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 granted 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 (Le-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.
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 to 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 Master can create the demons.
Shadow Spawn, Shadow Soul ~ Nicknames given to the Shadow Assassin.
Sheanna (Shee-ahn-a) ~ An exiled Eleri. When an 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 thegyota 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.
The West ~ Geographical area located to the west of Ohlin’s Spine. Includes the kingdom of the Overlord of the West, Danuri Province, and Haversham.
Western Seas ~ The body of water located off the Western Coast of Aelinae.
Woodland Faerie ~ Faerie folk who make their home in the forests Aelinae, most commonly found in the Narthvier. Woodland faeries grow to be around three feet in height, although some are taller. They are the exception. Woodland faeries share a special bond with nature and can cultivate new species of living plants or animals.
Cast of Characters
Aislinn al Glennwoods ap Narthvier (Ay-s-lynn) ~ Queen of the Eleri. Aislinn perished in a ShantiMari accident when Rhoane was a young man.
Alasdair (Alice-dare) ~ A faerie servant in the service of Rhoane. Brother to Illanr and Carld.
Alswyth Myrddin (Alls-with Mere-din) ~ Mage with exceedingly long life. Myrddin is the advisor to Empress Lliandra and is often far from court on assignments from the crown. No known children or spouses. No known House.
Anje ap Paderau (Ann-jee ap Paw-der-oo) ~ Duke of Paderau, father to Hayden, husband to Gwyneira (now deceased). Anje is cousin to the Lord of Darkness, and third in line for the Obsidian Throne. His father was brother to Valterys’s father. A prince in his own right, Anje renounced his Dark heritage to live with his wife in the Light. Descendant of House Djeba.
Aomori di Monsenti (A-more-ee di Mon-scent-ee) ~ A young Danuri lord fostering with Tinsley in Paderau. Descendant of House Monsenti.
Armando ~ Summerlander. Lover of Tarro. Whore in Nena’s house. Marissa’s favorite.
Ashanni (A-shawn-ee) ~ A mare Duke Anje gives to Taryn.
Baehlon de Monteferron (Bay-lohn de Mont-fair-on) ~ Danuri and Geigan knight employed by Empress Lliandra, sworn to protect Taryn and her House. Descendant of House Monteferron.
Beary ~ (Master) Unseen character in book one. Advisor to Taryn on household matters.
Brandt Kaj Endion (Brant) ~ Aelan. High Priest of Talaith and advisor to Empress Lliandra, Brandt was commissioned with Taryn’s safety when she was born. After his death, Nadra took Brandt to Dal Tara, (home of the gods), which allows Brandt to communicate with Taryn. House Arran.
Bressal ap Narthvier (Bress-all) ~ Eleri. Second Son to King Stephan and Queen Aislinn (now passed beyond the veils).
Carga ap Narthvier ~ Eleri. Daughter to King Stephan and Queen Aislinn (now passed beyond the veils). Currently exiled from the Eleri (known as sheanna to her clan) and working as a cook in the kitchens of Duke Anje.
Carina (Ka-reen-a) ~ Aelan. A soldier in the employ of Duke Anje, she is assigned to Taryn’s personal guard.
Carld (Car-uld) ~ A faerie maid in the service of King Stephan. Sister to Illanr and Alasdair.
Celia ~ Aelan. Lady-in-waiting to Marissa and minor noble. Descendant of House Deltanna.
Cora ~ Aelan. A maid in the service of Empress Lliandra assigned to Taryn upon her arrival in Talaith.
Cynda (Sin-dah) ~ A mare Rhoane provides for Taryn.
Daknys (Dak-niss) ~ Elder Goddess. Daughter of Nadra and Ohlin, she is worshipped by the Light and Dark in the central area of Aelinae.
Ebus (Ee-bus) ~ Race unknown. Thief known to Rhoane. Becomes spy for Taryn and Rhoane. Can see the Shadow Assassin.
Eiric (Err-ic) ~ Danuri. Lover of Zakael.
Eliahnna Tjaru (Ee-lahn-ah Shar-U) ~ Aelan. Daughter of Lliandra. Her heritage is much debated since Lliandra has never publicly named her father. She is third in line to the Light Throne. Descendant of House Nadrene.
Ellie ~ Aelan. A maid in the service of Empress Lliandra assigned to Taryn upon her arrival in Talaith.
Eoghan ap Narthvier (Eee-gan) ~ Eleri. Third Son to King Stephan and Queen Aislinn (now passed beyond the veils).
Faelara Dal Arran (Fay-lara) ~ Aelan. Daughter of Brandt, Faelara is currently a lady-in-waiting to Empress Lliandra. Her Healing skills are legendary, as were her father’s. House Arran.
Faisal dei Tarnovo (Fay-sal) ~ Summerlander. Sabina’s father and the king of the Summerlands. House Tarnov.
Fayngaar (Fain-gar) ~ Rhoane’s stallion.
Gameson ~ Aelan. (Master) Head tutor in the service of Empress Lliandra.
Gris ~ Aelan. A kitchen boy in the service of Duke Anje.
Gwyneira Tjaru ap Paderau (Gwin-eera ap Shar-U) ~ Aelan. Sister to Empress Lliandra, wife of Duke Anje, mother to Hayden. Gwyneira died after childbirth when Hayden was a young man. Houses Nadrene and Djeba.
Hayden ap Valen ~ Aelan. Lord Valen, Marquis of the province Valen, son of Anje and Gwyneira. Hayden is cousin to the heirs of the Light Throne and the Obsidian Throne. Descendant of House Djeba.
Herbret ~ Aelan. A minor noble in Talaith’s court. Descendant of House Gilfroy.
Illanr (Ill-an-or) ~ A faerie maid in the service of King Stephan. Sister to Carld and Alasdair.
Janeira (Juh-nair-a) ~ An Eleri warrior of great standing, excellent skill, and deadly capabilities.
Julieta ~ Younger Goddess. Daughter of Rykoto and Daknys.
Kaida (Kay-da) ~ A grierbas Taryn rescues in the Narthvier. They become companions and have the ability to speak with each other in their minds. Kaida can track the Shadow Assassin.
Kaldaar (Cal-dar) ~ Elder God. Son of Nadra and Ohlin, worshipped by inhabitants of the Southeast until his banishment after the Great War. Kaldaar hasn’t been seen in Aelinae in over five thousand seasons.
Lliandra Tjaru (Lee-on-dra Shar-U) ~ Aelan. Empress of Talaith, Lady of Light. Mother to Marissa, Taryn, Eliahnna, and Tessa. Lliandra is directly descended from the goddess Nadra. She is thought to be a just ruler who thinks of her subjects in all matters. House Nadrene.
Lorilee ~ Aelan. A maid in the service of Duke Anje. Sister to Mayla.
Marissa Tjaru (Shar-U) ~ Aelan. Crown Princess of Talaith, heir to the Light Throne, daughter of Lliandra and Esna (not named in books one or two). Descendant of House Nadrene.
Mayla ~ Aelan. A maid in the service of Duke Anje. Sister to Lorilee.
Margaret Tan ~ Geigan. Seamstress to Empress Lliandra, she often travels with the court. Her tailoring skills are said to be admired in all the kingdoms.
Nadra ~ Mother of Aelinae, Great Mother of all Creation. Along with Ohlin, Nadra created Aelinae. Mother to Daknys, Rykoto, Kaldaar, and Verdaine.
Nena ~ Race unknown. Owner of a house of prostitution in Talaith.
Ohlin (O-lynn) ~ Father of Aelinae, Great Father of all Creation. Along with Nadra, Ohlin created Aelinae. Father to to Daknys, Rykoto, Kaldaar, and Verdaine.
Oliver ~ Aelan. A servant in the service of Hayden, Lord Valen.
Phantom ~ An unknown entity manipulating Celia, Herbret, and Marissa. The phantom is thought to be an agent of Kaldaar.
Prateeni dei Tarnovo (Pruh-teen-ee) ~ Summerlander. Sabina’s mother and the Queen of the Summerlands. House Tarnov.
Rhoane al Glennwoods ap Narthvier (Rone) ~ Eleri. First Son of Stephan, King of the Eleri, and Aislinn, Queen of the Eleri (now passed beyond the veils). At birth Rhoane was prophesied to be the Eirielle’s protector. When he was old enough, he took an oath forsaking all others and devoting his life to upholding Verdaine’s prophecy.
Rykoto (Ree-ko-toe) ~ Elder God. Son of Nadra and Ohlin, worshipped by inhabitants of the Northwest and of the Dark. Rykoto was imprisoned in the Temple of Ardyn after the Great War.
Sabina dei Tarnovo ~ Summerlander. Daughter of King Faisal and Queen Prateeni, Sabina was sent to Talaith to foster with Empress Lliandra. She was born without ShantiMari, a great disgrace to her family. Descendant of House Tarnov.
Saeko (Say-koh) ~ A maid in the service of Taryn.
Shadow Assassin ~ An unknown assailant stalking Taryn. He can ‘disappear’.
Stephan ap Narthvier ~ King of the Eleri. Direct descendant from Verdaine.
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br /> Tabul (Tah-buhl) ~ Summerlander. Spice merchant from Paderau.
Tarro (Tare-O) ~ Danuri. Assistant to Margaret Tan. Lover of Armando.
Taryn Rose Galendrin (Tare-in) ~ Daughter of Lliandra, Empress of Talaith, Lady of Light and Valterys, Overlord of the West, Lord of Darkness. Raised on Earth, Taryn grew up unaware of Aelinae, believing Brandt was her grandfather and only family. House Galendrin.
Tessa Tjaru (Shar-U) ~ Aelan. Daughter of Lliandra and Razlog (not named in books one or two). She is fourth in line to the Light Throne. Descendant of House Nadrene.
Timor (Tim-or) ~ Aelan. A soldier in the employ of Duke Anje, he is assigned to Taryn’s personal guard.
Tinsley Alcath (Tins-lee All-koth) ~ Aelan. A young lord with business ties to Duke Anje and is often at Paderau Palace. Descendant of House Alcath.
Tudyk (Too-dic) ~ Aelan. Sword Master in the service of Empress Lliandra.
Valterys Djeba (Val-terr-iss D-jj-ay-ba) ~ Aelan. Overlord of the West, Lord of the Dark. Father to Taryn and Zakael. Valterys is directly descended from the god Ohlin. He rules his kingdom with a tight grasp on its economy and trade. His subjects think of him favorably. House Djeba.
Verdaine (Vare-dane) ~ Elder Goddess. Daughter of Nadra and Ohlin, she is worshipped by the Eleri in the Narthvier.
Zakael Djeba (Zah-K-ay-eel D-jj-ay-ba) ~ Aelan. Prince, heir to the Obsidian Throne. Son of Valterys and Troyanna (not named in books one or two). Descendant of House Djeba.
Acknowledgements
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. I used to joke that she kicked my butt on the page as well as in the gym. I miss our workouts, but look forward to her opinions on my future projects. 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.
The Stones of Kaldaar (Song of the Swords Book 1) Page 47
