The Book of Shadows: an ancient magical book which contains all the history and lore of the Coven.
Brangaine NicSian: the daughter of Gwyneth NicSian’s younger sister. She is named banprionnsa of Siantan in the Second Pact of Peace.
Bright Soldiers: name for members of the Tìrsoilleirean army.
Bronwen NicCuinn: young daughter of Jaspar MacCuinn, former Rìgh of Eileanan, and Maya the Ensorcellor. Was Banrìgh of Eileanan for one day.
Brun: a cluricaun.
Buba: an elf-owl; Isabeau’s familiar.
Candlemas: the end of winter and beginning of spring.
Carraig: Land of the Sea-Witches, the most northern county of Eileanan. Ruled by MacSeinn clan, descendants of Seinneadair, one of the First Coven of Witches. Clan has been driven out by Fairgean, taking refuge in Rionnagan.
Cave of A Thousand Kings: the sacred cavern of the Fairgean royal family.
Celestines: race of faery creatures, renowned for empathic abilities and knowledge of stars and prophecy.
Circle of Seven: ruling council of dragons, made up of the oldest and wisest female dragons.
Clachan: southernmost land of Eileanan, ruled by the MacCuinn clan.
claymore: a heavy, two-edged sword, often as tall as a man.
cluricaun: small woodland faery.
coh: Khan’cohban word for the universal life-death energy.
craft: applications of the One Power through spells, incantations and magical objects.
Cuinn Lionheart: leader of the First Coven of Witches. Descendants called MacCuinn.
cunning: applications of the One Power through will and desire.
cunning man: village wise man or warlock.
Cursed Peaks: what the Khan’cohbans call Dragonclaw.
cursehags: wicked faery race, prone to curses and evil spells. Known for their filthy personal habits.
dai-dein: father.
Daillas the Lame: sorcerer and headmaster at the Theurgia.
Dide the Juggler: a jongleur.
donbeag: small, brown shrew-like creature that can fly short distances due to the sails of skin between its legs.
Donncan MacCuinn: eldest son of Iseult and Lachlan. Has wings like a bird and can fly.
doom-eels: sea-dwelling eels with phosphorescent tails that deliver an electric shock if touched.
dragon: large, fire-breathing flying creature with a smooth, scaly skin and claws. Named by the First Coven for a mythical creature from the Other World. Since they are unable to adjust their own body temperature, they live in the volcanic mountains, near hot springs or other sources of heat. They have a highly developed language and culture, and can see both ways along the thread of time.
Dragonclaw: a tall, sharply pointed mountain in the north-western range of the Sithiche Mountains. Isabeau and Meghan lived by a small loch at its foot, in a secret valley. Called the Cursed Peaks by the Khan’cohbans.
dram: measure of drink.
Duncan Ironfist: the captain of the Yeomen of the Guards.
Dùn Gorm: the city surrounding Rhyssmadill.
Eà: the Great Life Spirit, mother and father of all.
Eileanan: largest island in the archipelago called the Far Islands.
Elemental Powers: the forces of Air, Earth, Fire, Water and Spirit which together make up the One Power.
Elfrida NicHilde: exiled banprionnsa of Tìrsoilleir.
elf-owl: the smallest of all the owls, about the size of a sparrow, with a round head and big yellow eyes.
Elsie: a scullery maid at Lucescere Palace.
elven cat: small, fierce wild cat that lives in caves and hollow logs.
Enit Silverthroat: a jongleur; grandmother of Dide and Nina.
equinox: when the sun crosses the celestial equator; a time when day and night are of equal length, occurring twice a year.
The Fair Isles: a group of lush tropical islands to the south of Eileanan.
Fairge; Fairgean: faery creatures who need both sea and land to live. The Fairgean were finally cast out of Eileanan in 710 by Aedan Whitelock when they refused to accept his authority. For the next four hundred and twenty years they lived on rafts, rocks jutting up out of the icy seas, and what small islands were still uninhabited. The Fairgean king swore revenge and the winning back of Eileanan’s coast.
Fand: slave in the Fairgean king’s court.
The Fang: the highest mountain in Eileanan, an extinct volcano called the Skull of the World by the Khan’cohbans.
Faodhagan the Red: One of the twin sorcerers from the First Coven of Witches. Particularly noted for working in stone; designed and built many of the Witch Towers, as well as the dragons’ palace and the Great Stairway.
The Fathomless Caves: the sacred system of caves and grottos that riddle the Isle of the Gods.
The Fiery Womb: cave deep within the Isle of the Gods where the Fairgean believe the gods were born.
Finn the Cat: nickname of Fionnghal NicRuraich.
Fionnghal NicRuraich: eldest daughter and heir of Anghus MacRuraich of Rurach; was once a beggar-girl in Lucescere and lieutenant of the League of the Healing Hand. Has strong searching and finding powers.
The Firemaker: honorary term given to the descendants of Faodhagan (see First Coven) and a woman of the Khan’cohbans.
First Coven of Witches: thirteen witches who fled persecution in their own land, invoking an ancient spell that folded the fabric of the universe and brought them and all their followers to Eileanan. The eleven great clans of Eileanan are all descended from the First Coven, with the MacCuinn clan being the greatest of the eleven. The thirteen witches were Cuinn Lionheart, his son Owein of the Longbow, Ahearn Horse-laird, Aislinna the Dreamer, Berhtilde the Bright Warrior-Maid, Fóghnan the Thistle, Rùraich the Searcher, Seinneadair the Singer, Sian the Storm-Rider, Tuathanach the Farmer, Brann the Raven, Faodhagan the Red and his twin sister Sorcha the Bright (now called the Murderess).
frost giant: lives on Spine of the World.
geal’teas: long-horned, snow-dwelling creatures which provide Khan’cohbans with food, milk and clothing. Their very thick white wool is much prized all over Eileanan.
geas: an obligation due to a debt of honour.
Gitâ: a donbeag; Meghan’s familiar.
The Great Crossing: when Cuinn led the First Coven to Eileanan.
The Great Stairway: the road which climbs Dragonclaw, leading to the palace of the dragons and then down the other side of the mountain to Tìrlethan.
Gwilym the Ugly: one-legged sorcerer who spent the years of Maya the Ensorcellor’s rule in Arran but who escaped the autocratic rule of Margrit NicFóghnan to help Lachlan win the throne. Was rewarded with the position of court sorcerer.
harlequin-hydra: a rainbow-coloured sea-serpent with many heads that lives in the shallow waters near the coast of Arran. If one head is cut off, another two grow in its place and its spit is deadly poisonous.
Haven: large cave where the Pride of the Red Dragon spend their winter.
Heloïse MacFaghan: baby daughter of Khan’gharad Dragon-laird and Ishbel the Winged, twin sister of Alasdair and younger sister of Iseult and Isabeau.
Iain MacFóghnan: prionnsa of Arran.
ika: a potent Khan’cohban drink brewed from berries.
Isabeau the Foundling: apprentice to Meghan of the Beasts, twin sister of Iseult. Also called Khan’tinka.
Iseult of the Snows: twin sister of Isabeau, banrìgh of Eileanan by marriage to Lachlan the Winged. Also named Khan’derin.
Ishbel the Winged: wind witch who can fly. Mother of Iseult and Isabeau.
Isle of Divine Dread: island in the far north of Eileanan; traditional stronghold of the Priestesses of Jor.
Isle of the Gods: island in the far north of Eileanan; traditional home of the Fairgean royalty. It was invaded and occupied by the MacSeinn clan in the early history of the Coven and not regained by the Fairgean until after the Day of Betrayal.
Jaspar MacCuinn: eldest son of Parteta the Brave, f
ormer Rìgh of Eileanan, often called Jaspar the Ensorcelled. Was married to Maya the Ensorcellor.
Jay the Fiddler: a minstrel and apprentice to Enit Silverthroat. Was once a beggar-lad in Lucescere and lieutenant of the League of the Healing Hand.
jongleur: a travelling minstrel, juggler, conjurer.
Jor: the God of the Shoreless Seas, a major Fairgean deity.
Kani: the Mother of the Gods in the Fairgean cosmology, the goddess of fire and earth, volcanoes, earthquakes, phosphorescence and lightning.
The Key: the sacred symbol of the Coven of Witches, a powerful talisman carried by the Keybearer, leader of the Coven.
Khan: Khan’cohban word meaning ‘child’. All young, uninitiated Khan’cohbans are called ‘child’ until after they have successfully won their name and totem in a dangerous journey of initiation.
Khan’bornet: Scarred Warrior of the Fire Dragon Pride and Isabeau’s teacher in ahdayeh.
Khan’cohbans: Children of the Gods of White. A faery race of snow-skimming nomads who live on the Spine of the World. Closely related to the Celestines, but very warlike. Khan’cohbans live in family groups called prides, which range from fifteen to fifty in number.
Khan’deric: Soul-Sage of the Fire Dragon Pride.
Khan’derin: twin sister of Isabeau. Also named Iseult.
Khan’derna: First of the Scarred Warriors of the Fire Dragon Pride.
Khan’fella: twin sister to Khan’lysa, the Firemaker.
Khan’gharad the Dragon-Laird: Scarred Warrior of the Fire Dragon Pride, lover of Ishbel the Winged, father of Isabeau and Iseult.
Khan’katrin: Isabeau and Iseult’s cousin, and heir to the Firemaker’s position.
Khan’lysa the Firemaker: Isabeau and Iseult’s great-grandmother.
Khan’merle: Isabeau and Iseult’s aunt, and heir to the Firemaker’s position.
Lachlan the Winged: Rìgh of Eileanan.
Lament of the Gods: river in Tìrlethan.
leannan: sweetheart.
Linley MacSeinn: the prionnsa of Carraig.
loch; lochan (pl): lake.
Lodestar: the heritage of all the MacCuinns, the Inheritance of Aedan. When they are born their hands are placed upon it and a connection made. Whoever the stone recognises is the Rìgh or Banrìgh of Eileanan.
Lucescere: ancient city built on an island above the Shining Waters. The traditional home of the MacCuinns and the Tower of Two Moons.
Mac: son of
MacAhern: one of the eleven great clans; descendants of Ahearn the Horse-laird.
MacAislin: one of the eleven great clans; descendants of Aislinna the Dreamer.
MacBrann: one of the eleven great clans; descendants of Brann the Raven.
MacCuinn: one of the eleven great clans, descendants of Cuinn Braveheart.
MacFaghan: descendants of Faodhagan, one of the eleven great clans, newly discovered.
MacFóghnan: one of the eleven great clans; descendants of Fóghnan the Thistle.
MacHamell clan: lairds of Caeryla.
MacHilde: one of the eleven great clans; descended from Berhtilde the Bright Warrior-Maid.
MacRuraich: one of the eleven great clans; descendants of Rùraich the Searcher.
MacSeinn: one of the eleven great clans; descendants of Seinneadair the Singer.
MacSian: one of the eleven great clans; descendants of Sian the Storm-rider.
MacThanach: one of the eleven great clans, descendants of Tuathanach the Farmer.
Mairead the Fair: younger daughter of Aedan MacCuinn, first Banrìgh of Eileanan and the second to wield the Lodestar. Meghan’s younger sister.
Margrit NicFóghnan: deposed Banprionnsa of Arran.
Maya the Ensorcellor: former Banrìgh of Eileanan, wife of Jaspar.
Meghan of the Beasts: wood witch and sorceress of seven rings. She can speak to animals. Keybearer of the Coven of Witches before and after banishment of Tabithas.
Melisse NicThanach: Banprionnsa of Blèssem.
Mesmerd; Mesmerdean (pl): a winged ghost or Grey One; faery creature from Arran that hypnotises its prey with its glance and then kisses away its life.
Midsummer’s Eve: summer solstice; time of high magic.
moonbane: a hallucinogenic drug distilled from the moonflower plant. Grows only in the Montrose Islands, to the south-west of the Fair Isles.
Neil MacFóghnan: only son and heir of Iain MacFóghnan of Arran and Elfrida NicHilde of Tìrsoilleir.
Nellwyn: a Yedda who had been rescued from the Black Tower in Tìrsoilleir.
Nic: daughter of.
Nightglobe of Naia; the most secret and precious relic of the Priestesses of Jor; a globe of immense power.
nisse: small woodland faery.
nyx: night spirit. Dark and mysterious, with powers of illusion and concealment.
Nila: Fairgean prince, youngest son of the Fairgean king.
old mother: a Khan’cohban term for wise woman of the pride.
Olwynne NicCuinn: baby daughter of Lachlan MacCuinn and Iseult NicFaghan; twin sister of Owein.
One Power: the life-energy that is contained in all things. Witches draw upon the One Power to perform their acts of magic. The One Power contains all the elemental forces of Air, Earth, Water, Fire and Spirit, and witches are usually more powerful in one force than others.
Owein MacCuinn: second son of Lachlan MacCuinn and Iseult NicFaghan; twin brother of Olwynne. Has wings like a bird.
Parteta the Brave: former Rìgh of Eileanan; the father of Jaspar, Feargus, Donncan and Lachlan MacCuinn. He was killed by the Fairgean at the Battle of the Strand in 1106.
pilliwinkes: instrument of torture similar to thumb-screws.
prides: The social unit of the Khan’cohbans, who live in nomadic family groups. Seven Prides in all, called the Pride of the Fire Dragon, the Pride of the Snow Lion, the Pride of the Sabre Leopard, the Pride of the Frost Giant, the Pride of the Grey Wolf, the Pride of the Fighting Cat, the Pride of the Woolly Bear.
prionnsa; prionnsachan (pl): prince, duke.
Ravenshaw: deeply forested land west of Rionnagan, owned by the MacBrann Clan, descendants of Brann, one of the First Coven of Witches.
reil: eight-pointed, star-shaped weapon carried by Scarred Warriors.
Rhyllster: the main river in Rionnagan.
Rhyssmadill: the Rìgh’s castle by the sea.
rìgh; rìghrean (pl): king.
Rionnagan: together with Clachan and Bléssem, the richest lands in Eileanan. Ruled by MacCuinns, descendants of Cuinn Lionheart, leader of the First Coven of Witches.
Riordan Bowlegs: witch with the ability to whisper horses. Was once head groom at Rhyssmadill.
Rurach: wild mountainous land, lying between Tìreich and Siantan. Ruled by MacRuraich clan, descendants of Rùraich, one of the First Coven of Witches.
Rùraich the Searcher: one of the First Coven of Witches. Known for searching and finding Talent. Located the world of Eileanan on the star-map, allowing Cuinn to set a course for the Great Crossing.
sabre-leopard: savage feline with curved fangs that lives in the remote mountain areas.
sacred woods: ash, hazel, oak, blackthorn, fir, hawthorn, and yew.
Samhain: first day of winter; festival for the souls of the dead. Best time of year to see the future. Celebrated with fire festivals, masks and fireworks.
Scarred Warrior: Khan’cohban warriors who are scarred as a mark of achievement. A warrior who receives all seven scars has received the highest degree of skill.
seanalair: general of the army.
Seinneadair the Singer: one of the First Coven of Witches, known for her ability to enchant with song.
Sian the Storm-rider: one of the First Coven of Witches. A famous weather witch, renowned for whistling up hurricanes.
Siantan: north-west land of Eileanan, between Rurach and Carraig. Famous for its weather witches. Ruled by MacSian clan, descendants of Sian the Storm-rider.
Sithiche Mountains: northernmost moun
tains of Rionnagan, peaking at Dragonclaw. Name means ‘Fairy Mountains’.
skeelie: a village witch or wise woman.
Skill: a common application of magic, such as lighting a candle or dowsing for water.
Skull of the World: the highest mountain in Eileanan, an extinct volcano which plays an important role in the Khan’cohbans’ mythology and culture.
solstice: either of the times when the sun is the furthest distance from the earth.
The Spine of the World: a Khan’cohban term for range of mountains that runs down the centre of Eileanan, in Tìrlethan.
Spinners: goddesses of fate. Include the spinner Sniomhar, the goddess of birth; the weaver Breabadair, goddess of life; and she who cuts the thread, Gearradh, goddess of death.
spring equinox: when the day reaches the same length as the night.
Stormwing: Lachlan’s gyrfalcon.
summer solstice: the time when the sun is furthest north from the equator; Midsummer’s Eve.
syne: since.
Tabithas the Wolf-runner: Keybearer of the Coven of Witches before disappearing from Eileanan after the Day of Betrayal.
Talent: witches often combine their strengths in the different forces to one powerful Talent; e.g. the ability to charm animals like Meghan.
Tears of the Gods: a waterfall at the Skull of the World.
Test of Elements: once a witch is fully accepted into the coven at the age of twenty-four, they learn Skills in the element in which they are strongest i.e. air, earth, fire, water, or spirit. The First Test of any element wins them a ring which is worn on the right hand. If they pass the Third Test in any one element, the witch is called a sorcerer or sorceress, and wears a ring on their left hand. It is very rare for any witch to win a sorceress ring in more than one element.
Test of Powers: a witch is first tested on his or her eighth birthday, and if any magical powers are detected, he or she becomes an acolyte. On their sixteenth birthday, witches are tested again and, if they pass, permitted to become an apprentice. The Third Tests take place on their twenty-fourth birthday, and if successfully completed, the apprentice is admitted into the Coven of Witches.