Age of Myth (The Legends of the First Empire #1)

Shegon (Fhrey, Asendwayr): A hunter of Alon Rhist who provides the warrior tribe with fresh meat; killed by Raithe.

Shield: Also known as “Shield to the chieftain” or “chieftain’s Shield,” the chieftain’s personal bodyguard, and generally the finest warrior on the dahl.

Standing stone: A monolith or part of a group of similar stones. Their size can vary considerably, but their shape is generally uneven and squared, often tapering toward the top.

Suri (Rhune, no clan affiliation): Young mystic raised by Tura. She’s always accompanied by a white wolf named Minna.

Tabor: A woodland spirit that pushes people off cliffs or drowns them in rivers or lakes.

Talwara: The official name of the Fhrey’s palace where the fane resides and rules.

Tet: A swear word derived from Tetlin Witch. Over the years it’s been perverted to mean “excrement,” as in, “You don’t know tet.”

Tetlin Witch: An immortal being thought to be the source of all disease, pestilence, and evil in the world.

Thym (Fhrey, Umalyn): Priest of Ferrol who ministers to the Instarya each summer.

Tibor: The name of one of Sebek’s two swords; the word is Fhrey for “thunder.”

Tirre: A region in the south of Rhulyn that is home to the Rhune clan of the same name.

Torc: A rigid circular necklace that is open at the front.

Tressa (Rhune, Rhen): Wife of Chieftain Konniger of Dahl Rhen.

Trilos (Fhrey, unknown tribal affiliation): A person obsessed with the Door in the Garden.

Tura (Rhune, no clan affiliation): An ancient mystic who lived in the Crescent Forest near Dahl Rhen; mentor to Suri. She predicted the coming of the Great Famine.

Uli Vermar: An event that occurs three thousand years after the crowning of a fane, when other Fhrey can challenge the sitting ruler. This is done by petitioning the Aquila and being presented with the Horn of Gylindora.

Umalyn: The Fhrey tribe of priests and priestesses who concern themselves with spiritual matters and the worship of Ferrol.

Urum River: A north-south Avrlyn river west of the Bern.

Vellor: A stringed musical instrument created by the Fhrey.

Wogan: Chief woodland spirit, who serves as guardian of forests.

Yakkus: A demon of disease that can assume the form of any animal, including humans.

Zephyron (Fhrey, Instarya): Father of Nyphron, killed by Lothian during the leadership challenge after the death of Fane Fenelyus.





To all the readers who’ve enjoyed my stories and have shared them with loved ones. My success is largely due to your generous support, and I thank you for making my dream a reality.





Acknowledgments





It’s been said that you don’t want to know how two things are made: legislation and sausage. I feel exactly the opposite about how a manuscript becomes a finished book. I wish readers had a better understanding of the publishing process, as it would elucidate the enormity of this monumental task. Generally, you only see one name—the author’s—gracing the cover. But my contributions are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, and it’s a shame that the hardworking people who made this book possible aren’t likewise recognized. I’d like to take a minute to rectify that by mentioning some of them.

First and always, I want to thank Robin, the love of my life, my best friend, and the most capable person I’ve ever met. Why she’s chosen to spend the last thirty-six years with me is a mystery, but I’m forever grateful for her hard work on this book and all my novels. For those who don’t know, Robin fills several essential roles: alpha reader, line editor, beta test administrator, project manager, business manager, marketing guru, and liaison to my agents, editors, publicists, and various sales and marketing people. She is the best structural editor I’ve ever seen—and I’ve worked with some of the most respected professionals in the genre. The acquisition editors at Del Rey and Orbit have mentioned how clean my novels are. If that’s true, it’s because of Robin sweeping up behind me before others have a chance to see my mess.

Next up are my beta readers, an amazing group—or in the case of this book, two amazing groups. You see, Robin actually ran two separate beta reads for Age of Myth. The first resulted in substantial changes based on their incredible feedback. Then the revised draft went through another round. Beta reading my books isn’t for the faint of heart, as Robin really puts the groups through their paces. They must rate each chapter (or reading session) on a scale from one to five on several matters: characters, plot, pacing, and overall impression. Beta readers also have to answer questions about what they liked, didn’t like, felt confused by, or were surprised by. Finally, they are asked whether there was anything they wanted to see but didn’t. She even asks for predictions on what will happen to determine if they’ve nibbled at any dangled bait. As you can see, being a beta reader is not a trivial task, and this book is significantly better due to the efforts of several dozen people. With the final manuscript in their hands, they’ll be able to see their contributions. I’m deeply indebted to them for helping to make a better book.

Of course, I want to thank the people at Del Rey, starting with Tricia Narwani, my editor. Tricia was a huge fan of my work even before seeing the manuscript for Age of Myth, and made the process of integrating with all the departments within Del Rey effortless for Robin and myself. She went the extra mile on more than one occasion and paired us with our top choices of collaborators (whom I’ll discuss in just a minute). Tricia has always made me feel that she values my work, and I’ve felt an obligation to validate her faith. Since we creative types tend to be insecure, I can’t overstate the importance of having an editor who loves your work. I hope I’ve held up my end of the bargain and provided a book she’s equally proud of.

But Tricia is just one member of Del Rey, and I also want to give a tip of my hat and a hearty thank-you to some other fine people. To Scott Shannon, Del Rey’s SVP, I want to express my appreciation for your ability to assemble such talented individuals. Also, like Tricia, your love for my work—and the enthusiasm for getting your hands on the second book—is greatly appreciated. A few other people at Del Rey whom I’d like to thank include: Keith Clayton (associate publisher), Joe Scalora (marketing director), David Moench (publicity director), and Tom Hoeler (assistant extraordinaire).

There are plenty of others I’m not thanking—for instance, all the hardworking people in the areas of production, marketing, and sales—but that’s only because I don’t know your names. I’ve learned a lot about publishing in the last five years, and I know how instrumental your efforts are in my success. I want you to know, I’m appreciative for all your hard work. I’m not sure if it takes a village to raise a child, but it certainly takes a large number of people to successfully launch a book, and I hope you are proud of what we’ve produced together.