“And what about the magical energy of this world then?” countered Tyler.
“Magic has been responsible for the existence of the pantheons, and their source of power. A free humanity does not need magic.”
“You’ll also disappear then,” observed the mage coldly.
“A small price to pay for the freedom of mortals, wouldn’t you agree? My son gifted mortals with fire and what did they do? Punished him for eternity until a half-mortal, a demigod, freed him! A small matter, fire, but one which improved the lot of mortals 1,000-fold! Those are the kind of beings you have been helping!” shouted the stranger.
“Think about it and decide! Time has almost run out and the winds of change are blowing! A mighty storm is coming, First Mage! From out of the deepest, darkest hell of their imaginations shall come their nightmares! And those weakened pantheons can’t do anything about it!” the entity continued his rant as he stood up from his stone chair.
“Now go! Tell them about me if you must! There’s nothing they can do about it now! But decide on which side you will be in the coming war!”
A burst of bright light and the old man was alone once more. Though this time, he had a strange smile on his face.
Notes and Definitions by Chapter
BOOK FIVE
Lore and Definitions
PROLOGUE
Anansi – An African mythological being. The root word of the name means “spider.” The entity is usually depicted as a spider or half-man, half-spider. Though credited in African folklore as the father of all stories, he is also considered as the exemplification of cunning and trickery. However, Anansi was never regarded as a deity.
Onini, Osebo, and Mboro – African mythological beings. They were part of Anansi’s quest to become the father of all stories. He was required to catch Onini the Python, Osebo the Leopard, and the Mboro hornets.
Sasabonsam – African mythological creature. They are said to have bloodshot eyes, iron teeth, and iron hooks for feet. There are two kinds of the monster – one with vampiric characteristics and the other being similar to an ogre.
CHAPTER ONE
Dryads – Greek. Tree spirits.
Hamadryads – Greek. A particular form of dryad bound to a specific tree.
Querquetulanae – The Roman counterpart of dryads.
Hyldemoer – The Norse version of tree spirits or nymphs.
Hantu tinggi – Southeast Asian mythology. Demons possessing palm or coconut trees. Lore mentions that hantu tinggi are giant versions of the plants they occupy and kill those who stare at them. Other myths also say they are portals to other lands. The writer would like to request the adventurous reader, if still alive, who goes in search of these creatures to please inform him which myth is correct.
Chakri – Indian. Smaller versions of the chakram, sometimes worn on the wrist or mounted on headgear as utilitarian decorations. Chakram – An ancient Indian weapon. Variations are found in Asia – for example, among the Malays and Tibetans. The Mongols were reported to have used a spiked version. During the time of the British Empire, soldiers who experienced being on the receiving end of these throwing discs called them “quoits.” Today, the weapon is still in use, having its martial art, as well as being a ceremonial and cultural icon. (TAA, IV)
CHAPTER THREE
Jorogumo – A type of Yokai, a deadly creature from Japanese folklore. They take many forms though the spider aspect is usually present. They can shapeshift and are masters of illusion magic.
Rimaykullayki– “Hello” in Quechua. (TAA, IV)
CHAPTER FIVE
Ellri – Old Norse. Meaning “ancient.” (TAA, I)
CHAPTER SEVEN
Dokkalfr – Old Norse. Meaning dark elves. Dwells within the earth and mostly swarthy. (TAA, I)
Jotunn – Old Norse. The plural form is jotnar. A mythological race living in Jotunheimr, one of the Nordic nine worlds. Usually enemies of both the Vanir and Aesir but instances are recorded of non-hostile interaction. (TAA, I)
Naginata – An early Japanese pole weapon with a long, wide, and curved blade that usually has a single edge. Naginata were wielded by men (O-naginata) and women (Ko-naginata). Ko-naginata were usually smaller to compensate for the upper body strength of females. The blades themselves were forged in the same way as sword blades.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Shaolin spade – A weapon derived from the Chinese farmer’s spade. Carried by Shaolin monks for defense against wild animals, it was also used to bury any dead bodies they came across. It eventually developed into its present form – a flat spade on one end and a sickle on the other. It was also called “monk’s spade” and the “Zen spade.”
CHAPTER TEN
Notes on Meluhha – From “The Indus Civilization” by Christian Violatti, published 30 October 2013. (https://www.ancient.eu/Indus_Valley_Civilization/)
CHAPTER TWELVE
The Lady of the Spiked Throne – An undetermined piece of religious sculpture dating to the Indus Valley civilization. (Massimo Vidale, The Lady of the Spiked Throne: The Power of a Lost Ritual, Department of Asian and North African Studies, Gnutti EURAL, Rovato, Brescia / Trieste, 2011). (https://www.harappa.com/sites/default/files/pdf/Spiked-Throne.pdf )
Unicorns – The unicorn is the most common motif on Indus seals and appears to represent a mythical animal that Greek and Roman sources trace back to the Indian subcontinent. (https://www.harappa.com/indus/25.html )
Kanabo – An ancient Japanese weapon, considered part of the “bo” or Japanese quarterstaff family. It is also considered to be the favorite arm of the “Oni,” or a kind of Japanese demon.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Berserkr – The Norse origin of the word “berserker.” Contrary to popular belief, these fighting men are not regarded as mad or insane warriors. They are considered champions and experts in using weapons. Unfortunately, their advantage in a battle – battle lust and the ability to disregard crippling wounds – sometimes also work to the disadvantage of those who employ them. It is said King Olav Haraldsson’s berserkers lost the battle of Stiklestad (1030 A.D.) for him when, instead of holding the line, they attacked. A theory had been put forward that the state of being berserk resulted from eating fly agaric mushrooms, but this has never been proven. Considering
