Haley Walden's Blog - Posts Tagged "high-fantasy"
Defender of Histories: Setting and the Clans of Rodhlan
Like many fantasy stories, the fictional world of Defender of Histories is loosely based on ancient aesthetics from our own world. Let’s take a quick tour of Lira’s continent and meet its peoples and territories.
Rodhlan: The Continent
“You’re the heir of all things—that’s what they’re calling you. They will fight for you, Lira. I will fight for you. There will be war in Rodhlan in your name.”
Rodhlan is home to Lira's beloved city-state, Iathium, as well as four outlying clans: Clan Mór, Clan Tarlach, Clan Beran, and Clan Énna. Though the continent is relatively small, it has widely varying terrain, from meadowlands and beaches to mountains and a cavernous gorge. Rodhlan has a temperate climate, which bodes well for Énna's nomadic culture and the tent settlements of Clan Tarlach.
Visual inspiration: In my mind, Rodhlan’s terrain is similar to a combination of Wales, Scotland, and Cades Cove, Tennessee, in the Smoky Mountains.
Iathium: The Capital City-State
Iathium is the city-state at the heart of Rodhlan, established 2,000 years before Lira's story begins. Long known as a welcoming, prosperous city, Iathium has a reputation for being a place where anyone can settle and create an abundant life. But living in Iathium--or under its wing--means complying with a set of restrictive social constructs...which have been so long-ingrained in the continent's people, they are widely accepted without question.
Iathium holds dominion over the outlying clans, but keeps them on a loose leash, preferring to trade freely with and exist in peace alongside them. Lira loves her city, but is soon pulled into the midst of a controversy that reveals the city's true heart, and forces her to choose which histories to defend.
Visual inspiration: Iathium was built over the original territory of Clan Tarlach, so some buildings and homes in the city predate its current style. The old-style buildings resemble what we know in our world as Irish tower homes and stone cottages. The city’s current style, including the Dome, is inspired largely by Neo-Byzantine architectural stylings.
Clan Mór
Clan Mór is Lira's mountain-dwelling ancestral clan. In their magical state, they nurtured the land, using their power to tend, grow, and manipulate flora. During the early days of Rodhlan, they used their magic to cover the continent in a variety of lush vegetation and foliage.
The mortal goddess Rhona also gifted the clan with the power to guard the continent's knowledge; namely, its memories--its histories. But when it was no longer safe for the clans to practice magic, the histories were no longer shared among Clan Mór. They became consolidated, secretly harbored within the clan's Anointed from one generation to the next.
Rodhlan Ridge, the mountain home to Clan Mór, is inspired by Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.
Clan Énna
Clan Énna is a pseudo-nomadic clan that makes its home along the western shores of Rodhlan. The people of Énna were once proud seafarers, but Iathium's laws now forbid the clans to sail. Now, their inborn craving to be on the move has manifested in their ornate wagon caravans that they move from one area of the coast to another.
The ancestors of Énna can manipulate and command water; in addition, their magical aptitude for doling out justice was once leveraged by the city, whose leaders named members of the clan both judge and executioner.
Clan Tarlach
“I know little of Clan Tarlach’s power," Eremon said. "In times past, their Anointed was called the Key Keeper, and they had extraordinary abilities to manipulate metal. I have heard a tale or two about a Tarlach who could speak to animals, as well.”
Clan Tarlach was widely considered to be disbanded two thousand years ago, after the catastrophe known as The Felling of the Clans. Instead, the clan dispersed and assimilated into Iathium and other clan territories.
At the beginning of Defender, a remnant of Tarlach has recently formed a tent settlement near Rodhlan's eastern shores, though. Aidryn and Irem have both visited the settlement, called Va'hesk, in an attempt to gather oral histories and gain the remnant's trust.
Clan Beran
Clan Beran is a mysterious, isolated clan that dwells in a fortress made of solid stone. Beran was once the home of magical healers and great warriors who defended Rodhlan in times of trouble. Now, though, they keep to themselves--and there are few healers left. Although their magic isn't nearly as prevalent as it was centuries ago, Clan Beran's isolation has allowed its people to quietly hold onto their old ways...to a degree with which Iathium would be quite unhappy.
Getting to Fortress Halgeir in the first place is not for the faint of heart; over the centuries, the clan has sequestered itself more and more, closing off all entrances to their home except for one: the passage through Beran's Gorge. The gorge starts at the base of the towering waterfall just beyond Iathium's northeastern wall.
The Moravon River flows out from the waterfall into the deep, meandering gorge, which runs for miles until its outlet in the center of Rodhlan's meadowlands. Those who wish to access Clan Beran must first descend into the gorge, then row against the current to reach one of the inlets where the entrance to Halgeir has been carved out of the canyon wall.
Want more? Grab your free excerpt here or request an ARC!
Rodhlan: The Continent
“You’re the heir of all things—that’s what they’re calling you. They will fight for you, Lira. I will fight for you. There will be war in Rodhlan in your name.”
Rodhlan is home to Lira's beloved city-state, Iathium, as well as four outlying clans: Clan Mór, Clan Tarlach, Clan Beran, and Clan Énna. Though the continent is relatively small, it has widely varying terrain, from meadowlands and beaches to mountains and a cavernous gorge. Rodhlan has a temperate climate, which bodes well for Énna's nomadic culture and the tent settlements of Clan Tarlach.
Visual inspiration: In my mind, Rodhlan’s terrain is similar to a combination of Wales, Scotland, and Cades Cove, Tennessee, in the Smoky Mountains.
Iathium: The Capital City-State
Iathium is the city-state at the heart of Rodhlan, established 2,000 years before Lira's story begins. Long known as a welcoming, prosperous city, Iathium has a reputation for being a place where anyone can settle and create an abundant life. But living in Iathium--or under its wing--means complying with a set of restrictive social constructs...which have been so long-ingrained in the continent's people, they are widely accepted without question.
Iathium holds dominion over the outlying clans, but keeps them on a loose leash, preferring to trade freely with and exist in peace alongside them. Lira loves her city, but is soon pulled into the midst of a controversy that reveals the city's true heart, and forces her to choose which histories to defend.
Visual inspiration: Iathium was built over the original territory of Clan Tarlach, so some buildings and homes in the city predate its current style. The old-style buildings resemble what we know in our world as Irish tower homes and stone cottages. The city’s current style, including the Dome, is inspired largely by Neo-Byzantine architectural stylings.
Clan Mór
Clan Mór is Lira's mountain-dwelling ancestral clan. In their magical state, they nurtured the land, using their power to tend, grow, and manipulate flora. During the early days of Rodhlan, they used their magic to cover the continent in a variety of lush vegetation and foliage.
The mortal goddess Rhona also gifted the clan with the power to guard the continent's knowledge; namely, its memories--its histories. But when it was no longer safe for the clans to practice magic, the histories were no longer shared among Clan Mór. They became consolidated, secretly harbored within the clan's Anointed from one generation to the next.
Rodhlan Ridge, the mountain home to Clan Mór, is inspired by Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.
Clan Énna
Clan Énna is a pseudo-nomadic clan that makes its home along the western shores of Rodhlan. The people of Énna were once proud seafarers, but Iathium's laws now forbid the clans to sail. Now, their inborn craving to be on the move has manifested in their ornate wagon caravans that they move from one area of the coast to another.
The ancestors of Énna can manipulate and command water; in addition, their magical aptitude for doling out justice was once leveraged by the city, whose leaders named members of the clan both judge and executioner.
Clan Tarlach
“I know little of Clan Tarlach’s power," Eremon said. "In times past, their Anointed was called the Key Keeper, and they had extraordinary abilities to manipulate metal. I have heard a tale or two about a Tarlach who could speak to animals, as well.”
Clan Tarlach was widely considered to be disbanded two thousand years ago, after the catastrophe known as The Felling of the Clans. Instead, the clan dispersed and assimilated into Iathium and other clan territories.
At the beginning of Defender, a remnant of Tarlach has recently formed a tent settlement near Rodhlan's eastern shores, though. Aidryn and Irem have both visited the settlement, called Va'hesk, in an attempt to gather oral histories and gain the remnant's trust.
Clan Beran
Clan Beran is a mysterious, isolated clan that dwells in a fortress made of solid stone. Beran was once the home of magical healers and great warriors who defended Rodhlan in times of trouble. Now, though, they keep to themselves--and there are few healers left. Although their magic isn't nearly as prevalent as it was centuries ago, Clan Beran's isolation has allowed its people to quietly hold onto their old ways...to a degree with which Iathium would be quite unhappy.
Getting to Fortress Halgeir in the first place is not for the faint of heart; over the centuries, the clan has sequestered itself more and more, closing off all entrances to their home except for one: the passage through Beran's Gorge. The gorge starts at the base of the towering waterfall just beyond Iathium's northeastern wall.
The Moravon River flows out from the waterfall into the deep, meandering gorge, which runs for miles until its outlet in the center of Rodhlan's meadowlands. Those who wish to access Clan Beran must first descend into the gorge, then row against the current to reach one of the inlets where the entrance to Halgeir has been carved out of the canyon wall.
Want more? Grab your free excerpt here or request an ARC!
Defender of Histories: Meet the Main Characters
As I worked through the process of writing Defender, I wanted to create relatable, believable, flawed characters whose motivations and actions are easy to understand (whether you agree with them or not). Most of all, I wanted them to feel human.
I want to introduce you to the four main characters: Lira, Eremon, Aidryn, and Caitir.
Silira Mór
Lira relished fitting pieces of Iathium’s history together like a puzzle—working each new bit of information into the whole, connecting catalysts and events across families and centuries. More than any of her peers, she understood why and how each law, each war, each ruler, and each structure had come to be.
Silira Mór, our protagonist, is a headstrong, determined, intelligent young woman whose prowess with Iathium's histories has elevated her into the nobility and poised her to take the prestigious Defender of Histories title after her master, Lord Irem. Through her rise, however, she befriends the young supreme ruler, Eremon, who has taken a keen interest in her career.
Lira knows she's smart and capable, and she's proud of that. She has bootstrapped her way up the ranks in the archive, and has lived on her own since she was 12 years old--so she's no stranger to figuring things out and navigating through life. The circumstances that unfold in her story strip away the control she believed she had over her destiny, though, and she has to learn how to trust and depend on others to help her follow her new path with courage.
Rí Eremon
"I don’t know what to make of this,” Lira said. “It’s too much. And—pardon my candor, Eremon—but if the rulers have been lying for this long, how do I know you won’t lie to me?”
Eremon took her jab gracefully. Mostly, he looked pleased that she’d allowed herself to say his name again. Lira didn’t know what frustrated her more.
“I understand why you feel that way,” Eremon said. “Imagine how Irem felt, after so many years of teaching false histories to countless apprentices.”
The Rí moved closer to her and reached for her hands. His soft touch jolted her skin, and heat crept up her neck. He continued quietly, imploringly. “Imagine how I felt, as your ruler. I have failed my people; but no more.
“Now is the time. Irem has earned the clans’ trust; I believe they will also come to trust you.”
Rí Eremon is the 19-year-old supreme ruler of Iathium. He took the throne at age 12 after his father was killed at sea on a mysterious expedition. Lira's father was aboard the ship, too, and never returned. Lira and Eremon bond over their fathers' shared fate, their love for Iathium, and the rapport they build while working to uncover the true histories that have been buried by generations of Rís.
Eremon is the picture of idyllic youth; he's idealistic, emotional, impulsive and a bit naive, but he has a good heart--and believes he can uncover the hidden histories for his people while maintaining peace and order across the continent.
Aidryn Tarlach
Lira glanced to her left, where Aidryn was hunched over his own transcription. For a moment, she watched him work; his dark hair fell into his eyes as he scratched his quill deftly across the page. His usually close-trimmed beard looked more unkempt than usual, and he chewed the inside of his cheek as he wrote.
Lira waited until he paused to dip his quill into the inkpot on the corner of his desk, then rose. She stretched, rolling her stiff neck before hefting the heavy volume with an unladylike grunt and another glance in Aidryn’s direction. As she sidled past his desk, she whispered, “Finished,” with a satisfied smirk. Her dark brown eyes twinkled mischievously.
Aidryn cursed under his breath, momentarily flustered. “I suppose I can’t win every round.”
“You don’t,” she laughed, heading toward the stacks.
“Three out of the last four,” he muttered, not bothering to hide his smile before returning to his work.
Aidryn works alongside Lira in the archive, and they have a friendly, long-standing rivalry. Their relationship is punctuated by verbal sparring and good-natured competition, but they have each other's backs.
When pressed, Lira might say Aidryn's younger sister, Caitir, is her closest friend--but in actuality, Aidryn has earned her deepest trust. He is sharp-witted, blisteringly straightforward, and unendingly loyal to his friends.
Caitir Tarlach
Caitir looked rattled for a moment before she parroted her mother. “Dressmakers don’t inherit thrones or estates.”
“Says who?” Aidryn shot back. “Just marry up. Your husband doesn’t have to be the Rí or one of his lords; there are plenty of nobles with sizeable inheritances.”
Caitir rolled her eyes. “I’m not going over this with you again, Aidryn. You know what Mother wants; I’m just doing my best to give it to her."
Aidryn's younger sister, Caitir, and Lira have been close friends since they were children. Dually a victim of her mother's overbearing social-climbing ambitions and her own self-centeredness, Caitir can sometimes be a difficult person to be around. But Lira and Aidryn are generous and patient with her; they understand the pressure she's under, and they try (each in their own way) to help keep Caitir's feet on the ground.
Want more? Grab your free excerpt here or request an ARC!
I want to introduce you to the four main characters: Lira, Eremon, Aidryn, and Caitir.
Silira Mór
Lira relished fitting pieces of Iathium’s history together like a puzzle—working each new bit of information into the whole, connecting catalysts and events across families and centuries. More than any of her peers, she understood why and how each law, each war, each ruler, and each structure had come to be.
Silira Mór, our protagonist, is a headstrong, determined, intelligent young woman whose prowess with Iathium's histories has elevated her into the nobility and poised her to take the prestigious Defender of Histories title after her master, Lord Irem. Through her rise, however, she befriends the young supreme ruler, Eremon, who has taken a keen interest in her career.
Lira knows she's smart and capable, and she's proud of that. She has bootstrapped her way up the ranks in the archive, and has lived on her own since she was 12 years old--so she's no stranger to figuring things out and navigating through life. The circumstances that unfold in her story strip away the control she believed she had over her destiny, though, and she has to learn how to trust and depend on others to help her follow her new path with courage.
Rí Eremon
"I don’t know what to make of this,” Lira said. “It’s too much. And—pardon my candor, Eremon—but if the rulers have been lying for this long, how do I know you won’t lie to me?”
Eremon took her jab gracefully. Mostly, he looked pleased that she’d allowed herself to say his name again. Lira didn’t know what frustrated her more.
“I understand why you feel that way,” Eremon said. “Imagine how Irem felt, after so many years of teaching false histories to countless apprentices.”
The Rí moved closer to her and reached for her hands. His soft touch jolted her skin, and heat crept up her neck. He continued quietly, imploringly. “Imagine how I felt, as your ruler. I have failed my people; but no more.
“Now is the time. Irem has earned the clans’ trust; I believe they will also come to trust you.”
Rí Eremon is the 19-year-old supreme ruler of Iathium. He took the throne at age 12 after his father was killed at sea on a mysterious expedition. Lira's father was aboard the ship, too, and never returned. Lira and Eremon bond over their fathers' shared fate, their love for Iathium, and the rapport they build while working to uncover the true histories that have been buried by generations of Rís.
Eremon is the picture of idyllic youth; he's idealistic, emotional, impulsive and a bit naive, but he has a good heart--and believes he can uncover the hidden histories for his people while maintaining peace and order across the continent.
Aidryn Tarlach
Lira glanced to her left, where Aidryn was hunched over his own transcription. For a moment, she watched him work; his dark hair fell into his eyes as he scratched his quill deftly across the page. His usually close-trimmed beard looked more unkempt than usual, and he chewed the inside of his cheek as he wrote.
Lira waited until he paused to dip his quill into the inkpot on the corner of his desk, then rose. She stretched, rolling her stiff neck before hefting the heavy volume with an unladylike grunt and another glance in Aidryn’s direction. As she sidled past his desk, she whispered, “Finished,” with a satisfied smirk. Her dark brown eyes twinkled mischievously.
Aidryn cursed under his breath, momentarily flustered. “I suppose I can’t win every round.”
“You don’t,” she laughed, heading toward the stacks.
“Three out of the last four,” he muttered, not bothering to hide his smile before returning to his work.
Aidryn works alongside Lira in the archive, and they have a friendly, long-standing rivalry. Their relationship is punctuated by verbal sparring and good-natured competition, but they have each other's backs.
When pressed, Lira might say Aidryn's younger sister, Caitir, is her closest friend--but in actuality, Aidryn has earned her deepest trust. He is sharp-witted, blisteringly straightforward, and unendingly loyal to his friends.
Caitir Tarlach
Caitir looked rattled for a moment before she parroted her mother. “Dressmakers don’t inherit thrones or estates.”
“Says who?” Aidryn shot back. “Just marry up. Your husband doesn’t have to be the Rí or one of his lords; there are plenty of nobles with sizeable inheritances.”
Caitir rolled her eyes. “I’m not going over this with you again, Aidryn. You know what Mother wants; I’m just doing my best to give it to her."
Aidryn's younger sister, Caitir, and Lira have been close friends since they were children. Dually a victim of her mother's overbearing social-climbing ambitions and her own self-centeredness, Caitir can sometimes be a difficult person to be around. But Lira and Aidryn are generous and patient with her; they understand the pressure she's under, and they try (each in their own way) to help keep Caitir's feet on the ground.
Want more? Grab your free excerpt here or request an ARC!
Join the Defender of Histories ARC Team!
Want to be among the first to read Defender of Histories before it hits shelves on January 28, 2020? I’m assembling an ARC team to read and review advance copies of the book, and I’d love for you to be a part of it!
To request an ARC, visit this link and fill out the form. ARCs launch on November 8, so keep an eye on your email—you won’t want to miss it!
After you’ve read your copy of Defender, please head over to my author profile or my Amazon pre-order page to leave a review. And, if you love the book, tell your friends! I’m so excited to share this story with all of you.
Thank you for being a part of this journey! I hope to see you on the team!
To request an ARC, visit this link and fill out the form. ARCs launch on November 8, so keep an eye on your email—you won’t want to miss it!
After you’ve read your copy of Defender, please head over to my author profile or my Amazon pre-order page to leave a review. And, if you love the book, tell your friends! I’m so excited to share this story with all of you.
Thank you for being a part of this journey! I hope to see you on the team!
Coming August 5: Ballad of Stallions, A Witness Tree Chronicles Novella
I’m so excited to announce that I’ve written a novella that I’ll be giving away for free, starting August 5. It’s called Ballad of Stallions, and it’s told from Aidryn Tarlach’s point of view. The story takes place two years before Defender of Histories and gives us a closer look at the things happening in Aidryn’s world during the years leading up to the events of Defender.
Here’s a quick synopsis:
Historian and horseman Aidryn Tarlach has spent his life waging one silent battle after another. The city archive is the only refuge he’s ever known, but even that has begun to unravel. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling to hold onto everything he’s fought for.
Aidryn is stretched thin among the interests and people he’s spent years trying to protect. His family is bent on controlling the throne. His closest friend, Silira Mór, is oblivious to his feelings for her—and is set to inherit a coveted magic she doesn’t believe in. Even worse, the city’s young ruler, Rí Eremon, has set his sights on Lira.
Set two years before the events of Defender of Histories, Ballad of Stallions follows Aidryn to the heartbreaking decisions he must make to protect Lira and secure Iathium’s future.
Writing this story with a focus on Aidryn’s world, plus the multiple chess games he’s been playing for so many years, was an excellent character study. It was exciting to spend some extra time with Eremon, too, and write several more interactions between him and Aidryn.
As an author, Ballad set the stage for the completion of Keeper of Keys, Book 2 of The Witness Tree Chronicles. It also introduces a new character who will be very important to the progression of the main series. I’m thrilled for you to meet her.
If you want a copy of Ballad when it launches August 5, just click the link below. If you’re already subscribed to my list, you’ll get it automatically. Keep an eye on your email August 5—I’ll be sending you a link where you can download the ebook to the e-reader of your choice.
Click here to get on the waitlist for the book.
Here’s a quick synopsis:
Historian and horseman Aidryn Tarlach has spent his life waging one silent battle after another. The city archive is the only refuge he’s ever known, but even that has begun to unravel. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling to hold onto everything he’s fought for.
Aidryn is stretched thin among the interests and people he’s spent years trying to protect. His family is bent on controlling the throne. His closest friend, Silira Mór, is oblivious to his feelings for her—and is set to inherit a coveted magic she doesn’t believe in. Even worse, the city’s young ruler, Rí Eremon, has set his sights on Lira.
Set two years before the events of Defender of Histories, Ballad of Stallions follows Aidryn to the heartbreaking decisions he must make to protect Lira and secure Iathium’s future.
Writing this story with a focus on Aidryn’s world, plus the multiple chess games he’s been playing for so many years, was an excellent character study. It was exciting to spend some extra time with Eremon, too, and write several more interactions between him and Aidryn.
As an author, Ballad set the stage for the completion of Keeper of Keys, Book 2 of The Witness Tree Chronicles. It also introduces a new character who will be very important to the progression of the main series. I’m thrilled for you to meet her.
If you want a copy of Ballad when it launches August 5, just click the link below. If you’re already subscribed to my list, you’ll get it automatically. Keep an eye on your email August 5—I’ll be sending you a link where you can download the ebook to the e-reader of your choice.
Click here to get on the waitlist for the book.
Ballad of Stallions is here!!
Ballad of Stallions is LIVE today - complete with a sweeping fantasy world, forbidden magic, unrequited love, and handsome, angsty boys competing for a beautiful (but oblivious) historian's attention. 😍
~
Synopsis:
Historian and horseman Aidryn Tarlach has spent his entire nineteen years waging one silent battle after another. The city archive is the only refuge he’s ever known, but even that has begun to unravel. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling to hold onto everything he’s fought for.
Aidryn is stretched thin among the interests and people he’s spent years trying to protect. His family is bent on controlling the throne. His closest friend, Silira Mór, is oblivious to his feelings for her—and is set to inherit a coveted magic she doesn’t believe in. Even worse, the city’s young ruler, Rí Eremon, has set his sights on Lira.
Set two years before the events of Defender of Histories, Ballad of Stallions follows Aidryn to the heartbreaking decisions he must make to protect Lira and secure Iathium’s future.
~
If you’re already on my email list, you should have a copy of the novella waiting in your inbox. If not, you can download your free copy here.
Enjoy!!
~
Synopsis:
Historian and horseman Aidryn Tarlach has spent his entire nineteen years waging one silent battle after another. The city archive is the only refuge he’s ever known, but even that has begun to unravel. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling to hold onto everything he’s fought for.
Aidryn is stretched thin among the interests and people he’s spent years trying to protect. His family is bent on controlling the throne. His closest friend, Silira Mór, is oblivious to his feelings for her—and is set to inherit a coveted magic she doesn’t believe in. Even worse, the city’s young ruler, Rí Eremon, has set his sights on Lira.
Set two years before the events of Defender of Histories, Ballad of Stallions follows Aidryn to the heartbreaking decisions he must make to protect Lira and secure Iathium’s future.
~
If you’re already on my email list, you should have a copy of the novella waiting in your inbox. If not, you can download your free copy here.
Enjoy!!
