The Vildecaz Talents: The complete set of Vildecaz Stories including Nimuar's Loss, The Deceptive Oracle and Agnith's Promise

by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

  Guinee [GWEE-nay] – goddess of mists and fog; one of the children of Reonoj

  Gunoj [GOO-nohzh] – capital city of Niegee

  Guyon, Delionaj [GOOEE-yon, Deh-lee-OH-nahzh] – Yao of the Drowned World, and Doms’ estranged father

  Guyon, Doms [GOOEE-on, DOHMS] – Drowned World nobleman, troubador-stage-magician, and finder of the lost

  Haorein-brocade [HOW-rain] – very rare cloth from Pomig

  Haraj [Hah-RAHZH] – festival held around the Winter Solstice, usually in the middle of the Twelfth Month; one of the five yearly festivals

  Hardach [HAHR-datch] – leader and betrayer of the Armies of Tsmai

  Harro-aen [HAHR-rohw-eyen] – of or pertaining to Harro-ae

  Havelon, Morcoz [HAH-veh-lohn, MOHR-cohz] – one of Kloveon’s couriers.

  Haverartbin [Hah-vehr-ART-bihn] – of or pertaining to Haverartbow

  Haverartbow – [Hah-vair-ART-boh] – the First World, the largest continent on the Great World, west of the Drowned World and the Maestrich Ocean, east of Pomig and Theninzalk, in the southeast facing the Bazdalt Ocean

  hedge-chickens – something like large quail

  Hevomaj, The Stalwart [HEY, voh-mahzh] – god of the Boarth Range and the Valdishan Escarpment; grandson of Agnith, the second son of Tsoraj and a mortal woman

  Heignith [HAY-nyth] – Banorin’s daughter

  Herebarzit [Heh-reh-BAHR-ziht] – keeper of the Meadow-Stage House

  Hevomaj Stream [HEY-voh-mahj] – runs in front of Vildecaz Castle to the River Dej

  Hirc [HEERK] – the land controlled by a Hircar

  Hircar [Heer-KAHR] – title of regional warlords in northern Theninzalk and Haverartbow territories

  Hircar, The – elaborate travelers’ inn near Tiumboj

  Hircaj [Heer-KAHZH] – the heir or approved successor of an established Hircar

  Hircean [Heer-KEYEN] – of or pertaining to Hircars

  Hirco [Heer-KOH] – a blood-relative of a Hircar

  Hircolein [Heer-koh-LINE] – an in-law of a Hircar

  Horbenech-bread [HOR-behn-etch] – special bread served to guests and at official feasts

  Hovanthroee Bridge [Hoh-vahn-THROW-ei] – over the River Dej, connecting Otsinmohr to Vildecaz, about four leagues above Valdihovee, the largest of three such bridges

  Howei, Krunn [Hoh-WAY, KROON] – city magician for Valdihovee

  Hunters’ Moon – in the Eleventh or Twelfth month

  Hunting Mists – late autumn regional festival in most northern Provinces of the Porzalk Empire, and semi-autonomous northern states

  hupslan [HOOPS -lahn] – standard male garment, similar to a Roman dalmatica, or a heavy, long-sleeved, ankle-length choir-robe

  Hyacinth Moon – in the Third or Fourth Month, after the Crocus Moon

  Hyneimoj, the Ineffable [HIGH-nay-mohzh] – goddess of mammals, hunting, games of chance, land-based storms, and going to war; the first daughter of Agnith, and mother of Hevomaj, among others, and twin to Analahor, the Inspirational

  Ihntof [IHN-tohf] – the palace-master in the Svalen-Tu myth

  Imperial College of Porzalk – the major university for the Porzalk Empire

  Increasing Verdure – spring in the southern part of the Porzalk Empire, one of the five yearly festivals

  ioraj [YOH-rahzh] – a gryphon-like creature, a winged feline with the head of a Gaz- owl.

  irytex-wool [ihr-EYE-tehks] – soft, warm wool from an angora-like goat

  Iseon [Ih-SAY-ohn] – god of the Boarthine Peninsula

  Ixfeon [Icks-FAY-ohn] – god of reliability stubbornness, resolution, and fixity

  jaem-cotton [ZHEYEM] – particularly soft cotton from the Zarzalk region of the Porzal Empire

  jalai [ZHAH-lie] – caftan-like dressing-robe

  Jaloin-geese [Zhah-low-EEN] – geese native to Pomig, prized for their rich, dark meat

  Jampersi-Ayo [Zhahm-PEHR-see EYE-oh] – fortified northern market-town on Theninzalk

  Janailee [Zha-NEYE-ley) – a city in the Warinach Mountains

  jeneie-fur [ZHEH-nee-eye] – all but water-proof fur from a semi-aquatic fox-like creature native to Pomig

  Jenmarach, Danyir [Jen-MAHR-atch, Dahn-YEER] – Provost Magsto of the Library of Duz Kinzyrach

  Jenri-cordial [ZHEN-ree] – a very potent, twice-distilled berry cordial

  Jenshaz [ZHEHN-shaz] – pony gelding

  Jeth, Machrin [JEHTH, MATCH-rihn] – Vildecaz Castle guard officer

  Jinoarthcaz [Zhih-noh-AHRTH-cahz] – ancient, legendary city on the west side of Theninzalk, now partially submerged

  joahbi-knife [zho-AH-bee] – a hunter’s knife

  joalliberries [zhoh-ahl-LEE] – something like a cross between blueberries and black raspberries

  Jornisailaj, Ilmarti [Zhohr-nih-SIGH-lahzh, Ihl-MAHR-tee] – famous Ymiljesin Aym

  kaimon-ink [KAY-mohn] – ink impervious to magic

  kazelej-goat {kah-ZEH-lehzh] – long-haired northern goat from Haverartbow and Theninzalk

  kazelej-wool [kah-ZEH-lehzh] – wool from a northern goat noted for warmth

  Khalandriee tea [Khah-lahn-DREE-yay] – tea from the Khalandriee Mountains on Ymiljesai

  Khalandriee Mountains [Khah-lahn-DREE yay] – on Ymiljesai

  Kingdom of Harro-ae [HAHR-row-eye] – a client nation of the Porzalk Empire

  Kingdom of Waniat [Wahn-YAHT] – northeast of the Porzalk Empire, usually on good terms with Porzalk

  Kirath [Kee-RAHTH] – Porzalk Empire’s annual spring meeting of Provincial representatives, scheduled shortly after the time of the Vernal Equinox, in the Second or Third Month

  Kloveon of Fauthsku [Klo-VEY-on FOWTH-skoo] – Mirkal of Fauthsku

  Knot of Vitiation – a magical metallic twine that reverses the magical properties of whatever it surrounds

  Konemaz [KOH-ney-mahz] – messenger at The Blue Hound

  Koriat, Lumiren [ KOH-reyaht, Loo-MIH-rehn] – wife of Hoftstan Ruch and Justice of Valdihovee

  Kovat, Horeion [KOH-vaht, Hoh-RAY-ohn] – Porzalk Court magician

  Kozareon Sea [Koh-ZAH-ray-on] – south-east of Theninzalk and fronting the Bazdalt Ocean

  kuatiree [kwa-TEE-rey] – a spirit living in rivers and streams

  Kuyumai [Koo-YOU-my] – seal-human species

  Kylomotarch, the Forgettor [Keye-loh-MOHT-artch] – god of all things lost to the memory of people, dreams, fire, innundation, catastrophe, and extinction; one of the Six Founder Gods and patron of the Drowned World

  Lachnath spring [LATCH-nahth] – a spring renowned for purity

  Lagee [LAH-gee} – a village northeast of Jampersi-Ayo

  lantern-fruit – like a cross between a pear and a persimmon; an autumnal

  fruit

  larnija [lahr-NEE-zhah] – night-shift

  Last Day – the final day of the year, like First Day, not part of any month

  League of Korzareon Cities – [Kohr-ZAH-ray-on] – a mercantile federation of nine port cities in the south and south-east of Theninzalk, facing the Korzareon Sea.

  Lenchmai, the Informer [Lehntch-MY] – god of knowledge, messages, information, records, cartography, and academia; one of the Six Founder Gods and patron of Ymiljesai

  Lenj [LEHNZH] – a Firnal in the south-central section of the Porzalk Empire

  Library of Buin Joam [Boo-EEN ZHOH-ahm] – major learning center in Tsorech Province

  Library of Duz Kinzyrach [KIHN-zeye-ratch] – private college and book repository in Vildecaz

  Limurgan-velvet [Lee-MUHR-gahn] - costly fabric from Limurj on Ymeljesai

  Limurj [Lee*MUHRZH] – a city on Ymiljesai

  Linthrovee Sea [Lihn-THROH-vay] – a sea in the Drowned World, noted for tricky waters

  Liriz-Zai [LEE-reez-Zeye] – most westward island in The Tail

  Locks of the Farmentij [Fahr-MEN-tihzh]Rapids – locks allowing water travel around the dangerous Farmentij Rapids

  Loom, The – constellation on the ecliptic

  Lorj
oran, the Provider [Lohr-ZHOH-rahn] – god of planting, harvest, hunting, fishing, spices, herbs, kitchens, and cooking, the second son of the hermaphroditic sun and moon gods/goddesses Tahmei and Takzei.

  Lost Times – the three or four centuries following the Cataclysm

  Lymotaj [LIE-moh-taj] Sea – one of the most southerly of the Drowned World seas

  machei-fruit [MATCH-eye] – a delicious, pulpy fruit similar to a cross between a honeydew melon and a strawberry; about the size of an orange

  Maeshar of Otsinmohr [MY-shahr of Oh-TSIHN-more] – Riast’s cousin and governor of Otsinmohr Province, immediately across the River Dej from Vildicaz

  Maestrich Ocean [MY-stritch] – ocean between the Drowned World and Haverartbow

  Magstee [Mahg-STAY] – title of high-ranking female wizards, magicians, and scholars

  magstelee [mahg-STEH-lay] – female life-partner

  magstelon [mahg-STEH-lohn] – male life-partner

  Magsto [MAHG-sto] – title of high-ranking male wizards, magicians, and scholars

  Magsto Atoreon [Ah-toh-RAY-on] – dean of instruction at a magical university

  Magstogorin [Mahg-stoh-GOH-rin] – the most powerful magicians

  Mai, Zenoch [MY, ZEHN-otch] – healing-magician for Vildecaz Castle and environs

  maitsee [MY-tsay] – nature spirits, sprites

  Malific Interference – legal definition of a serious, interfering spell, usually intending harm

  Maoaz, Toujin-Rai [MOW-ahz, TOO-zhihn-Reye] – Fahnine Ambassador to the Porzalk Emperor’s Court

  Martsingoz [Mahr-tsihn-GOHZ] – old capital city of the Porzalk Empire, now a minor market-town in Tsorech Province

  Mautsarej Ocean [Maowt-SAHR-edge] – northern, arctic ocean touching Theninzalk, the northernmost islands of the Drowned World, and the outer islands called the Crown of Ayo

  Meadow-Stage House – a barge stage hostel on the River Dej

  Meal Rite – ritual invocation before meals with family

  Meal Rite for Visitors – ritual invocation before meals when guests are present

  Meanaj, Dinenniet [Mee-NAZH, Dih-nehn-EE-eht] &% present Magstee of the Agnitheon

  Meilianoz [May-lee-AHN-ohz] – the architect of Tiumboj Castle, four hundred years ago

  Merinex, Heijoz [MEHR-ee-nehks, HEY-zhohz] – Vildecaz Castle household magician of the Dyskeleoc School

  Mindicaz – a small, independent Mirkalin between Cazboarth and the Kingdom of Waniat

  Mindicaz, Ver [MIHN-dee-cahz, VAIR] – Cook-Major of Vildecaz Castle

  Minnaeto, Bangli [Mihn-NEYE-toh, BAHN-glee] – Aycar of the Palace of Zaroga-Jin

  Mintrij [MIHN-trihzh] – god of rain; one of the children of Reonoj

  Mirkal [MIHR-kahl] – title of Porzalk Empire nobles of the third degree (slightly outranking a Duz)

  Mirinkal [MIHR-een-kal] – children of a Mirkal

  Mirkalin [MIHR-kahl-in] – the estates of a Mirkal

  Mirkalor [MIHR-kahl-ohr] – wife or husband of a Mirkal

  Monianaj [Moh-nee-AHN-azh] – goddess of rivers and streams

  moon-hounds – a Boarthine species of wild dog, similar to a coyote, but with a touch of jackal; valued for their fur.

  Moricaz, Rakin [MOHR-ee-cahz, RAH-kihn] – Kloveon’s servant; a weather-witch

  Mozh-cloth - a luminous, durable cloth from the Fanine city of Mozh

  Mysinjrau [Meye-SIHNZH-raow] – hermaphroditic god/goddess of beauty, creative arts, esthetics, music, amity, self-indulgence, and excess

  Nard-marten – a marten that lives in nard-needle trees

  Nard-Marten, The – a disreputable travelers’ inn

  nard-needle tree – a shaggy fir tree with odoriferous needles

  Nach-boar – large game animal native to the Warinach Mountains

  Neitrij [NAY-trihzh] – god of chance; one of the children of Reonoj

  Nejoch [NEHZH-ohtch] – groom at Vildecaz Castle

  niedaj [nee-EH-dahzh] – the astral body of the dead – not a ghost

  Niegee [Nee-EH-gey] – the southern-most Province in the Porzalk Empire

  Niegee-satin – from the southern Porzalk Province of Neigee

  Night Priests of Ayon-Tur [AY-on-Tuhr] – a supposedly extinct Order from Ayo, dedicated to destruction and malice

  Ninianee [Nee-nee-AH-nay] – Duzna of Vildecaz, elder daughter of Nimuar

  Nimuar [NIM-wahr] of Vildecaz – Duz of Vildecaz, father of Ninianee and Erianthee

  Nyolach, the Unexpected [Neye-OH-lahtch] – goddess of turns in fortune, good or ill, of privilege and rank, and of desperate circumstances; she is considered dangerously capricious; sister of Daj, and of Bandikrion, mother of Dandolmaj

  Nyon, Alejantoz [NEYE-ohn, Ah-leh-ZHAN-tohz] – Porzalk Court magician

  Nyth-root [NEYETH] – something like ginger

  Nytral – Vlidecazin horse

  Ojenthee [Oh-ZHEHN-they] – goddess of autumn

  Old Fox, The – disreputable Boarthine inn

  Omen-falcon – a species of bird noted for its attraction to magical events, births, and deaths

  Omen-Falcon, The – a hostelry at Janailee

  Ondirpich, the Influential [Ohn-DIHR-pitch] – god of new endeavors, instructing children, seeking goals, protector of port cities and sailing ships, sometime consort of Hyneimoj

  Ondirpikeon, the Cyclical [Ohn -dihr-pee-KAY-ohn] – god of eclipses, tides, seismic and volcanic activity, astronomy, geomancy, and inquiry; one of the Six Founder Gods and patron of Haverartbow

  Onpoleneraz [Ohn-pohl-lehn-NEH-rahz] – river-man with a barge

  Oofan [OO-fahn] – Fahnine noble of the second degree, or his/her consort

  Oofaz [OO-fahz] – the landed estate of an Oofan

  Oofite [OO-fyt] – of or pertaining to an Oofan or Oofaz

  Oofon [OO-fohn] – male child of an Oofan

  Oofonal [OO-fohn-ahl] – female child of an Oofan

  Orchard Moon – in the Eighth or Ninth month

  Otsinmohr [Oh-TSIHN- more] – the province immediately south of Vildecaz

  Otsinmohrin [Oh-TSIHN-mohr-ihn] – of or pertaining to Otsinmohr

  Ozhadin, Sinlaj [Ohz-HAH-dihn, SIHN-lahzh] – late landlord of The Ancient Song

  pajiman grapes [pah-ZHIH-man] – from Haverartbow, grapes with dark-violet skins

  Pajmin’s Landing [PAHZH-mihn] – river harbor near the Worjinranth Falls

  Pajmintirij [Pahzh-mihn-TEE-rizh] – god of safety, marriage, preparation and forethought, village-and-city planning, and maintenance

  Pareo, Rai [PAH-ray-oh, RYE] – secretary to Zervethus Gaxamirin

  Parigoch-goats [Pah-REE-gotch] – long-haired species of curl-horned goats

  Parmentoj [Pahr-MEHN-tohzh] – the god of measuring time and calendars; one of the children of Reonoj

  Parumenz, Vazha [Pah-roo-MEHNZ, VAHZ-hah] – Heijoz Merinex’s apprentice

  pelgar [PEL-gahr] – wide-skirted riding-coat; a step up from a dolaj

  Perswipareon [Pehr-swee-pah-RAY-ohn] – town west-northwest of Tiumboj

  Piebald Crane, The – an inn at Pajmin’s Landing

  Pirkenee [Pihr-KEE-nay] – semi-autonomous Mirkalin on southwest Theninzalk

  Plough, The – ecliptic constellation

  Pomig [POE-mihg] – the Third World, a continent to the south by southeast of Theninzalk

  Porcaz [POHR-cahz] – Imperial Province of the Porzalk Empire, where Tiumboj is located

  Porzalk [POUR-zahlk] Empire – the largest territorio-political federation on Theninzalk

  pourri-flowers [POOH-ree] – flowers used to make a tea-like drink

  Priests of Dallan-Noj [DAHL-lahn-NOHZH] – an order dedicated to comfort and solace to those consumed by sorrow. They have a chapter-house on every continent, including the Drowned World

  Priests of Mirvex-Doz [MIHR-vehx-DOHZ] – important training school for magicians in the Drowned