Worldbuilding Dragon Tears

After the flurry of writing to finish the NaShoStoMo challenge I took the Sunday off to recharge. While I have not worked so much on fiction this past week, I did get some more worldbuilding done in-between my studies. After the couple of pieces about Airthai that I wrote for NaShoStoMo, I decided to focus on the relationship between the “Continent” and the “Sundered Lands”. The stories of Aran and the Ealda, including the black stone dragons, I decided to focus a lot on the mythology of the dragons and their interaction with the humans and other races of Airthai. From the beginning of Airthai – a book called “A Stone of Indigo[1]” – the Dragon Tears have played a role, although that role has changed as the world was fleshed out. At first I thought “Dragon Tears” are just a cool description for the stones, it was only later that I ‘found out’ that the stones were real dragon tears.

So far, there are four main types of Dragon Tear stones. (Yellow and white is still to come, but they feature mainly in the far Western and Northern Lands.) Those that have read “A Dragon’s Freedom” will know about the indigo stones already, but the others only come into play in other stories…

Dragon Tears:

Being an explanation and list of the different Dragon Tear Stones found in the lands of Airthai: Indigo, red, green and black.

Dragon Tears are stones or jewels which that are formed by the hardening of the tears of the dragons in the Southern and the Sundered Lands of Airthai.

There are quite a few different kinds of these stones, all of which are different colours and have different uses; both for the dragons and for other races.

The Indigo Stones  

The stones mostly seen and known of in the Middle Lands, are the blue-purple or indigo coloured stones. Because these are the most common of the Dragon Tear stones, they are usually referred to simply as “Dragon Tears”, unlike the other types which may have two or more names.

These tears are shed when a dragon is in mourning. This is usually when they are captured – like what happened in the Kingdom of Guldargan – or when one of their kin or a dragon’s Guardian dies.

Those that do not know the words with which the stones may be set afire only know the stones as decoration and they may also glow from within in the deepest darkness. They are used for lighting only in the richest of the houses – most notably the large mansions found in Marglóthborg and its surrounds. This glow is well known in the caverns beneath Treddian and the tunnels of Holt Haliern, but the existence of great amounts of these stones is closely guarded by both parties.

The stones beneath Holt Haliern and Adea in Treddian are tears shed in the swamps north of Brenoth Wood (The Great Wood or Blood Wood as it was once known) by the dragons that were set free by Nasja, but who had grown too wild or had fallen and sought refuge there. There they mourned for the sea and for the loss of their kin. These stones came into the rivers in the Brenoth Wood, which led down below Holt Haliern and were washed from there to the caverns beneath Adea in Treddian.

The Red Stones – Fire Stones

Less well-known in the Middle Lands are the orange-red Dragon Tears. These stones are also known as Fire Stones or Dragon Gifts. These stones are mostly found in the Southern Lands and among the Dragon Guardians in Reiaghy. These stones are usually gifted to a specific person. Each Dragon Guardian receives one of these stones once they enter their second year of apprenticeship. Some of these stones have also been given to the rulers of these lands – most notably when the Guardians first arrived on the Southern Shores with the dragons after the Sundering.

The Fire Stones burn much hotter and brighter than the indigo Dragon Tears.  Those that carry these stones may also be found by 'friendly' dragons, as the stones have a way of calling to them should the wearer wish so. This is much like the firebird who may give a feather to a person as a way for that person to call her.

Nasja was also given one of these stones before he was taken by the northern men from Guldargan, but, knowing its power to call the dragons and afraid that he may be forced to use the stone by the northern men, he threw the stone away while they travelled on the Death Plain. It was at this moment, when he tried to get away far enough from his captors to hide the stone that his leg was maimed, making sure that he could not escape. But, by that time, the stone was already hidden beneath the sand and the men from the north did not find it.

The Dragon Seekers also carries a Dragon’s Gift to help them to show wilder dragons that they are friends of the dragons.

The Green Dragon Tears – Knowledge Stones

The Green Dragon Tears are extremely rare and most are owned by the Ealda in the Sundered Lands and the Elves and Rún in the Northern and Western Lands on the Continent. These stones may also be used between humans and other races to call to each other. They are also known as Knowledge Stones as the Elves have found a way to enclose knowledge within the stones. After one of these ‘inscribed’ stones was stolen, though, the Elves had cut most of their dealings with all other races except the Tellerassar. Their Knowledge Stones are also their best guarded treasure. These stones are now thought of as only legends within most of the Middle and Eastern Lands.

Only one of the Green Dragon Tears were gifted to a Wíkla by the Ealda in the Sundered Lands after the Wíkla proved that she wanted her and her kingdom to change. This was also the first time that any of the Wíkla chose to go to the Ealda for learning after the Great Sundering.

The Black Dragon Tears – Blood Stones

Another type of Dragon Tear is also found in the Sundered Lands - Black Dragon Tears. These stones are also known as Blood Stones, or Death Stones by the Ealda. These stones are not truly made from the tears of dragons, but from the blood of those dragons that have been turned to the shadow. These dragons are mostly of a grey or silver colour - as if the blue colour of the dragons have simply faded. Bloodletting is done on these dragons when they are bound and the stones are worn by the Dragon Men who are the guards and warriors of the High Wíkla.

Not too much is known of all the uses of these Blood Stones[2]. Almost nothing is known about them on the continent, with most of the knowledge based in the far west of the Western Lands. The books of the Ealda also tell of this and contain studies about the power of these stones at the Sundering of the Lands.  The Wíkla and the High Wíkla also use these stones in the Sundered Lands after the Great Sundering. They are used by the Wíkla and the other Fallen to try and find the Ealda. They believed that, if they should destroy the Ealda, they would succeed in destroying the Creator's hold on the Sundered Lands. They also believed that the Ealda held knowledge that would make the Wíkla indestructible.

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[1] No, it is definitely not fit for print. Or posting online. Maybe one day that part of Airthai’s history will see publication – after some major rewriting…

[2] Still working on this…

A Father’s Choice

Some Airthai fiction


Here’s a piece I have been working on as background to a bigger piece (perhaps a novel, hint-hint) set in the Southern Lands of Airthai. It takes place about thirteen centuries after the Sundering of the Lands and about two centuries after “A Dragon’s Freedom”. Where the Eastern and Midlands have the Keepers, the Southern Lands had the Khallahna, who split into the Khalné and Khalvér after the Khallahna War. At first the Khallahna all followed the Creator, but the Khalvér followed the Werlea after the war, while the Khalné followed the Ahma (the Werlea’s antithesis).

A Father’s Choice

“Sir? Your son is here to see you. May I send him in? As you wish, Sir. After you, Young Master, your father will see you now.”

Elgar smiled at the retainer and pulled at his shirt and light cloak before stepping into the large office. He knew his red eyes still bespoke of much sorrow, but he would look his father in the eye, looking for the same pain there.

“Father,” he greeted the man behind the desk. His father looked much older than he remembered, as if he had aged fifteen years in the five he had been absent from home. “I came as soon as I could.”

His father kept on writing, not even looking up as he dipped the quill in ink, not saying a word to the young man he hadn’t seen in five years. But Elgar knew better than to speak again. That much he could remember. After nearly ten minutes of silence his father placed the quill aside and looked up at his son. Elgar took after his mother, his hair an indistinct shade between red and brown, his eyes a striking blue offset by his fair, freckled skin. A strange look indeed. And now, a hateful one.

“You came to pay your last respects?”

“Aye, sir. I only got the news three days ago and came directly from the tower with all speed.”

His father steepled his fingers under his chin, looking him up and down. Elgar at first stood proud and tall in the cream and gold cloak of the Khalné, but then realised that the look in his father’s eyes were one of disdain – and of fear.

“Damn you, child!” he shouted and Elgar took a step back. “You went and chose the bloody Khalné?”

Elgar frowned. To him the Khalvér had never been an option. The Né served the Light with their Talent; the Vér served the darkness with magic and spells and turned the Talent into a deadly weapon. He swallowed and tried to speak to the raving man in front of him.

“Sir, if you will – Father! What did you expect of me? To choose the Vér? You know what Mother thought of-“

“You will not befoul her name or memory, you spoiled little brat! I sent you to the tower because I had to, not because I wanted to. You know the Khalné are treated not much better than the Ahma? But the Khalvér and Werlea – people look up to them!

“People fear them, Father. I will not be feared because of my Talent.”

His father sat back down and poured a dark liquid into a glass. He took a swig and stared at his son. “Who knows you are here?”

“Father?”

“Answer!”

“My Né brothers. I came straight here and did not tarry –“

“Good. And now you will leave for the Western Tower with all haste and never return to this house again.”

“Father? But-“

“You are no longer my son.”

The words hit him like a blow to the stomach that left him without any breath.

“Please leave.” His voice was softer this time. “I’ll give you money, my fastest horse, but you have to leave here. Now.”

“I don’t understand, I –“

“You’re not meant to, Elgar.” He took another swig of the liquid. “And there is no time to explain everything.”

“Please, Father –“

“I… I… I promised you to them, Elgar.” He lifted tear-filled eyes to his son.

“To whom?”

“The Vér.” His voice was just a whisper.

Elgar looked at him in disgust, finding no words now.

“You were ill, just after you were born, you see? They said, they said they can heal you, that they know of a potion –“

“And in return for their witchcraft you offered me?”

“I gave you life!”

“You betrayed the house! You betrayed me!” He bowed mockingly. “Goodbye, Father.” He left the room.

He took another swig of the dark fluid. There had been another promise as well. He had become a Nightwatcher, spending his nights tracking people with the Talent that stood against the Khalvér. He didn’t do the killing himself, not usually. But the work still took its toll. It was never what he had wanted. But he had given his word and would never be free from them. Never. But they had saved his son. They gave Elgar back his life and now he was healthy. He didn’t have a choice. Not then, not now. He sent Elgar away again to save him. Only the Né could keep him from harm now.

A Fantasy Map, a Family Tree and Far Too Many Ideas

Or, So Far So Good for 2011


I can’t believe that it’s almost the middle of January already! At least I’ve now scanned the map for “A Dragon’s Freedom” and will put it up on a separate page. It is only one corner of Airthai and the map I’ve finished for the second part of the story shows a lot more detail. The working title is “The Price of Freedom” and follows Nasja’s journey once he gets home and tries to leave the happenings of Guldargan behind him. But the king of Guldargan and the crown prince have some other ideas and schemes up their sleeves. Nasja did after all spoil (and foil) their plans.

Ek kan nie glo dat dit al byna die middel van Januarie is nie! Ten minste het ek nou die kaart vir “A Dragon’s Freedom” gekopieer en sal dit op ‘n aparte bladsy plaas. Dit wys net een hoekie van Airthai en die kaart vir die tweede deel van die storie wys baie meer detail. Die werkstitel is “The Price of Freedom” en volg Nasja se reis wanneer hy by die huis kom en probeer om dit wat in Guldargan gebeur het, agter te laat. Maar die koning van Guldargan en die kroonprins voer ‘n paar ander idees in die mou. Nasja hét tog hulle planne in die wiele gery.

At the same time I’m making good use of my creative diary as it seems I can’t have enough ideas. I even got a great idea for a new fantasy story (still in Airthai, but in the Sundered Lands a couple of centuries after “A Dragon’s Freedom”) while in church! As the scripture were read the story just popped into my head. I quickly made a cell phone note as soon as the service was finished and I could turn my phone back on.

Terselfdertyd maak ek goed gebruik van my kreatiewe dagboek en ek kan nie voorbly met idees nie. Ek het selfs ‘n goeie idée vir ‘n nuwe fantasie storie gekry (steeds in Airthai, maar in die Sundered Lands ‘n paar eeue na “A Dragon’s Freedom”) terwyl ek in die kerk was! Terwyl ons die skrifgedeelte lees toe spring die storie net in my kop in. Ek het darem ‘n nota op my selfoon kon maak na die diens en toe ek weer my foon kon aanskakel.

I have been spending a lot of time on my studies as well and have now decided to rather draw the Norse mythology family tree by hand as I can’t seem to find a proper template for such a jumbled tree and it also has to be in Afrikaans. This weekend will be a study-fest as I want to give the first chapter to my study leaders next week. I am also stocked up on tea, easy to make meals and enough post-it notes for an army!

Ek het ook baie tyd aan my studies spandeer en het nou maar besluit om die stamboom van die Noorse mitologie met die hand te teken; aangesien ek nie ‘n ordentlike templaat vir so ‘n deurmekaar stamboom kan vind nie en dit ook in Afrikaans moet wees. Hierdie naweek gaan ek net aan my studies spandeer aangesien ek die eerste hoofstuk volgende week aan my studieleiers wil gee. Ek het genoeg tee, etes wat maklik aangemaak geslaan kan word en plaknotas vir Afrika!

There is a translation project that I’ll be working on until April, which I will be doing some nights and weekends and which I’m really looking forward to. It is some literary translation, which is exactly what I studied and I am thrilled to get a chance to do this so early in my career. So it will be a rough couple of months, but months I am very much looking forward to!

Daar is ‘n vertalingprojek wat tot April sal duur en waaraan ek tot April sal werk party aande en naweke, en waarna ek baie uitsien. Dit is ‘n literêre vertaling, wat presies is wat ek studeer het en waaroor ek in die wolke is dat ek so vroeg in my loopbaan ‘n kans kry om dit te doen. Dit gaan beslis ‘n rowwe paar maande wees, maar maande waarna ek vreeslik uitsien!

Tiriane and the Tellerassar – A Glimpse of a Larger World in "A Dragon's Freedom"

The Tellerassar came into the world of Airthai quite early on. The first story I wrote about Airthai included one of the Keepers being a person that could turn into the form of an eagle and back to their human form at will. Soon I delved into their history – they had this gift (that they could also lose) and were a new race of people. Yet, they were part-human as well, which got me to thinking that they were normal humans once, which received the gift of shape-shifting from the Creator. They were also the "good guys" from the start, so they did not change their shape by using magic. It was a natural state of being for them.


The people of the Midlands called them "Heimfeie" according to the name that was given to their country. They, however, were not happy to stay on the fringes of the stories. In a set much later, an Elf referred to them as the "Tellerassar", a name which I felt had a lovely ring to it. It turned out that, in the Tellerassar's own tongue, they refer to themselves as such. "Heimfeie" is mostly used by those that are less educated in the peoples of the Midlands. Nasja, for instance, would only have learned to use the word "Tellerassar" from Tiriane.

The Tellerassar have their own tongue that was gifted to them when they received the gift of changing their shape. This tongue is mostly fictional, though there are some influences of the other tongues of Airthai, including the language that is used in "A Dragon's Freedom" to communicate with the dragons (Gothic). The Tellerassar language looks like this:

"A Agrai tellarias or s’agrélar silássa."

Which is translated as:

"May the Light of the One shine on your road" // “Mag die Lig van die Een op jou pad skyn.”

Note: The apostrophe is used to denote a glottal stop. "Tellar" means "Light" and "Tellerassar" means "People of the Light". "Agrai" means "One" and refers to the Creator. The Light of the One/Creator refers to a blessing

Vikings and gods and elves, o my!

You can never have too many translations of a piece you're studying! It was with glee that I read a small part of Carolyne Larrington's translation of the Poetic Edda while reading up on Voluspa and Gylfaginning. After some searching, I found the book online and bought it, as much for my studies as for myself. I am not disappointed and would really advise anyone that wants to read the Poetic Edda in English to get themselves a copy of this translation. It contains both the mythological and the heroic poems of the Elder Edda and really brings the poems to life in a contemporary voice.

Voluspa starts as follows:

Attention I ask from all the sacred people,

greater and lesser, the offspring of Heimdall;

Father of the Slain, you wished that I should declare

the ancient histories of men and gods. Those which I

remember from the first.

So, I like mythology (or folklore)… where do I start?

Ok, I'm not going to act as if I'm the guru on this topic, but I can give a few pointers with regards to books that I like or have found helpful.

If you just want an overview of world mythology or a certain mythology (e.g. Norse), have a look around for an encyclopedia of mythology. These books help to give you a feel of the different myths and some of the key characters. I quite like The Complete Dictionary of Symbols in Myth, Art and Literature (ed. Jack Tresidder). Then there is always the Bulfinch Mythology books – as a classic being reprinted, it is easy to get and a lot cheaper than many of the books out there and probably available as a free e-book as well.

If your favourite authors make use of mythology in their books, have a look where they get their inspiration. (Like Tolkien? Why not get your hands on a copy of Beowulf?) Or have a look at the actual works of different mythology – for the Norse & Germanic there is the Elder and Younger Edda, if you want to learn more about the Finnish mythology, get a copy of the Kalevala. Classical Mythology more to your taste? Try the Iliad and the Odyssey.

For Norse mythology I find John Lindow’s Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals and Beliefs very helpful to refresh the memory.

Mythology Books Recently Stumbled Upon:

The Mythical Creatures Bible by Brenda Rosen – “The Definitive Guide to Legendary Beings”
- This book not only covers many well and little-known creatures of myth and legend, but also some of the gods of the different religions.
- Includes helpful tables describing different types of dragons, giants, etc.

Myths & Legends: An Illustrated Guide to Their Origins and Meanings by Philip Wilkinson.
- Includes some pieces on Africa, The Americas and Oceania, though focusing a lot more on the mythologies of Europe, West and Central Asia and South and East Asia.


What I am working on:

After being away from www.sffworld.com for almost two months, I am working on a flash piece for their September Flash Fiction competition. I have also started musing about a type of follow-up for "A Dragon's Freedom", also set in Airthai, but with a glance at the Sundered Lands to the south, where the Dragon Guardians came from.

I have decided to rather put a novel-length work on the back burner for now while I finish my postgrad studies. It is a lot easier to focus on a small work and is also helping to flesh out more of the places on the Airthai map that I still know fairly little about.

An Airthai map: Busy re-drawing some of my Airthai maps (yes, I still do it the low-tech way, by hand), mostly to make them a bit neater around the edges and, most importantly, sticking to one language (either English or Afrikaans).

Also updating and re-typing the Airthai timeline. Will put a shortened version up when it's ready. Holding thumbs it will be at the same time as the map and before the end of September.