The Maelstrom's Heart Read online

  THE MAELSTROM’S HEART

  TALES OF THE MISPLACED - BOOK 3

  ADAM K. WATTS

  Copyright (C) 2022 Adam K. Watts

  Layout design and Copyright (C) 2022 by Next Chapter

  Published 2022 by Next Chapter

  Edited by Graham (Fading Street Services)

  Cover art by Hung Tran, HDIArt

  Cover design by CoverMint

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author’s permission.

  CONTENTS

  Characters

  Maps

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Dear Reader

  Glossary

  About the Author

  CHARACTERS

  Abaran: (AH-bah-rahn)

  Urgaban advisor to King Vegak of Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Akshira: (ahk-SHEE-rah)

  Rorujhen spouse to Farukan and mother of Barashan.

  * * *

  Alénia: (ah-LAY-nee-uh)

  A human woman living in the Shifara area. She is an expert with the long-sword and seeks out any who re proficient to challenge them.

  * * *

  Ancaera: (ahn-KAY-ruh)

  Ashae widow to Vaelir, whom she had married out of convenience to maintain control of her family estate of Shianri.

  * * *

  Arané-Li: (uh-RAH-nay LEE)

  Ulané Jhinura Chamberlain in Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Arnelas: (are-NAY-lahs)

  Ulané Jhinura Minister of Trade in Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Arugak: (AIR-oo-gahk)

  Founding Urgaban king of Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Astrina, Astrina’u, Astrina Ulané Poloso: (uh-STREE-nuh, uh-stree-NAH-oo, uh-STREE-nuh oo-LAH-nay po-LO-so)

  Ulané Jhinura queen of Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Azadi: (uh-ZAH-dee)

  Ga-Né-Mo Ri healer in Aganaté.

  * * *

  Barashan: (BAH-rah-shahn)

  Rorujhen son of Farukan and Akshira.

  * * *

  Bardian: (BAR-dee-uhn)

  Ga-Né-Mo Ri king in Aganaté.

  * * *

  Bavrana: (bah-VRAH-nuh)

  An Urgaban merchant and the Merchant Guildmaster in Pokorah-Vo. Part owner with Mira of the Raven’s Nest Restaurant in Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Bijoux: (BEE-jhoo)

  Jahgreet cub. Rispan’s companion.

  * * *

  Chevis: (CHEH-vihs)

  Ogaré father to Gaetan.

  * * *

  Darkstar: Rorujhen slave owned by Dimétrian.

  * * *

  Darusa: (duh-ROO-suh)

  Urgaban merchant in Pokorah-Vo. Aligned with the slavers.

  * * *

  Démka: (DEHM-kuh)

  Loiala Fé Guard in Shifara.

  * * *

  Deneven: (DEH-neh-vehn)

  Ulané Jhinura Chief Forester in Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Dimas: (DEE-mahs)

  Ashae City Guard in Shifara.

  * * *

  Dimétrian: (dee-MAY-tree-uhn)

  Ashae Master of the White Riders.

  * * *

  Dobarek: (DO-bah-rehk)

  Urgaban Slaver Guildmaster in Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Duskovek: (DOOS-ko-vehk)

  Urgaban Captain of the Guard from Laraksha-Vo. Sent with the delegation to Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Dzurala: (dzoo-RAH-luh)

  Ulané Jhinura General of the Investigations and Intelligence Branch (IIB) in Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Farlen: (FAR-lehn)

  Ulané Jhinura who assisted in kidnapping Mira.

  * * *

  Farukan: (FAH-roo-kahn)

  The Rorujhen formerly enslaved by Vaelir. He serves Mira as mount and partner. Spouse to Akshira and father of Barashan.

  * * *

  Felgor: (FELL-gor) See Mouse.

  * * *

  Felora: (Fay-LO-ruh)

  Ulané Jhinura tailor and shopkeeper in the Su Lariano outer town. Wife to Gylan and mother to Tesia.

  * * *

  Frelian: (FRAY-lee-uhn)

  Urgaban District Minister in Pokorah-Vo. Has ties to the Mage Guild.

  * * *

  Gaetan: (GUY-tahn)

  Young Ogaré whose actions resulted in him being sentenced by his people to follow and assist Genevané until such time as she can forgive him.

  * * *

  Genevané: (gen-neh-VAH-nay)

  Darakanos befriended by Rispan.

  * * *

  Giang: (gyang)

  Pilané Jhin working for the Royal Court in Shifara Castle.

  * * *

  Gilglys: (GIL-gliss)

  Ulané Jhinura who assisted in kidnapping Mira.

  * * *

  Gradela: (grah-DAY-luh)

  Urgaban mercenary working for Dobarek.

  * * *

  Gralbast: (GRAHL-bast)

  An Urgaban merchant. Formerly the Merchant’s Guildmaster. Mira’s business partner in Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Grangor: (GRANG-gor)

  Urgaban diplomat sent to Su Lariano from Laraksha-Vo.

  * * *

  Gylan: (GUY-lehn)

  Ulané Jhinura leatherworker and armorer in Su Lariano. Husband to Felora and father to Tesia.

  * * *

  Hrangan: (HRAN-gehn)

  Urgaban District Minister in Pokorah-Vo. Has ties to both the Planters and Craftsmen Guilds.

  * * *

  Icolan: (EE-ko-lahn)

  Ulané Jhinura bodyguard assigned to protect Mira. Rank of Bar, equivalent to private, with the Su Lariano Palace Guard.

  * * *

  Ivanos: (ee-VAH-nos)

  Urgaban City Magistrate in Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Jakeda: (juh-KAY-duh)

  Urgaban hired by Bavrana to be the head chef at the Raven’s Nest restaurant.

  * * *

  Jaleya: (juh-LAY-uh)

  Ga-Né-Mo Ri queen of Aganaté.

  * * *

  Jasena: (juh-SAY-nuh)

  Former Urgaban Guildmaster for the Thieves Guild. Founded the Worker Guild.

  * * *

  Javen: (JAH-vehn)

  Urgaban mercenary adopted by Mira to be Farukan’s groom.

  * * *

  Jerini: (jeh-REE-nee)

  Urgaban advisor to King Vegak of Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Jill Ramirez: (rah-MEE-rayz)

  Mira’s foster-mother on Earth.

  * * *

  Julek: (JOO-lehk)

  Urgaban District Minister in Pokorah-Vo. Has ties to the Slaver Guild.

  * * *

  Kaerélios: (kay-RAY-lee-ows)

  Childhood Ashae friend to Ancaera, also a White Rider. Pledged to Mira and assigned to protect Ancaera and Shianri.

  * * *

  Karis Ulané Panalira, Karis’u: (KAH-ris oo-LAH-nay pah-nah-LEE-ruh, kah-REE-soo)

  Missing younger cousin of Neelu.

  * * *

  Kalisan: (KAH-lee-SAHN)

  Long deceased husband to Neelu’s missing sister, Reelu.

  * * *

  Karugan: (KAH-roo-GAHN)

  Urgaban king in Laraksha-Vo.

  * * *

  Kergak: (KAIR-gahk)

  Deceased Urgaban king of Pokorah-Vo. Father to King Vegak and son of King Arugak.

  * * *

  Kholinaer: (ko-lihn-AIR)

  The Ashae king in Shifara Castle.

  * * *

  Khuyen: (KOO-ee-yen)

  Pilané Jhin queen and only survivor of the massacre of her people led by Arugak long ago. Leader of Chados, the resistance of Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Kiarash: (kee-ARE-ahsh)

  Ga-Né-Mo Ri scout and resistance member. Befriended by Rispan.

  * * *

  Kirsat: (KEER-saht)

  Ulané Jhinura friend to Mira from her military training in Su Lariano. Part of the original mission to Pokorah-Vo and who did not survive the journey.

  * * *

  Kivalek: (KEE-vuh-layk)

  Urgaban District Minister in Pokorah-Vo. Has ties to the Merchant Guild.

  * * *

  Kooras: (KOO-rahs)

  Ulané Jhinura friend to Mira from her military training in Su Lariano. Part of th
e original mission to Pokorah-Vo and who did not survive the journey.

  * * *

  Korashéna Ulané Sharavi, Korashéna’u, Shéna: (KO-rah-SHAY-nuh oo-LAH-nay shah-RAH-vee, KO-rah-shay-NAH-oo, SHAY-nuh)

  Last surviving member of the royal family of the Ulané Jhinura city of Su Astonil. Enslaved in Pokorah-Vo all her life until she was freed by Rispan.

  * * *

  Korzag: (KOR-zahg)

  Urgaban Captain of the of the Palace Guard of Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Lacela: (lah-SAY-luh)

  Ulané Jhinura student healer in Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Laila: (LAY-luh)

  Impané mage. Mother of Yormak.

  * * *

  Laruna: (lah-ROO-nuh)

  Ulané Jhinura mage and magic instructor in Su Lariano. Became a fugitive when it became known she orchestrated Mira’s kidnapping.

  * * *

  Lengel: (LEHN-gehl)

  Ulané Jhinura aide to General Dzurala in Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Lubek: (LOO-behk)

  Urgaban owner of the pub next to the Merchant Guildhall in Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Meshin: (MAY-shihn)

  Ulané Jhinura general of the army and City Guard of Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Mikolosk: (MEE-ko-losk)

  Urgaban who serves as Gralbast’s right hand and personal assistant.

  * * *

  Milos: (MEE-los)

  Ashae who manages the slaves at Odaro, Dimétrian’s estate.

  * * *

  Mira, Mirabela Cervantes Ramirez: (MEE-rah, sayr-VAHN-tays rah-MEE-rayz)

  Child of Earth who finds herself stranded on Daoine.

  * * *

  Mooren: (MOO-rehn)

  Ulané Jhinura assigned to accompany Mira and advise and protect her on her missions to Pokorah-Vo and Shifara. Holds the rank of Lance with the Su Lariano Palace Guard, which is equivalent to corporal.

  * * *

  Mouse: Also known as Felgor. Close Ulané Jhinura friend to Mira and Rispan since her early days in Su Lariano. Becomes manager for the Raven’s Nest Restaurant.

  * * *

  Nadezhda: (nah-DAYZH-duh)

  Healer in a Loiala Fé village.

  * * *

  Naga: (NAH-guh)

  Name of the reshan eagle that serves as Kiarash’s mount.

  * * *

  Nazani: (nuh-ZAH-nee)

  Rorujhen mount for Ancaera.

  * * *

  Nazreela: (nahz-REE-la)

  Urgaban queen in Laraksha-Vo.

  * * *

  Néci: (NAY-see)

  Loiala Fé house servant in Shianri.

  * * *

  Neelu, Neelu’u, Neelu Ulané Pulakasado: (NEE-loo, nee-LOO-oo, NEE-loo oo-LAH-nay poo-lah-kah-SAH-do)

  Ulané Jhinura daughter to Queen Astrina. Mira’s first friend in Daoine.

  * * *

  Niden: (NYE-dehn)

  Loiala Fé groom in Shianri.

  * * *

  Niklos: (NEE-klos)

  Vaelir’s Ashae nephew.

  * * *

  Niréla: (nee-RAY-luh)

  Ulané Jhinura healer in Su Lariano.

  * * *

  Nirellen: (nee-RAY-lehn)

  Ulané Jhinura commander in charge of Mira’s platoon in military training in Su Lariano. Holds the rank of Tree, which is equivalent to Staff Sergeant.

  * * *

  Nora: Leanora Leland. Mira’s foster-sister on Earth.

  * * *

  Okéla: (o-KAY-luh)

  Urgaban District Minister in Pokorah-Vo. Has ties to both the Planters and Craftsmen Guilds.

  * * *

  Reelu, Reelu-u, Reelu Ulané Pulakaloso: (REE-loo, ree-LOO-oo, REE-loo oo-LAH-nay poo-lah-kah-LO-so)

  Missing older sister to Neelu. Also known as Ree.

  * * *

  Réni: (RAY-nee)

  Ulané Jhinura Assistant Minister of Trade in Su Lariano. Assigned to accompany Mira on her mission to Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Rhesaeda: (ruh-SAY-dah)

  Ashae Minister of Internal Relations in Shifara Castle.

  * * *

  Rispan: (RIHS-pehn)

  Close friend to Mira and Mouse since her early days in Su Lariano. Is assigned to join her mission to Pokorah-Vo.

  * * *

  Rizina: (rih-ZEE-nuh)

  Ulané Jhinura bodyguard assigned to protect Mira. Holds the rank of Bar, equivalent to private, with the Su Lariano Palace Guard.

  * * *

  Sabela: (sah-BAY-lah)

  Ulané Jhinura friend to Mira from her military training in Su Lariano. Part of the original mission to Pokorah-Vo and a highly skilled tracker.