Agave tablets: Written by the Ancient One, these tablets detail the creation of the world, the secrets of various metallurgy techniques (such as how to make bronze and iron), and the weaves (spells) used to manifest the Art into an immortal creature after making a crucial sacrifice.
Airenthenon: The domed and pillared structure where the Aquila holds meetings. Although the Forest Throne and the Door predate it, the Airenthenon is the oldest building in Estramnadon. It was nearly destroyed during the Gray Cloak Rebellion, saved only by the efforts of Prince Mawyndulë.
Alon Rhist: The chief outpost on the border between Rhulyn and Avrlyn. For centuries it was staffed by the Instarya, and provided a bulwark that prevented the Rhunes from crossing into the Fhrey lands. It was named after the fourth fane of the Fhrey, who died during the Dherg War. After the death of Zephyron, rule of the Rhist was granted to Petragar, who lost control of the fortress when Nyphron returned with the Rhune horde. It was destroyed by Fane Lothian’s forces during the Battle of Grandford.
Alysin: One of the three realms of the afterlife. A paradise where brave warriors go after death.
Ancient One: Also known as The Three or the Old One, the Ancient One is a being whom the Dherg claimed predates the gods of Elan. He was locked deep underground in the Agave, where he wrote a number of tablets about his existence and the origin of Elan. After being ill used, he escaped, leaving behind a demon to bar the Dherg from their homeland.
Anwir (Fhrey, Asendwayr): Quiet and reserved, he is the only non-Instarya Fhrey member of Nyphron’s Galantians. He has a penchant for knots and uses a sling for a weapon.
Anyval (Fhrey, Umalyn): Healer of Alon Rhist who treated Persephone after a raow attack left her severely injured during the Battle of Grandford.
Aquila: Literally “the place of choosing.” Originally created as a formalization and public recognition of the group of Fhrey who had been assisting Gylindora Fane for more than a century. Leaders of each tribe act as general counsels, making suggestions and assisting in the overall administration of the empire. Senior council members are elected by their tribes or appointed by the fane. Junior members are chosen by the senior. The Aquila holds no direct power, as the fane’s authority is as absolute as Ferrol Himself. However, the Aquila does wield great influence over the succession of power. It is the Curator and Conservator who determine who has access to the Horn of Gylindora.
Aria (Rhune, Rhen): Mother of Gifford. She had been told by the mystic Tura that she would die giving birth to her son, who would become the fastest man alive and save humankind. She did indeed die, and while her crippled son seemed an unlikely hero, he ultimately fulfilled the prophecy.
Arion (Fhrey, Miralyith): Also known as Cenzlyor. The former tutor to Prince Mawyndulë and onetime student of Fenelyus. Arion was sent to Rhulyn to bring the outlaw Nyphron to justice and was injured when Malcolm hit her on the head with a rock. After partially recovering from her wounds, she fought Gryndal, a fellow Miralyith, when he threatened to destroy Dahl Rhen and kill all its residents. She took up residence with the Rhunes in the hope of finding a peaceful end to the conflict between Rhunes and Fhrey. During Persephone’s trek to Neith, Arion was critically injured. When she recovered, she came to Alon Rhist to help the Rhunes defend against Fane Lothian’s attack. She was killed by Mawyndulë during the Battle of Grandford.
Art, the: Magic that allows the caster to tap the forces of nature. In Fhrey society, it’s practiced by members of the Miralyith tribe. Goblins who wield this power are referred to as oberdaza. Only two Rhunes are known to possess any Artistic ability: the mystic Suri, who is extremely accomplished, and Gifford, who is still very much a novice.
Artist: A practitioner of the Art.
Asendwayr: The Fhrey tribe whose members specialize in hunting. A few were stationed on the frontier to provide meat for the Instarya.
Asica: A one-piece robe-like garment worn by Fhrey in various configurations. Those without ties are commonly used by the Miralyith.
Atlatl: A device used to extend the distance a spear can be thrown.
Audrey: Moya’s bow, named after her mother.
Avempartha: The Fhrey tower created by Fenelyus atop a great waterfall on the Nidwalden River. It can tap the force of rushing water to amplify the use of the Art. Kel Jerydd is the head Miralyith stationed at the tower.
Avrlyn: “Land of Green,” the Fhrey frontier bordered on the north by Hentlyn and by Belgreig to the south. Avrlyn is separated from Rhulyn by the east and south branches of the Bern River.
Balgargarath: A creature created by the Ancient One in retribution for his mistreatment by the Dherg. It rendered the homeland of the dwarfs uninhabitable. Created by an incredibly powerful weave, it is the Art manifested into corporeal form, and as such, it can’t be harmed by any use of magic. It was destroyed by Persephone’s party unraveling its spell after penetration of a weapon that contained its name.
Battle of Grandford: The first official battle in the Great War between Rhunes and Fhrey. While each opponent held the upper hand at various stages of the battle, ultimately the forces of Fane Lothian were routed mainly because of the emergence of an unstoppable dragon and the addition of the Gula horde, which had been summoned to the battlefield after Gifford’s ride to Perdif. Despite the Rhunes’ victory, Alon Rhist was predominantly destroyed during the multiday siege.
Battle of Mador: During the Belgric War, the battle between the Fhrey and Dherg where Fenelyus first used the Art, crushing the Tenth and Twelfth Dherg legions under a pile of rock that formed Mount Mador. The battle turned the tide of the war by stopping the Dherg advance.
Belgreig: The continent to the far south of Elan where the Dherg people reside.
Belgric War: A war between the Fhrey and Dherg. Also referred to as the Dherg War or the War of Elven Aggression. Ultimately the Fhrey won and sent the Dherg into exile.
Belgriclungreians: The term Dherg use to refer to themselves and their kind.
Bern: A river that runs north–south and delineates the border between Rhulyn and Avrlyn. Historically, Rhunes were forbidden from crossing to the west side of this river, but once Nyphron joined the Rhunes in a war against Fane Lothian, that restriction ended.
Black bronze: A metal alloy whose recipe—known only to the Dherg—utilizes gold, silver, and copper. It’s especially important in the making of sculptures. It was the metal used to make a sword with Raithe’s true name inscribed upon the blade, making it the only weapon capable of vanquishing the gilarabrywn he eventually became.
Book of Brin, the: The first known written work chronicling the history of the Rhunes. It dates back to the time of the first war between Rhunes and Fhrey.
Breckon mor: The feminine version of the leigh mor. A versatile piece of patterned cloth that can be wrapped in a number of ways.
Brin (Rhune, Rhen): Keeper of Ways for Dahl Rhen and author of the famed Book of Brin. During the giant attack on Dahl Rhen, Brin’s parents, Sarah and Delwin, were killed. Brin accompanied Persephone to Neith, where she found and translated a number of tablets left in the Agave by the Ancient One.
Caratacus (Fhrey, no tribe affiliation): A legendary wizard who created the Forest Throne using magic that predated the Art. He is also the one who delivered the horn to Gylindora, along with instructions on how to choose successors.
Cenzlyor: In the Fhrey language, the term means “swift of mind.” A title of endearment bestowed by Fane Fenelyus onto Arion, indicating her proficiency in the Art.
Chieftain: Traditionally, the leader of a given clan of Rhunes. During the rule of a keenig, chieftains’ power diminish, as the keenig rules over all Rhunic people.
Conservator of the Aquila: The keeper of the Horn of Gylindora and, along with the Curator, one of the two Fhrey most responsible for administering the process of succession. The Conservator is also responsible for picking a new Curator when needed. The current Conservator is the Umalyn high priest Volhoric.
Crescent Forest: A large forest that forms a half circle around Dahl Rhen.
Crimbal: A fairy creature that lives in the land of Nog. Crimbals travel to the world of Elan through doors in the trunks of trees. They are known to steal children and host elaborate banquets.
Curator: The vice fane who presides over the six councilors of the Aquila, elected by a vote of senior members. The Curator leads meetings of the Aquila in the absence of the fane, and chairs the Challenge Council, which decides who has the right to blow the Horn of Gylindora. Together, the Conservator and the Curator are the Fhrey most responsible for determining the succession of power and administering the Uli Vermar challenge process. The current Curator is Imaly.
Dahl (hill or mound): A Rhune settlement that is the capital city of a given clan and is characterized by its position on top of a man-made hill. Dahls are usually surrounded by some form of wall or fortification. Each has a central lodge where the clan’s chieftain lives as well as a series of roundhouses that provide shelter for the other villagers. Originally there were seven Rhulyn-Rhune dahls and three Gula-Rhune settlements, but two (Nadak and Dureya) were destroyed by Nyphron and his Galantians and one (Rhen) was destroyed by giants working with Fane Lothian.
Delwin (Rhune, Rhen): A sheep farmer who was the husband of Sarah and father of Brin. He was killed by the giant attack that destroyed Dahl Rhen.
Dherg: One of the five humanoid races of Elan. Skilled craftsmen, they have been all but banned from most places except Belgreig after losing the War of Elven Aggression. They are exceptional builders and weaponsmiths. The name is a pejorative Fhrey word meaning “vile mole.” The Dherg refer to themselves as Belgriclungreians.
Dome Mountain: Raised peak above the city of Neith, brought down by Suri and sealing the entrance to the dwarven homeland.
Door, the: A portal in the Garden of Estramnadon that legend holds is the gateway to the afterlife and the place where the First Tree grows. It is thought to be impenetrable.
Drome: The god of the Dherg.
Drumindor: A Dherg-built fortress located on an active volcano at the entrance to a large strategic bay on the Blue Sea. Two massive towers provide protection from any invasion via water.
Dureya: A barren highland in the north of Rhulyn, home to the Rhune clan of the same name. The entire region and all the clan members were destroyed by Nyphron and his Galantians. Before their destruction, they were the most powerful warrior clan of the Rhulyn-Rhunes. Only two Dureyans were known to survive: Raithe (now deceased) and Tesh.
Duryngon: A prison under the Verenthenon at Alon Rhist used to house prisoners and exotic animals that are studied to determine how best to defeat them.
Dwarf: Any flora or fauna of diminutive stature (as in dwarf wheat or dwarf rabbits). Also, the name Persephone gives to the residents of Belgreig, which is easier to pronounce than Belgriclungreians and not as insulting as Dherg.
Eilywin: Fhrey architects and craftsmen who design and create buildings.
Elan: The Grand Mother of All. God of the land.
Elf: Mispronunciation of the Fhrey word ylfe, meaning “nightmare,” and a derogatory term used by the Dherg to insult the Fhrey people. Tesh and other fighters often refer to Fhrey by this pejorative.
Elysan (Fhrey, Instarya): Close friend and adviser to Zephyron.
Erebus: Father of all gods, as discovered by Brin in the Agave tablets.
Eres (Fhrey, Instarya): A member of Nyphron’s Galantians. His main prowess is with spears and javelins.
Erivan: Homeland of the Fhrey.
Estramnadon: The capital city of the Fhrey, located in the forests of Erivan.
Estramnadon Academy: Also known as the Academy of the Art. The school where Miralyith are trained in the ways of magic. Entrance to it requires passage of the Sharhasa, an aptitude test. It was formed by Fane Lothian’s first son, Pyridian, who later died. Lothian’s second son, Mawyndulë, initially failed the Sharhasa.
Eton: God of the sky.
Fane: The ruler of the Fhrey, whose term of office extends to death or until three thousand years after ascension, whichever comes first. The current leader is Fane Lothian, son of Fenelyus.
Fenelyus (Fhrey, Miralyith): The fifth fane of the Fhrey and first of the Miralyith. She saved the Fhrey from annihilation during the Belgric War by creating Mount Mador and crushing thousands beneath it. While she could have easily destroyed the Dherg civilization, she ended the war instead. The reason for her change of mind remains a mystery.
Ferrol: The god of the Fhrey.
Ferrol’s Law: Also known as Law of Ferrol, it’s the irrefutable prohibition against Fhrey killing other Fhrey. In extreme situations, a fane can make an exception for cause, or can designate a person as exempt. Breaking Ferrol’s Law will eject a Fhrey from society and bar the perpetrator from the afterlife. Since it is the Fhrey’s god who will pass judgment, no one can circumvent Ferrol’s Law by committing murder in secret or without witnesses.
Fhrey: One of the five major races of Elan. Fhrey are long-lived, technologically advanced, and organized into tribes based on profession.
First Chair and Second Chair: Honorific for the chieftain of a dahl and their spouse. Its origin comes from actual chairs that are placed on a dais in a dahl’s lodge.
First Minister: The third most important person in Fhrey society (following the fane and the Curator). The primary task is the day-to-day administration of the Talwara. The present First Minister is Metis, who replaced Gryndal.
First Tree: Fruit from this tree is believed to grant immortality, and it’s rumored to lie behind the Door in Estramnadon. The Belgric War was fought largely because of the dwarfs’ belief that this treasure was being kept from them.
Five major races of Elan: Rhunes, Fhrey, Dherg, ghazel, and Grenmorians.
Flood (Dherg): A builder, Frost’s brother, and one of three Dherg responsible for unleashing Balgargarath from a complex series of noise-creating traps. To save him from execution, Persephone takes the three dwarfs back to Tirre after Gronbach’s broken promises. He was one of the people in the smithy the night Suri transformed Raithe into a gilarabrywn.
Forest Throne: The seat of the fane, located in the Talwara in the capital city of Estramnadon. Created by Caratacus, who intertwined six trees as symbols of the (then) six tribes of the Fhrey.
Frost (Dherg): A builder, Flood’s brother, and one of three Dherg responsible for unleashing Balgargarath from a complex series of noise-creating traps. To save him from execution, Persephone takes the three dwarfs back to Tirre after Gronbach’s broken promises. He was one of the people in the smithy the night Suri transformed Raithe into a gilarabrywn.
Furgenrok (Grenmorian): Leader of the Grenmorians, the giants of Elan. He was employed by the Fhrey to attack Dahl Rhen. While many were killed and the dahl was destroyed, the ultimate goal of killing Raithe, Arion, and Nyphron failed.
Galantians: The Instarya party led by Nyphron and famed for legendary exploits of fighting prowess. While it is believed that they were exiled from Alon Rhist for disobeying orders to destroy Rhune villages, Tesh knows they were actually responsible for the destruction of those dahls, a ploy by Nyphron to start a war between Rhunes and the leadership of the Fhrey people. The Galantians returned to Alon Rhist just prior to the Battle of Grandford and have been instrumental in training the Rhune horde to fight Fane Lothian’s army.
Garden, the: One of the most sacred places in Fhrey society, used for meditation and reflection. The Garden is in the center of Estramnadon and surrounds the Door, the Fhrey’s most sacred relic.
Gath (Rhune): The first keenig, who united all the human clans during the Great Flood.
Gelston (Rhune, Rhen): The shepherd who was hit by lightning during the giant attack on Dahl Rhen; uncle to Brin. He’s been enfeebled since the attack, and his care has largely been performed by Tressa.
Gifford (Rhune, Rhen): The incredibly talented potter of Dahl Rhen, whose mother died during his birth. Because of extensive deformities, he wasn’t expected to live more than a few years. Gifford is a fledgling Rhune Artist and instrumental in saving Alon Rhist thanks to his late-night ride to Perdif.
Gifford’s Ride: During the Battle of Grandford, Gifford became the first Rhune to ride a horse, and he did so through the heart of Fane Lothian’s forces as they lay siege to Alon Rhist. Against all odds, this late-night ride brought him to Perdif, where, using the Art, he lit a signal fire that brought the Gula-Rhune horde to the aid of the embattled Rhune forces.
Gilarabrywn: A dragon-like creature Suri created by sacrificing her best friends: first Minna and later Raithe. A gilarabrywn is created using a spell found on the Agave tablets in Neith, which manifests the Art in corporeal form. The first gilarabrywn was crucial to the survival of Persephone’s party, and it was ultimately destroyed by Suri when it was discovered it couldn’t leave the confines of Neith. The second one was responsible for saving Alon Rhist during Fane Lothian’s siege, and it has yet to be destroyed.
Goblins: A grotesque race feared and shunned by all in Elan, known to be fierce warriors. The most dangerous of their kind are oberdaza, who can harness the power of elements through magic. In the Dherg language, they are known as:
Ran Ghazel (Forgotten Ones of the Sea)
Fen Ran Ghazel (Forgotten Ones of the Swamps)
Fir Ran Ghazel (Forgotten Ones of the Forest)
Durat Ran Ghazel (Forgotten Ones of the Mountains)
God Killer: A moniker given to Raithe of Dureya, who was the first known Rhune to kill a Fhrey (Shegon of the Asendwayr tribe). While staying in Dahl Rhen, he killed another Fhrey (Gryndal of the Miralyith).
Grand Mother of All: Another name for the goddess Elan (the world).
Grandford: The location of a great bridge that allows crossing of the Bern river. It marks the boundary between the Fhrey-held fortress of Alon Rhist and the Rhune plains of Dureya. It is the site of the first substantial battle of the Fhrey–Rhune war.
Gray Cloaks: A secret society of Miralyith who attempted to overthrow Fane Lothian because he wasn’t doing enough to elevate the position of Miralyith over other tribes in the Fhrey society. Principal members include Aiden, the group’s leader, and Makareta, who manipulated Mawyndulë to help them discover weaknesses in the fane’s defenses.
Gray Cloak Rebellion: A failed attempt by the Gray Cloaks to kill Fane Lothian and instate Mawyndulë as the new ruler of the Fhrey. All members (except Makareta) either died during the insurrection or were put to death by Fane Lothian in public executions.
Great War: The first war between the Fhrey people and the Rhunes.
Grenmorian: The race of giants who live in Hentlyn in northern Elan.
Grin the Brown: A ferocious bear who was responsible for the deaths of many residents of Dahl Rhen, including Mahn, Persephone and Reglan’s eldest son; Konniger, former chieftain; and Maeve, the dahl’s Keeper of Ways. The beast was eventually killed by Persephone.
Gronbach (Dherg): The mayor of Caric and Master Crafter of that city. He deceived and tricked Persephone into ridding Neith of Balgargarath and failed to uphold his promise to provide weapons to the Rhunes to fight the Fhrey. His treachery led to the eventual destruction of Neith by Suri. Brin’s outrage with the dwarf makes him a central villain in her famed Book of Brin.
Grygor (Grenmorian): A member of Nyphron’s famed Galantians and the only giant of the group. Known for his love of cooking and use of spices. This fondness for the culinary arts fostered a friendship between him and Padera, Dahl Rhen’s oldest member. He died while defending Keenig Persephone when Fane Lothian’s forces made their final assault on Alon Rhist.
Gryndal (Fhrey, Miralyith): The former First Minister to Fane Lothian. Respected as one of the most skilled practitioners of the Art, Gryndal was killed in Dahl Rhen by Raithe after the Miralyith attempted to destroy the dahl and all its residents.
Gula-Rhunes: A northern alliance of three Rhune clans (Dunn, Strom, and Erling) that had a long-standing feud with the seven southern Rhulyn-Rhune clans. Historically, the Fhrey have pitted these two sides against each other and fostered their mutual animosity. As conflict with the Fhrey intensified, the Gula- and Rhulyn-Rhunes joined forces, all serving Keenig Persephone.
Gwydry: One of the seven tribes of Fhrey. This one is for the farmers and laborers who are responsible for raising crops and livestock.
Gylindora Fane (Fhrey, Nilyndd): The first leader of the Fhrey. Her name became synonymous with ruler.
Habet (Rhune, Rhen): The Keeper of the Eternal Flame, responsible for ensuring that the braziers and the lodge’s fire pit remain lit.
Hawthorn Glen: Home to Suri and Tura.
Hentlyn (land of mountains): An area to the north of Avrlyn, generally inhabited by Grenmorians.
Herkimer (Rhune, Dureya): The father of Raithe and a skilled warrior known as Coppersword. He was killed by Shegon.
High Spear Valley: Grassy plain just south of the High Spear Branch of the Bern River. Home to the three clans of the Gula-Rhunes.
Hopeless House: Alon Rhist residence of Gifford, Habet, Mathias, and Gelston. So named because it housed the most unworthy of Dahl Rhen’s remaining people. While not a resident (because of her gender), Tressa spent much of her time there as an honorary member.
Horn of Gylindora: A ceremonial horn kept by the Conservator that was originally bestowed on Gylindora Fane by the legendary Caratacus. The horn is used to challenge for leadership of the Fhrey. It can only be blown during an Uli Vermar (upon the death of a fane or every three thousand years). When blown at the death of a fane, it’s the fane’s heir who is challenged. If the fane has no heir or if it is blown after three thousand years of reign, the horn can be blown twice, providing for two contestants.
Imaly (Fhrey, Nilyndd): A descendant of Gylindora Fane, leader of the Nilyndd tribe, and Curator of the Aquila. She’s been providing refuge to Makareta since the Gray Cloak Rebellion.
Instarya: One of the seven tribes of the Fhrey. Instarya are the warriors who have been stationed on the frontier in outposts along the Avrlyn border since the Belgreig War.
Jerydd (Fhrey, Miralyith): The kel of Avempartha. He led the attack on Dahl Rhen, which destroyed the village but failed to kill Arion, Nyphron, or Raithe.
Kasimer (Fhrey, Miralyith): Leader of the newly re-formed Spider Corps, a group of Artists who can combine their power for coordinated attacks. He died during the Battle of Grandford.
Keenig: A single person who rules over the united Rhune clans in times of trouble. Until the appointment of Persephone during the Fhrey war, there hadn’t been more than a few appointed since the days of Gath, who saved humankind during the Great Flood.
Keeper of Ways: The person who learns the customs, traditions, and general memories of a community and is the authority in such matters. Keepers pass down their knowledge through oral tradition. The most famous Keeper is Brin from Dahl Rhen, who created the renowned Book of Brin.
Kel: The administrator of a prestigious institution such as Avempartha or the Academy of the Art.
Knots: Known to disrupt the natural flow of the Art, knots often create difficulty in communication and prevent consensus building. Once a knot is unraveled, so, too, are arguments unknotted, leading to eventual agreement. The knot that holds together a being created from the Art (such as Balgargarath or a gilarabrywn) is loosed by piercing the creature with its true name.
Konniger (Rhune, Rhen): Shield to Chieftain Reglan of Dahl Rhen and husband of Tressa. Konniger ruled Rhen for a short period of time between the reigns of Reglan and Persephone after assassinating the former. He also tried to kill Persephone and was inadvertently killed by Grin the Brown.
Language of creation: The root language of the gods and every living thing in Elan. The chords plucked while performing Artistic weaves tap into the language of creation, the building blocks of all living things.
Leigh mor: Great cloak. A versatile piece of fabric used by Rhune men that can be draped in a number of ways, usually belted. A leigh mor can also be used as a sling to carry items or as a blanket. Usually, they’re woven with the pattern of a particular clan. The female version, known as a breckon mor, is longer, with an angled cut.
Linden Lott: The chief Dherg city after the fall of Neith. It holds an annual contest to determine the best in various endeavors valued by the Dherg people, such as building, forging weapons, and digging.
Lipit (Rhune, Tirre): The chieftain of Dahl Tirre who was killed during the Battle of Grandford.
Little Rhen: The area of Alon Rhist that mainly houses Rhunes displaced from the destroyed Dahl Rhen. The original Fhrey inhabitants left that area after the Rhunes took over the fortress.
Lothian, Fane (Fhrey, Miralyith): The supreme ruler of the Fhrey, father to Mawyndulë, son of Fenelyus. He came into power after an unusually gruesome challenge in which he defeated Zephyron of the Instarya in a humiliating and cruel display of power. He led the Fhrey advance on Alon Rhist during the Battle of Grandford and fled in disgrace.
Maeve (Rhune, Rhen): The former Keeper of Ways for Dahl Rhen and mother of Suri; she was killed by Grin the Brown.
Magda: The oldest tree in the Crescent Forest; an ancient oak known to offer sage advice, including information that was instrumental in saving the village of Dahl Rhen when it was targeted by First Minister Gryndal of the Miralyith. She was killed during the Grenmorian attack on Dahl Rhen.
Mahn (Rhune, Rhen): The son of Persephone and Reglan. He was killed by a ferocious bear known as The Brown.
Makareta (Fhrey, Miralyith): A member of the Gray Cloaks and the object of Mawyndulë’s first romantic crush. After the rebellion, she took up residence with Imaly.
Malcolm (unknown): The ex-slave of Zephyron, former resident of Alon Rhist, and best friend of Raithe. He’s attacked two Fhrey with rocks: Shegon and Arion. He has also been providing counsel to Nyphron and was instrumental in getting Suri to sacrifice Raithe in order to create a gilarabrywn to defeat Fane Lothian’s forces.
Mari: The patron god of Dahl Rhen.
Master of Secrets: The adviser to the fane who is responsible for Talwara security. Vasek is the current holder of that title.
Mawyndulë (Fhrey, Miralyith): Prince of the Fhrey realm; the son of Lothian, grandson of Fenelyus, and former student of Arion and Gryndal. He was present at Dahl Rhen when Raithe killed Gryndal. For a short time, he represented the Miralyith in the Aquila as the junior councilor and later as the senior. He was duped by the Gray Cloaks into providing them aid, but was not involved in the rebellion. His action to save himself ended up saving the life of Imaly and several other Fhrey when he held the Airenthenon together. During the Battle of Grandford, he killed Arion.
Medak: A Galantian who was killed by Gryndal during Gryndal’s attack on Alon Rhist. Younger brother to Eres.
Melen: A Rhulyn clan known for its poets and musicians, ruled by Chieftain Harkon.
Menahan: The richest of the seven Rhulyn clans. Known for its wool and great sheep flocks. It’s ruled by Krugen.
Merredydd: One of the four Fhrey outposts manned by the Instarya to protect the frontier. It is the one farthest south.
Metis, Minister (Fhrey, Nilyndd): Highest-ranking member of the Nilyndd tribe, responsible for creating weapons and armor. Also the current First Minister who obtained the position after the death of Gryndal.
Minna: A wolf and the best friend of Suri, who dubbed the animal the wisest wolf in the world. Minna was sacrificed by Suri and turned into a gilarabrywn that fought Balgargarath and saved Persephone’s party. When it was discovered she couldn’t leave the city of Neith, she was killed using a sword bearing her name.
Miralyith: The Fhrey tribe of Artists—people who use the Art to channel natural forces to work magic. Their tribe is currently in power, and because of their skill with the Art, this is not likely to change in the coming future. Many members of this tribe have begun to think of themselves as gods, or at least at a higher level than other Fhrey tribes, as evidenced by the recent Gray Cloak uprising.
Mount Mador: A mountain conjured by Fane Fenelyus during the Belgreig War, killing tens of thousands of Dherg.
Moya (Rhune, Rhen): Shield to Keenig Persephone, Moya killed Udgar (chieftain of Gula-Rhune Clan Erling). She’s the first person to use bows and arrows and was the one who shot and destroyed Balgargarath. She is romantically linked to Tekchin, one of the Fhrey Galantians.
Muriel: Daughter of Erebus, as discovered by Brin in the Agave tablets.
Mystic: An individual capable of tapping into the essence of the natural world and understanding the will of gods and spirits. Both Tura and Suri are mystics from the Hawthorn Glen.
Nadak: A region in the north of Rhulyn that is home to the Rhune clan of the same name. It was destroyed by the Fhrey Instarya, and most of its residents were slaughtered.
Naraspur: The horse that Arion rode from Estramnadon to Alon Rhist. She left it at the fortress after a fall during her debut trip. Later, Gifford used Naraspur on his late-night ride to Perdif to alert the Gula soldiers to come to the defense of Alon Rhist.
Narsirabad: A large spear from the lodge of Dahl Rhen used by Malcolm. Its name is Fhrey for “pointy.”
Neith: The original home of the Dherg in Belgreig. It was an underground city and the most revered place in the Dherg culture. For thousands of years, the Dherg were denied use of Neith by the Ancient One, who in revenge created Balgargarath to kill any who entered the city. Neith was later destroyed, buried by Suri during an emotional outburst.
Nidwalden: A mighty river that separates Erivan (the land of the Fhrey) from Rhulyn (the land of the Rhunes). The tower Avempartha sits in the middle of it at the Parthaloren Falls.
Nifrel: Below Rel. The most dismal and unpleasant of the three regions of the afterlife.
Nilyndd: The Fhrey tribe of craftsmen.
Nyphron (Fhrey, Instarya): The son of Zephyron and leader of the famed Galantians. After attacking the new leader of Alon Rhist, he was declared an outlaw. He and his Galantians found refuge in the Rhune village of Dahl Rhen. His bid to become the Rhune keenig failed since only humans can rise to that position. During the Battle of Grandford, he made a pledge to Malcolm for a favor to be fulfilled at a later date.
Orinfar: Ancient Dherg runes that can prevent the use of the Art.
Padera (Rhune, Rhen): A farmer’s wife and the oldest resident of Dahl Rhen, she is known for her excellent cooking ability and for being the best healer in the dahl.
Parthaloren Falls: The massive set of waterfalls that Avempartha resides on. The rushing water provides an enormous power source to channel the Art.
Persephone, Keenig (Rhune, Rhen): Ruler of all Rhunes, former chieftain of Dahl Rhen, and widow of Reglan. She killed Grin the Brown and led a party to Neith to kill Balgargarath. When Gronbach failed to provide promised iron weapons, she tricked him into revealing the manufacturing process to Roan, who took this knowledge to the Rhune people. She was severely injured by a raow during the Battle of Grandford. She has been wooed by both Raithe and Nyphron (who did so at Malcolm’s prodding).
Phyre: The afterlife, which is divided into three sections: Rel, Nifrel, and Alysin.
Plymerath (Fhrey, Instarya): The gate guard who was on duty the night the fane’s army arrived at the outskirts of Alon Rhist.
Prymus: The military commander of a large unit of men within a legion.
Pyridian (Fhrey, Miralyith): First son of Lothian, brother to Mawyndulë, and founder of the Estramnadon Academy of the Art, now deceased.
Rain (Dherg): Perhaps the best digger of his people, he was one of three Dherg responsible for unleashing Balgargarath from a complex series of noise-creating traps. To save him from execution, Persephone took the three dwarfs back to Tirre after Gronbach’s broken promises. He was a grand-prize winner at the Linden Lott competition and one of the people in the smithy the night Suri transformed Raithe into a gilarabrywn.
Raithe (Rhune, Dureya): The son of Herkimer; also known as the God Killer. He killed Shegon (a Fhrey Asendwayr) in retribution for his father’s death, and Gryndal (a Fhrey Miralyith) when he threatened the people of Dahl Rhen. He refused the position of keenig because he felt war with the Fhrey was impossible. He is in love with Persephone, but she does not reciprocate. He was the first person to train Tesh in combat skills. He was transformed into a gilarabrywn by Suri and was instrumental in routing fane Lothian and his forces.
Raow: A feared predator that eats its prey starting with the face. Raow sleep on a bed of bones and must add another set before going to sleep. A single raow can devastate an entire region. Persephone and Sebek were wounded by one that was sent to assassinate her and Nyphron.
Reglan (Rhune, Rhen): The former chieftain of Dahl Rhen and husband to Persephone. Killed by Konniger in an attempt to usurp his power.
Rel: One of the three regions in the afterlife, the place where most people who are neither heroes nor villains go when they die.
Rhen: A wooded region in the west of Rhulyn that is home to the Rhune clan of the same name. It was formerly ruled by Reglan and later his wife, Persephone. Dahl Rhen was destroyed by a Grenmorian attack initiated by Fane Lothian for harboring Nyphron of the Instarya and killing First Minister Gryndal. It was abandoned when the surviving residents moved to Alon Rhist.
Rhist: A shortened name for Alon Rhist, the Fhrey outpost.
Rhulyn: The “land of the Rhunes,” bordered by the Fhrey’s native Erivan to the east and the Fhrey outposts in Avrlyn to the west.
Rhulyn-Rhunes: The southern clans of Rhunes: Nadak, Dureya, Rhen, Warric, Tirre, Melen, and Menahan. The Rhulyn-Rhunes have been in constant conflict with the northern tribes of the Gula-Rhunes.
Rhune: One of the five major races of Elan, the race of humans. The word is Fhrey for “primitive,” and for some, it is seen as derogatory. This race is technologically challenged, superstitious, and polytheistic. They live in clusters of small villages, and each clan is governed by a chieftain. There are two major groups of Rhunes, the Gula-Rhune from the north and the southern Rhulyn-Rhunes. The two factions have warred for centuries.
Rhunic: The language spoken by the humans who live in Rhulyn.
Roan (Rhune, Rhen): An ex-slave and incredibly talented and emotionally scarred inventor. With the help of the Dherg, she perfected wheels and carts. She adapted the javelin and the device used to start fires to invent the bow and arrow. Thanks to Persephone, she was able to observe the Dherg process of making iron swords. She was a member of the party that accompanied Persephone to Neith, and one of the people in the smithy the night Suri transformed Raithe into a gilarabrywn.
Rol: A small Dherg fortification. Rols were created throughout the frontier to provide shelter during the Belgreig War. Most have a hidden door that opens and shuts via a series of pulleys and gears and are lined with Orinfar runes to protect those inside from magical attacks.
Roundhouse: A typical Rhune dwelling consisting of a single circular room with a cone-shaped roof, usually covered in thatch.
Sarah (Rhune, Rhen): Mother of Brin, wife of Delwin, best friend of Persephone, widely known as the best weaver in Dahl Rhen. She was killed by the giant attack that destroyed Dahl Rhen.
Sebek (Fhrey, Instarya): The best warrior of the Galantians. He used two cleve blades named Thunder and Lightning. Sebek was Tesh’s first Fhrey fighting instructor. Tesh killed Sebek while the Fhrey lay in his sickbed after being injured by a raow during the Battle of Grandford.
Shahdi: The non-Instarya military group charged with maintaining order in Greater Erivan. These were the main troops used by Fane Lothian during the Battle of Grandford.
Shegon (Fhrey, Asendwayr): A hunter stationed at Alon Rhist to provide the warrior tribe with fresh meat. He was killed by Raithe after Shegon killed Herkimer (Raithe’s father).
Shield: Also known as Shield to the chieftain or chieftain’s Shield. The chieftain’s personal bodyguard, and generally the finest warrior of a given clan.
Sile (Fhrey, Asendwayr): Employed after the Gray Cloak Rebellion, he is one of two bodyguards who never leave the side of Fane Lothian. His size indicates he may have Grenmorian blood.
Spider Corps: A group of Miralyith specially trained in coordinated attacks in which one Artist directs the combined power of the others in the group.
Strom: One of the three Gula-Rhune clans. The other two are Dunn and Erling.
Suri (Rhune, Rhen): The illegitimate child of Reglan, who had an affair with Maeve (Dahl Rhen’s Keeper of Ways). She was left to die in the forest but was saved and raised by a mystic named Tura. She is one of two Rhunes known to possess the ability to use the Art. Her best friend, a white wolf named Minna, was turned into a gilarabrywn in the Agave of Neith. Later, Suri destroyed the entrance of Neith during an emotional outburst. During the Battle of Grandford, she transformed Raithe into another gilarabrywn—an act that was instrumental in turning the tide of that battle and forcing Fane Lothian to retreat. Arion of the Miralyith believes Suri is the key to peace between Fhrey and Rhunes.
Synne (Fhrey, Miralyith): Employed after the Gray Cloak Rebellion, she is one of two bodyguards who never leave the side of Fane Lothian. Renowned for her quick reflexes.
Talwara: The official name of the Fhrey palace where the fane resides and rules.
Techlyor: In the Fhrey language, the term means “swift of hand.” Sebek was the first one to use Techylor when referring to Tesh, who later used the term for the specially trained men under his command.
Tekchin (Fhrey, Instarya): One of Nyphron’s band of outlaw Galantians, Tekchin is a rough, outspoken warrior whose preferred weapon is a thin, narrow-bladed sword. He is romantically linked to Moya, Shield of Persephone.
Ten Clans: The entirety of the Rhune nation, comprising seven Rhulyn clans and three Gula clans.
Tesh: The orphan boy who, along with Raithe, is all that remains of the Dureyan clan. His hatred of the Fhrey has driven his intensive training.
Tet: A curse word derived from the Tetlin Witch.
Tetlin Witch: The universally hated immortal being thought to be the source of all disease, pestilence, and evil in the world.
Tirre: Clan of Rhulyn-Rhunes. Its dahl is located in the south of Rhulyn on the Blue Sea, and is known for salt production and trade with the Dherg. Their last chieftain was Lipit.
Traitor, the: The moniker Mawyndulë bestowed on Arion for her part in First Minister Gryndal’s death while aiding the Rhunes of Dahl Rhen.
Tressa (Rhune, Rhen): Widow of Konniger, who was the ex-chieftain of Dahl Rhen. She is generally despised and shunned by those who know her. She was one of the people in the smithy the night Suri transformed Raithe into a gilarabrywn.
Treya (Fhrey, Gwydry): Personal servant of Prince Mawyndulë.
Trilos (Fhrey, unknown tribal affiliation): A mysterious person obsessed with the Door in the Garden.
Tura (Rhune, no clan affiliation): Mentor to Suri and an ancient mystic who lived in the Hawthorn Glen near Dahl Rhen. She was most noted for her ability to predict the future.
Uberlin: Mythical source of all wickedness in Elan, believed to be the father of the Tetlin Witch.
Udgar: The former chieftain of Clan Erling of the Gula who challenged Persephone for the position of the keenig. He was defeated in one-on-one combat by Moya.
Uli Vermar (the reign of a fane): An event that occurs three thousand years after the crowning of a fane or upon his death, when other Fhrey can challenge to rule. This is done by petitioning the Aquila and being presented with the Horn of Gylindora.
Umalyn: The Fhrey tribe of priests and priestesses who concern themselves with spiritual matters and the worship of Ferrol.
Urum River: A north–south Avrlyn river west of the Bern, and the place where Raithe would like to make a new start.
Vasek (Fhrey, Asendwayr): The Master of Secrets.
Vellum: Fine parchment perfected by the Dherg for drawing maps, made from the skins of young animals.
Verenthenon: The huge domed meeting room of Alon Rhist used for official meetings and the dissemination of orders. It was collapsed by the Miralyith during the Battle of Grandford.
Vidar (Fhrey, Miralyith): The senior councilor of the Aquila representing the Miralyith tribe. He made Prince Mawyndulë the junior councilor. He was framed by the Gray Cloaks and removed from his position by Fane Lothian.
Volhoric (Fhrey, Umalyn): The senior councilor of the Aquila representing the Umalyn tribe. He also holds the position of Conservator of the Aquila.
Vorath (Fhrey, Instarya): A member of Nyphron’s Galantians. He has taken to the Rhune custom of wearing a beard. His weapon of choice is a pair of spiked-balled maces.
Wolf’s Head: A high outcropping of rock rising above the Dureyan plain. During the Battle of Grandford, Moya’s archery corps devastated Lothian’s Miralyith who were attacking from that position. After the battle, it became the resting place of the gilarabrywn that Suri created from Raithe.
Zephyron (Fhrey, Instarya): The father of Nyphron, killed by Lothian during the challenge for fane upon Fenelyus’s death. Zephyron died in an unusually gruesome fashion to make a point about Miralyith superiority and the folly of challenging their rule.
The Legends of the First Empire Series 