Reader's Reference

for

Volume 1  The Bellringer



Volume 1
The Bellringer



Chapter 14

The Party by the Lake


You can find more complete and detailed information within
The Reader's Companion to the Year of the Red Door.
Reader's Reference Start PageMaps
The Main Characters
FAQAbout the Reader's Companion


Anerath -- A spirited horse belonging to Ullin Saheed Tallin. The name comes from the Ancient Speech, and means "water prancer." Anerath was a gift to Ullin Saheed from the Thrubolds, renown horsemen and breeders of Duinnor, in gratitude for his having saved their son's life at the Battle of Garmitor.


Attis -- Thought to be the name of the original builder of Tulith Attis, an ancient fortress near Lake Halgaeth in the Eastlands. It was later the name for the town at the base of Tulith Attis, all of which was destroyed during the Dragonkind invasion of 322 S.A.
   (See Map of County Barley)

Barley -- A rural county within the old Eastlands Realm south of Lake Halgaeth and just east of the Thunder Mountains, bordering the lands west of the ancient fortress of Tulith Attis. It is so named because of the main crop grown in the region. Barley was once merely the regional name for the area, but was adopted as the county name when the Eastlands Realm organized itself into counting districts for the purpose of performing the First Census. Nearly all of the lands encompassing Barley were once part of the vast Bosk estate holdings, but over time much of the former Bosk lands were sold or deeded away. Its principal town is Passdale, formerly known as Dalefath.
   (See Map of County Barley)

Bentwide -- The stream that flows from the headwaters of Lake Halgaeth to the Saerdulin to the south. When Heneil's Wall was build, damming Lake Halgaeth were it fell into the Saerdulin, the lake level rose considerably, eventually spilling into the Bentwide. The Bentwide then flowed as a river, deep enough for boats to dock at the town of Dalefath (later the site of Passdale), where a bridge crossed the river permitting goods and traffic to go to Attis. When the dam burst late in the Second Age, the Saerdulin retook its course and power, and the Bentwide was reduced to a stream as the lake quickly fell to its ancient level.
   (See Map of County Barley)

Bosk -- One of the Ancient Honored Houses of Men, though not a Named House. It is descended from the earliest Men that arrived on the world's shore. The family estate is located in County Barley of the Old Eastlands Realm. Its most famous member was Bilaylin the Hammer who fought and died at Tulith Attis. His descendants were granted vast land holdings not far from Tulith Attis.


Boskland -- A regional name for the lands belonging to the House of Bosk.
   (See Map of County Barley)

Broadweed -- (Gustan Broadweed) Schoolmaster in the town of Passdale, County Barley in the late Second Age.*

Buckmarl -- A type of large antlered deer or elk ridden by many of the Faere in the Elder Days and sometimes still. They are swift and light on the hoof, strong and nimble in the wood and on rocky mountainsides. They are renown for their ability to leap from crag to crag, much like a ram, with surefooted ease.


Carbane -- Ruling Prince of Glareth, father of Prince Danoss. Carbane is of the Elifaen House of Beech.


Celefar -- 1. One of the Firstborn Faere who stayed behind with Cupeldain and the others of the Faere who were determined to fight the Dragonkind. It was Celefar who was loved by Aperion's daughter, Laeleth, and the love of Laeleth and Celefar and their travails to be reunited are recorded in many songs, poems, and tales.
2. A buckmarl ridden by Prince Thurdun, brother of Queen Serith Ellyn of Vanara. He is named for one of the legendary Firstborn, a great warrior and the lover of Laeleth, daughter of Aperion.


Certina -- One of the so-called "Familiars." She accompanied Collandoth in the world during the Second Age. Certina's form was that of a small owl, no bigger than one's hand.


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


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.*

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.


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.


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 of Duinnor)

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 World Map)

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."*

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.*

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


Farbarley -- The northernmost area of County Barley closest to Lake Halgaeth.


Firstborn -- Those Faerekind or Elifaen who witnessed the Time Before Time. Also called the First Ones. Some of these were the embodiment of the spirits of the earth, becoming the very first of the Faere. Others were offspring of the Faere, conceived of love. Those Firstborn who lost their wings became known as the Elifaen, or Fallen Ones.


Fivelpont -- Sheriff of Barley during the late Second Age.


Formouth -- A city on the north shore of Lake Halgaeth in the Connassan Province of Glareth Realm. It is home to the Glareth Lakemen. Formouth became the governing center of the old Eastlands Realm under the Glareth when the Eastlands rule failed and came under the regency of Glareth. The Glarethian Lakemen pride themselves, as all of Glareth, on their boat handling abilities and seamanship, and they govern the lake and watch over all activities that take place on that waterway. During the late Second Age, it became tradition for the Royal Family maintain a residence in Formouth, and Prince Danoss, son of Ruling Prince Carbane, was appointed governor of the Connassan Province and Overseer of the Eastlands.
   (See Map of the Western Eastlands)

Frizella -- (Frizella Bosk) nee Starfind, wife of Garend Bosk of Boskland, in County Barley of the Eastlands during the late Second Age.


Furaman -- (Seamus Furaman) A trader of the Old Eastlands Realm in the late Second Age. He owned and operated a trading post located in Janhaven and serving all of the surrounding region of towns and villages.*

Gaiyelneth -- Chief handmaiden of Queen Serith Ellyn during the late Second Age. Gaiyelneth was known to be precocious, spirited, outspoken, and fiercely loyal to the Queen.*

Garlan -- Soldier of the Seventh Guard of Vanara, the Queen's guard.


Gladsten -- Farmer of County Barley who, with his wife, was expelled from the county.


Glareth -- One of the Seven Realms, located in the northeastern coasts and borders the Old Eastlands Realm. Its chief city is Glareth by the Sea. Renown for its maritime trades, it is closely allied with Vanara and has strong trade ties to Duinnor. *   (See Map of Glareth)

Gorcastle -- Mythical place where all banished and vanquished monsters are chained and imprisoned. The first writings mentioning tales concerning the place date from the late First Age, sometime after the arrival of Men, and many think the Newcomers brought the legend with them. *

Gory Gulch -- Properly called Peldown, it is a rugged ravine on the south face of the Blue Mountains. It was the site of a famous battle in the year 843 S.A.. There, surviving northern forces made up of mostly Kingsmen and Vanaran Fellfaere, were retreating from the Second Siege of the Green Citadel when they were trapped and encircled by a pursuing army of Dragonkind. *   (See Map of Vanara and Shatuum)

Gray Guard -- The elite household guard of Queen Serith Ellyn. They perform many duties pertaining to the Queen's protection as well as serving as Palace Guard. They report directly to the Queen's Chancellor and under him they perform a variety of tasks besides guarding the Queen. It is believed that some of their activities are clandestine in nature, perhaps involving spycraft or covert reconnaissance activities.*

Great Bell -- A great iron bell made by Heneil and placed within a special chamber of Tulith Attis supposedly embued with magical qualities.*

Halgaeth -- A large freshwater lake or inland sea located in southern Glareth and bordering the old Eastlands Realm. On its northeastern shore is the Glarethian province of Connassa with the city of Formouth on Halgaeth's northern shores. While most of Lake Halgaeth is considered to be within the Eastlands Realm, its northern shores are traditionally considered Glarethian lands. However, since Glareth, through its Lakemen, controls the lake and its shores, Halgaeth itself has always been considered the domain of Glareth. *   (See Map of the Western Eastlands)

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)

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

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

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.*

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.


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 of the Western Eastlands)

Passdale -- A town in County Barley of the Eastlands Realm on the banks 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)

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.


Saheed -- A given name among Men, particularly of the Tallin and Markal lineages.


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.


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.*

Steggan -- Steggan Pradkin, the half-uncle and guardian of Sheila Pradkin.


Sun King -- A reference to the ruler of Drakyr and the empire of the Dragonkind.


Surthquay -- An ancient boat landing on Lake Halgaeth. It has two distinctive braziers at the end of the quay, carved in the likeness of arms up-stretched, with a bowl (the brazier) in each hand.*   (See Map of County Barley)

Swyncraff -- A magical staff or rod that obeyed its master by remaining in any shape as long as its owner desired. It could be as hard as steel or as supple as rope.*

Sylphaen -- Children of mortal Man and female Elifaen. These children inherit the characteristics of the Elifaen. It is thought the word stems from a phrase of the Ancient Tongue "sylph faen," or "airy one who has fallen" (literally "airy one who fell")


Sylphmar -- Children of mortal women sired by Elifaen. These children do not inherit the characteristics of the Elifaen; only those born of female Elifaen do. It is thought that the word is derived from a phrase of the Ancient Tongue "sylph mort a mar" or "airy one but mortal of the sea," with sylph indicating some Faerekind lineage. Compare to Sylphaen, below.


Tallin -- Surname of Men whose lineage goes back to the first Men who came ashore in the world. They eventually became the powerful Named House of Tallin, and under Lord Danig Tallin. It was also due in great part to his efforts that the people of Tallinvale and Tallin City became prosperous and secure.*

Thalamir -- The last Sea King of Glareth, of the Elifaen House of Beech, who was instrumental in bringing about the wealth and power that Glareth would enjoy during the latter part of the Second Age after his reign ended.*

Thurdun -- Son of Parthais, brother of Queen Serith Ellyn of the House of Fairlinden.*

Tulith Attis -- An old abandoned fortress in County Barley, of the Eastlands. It was the site of a siege and subsequent massacre during the Great Dragonkind Invasion, and events there precipitated much discord between Men and Elifaen.*   (See Map of County Barley)

Tyrsharat -- The capital city of Drakyr, from where the kings of the Dragonkind rule. It is the most ancient of the desert cities, built by Kalzar before the First Age. Also sometimes called the Golden City because of the gold-plated roofs and domes that reflect the sun.
   (See Map of the Dragonlands)

Vanara -- One of the Seven Realms and the most ancient of all, believed to be among the first places where the Faerekind of the world lived. It was in Vanara that the Faerekind built their first cities, before the Fall. It lies to the south of Duinnor and just north of the Dragonlands, separated by a rugged range of mountains from the deserts.*   (See Map of Vanara and Shatuum)

Watcher -- A term sometimes given to those who delve into the mysterious and mystical. Sometimes it only means one who is an agent of another, or one who is commissioned to observe events and discern the meaning of those events and other signs.


Weepingbrook -- Small stream in Barley. Legend tells that during the fall of Tulith Attis, women fleeing from the slaughter came upon their dead spouses lying about the banks of the stream. There, they wept and swore terrible oaths of vengeance and anguish, and were turned to stone by their anger.
   (See Map of County Barley)

Westlands -- A term generally referring to Altoria, Duinnor, and Vanara, but may be used to refer to any area west of the Great Bletharn Plains


Westleaf -- A type of aromatic smoking herb or tobacco that is mildly intoxicating.


Winborn -- (Sam Winborn) Farmer of Barley.


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