text: Roh felt a deep sense of loss as he stepped onto the repaired Saiduan ship with Luna, Maralah and Anavha. It had been three weeks since the sky broke, and not a single one of them had an ascendant star. He still woke at night, aching for Para, reaching for a power that was not there.
  
  There was no more magic in the world. Just people who used to wield it. People who remembered it.
  
  Over time, the memories of his other lives began to fade and flicker. He was aware of them most often in his dreams, when he experienced some bickering fight with Kihin, or when he woke sweating beside Kadaan, convinced that he had killed him, only to realize that was in some other life.
  
  Yisaoh met them on the deck of the ship as the wind whipped around them. "I can't believe you're going back to Aaldia," she said. "I thought you'd change your mind before today." She rubbed her fingers together, as if longing for a cigarette that was no longer there. Roh suspected she would need to find a new habit.
  
  "I like Aaldia," Roh said. "And I think we could build a life there. A different Dhai. I'm sure Meyna will be back, soon. You know you'll have to work something out, with whoever is in charge of the Dhai here."
  
  "It's just as well," Yisaoh said. "I keep expecting Mohrai to show up, some version of her resurrected by… all this. Wouldn't that be interesting?"
  
  "That's a word for it," Roh said. "But let's hope not."
  
  For Roh, there were too many memories here, too many burned out orchards and clan squares and death and battle and violent politics. He had no illusion that a Dhai he helped create in Aaldia with the survivors from the Woodland would be much different, but he hoped the past would not haunt him there as it would here.
  
  "Lots of Dhai still in the valley," Yisaoh said. "Lots of madness, too. Lost Tai Mora."
  
  "You think you can build a peaceful society that includes those Tai Mora?"
  
  "I think we can build… a different one."
  
  "Good luck."
  
  "To you, also, Roh. You think we're the lucky ones?"
  
  "Yes," Roh said. "We get to live. The ones who live get to shape what comes next."
  
  Luna held out a hand to him, and Roh took it. Kadaan walked up behind him and took his other hand. For the first time in years, Roh felt comforted. Safe. For once he did not mind being merely a passenger, a follower.
  
  He wanted to go to Aaldia and plant an orchard. He wanted to become a farmer, and die old there in his own grove, back pressed against the warm bark of a tree he had nurtured with his own two hands. He wanted to create something, to build something, because he was weary of destruction.
  
  And as he gazed over at Luna and up again at Kadaan, he had a moment of audacious hope that such a life was possible, that he could build a home with the people he loved, and that there would be generations of Dhai and Saiduan or whatever they called themselves next, and that their children, and children's children, would never have to experience what they had. Never again.
  
  Natanial did not board one of the Saiduan ship to Aaldia, though Aaldia was certainly the only home he had ever truly known. Instead he watched the ships launch into the clear, sun-kissed sea. He stood on the beach, alone, peering out at Anavha's dark head there on the deck for as long as he could before the ship's distance swallowed him.
  
  Saradyn waited beside him, turning his face up into the double suns and smacking his thick lips.
  
  "Why didn't you go with them?" Natanial asked. "I thought you'd follow that boy forever."
  
  "He was very powerful," Saradyn said, pulling at his lip. "But now… Now, I can't see his ghosts." He peered at Natanial. "Or yours, for that matter. My head feels… clearer. I feel… more myself."
  
  "Which self?"
  
  "Ah, that is the question." He peered back at the suns, and Natanial wondered what he saw there; the Thief Queen he had murdered, maybe, or married, in some other life. The children he didn't kill, the life of a tavern keep, or a drunkard, instead of a king. Natanial did not ask because he did not want to know, did not want to get all those versions of Saradyn mixed up with the monstrous self-styled former king who stood before him. It could be easy to forget who was friend and who was foe, when the world had been unmade and remade again.
  
  "I think I'll take up a trade," Saradyn said. "Making something." He held up the arm still missing a hand. "Go into making fake hands! Ha! An art!" This seemed to please him, and he began to grin and snort.
  
  "You're in a good humor."
  
  "What's left? I've already gone mad, once. I prefer humor. But you… You'll want to get back to your men."
  
  "Will I? Half of them have probably gone mad, like you. It's a long journey out of the Woodland to the valley, and I'm not sure what we'll find there."
  
  "We are all mad, now. Now you know what it's like."
  
  "There will be power upsets," Natanial said. "You could go back to Tordin and be a king, truly. Unite Tordin like you always dreamed."
  
  "That was some other man's dream."
  
  "What does this man dream?"
  
  Saradyn furrowed his brows. "I don't know."
  
  "I think I'll go down into the valley," Natanial said. "That Gian woman is bound to fill the void here, and she'll need good fighters beside her."
  
  "You will still fight?"
  
  "I don't know how to do anything else."
  
  Saradyn guffawed. "You get after that pretty boy for following, but you are just like him."
  
  "Maybe that's why I tried so hard to set him free. You make a habit of following others, thinking they will take you some place new, reveal something about you, give you some meaning. And when they don't, you find you're stuck in the same circle, trying to find comfort in servitude."
  
  "Can't relate."
  
  Natanial sighed. "I didn't expect you to." He gazed one last time at the blot of the ships along the horizon, wondering what kind of life Anavha would live without him or Zezili, without the burden of being an omajista, existing as a foreign man in a foreign land. He hoped it was a different life than the one either of them had led up to this point.
  
  "Goodbye, Saradyn," Natanial said. "You have enough water to make it back?"
  
  "Always enough," Saradyn said. "Just going to sit here for a while. I enjoy watching the sea in silence. Did you know, Natanial? The children have stopped screaming."
  
  Natanial hefted his pack and turned away from the ocean. He forged back up the beachhead and entered the cool, dark wood.
  
  Taigan settled into the warm arms of a bonsa tree, near enough the coast to watch the Saiduan ships disappear over the horizon. Taigan snoozed there until the suns began to set, considering what came next. Taigan rubbed at her itching crotch; she'd gotten another yeast infection, which made urinating painful. It appeared Taigan would mostly present to the world with female sex organs and a downy beard that Taigan found most pleasing. Taigan had tried on ataisa pronouns for a few weeks while helping the others repair the ships, but found being "she" fit just fine, for however long Taigan lived in this newly rotting body.
  
  Would she transform again? Who could say? But the wounds she had received in the slimy temple had scabbed over and healed slowly, as if she were some mundane body, just another anonymous refugee on Raisa, not special at all, not chosen.
  
  She very much enjoyed being herself, belonging to herself, in a way that had never existed for her, not in the many centuries of memory that she could still recall.
  
  "Fly, fly, little bird," Taigan called to the suns, and, though she had succeeded in avoiding such thoughts in the weeks after the satellites winked out of the sky, Taigan thought of Lilia. She considered writing a memoir of this time. Perhaps she could call it: Pretty Little Cannibals: My Life Among the Dhai. That made her laugh out loud. A good laugh that shook her chest and made it ache.
  
  Foolish Lilia, the ungifted worldshaper, the headstrong burnout, the child she had thrown off a cliff, but who had nontheless become the masterful architect of this new world.
  
  A world without the satellites. A world without magic. Without immortality. A world where they had only themselves. Taigan thought it would be a duller world, but she had found that bleeding and coughing made the experience of being alive far more exciting than it ever had been for her before.
  
  She could die now. Really die. If she chopped off someone's limb, it would stay chopped off, forever. She had watched a man in the camp fall off the ship and break a leg a few days before, and the tirajista who ran to help him had a look of utter horror and confusion as she realized she could do nothing but set the bone and bind the leg. A new world. A broken world.
  
  Taigan slid down the tree, scraping her hands as she did. She marveled again at the little flakes of skin, the small beads of blood. How extraordinary. The prick of pain, the warmth of the tree's bark, the tangy smell of the sea: it all felt somehow more brilliant, more beautiful, knowing that any moment could be the last she experienced of anything.
  
  Mortality. What a wonderful gift.
  
  EPILOGUE
  
  She lay in a field of heavy-headed poppies, staring at an empty lavender sky. Her body felt light, only a little painful. When she pressed her hand to the place where her wound had been, her tunic was still cut and crusted with blood, but there was no scar. The air was warm, like the last breath of low summer moving to high fall. The trees above her scattered a few heavy brown leaves, but were otherwise in their full splendor.
  
  Her last memory of this life, in this world, it had been spring, heading into high summer. Where had all the weeks gone? She did not know. But that other one, the Kai… Ahkio, yes, he had woken missing weeks, too, hadn't he? After going back in time, he leapt forward…
  
  Memories skipped across her mind. She remembered bringing the worlds together. But she remembered many other lives as well. She was killed by Kirana as a child, plucked from her mother's arms in the burning village. She died tumbling from a tree before she learned how to read. Taigan pushed her off the cliff, and it broke her, really broke her, and Gian did not save her. Gian, Gian… She had memories of so many Gians. The Gian who had escorted her away from Kalinda's. The Gian with the maggot-infested leg, whom she had nursed back to health. The terrible Gian who worked with Kirana. Lilia had the memory of knowing that Gian too, of an arranged marriage they had both thought they would hate, but loving each other anyway. Of walking and running without her twisted foot, but tumbling anyway, pushed from the top of the ark by one of Gian's rival generals.
  
  And more, others, but no good endings, no death where they were two old women, drunk on too much hard tea and each other. Lilia's memories were all of an early death, in every world.
  
  It was why she was still trying to understand why she had woken up again in this one.
  
  A cry came from nearby. She slowly rose, and gazed across the field of poppies. She should have known that her view from here would be of Oma's Temple. Oma did have a sense of humor. Oma, or… whatever beast or creature had helped guide them.
  
  The shrubbery parted, and Namia came racing through, standing entirely upright now, making a murmuring sound in her throat, and signing over and over, "Lilia!"
  
  Namia grabbed hold of her, knocking her back over, and Lilia grunted, the breath squeezed from her. Namia released her and kept hold of her with one hand while signing frantically with the other, so fast Lilia could not keep up. Namia was taller, Lilia noticed, her face rounder, her gangly limbs more robust. Her hair had grown, and been expertly braided with ribbons in a very lovely style that reminded Lilia just a bit of Dorinah.
  
  "Namia?"
  
  Another figure came up the hill, pressing through the poppies, and Lilia knew the voice.
  
  Gian halted when she caught sight of her. She, too, had filled out, and it gave her more softness than Lilia had seen in any of her memories. She had cut her dark hair short in the back and looped the rest up behind her into a topknot. She held a large walking stick in one hand and the lead of a large brown dog mount in the other. The dog moved its ears forward and gave a little yip.
  
  Namia signed Lilia's name again, this time in Gian's direction.
  
  "Yes, yes, I see her," Gian said. She came forward slowly, parting the poppies. "We weren't going to come up this way. It's far off the path to Mount Ahya, but Namia insisted. I see why."
  
  Lilia said, "You look well."
  
  Gian laughed at that, and then Lilia laughed too, because it was a foolish way to start, after so much time, in so strange a place.
  
  "How long has it been?" Lilia asked.
  
  "When did you get here?"
  
  "I… don't know. I remember… all those lives… do you? And I remember the orrery. Did everyone live?"
  
  "Everyone lived," Gian said, "and they carried all of their other selves, too. I suppose, then, everyone, on every world, lived. Some more so than others. Not everyone liked what they remembered."
  
  "You remember me?"
  
  "I remember all of the versions of you that you remember of me."
  
  Lilia felt her face warm, and pressed her hands against her cheeks. What a strange reaction. A foolish notion.
  
  Gian laughed. "You just got even darker!" She sobered. "We thought you were dead. A lot of people simply… blinked out, like the stars. We have a theory those were the ones who hadn't survived in most of their other lives. It's a question that will keep philosophers busy for ages. Found new religions. Which we will need, of course."
  
  Lilia gazed again at the sky. "How long has it been?"
  
  "A little more than a year."
  
  "A year… That's so much time… more than…"
  
  "You have no memory of this last year, in any life?"
  
  "No."
  
  Gian nodded behind her, at the great hulking form of Mount Ahya. "That's not so bad," she said. "I settled all of my people in, and the Kai has been easy to work with."
  
  Lilia opened her mouth to ask who the Kai was, and then realized she didn't want to know. She had never wanted to be involved in any of that; politics and games were a means to an end, to revenge. Now she felt… relief. But also an emptiness. What drove you on, after you put the world back together?
  
  Gian said, "I've a mind to climb Mount Ahya. Did you want to come? I have a… memory of us doing that, in some… other life."
  
  "Mount Ahya? It touches the sky."
  
  "Indeed. I'd like to touch the sky again."
  
  Namia signed at Lilia, "Come."
  
  "What do you remember, Namia?" Lilia asked.
  
  "Many things," Namia signed. "All here."
  
  Lilia embraced Namia again. "I'm so sorry for everything."
  
  "Don't be sorry," Gian said, "you saved more of us than I ever thought possible."
  
  "What do you think it was?" Lilia asked Gian. "The satellites? What do you think they broke?"
  
  "I think it was nothing we were supposed to understand. I think we meddled with something very old, far older than us, and misused it."
  
  "Do you think it's been trying all this time, to put us back together?"
  
  "I'm not a god, Lilia. Just a woman."
  
  Lilia struggled to her feet. Gian moved forward to help her. Lilia took her offered hand; warm and calloused, with long, lean fingers. Their gazes met. A tumble of memories. Gian would have them too. All those lives, all those deaths. They both should have winked out, if death was what destroyed the others, but here they were. Oma's sense of humor.
  
  "Maybe we'll live this time," Gian said.
  
  "Everyone dies," Lilia said, "it's just a matter of choosing what you do between now and then."
  
  "Let's climb mountains, then."
  
  They turned toward Mount Ahya, fingers entwined, heads no longer raised to the sky, but to each other.
  
  ⁂
  
  Glossary:
  
  Aaldia: Country on the southwestern shore of Grania, led by a conclave of three queens and two kings, each representing one of the five former independent states of the region.
  
  Aaldians: The people of Aaldia, a country on the southwestern shore of Grania, known for their passion for mathematics.
  
  Aaraduan: Far northeastern city in Saiduan, home to one of the infamous "living holds" of the western half of Raisa. Before the Saiduans, the city was called Roasandara, and was part of the ancient Dhai empire. The city was destroyed by the Tai Mora.
  
  Aatai: Saiduan liquor.
  
  Abas Morasorn: A Saiduan dancer at Kuonrada.
  
  Adenoak: A type of yellowish hardwood tree commonly grown in Dhai.
  
  Ahkio Javia Garika: Son of Javia Mia Sorai and Rishin Garin Badu. Li Kai. Brother to Kirana Javia Garika.
  
  Ahmur: The largest of Raisa's three moons.
  
  Aimuda Mosifa Taosina: Elder Ora of the Temple of Tira. Masura's cousin.
  
  Alaar Masoth Taar: The Patron of Saiduan; eighth in the country's current line of rulers. A tirajista.
  
  Alais Sohra Garika: Birth mother to Yisaoh Alais Garika. Married Garika clan master, Tir, and Moarsa, and Gaila.
  
  Alasu Carahin Sorila: A Kuallina militia member found dead in Clan Sorila.
  
  Albaaric: A city in Saiduan on the coast. Home city of Maralah Daonia.
  
  Alhina Sabita Sorai: Mohrai's cousin.
  
  Almeysia Maisia Sorila: An Ora and the Mistress of Novices at the Temple of Oma. A very sensitive tirajista who can call upon her powers even when Tira is in decline.
  
  Aloerian: A city in Dorinah near a dajian camp.
  
  Alorjan: An island nation currently claimed by both Saiduan and Dorinah forces. Both nations removed their forces to deal with Tai Mora matters.
  
  Amelia Novao: A Dorinah Seeker. Recruited and bound by Lilia to help her get the dajian refugees across the Dhai border.
  
  Anavha Hasaria: Zezili Hasaria's husband. Son of Gilyna Lasinya. The Empress awarded Anavha to Zezili as a token for her service.
  
  Anjoliaa: A port city in southern Saiduan.
  
  Aradan Foswen: A leader in an alternate version of Raisa.
  
  Arakam Solaan, Ren: An ataisa sanisi.
  
  Aramey Dahina Dasina: A Dhai scholar. Married to Lanilu Asaila Sorila.
  
  Arasia Marita Sorila: Temporary keeper of Liona Stronghold.
  
  Arisaa Saara: One of Alaar Masoth Taar's wives. Known as his most formidable wife, Arisaa is the mother of Alaar's most beloved sons and provides him with valued advice.
  
  Asaolina: A small village in Dorinah.
  
  Ashaar Toaan: A Saiduan scholar.
  
  Asona Harbor: Harbor on the Hareo Sea, in Clan Sorai. This defensive structure was built by Faith Ahya and Hahko in anticipation of raids from Saiduan and Dorinah.
  
  Avosta: A former member of Ghrasia Madah's militia.
  
  Azorum: A dead people conquered by the Tai Mora on their world.
  
  Bael Asaraan: Record-keeper for the archives at Kuonrada. Native of Caisau.
  
  Battle at Roasandara: A battle between the Saiduan and the ancient Dhai at the city of Roasandara, taught to every member of the Saiduan military.
  
  Bendi: A strategy game played in Dhai.
  
  Bleeding pen: A pen made from the stamens of claw-lilies.
  
  Blinding tree: A tree that emits a deadly acid that numbs flesh and can eat through skin, bone and armor.
  
  Bone Festival: One of the winter festivals held in Saiduan.
  
  Bone tree: A tree with yellowish bark and spiny branches, made of bone. It catches small animals in its branches, and secretes a poisonous sap that kills its prey.
  
  Bonsa: Large, yellow-barked trees trained to become living establishments in Dhai. Saplings are also used to create weapons infused with the breath of Para.
  
  Book of Dhai: A written set of religious practices, codes and laws followed by the Tai Mora. The book states that when Oma rises, one world will die and another will be transformed. In the book, omajistas are referred to as the hand of Oma, and will decide the fate of the worlds.
  
  Book of Laine: The holy book of Tordin.
  
  Book of Oma: A written set of religious practices, codes and laws followed in Dhai.
  
  Book of Rhea: A written set of religious practices, codes and laws followed in Dorinah.
  
  Borasau: A Tai Mora, one of Roh's captors.
  
  Broodguard: The Patron of Saiduan's personal guards.
  
  Caisa Arianao Raona: Novice at the Temple of Oma now working as Ahkio's assistant. Parajista.
  
  Caisau: A city in Saiduan just south of Isjahilde. Caisau's hold is a living building, but has been repaired so many times over the years that it is a patchwork of organic and inorganic material. 2,000 years ago, Caisau was the seat of the Dhai empire.
  
  Caratyd: A city in Tordin.
  
  Casa Maigan: An old acquaintance of Dasai's who has talamynii blood and can read old talamynii. Was part of Alaar Masoth Taar's harem in Isjahilde. Casa was left behind by the prior Patron, and inherited by Alaar.
  
  Casalyn Aurnaisa: Empress of Dorinah. Long ago, her people crossed over from another world, but many were left behind. She seeks to bring the rest over now, with the help of the Tai Mora. Other titles – Eye of Rhea, Rhea's Regent, Lord of the Seven Isles.
  
  Castaolain: A city in Dorinah.
  
  Catori: Spouse of the Kai. The current Catori is Mohrai Hona Sorai.
  
  Chali Finahin Badu: Brother of Roh; they share two mothers and three fathers but are not related by blood.
  
  Cholina: A city in Dorinah, located northeast of Daorian.
  
  Clan Adama: Named for one of Hahko and Faith Ahya's children, Clan Adama's primary exports come from its orchards, generally in the form of olives, apples, cherries, and apricots. Also known for its rice production.
  
  Clan Alia: Primary exports of Clan Alia include textiles. Also known for its rice production.
  
  Clan Badu: Clan bordering Clans Garika and Sorila, in Dhai. Politically close to Clan Garika.
  
  Clan Daora: Clan Daora, like Clan Badu, has a skill with forged pieces, including tools and weaponry, though it is much more well-known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their jewelry pieces are highly sought after in Saiduan and Aaldia.
  
  Clan Garika: Known as the most powerful single clan in Dhai, Clan Garika is the birthplace of three Kais and four Catoris. Often at the center of challenging the power and autonomy of the Kais, the clan is also an economic center and trading hub for the whole country. Goods coming up from the harbor in Sorai are generally brought to Garika for distribution and sale across the clan. Much of the population makes a living as merchants, traders, and in other skilled professions such as plumbers, hedge doctors, and clan law specialists.
  
  Clan Mutao: Smallest and least economically powerful of the Dhai clans, Clan Mutao provides some exports in mushrooms, coal, and copper, but mostly ends up working in reserves overseen by neighboring Clan Nako. Their status as a dwindling clan requiring subsistence from others to survive has led to a petition in recent years to combine clans Nako and Mutao.
  
  Clan Nako: Neighboring Clan Mutao, Clan Nako holds much of the country's wealth in copper and other metals. The sale of these materials is regulated by the clan, which manipulates supply and demand as necessary to ensure the best exported price. Such market manipulation for goods meant for sale within the country are not permitted, but exports are exempt.
  
  Clan Osono: Central clan in Dhai. Chief commodity is sheep.
  
  Clan Raona: Originally comprised of two different clans—Riana and Orsaila—Clan Roana is just a century old, and was created in an effort to tamp down the fierce feuding between the Riana and Orsaila clans, which resulted in nearly a dozen deaths, the most unnatural deaths outside of war time that the country had ever experienced. Clan Roana is loosely aligned with clans Saobina and Taosina. Primary exports include rice and wine. Raona also raises most of the sparrows used as messengers in the Dhai temples.
  
  Clan Saiz: Dhai clan. Chief commodity is timber and artisanal goods.
  
  Clan Saobina: Clan Saobina exports timber and plantstuffs - including herbal aids and medications - which it grows and mixes in its own fields and workshops. The clan borders the woodlands, and so its members tend to be called on to consult on poisonous or dangerous plant outbreaks between the clans.
  
  Clan Sorai: Named after the powerful son of the third Kai, Clan Sorai is often allied with clans Adama and Saobina in political affairs. They are also the clan responsible for the safety and security of Asona harbor, the country's single largest trading link to the outside world. The clan is generally allied closely with the Kai, and has a notorious rivalry with Clan Garika. The clan's leader is Hona Fasa Sorai.
  
  Clan Sorila: Clan nearest the Temple of Oma, in Dhai. Primary export is timber.
  
  Clan Taosina: Named for Faith Ahya's second daughter, clan Taosina - like clans Saobina and Sorila - borders the woodlands. Pottery and complex, plant-derived technologies such as bioluminescent floor or ceiling lighting solutions, self-cleaning fungus floors and the like are generally created and installed by Taosina crafters.
  
  Concordyns: A province in Tordin.
  
  Cora: A dajian who lives with Emlee.
  
  Corina Yisaoh (Tai Mora): Yisaoh's daughter, being raised by the Tai Mora versions of Kirana and Yisaoh.
  
  Coryana Puyak: A friend of Natanial's who trains gifted on how to draw on the satellites' powers.
  
  Dajian: In Dorinah, enslaved Dhai people are called dajians. Often they are branded with the mark of the family that owns them.
  
  Dakar: Zezili Hasaria's dog mount.
  
  Daolyn: Owned by Zezili Hasaria, housekeeper and dajian.
  
  Daorian: The fortress seat of the Empress of Dorinah. A city of the same name rose up around the fortress on the ruins of the former Saiduan city of Diamia.
  
  Dasai Elasora Daora (Dhai): An elder Ora, over a century old. One of Ahkio Javia Garika's teachers. In Dasai's youth, he was a slave to the Patron of Saiduan at that time.
  
  Dasai Elasora (Tai Mora): Tai Mora magistrate in charge at Caisau.
  
  Dayns: A runt dog belonging to Saradyn.
  
  Dhai: Small country located on the northwest corner of the island of Grania, an island at the far tip of the Saiduan continent. Also the name of the people inhabiting this country. Modern Dhai was established 500 years ago by former slaves fleeing their masters in the neighboring country of Dorinah. It's said the satellite called Sina was especially powerful during that time, allowing Dhai sinajistas, who outnumbered sinajistas among the Dorinah, to escape their servitude.
  
  Dhai has been led by a series of leaders given the title Kai. The title is hereditary and passes through the mother's lineage to the child with the greatest ability to call on the power of the satellites.
  
  Dhorin: A unit of currency used in Dorinah.
  
  Dorinah: A matriarchal country on the northeast shore of Grania, ruled by a long line of Empresses. The country is roughly 1800 years old, and relies on the enslaved labor of Dhai people - known locally as dajians - to sustain its infrastructure and economy. The flag depicts the Eye of Rhea on a purple background.
  
  Driaa Saarik, Shao: An atasia sanisi. Sent to Alorjan to shore up the island for Saiduan's retreat. Recommended by Maralah to meet with the Dhai party sent to Saiduan. Born in Tordin.
  
  Dryan: A city in Dorinah.
  
  Elaiko Sirana Nako: An Ora at the Temple of Oma and assistant to Nasaka Lokana Saiz.
  
  Emlee: Gifted healer and midwife in a dajian camp, now liberated.
  
  Empresses of Dorinah: The line of Empresses in Dorinah began 1800 years ago, when a green-eyed foreign sorceress expelled Saiduan from the fortress of Daorian.
  
  Enforcers: Members of the Dorinah military who capture wandering men or dajians and return them to where they belong.
  
  Esao Josa: Granddaughter of Nirata Josa. Esao is killed when a gate summoned by her grandmother closes on her.
  
  Etena Mia Soria: Ahkio Javia Garika's aunt, Etena was driven mad by her own power and supplanted as Kai by her sister, Javia Mia Sorai. Exiled from Dhai.
  
  Everpine: The scent of this tree dissuades bugs and most sentient plants. Travelers through the Woodland apply the scent to sleeping rolls and other supplies they want to remain undisturbed.
  
  Fasia's Point: A fingerling peninsula in the Dhai Woodland that juts into the sea.
  
  Faith Ahya: Faith Ahya is regarded as the mother of the newest incarnation of the Dhai nation, founded five hundred years before when she led an uprising of Dhai slaves in Dorinah. With her lover Hahko, she established the Dhai nation in one of the most contaminated areas on the planet, one few other nations would touch. For five hundred years, the descendants of her eldest and most gifted children have ruled Dhai as the Kai, or "First Dhai."
  
  In the dajian version of the legend, Faith Ahya is betrayed by her lover Hahko, killed, and hung from the ramparts of Daorian. She then ascended to the peak of Mount Ahya and was engulfed by the light of Sina. It is said she will return to the world when she is needed.
  
  In a story in Fifteenth Century Dhai Romances, Faith Ahya was a slave from Aaldia. She carried the child of an enslaved Dhai, and was a pitiful and self-serving character.
  
  Faith's Rally: A Dhai song about Faith Ahya establishing the first clan.
  
  Faralis Mosa Daora: A member of the Liona militia.
  
  Farosi Sana Nako: A militia man, leader of a group of Oras and militia sent out to search Dhai for assassins. His group located and killed five of the assassins. Head of the militia at the Temple of Oma.
  
  Faythe: A story from Fifteenth Century Dhai Romances, in which Faith Ahya was a slave from Aaldia. She carried the child of an enslaved Dhai, and was a pitiful figure.
  
  Faytin Villiam: A Tordinian historian who recorded events during the time of the Thief Queen.
  
  Fellwort: A plant trap that consists of a pit filled with poisonous green bile.
  
  Festival of Para's Ascendance: A festival held on the day when parajistas are at the height of their power.
  
  Fifteenth Century Dhai Romances: A book of Dhai history written by Dorinahians. Includes the story "Faythe."
  
  Finahin Humey Garika: One of Roh's mothers.
  
  Flame flies: Flies that create light, used in lanterns.
  
  Floxflass: A yellow, thorned plant that moves to constrict prey in its tendrils.
  
  Forsia tubers: A tuber that is poisonous if not deveined. Root of forsia lillies.
  
  Foryer Galind: One of Anavha's guards in Tordin.
  
  Fouria Orana Saiz: A Kuallina militia member found dead at the bottom of a well in Clan Sorila.
  
  Fox-snaps: Plant defenses used outside Woodland Dhai homes to protect them from dangerous wild plants.
  
  Gaila Karinsa Pana: Near-mother to Yisaoh Alais Garika. Married to Alais, Tir and Moarsa.
  
  Gaiso Lonai Garika (Dhai): Elder Ora of the Temple of Oma in Dhai. She was responsible for the overall functioning of the temple and care of the people therein. Cousin to Tir Salarihi Garika. Replaced by Ora Soruza Morak Sorai.
  
  Gaiso Lonai (Tai Mora): Tai Mora parajista company general. One of Kirana's four line commanders.
  
  Gasira: A city in Tordin; the seat of Saradyn's power.
  
  Ghakar Korsaa: Dance teacher at Kuonrada.
  
  Ghrasia Madah Taosina: Ghrasia's mother was originally of Clan Mutao, but relocated to Taosina and named Ghrasia for that clan. Ghrasia went on to become a hero – the Dhai general who defeated the Dorinahians during the Pass War. She is currently the head of the military forces stationed at Kuallina Stronghold and Liona Stronghold. An old friend and lover of Ahkio's mother, Ghrasia is allied with him.
  
  Gian Mursia: Former dajian servant in Daorian with latent skill in calling on the satellites.
  
  Gian Mursia Badu (Tai Mora): A tirajista Tai Mora raised on Raisa prime in Clan Badu, and directed to accompany Lilia Sona by Kalinda Lasa.
  
  Giska: An Aaldian, one of Nusi's siblings.
  
  Gonsa trees: Great trees which are hollowed out by tirajistas for use as homes in Dhai.
  
  Gorosa Malia Osono: Head of the hold at Kuallina.
  
  Grania: The island continent that is home to the countries of Dhai, Dorinah, Aaldia and Tordin, located at the far tip of the Saiduan continent.
  
  Guise of the Heart: A Dorinah romantic political thriller set in Daorian a century ago.
  
  Hadaoh Alais Garika: Husband to Meyna Salisia Mutao and brother to Rhin Gaila Garika, Lohin Alais Garika and Yisaoh Alais Garika.
  
  Hague Gasan: Steward at the Gasiran hold.
  
  Hahko: Hahko was a former slave in Dorinah, and aided his lover Faith Ahya in leading the uprising of the Dhai slaves from the scullery of Daorian. The two became the first rulers of the independent Dhai state, the first in over eighteen hundred years, after the defeat of the Dhai by the Saiduan roughly the same time ago. Like many slaves in Dorinah before and since, Hahko had only one given name.
  
  Halimey Farai Sorila: A young parajista who works with Ghrasia to look for Tai Mora assassins living in Dhai. A member of the Liona militia.
  
  Haloria Tarisa: Syre Storm's second in command.
  
  Harajan: A city in Saiduan, south of Kuonrada. Contains an old hold built by the Talamynii that borders an underground sea.
  
  Harina Fiaza Taosina: Newly appointed Ora. Sinajista.
  
  Hasao: Meyna's child, Li Kai.
  
  Himsa: A Tai Moran scholar.
  
  Hirosa Mosana Badu: Clan leader of Clan Badu.
  
  Hona Fasa Sorai: Leader of Clan Sorai.
  
  Honorin Sholash: A Tai Mora military leader.
  
  Hrollief: Southern continent on the western half of Raisa.
  
  Huraasa Firaas, Ren: Sanisi in charge of shoring up the Saiduan retreat to Anjoliaa.
  
  Isaila Larano Raona: Tir Salarihi Garika's apprentice clan leader at Clan Garika. Her mother was clan leader before Tir. Isaila was given the clan leader seat after Ahkio exiled Tir and his family.
  
  Isjahilde: A city in northern Saiduan, Isjahilde has been the country's political center for thousands of years.
  
  Isoail Rosalina: A powerful parajista living near Lake Morta in Dorinah. One of the Empress of Dorinah's seekers.
  
  Jakobi Torisa Garika: Ahkio's third cousin. Chosen to accompany Ahkio to Clan Osono to meet with the clan leaders.
  
  Janifa: A city on the coast in Dorinah.
  
  Jasoi (Januvar) of Lind: Native to Tordin, Jasoi's title among the Dorinah is Syre. She is Zezili Hasaria's second-in-command,
  
  Javia Mia Sorai: Former Kai of the Dhai. Ahkio and Kirana's mother. Javia became Kai after exiling her sister Etena, who was so gifted that she went mad.
  
  Joria: An outer island to the north of Dorinah.
  
  Jovonyn: A coastal city in Dorinah.
  
  Kadaan Soagan, Ren: A sanisi, and one of Maralah Daonia's first students. Left hand of the Patron of Saiduan. Called the Shadow of Caisau. A parajista.
  
  Kai: Honorific used for the leader of the Dhai people. The title of "Kai" means "First," and was used in reference to the eldest daughter of former slaves Hahko and Faith Ahya, who are credited with founding the country. The line follows the most gifted in a family, no matter their sex or gender. Though the Kai is the leader of the Dhai, they do not have absolute rule in the country; they are held accountable to clan leaders, their Ora advisors, and the people themselves. The Kai's duties are as a religious and political figure, negotiator of contracts with other countries, and arbitrator of disputes between the clans.
  
  Kai Saohinla Savasi: Kai sometime before Kirana. Visited the heart of Oma's temple after the battle of Roasandara.
  
  Kakolyn Kotaria: A legion commander in Dorinah whose estate was sold off to pay her debts. Her title in the Dorinah military is "Syre." Kakolyn was ordered by the Empress to purge Seekers from Dorinah.
  
  Kalinda Lasa: A parajista Tai Mora who has traveled to many worlds. She was the keeper of a wayhouse in Dhai on the road to Garika, and was killed by Tai Mora. Kalinda grew up with Nava Sona, and aided Lilia when she was separated from her mother.
  
  Karoi: One of four kinds of nocturnal scavengers in the Dhai Woodlands. The karoi is a vicious black raptor.
  
  Karosia Soafin: Local priest and tirajista in the region of Zezili Hasaria's estate in Dorinah.
  
  Keeper Takanaa: Keeper of the Patron of Saiduan's house.
  
  Kidolynai: A city in Dorinah.
  
  Kihin Moarsa Garika: A novice at the Temple of Oma. Tir Salarihi Garika's youngest son. He was killed in Saiduan.
  
  Kimey Falmey Nako: Defensive forms teacher in Clan Osono.
  
  Kindar: A cooperative game of strategy played in Dhai. Pieces are wooden figures that represent family members.
  
  Kirana Javia Garika (Dhai): Former Kai of the Dhai. Sister to Akhio Javia Garika. Daughter of Javia Mia Sorai.
  
  Kirana Javia (Tai Mora): Kai of the Tai Mora. Said to be the savior of the Tai Mora, this version of Kirana seeks to save her people from the destruction of their world. A tirajista with some sensitivity to Oma.
  
  Korloria Fanis: Tai Mora attendant to the slaves translating texts in Caisau.
  
  Kosoli Mashida: One of Roh's captors.
  
  Kovaas Sorataan, Ren: A sanisi in Maralah's trusted circle.
  
  Kuallina Stronghold: Hold where Dhai militia are stationed, captained by Ghrasia Madah Taosina.
  
  Kuonrada: A mountain city in Saiduan, built for cold weather and strong defense.
  
  Ladiosyn: A city in Dorinah.
  
  Laine: The god that many pray to in Tordin, and the preferred religious figure of King Saradyn Lind. The satellites are known as Laine's Sons. Oma is called Laine's Eye.
  
  Lake Morta: Lake in a remote part of Dorinah. The lake is the subject of many Dorinah stories, and is considered to be a holy place blessed by Rhea. It is a spot where it requires less energy to travel between worlds. As a result, people from other worlds often appear here.
  
  Lake Orastina: A lake north of Lake Morta in Dorinah.
  
  Laralyn Maislyn: A seeker who ends up in the same dajian camp Lilia is in. Recruited and bound by Lilia to help her get the dajian refugees across the Dhai border.
  
  Larn: A dajian who lives with Emlee.
  
  Lasli Laodysin: See Syre Storm.
  
  Li Kai: Successor to the Kai.
  
  Liaro Tarisa Badu: Ahkio Javia Garika's cousin.
  
  Lilia Sona: Scullery maid (drudge) at the Temple of Oma, originally from mirror Raisa. Daughter of Nava Sona. An omajista.
  
  Line: A sort of living transportation system in which people travel in chrysalises.
  
  Liona Stronghold: Hold that occupies the pass next to the valley that cuts through the mountain range separating Dhai and Dorinah. The building itself is a construct of parajista-shaped stone and tirajista-trained trees and vines. The forces stationed here are captained by Ghrasia Madah Taosina.
  
  Litany of Breath: A litany that helps focus the user to draws on the power of the satellites.
  
  Litany of Sounding: Defensive litany used by parajistas.
  
  Litany of the Chrysalis: A litany that condenses the air around a parajista into a solid bubble.
  
  Litany of the Palisade: A litany recited by parajistas to construct shields made of air.
  
  Litany of the Spectral Snake: An offensive litany.
  
  Litany of Unbinding: A litany to break a binding trap set by another jista.
  
  Livia Hasaria: Zezili Hasaria's mother. A tirajista who specializes in the creation of mirrors infused with the power of Tira. Resides in the city of Saolina.
  
  Lohin Alais Garika (Dhai): Husband to Kirana Javia Garika. Brother to Yisaoh, Rhin and Hadaoh. Former Catori of the Kai. Killed in an attempted coup.
  
  Lohin Alais (Tai Mora): A Tai Mora infantry commander's squire and intelligence officer.
  
  Lord's Book of Unmaking: A book with appendices that include love poetry written to Oma by a sixth century Saiduan scholar.
  
  Luna: A Dhai bound to Saiduan and a scholar of Dhai matters. Once a Woodland Dhai, Luna was caught by a Dorinah raiding party and sold to the Saiduan.
  
  Madah Ghrasia Mutao: Ghrasia's daughter.
  
  Madah Ghrasia (Tai Mora): One of Kirana's four line commanders in the Tai Mora army.
  
  Mahinla Torsa Sorila: A dying woman from Raona.
  
  Mahuan powder: An herbal treatment for asthma, mixed with water and then ingested.
  
  Maralah Daonia, Shao: Sanisi, one of the Patron of Saiduan's generals. Sinajista. Sister of Rajavaa Daonia. Also known as the Sword of Albaaric.
  
  Mardanas: Brothels in the religious quarter of Dorinah cities where male prostitutes serve Rhea by pleasuring women. Also called "cat-houses."
  
  Marhin Rasanu Badu: A Kuallina militia member, lover of Ahkio, found dead in Clan Sorila.
  
  Marister Fen: A Tai Mora infantry member, originally from a country called Osadaina there.
  
  Masis Avura: A Tai Mora stargazer.
  
  Masoth Chaigaan Taar, Shas: A sanisi and Alaar Masoth Taar's eldest son.
  
  Masura Gailia Saobina: Elder Ora of the Temple of Tira, Masura oversees everyday management of that temple. Was once a lover of Javia Mia Sorai.
  
  Matias Hinsa Raona: Ora and doctor at the Temple of Oma. Now deceased.
  
  Mays Krynn: A guard at the Gasiran hold in Tordin.
  
  Mey-mey: Meyna's eldest daughter.
  
  Meyna Salisia Mutao: Ahkio Javia Garika's housemater and lover. Wife to Hadaoh Alais Garika and Rhin Gaila Garika. Meyna and her family were exiled from Dhai by Ahkio, for their kinship to Tir Salarihi Garika.
  
  Mihina Lorina Nako: Parajista.
  
  Moarsa Fahinama Badu: Near-mother to Yisaoh Alais Garika. Wife to Tir, Moarsa and Alais.
  
  Mohrai Hona Sorai: Catori of Dhai, married to Ahkio. Daughter of the leader of Clan Sorai, Hona Fasa Sorai.
  
  Moira (Tai Mora): Kirana and Yisaoh's child. Adopted from Kirana's cousin.
  
  Mora: The small red sun in the sky over Raisa.
  
  Mordid: Village in Tordin with about 300 residents.
  
  Morsaar Koryn: Rajavaa Daonia's best friend, lover, and second in command of the what remains of the Saiduan army. Started his military career as an assistant cook for the army when he was young.
  
  Morvern's drake: Broad leafed plant which grows in boggy areas whose roots are crushed and used as a sudsing agent for scouring and cleaning.
  
  Mount Ahya: A mountain in Dhai, located to the east of the Temple of Oma.
  
  Mundin Mountains: Mountains at the northern border of Tordin.
  
  Mur: One of the three moons of Raisa, Mur is irregularly shaped.
  
  Mysa Joasta: Tai Mora omajista.
  
  Nahinsa: A Tai Moran woman and Keeper Dasai's secretary
  
  Naldri Fabita Badu: Elder Ora of the Temple of Para.
  
  Namia: A young girl who travels with Lilia
  
  Naori Gasila Alia: A powerful parajista. Ahkio's third cousin once removed.
  
  Nasaka Lokana Saiz: An Ora at the Temple of Oma. Ahkio Javia Garika's aunt. Religious and political advisor to the Kai. Sinajista.
  
  Natanial Thorne of Yemsire: A Tordin man who kidnaps Anavha Hasaria.
  
  Nava Sona: Lilia's mother, from the world of the Tai Mora. Led a rebellion that took 200 omajista children and hid them across many worlds.
  
  Nirata Josa: An omajista. Kin to Gian Mursia Badu.
  
  Novoso Mora: The Tai Moran name for the country that was once Dhai.
  
  Nusi: An Aaldian.
  
  Ohanni Rorhina Osono: A parajista and dance teacher at the Temple of Oma.
  
  Old Galind: A city in Tordin.
  
  Oma: The dark star, a heavenly body which appears in the above Raisa every 2,000 years (or so). The light it shines is red.
  
  Omajista: Sorcerers with the ability to channel Oma. Those with this power can open gateways between worlds and across distances, raise the dead, enhance the powers of others, call fire, and perform many other feats as yet unknown.
  
  On Violence: A political philosophy book by Empress Penelodyn, former ruler of Tordin. Saradyn had it translated and carries it with him.
  
  Ora: Title/honorific for a Dhai magician-priest, who is able to channel the power of Oma, Sina, Tira, or Para. Oras often act as teachers in the temples of Dhai.
  
  Oravan: A Tai Moran servant.
  
  Orhin: A Tai Moran scholar.
  
  Osadaina: A country on Empress Kirana of the Tai Mora's Raisa that has no equivalent on prime Raisa.
  
  Otolyn: A Tordinian woman and Nataniel's second.
  
  Pana Woodlands: A woodland area in Dhai near the Temple of Oma.
  
  Para: Para, Lord of the Air, one of the satellites that appears sporadically above Raisa. Para's light is blue.
  
  Parajista: The common name for sorcerers who can channel Para when it is ascendant can manipulate the air levitate, effect weather, or form shields, barriers, or vortices. In Tordin they are often called wind witches.
  
  Pasinu Hasva Sorai: Nasaka's new apprentice. Near-cousin to Mohrai, on her third mother's side.
  
  Pass War: A war in which the Dhai, led by Ghrasia Madah Taosina, defeated Dorinah. The war started when 800 dajians escaped Dorinah and came to Liona Stronghold, begging for mercy and entrance to Dhai. Ghrasia would not let them in, and they were slaughtered by the pursuing Dorinah.
  
  Patron of Saiduan: Leader of the Saiduan. Powerful Saiduan families have traditionally gone to war for the Patron seat. Since it was established, eighteen different families have ruled Saiduan. When a new family rises to power, the prior family's adults are killed and the children raised as slaves.
  
  Patron Osoraan Mhoharan: Patron of Saiduan before Alaar Masoth Taar.
  
  Penelodyn: Sister to the Empress of Dorinah. Ruled Tordin before being unseated by the Thief Queen.
  
  People's Temple: Also known as the fifth Dhai temple, long lost beneath the sea.
  
  Pherl: A dajian man with a flesh-eating disease who is cared for by Emlee and Lilia.
  
  Pol: A boy in Old Galind who gives away the rebels to Saradyn.
  
  Rainaa: A slave of the Patron of Saiduan.
  
  Rajavaa Daonia: Maralah Daonia's brother, and Captain-General in charge of a Saiduan military regiment. Rajavaa becomes Patron after Alaar Masoth Taar is killed.
  
  Ranana Talisina Saiz: The defense forms teacher at the Temple of Oma.
  
  Rasaa Goara: Saiduan man who pursues Luna.
  
  Rasandan Parada: A dancer at Kuonrada.
  
  Rasina Tatalia: Tai Mora infantry commander. Lohin's mother through marriage.
  
  Ren: A title among the Saiduan sanisi indicative of relative talent. Most powerful are Shao, then Ren, Tal and Shas.
  
  Rhea: The goddess of Dorinah religion. Para, Sina and Tira are said to be her daughters. The Empress of Dorinah is also known as Rhea's divine. In Dorinah scripture, Rhea's Eye is a name for Oma.
  
  Rhin Gaila Garika: Husband to Meyna Salisia Mutao and brother to Hadaoh Alais Garika, Lohin Alais Garika and Yisaoh Alais Garika.
  
  Rimey Lorina Riona: A former student of Ahkio's from Clan Osono. Relocated to the Temple of Oma to serve as Ahkio's assistant.
  
  Rishin Garin Badu: Javia's Catori and Nasaka's brother.
  
  Rohandaar: A dead city from Tordin's history.
  
  Rohinmey Tadisa Garika: Novice parajista at the Temple of Oma, with the ability to see through wards. Son of Finahin Humey Garika, Tadisa Sinhasa Garika, and Madinoh Ladisi Badu. Brother of Chali Finahin Badu.
  
  Romey Sahina Osono: A former student of Ahkio Javia Garika's, whose body was found in a sheep field in Clan Osono. Presumed to have been killed by Tai Mora agents.
  
  Rosh Mev: A young woman who started a rebellion in Old Galind.
  
  Ryn: A city in Dorinah.
  
  Ryyi: A leader among the Seekers.
  
  Sabasao Orsana Adama: Assistant to Ora Una.
  
  Sagasarian Sea: A sea to the north of Dorinah.
  
  Sai Hofsha Sorek: Emissary of the Tai Mora.
  
  Sai Monshara: One of the top generals of the Tai Mora, Monshara is tasked to work with Zezili Hasaria to eradicate the dajians in Dorinah. Monshara is the daughter of the former Empress of Dorinah on the Tai Mora version of Raisa. One of Kirana's four line commanders.
  
  Saiduan: Large empire which rules the northwestern continent on Raisa. The continent itself is also called Saiduan. The empire is led by the Patron, the eighth in the country's latest family line of rulers. Powerful Saiduan families have traditionally gone to war for this seat. Since it was established, eighteen different families have ruled Saiduan.
  
  Salifa: A Tirajista traveling with Lilia.
  
  Sanctuary: A room at the heart of the Temple of Oma where the Dhai clan elders traditionally meet to discuss issues of government.
  
  Sanisi: The conjurer-assassins of Saiduan. Sanisi carry weapons infused with the power of the satellites.
  
  Saofi: The Empress of Dorinah's dajian secretary.
  
  Saolina: A small town in Dorinah where Zezili Hasaria's mother lives.
  
  Saolyndara: A dajian camp in Dorinah.
  
  Saradyn of Lind: King of Tordin, he is struggling to unite the constantly warring factions in the country. Can see "ghosts," which he believes to be a cursed power bestowed on him by one of the satellites.
  
  Saronia Sasis Sorai: A former novice Ora.
  
  Saurika Halania Osono: Clan leader of Clan Osono.
  
  Sazhina: A dajian. Pherl's sister.
  
  Screes: A strategy game played in Dhai.
  
  Sea of Haraeo: The sea that separates Dhai and Saiduan.
  
  Seara: A winter month in the Dorinah calendar.
  
  Sebastyn: An outer island to the north of Dorinah.
  
  Seeker Sanctuary: The training location for Dorinah's gifted. Seekers in Dorinah have their licenses to practice magic renewed here.
  
  Seekers: The Empress of Dorinah's assassins. The seekers have the ability to channel the satellites, a rare talent in Dorinah.
  
  Sel oil: A flammable oil.
  
  Shanigan Saromei Dasina: A senior Ora and mathematics teacher at the Temple of Oma.
  
  Shao: A title among the Saiduan sanisi indicative of relative talent. Most powerful are Shao, then Ren, Tal and Shas.
  
  Shas: A title among the Saiduan sanisi indicative of relative talent. Most powerful are Shao, then Ren, Tal and Shas.
  
  Sindaa Mokaa, Shao: Commander of the sanisi at Harajan.
  
  Shar: The large double helix "sun" in the sky over Raisa, actually twin stars which exchange mass as they rotate one another. Also called "the sisters."
  
  Shodav: A dancer and old friend of Dasai and Luna. A former slave.
  
  Shoratau: A prison in Saiduan, located northeast of Kuonrada. Shoratau houses prisoners who were thought to possibly be useful later.
  
  Shova Hom: A Tai Mora omajista.
  
  Siira: The Dhai name of a winter month of the year.
  
  Silafa Emiri Pana: A young, newly appointed Ora, part of Ahkio's most trusted circle.
  
  Sina: A satellite that appears over Raisa, also called the Lord of Unmaking. Sina's light is violet.
  
  Sinajista: Sorcerers who can channel the power of Sina when it is ascendant. Their abilities may include calling fire, raising the dead, transmuting or transforming substances, removing wards, and prophecy.
  
  Sloe: A runt dog belonging to Saradyn.
  
  Sokai Vasiya: A seeker who ends up in the same dajian camp Lilia is in. Recruited and bound by Lilia to help her get the dajian refugees across the Dhai border.
  
  Sola: A young girl refugee on boat escaping Saiduan with Luna.
  
  Song of Davaar: A song used to focus power to creates an intricate net.
  
  Song of One Breath: A song used to control the power of Oma, taught to Lilia by Taigan.
  
  Song of Sorrow: An omajista litany.
  
  Song of the Dead: A litany of remembrance.
  
  Song of the Cactus: An attack litany.
  
  Song of the Mountain: An offensive litany.
  
  Song of the Pearled Wall: Defensive litany.
  
  Song of the Proud Wall: A defensive litany.
  
  Song of the Water Spider: An offensive litany.
  
  Song of the Wind: An offensive litany.
  
  Song of Unmaking: Litany that cuts a person off from their ability to draw on a satellite. Temporary, and easy to counter once one has become skilled.
  
  Sorana Hasaria: Zezili's youngest sister.
  
  Sorat: Emlee's nephew.
  
  Soruza Morak Sorai: Replacement for Gaiso in overseeing Oma's Temple. A jista from the Temple of Tira.
  
  Sorvaraa: Saiduan city south of Harajan.
  
  Soul stealer: Saiduan term for a sinajista at the height of their power. Some sinajistas can capture and harness the soul or life essence of those they slay in their infused blades.
  
  Sovaan Ortaa, Ren: A sanisi.
  
  Sovonia: A seer and rebel leader on another version of Raisa.
  
  Storm, Syre: The Empress of Dorinah's only male legion commander. Not permitted to fight, but commands others. Given name – Lasli Laodysin.
  
  Suari Febek: A Tai Mora stargazer.
  
  Sulana Ofasa Daora: Parajista and Ora.
  
  Tadisa Sinhasa Garika: One of Roh's mothers. Also mother of Chali Tadisa Badu.
  
  Taigan Masaao, Shao: An outcast sanisi aligned with Maralah, bound to her with a ward, after she was able to spare Taigan's life when Taigan betrayed the Patron. Taigan has since been tasked with finding additional omajistas to help the Saiduan fight the Tai Mora.
  
  Tai Mora: The invaders. The Tai Mora seek to escape through a permanent gate from mirror Raisa before their world is destroyed by the ascendance of Oma.
  
  Tal (person): A dajian. Pherl's sister.
  
  Tal (title): A title among the Saiduan sanisi indicative of relative talent. Most powerful are Shao, then Ren, Tal and Shas.
  
  Talahina: A Tai Moran scholar.
  
  Talamynii: Former allies of the Dhai, when the Dhai were a powerful nation. The Talamynii tamed wolves and used them as mounts. More fearsome than the Dhai, they were wiped out by the Saiduan. The few who remained intermarried with Saiduan people and their culture was subsumed by the broader one.
  
  Talisa Gaiko Raona: Leader of Clan Raona.
  
  Tanasai Laosina: Near-cousin to Zezili Hasaria. Tanasai was raised as part of Zezili's family after the death of her mother, but was seen as a burden by Zezili's mother.
  
  Tanays Heydan: Saradyn's second in command.
  
  Taodalain Hasaria: Zezili Hasaria's sister. Daughter to Livia Hasaria.
  
  Tasia Gohina Garika (Dhai): A young girl separated from her family.
  
  Tasia Gohina (Tai Mora): Kirana and Yisaoh's child. Adopted from Kirana's cousin.
  
  Temple of Oma: A temple dedicated to Oma. Located in Dhai at the tip of the Fire Gate peninsula. The building itself is a living thing, made of some unknown combination of organic matter.
  
  Temple of Tira: A Dhai temple located deep within the Woodland. Somehow repels nearby dangerous plants. Its grounds contain the most renowned gardens in Dhai.
  
  The Cage: A mountain range in Dorinah, near Lake Morta.
  
  The Lament of Hahko: A very old Dhai ballad.
  
  Tumbleterrors: A semi-sentient plant that propels itself through the woodland using massive tentacles. Moves in packs.
  
  Thief Queen: Unseated Penelodyn and attempted to take power in Tordin. Was killed by Saradyn Lind. Also known as Quilliam of the Mountain Fortress, Quill of Galind, Quill the Thief Queen. Was once Saradyn's ward.
  
  Ti-Li, Keeper: The keeper of Oma's Temple.
  
  Tir Salarihi Garika: Clan leader of Clan Garika. Father to Yisaoh Alais Garika, Hadaoh Alais Garika, Rhin Gaila Garika, Lohin Alais Garika and Kihin Moarsa Garika. Exiled.
  
  Tira: Name of the satellite also referred to as Lord of the Living. Tira's light is green.
  
  Tirajista: Sorcerers who can channel the power of Tira when it is ascendant, which gives them the power to heal flesh and grow/train plants and other organics. Tirajistas are also skilled in the creation of wards.
  
  Tolda: A dajian.
  
  Tongue Mountains: Mountains in Tordin.
  
  Tordin: Country on the southeastern shore of Grania, led currently by a King named Saradyn Lind. Constantly in a state of civil war. Was led by the Empress of Dorinah's sister, Penelodyn, before she was unseated by the Thief Queen. The country is difficult to unite because of its geography—cities are far apart, and the terrain is hilly. Dangerous plants spring up again quickly after being cut.
  
  Tulana Nikoel, Ryii: Leader of the seekers hiding in the dajian camp where Lilia is held. An omajista.
  
  Una Morinis Raona: Gatekeeper of the Temple of Oma.
  
  Vestaria Mauvia: A Tai Mora at Caisau.
  
  Voralyn Jovyn: A Dorinah Seeker recruited and bound by Lilia to help her get the dajian refugees across the Dhai border.
  
  Water lily spiders: Semi-sentient plants that filter water when they breathe.
  
  Willowthorn: Thorny weeping tree with small leaves which grows up to 175 feet tall. Saplings are infused with the power of Sina to create infused weapons.
  
  Wind witches: Name for parajistas in Tordin.
  
  Woodland Dhai: Those who have been exiled from – or who chose to exile themselves from –the Dhai settlements in the valley. The Woodland Dhai have a different dialect than those in the valley.
  
  Wraisau Kilia, Ren: A sanisi.
  
  Yisaoh Alais Garika (Dhai): Yisaoh once contested Javia Mia Sorai for the title of Kai. Daughter of Tir Salarihi Garika. Sister of Rhin Gaila Garika, Hadaoh Alais Garika, Lohin Alais Garika and Kihin Moarsa Garika.
  
  Yisaoh Alais Garika (Tai Mora): Married to the Tai Mora leader, Kirana Javia.
  
  Yivsa Afinisla: One of Kirana's four line commanders.
  
  Zezili Hasaria (Raisa Prime): Captain general of Dorinah's eastern force. Zezili's mother, Livia Hasaria, is a titled Dorinah and her father a dajian, making her half Dhai. Her title is Syre.
  
  Zezili Hasaria (Mirror): Incited a revolt against the Tai Mora and killed Kirana Javia's Tai Mora father. Worked on the massive mirror the Tai Mora created to facilitate entry to prime Raisa, but was eventually killed for refusing to cooperate.
  
  Zini: The smallest of Raisa's three moons.