The story you are about to read was born by chance, inspired by my great passion for video games and the fantasy genre
This adventure has been long, exhilarating, and satisfying, but also difficult and often disheartening. I had fun drawing the map of this world, imagining the paths my characters would tread, and I enjoyed sketching their faces on a simple notepad to make them more “real.”
As the story evolved, and my ideas really started to take shape, it all became easier from there. I was always accompanied by my old iPod, and by the amazing music of Wardruna, which were the only things that allowed me to focus during the drafting and creation of this “universe” of mine.
Since this is the first in a series of books, I decided to indulge in a long prologue that will explain some of the various quirks of this new world.
I am open to your criticisms and advice, and I hope you enjoy reading my work.
—Valentina
HUMANS
Kaj Holden: the Scion, the descendant of Aidan III.
Efren Melvin: illusionist mage of Olennon.
Byron Gardrick “the Inexhaustible” or “Five Fingers”: Captain of the Army of the King of Draelia, Osman IV, until his forces were defeated.
Arvid Brownbear: Chieftain of the Brownbear Clan and of Rimetooth, and Hormarg’s father.
Hormarg Brownbear: Arvid’s son.
Gerd: Arvid’s maid.
Corald II “the Castigator”: King of Draelia from 287 to 308 F.R., known for his Purge of Olennon.
Osman IV “the White-Haired”: Last King of Draelia, reigning from 308 to 324 F.R., and often called “the White-Haired” due to the hair color he possessed from a young age.
Gwen I “the Wise”: Queen from 126 to 144 F.R., when she abdicated. The last sovereign of the realm to be remembered as a descendant of Aidan III.
Elrik II “the Incompetent”: Gwen’s brother, and King from 144 to 148 F.R.
Aidan III “the Peacemaker”: King of many virtues, chiefly remembered for the Great Reconciliation.
Kendrick: mage of the Fellowship of the Veil.
Vernon Davey: Lord of the Snowbay.
Jorgen: a capable warrior, and Vernon’s right hand.
Ellen: the last living Archmage of Olennon.
ELVES
Clarice “the Vagabond”: a travel companion of Kaj’s.
Cilna: Kaj’s friend, and a young lady elf.
Yenven Hushblade: King of the Elves, and the latest in a long dynasty.
Ireid “of the Furrowed Brow”: Counselor to the King of the Elves.
Fanyr Alatin: General of the Elven Army, and a trusted friend of the King’s.
Atraed Talril: Captain of the Nidath City Guard.
Gihnaan Taleln: nobleman of Nidath, and the scion of the Taleln family, an eternal rival of the Hushblades.
Radris Taleln: Gihnaan’s uncle.
Sandeir: keeper of the Esyrel tavern.
Tilwen “the Learned”: Supreme Druidess of the Sacred Druidic Circle.
Fyar and Nelieth: High Druids of the Sacred Druidic Circle.
Dolost: High Druid during the era of the Second Tulvaren Invasion, and creator of the Key.
DWARVES
The Boldaxe Clan
Oloice Calrek “the Braggart”: youngest in his family, a brave warrior, and a good friend of Clarice’s.
Dreyn Calrek “the Irascible”: Oloice’s older brother.
Odrig “Goldfinger” Skàg: sole heir of the Skàg Family, and the man who administers the Clan’s income.
Kalborg Bator: second-born of the Bator Family, and the man who oversees the Clan’s political matters.
Oran Bator: firstborn, and Kalborg’s brother. He serves on the Council as an old member, and he is a connoisseur of dwarven traditions.
The Goldhammer Clan
Rargon “Ironfist” Tasild: King of Tetirstad.
Aglas Tasild: the King’s sister, and current Regent of the throne.
Rahla Tachros: representative of one of Tetirstad’s most prominent families, and known for her leadership skills and rebellious nature.
The Ironmaul Clan
Baslic “the Turncoat” Jokun: head of the Jokun Family and of the Ironmaul Clan.
Hisel Jokun: Baslic’s wife, and manager of the Clan’s affairs.
Hrig “the Spineless” Jokun: Baslic and Hisel’s sole son, known for his lack of importance.
The Slums
Daryk: disowned by his family, he is now the leader of the criminals in the Slums.
Big Ear: the name everyone knows him by. One of the most cunning and treacherous dwarves in the district.
Culun: one of the dwarves in Daryk’s gang.
TULVARS
The House of Khelun
