Alutan shut his eyes, painful memories shuddering at the edge of thought. Was this even real? He’d been so long in the dark, so long forced to hear that voice, over and over, mocking him endlessly.
The shadow laughed. “It protects you from madness as well as death, Lel-na. You can’t deny I’m real.”
“You’re as real as dust, Shatayeth an-E’tuah,” Alutan finally replied. “But you’re not really here. I know how a Sending stone works.”
Shatayeth stepped out of the shadows, revealing a silhouetted face against the darkness.
“Then you’re a fool to believe you could escape. You think I couldn’t stop you? I know exactly where you are, Alutan Na-es. And I know where you son is, too.”
Alutan couldn’t help the twitch of dread. But no. Shatayeth wouldn’t gloat if he really knew. He would simply take Balduin and be done with it. Which meant he was trying to use Alutan. He was trying to trick him into revealing something. Which meant—for the time being—Balduin was hidden.
Alutan turned away without a word.
Shatayeth chuckled. “You don’t believe me? Yet word has reached me from my spies in Calton. He’s there, and I am close. Consider this an act of kindness, Kulnethar ab’Ethanir: there’s no need to rush. You made your decision. You chose this rabble over your own son. I’ll make sure to tell him that.”
Alutan reached for the fire inside. His power flared, building against the Unseen thread that joined them.
“And I’m not the only one after your son, am I?” Shatayeth smiled. “Poor, tortured Vanya. You couldn’t even succeed at killing him, could you? He will find your son, I’ll make sure of it.”
“I don’t have to listen to this,” Alutan said. “My power is greater than your stone. Now begone.”
The light burst from him like a shield. The Sending broke.
The forest returned, silent and dark, and Alutan let the fire slip away, his gift and his curse.
“I’m coming, Balduin,” he said.
And in the silence, came a whisper of answering hope.
To be Continued . . .
The story continues! Look for Book Three of the Avanir Chronicles, coming Fall 2023.
The Origin
On the Nature of the Three Realms and the Forming of the World
When all that is was ytyri—that is, without form or purpose1—Yl’avah spoke and divided all that was into the three elements of creation: Blood, Light, and Spirit.
Blood became the first element of the Seen. For from it was formed water, earth, and all things that breathe and grow and perish.
Light became the first element of Seeing. For from it was formed the senses, the mind, and the wonder of apprehension.
Spirit became the first element of the Unseen. For from it was formed the internal natures, the great ideals, and the essence of humanity.
And into these elements Yl’avah gave himself, so that from this union arose the Chorah’dyn. It was she, the Great Tree, who told the sun where to rise and set, the waters where to run, and the mountains where to grow. It was she who taught life to the lifeless. She stretched her roots into all the world to uphold and sustain it. From her sprang the ancient forests and deep waters, and soon the earth was filled with all creatures that swim or fly or walk along the ground.
Last of all, deep within herself, the Chorah’dyn set down three strong roots into the earth, the Pillars of Law, one for each Realm of Creation, which would set the boundaries of what was, and is, and might be. Yet of all the beasts of the earth and fish of the sea and birds of the air, there were none who could inscribe the laws of Seen, Unseen, and Seeing.
It was then that the Chorah’dyn gathered into herself some of the nature of Blood, and some of Light, and some of Spirit, and she took the remaining ytyri—for Yl’avah had left some unmade—and she planted deep in herself the seeds of something new.
For many thousands of years, the seeds slept, and the Chorah’dyn waited, directing all her strength to the life inside. The world grew wild. Creatures multiplied unchecked, forests covered all the earth, even under the sea, and the animals began to turn on each other as they battled for dominion of the world. The sun rose early one day and late the next, the senses of the creatures dulled, and time itself began to wind inward upon itself.
Until at last, the seeds opened, and out of them stepped the first man and the first woman. To these, her children, the Chorah’dyn spoke, and they answered, and she loved them, for out of all the living things that she had made, these were her own.
Thus was born the first language. And thus the Pillars of Blood, Light, and Spirit could be inscribed with the Laws of the Three Realms, setting in place the nature of what was good.
No sooner had the last words been inscribed, then from these Pillars of Law began to flow the Lifewater, which ran into the roots of the Chorah’dyn, and from her into all the world, carrying the creative and sustaining force of the Great Tree herself.
And to her children she gave wisdom and long life, and they multiplied and they were called the First.
- From the First Scroll of the Writings of Dynaias ab’Kuldayu Al’kah, set down in the year 107 of the Age of Kayr
1 The old Kyre’an word “ytyri” is untranslatable into our present day vernacular. It indicates a substance for which we have no understanding: something that is essentially unknown and cannot be known. It is formless and without purpose, and indicates “waiting,” “mystery,” or the idea of potentiality itself.
Whether the substance that was discovered in 196 of the Age of Kayr in the mines of Ne’adun was the same as this, or whether its name was derived from the primordial element because of its enormous potential, is unknown.
A Note on Pronunciation
Due to the difficult nature of some names found in this book, many of my readers requested a pronunciation guide. This, then, is for you (you know who you are). Good luck!
ch is pronounced [kh] as in character, never tch as in church
y is pronounced [ee] as in tree, never [ai] as in why—the exception is when y acts as a consonant, like [y] as in tray
u is pronounced [oo] as in food, never [uh] as in mud
ai is pronounced [ay] as in why, never [ey] as in way
aa is pronounced [a] as in father, and is held longer
the symbol ( ’ ) is not a distinct sound, but represents two words that have been joined into one idea, so ab’Ethanir means “son of Ethanir”
Some examples to illustrate these points:
Chorah’dyn is pronounced [khor-a-DEEN]
Kulnethar is pronounced [KOOL-na-thar]
Kyr’amanu is pronounced [keer-A-man-oo]
Kayr is pronounced [ka-EER]
sai’Neraia is pronounced [sai-ner-AY-a]
Vanya is pronounced [VAN-ya]
Umaala is pronounced [oo-MAL-a]
Hyranna is pronounced [hee-RA-na]
Shyandar is pronounced [shee-AN-dar]
Glossary of Names
Kyre’an Names
A note on familiar names: it is customary in Shyandar for friends and relatives to use a shortened form of a person’s name as a way of indicating affection or familiarity. So Ishvandu ab’Admundi would be known by his friends as “Vanya.”
Adar ab’Dara—a foreman of the Labourers
Admundi ab’Adaiah—a Labourer, Ishvandu’s father
Akkoryn ab’Kindelthu (Koryn)—a Guardian, head of the third kiyah, brother to Tala
Alisan sai’Adadris (Alis)—a healer in the Temple, married to Kulnethar
Anajin ab’Anajin (Jin)—a Guardian, head of the fourth kiyah
Andari ab’Andala Al’kah—the first Al’kah after the fall of Kayr, led the surviving Kyr’amanu to Shyandar
Antaru ab’Manishu—a young Guardian of the fourth kiyah
Arkaya sai’Elyashi—a Novice in training to be a Guardian of the third kiyah
Ashianys—the first great city of Kayr, built around the Chorah’dyn and the Pillars of Law
> Ashkynas ab’Adani Al’kah—the so-called “Last Al’kah” who left Shyandar with a terrible power in the year 798, contributed in the freeing of Ishvandu
Atali sai’Neraia (Tala)—a young Guardian of the fourth kiyah, married to Ishvandu
Avanir—the mystical wellspring that waters and protects Shyandar
Baraaba ab’Dolanu—Chief Mason of the Craftsquarter
Benajin ab’Ibatu (Benji)—a Novice in training to be a Guardian of the third kiyah
Bretina sai’Anira (Breta)—a young Guardian of the third kiyah, Ishvandu’s friend
Choosing—a ceremony following Renewal in which three people are Chosen to carry the power of the Avanir back to cleanse the Lifewater
Chorah’dyn—the Great Tree and Guardian of the World, holds all Realms together in harmony and oversees the Laws of Creation
Ebridyn ab’Branidu (Bray)—a young Novice in training to be a Guardian, Ishvandu’s friend, was killed in a recent attack by Sumadi
Ethanir ab’Estaldir—the High Elder of Shyandar, Kulnethar’s father
E’tuah—the mysterious stranger in the desert who calls himself by an honorary title
eywah-ka—the final rite of passage, sung over the dead to aid their journey to the Last Realm
Hamanda ab’Adar (Ham)—a Labourer, Adar ab’Dara’s son
Ishvandu ab’Admundi (Vanya)—a young Guardian of the third kiyah
Jarethyn ab’Torishu—a Guardian Lord of the Circle
Jil—a young Guardian of the third kiyah
jik’u—a game that involves moving black and white stones around to make groupings and score points
Kaprash—the time of dryness, when the Avanir ceases to flow
Karta ab’Akkalsi—a young Labourer who joins the second expedition
Kayr—the ancient empire, named after its founder, Kyrada
keshu—the blades of the Guardians, infused with ytyri to remain undulled and effective against Sumadi
kiyah—a contingent of Guardians (usually twelve), who accomplish a role unique to that kiyah, such as overseeing, peacekeeping, or night-watch
Kulnethar ab’Ethanir (Kylan or Kulni)—Chief Acolyte of the healing rooms, son of the High Elder and Ishvandu’s friend, husband to Alis
Kynava ab’Ashnavas—a young Guardian who Ishvandu remembers from the aftermath of the fire
Kyrada—the founder of the Kyre’an people
Kyr’amanu—the people of Kayr
Layisha sai’Lanita—a Guardian Lord of the Circle, overseer of administration
Lidyana—a Labourer woman, mother to Dima
Lifewater—the lifeblood of the world, which flows from the Chorah’dyn and nourishes and sustains all things
Neraia sai’Kalysa—Guardian Lord of the Circle, overseer of justice in Shyandar
Nolaan ab’Ytashnu—a Guardian of the third kiyah
Mani—a Guardian of the third kiyah
Polita sai’Palysa—the Chief Acolyte of the Library
Polityr (Pol)—a Novice in training to be a Guardian, Ishvandu’s friend, was Chosen last Renewing
Renewing—the new year, when the Avanir begins to flow again
Shatayeth—the last of the Undying and the enemy of Kayr, fought against Kyrada in the Wars of Rending
Shyandar—the last remaining city of the Kyr’amanu, located far south in the desert
Sumadi—the bloodless creatures of the desert
Tanadu ab’Tanadu—an elder Guardian of the third kiyah
Tasking—a period of training that starts at age ten and lasts until age thirteen
Tushani ab’Turana—an elder Guardian, the weapons-master, was killed in a recent attack by the Sumadi
Three Realms—Blood, Spirit, and Light (Seen, Unseen, and that by which we See), together these make up all elements of the world
Umaala ab’Krushaya—a Guardian Lord of the Circle who oversees defence and order in Shyandar
Undying—the first people, granted unending life
Wars of Rending—the period of upheaval in which Shatayeth conquered the Undying
Yl’avah—the Creator
Yma—Ishvandu’s camel
ytyri—a mysterious substance of great power, a liquid metal that can be bound into other materials, thus altering them
Imo’ani and Manturian Names
A note on familiar names: it is customary amongst the Imo’ani for women to be called by a familiar name, but this is reserved for only the closest friends and relatives. So Hyranna Elduna would be called “Anna” only by her parents and a select few.
Alutan Na-es—Balduin’s father, missing for ten years
Aktyr—the name of the black shard Hyranna discovers
Andalina—Balduin’s mother, shunned by the people of Elamori
Balduin Na-es—Hyranna’s friend, shunned by the people of Elamori
Brit Garden—a Manturian slaver from Terryn Dal
Calton—a Manturian settlement on the Road, south of Tellern
Cay-et—a tribe of Imo’ani who have taken it upon themselves to guard the lands between the Manturian Road and the eastern villages
Dal Adis—Balduin’s adopted uncle, leader of the elder hunting party and relative of Kenan Elduna
Dandyri—the legendary red trees that once covered the Ellendandur forest, thought capable of speech and other powers
Daryn—a man who works in the wayhouse in Tellern
Eedi—Hyranna’s older cousin
Elamori—an Imo’ani village in the north, Hyranna’s home
Ellendandur—the name of the vast forest that covers much of the north
Ellendi—a Manturian name for the Imo’ani, specifically those who live outside the major towns and cities along the Road
Ember—the Imo’ani woman who owns the wayhouse in Tellern, now held captive by the slavers
Ernsted—Captain of the Calton Watch
E’tuah—the mysterious stranger who appears to Hyranna, later revealed to be Ishvandu
Foxwyn—a northern isle in Mantur
Garrick Aelfricson—a Southerner, a well-known thief in Calton
Greenwater—the Imo’ani word for the Lifewater, the lifeblood of the world, which flows from the Chorah’dyn and nourishes and sustains all things
Haiyo-na—an Imo’ani village west of Tellern and the Manturian Road
Hon—a northern isle in Mantur, officially neutral
Hyranna Elduna (Anna)—a girl of fifteen, only child of the Guardian of Elamori
Imo’ani—the people of the Ellendandur forest, Hyranna’s kin
Jerad Amanti—a boy of seventeen, Hyranna’s friend, now held captive by the slavers
Kota Danu-e—a boy of fourteen who is blinded by mysterious causes, Mylar’s younger brother
Laris—an Imo’ani woman, held captive by the slavers
Lel-na—a mythical figure who fought against the blackness that eventually destroyed the Greenwater and the Dandyri
Lendahyr—a secluded land far to the southwest where the centre of Kayr used to be
Letti—an Imo’ani girl, killed by Brit Garden
Lindys—an Imo’ani village close to Elamori
Manturian Isles—the collection of islands north of the Ellendandur, home to a mercantile and seafaring people
Magellen Yourk (Mag)—a Manturian spy for Marrentry, recently escaped from Terryn Dal, Tandra’s nephew
Marisela Elduna (Mari)—Hyranna’s mother, wife of the Guardian of Elamori
Marrentry—a northern isle in Mantur, the Duke’s realm and rival to Terryn Dal
Mirren—an Imo’ani woman, held captive by the slavers
Mylar Danu-e—a boy of sixteen, the “bully” of Elamori
Ranithgar—one of the Aethen Kingdoms of the south
Rees—a young Imo’ani man, held captive by the slavers
Rin—one of the Terryn Dal slavers working under Brit Garden
Tandra Yourk—a Manturian trader, Mag’s aunt
Tellern—a small
Imo’ani town on the Manturian Road
Terryn Dal—a northern isle in Mantur, the Contessa’s realm and rival to Marrentry
Tillex—the southernmost city upon the Great Manturian Road before the Aethen Kingdoms
Tindanarra—the river that runs past Elamori
Toern—one of the Aethen Kingdoms of the south
Tums—Tandra’s big grey draft horse
Ynas—one of the Aethen Kingdoms of the far south
Yol An-nod—an Imo’ani shop-owner in Calton
Zia—an Imo’ani girl, held captive by the slavers
Acknowledgments
And so ends the second book! This volume was incredibly challenging for me to write and stretched me as an author in all the best and worst ways. I couldn’t have done it without my dear friend, Maria. You helped me detangle the threads of this plot more times than I can count. Every writer should have a friend like you.
To my readers, thank you! If you knew me, were hounded by someone who knew me, or happened to stop by my humble table at an art show or convention, you’ll never know how deeply grateful I am for your support. I was overwhelmed by the encouragement and enthusiasm I received from friends and strangers alike. Publishing a book is hard, but your support has made it a joy. A special thanks to everyone who took the time to pass on a recommendation to a friend or post a review. Such small acts are the lifeblood of an independent author.
Again, I’d like to thank those who were invaluable in the process of writing, editing, and publishing. My writer’s group (Lianne, Angela, Lindsay, and Maria), for your keen eyes, enthusiastic support, delicious breakfasts, and lively disagreements. My beta readers, who slogged through a 250,000 word manuscript and emerged with much-needed insight and criticism: Lyle Brinkworth, Elizabeth Frenette, Holly Berofe, and Nicole McFarlane. My editor, Kyla Neufeld, for making it better—and confirming that yes, my readers would hate me after this volume. My illustrator, Rob Joseph, for your stunning cover art. And Darrell Dyck, for making it look like a real book!
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