A Magic of Dawn (88 page)

The six days of the week in Nessantico are named after major deities in the Toustour. The week begins with Cénzidi (Cénzi’s Day), and follows with Vuctadi, Mizzkdi, Gostidi, Draiordi, and Parladi

“God’s Will”—the rules and regulations that make up the tenets followed by those of the Concénzia Faith.

“Chamber servants,” the servants whose task it is to attend to the Kraljiki or Kraljica in their bedchamber. Only highly trusted servants are given this assignment.

Within Nessantico and most of the Holdings, the family names follow the female line. A man will (except in rare cases) upon marriage take his wife’s family name, and all children (without exception) take the family name of the matarh. In the event of the death of a wife, the widower will usually retain his wife’s family name until remarried. Status within society is determined by a prefix to the family name. In rising order, they are: none, ce’(pronounced Keh), ci’ (Kee), cu’ (Koo), ca’ (Kah).

The loose alliance between Firenzcia and states that have seceded from the Holdings: Firenzcia, Sesemora, Miscoli, East and West Magyaria.

The title for the ruler of Sforzia.

“Guard” or “soldier” (used interchangeably). The plural is Gardai.

A euphemism for homosexuality.

The city guard of Brezno in Firenzcia.

The army of the country of Nessantico. Not the largest force (that’s the army of Firenzcia), but the Garde Civile directs all the armies of the Holdings in war situations.

The city guard of Nessantico. Based in the Bastida, their insignia is a bronze dragon’s skull. The common ranks are “gardai” (ranging from a prefix of e’ to a’), the officers are “offizier” (also ranging from a prefix of e’ to a’). The highest rank in the Garde Kralji is Commandant.

The bureaucratic organization responsible for maintaining the rolls of family names, and for assigning the official prefixes of rank to them.

“Creator of Peace”—the popular title for the late Kraljica Marguerite I. For three decades under her rule, there were no major wars within the Holdings.

The term for the high-class courtesans with ca’-and-cu’ patrons.

Leg armor.

The “False World” Ball—takes place every year in Nessantico.

Ruler of West Magyaria. East Magyaria also uses the same title.

A short chain mail coat.

The title for the ruler of Firenzcia. “Hïrzgin” is the feminine form, and “A’Hïrzg” is the term for either the female or male heir.

“The Way.” The Ilmodo is a pervasive energy that can be shaped through the use of ritualized chants, perfected and codified by the Concénzia Faith. The Numetodo call the Ilmodo “Scáth Cumhacht.” Other cultures that are aware of it will have their own name. Niente’s people call it “X’in Ka.”

Instructor

Title most similar to “Empress.” The masculine form is “Kraljiki” (Krahl-jee-kee). To refer to a ruler nongender-specifically, “Kralji” is generally used, which is also the plural.

The title for the ruler of Namarro

The large, brackish lake in which the island city of Tlaxcala rests.

The document given to an acolyte who is to be taken into the Order of Téni and placed in the service of the Concénzia Faith.

“Mother”.

The “half-gods”—the demigods created by Cénzi, who in turn created all living things.

A city set on the long slopes of a mountain in the east of North Nessantico; also the site of a famous battle between Nessantico and the province of Firenzcia, and the only good pass through the mountains between the Rivers Clario and Loi.

The disciples and followers of the self-proclaimed prophet Nico Morel.

“Mother” in the Tehuantin language.

The proper title for the chief spellcaster of the Westlanders. The spellcasters are called “nahualli”—which is both singular and plural.

The southernmost province of the Holdings of Nessantico.

The capital city of the Holdings, ruled by the Kraljica.

A document that releases an acolyte from his or her instruction toward being in the Order of Téni. Typically, 5% or less of acolytes complete their training and are accepted into the Order. The vast majority will receive a note.

“Uncle.”

“Officer” the various ranks of offizier follow the ranks of téni. In ascending order: e’offizier, o’offizier, u’offizier, a’offizier. Often, an offizier in one of the armies also is a Chevaritt.

Midwife.

The city that sits on the main river crossing of the Clario in eastern Nessantico.

Title for the ruler of Sesemora.

One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.

One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.

One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.

One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.

A city in the province of Namarro.

The fruit of the sapnut tree, from which a rich yellow dye is made.

A childhood illness, often deadly.

The Numetodo term for the Ilmodo.

A province in the northeast of the Holdings of Nessantico.

An affliction that kills a high percentage of those affected—the fever causes the brain to swell, bringing on dementia and/or coma, while the lungs fill with liquid from the infection, causing pneumonia-like symptoms. Often, even if the victim recovers from the coughing, they are left brain-damaged.

“High Captain”—the title for the commander of Firenzcian troops.

A measure of weight for dry goods. Merchants are required to have a set of weights, certified by the local board. A stone is approximately a pound and a half in our measures.

The ocean to the west of Nessantico.

The ruler of Tennshah.