The Nature of a Curse (Volume 2 of the Year of the Red Door)

by William Timothy Murray

  Ormace-- Founder of the High House of Fairbirch. It was Ormace who infamously forced the other High Houses to redistribute their Bloodcoins so that none would have seven Bloodcoins of the same type (that is, of the same type of gemstone.*

  Osterflo-- The long river that flows from northern Duinnor eastward to empty into Salfin Bay at Glareth by the Sea. It was originally called the "duin nord," or north river, and is the basis for Duinnor's name. The name Osterflo, however, was the old Glarethian name of the river and came into standard use by the middle of the First Age.* (See Map Coordinates D1-M2)

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  Packlin-- A Boskland farmer.

  Paltera-- A mountain witch who occupied a territory in the western slopes of the Thunder Mountains near the Missenflo River.

  Parthais-- Third King of Vanara, son of Cupeldain, father of Thurdun and Serith Ellyn.*

  Passdale-- A town in County Barley of the Eastlands Realm on the banks of the Bentwide River. It was located on the site of a small settlement known as Dalefath which was destroyed in the Dragonkind Invasion of 322 S.A. (See Map of County Barley)

  Peldown-- The proper name for Gory Gulch, but after the battle that took place there in the late Second Age, Peldown was used less often. (See See Gory Gulch.) (See Map Coordinates D5)

  Peller's Carpet-- A lichen or moss that grows underneath moist rocky outcrops. It has the peculiar property of glowing during the night time and is sometimes used on garden paths. It is said to have certain medicinal properties and, when properly prepared, is often added to smoking mixtures as a mild intoxicant.

  Peninflo-- The proper and ancient name of the river Bentwide and the small valley in Barley through which it flows. (See Map of County Barley)

  Picathians-- The people from which Nowhereans claimed to be descended. They were enslaved by the Dragonkind and made to serve them during the Dragonkind Invasion of 322 S.A. Picathia itself was believed to have been somewhere in the northern lands of Altoria, although no records exist that support that location.*

  Pinewood Uprising-- Although it began as an anti-Men uprising fomented by woodland Elifaen of the Eastlands and Tracia, it transformed into a confusing civil war between various alliances of Men and Elifaen. It began in 278 S.A. and was of such violence that it threatened to lead to widespread war between the Seven Realms. It came about as a reaction to the increasing encroachment of Men into the forest territories of the east, particularly in the Eastlands and in Tracia.*

  Prefect-- A high official, usually of a city, somewhat akin to a high-ranking clerk but with the powers of a judge. However, there is a Prelect of Duinnor, whose duty it is to issue official proclamations and decrees, both those of a public nature concerning all persons, as well as those pertaining to only a few. In the late Second Age, it was the Prefect of Duinnor that issued and recorded travel passes and places conditions on Elifaen who travel throughout the Seven Realms in accordance with laws and policies enacted by the King. The Prefect of Duinnor had no power of enforcement, other than to report any lapse or irregularity to the Kingsmen or to the various ministries as each situation warranted.

  Prideling-- One of the stags of Uncle Solstice.

  punk-- A type of tinder made to catch a spark from a flint and steel to create an ember for making fire. It is made of the dry rotted almost powdery wood found within old logs.

  Pyros-- Firstborn Elifaen and founder of the High House of Fairmyrtle.*

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  Raenelle-- (Raenelle Bosk) Daughter of Garend and Frizella Bosk, older sister to Billy Bosk. Raenelle was captured by the Redvests during the invasion of 870 S.A.

  Raskin-- Mysterious Elifaen assistant to Uncle Solstice.

  Redvests-- A name for the soldiers of the Triumvirate of Tracia due to their reddish surcoats, capes, and tunics.

  Regent-- Those placed in charge of certain matters in lieu of the actual king or governor. For example, in Vanara, the Chancellor is second in power and importance to the Queen, serving as the administrative governor of Vanara and overseeing all military and civil branches of government. As well, the Vanaran Chancellor is the Chief Judge of the Realm, supervising the courts of other judges or acting as a judge himself from time to time. When, during the late Second Age, Queen Serith Ellyn traveled to Glareth, the Chancellor was Regent of the Queen and ruled Vanara in her absence.

  Ring of Hearing-- A magical ring that enables its wearer to know the thoughts of those present.*

  Rinspoon-- Tale teller of Hill Town.

  Rivertree-- Tavern near Passdale.

  Robigor-- (Robigor Ribbon) Tradesman of Passdale, County Barley, in the Eastlands. Twice Mayor of Passdale, he was responsible for the rebuilding of the bridge across the Bentwide located in Passdale and for increasing trade and commerce in the region by his dealings with various traders, farmers, and merchantmen. Father of Robby the Younger, and husband to Mirabella Tallin of the House of Fairoak.

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  Saerdulin-- A major river of the east, running from its headwaters, Lake Halgaeth, through the old Eastlands Realm into Tracia and then to the sea. In the early Second Age, it was a major transport route for goods. (See Map Coordinates J4-J6)

  Saerdulin, Battle of-- (Battle of Saerdulin) Sometimes included in descriptions of the Battle of Tulith Attis, this battle took place a week or a fortnight after Tulith Attis was sacked (sources disagree), and took place on the western bank of the Saerdulin at the confluence of the River Lerse, with the south bank of the River Lerse on the northern flank of the Dragonkind forces. The Dragonkind, thinking that the two rivers protected their flanks, sought to force the combined armies of Glareth, Vanara, and Duinnor into a frontal assault against their more advantageous defensive position. However, sufficient forces under the leadership of Navis and Esildre of Elmwood managed to swim the Saerdulin and Lerse Rivers under cover of darkness. They then attacked the Dragonkind's unprotected rear flanks, wreaking havoc and panic. The carefully timed rear assault weakened and disorganized the Dragonkind forces, allowing the simultaneous frontal assault to succeed. As a result, the Dragonkind were decimated and utterly destroyed, with very few, if any, Dragonkind escaping. (See Great Invasion)

  Sagwist-- Man of Passdale who was the keeper of the Common House.

  Saheed-- A given name among Men, particularly of the Tallin and Markal lineages.

  Saliley-- Vintner family of northern Barley renown for their light sweet wine. In the late Second Age, Saliley wine was transported far and wide and was among the first wines of the region to be sold in bottles in addition to jars and casks.

  Salkasin-- King of the Dragonkind from 960-970 F.A. killed by King Parthais of Vanara at the Battle of Tamkal Plain.*

  Salzadur-- One of the kings of the Dragonkind in the Second Age, father to Belsalza who succeeded him to the throne. Salzadur was the tribal leader of the Kalazin tribes of southern Dragonlands, a rich and powerful people. He led armies against his neighbors, conquering them but showed mercy to any who would agree to the law of his tribe. He claimed direct lineage from Kalzar the Great, and as his power grew, he turned his eyes upon the throne in Tyrsharat, where a series of corrupt and weak kings had sat for generations. In 819 S.A., he declared himself rightful King of the Dragonkind, and rode to Tyrsharat with his army to take the throne. The city welcomed him and there was little bloodshed as he assumed rule. All this was accomplished before he was thirty-five years of age.*

  Seafar-- A House of Men who originally settled in the northern coastal regions of Tracia but later settled mostly around the Bransondale region. They eventually resettled in Vanara and rose to great prominence as the most powerful House of Men in that Realm.*

  Secundur-- One of the Firstborn. He was believed to be a follower of Morgasir but escaped the destruction that befell his teacher. Known as the Lord of Shadow because he shuns light. Ever the provocateur of discord among people, he is held responsible for many of the world's woes, including the perpetual strife between the Dragonkind and the peoples of the northern lands. It is said
that he provoked Kalzar to attack the north, and later provoked Cupeldain to retaliate. He also frequented Vanara, and spoke lies and rumors to Ormace and others when Cupeldain sought to have the Forty-Nine gathered. Later, King Parthais granted to Secundur a remote region northwest of Vanara later known as Shatuum, those mysterious forbidden lands bordered northwest Vanara and southwest Duinnor territories. There, Secundur slowly gathered his might, breeding foul creatures and hatching dark plots against other lands.

  Seleesa-- Maiden of Nasakeeria, said to have been a witch or sorceress.

  Seltin-- Grandson of Eldwin, an Elder of Nowhere.

  Serith Ellyn-- Firstborn Elifaen, Queen of Vanara, daughter of Parthais of the House of Fairlinden. Serith means "most high." The beginning of the Second Age is marked at the start of her reign. She and her brother Thurdun were exiled by King Parthais, and they were later the targets of his agents whose orders were to hunt them down and kill them both. Parthais was no less cruel to his own people who pleaded for deliverance from his tyranny. Serith Ellyn secretly raised an army and managed to position it well within Vanara without being detected. In a bold and swift night attack, she led her army into Linlally and stormed the White Palace where she slew her father.*

  Seven Towers-- Seven very tall towers of mysterious origin that are scattered throughout the world. They mysteriously appeared around the beginning of the First Age of the world. Each tower is alike in form and height, a smooth column of stone rising up 980 feet from the tops of six separate mountains. Each is topped with what appears to be a glass dome of some kind, and each dome is of a different color: white, yellow, blue, red, purple, green, and orange. Many believe they have something to do with the Forty-Nine Keys of the Nimbus Illuminas.*

  Shadowbane-- A rare and mysterious tree of the Time Before Time. It is said that light passed through its leaves so that it did not provide shade and, at night, the leaves glowed with a soft light, dispelling any shadow (hence its name). Its wood was used to form magic staffs of early conjurers, the most famous rod being Swyncraff.*

  Sharlofiorn-- Titled estate of southeastern Tracia. In the late Second Age, Prince Lantos held the title of Duke of Sharlofiorn.

  Shatuum-- A forbidden land on the borders of Vanara and Duinnor along the western edge of the world ruled by Secundur. (See Map Coordinates C3)

  Shevalia-- Firstborn Elifaen, daughter of Desira, father unknown. Wife of Bychanter, mother of Faeanna. Shevalia became a good friend of Loura (Cupledain's wife) and Lady Lyrium. Shevalia and Bychanter were murdered along with Cupeldain, Loura, and many others who were traveling with Cupeldain through lands near to those of the House of Hemlock. Some say that Shevalia's spirit, along with the spirits of the others, haunt a small lake near the town of Lochton, the site of the murders.*

  Silmain-- The Elifaen who united many Vanaran clans and some woodland tribes, after Aperion's host departed. He declared himself "King of the Faere" and attempted to join all of the Elifaen together. It was Silmain who first attempted to have all of the Forty-Nine Keys of the Nimbus Illuminas brought together, but he was defeated in that effort. Silmain had two sons, the twins Heneil and Pellen, who both refused Silmain's throne when he died.

  Sir Sun-- A name sometimes given to the sun. In legend, Sir Sun was husband of Lady Moon.*

  Slimeback-- Name given to the legendary water monster of Lake Halgaeth. It is reputed to be a giant serpent-like creature, by some accounts over sixty feet in length, with a long snout and rows of razor-sharp teeth. It has oily, leathery skin, hence its name. *

  Slobberfang-- Also called Wolftooth, a feverish ailment resulting from being bitten by wild animals, particularly wolves, also called Wolftooth.

  Solsorna-- The capital city of Masurthia, located on the Bay of Famatir, formerly the Kingdom of Solsorna. Solsorna was originally settled and established by coastal Elifaen in the First Age and had little to do with other Elifaen. They had not participated in the conflict against the Dragonkind which led to the Scathing, but would not give up their lands or waters.* (See Map Coordinates G8)

  Starhart-- Surname of husband and wife, Bob and Lally. Bob Starhart was a Post Rider of County Woodland (Janhaven) and County Barley. In the year 870 of the Second Age, he went missing while out on his route and was never seen again.

  Starlerf-- Poet of the First Age. Little is known about Starlerf, but he apparently lived in a region called Everis, which some think was located in lands that would later become part of Masurthia. However, several volumes of poems are attributed to Starlerf, who copied them by hand in several scripts, including the New Writing that was developed in Vanara during the First Age. His poetry most usually pertains to idyllic themes of forest and field, but some recount tales of the Time Before Time, leading many to believe that he was a Firstborn.

  Starshine-- A stag of Uncle Solstice.

  Stavin-- Garnor and Dorcilla, man and wife of Greenfar.

  Stayborn-- River in Vanara, minor tributary to the Iridelin.

  Steggan-- Steggan Pradkin, the half-uncle and guardian of Sheila Pradkin.

  Stingorn-- A carnival man known for his Conundrum Box, a trick box that only he could open. He would offer a wager to any who could open the box and obtain the coins that he and the contestant had placed within. By devious means, he permitted the Conundrum Box to be opened frequently enough to encourage people to try their hand at it, but not enough to lose many wagers himself.

  Sudamoor-- A small kingdom, independent from the Seven Realms, situated to the southeast of the Plains of Bletharn, against the northern shores of Lake Adin. Very little is known about the region, and it has never sent ambassadors or trade delegations to the other realms. For all intents and purposes it has been ignored by the outside world.* (See Map Coordinates I6)

  Sun King-- A reference to the ruler of Drakyr and the empire of the Dragonkind.

  Sundering-- Also called The Fall, or The First Scathing.

  Surthquay-- An ancient boat landing on Lake Halgaeth. It has two distinctive braziers at the end of the quay, carved in the likeness of arms up-stretched, with a bowl (the brazier) in each hand.* (See Map of County Barley)

  Sweedmiller-- Elder of Nowhere.

  Swyncraff-- A magical staff or rod that obeyed its master by remaining in any shape as long as its owner desired. It could be as hard as steel or as supple as rope.*

  Sylphaen-- Children of mortal Man and female Elifaen. These children inherit the characteristics of the Elifaen. It is thought the word stems from a phrase of the Ancient Tongue "sylph faen," or "airy one who has fallen" (literally "airy one who fell")

  Sylphmar-- Children of mortal women sired by Elifaen. These children do not inherit the characteristics of the Elifaen; only those born of female Elifaen do. It is thought that the word is derived from a phrase of the Ancient Tongue "sylph mort a mar" or "airy one but mortal of the sea," with sylph indicating some Faerekind lineage. Compare to Sylphaen, below.

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  Tallin-- Surname of Men whose lineage goes back to the first Men who came ashore in the world. They eventually became the powerful Named House of Tallin, and under Lord Danig Tallin. It was also due in great part to his efforts that the people of Tallinvale and Tallin City became prosperous and secure.*

  Tallinvale-- A small but fertile valley along the eastern foothills of the Thunder Mountains in southwestern Eastlands. It is situated just north of territory in dispute, claimed both by Tracia and by the Eastlands. Tallin City, the ancient home of the family that gives its name to the region, is a prosperous and thriving center of agriculture and commerce, due chiefly to the guardianship of Lord Danig Tallin. Tallin City and Tallinvale are often used interchangeably. (See Map Coordinates J4)

  Tameron-- Also called the Seven Princesses, the Seven Maidens, or the Thimble Pot. A constellation made up of several stars very closely clustered together within a pale bluish haze.

  Tamkal Plain-- A flat desert expanse in the northeast of the Dragonlands, between the Nalamain Hills and Almedian. It was the site
of a famous battle of the First Age.* (See Map Coordinates D5)