by Myers, Karen
Tavnastok (TAV-nah-stok) - City of Wealth
Inland city based on river commerce and industry, in the Asuthgrata region.
PLACES - KIGALI
Galat (GAH-lat)
A disputed region between Kigali and Ndant, with significant mining resources.
Gonglik (GOHNG-lick) - The Steps
The largest city in the Neshilik region, named for the extensive stretch of rapids and waterfalls on the upper reach of the Seguchi River which inhibit navigation. It lies south of the river and extends to the north at Kunchik, with the first permanent bridge over the Seguchi River, 1800 miles from its mouth.
Jaunor (JOW-nor) - Cold Wall
The trading village at the base of Tse Jan, the High Pass, at the extreme south of Neshilik.
Jonggep (JONG-ghep) - The Meeting of Waters
The largest inland city, at the junction of the two main branches of the Junkawa River: The Seguchi and the Neshikame.
Junkawa (joon-KAH-wah) - The Mother of Rivers
The longest river in the world, with two main branches: The Seguchi and the Neshikame. It finds its outlet at Pingmen below the walls of Penit Ying.
Kigali (kih-GAH-lee) - Land of the Ki Dynasty
Set in the mid-latitudes of the southern continent, Kigali is a wealthy and hard-working nation with a history of political stability and expansion. The Junkawa River and its hundreds of tributaries provide internal communications, and well-placed ports support its strong mercantile interests.
Neshikame Jun (neh-shee-KAH-mee joon) - Little Sister Water
The northern branch of the Junkawa River. It is navigable well into the western regions.
Neshilik (neh-SHEE-lik)
The western district of Kigali, surrounded by mountains and traversed by the Seguchi River. Often disputed with Rasesdad.
Pingmen Hanjong (PAH-go HAHN-jong) - City View
The bay or series of harbors carved out by the Junkawa River.
Seguchi Jun (seh-GOO-chee joon) - Seguchi River
The southern and main branch of the Junkawa. It finds its source in the Mratsanag Mountains in Radesdad above Nagthari, and Gonglik in Neshilik is the site of the last downstream bridge. All crossings are by boat or ferry below that point. It is navigable up to the Steps at Gonglik, and navigable again above the rapids to Dzongphan.
Yenit Ping (YEH-nit ping) - Endless City
Capital city, on both sides of the Junkawa River, overlooking Pingmen harbor.
PLACES - RASESNI
Damsnag (DAHMS-nahg) - The Right Horn
The southern encircling range at the eastern end of Mratsanag.
Dzongphan (DZONG-fan) - Temple Quarter
The capital city, which includes the mother temples of all the gods, in Nagthari.
Garshnag (GARSH-nahg) - The Left Horn
The northern encircling range at the eastern end of Mratsanag.
Mratsanag (m-RAHT-suh-nahg) - The Wild Ram’s Horns
The second tallest mountain range in the world.
Nagthari (NAHG-ta-ree) - Between the Horns
The region between the eastern mountain pincers, bordering Neshilik.
Rasesdad (RAHS-ess-dahd)
The Rasesni nation includes the Mratsanag Mountains and the well-watered and fertile plains they support on two coasts. It is the western neighbor of Kigali, in the southern hemisphere.
PLACES - ZANNIB
Qawrash im-Dhal (COW-rahsh eem-THAHL) - Well in the Steppe
The city in the eastern region from which the largest caravan to eastern Kigali originates.
(Jus) Shamr (JOOS SHAHM-er) - The Low Pass
Caravan route between Zannib and central Kigali, west of Jonggep, the Meeting of Waters.
(Mard) Shimiz (mahrd shee-MEEZ)
Important harbor city at the mouth of Yud Aziyal on Hilj Wandat, near the Rasesdad border.
(Jus) Sidr (JOOS SEED-er) - The High Pass
Caravan route between Zannib and Neshilik at Jaunor.
Silmat (seel-MAHT)
A narrow, sheltered valley in between the Mahab and Dhajtawhaz tribes, claimed by neither but shared for resources.
(Mard) Ussha (mahrd OOSH-shah)
Capital city, founded by Kigali, on Pago Bay on the east coast near the Kigali border, at the mouth of the Harin River. Also known as Zudiqazd mar-Sarq, the Winter Camp of the Nation.
(Hilj) Wandat (heelj wahn-DAHT) - Enclosed Sea
Very large almost landlocked sea in the far west, bordered also by Rasesdad.
Sarq-Zannib (SAHRK-zahn-NEEB)
The Zannib nation. It occupies the bottom of the southern hemisphere and is neighbored on the north by both Rasesdad and Kigali. The western third concentrates on fishing and small farm agriculture, while the remainder is steppe and grasslands.
Wayat mar-Zarqash (wah-YAHT mar-zar-KASHK) - Zarqash’s Corner
A cluster of ridges that hold a cave system.
Zudiqazd mar-Sarq (zoo-dee-KAHZD mar-SAHRK) - Winter Camp of the nation
See Mard Ussha.
WORDS & PHRASES - ELLECH
Kemellangar (KEH-mel-lahng-ar) - Featherbeds
A down comforter and, by extension, a nickname for fat clouds that threaten deep snow over a wide region.
Sennevi (SEHN-neh-vee)
“It is done.” The customary final phrase that marks the end of a traditional tale, often accompanied by the slash of a hand.
Yrmur! (EER-moor) - Broken, Wrong!
A curse.
WORDS & PHRASES - KIGALI
Kigaliwen (kih-GAH-lee-wehn) - Kigali people
A group of Kigali people, or the collective citizens of Kigali.
Kigali yat (kih-GAH-lee-yaht) - Kigali speech
The language spoken in Kigali.
WORDS & PHRASES - RASESNI
Rasesdad (RAHS-ess-dahd)
The Rasesni nation.
WORDS & PHRASES - ZANNIB
Anah im-ghabr (ah-NAH im-GAHB-er) - Flower of the head
The turban, common but not universal headgear among the Zannib.
Barqah (bar-KAH) - Friend
The common address for a person known to you.
Baijuk (bye-JOOK)
Mead, a drink fermented from honey.
Bikraj, Bikrajti (beek-RAHJ(-tee)) - Wizard, wizardress
The common title for a wizard.
Bikr mar-shimiqa (BEEK-er mar shi-MEE-kah) - Magic of Thinking
The Zannib term for mental magic.
Bikr mar-thulj (BEEK-er mar THOOLJ) - Magic of Things
The Zannib term for physical magic, not practiced by the Zannib.
Binwit (been-WEET) - Mead kit
The collection of materials for drinking mead ceremoniously. It includes the stoneware bottles and cups, often handed down within families, wrapped in an engraved leather rolled pack, usually presented at the transition to adulthood.
Biziz (bee-ZEEZ)
A merchant caravan.
Biziz Rahr (bee-ZEEZ RAH-er) - Big caravan
The Grand Caravan that runs three seasons of the year from Qawrash im-Dhal through eastern Kigali and Zannib.
Bunnas (BOON-nahss)
A low wild shrub native to Zannib whose berries are collected and dried as part of the taridiqa, the annual migration. The infusion of ground, dried, berries in hot water is high in caffeine. Popular throughout the southern countries and a significant trade item for Zannib.
Daril (dah-REEL)
The title for a journeyman wizard.
Dirum (dee-ROOM) - Herd-mistress
The senior woman responsible for all the clan’s herds while on taridiqa.
Dirum-malb (dee-ROOM-mahlb) - Apprentice to the Herd-mistress
A younger woman learning the position of dirum.
Dunaq wandim (doo-NAHK wahn-DEEM) - The World That Surrounds
The Zannib term for the world of reality that exists outside the ordinary world of perception.
Durmiqa bul (door-MEE-kah BOOL) - Sun is still
The solstice, the shortest d
ay of the year.
Gharqa (GAR-kah)
The title for a tribal leader.
Ghuzl mar-Tawirqaj (GOOZ-el mar tah-weer-KAHJ) - Circle of Speakers
The national tribal assembly in Ussha.
Ishqa (EESH-kah) - One couple (two)
One of the old words used for counting herd animals in couples: ishqa (2), imgha (4), nudi (6), nari (8), tadas (10), tari (12), tabith (14), tushur (16), shuwaq (18), shabir (20), jama (22), jalu (24). A mawik is half a couple, thus “nudi and mawik” is 7. A complete set, 24, is a jal (flock).
Imgha (EEM-gah) - Two couple (four)
One of the old words used for counting herd animals in couples. See ishqa.
Inghiqa (een-GHEE-kah) - Spring
One of the four seasons.
Jal (JAHL) - A flock (twenty-four)
One of the old words used for counting herd animals in couples. See ishqa.
Jaram (jah-RAHM)
Spouse.
Jarghal, Jarghalti (jar-GAHL(-tee))
The title for a master wizard (wizardress).
Jibrim (jee-BREEM) - Burning Month
The month of mid-summer. The Zannib lunar calendar recognizes twelve or thirteen months in a year and is complicated to synchronize with their chief trading partner, Kigali.
Jukwit (jook-WEET)
The stoneware bottles used in the binwit. They have an indentation around the center to allow them to be hung from a cord.
Jurkal (joor-KAHL) - Device
A magical device, part of the bikr mar-thulj, the magic of things.
Kama, Kamahab (kah-MAH, kah-mah-HAHB) - Tent, Tents
A small one or two person tent used for rapid travel.
Kassa (KAHS-sah)
A bushy plant grown on mountain slopes, the leaves of which are used, dried, for a stimulating infusion.
Kazr, Kazrab (KAH-zer, kahz-RAHB) - Yurt, Yurts
A structure similar to a yurt, made of a wooden framework encased in felt.
Khash (KHASH)
The curved sword that is the typical weapon of the nomadic Zannib.
Khijr-Zannib (KHEE-jer zahn-NEEB) - The grasslands of Zannib
The steppe terrain that dominates the northern territories of Zannib.
Khimar (khee-MAR) - Honey
Honey is a special substance, favored by the lud for its unusual locations and properties, and for its use in fermenting mead.
Kuliqa (koo-LEE-kah) - Turn home
The celebration when the taridiqa begins the last leg of the annual migration, to the zudiqazd.
Lij, Lijti (LEEJ, LEEJ-tee) - Sir, Lady
A term of respect. Lij-mar-lij—Master of masters. Derived from Kigali li, meaning king or emperor.
Lisha, Lishajti (LEE-shah, lee-SHAH-tee) - Little king, queen
The diminutive of lij, used somewhat mockingly for clan and tribe leaders operating in their most formal manner.
Lud (LOOD)
Numinous objects or locations, often referred to as “little gods.”
Magham (mah-GAHM)
The festival camp, the temporary two-week gathering of all the clans in a tribe in a central location within the ring of clan winter camps.
Mawik (MAH-week) - Half a couple (one)
One of the old words used for counting herd animals in couples. See ishqa.
Nagha, Naghayin (NAH-gah, nah-gah-YEEN)
Older sister, oldest sister.
Nal-Jarghal (nahl-jar-GHAHL)
The title for an apprentice wizard.
Nari (NAH-ree) - Four couple (eight)
One of the old words used for counting herd animals in couples. See ishqa.
Nayith (nah-YEETH)
The masterwork of a wizard, the transition between journeyman and master. So judged by another master wizard.
Nudi (NOO-dee) - Three couple (six)
One of the old words used for counting herd animals in couples. See ishqa.
Nurti, Nurtin (NOOR-tee, noor-TEEN)
Younger sister, youngest sister.
Qahulaj, Qahulajti (kah-hoo-LAHJ(-tee)) - Taboo
Wizard-tyrant, one who does taboo things.
Sarq-Zannib (SAHRK-zahn-NEEB)
The Zannib nation.
Shabz (SHABZ)
Dried meat, used as a winter staple food.
Shaimur (shy-MOOR)
Dried fish, used as a winter staple food.
Tabith (TAH-beeth) - Seven couple (fourteen)
One of the old words used for counting herd animals in couples. See ishqa.
Tadas (TAH-das) - Five couple (ten)
One of the old words used for counting herd animals in couples. See ishqa.
Taridaj (tah-ree-DAHJ)
The people who partake of the annual seasonal migration performed by the traditional Zannib of the central region.
Taridiqa (tah-ree-DEE-kah)
The annual seasonal migration performed by the traditional Zannib of the central region.
Tarimqaj (tah-reem-KAHJ)
The law-master of a traditional Zannib clan.
Tarizd (tah-REEZD)
The route taken by the annual seasonal migration performed by the traditional Zannib of the central region.
Tayujdaj (tah-yooj-DAHJ) - One who pairs for others
The marriage-broker who introduces potential partners and arranges betrothals.
Tigha (TEE-gah)
Older brother.
Tulqaj, Tulkajab (tool-KAHJ) - Traveler, Travelers
The greeting used for an unknown Zan.
Tulqiqa (TEE-gah) - Wander time
The traditional wandering time when journeymen wizards travel to learn and to find opportunities to perform a nayith.
Tushkzurdtudin (tooshk-zoor-too-DEEN) - Has sixteen years
An adult, one who is at least sixteen.
Ujarqa (oo-JAR-kha)
The title of the clan leader.
Umaq, Umaqab (oo-MAHK, oo-mah-KAHB) mat, mats
An easily-rolled-up cushion used in place of a bed mattress for a kazr.
Wirqiqa-Zannib (weer-KEE-kah-zahn-NEEB)
The Zannib language.
Wishkaz (wish-KHAHZ)
Hot spice.
(Yar mar-)yathzurazd ((YAR mar) yahth-zoo-RAHZD) - (Offering of) the tenth one
A tithe of one in ten of animals inherited, or its equivalent, given to the clan to be distributed to the poor and needy.
Yathbantudin (yahth-bahn-too-DEEN) - Has nine years
A child between nine and sixteen. Old enough to join the taridiqa.
Yuj (YOOJ)
A couple. Used for mated pairs.
Zamjilah (zahm-jee-LAH) - Eye of heaven
The central crown at the top of the kazr that holds the rafters together and lets the smoke escape.
Zan (ZAHN)
An individual member of the Zannib nation.
Zannib-hubr (zahn-NEEB HOOB-er) - Free or Swift Zannib
The Zannib who continue a nomadic tradition of annual migration.
Zannib-taghr (zahn-NEEB TAHG-er) - Slow Zannib
The Zannib who live a settled life.
Zarawinnaj (zah-rah-wee-NAHJ) - One who rides in front
The leader of the taridiqa.
Zudiqazd (zoo-dee-KAHZD)
The winter camp, from which the taridiqa begins and ends. It houses those who do not go on the migration.
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CONTACTING THE AUTHOR
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ALSO BY KAREN MYERS
The Hounds of Annwn
To Carry the Horn
The Ways of Winter
King of the May
Bound into the Blood
Story Collections
Tales of Annwn
Short Stories
The Call
Under the Bough
Night Hunt
Cariad
The Empty Hills
The Chained Adept
The Chained Adept
Mistress of Animals
Broken Devices
EXCERPT FROM BROKEN DEVICES
The Chained Adept: 3
Coming Soon from Perkunas Press
The Grand Caravan arrived that afternoon in sunlight fresh enough with the spring season to ignore the dust of the travelers and settle on the bright colors of their exotic robes and turbans instead.
Outriders had preceded them into Tengwa Tep, and the merchants and citizens of that entrepôt that could spare the time gathered on the southwest outskirts of the city as soon as the news had spread that the Grand Caravan had come, as scheduled, and that the trading season with sarq-Zannib and upstream Kigali had begun for the year.
Penrys rode well back in the caravan, dressed in the riding-length robes that all the dark Zannib wore, men and women, on horseback. Najud, her husband, was near the front, but the rest of her companions, as new to the caravan as she was, chattered excitedly about their first look at a Kigali city, its yellow brick golden in the light from the west, varied by the colorful stucco of its many residential and manufacturing compounds. By comparison, the caravan’s first stop, a few days ago, had just been a large market town.
She’d seen cities before, in Ellech, across the northern seas. Here it was the children that caught her eye—dozens and dozens of them, screaming with excitement. Some were with a parent, but mostly they ran free, the littlest ones trailed by irritated older sisters or brothers. Unlike their elders, with the long single braid that almost all Kigali not in the military used, the children wore their hair loose or, at the most, gathered into a tail.
“Did they come to see the riders?” Rubti asked.
Penrys smiled at her sister-in-law’s eagerness, a ten-years-younger version of Najud. She was an apprentice herd-mistress, a dirum-malb in her own language, and she’d been fascinated by the rehearsal the night before of the entertainment the caravan would provide this first evening, to entice the crowds to trade for the five-day stop before it swung west, upstream paralleling the Junkawa, for the longest leg of its great circular route—to Jonggep, the Meeting of Waters.