Of course she would.
My warrior. My Lorelei. Shanna. I love you now and always.
Sha, came Georgia’s loving response, even as her ruby blades slashed at the rigging he was climbing. I love you, too. But if you think that’ll save your sorry ass, you’ve got another think coming…
The Arda Collection
Glossary
Akad High Priest of Arda, marked with pa like henna tattoos on his cheeks.
Ammon Island Private tropical getaway on Arda, owned by Fari Tul’Mar.
Arda 40,000 stellar years old. Home planet of Ki, Fari, Krysta, and the Royal Fleet. It is famous for its metallurgy, fine castles, magnificent Chimera, and towering warriors. Arthurian in rule and structure, but enlightened and modern, Arda has an excellent reputation in the Free Galaxy. Ardani citizens carry pa-marks, and most are psychic. The generous and respected Tul’Mar clan has ruled them for thousands of years.
Astoria Flagship in Arda’s Royal Fleet.
Bandu Fierce purple fighting women, valued by OrTan slavers.
Camford Palatial ancestral home of the Tul’Mar clan.
Camford Forest Thick woods surrounding Camford’s grounds.
Chimera Multicolored horse-like creatures native to Arda, with giraffe and unicorn features.
Coscans Blue aliens often enslaved by the OrTans; females have a single breast.
Darkyn Weil Mysterious leader of the Outlanders. Age, unknown. Birth place or circumstance, also unknown. He carries a double-headed axe with yellow blades that match his yellow eyes.
Denovan Furry, manlike, very stinky aliens. Often make use of OrTan pleasure slaves.
Elise Ashton 28 Earth years old, blond hair, blue eyes. Dreams of a spacepirate rescuing her from her boring life.
Fari Tul’Mar Sailkeeper of Arda. Brother to Ki and Krysta, guardian of the Sailmaster and the Royal Fleet. 120 stellar years old, marked with pa in the shape of a great winged bird on his chest. He carries a barbed, spiked sapphire blade.
Fergilla beasts Ugly, hairy white buffalo-like beasts native to Arda, often used in name-calling and insults.
Festival of Seasons Ardani celebration of the harvest. Involves mating of unwed citizens.
Galactic Council Ruling body of the known and free planets. Mediates disputes, but has some vulnerability to treachery and bribery.
Gasha OrTan pleasure bed.
Georgia Steel 28 Earth years old, auburn hair, green eyes. Distant cousin of Elise Ashston’s, raised as her sister.
Ki Tul’Mar Sailmaster of Arda. Brother to Fari and Krysta. 150 stellar years old, marked with pa in a flame pattern beginning at his waist, dividing on his chest, and flaming up both shoulders. He carries a diamond blade that matches his shanna’s eyes.
Kon’pa Ardani Dance of Life, to honor pa, the stars, and the sails of the Royal Fleet.
Krysta Tul’Mar Captain of the Ardani Home Guard. Sister to Ki and Fari. 100 stellar years old, marked with pa in a soft pattern like cherry blossoms on her chest and neck.
Law of Keeping Ardani law governing the claiming of a Sailmaster’s mate.
Lord Gith OrTan prince and slaver.
Lorelei Three mythical guardians of the Tul’Mar line, halflings, often depicted as feral with cat-like features.
Ma’ord’pa The end of life; the end of time. The doom of Ardani civilization.
Nostans Tiny species, approximately three feet in height, who frequent OrTan pleasure ships.
Ord’pa Ceremonial Ardani executioner.
OrTa Planet in the Free Galaxy still engaged in the forbidden and heavily policed practice of pleasure slaving. OrTans are large and humanoid, but scaled.
OrTan collar Collar used on pleasure slaves to ensure compliance through pain. Also translates multiple languages for the wearer.
OrTan pain stick Long staff with electrical tip used for subduing OrTan pleasure slaves.
Outlanders A faction of Ardani citizens thought to be without pa marks or psi-powers. They live reclusively and study old wisdom to prevent the “end of time,” which they believe to be coming soon.
Pa The living substance that created and makes up the life force of the universe.
Royal Fleet Ardani space frigates, sloops, and speeders commanded by Ki Tul’Mar.
Sha Ardani soul’s mate (male).
Shanna Ardani soul’s mate (female).
Skull OrTan combat or pleasure ship (slaving vessel), shaped like a humanoid skull.
Tanna Kon’pa “The People”; what the Outlanders call themselves.
Tuscan Platform Ancient site of Ardani rituals, located in the center of the Camford Forest.
Sailkeeper's Bride Page 16