The Bellringer

by William Timothy Murray

  Harbinger-- A term used in legends to describe the mysterious ringer of the bell at Tulith Attis. It may have come from the original intent of the bell, which was to forewarn the defenders of Tulith Attis to an attack into the fortress from the river entrance.

  Harmalway-- One of the two proprietors of Norogus and Harmalway, a lending house in Duinnor. They were one of the firms in Duinnor that handled leases and liens on Vanaran properties. One of its most notable patrons was Lord Banis, and Norogus and Harmalway were suspected of involvement in many nefarious activities under his protection.

  Haven Hill-- A name for Tulith Attis used mostly in the region of County Barley. (See Map of County Barley)

  Hazleton-- A village in the Eastlands.

  Hemlock-- (House of Hemlock) One of the Houses of the Faerekind. This house is most closely associated with the lineage of Alonair, the Elifaen sculptor, but fell into decline during the Second Age. It is said that the House of Hemlock was in some way involved in the murder of Cupeldain and that the lake nearby to its lands is where Cupeldain and his wife along with many others were drowned. However, many local accounts have it that the House of Hemlock was only one of the many houses involved in the feud that Cupeldain sought to resolve. Regardless, by the late Second Age, the House of Hemlock had lost its standing and was little known or regarded outside its lands.

  Heneil-- Legendary warrior, builder, son of Silmain (first king of the Elifaen), husband to Lyrium of the House of Fairfir. Twin brother of Pellen. Heneil assisted in the rebuilding of Linlally during the First and Second Ages. He also rebuilt and enhanced the fortress of Tulith Attis. He formed an alliance with Men and helped put down the Pinewood Uprising. He was killed at Tulith Attis when it was besieged by the Dragonkind during the Great Dragonkind Invasion.*

  Heneil's Wall-- In the Ancient Speech, te Lamath Heneileth. The dam built at Lake Halgaeth at Saerdulin Falls to stem the flow of water into the Saerdulin. This was done by Heneil as a means of preventing heavy war-boats from approaching Tulith Attis. As a result of this work, the lake spilled over in a different direction and essentially created the River Bentwide, which before had been a tributary stream of the Saerdulin. (See Map of County Barley)

  Herbert-- Also known as, Herbert the Blue, Elder of Nowhere, appointed as sheriff of that place.

  High Chamber-- The place where the Unknown Kings of Duinnor reside, located in the uppermost floor of the High Tower of the King's Palace in Duinnor City. Since its construction, the High Chamber has been the Unknown Kings' residence, by all accounts a modestly furnished place. There is only one door leading into the High Chamber, and the room is divided by a curtain so that any who enter cannot see to its far side. But some speculate that there are rooms beyond the curtain.*

  Highleaf-- A House of Men of Duinnor established in the middle Second Age. In the latter part of the Second Age, Lord Highleaf, who was made wealthy by his banking interests, purchased considerable acreage within Duinnor City, turning it into his new estate, called Wysteria Place. There, his son built the grand Starlight Hall, with its distinctive domed towers. He and his wife died of fever, and the estate was inherited by their daughters, Victoria and Elyna, who were both quite young. Collandoth, who was a friend of the family, took it upon himself to guard the girl's fortune from greedy relatives, and it was due to his work that enough of it was preserved so that the estate could be retained. *

  Hoard-- The Hoard of Tulith Attis. This refers to a great treasure that was part of the spoils taken from Tulith Attis. *

  * * *

  Iceking-- One of the stags of Uncle Solstice.

  Ilex-- King of Halethiris during the Time of Strife and the early part of the First Age. A Firstborn Elifaen, Ilex and the Faerekind of Forest Halethiris did not participate with those who warred upon the Dragonkind. However, when Aperion called away all the faithful, Ilex and most of his people refused to depart since they were too much attached to their woods and streams.*

  Iridelin-- The great river that flows from Vanara southward along the eastern slopes of the Tulivana Mountains to the sea. It is an important trade route between Vanara and Altoria. Its headwaters are at the Falls of Tiandari in Linlally, and it normally flows high enough for substantial traffic to move along it in the form of boats and barges. Many stretches have towing roads built along its banks so that teams of horses may draw boats upstream. There are a few places along it that are too swift or shallow for heavy boats, with shoals and rapids through narrow canyons, but these are flanked upstream and downstream with towns where boats disembark their cargos for transport overland the short distance to the next embarkation town. The river passes out of Vanara and into Altoria at Gander Falls and widens so that sailboats may make the upstream voyage. Near the coast, the river joins into a vast marshland called the Hinderlands, continuing past the Altorian city of Draymoor to empty into the Craggy Sea.* (See Map Coordinates E6)

  Ishtorgus-- A Melnari of the Second Age, sometimes called Ishtorgus the Mariner. He was an advisor of King Thalamir of Glareth, the last of the Sea Kings.*

  Islindia-- Also known as the Lady of the Wood, Queen of the Wood, and the Princess of Sorrows. Islindia was Princess of Halethiris during the Age of Strife and the early First Age. Through an enchantment intended by her father, King Ilex, to restore Halethiris to the glory of the Time Before Time, Islindia was inadvertently given the power to bring about the past for one day each month. This ability brought her to Secundur's attention, who became infatuated by her beauty. Secundur captured Islindia and tried to force her to become his concubine, but she resisted. In an effort to punish her, he murdered her lover which served to make her even more resolute in her refusals. Still, Secundur continued to entreat her to be his, but she despised him and rebuffed him. She was rescued by her kin, but Secundur destroyed Halethiris with a withering blight. Only she, her father, King Ilex, and her uncle, Solstice, survived the blight Secundur put upon the forest. It is said that Islindia and her father were cursed to remain in the ruins of that place until the world was remade, at which time their spirits could be free.* (See Map Coordinates E4)

  * * *

  Janhaven-- A trading town in the western parts of the Eastlands Realm in County Woodland at the foothills of the Thunder Mountains, situated along a route to Duinnor and also on the north-south trade route with Tallinvale. Its fortunes were increased when Seamus Furaman located a trading company there and steadily expanded his business operations throughout the region. In the late Second Age, when Triumvirate Redvests invaded the Eastlands and nearby County Barley, many refugees from the invaded lands fled to Janhaven. Although the Redvests made several attempts to take the town, they never succeeded against the coalition of fighters operating out of Janhaven. (See Map Coordinates J4)

  Jarn-- Councilman of Passdale.

  Jimbo-- A resident of Nowhere.

  * * *

  Kahryna-- Daughter of Cassandra and Dasler of the House of Fairoak. She became the wife of Danig Tallin, a Man of the Eastlands. By him she bore two sons and a daughter, Dalvenpar, Aram, and Mirabella.*

  Kajarahn-- Also called the "Free City," located in the northwestern deserts of the Dragonlands, known in former times as Alaberbra.* (See Map Coordinates C5)

  Kalbrith-- A small town on the Saerdulin, formerly part of the Eastlands Realm, but in the late Second Age taken by Tracia as an outpost and garrison town. It served as an important supply point for the Redvest army when it prepared for its invasion of the west in 870 S.A. (See Map Coordinates J5)

  Kalzar-- The first King of the Dragonkind and the founder of the nation of Drakyr during the Time Before Time. He established a dynasty that lasted well into the late First Age and was later reestablished in the Second Age.*

  Karkarando-- A land to the far west and south within the Dragonlands. It borders the western mountains and the Craggy Sea. Karkarando is rich in minerals, particularly diamonds, amethyst, aquamarine, and topaz. It is the only known region where darakal can be cultivated. Because of the importance
of these commodities, especially darakal, control of Karkarando is very important to the reigning emperors of the Dragonlands. During its history, many attempts to break away from imperial rule have been made, and there have been many revolts, some of which nearly succeeded. No northerner has ever seen those lands, and there is little told of the place in books or tales. However, it is a place cited by traders of the Free City of Kajarahn as the source of many precious and semiprecious gems. (See Map Coordinates C7)

  Karthia-- A small region surrounding the lake of the same name which is a large basin of the River Osterflo. The mountains of Karthia are renown for the clarity of the rubies and for other minerals. The region is also an important trading and supply stop on the Osterflo River that flows from Duinnor to Glareth. In the Second Age, the Kings of Duinnor built sophisticated locks so that boats may pass around the dangerous falls and shoals on the lake's eastern and western bounds. Karthia thus became an important trading and shipping community, situated on the Osterflo roughly halfway between Duinnor and Glareth. (See Map Coordinates I1)

  Katrina-- A Firstborn of the Faere and leader of the House of Fairmaple.*

  Kingmaker-- A name referring to Begrimlin, a Firstborn Elifaen. He was renown for his ability to bring feuding parties to treaty, though he found little success when it came to bringing peace between his people and the Dragonkind. In the latter part of the First Age and into the Second Age, he was active in many realms. (See Begrimlin.)

  Kingsman-- A member of the King's Army of Duinnor, the best trained and most professional force in the Duinnor military.*

  Kundorlu-- In the Dragonkind Speech, teacher, or special mentor. The kundorlu of the upper castes were often also priests, mystics, or scholars in their own right and those of the lower castes acolytes and students of the great schools.

  * * *

  Lady Luna-- A name sometimes given to the moon. In legend, Lady Luna, or Lady Moon, was wife to Sir sun.Another name for Lady Moon.*

  Lady Moon-- A name sometimes given to the moon. In legend Lady Moon(or sometimes Lady Luna) was wife to Sir sun.Another name for Lady Moon.*

  Laeleth-- Legendary daughter of Aperion, who returned to the world to seek out her lover, Celefar, who was left behind after the Fall.

  Laird-- Title given to landowners, particularly those of the lesser houses with substantial properties.

  Lakemen-- Men of Lake Halgaeth, renown for their boating skills, loyal to the Prince Danoss of Glareth, who maintains a residence at Formouth. Lakemen ply Lake Halgaeth with their sailboats and other craft and are expert in the ways of the lake. The Lakemen consider Halgaeth their own and not only do they fish in it and ferry trade upon it, but they also form themselves into military units for the lake's defense and protection.

  Lantin-- (Lantin Rose) One of the Hill Town people, a member of the Thunder Mountain gang, and purser to Captain Martin Makeig.

  Lantos-- Prince of Tracia of the House of Bayberry, who, with his older brother Lewtrah, ruled Tracia immediately prior to the revolution and overthrow by the Triumvirate. *

  Leander-- Given name of Leander Fascomb, Post Rider of Duinnor. Also the given name of Leander Tallin, who died at Tulith Attis.

  Leeriver-- A local name for the area just south of Passdale to the west side of the Bentwide. (See Map of County Barley)

  Lerse-- A tributary of the River Saerdulin located south of Tallinvale and north of the Fengal River. The Lerse marks the old boundary of the territory west of the Saerdulin that was disputed by the Old Eastlands Realm and Tracia Realm in the Second Age.* (See Map Coordinates J5)

  Lewtrah-- The unpopular Ruling Prince of Tracia Realm immediately prior to being ousted and forced to flee Tracia by the Redvest Triumvirate. (See Lantos.)

  Limbo-- Boy of Nowhere.

  Linlally-- The ruling city of Vanara. Founded and built by Cupeldain, it was enhanced by the carvings and statues of Alonair. It was originally the name only for the palace that Cupeldain built atop the Falls of Tiandari, but later became the name for the larger city that grew up around and below the palace along the banks of the Iridelin River. Since it is a place of governance, and the oldest city of the Elifaen, it is an important city to all of the Realms. In the latter Second Age, Duinnor commonly stationed armies there, ostensibly for defense purposes since Linlally is the closest major city to the Dragonlands. (See Map Coordinates D4)

  Lizard-- A derogatory term for a Dragonkind person.

  Lochton-- A town nearby to the estates of the House of Hemlock located on the western shore of a small lake in the easternmost reaches of Vanara's frontier, just west of Forest Islindia. It was in this lake that Cupeldain and his wife (along with their traveling companions, including Shevalia and Bychanter) were drowned by one of the Elifaen clans of the region who were engaged in a bloody feud which Cupeldain hoped to resolve. When Parthais came and put down the feud, he executed several men and women from both Elifaen clans by having them likewise drowned in the lake. It is said that Parthais also released a demon or water serpent into the lake to feed upon the spirits of the dead. Thus, the lake is considered haunted, and the people who live nearby have ever since reported sightings of apparitions and ghosts floating about the lake. (See Map Coordinates E4)

  Loringard-- A high pass on the road from the Eastlands to Duinnor in the Carthane Mountains. This route is somewhat treacherous due to the precarious heights and terrain and the many falls and streams that cross it, often washing out the path. It is favored by Post Riders during the summer months because it is a more direct way to and from Duinnor and the Eastlands than other routes farther north or south. However, the pass, actually a small vale high up among towering peaks, is usually snowbound by early autumn and is often impassable until late spring. (See Map Coordinates H3)

  Lucinda-- Daughter of Chantay and Galanas of the House of Faircedar.*

  Lyrium-- A Firstborn Faere who, with her sister Myrium, was the founder of the House of Fairfir. In the Time of Strife, Lyrium became renown for her gift of Sight, which enabled her to foresee portents of things to come.*

  * * *

  Maggie-- (Maggie Shawmill) Girl of Barley.

  Makewine-- Elder of Nowhere.

  Marren-- A village in western Glareth, west of Lake Halgaeth. Although primarily a farming community during the late Second Age, it also produced a high-quality wool that was unusually soft. Also, there was a family of minstrels from the region that traveled extensively throughout the Seven Realms. (See Map Coordinates J3)

  Marshlands-- (The Battle of the Marshlands) The last major land battle between Tracian Loyalist forces and Redvest forces of the Triumvirate. The battle itself was a victory for the Redvests, soundly defeating the Loyalists and putting them into retreat. However, taken as a whole, the battle is often considered a draw since the Loyalists were able to avoid annihilation and, for the most part, escape capture.* (See Map Coordinates K6)

  Masurthia-- One of the Seven Realms. It is on the southern coast of the world between Altoria and Tracia. Masurthia was formed of territories that came under the rule of the Kingdom of Solsorna during the First Age.* (See Map Coordinates G7)

  Megrinor-- The great mountains of Vanara, stretching from Shatuum to the Dragonlands. Among the notable peaks of the range is the great Mount Cassos. Also within this range is the fabled Mount Algamori. A lesser range, bordering directly upon the northern Dragonlands, is the Blue Mountains, which join the Megrinor range to the Tulivana mountain range along the eastern borders of the Dragonkind. These three ranges form a kind of box around the western, northern, and eastern boundaries of the Dragonlands, with the Craggy Sea to the south. (See Map Coordinates C4)

  Melnari-- A mysterious small group of people, neither Man, nor Elifaen, nor Dragonkind. They are very few in number, perhaps less than a dozen, and are long-lived, perhaps immortal as the Elifaen are. Some regard them as troublemakers, and others refer to them as mystics, although that term is somewhat inaccurate. However, in addition to their keen intellects, they do possess strange
abilities and powers, similar to some of the older Elifaen.*

  Micharam-- A Melnari of the middle Second Age, sometimes called Micharam the Poet.*

  Middlemount-- A high plateau between Duinnor and the Carthanes located north of the Bletharn Plain and south of the River Osterflo. (See Map Coordinates G1)