Lilia gazed again at the sky. “How long has it been?”
“A little more than a year.”
“A year… That’s so much time… more than…”
“You have no memory of this last year, in any life?”
“No.”
Gian nodded behind her, at the great hulking form of Mount Ahya. “That’s not so bad,” she said. “I settled all of my people in, and the Kai has been easy to work with.”
Lilia opened her mouth to ask who the Kai was, and then realized she didn’t want to know. She had never wanted to be involved in any of that; politics and games were a means to an end, to revenge. Now she felt… relief. But also an emptiness. What drove you on, after you put the world back together?
Gian said, “I’ve a mind to climb Mount Ahya. Did you want to come? I have a… memory of us doing that, in some… other life.”
“Mount Ahya? It touches the sky.”
“Indeed. I’d like to touch the sky again.”
Namia signed at Lilia, “Come.”
“What do you remember, Namia?” Lilia asked.
“Many things,” Namia signed. “All here.”
Lilia embraced Namia again. “I’m so sorry for everything.”
“Don’t be sorry,” Gian said, “you saved more of us than I ever thought possible.”
“What do you think it was?” Lilia asked Gian. “The satellites? What do you think they broke?”
“I think it was nothing we were supposed to understand. I think we meddled with something very old, far older than us, and misused it.”
“Do you think it’s been trying all this time, to put us back together?”
“I’m not a god, Lilia. Just a woman.”
Lilia struggled to her feet. Gian moved forward to help her. Lilia took her offered hand; warm and calloused, with long, lean fingers. Their gazes met. A tumble of memories. Gian would have them too. All those lives, all those deaths. They both should have winked out, if death was what destroyed the others, but here they were. Oma’s sense of humor.
“Maybe we’ll live this time,” Gian said.
“Everyone dies,” Lilia said, “it’s just a matter of choosing what you do between now and then.”
“Let’s climb mountains, then.”
They turned toward Mount Ahya, fingers entwined, heads no longer raised to the sky, but to each other.
GLOSSARY
Aaldia – Country on the southwestern shore of Grania, led by a conclave of three queens and two kings, each representing one of the five former independent states of the region.
Aaldians – The people of Aaldia, a country on the southwestern shore of Grania, known for their passion for mathematics.
Aaraduan – Far northeastern city in Saiduan, home to one of the infamous “living holds” of the western half of Raisa. Before the Saiduans, the city was called Roasandara, and was part of the ancient Dhai empire. The city was destroyed by the Tai Mora.
Aatai – Saiduan liquor.
Abas Morasorn – A Saiduan dancer at Kuonrada.
Adenoak – A type of yellowish hardwood tree commonly grown in Dhai.
Ahkio Javia Garika – Son of Javia Mia Sorai and Rishin Garin Badu. Li Kai. Brother to Kirana Javia Garika.
Ahmur – The largest of Raisa’s three moons.
Aimuda Mosifa Taosina – Elder Ora of the Temple of Tira. Masura’s cousin.
Alaar Masoth Taar – The Patron of Saiduan; eighth in the country’s current line of rulers. A tirajista.
Alais Sohra Garika – Birth mother to Yisaoh Alais Garika. Married Garika clan master, Tir, and Moarsa, and Gaila.
Alasu Carahin Sorila – A Kuallina militia member found dead in Clan Sorila.
Albaaric – A city in Saiduan on the coast. Home city of Maralah Daonia.
Alhina Sabita Sorai – Mohrai’s cousin.
Almeysia Maisia Sorila – An Ora and the Mistress of Novices at the Temple of Oma. A very sensitive tirajista who can call upon her powers even when Tira is in decline.
Aloerian – A city in Dorinah near a dajian camp.
Alorjan – An island nation currently claimed by both Saiduan and Dorinah forces. Both nations removed their forces to deal with Tai Mora matters.
Amelia Novao – A Dorinah Seeker. Recruited and bound by Lilia to help her get the dajian refugees across the Dhai border.
Anavha Hasaria – Zezili Hasaria’s husband. Son of Gilyna Lasinya. The Empress awarded Anavha to Zezili as a token for her service.
Anjoliaa – A port city in southern Saiduan.
Aradan Foswen – A leader in an alternate version of Raisa.
Arakam Solaan, Ren – An ataisa sanisi.
Aramey Dahina Dasina – A Dhai scholar. Married to Lanilu Asaila Sorila.
Arasia Marita Sorila – Temporary keeper of Liona Stronghold.
Arisaa Saara – One of Alaar Masoth Taar’s wives. Known as his most formidable wife, Arisaa is the mother of Alaar’s most beloved sons and provides him with valued advice.
Asaolina – A small village in Dorinah.
Ashaar Toaan – A Saiduan scholar.
Asona Harbor – Harbor on the Hareo Sea, in Clan Sorai. This defensive structure was built by Faith Ahya and Hahko in anticipation of raids from Saiduan and Dorinah.
Avosta – A former member of Ghrasia Madah’s militia.
Azorum – A dead people conquered by the Tai Mora on their world.
Bael Asaraan – Record-keeper for the archives at Kuonrada. Native of Caisau.
Battle at Roasandara – A battle between the Saiduan and the ancient Dhai at the city of Roasandara, taught to every member of the Saiduan military.
Bendi – A strategy game played in Dhai.
Bleeding pen – A pen made from the stamens of claw-lilies.
Blinding tree – A tree that emits a deadly acid that numbs flesh and can eat through skin, bone and armor.
Bone Festival – One of the winter festivals held in Saiduan.
Bone tree – A tree with yellowish bark and spiny branches, made of bone. It catches small animals in its branches, and secretes a poisonous sap that kills its prey.
Bonsa – Large, yellow-barked trees trained to become living establishments in Dhai. Saplings are also used to create weapons infused with the breath of Para.
Book of Dhai – A written set of religious practices, codes and laws followed by the Tai Mora. The book states that when Oma rises, one world will die and another will be transformed. In the book, omajistas are referred to as the hand of Oma, and will decide the fate of the worlds.
Book of Laine – The holy book of Tordin.
Book of Oma – A written set of religious practices, codes and laws followed in Dhai.
Book of Rhea – A written set of religious practices, codes and laws followed in Dorinah.
Borasau – A Tai Mora, one of Roh’s captors.
Broodguard – The Patron of Saiduan’s personal guards.
Caisa Arianao Raona – Novice at the Temple of Oma now working as Ahkio’s assistant. Parajista.
Caisau – A city in Saiduan just south of Isjahilde. Caisau’s hold is a living building, but has been repaired so many times over the years that it is a patchwork of organic and inorganic material. 2,000 years ago, Caisau was the seat of the Dhai empire.
Caratyd – A city in Tordin.
Casa Maigan – An old acquaintance of Dasai’s who has talamynii blood and can read old talamynii. Was part of Alaar Masoth Taar’s harem in Isjahilde. Casa was left behind by the prior Patron, and inherited by Alaar.
Casalyn Aurnaisa – Empress of Dorinah. Long ago, her people crossed over from another world, but many were left behind. She seeks to bring the rest over now, with the help of the Tai Mora. Other titles – Eye of Rhea, Rhea’s Regent, Lord of the Seven Isles.
Castaolain – A city in Dorinah.
Catori – Spouse of the Kai. The current Catori is Mohrai Hona Sorai.
Chali Finahin Badu – Brother of Roh; they share two mothers and three fathe
rs but are not related by blood.
Cholina – A city in Dorinah, located northeast of Daorian.
Clan Adama – Named for one of Hahko and Faith Ahya’s children, Clan Adama’s primary exports come from its orchards, generally in the form of olives, apples, cherries, and apricots. Also known for its rice production.
Clan Alia – Primary exports of Clan Alia include textiles. Also known for its rice production.
Clan Badu – Clan bordering Clans Garika and Sorila, in Dhai. Politically close to Clan Garika.
Clan Daora – Clan Daora, like Clan Badu, has a skill with forged pieces, including tools and weaponry, though it is much more well-known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their jewelry pieces are highly sought after in Saiduan and Aaldia.
Clan Garika – Known as the most powerful single clan in Dhai, Clan Garika is the birthplace of three Kais and four Catoris. Often at the center of challenging the power and autonomy of the Kais, the clan is also an economic center and trading hub for the whole country. Goods coming up from the harbor in Sorai are generally brought to Garika for distribution and sale across the clan. Much of the population makes a living as merchants, traders, and in other skilled professions such as plumbers, hedge doctors, and clan law specialists.
Clan Mutao – Smallest and least economically powerful of the Dhai clans, Clan Mutao provides some exports in mushrooms, coal, and copper, but mostly ends up working in reserves overseen by neighboring Clan Nako. Their status as a dwindling clan requiring subsistence from others to survive has led to a petition in recent years to combine clans Nako and Mutao.
Clan Nako – Neighboring Clan Mutao, Clan Nako holds much of the country’s wealth in copper and other metals. The sale of these materials is regulated by the clan, which manipulates supply and demand as necessary to ensure the best exported price. Such market manipulation for goods meant for sale within the country are not permitted, but exports are exempt.
Clan Osono – Central clan in Dhai. Chief commodity is sheep.
Clan Raona – Originally comprised of two different clans—Riana and Orsaila—Clan Roana is just a century old, and was created in an effort to tamp down the fierce feuding between the Riana and Orsaila clans, which resulted in nearly a dozen deaths, the most unnatural deaths outside of war time that the country had ever experienced. Clan Roana is loosely aligned with clans Saobina and Taosina. Primary exports include rice and wine. Raona also raises most of the sparrows used as messengers in the Dhai temples.
Clan Saiz – Dhai clan. Chief commodity is timber and artisanal goods.
Clan Saobina – Clan Saobina exports timber and plantstuffs - including herbal aids and medications - which it grows and mixes in its own fields and workshops. The clan borders the woodlands, and so its members tend to be called on to consult on poisonous or dangerous plant outbreaks between the clans.
Clan Sorai – Named after the powerful son of the third Kai, Clan Sorai is often allied with clans Adama and Saobina in political affairs. They are also the clan responsible for the safety and security of Asona harbor, the country’s single largest trading link to the outside world. The clan is generally allied closely with the Kai, and has a notorious rivalry with Clan Garika. The clan’s leader is Hona Fasa Sorai.
Clan Sorila – Clan nearest the Temple of Oma, in Dhai. Primary export is timber.
Clan Taosina – Named for Faith Ahya’s second daughter, clan Taosina - like clans Saobina and Sorila - borders the woodlands. Pottery and complex, plant-derived technologies such as bioluminescent floor or ceiling lighting solutions, self-cleaning fungus floors and the like are generally created and installed by Taosina crafters.
Concordyns – A province in Tordin.
Cora – A dajian who lives with Emlee.
Corina Yisaoh (Tai Mora) – Yisaoh’s daughter, being raised by the Tai Mora versions of Kirana and Yisaoh.
Coryana Puyak – A friend of Natanial’s who trains gifted on how to draw on the satellites’ powers.
Dajian – In Dorinah, enslaved Dhai people are called dajians. Often they are branded with the mark of the family that owns them.
Dakar – Zezili Hasaria’s dog mount.
Daolyn – Owned by Zezili Hasaria, housekeeper and dajian.
Daorian – The fortress seat of the Empress of Dorinah. A city of the same name rose up around the fortress on the ruins of the former Saiduan city of Diamia.
Dasai Elasora Daora (Dhai) – An elder Ora, over a century old. One of Ahkio Javia Garika’s teachers. In Dasai’s youth, he was a slave to the Patron of Saiduan at that time.
Dasai Elasora (Tai Mora) – Tai Mora magistrate in charge at Caisau.
Dayns – A runt dog belonging to Saradyn.
Dhai – Small country located on the northwest corner of the island of Grania, an island at the far tip of the Saiduan continent. Also the name of the people inhabiting this country. Modern Dhai was established 500 years ago by former slaves fleeing their masters in the neighboring country of Dorinah. It’s said the satellite called Sina was especially powerful during that time, allowing Dhai sinajistas, who outnumbered sinajistas among the Dorinah, to escape their servitude.
Dhai has been led by a series of leaders given the title Kai. The title is hereditary and passes through the mother’s lineage to the child with the greatest ability to call on the power of the satellites.
Dhorin – A unit of currency used in Dorinah.
Dorinah – A matriarchal country on the northeast shore of Grania, ruled by a long line of Empresses. The country is roughly 1800 years old, and relies on the enslaved labor of Dhai people - known locally as dajians - to sustain its infrastructure and economy. The flag depicts the Eye of Rhea on a purple background.
Driaa Saarik, Shao – An atasia sanisi. Sent to Alorjan to shore up the island for Saiduan’s retreat. Recommended by Maralah to meet with the Dhai party sent to Saiduan. Born in Tordin.
Dryan – A city in Dorinah.
Elaiko Sirana Nako – An Ora at the Temple of Oma and assistant to Nasaka Lokana Saiz.
Emlee – Gifted healer and midwife in a dajian camp, now liberated.
Empresses of Dorinah – The line of Empresses in Dorinah began 1800 years ago, when a green-eyed foreign sorceress expelled Saiduan from the fortress of Daorian.
Enforcers – Members of the Dorinah military who capture wandering men or dajians and return them to where they belong.
Esao Josa – Granddaughter of Nirata Josa. Esao is killed when a gate summoned by her grandmother closes on her.
Etena Mia Soria – Ahkio Javia Garika’s aunt, Etena was driven mad by her own power and supplanted as Kai by her sister, Javia Mia Sorai. Exiled from Dhai.
Everpine – The scent of this tree dissuades bugs and most sentient plants. Travelers through the Woodland apply the scent to sleeping rolls and other supplies they want to remain undisturbed.
Fasia’s Point – A fingerling peninsula in the Dhai Woodland that juts into the sea.
Faith Ahya – Faith Ahya is regarded as the mother of the newest incarnation of the Dhai nation, founded five hundred years before when she led an uprising of Dhai slaves in Dorinah. With her lover Hahko, she established the Dhai nation in one of the most contaminated areas on the planet, one few other nations would touch. For five hundred years, the descendants of her eldest and most gifted children have ruled Dhai as the Kai, or “First Dhai.”
In the dajian version of the legend, Faith Ahya is betrayed by her lover Hahko, killed, and hung from the ramparts of Daorian. She then ascended to the peak of Mount Ahya and was engulfed by the light of Sina. It is said she will return to the world when she is needed.
In a story in Fifteenth Century Dhai Romances, Faith Ahya was a slave from Aaldia. She carried the child of an enslaved Dhai, and was a pitiful and self-serving character.
Faith’s Rally – A Dhai song about Faith Ahya establishing the first clan.
Faralis Mosa Daora – A member of the Liona militia.
Farosi Sana Nako –
A militia man, leader of a group of Oras and militia sent out to search Dhai for assassins. His group located and killed five of the assassins. Head of the militia at the Temple of Oma.
Faythe – A story from Fifteenth Century Dhai Romances, in which Faith Ahya was a slave from Aaldia. She carried the child of an enslaved Dhai, and was a pitiful figure.
Faytin Villiam – A Tordinian historian who recorded events during the time of the Thief Queen.
Fellwort – A plant trap that consists of a pit filled with poisonous green bile.
Festival of Para’s Ascendance – A festival held on the day when parajistas are at the height of their power.
Fifteenth Century Dhai Romances – A book of Dhai history written by Dorinahians. Includes the story “Faythe.”
Finahin Humey Garika – One of Roh’s mothers.
Flame flies – Flies that create light, used in lanterns.
Floxflass – A yellow, thorned plant that moves to constrict prey in its tendrils.
Forsia tubers – A tuber that is poisonous if not deveined. Root of forsia lillies.
Foryer Galind – One of Anavha’s guards in Tordin.
Fouria Orana Saiz – A Kuallina militia member found dead at the bottom of a well in Clan Sorila.
Fox-snaps – Plant defenses used outside Woodland Dhai homes to protect them from dangerous wild plants.
Gaila Karinsa Pana – Near-mother to Yisaoh Alais Garika. Married to Alais, Tir and Moarsa.
Gaiso Lonai Garika (Dhai) – Elder Ora of the Temple of Oma in Dhai. She was responsible for the overall functioning of the temple and care of the people therein. Cousin to Tir Salarihi Garika. Replaced by Ora Soruza Morak Sorai.
Gaiso Lonai (Tai Mora) – Tai Mora parajista company general. One of Kirana’s four line commanders.
Gasira – A city in Tordin; the seat of Saradyn’s power.
Ghakar Korsaa – Dance teacher at Kuonrada.
Ghrasia Madah Taosina – Ghrasia’s mother was originally of Clan Mutao, but relocated to Taosina and named Ghrasia for that clan. Ghrasia went on to become a hero – the Dhai general who defeated the Dorinahians during the Pass War. She is currently the head of the military forces stationed at Kuallina Stronghold and Liona Stronghold. An old friend and lover of Ahkio’s mother, Ghrasia is allied with him.
The Broken Heavens (The Worldbreaker Saga) Page 43