M
morg (EHR-ith MAWG): Also known as the Waters of Renewal. Located in Talan Gol.

  Essence: Energy, the life force of all things. Used by both the Gifted and Augurs.

  Fate: See Licanius.

  Fedris Idri (FED-riss ID-ree): The sole pass into Ilin Illan. Cut from the heart of the mountain Ilin Tora by the Builders, with three defensive walls known as the Shields.

  Finder: A Vessel that detects the use of Essence.

  Freed: The Lyth’s term for when one of their number willingly leaves Res Kartha, resulting in their death.

  gaa’vesh (gah-VESH): The derogatory Desrielite word used to describe the Gifted.

  Gahille (GAY-ill): A town that the Blind completely razed on their march to Ilin Illan.

  Gate: A construct of kan and Essence that allows instantaneous travel between two physically distant points.

  Gifted: People who have the ability to wield Essence, their own life force.

  Gil’shar (gill-SHAR): The governing body that controls all aspects of life in Desriel. Members are considered to have been appointed by divine selection.

  Ilin Illan (ill-INN ill-AHN): Capital of Andarra. Accessible only via the difficult-to-navigate Naminar River or through Fedris Idri.

  Ilshan Gathdel Teth (ILL-shahn GATH-del TETH): A city in Talan Gol. Home to the remaining Venerate.

  ilshara (ill-SHAH-rah): A type of shield, used to protect individuals against being drained of Essence when working with a Cyrarium. Thanks to similarities in their design, the term is now commonly used by the Venerate and others to refer to the Boundary.

  Initiation endpoint: A common element of kan machinery that allows a device to be triggered.

  Ironsails: A type of ship used by the Darecians.

  Jha’vett (jah-VET): Device in the center of Deilannis that draws Essence from every part of the city. Designed by the Darecians to allow time travel.

  kan (KAHN): The power used by the Augurs. Drawn from the Darklands.

  Kharshan (CAR-shahn): Gassandrid’s homeland.

  Knowing: One of the five Named swords. Stored by Tal’kamar in the Tributary with Isiliar. Used, and subsequently hidden, by Asha in the catacombs beneath Ilin Illan.

  Lantarche (lan-TAR-ka): The massive river that flows around Deilannis and forms much of the border between Andarra and Desriel.