The Bellringer

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The Bellringer Page 63

by William Timothy Murray


  Chanter-- One of the captains of the Household Gray Guard of Queen Serith Ellyn, brother of Gaiyelneth, companion and maid to the Queen.

  Chiroth-- Region to the west of Duinnor that mines silver ore that is exceptionally pure. (See Map Coordinates C1)

  Chiselpeck-- A village in the Carthanes that mines silver and produces modest jewelry. It was known as Darforin until sometime in the middle of the Second Age, when it took the name of the chief mining concern located there. (See Map Coordinates I3)

  Chulwinkie-- A resident of Bluepine.

  Clingdon-- Blacksmith of Passdale, County Barley, father of Gina.

  Common Speech-- Also referred to as the Common Tongue. It is the common language of Men and Elifaen, and the native language for most Men of the eastern realms. It became the standard language of trade and commerce during the Second Age and as its use spread the former languages, particularly the Ancient Speech, fell into disuse. It is a heterogeneous language made up of many aspects of the Ancient Speech and various dialects, combining words and phrases brought by Men to the world with those spoken by the Elifaen.

  Common Tongue-- Also referred to as the Common Speech. It is the common language of Men and Elifaen, and the native language for most Men of the eastern realms. It became the standard language of trade and commerce during the Second Age and as its use spread the former languages, particularly the Ancient Speech, fell into disuse. It is a heterogeneous language made up of many aspects of the Ancient Speech and various dialects, combining words and phrases brought by Men to the world with those spoken by the Elifaen.

  conjurer-king-- The magical kings of legend who reigned over marvelous and mysterious lands unseen by ordinary mortals or Elifaen. Children's stories abound with such figures, sometimes evil, sometimes solitary individuals rarely seen. There is a basis for these tales in the kingship of Duinnor, for that king has an unknown name, is rarely seen, and rules through mysterious and, some say, magical powers.

  Cormund Valley-- A fertile valley in Vanara to the east of the Iridelin River.

  Craggy Sea-- The stretch of sea to the south of the Dragonlands and Altoria. It is a region filled with reefs, shallows, and jagged rocks that jut up from the surface. The combination of these obstacles with powerful currents, frequent fog, strong tides, and violent storms make navigation through this sea nearly impossible. Since wood is scarce throughout the Dragonlands, the people of that region rarely venture far from the few safe bays along their coast. It therefore serves as a natural barrier protecting Altoria from any large-scale sea-based invasions from the west. (See Map Coordinates D8)

  Crevasse of Fire-- Located along the eastern slopes of the Tulivana Mountains, the Crevasse of Fire was formed in the First Age when a volcano erupted there and spewed flowing lava. The lava cut a deep channel between two sharp cliffs and pooled somewhat before cutting under the mountain that blocked the lava before flowing farther eastward through into the western edges of the Hinderlands. The volcano remained active for several years, and the Crevasse of Fire was the place where, in 918 F.A., Navis of Elmwood did battle with Jatarak the Ogre. Navis prevailed, and it is told that he cut off Jatarak's head to take back to Altoria, and tossed the giant's body into the Crevasse. Legend has it that Jatarak's body was not consumed by the molten pool, but was eaten by the dragon that put forth the fiery bile that made the volcano. The dragon, so the story goes, was satisfied with the meal, and went to sleep. By the time Navis had returned to Altoria through the Hinderlands, the volcano had become quiet. (See Map Coordinates E7)

  Culfinor-- One of the ways in which the Unknown King of Duinnor is addressed, meaning "the one who is alone," or, "lonely one," presumably because of his isolation and rare public appearances.

  Cupeldain-- One of the Firstborn of the Faerekind and founder of the House of Fairlinden. It was Cupeldain who led the Faerekind to make a war of retaliation against the Dragonkind, against Aperion's command. He and those who followed him were punished by being stripped of their wings.*

  Cuwali-- A name for the strange nomad tribes and the name of their language. They are hunting tribes, living primitively along the southern reaches of the Bletharn Plains.*

  * * *

  Dalefath-- The former name of the site where Passdale now stands, on the western banks of the Bentwide River in the County Barley of the old Eastlands Realm. When Heneil dammed the Saerdulin at Lake Halgaeth, the lake waters to rose and spilled into the Bentwide, forming a river that was before merely a stream. At that time, the old bridge at Dalefath was rebuilt and made higher and stronger. As a result, Dalefath became an important crossroads since it was the farthest north that heavy trade barges could come (smaller boats could still travel up the Saerdulin as far as Tulith Attis, but only if they were rowed by skilled oarsmen.) The name went out of common use sometime after the battle at nearby Tulith Attis, when Dalefath and the surrounding lands were destroyed. After its destruction, it would be almost a hundred years before the site was reoccupied and eventually called Passdale. (See Map of County Barley)

  Dalvenpar-- (Dalvenpar Tallin) Eldest son of Danig Tallin and Kahryna of the House of Fairoak. He became a Kingsman and died during the bloody retreat from the First Siege of the Green Citadel (Calamandor) within the Dragonlands.

  Damar-- A warlord region in the Thunder Mountains that sprang up in the latter Second Age; it allied itself with Tracia during that realm's revolt against Duinnor's rule. Its people was ruled by the Cartu warlord clan, and its most powerful ruler was Lang Cartu, who made himself king over the Damar in the late Second Age.

  Damar City-- The chief city of the Damar. The fortified city became the seat of power for the Damar warlords. (See Map Coordinates I4)

  Danig-- First given name of Danig Saheed Tallin, Lord of Tallinvale during the late Second Age.

  Danoss-- Prince of the House of Beech, son of Glareth's Ruling Prince Carbane. Prince Danoss was the prince and governor of the Connassa Province of Glareth Realm during the late Second Age. He made his home at Formouth, on the northern shore of Lake Halgaeth. He organized the Connassan Lakemen into a paramilitary naval force tasked with patrolling the lake against pirates, and with carrying on trade with the south, and transporting passengers and trade-goods across the lake.

  Danthis-- A military engineer, builder, and sculptor of the middle Second Age. He was responsible for the design and construction of many watch towers and minor keeps and fortifications in Vanara. He also built Tulith Morgair, a watch tower on the western Carthanes overlooking the Missenflo and the Bletharn Plains.

  Dargul-- Chief civilian advisor and counselor to Lord Danig Tallin of Tallinvale during the late Second Age.

  Deedle-- Tavern keeper of Bluepine.

  Desira-- Firstborn Elifaen, and sister to Tiryna. Tiryna was wed to Banis, and it was rumored he was also the father of Desira's daughter, Shevalia, born some years after the Fall of the Faere. Desira was quite beautiful, a fact which belied her abilities as a warrior. Her prowess earned her high rank among Elifaen fighters, and as many tried to woo her as desired to fight alongside her. In spite of her skill, and under somewhat mysterious circumstances, she was killed at the Battle of Tamkal Plain.

  Dorcilla-- Resident of Greenfar, wife of Garnor Stavin, a cobbler and maker of leather-goods.

  Drago-- The ordinary class of Dragonkind. Mistakenly thought by some of the north as a separate race from the Alziekfria since the Drago and Alziekfria are different from one another in appearance and health. That is because the Drago do not regularly receive the darakal elixir and are thus more coarse in appearance and demeanor than those who rule. They suffer scales of the skin, thinning hair, and, should they suffer from the desert sickness long enough, their facial features change, most notable a thinning of the lips, thickening of the tongue, and the loss of the boney structure of the proboscis, resulting in a flat nose with narrow nostrils. As a result of the sickness, few Drago reach physical maturity, becoming increasingly weak and prone to illness, thus their mortality rate is
quite high.

  Dragon-- Terrible, fire-spitting creatures spawned by Morgasir during the Time before Time. Most of the dragons, along with Morgasir and a host of his followers, were destroyed by Beras in a great conflict, but some escaped into the bowels of the earth and into far places. Legend has it that the dragons sired a race of slaves to serve them, and, when the dragons were destroyed, the slaves were set free, becoming the Dragonkind.

  Dragonkind-- Mortal inhabitants of the southern deserts, calling themselves Drakyr. Their legends tell that they were created as offspring of Morgasir's dragons, to serve as slaves. When Morgasir was destroyed, along with most of his creatures and followers, these people survived by eking out a living in the deserts, shunned and despised by the Faerekind in the fertile lands of the north. Eventually, they multiplied and built great cities, developed engineering and mathematics, writing, and other arts. Since the time of their first great king, Kalzar, the Dragonkind have warred with those of the northern lands.*

  Drakyr-- The proper name for the Dragonkind and the lands of the southern deserts; also called Dragonlands. The name sometimes refers to the people of Drakyr who claim they originated as offspring of the dragons and call themselves the Dragon People. Also commonly called Dragonkind or Dragonfolk or Drago (although this last term refers specifically to a certain class of the Dragonkind). Drakyr is often referred to as the Dragonlands.

  Draymoor-- Capital of Altoria located on the Iridelin River about forty miles upriver from the sea. (See Map Coordinates E7)

  Drayworth-- (Ramund Drayworth) Former Duke of Drayfield of Tracia, a famous, or infamous, swordsman and adventurer of the late Second Age. Fiercely loyal to deposed Prince Lewtrah, he was hunted by the Triumvirate's assassins. Drayworth remained in Tracia for several years, fomenting insurgent attacks against the new rulers, but was eventually forced to leave Tracia and later took up residence in Hill Town along with other refugees.

  Dreamwalker-- Also called a lunesaari, a person who is said to have the uncanny power to control his own dreams and the ability to enter the dreams of others, thereby controlling or influencing those, too.

  Duinnor-- A northwestern realm, taking its name from the ancient name for the river that flows along its northern bounds. Among the smallest of the Realms, it is nonetheless densely populated, and, as the ruling realm of the Unknown Kings, it is the most powerful of all the realms. Its chief city is Duinnor City.* (See Map Coordinates E2)

  Durlorn-- Resident of Janhaven, stockade foreman to Furaman the Trader.

  Dyersly-- Saljem Dyersly, a scholar and learned man of Tracia. Dyersly established a special school for the arts and culture in Tracia and was close to the Royal Family. When they were ousted from power, Dyersly fled and took up residence in Hill Town.

  * * *

  Eastlands-- Also called "Eastland," "Eastlands Realm," or "the Old Eastlands Realm." The realm that lies south of Glareth and north of Tracia, extending from the coast of the world to the Thunder Mountains in the west. After the Seven Realms were established in the Second Age, it suffered many misfortunes including droughts, floods, plagues, and invasion. Its capital was at Colleton on the coast, once an important trading port. However, in spite of the rich natural resources of the lands, the inept rule of its kings prevented the Eastlands from becoming very strong. After the demise of King Inrick II, the Eastlands became a protectorate of Glareth Realm.* (See Map Coordinates K4)

  Eddard-- A Barleyman, foreman of Boskland.

  Edgewold-- An agricultural and trading town of Men located in the west near to the Plains of Bletharn on the Long Road from Altoria to Duinnor. During the late Second Age, it feuded with nearby Westlawn when that town was overtaken by Wickermen rebels. Eventually, Edgewold was garrisoned by an army from Duinnor which saw to its defense and eventually overthrew the Wickermen rebels. (See Map Coordinates F4)

  Eglan-- Soldier of Tallinvale.

  Elder-- A title given to the leaders of Nowhere. These were those who were the original survivors of forced servitude under Bailorg.*

  Eldwin-- An Elder of Nowhere, one of the people originally cursed after the battle of Tulith Attis. Eldwin was a woodworker and carpenter who made tables and chairs and other such things. He became a friend of Esildre and was with her at the Second Battle of Tallinvale.

  Eldwyna-- Resident of Nowhere, granddaughter of Eldwin the Elder.

  Elf-- Or Elfkind. Slang used to refer to the Elifaen, usually used by Men.

  Elifaen-- The Fallen Ones; those of the immortal Faerekind who refused to leave the world at the command of Aperion and who were "scathed," meaning they were stripped of their wings for their disobedience. This event is usually referred to as "the Fall," or sometimes "the First Scathing."*

  Elmira-- One of the daughters of Heneil and Lyrium, twin sister of Belmira, though they are not identical twins. *

  Elrasil-- A hunter of the First Age who discovered the Gate of Griferis and led King Parthais there. Later, he was made a warden of Vanara under Queen Serith Ellyn.

  Endeweir-- Lands of the far north where winters are long and summers short. It is said that in some regions ice never melts, and, during half of the year the sun does not fully set while during the other half it never fully rises.*

  Ererdid-- The sleeping princess, a constellation of the northern skies.

  Ethliad-- (Ethliad the Sword) A famous sword belonging to Silmain, first King of Vanara. Of magical qualities, it could cut through any material, even the thickest armor. The sword was lost when Silmain was killed in the Dragonlands.*

  Everis-- One of the ancient lands before the coming of Men, now lost to the world. It is now known only as the place from where the poet Starlerf came. Some believe Everis was a village located in western Vanara, while others hold that it was the ancient name for a region within Masurthia.

  * * *

  Faeanna-- Daughter of Shevalia, and serving maid to Lyrium. She was an accomplished fighter, having served with Cupeldain in the Dragonlands alongside her grandmother, Desira. *

  Faere-- Properly speaking, the First Ones, meaning the children of the spirit of the Earth. Those beings who came to inhabit the world in the Time Before Time and who embodied the joy and harmony of creation.*

  Faerum-- Variously used, this name once was synonymous with "world." More generally, it came to mean those ancient territories of the Faerekind, centered upon the vast Forest Halethiris.*

  Fairbirch-- One of the Seven High Houses of the Elifaen, founded by Ormace who received Seven Emerald Bloodcoins from Aperion.*

  Faircedar-- One of the Seven High Houses of the Elifaen, founded by Chantay who received Seven Amethyst Bloodcoins from Aperion.*

  Fairfir-- One of the Seven High Houses of the Elifaen, founded by Lyrium who received Seven Amber Bloodcoins from Aperion.*

  Fairlinden-- One of the Seven High Houses of the Elifaen, founded by who received Seven Sapphire Bloodcoins from Aperion.*

  Fairmaple-- One of the Seven High Houses of the Elifaen, founded by Katrina who received Seven Topaz Bloodcoins from Aperion.*

  Fairmyrtle-- One of the Seven High Houses of the Elifaen, founded by who received Seven Bloodcoins from Aperion.*

  Fairoak-- One of the Named Houses of the Elifaen. When their Vanaran lands were lost to war and economic distress, Kahryna Fairoak married Danig Saheed Tallin, making the Joined House of Tallin and Fairoak.

  Fairwillow-- One of the Seven High Houses of the Elifaen, founded by Therona who received Seven Diamond Bloodcoins from Aperion.*

 

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