The three bowed in Alrashemni fashion, and strode from the hall as den’Selthir continued. “The rest of you, listen closely. We are beginning a campaign. From now on, each of you will leave this manse once a day, and travel somewhere new. A map will be kept of all locations in the training room. You will go in plain clothing to areas outside my domain, but dress as you are for areas where you may be known. We begin a war of slander against the Chancellors and this rash Elsthemi invasion.”
The Vicoute paused, swinging his icy gaze around to take in everyone in the hall. “You will take coin from den’Thurgard, and spend it on your travels. You will drink in the taverns, gossip in the markets, visit a brothel and a smithy. You will spread word of what is happening in Lintesh, and use language such as, plot from within against our Queen, unnecessary, two-front war, reaching too far, stretching too thin, outnumbered and the like. The populace must be made to agree that this war is a terrible idea, and urge them to protest. In two weeks’ time, we will re-visit the marked areas and begin to rabble-rouse.”
One of Arlen's more brave retainers, a brawny man named Dhuth, broke in suddenly, his voice low and his dark-browed face frowning. “But what if she's dead, Arlen?”
The Vicoute drew a long, slow breath. The single breath of his training. “Hopefully by then, we will have confirmation of the Queen’s safety, Dhuth. Even if she’s not alive, however, we must avoid a war at all costs. I will hear suggestions in my study all day today and tomorrow from sunup to midnight. I will consider all thoughts. Get some breakfast, think of your destinations for today. Only the most minimal chores are to be observed, cooking, feeding the animals, groomsmen duties, and the smithy. If you have one of these, please plan your visit somewhere local. Telsen, engage an inventory of all weapons. Arthur, recruit as many hands at the smithy as you need to anticipate an engagement. Dismissed.”
Palms went to hearts all around the room. More than a hundred Kingsmen-in-hiding pledging their duty, eyes flashing, finally able to retaliate after all these years. Though it was a small ripple den’Selthir had started, Dherran felt the power it created like lightning in his limbs. His own heart was hungry now, feral like a wild boar about to charge.
Den’Selthir’s eyes pinned him, then Khenria. “Dherran, Khenria. With me. You will observe all proceedings for the next two days and keep my notes. Get dressed properly, then bring breakfast to my study. Go.”
“Vicoute.” Khenria was bowing, one palm to Inkings that were not even there yet, her grey eyes shining for war. Dherran nodded also, feeling battle bristle in his soul.
THE END
The adventure continues in BLOODMARK, book two of The Kingsmen Chronicles.
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OTHER WORKS BY JEAN LOWE CARLSON
The Kingsmen Chronicles
Blackmark
Bloodmark
Goldenmark (Winter 2017!)
Three Days of Oblenite
Breath
Tears
Blood
Short Fiction
The Man in White
The Family
The Grasses of Hazma-Din
ABOUT JEAN LOWE CARLSON
Award-winning author Jean Lowe Carlson writes adventurous epic fantasy fiction with a dark twist. Her raw worlds remind one of Patrick Rothfuss, Clive Barker, George RR Martin, Robert Jordan, and Robin Hobb. Jean holds a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND), and has a keen awareness of psychology and human behavior, using it to paint vivid characters set amidst nations in turmoil or societies with riveting secrets. Exciting, challenging, and passionate, her novels take the reader upon dire adventures while exploring deep human truths. In 2016, she was the recipient of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist medal for her dark fantasy "Tears".
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APPENDIX 1 – PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Word Beginnings:
Dh/Jh/Kh/Lh – Hard consonant, “h” is silent (Ex. Dherran [Dair-ren] like “dare”, Jherrick [Jair-rick] like “jester”, Khouren [Koor-en] like “kick”, Lhaurent [Lao-rahnt] like “laugh”)
Gh/G – Hard “g” sound (Ex. Ghrenna [Gren-na], Gherris [Gair-ris] like “good”)
Ih – Long “ee” sound (Ex. Ihbram [Ee-brum] like “helium”)
Th – Soft “th” combination (Ex. Theroun [Thair-oon] like “thespian”)
Uh/U – Long “oo” sound (Ex. Uhlas [Oo-las] like “tulips”)
O – Proper “oh” sound if begins a word (Ex. Olea [Oh-lay-a] like “ocean”)
El – Open “eh” sound (Ex. Elohl [Eh-loll] like “elephant”)
Il – Soft “ihl” sound (Ex. Ildrian [Ihl-dree-an] like “ill”)
Middle of Words:
-i- If in the middle of a word, long “ee” sound (Ex. Elyasin [Ehl-ya-seen] like “do re mi”)
Exception: Aldris [Al-dris, not Al-drees]
-ch- Soft “sh” sound (Ex. Suchinne [Soo-sheen])
-ou- Long “oo” sound (Ex. Roushenn [Roo-shen] like “frou-frou”)
PHRASES IN ALRASHEMNI (HIGH ALRAKHAN):
Alrashemnesh aere phelo Areseitya rhavesin.
In the Alrashemni, I am of the order of True Seers righteous.
Alrashemnari aenta trethan lheroun!
Alrashemni keep promises theirs! (Alrashemni keep their promises.)
Alrashemnesh aere veitriya Rakhan rhavesin.
In the Alrashemni, I am truthfully the Battle Commander righteous.
Alrashemnesh aere veitriya Rennkavi rhavesin.
In the Alrashemni, I am truthfully the Binder righteous.
Sin Rakhan. Siere tut me lhin.
Not the Battle Commander. These are all of my sorrows. (I’m sorry.)
Alrashemnari aere alranesh vhekhan.
Alrashemni I am my life entire. (Long live the Alrashemni!)
Alrashemnari aenta trethan lheroun, ahle fhis brethii!
Alrashemni keep promises theirs, to the end bitter!
(Alrashemni keep their promises to the bitter end!)
PHRASES IN KHOUREK (Oasis Ghellen)
Taile arabine ghenya shefan!
You uncloak all your cowls! (Declare yourselves!)
Alrashemnari… Alrahel?
Alrashemni…dawn?
Olea dihm Alrahel?
Olive tree of the Dawn?
Sei Olea brethan khoum tantha Alrahel!
She is the olive tree that brings peace with the dawn!
PHRASES IN GHREC
Talim enenya khoum vhris.
We mean you harm none. (We mean you no harm.)
APPENDIX 2 – CHARACTERS
Alrashemni Kingsmen:
Elohl den’Alrahel – First-Lieutenant of the High Brigade, twin to Olea
Olea den’Alrahel – Captain-General of the Palace Guard, twin to Elohl, Fourth Captain of the Realm
Ghrenna den’Tanuk – Kingswoman, a thief
Dherran den’Lhust – Kingsman, a prize-fighter
Suchinne den’Thaon – Kingswoman (deceased)
Vargen den’Khalderian – A silversmith, Kingsman-in-hiding
Roushenn Palace:
Elyasin den’Ildrian – Dhenra and heir to the throne of Alrou-Mendera
Uhlas den’Ildrian – King of Alrou-Mendera (deceased)
Alden den’Ildrian – Dhenir of Alrou-Mendera (deceased)
Lhaurent den’Karthus – King’s Castellan
Jherrick den’Tharn – Corporal in the Guard
Aldris den’Farahan – Second-Lieutenant of the Guard
; Fenton den’Kharel – First-Lieutenant of the Guard
Theroun den’Vekir – King’s Chancellor, ex-General, Black Viper of the Aphellian Way
Thaddeus den’Lhor – Secretary to Chancellor Theroun
Evshein den’Lhamann – Head Chancellor
Rudaric den’Ghen – King’s Chancellor
Arthe den’Tourmalin – King of the Tourmaline Isles
Khouren Alodwine – The Ghost of Roushenn
First Abbey of Lintesh:
Brother Temlin den’Ildrian – Second Historian of the Jenners
Abbot Lhem den'Ulio – Abbot of the Jenners
Abbess Lenuria den'Brae – Abbess of the Jenners
Mollia den'Lhorissian – A Seer of the Jenners
High Brigade:
Ihbram den’Sennia – Second-Hand to Elohl
Wereth den’Bhariye – A troublemaker
Eleshen den’Fenrir – An innkeeper
Arlus den’Pell – Captain of the High Brigade
Vennet:
Grump – Friend to Dherran
Khenria den’Bhaelen – Friend to Dherran
Muk – A horse
Merrow – A horse
Vicoute Arlen den'Selthir – Vicoute of Vennet
Fhouria:
Luc den’Orrisian – A thief of the Fhouria Thieves’ Consortium
Gherris den’Mal – A thief of the Fhouria Thieves’ Consortium, once Kingskinder
Shara den’Lhoruhan – A thief of the Fhouria Thieves’ Consortium, defector from the Fleetrunners
Elsthemen:
Therel Alramir – King of the Highlands
Lhesher Khoum – Highsword to King Therel
Devresh Khir – First Sword of Elsthemen
Hahled Ferrian – One of the Brother Kings of Elsthemen
Valenghia:
The Vhinesse – Queen of Valenghia
APPENDIX 3 – PLACES AND THINGS
ALROU-MENDERA
Lintesh (The King’s City) – City at the base of the Kingsmount
Watercourse Gate – Gate of Lintesh that leads to the Elhambria Forest
Elhambria Forest – Aka the Kingswood - by Lintesh, contains an Alran-stone in a grotto with a spring
Elhambrian Valley – Valley at the edge of Lintesh
Elhambrian River (The Kingsriver) – River on the border of Alrou-Mendera and Elsthemen
Elesk (The Kingsmount) – By Lintesh
The Eleskis (The Kingsmountains) – Border of Valenghia and Elsthemen
Elsee – Lake in the Eleskis
Alrashesh – First Court of the Alrashemni (Kingsmen), a city
Valdhera – Second Court of the Alrashemni in Alrou-Mendera, a city
Dhemman – Third Court of the Alrashemni in Alrou-Mendera, a city
Kepsburg-on-the-Rhine – Ruins, a safe-house for the Alrashemni
High Camp – High Brigade base camp, on the Elsee
Arden – A city on the coast of Alrou-Mendera
Vennet – A city on the eastern bogs, home of Vicoute Arlen den’Selthir
Rhaventia – A city in central Alrou-Mendera
Quelsis – A city in the foothills of Alrou-Mendera
Fhouria – A city in southwestern Alrou-Mendera, home of Ghrenna's Consortium
Thalanout Plain – Where most of the fighting is against Valenghia
Aphellian Way – Site of the Black Viper's slaughter
Lheshen Valley – In the mountains near Quelsis, has seen vicious fighting, now well-protected
Gerrov-Tel (Mount Gerrov) – Ruins in the Kingsmountains, site of Haled's Stone
Gerthoun – City on the border of Elsthemen and Alrou-Mendera
Lhennian – City on the plains of Alrou-Mendera
ROUSHENN PALACE
The Deephouse – A natural cavern, now a tavern in the bowels of Roushenn
Small Hall – A meeting-room in the palace for dignitaries and small events
Viewing Gallery – A portrait gallery in the palace
West Guardhouse – The Captain’s guardhouse
West Armory – Antiquities hall under Roushenn
Great Hall – Aka the Throne Hall, site of large events
Royal Galleries – A portrait gallery of the royal line
Greenhouse – Indoor palace gardens
Dawn Room – Private area for the King’s family
Receiving Hall – Main reception hall at Roushenn’s entrance
Dressing Gallery – Dressing for royal events
Central Plaza – Main fountain and trade plaza in the city
ELSTHEMEN
Lhen Fhekran – Capitol city of Elsthemen
Fhekran Palace – Therel Alramir's palace at Lhen Fhekran
Kherven Valley (Valley of Doors) – Leads from Alrou-Mendera to Lhen Fhekran, has ancient ruins
VALENGHIA
Velkennish – Capitol city of Valenghia
Palace of the Vhinesse – The White Palace in Velkennish
TOURMALINE ISLES
Straits of Luthor – Straits through the Isles
Isle of Luthor – Capitol island of the seven Tourmaline Isles
OTHER NATIONS
Thuruman (Cape of Lost Hope) – Far eastern nation
Ghrec (Sea of Ghrec, Ghreccan Desert) – Far eastern nation
Lhemvian Isles – Islands in the Archipelago of Crasos
Crasos – Island to the west of Cennetia
Jadoun, Perthe – Southwest countries to Alrou-Mendera
Unaligned Lands – To the northeast, nomadic lands
THINGS
Aeon – God of the Air, like Zeus
Aeon’s sack – A curse
Alrashemni Kingsmen – Elite fighters and peacekeepers sworn to the King of Alrou-Mendera
Arawein – A grain, like amaranth
Bales – How straw and raw goods are measured
Barreloak – A stout timber tree of Alrou-Mendera
Blackmark – A derogatory slur used for Kingsmen, refers to the mountain and stars Inking
Byrunstone (Bluestone) – Common bluegrey stone in Alrou-Mendera
Carrow-deer – A small deer in Alrou-Mendera, like a gazelle
Cendarie – Like a cedar tree
Centime – Unit of money, like a penny
Chandria – Yellow mushrooms, edible, grow in woods
Chirus Alrashemni (Alrashemni Inking) – “Dedicated of the Land” received after Eighth Seal
Claw-feet – Like crampons for climbing
Consortium – An operating group of thieves in each major city
Courhe den’Byrune – “Heart of Bluestone”, Ghrenna’s nickname from her team
Dragon-snaps – Like a snap-pea, but wild, edible
Eldunne – Like an elder tree
Eloi – A fast-climbing lizard, like a gecko
Essenac – A pain-dampening herb
Fennewith – A drug that is smoked, like opium, seeds can also be chewed, like fennel
First through Eighth Seal – Rites of passage for the Alrashemni, start at age 14, end at 21
Ghennie – A slur, refers to idle lordlings
Halsos – Lord of the Underworld, like Hades
Hecane – A measurement of mass, like a ton
High Alrakhan – The ancient Alrashemni language
Highsummer – Summer solstice
Holy Penitence – A curse
Hopt-ale – Like beer
Hopt-blume – Like hops
Jenner’s Penitent – An order of monks in Lintesh at the First Abbey
Karthor – A vengeful god of war, like Aries
Keshar – A large battle-cat/saber-tooth cat, like a cougar but huge
Khehemni – A shadowy faction in opposition to the Alrashemni
Kingskinder – Children of the Alrashemni, not yet 21
Kipper-flisk – A river fish, like trout
League – Mile (measurement)
Leavonswood, bairn, ironwood
– Different kinds of trees
Lhoru-butter – Like yak butter
Mellon-blume wine – A sweet wine
Mitlass – A type of wild-game stew
Oaths of Reinstatement – Oaths Alrashemni take before the King upon their Eight Seal at age 21
Oilcloak – Used to keep the rain off in the mountains
Pay the Fifth Price – An Alrashemni Kingsman threat, killing five people for a transgression
Rou – Currency of Alrou-Mendera, like the dollar
Seeproot, vheldan, morris-blossom – More herbs for medicine, from the southwest
Shouf – A trade grain from Alrou-Mendera