The Bellringer

by William Timothy Murray

  Midsummer-- The day of the summer solstice, and one of the days of the year that is not counted as a month day, but usually falling three weeks into Sixthmonth. Midsummer's Day is often celebrated with festivals, bonfires, feasting and music. In the Eastlands and a few other parts, such celebrations are called Firefeasts.

  Midwinter-- The day of the winter solstice, and one of the days of the year that is not counted as a month day, but usually falling three weeks into Twelthmonth. According to some ancient calendars, Midwinter's was the last night of the year and was a night of celebration, gift-giving, and feasts. In the Second Age, the New Duinnor Calendar supplanted the older ones, and put the last day of the year some ten days after Midwinter's Day. Regardless, Midwinter's remained an important day of celebration, retaining many of the old traditions well into the late Second Age.

  Miladora-- One of the Elders of Nowhere.

  Millithorpe-- One of the Elders of Nowhere.

  Millsin Fork-- A small village in the eastern Carthane Mountains. It is the source of flint and lime. (See Map Coordinates I3)

  Mimblewan-- A town near the coast of the old Eastlands Realm that produced glass jugs and other wares. (See Map Coordinates L4)

  Minion Gap-- A place north of Forest Islindia between Duinnor and Vanara. Travelers from Edgewold town go that way around Islindia to Vanara rather than risk entering the forest. (See Map Coordinates E3)

  Mintar-- One of the Wanderers, a star that moves across the night sky along its own path.

  Mirse-- A region in Vanara along the eastern end of the Blue Mountains where it meets the Tulivana Mountains, often called The Mirse. It is a broad valley bordered on the east by a bend in the River Iridelin. On its southwestern side are few natural barriers into the Dragonlands and thus has been overrun many times by incursions by the Dragonkind and is considered one of the strategic gateways into the Northlands.* (See Map Coordinates D5)

  Missenflo-- The river that flows west of the Thunder Mountains along the eastern edge of the Plains of Bletharn. (See Map Coordinates H5)

  Mistletoe-- A parasitic plant that lives within the branches of trees, particularly hardwoods such as oak. Mistletoe, which remains green year-round, is said to have peculiar and mysterious properties. It is generally considered poisonous, but some herbalists and alchemists use it to make various extracts and potions.

  Mistwarren-- A dense forest on the southeastern shores of Lake Halgaeth, encompassing the Boggy Wood. The forest was much reduced by Newcomers, and once stretched nearly to the eastern coast. In the First Age, Forest Mistwarren was populated by various Elifaen clans that seldom had dealings with others of their kind. It was these who first spread news of the Newcomers when they began landing on the eastern shores.* (See Map Coordinates J4)

  Moonbeam-- One of the stags of Uncle Solstice.

  Morgasir-- One of the Firstborn of the Faere. It was Morgasir who first delved into the dark secrets of the world and conjured demons, witches, and dragons. His works threatened to undo the intent of Beras, and so Morgasir was destroyed in a great battle between the two.*

  * * *

  Narrows-- A narrow gap in the Thunder Mountains located on the road between Janhaven and Passdale.

  Nasakeeria-- A forbidden land surrounded by the bones of those who attempt to enter therein, for whoever does so falls victim to a mysterious and powerful gush of flame that rapidly springs forth from the ground and consumes the interloper's flesh so quickly that his bones are thrown outward and back across the border.* (See Map Coordinates F2)

  Navis-- One of the Firstborn of the House of Elmwood, son of Banis, who with his siblings, Atlana and Esildre, was born during the Time Before Time. As did his siblings, Navis refused to go with Aperion and was Scathed of his wings. Navis was a renown warrior and had many adventures. He fought many battles under Silmain, Cupeldain, and Parthais. When a great monster, Jatarak the Ogre, appeared in the region of Altoria during the First Age, Navis pursued him into the Crevasse of Fire and slew him. In the Second Age, Navis singly fought and slew an entire legion of Dragonkind at the Battle of Saerdulin. He and his sister Esildre later became students of Raynor the Wise. After Esildre went to Shatuum, Navis traveled there seeking to free her, but he never returned.

  Nightar-- A prince of Nasakeeria.

  Nimbo-- Boy of Nowhere.

  Nimbus Illuminas-- The Rainbow of Aperion, sometimes also called the Bridge of Light. No one knows exactly what the Nimbus Illuminas actually is, but the Forty-Nine Keys (or Bloodcoins) that Aperion gave to the Seven High Houses were supposedly to be used to open the Nimbus Illuminas as a way for the Elifaen to leave the earth and rejoin the Faerekind in Aperion's heavenly abode. Some speculate that the Seven Towers must have something to do with it, but none have been able to scale the towers in order to investigate the possibility.

  Nimwill-- Scribe and court chronicler of Parthais during his reign as King of Vanara. As such, he attended and personally recorded many events that took place within the Royal Court, and he also traveled with Parthais to record his various exploits and experiences. Nimwill was with Parthais when he executed those accused of murdering Cupeldain, and was also with the king during his many campaigns in the Dragonlands as well as other parts of the world. He was at the Battle of Tamkal Plain when King Parthais slew King Salkasin, and he was in Masurthia when Parthais forced King Barindon and Queen Therona to make peace. Nimwill also accompanied King Parthais to see the legendary place called Griferis.*

  Noringtown-- A suburb of Duinnor.

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

  Northlands-- A term used by the Dragonkind to describe the regions to the east and north of the Dragonlands.

  Northmen-- A term used by the Dragonkind to refer to Men and Elifaen.

  Nowhere-- The land of the Nowhereans, a diminutive people sometimes called Pixies in a derogatory manner. It was located in the western Thunder Mountains. (See Map Coordinates H4)

  * * *

  Oldgate-- A place marked by a pair of stone pillars located at the Old East Road, near Tulith Attis. The pillars once marked the entrance to the settlement of Attis, which was destroyed during the siege of Tulith Attis. Although Attis would never be rebuilt, the stone pillars remained standing for hundreds of years.

  Oracle-- A person who is consulted concerning the future, or a declaration or prophecy given by a holy person particularly in response to a query or adjuration. These are often done in a near-delirious state of mad raving ecstasy. The most famous oracle is that of the Temple of Beras, who has a mysterious relationship with the Unknown Kings of Duinnor who must go to the Temple each year to renew their Kingship. The renewal ceremonies within are secretive and no one but the monks of the Temple, the Oracle of Beras, and the Unknown King knows what takes place during such ceremonies.

  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 bank
s 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.*