14 Sacred Sites

These are the words of Tristamil Valla:

“Fourteen is the universal number upon which magic is based. We build fourteen sacred sites per world in keeping with that philosophy, and that is the first tradition. The second is the order in which we erect them. First is the Lifesource, then the Throne-room, thereafter the rest. The third tradition is the passing of the Dragon from Vallorin to heir at the appointed time. The fourth is the safekeeping of the Oracles; the fifth, the scrying of a newborn’s name and the sixth is this ceremony of today. The seventh is the learning of sorcery beyond what we inherently know. The eighth is the absolute autonomy of the Vallorin; we are not, nor were we ever, a democracy. The ninth is Nemisin’s runes, known only to the House of Valla, and the tenth is our longevity both natural and enhanced. The eleventh is our total intolerance of darak …” He stumbled there, but recovered well. “The twelfth is a belief in prophecy and the thirteenth … we regard ourselves as master-builders, and build with heart, soul and magic. The fourteenth? For as long as one Valleur lives, we were first and will be last in all things.”

The Kallanon Scales

Interview with Dantian

 

(Blue could not interview Dantian, Vallorin of the Valleur beyond the Rift, for the time between rift tear and his capture was too fleeting. Blue subsequently spoke to Dantian via a visitation from the realms beyond. The Valleur, it is told, can do this. Whether or not you believe what is recorded below, these are the words as remembered upon waking.)

 

Blue:  My Lord Vallorin, thank you for appearing. We believe others need to know of your sacrifice.

Dantian: I do not regard what happened as a sacrifice. My destiny was written into my name at birth.

Blue: The Valleur scry a newborn’s future and apply a name to suit, right? Is that how you became aware of what you call your destiny?

Dantian: When one grows with a name that is a destiny, one accepts.

Blue: I cannot believe it is as simple as accepting.

Dantian: It was not easy.

Blue: Your brother Dante- what was his destiny?

Dantian: To be the father he was.

Blue: Ah, yes, he had a daughter. According to our records, she did not survive the burning of Ardosia.

Dantian: There are different kinds of death, Blue. Her survival may not be as you trust it to be. Mark the future for news of this daughter of the Valleur.

Blue: We do enjoy a challenge. We shall watch.

Dantian: My time in this form grows short.

Blue: And before you dissipate, my lord, could you tell us what lies beyond?

Dantian: Life. Salvation, if you desire it. Redemption, is you require it. Choice, where before choice was a relative factor.

Blue: I assume you speak now of a destiny voided.

Dantian: Destiny fulfilled. And beyond it new choice. Life.

Blue: We need not fear death?

Dantian: Fear it. What you do in flesh echoes in these realms …

 

(Dantian’s visitation ended then, although Blue claims the essence of his presence lingered for a time. From that lingering she claims to have absorbed more of the man’s personality.)

 

Blue: A footnote, reader: Dantian was a man who loved life despite knowing his destiny. He lived large and loved as much. We are the poorer for his passing. I wish I had known him.

The History of Ardosia

This short story was a ‘part’ in Lore of Arcana, which was completely removed, and yet it explains quite a bit about Millanu’s reason for returning to Valaris …

Blurb

After ages of war, a Rift is opened between realms. The Valleur choose exile and peace over war and death. Choosing to rebuild and renew, they start over.

But, after millennia, the Rift opens and ancient loyalties are again put to the test.

This is what happened between their then and their now.

The History of Ardosia

Calamity and Tension

The Drowned Throne

Lore’s Reading Order (1)

For readers new to the LORE series, here’s the low down 🙂

There are 3 distinct series – Lore of Arcana / Lore of Reaume / Lore of Sanctum – and each set tells the tale in a different time. Yes, this is, in fact, one series (therefore LORE) and yet each set of 4 books tells a separate story. You can pick up volume 1 of any of the three and start reading from there, but if you desire the greater tale, the grand design, I do suggest starting with Lore of Arcana and journeying through to the end of Lore of Sanctum.

Let’s begin with Arcana’s four:

The Infinity Mantle

There is a darkness coming …

This is the ‘meet and greet’ beginning of it all. In this book you meet the main characters as well as a few extraordinary beings, and adventure with them as their mission begins.

The main setting is the world Valaris, with visits to worlds beyond a Rift.

***

The Kinfire Tree

Kin is everything

The main character Rayne becomes someone unexpected, and it is soon apparent that his story drives the greater tale as well. Prepare for something new!

Again, Valaris is the place of conflict.

***

The Drowned Throne

Throne of the Valleur

This is the book of battles! Everything ramps up, and the fighting is intense. Here the mighty Valleur Throne is unveiled, to disastrous consequences.

Look to Aqua Island on Valaris for an epic confrontation!

***

The Dragon Circle

Of Flame and Fire

The final Arcana book is about loss, betrayal and ultimate change. Here Torrullin stands forth, and prepares for the worlds of hurt awaiting him in Lore of Reaume, and yet there is an ending. The Dragon Circle doesn’t leave you wondering!

While the main tale takes place on Valaris, you will visit both Ardosia and Pendulim as well.

Even as the author, I cried. I cried while writing this particular book and when I read it later as a reader 🙂

***

Links to all four books are in the sidebar. Happy reading!!

Lore of Reaume’s reading order follows this post.

After Reaume, make a note of Lore of Sanctum’s reading order too 😉

A Spectacular Success

Book Review by Jocelyne Forget (Amazon Canada)

If you are a fan of mythological creatures along fierce battles, you will enjoy this novel as much as I did. Through her British wording, Elaina J. Davidson has the ability to transcend all palpable emotions upon a setting of imaginative worlds.

What attracted me most was her incomparable array of unbridled discourse, her craft for letting the reader imagine all motions and feelings of the characters. Yes, its is a thick novel but the fonts were adequately chosen for an enjoyable read.

Thank you, Jocelyne!

The Drowned Throne – Canada