Birth of the Neví: Rise of the Neví, #1

By Lori Svensen

It is a tumultuous period of Terrenden history. As is all too common, there are those who wish to profit from the misfortune of others. Some of these come together in a new "charitable organization" and step on the toes of the notorious Uugli. Combine this with draconian new measures to combat pollution and Terrenden has a situation ripe for a power struggle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Viking Ventures
• Release date: Sep 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386593935

Lori Svensen

Student-of-the-world, jill-of-many-trades; mother and dreamer ready to share dreams with the reader.  Lori has never been able to follow everyone else, nor always follow directions or social expectations. Hence, her writing also tends to cross genres to create her own unique blend. A'mara Books are stories about personal relationships with strong flavors of fantasy, sci-fi, action and adventure, all wrapped into one plus a sense of social and moral responsibility that tends to be lost in today's world. 

Book preview

Pronunciation Guide - People

Akeld Majan – (ah-KELD MAH-jahn) – A’mara student in Iloren

Aolan Starna – (AY-oh-lan STAR-nuh) – Neví founding member

Balan – (BAY-lan) – leya sensitives who are against the A’mara. Named for A’mara’s neighboring country of Balan.

Cerástes Trodon – (sair-ASS-stees) – Uugli and Balan #2

Coomar Everes – (COO-marr) – A’mara head gardener at Omrill, Çtaráña

Cyanus Ivald – (sy-AN-us) – A’mara in Towani, maqla to Murin, former maqla to Vanti

Danen Tapp – (DAY-nen) – A’mara in Omrill

Denica Ríau – (DEN-ih-kuh) – A’mara, sister of Saraca, cousin of Murin, former chola of Zarma

Dian’ji Bicorn – (dee-AHN-jee) – peer councilor (PC) for Çtaráña

Drewen Wolfkin – (DREW-ehn) – founder of Wolfkin nightclub, uncle to Fashi.

Echis Bothrop – (eh-kis) – ch is hard as in loch - Uugli member in Towani

Evvan Wellin – A’mara abári in Jerven, Iloren

Farin Skipper – A’mara in Omrill

Fashi Wolfkin – (FASH-ee) – Neví founding member, nephew to Drewen

Gareth Raniel – partner of Aolan

Harren Danaus – A’mara abári in Shayanda

Janika Nathalis – (jah-NEE-kuh) – A’mara in Towani

Ja’tel Krijo – (Juh-TEL) – A’mara on Irola, partner to Saraca, maqla to Lucao

Jerreck Mastin – A’mara abári on Irola, chairman in the Council of Peers

Jessten Sipper – (JESS-ten) – student, Namer of Neví, daughter of Yidal

Jilia Thule – (JILL-ee-uh Thool) – A’mara on Irola, overseer to the Council of Peers

Kinokei Zeren – (KIN-oh-kay) – A’mara stella in Towani

Laisen Toban – A’mara in Kri’enden

Lark At'ail – (AT-eye-eel) - A’mara in Omrill

Lia-lynn Çtenus – (STEHN-us) – A’mara abári in Omrill, Çtaráña

Liexi Firthorn – (lee-EH-ksi) – Neví founding member

Linya Chestnut – (LIN-ya) – peer councilor for Shayanda

Lucao Linden – (loo-CAO) – chola to Ja’tel, A’mara on Irola, boyfriend of Saisha

Marosio Muran – (mar-OH-see-oh) – chola to Yewan, A’mara on Irola

Maura Ríau – mother of Saraca and Denica

Murin Colí – (MURR-in) – A’mara in Towani, chola to Cyanus, cousin to Saraca and Denica

Neeca Belatta – (NEE-kuh) – Neví recruit on Irola

Neví – (neh-VEE) – the charitable organization - named for the Almaran word meaning friends

Nina Elind – Refuge resident in Towani

Païsan Elind – (PY-sahn) – Uugli and Balan #5, Nina’s abusive ex

Rami Rhiodi – (RAH-mee) – A’mara abári in Kri’enden

Saisha Sage – (SAY-shuh) – chola to Saraca, A’mara on Irola, girlfriend of Lucao

Samek Potam – A’mara in Towani, suitor to Vanti

Saraca Ríau – (Sah-RAH-kuh) – A’mara on Irola, partner to Ja’tel, maqla to Saisha, sister of Denica and cousin of Murin, daughter of Maura

Sheena N'handu – A’mara in Kri’enden

Tle-sun Orivesk – (tlay-SUN ORE-ih-vesk) - A’mara student in Iloren

Tra-nic Kree – A’mara in Iloren

Uana Sistru – (oo-ANN-uh) – Neví recruit

Uugli – (OO-glee) – a powerful organized gang

Vanti Niella – A’mara in Towani, head of greenhouses, former chola to Cyanus

Xanthine Dásav – (zahn-THEEN) – Uugli and Balan #3 in Kri’enden

Yerdua – (yer-DOO-uh) – organization of chaos and evil – powerful, leya-sensitive members

Yewan Avicent – (YEW-an AV-ih-cent) – A’mara on Irola, maqla to Marosio

Yidal Sipper – (YIH-dall) – Neví founding member, father of Jessten

Zarma Eris – A’mara abári in Towani, former maqla of Denica

The Calendar

Terrenden operates on a 9-day week.

Muranaday (mur-AHN-uh)

Majanday (MA-JAHN)

Rinday (RIHN)

Terraday – midweek break – holy day for some Faldur sects.

Fenjaday (FEN-ya)

Tharnday

Wirnday

Silnaday (SILL-nuh) – weekend – holy day for Silatians.

Vasanaday (vuh-SAHN-uh) – weekend – holy day for followers of Vasana and other Faldur.

Holiday featured in this book:

Vestharya – the first harvest festival, especially celebrated in Kri’enden.

––––––––

Note: glossary and image credits at the end.

1

829 Terrenden Common Era

(Fenjaday in Casminari)

Irola Overcity – Park 1000

Saisha Sage watched as Jerreck Mastin’s gold cloak glistened in the sunlight which streamed in through the blue-tinted glass overhead. The cloak’s gold fringe shimmered similarly as it fluttered in his movements. He mounted the dais and joined a gently-aged man in his 60s.

Thank you for joining us today, the man said.

My pleasure, Mayor, Jerreck replied.

Addressing the crowd of reporters and influentials, the Mayor spoke.

"The A’mara have always been huge supporters of the common people on Irola, the same way they advise the leaders of this great city. Sometimes they praise, sometimes they censure, but they are always honest.

The high-rise parks project would not have been the flying success it has been without their help. Please join me in showing the A’mara our appreciation!

A round of applause burst forth around the room. Saisha held back.

I’ll bet he would be less enthusiastic if it was a project in the Understory, Marosio Muran whispered to Lucao Linden, both teenaged A’mara.

Saisha grimaced, knowing he was right.

Lucao nodded as the applause died down.

Saisha wished Marosio wasn’t so right about the way the Overcity treated those at the bottom.

The Mayor continued his speech. One thousand parks is quite an achievement and I am proud to have been a part of the improvement of Irola’s environment and health!

Saisha could barely avoid rolling her eyes. She shifted uncomfortably. How can Jerreck stand to be there? she whispered to the guys.

A’mara training, Lucao replied quietly. "Now be quiet before you get us all in trouble!" 

Saisha rolled her eyes at him. She felt her maqla’s censure on her.

the reminder pressed upon her mind. She suppressed a sigh and fidgeted with the edges of her scarlet cloak. 

––––––––

Somewhere in Çtaráña

An older scientist and a young woman trekked through the Çtaráña rainforest.

I have dedicated my life to this forest, he said as they trekked. I want to retire – and I want this forest to remain in good hands!

The young woman’s eyes gaped at the scenery, the bright colors of the birds and butterflies. She felt almost overwhelmed by the size of it all.

The old man stopped. Here is the king tree of this jungle, the firthorn. This grows over 100 meters tall. Many other species rely on it. The woman’s hand moved toward...

No! Don’t touch it! Note the razor-like thorns at the end of each limb and on each cone.

Pretty wicked, the young woman said.

That’s not the half of it! Be cautious as there are many poisons and medicines in these woods. We, as a society, are reliant on this forest more than many would like to know, the old man informed.

Wow! Would you like to show me one?

He nodded, looking around him, spoilt for choice. Then, he pointed at the base of the giant tree where several purply-blue blooms almost glowed with innocence. This flower looks harmless enough, doesn’t it? he asked the woman.

She nodded.

But it lures insects and birds to sip its intoxicating and irresistible poison. At just one sip, the unlucky animal is instantly paralyzed and falls into the pool of digestive enzymes to be utilized by this plant.

Wow! Is it harmful to humans?

"Only if taken in large quantities, but it is addictive in even the smallest of doses – so, that if the animal, for some reason, does not fall into its pool, it will soon return."

The young woman shook her head at the clever design.

Its primary pollinator is the tiny pink lucky fly... which, in turn, feeds the lucky toads who live among these bird-eater flowers.

Cool. What about the vines?

The lianas? The liana produces amazing flowers which feed one of the most beautiful birds of our forest – the frilled sipper.

Have you ever seen one? the apprentice asked.

They are very common, he began. Then, he stopped for a moment. Actually, I’m surprised we haven’t seen one...

The scientist wandered a bit further. Mind the freezeweed, he cautioned the following woman as they moved around a patch of low-growing plants with tiny blue flowers.

Why? she asked, keeping up, but stepping well around the patch. She was almost mesmerized by the tiny blue flowers as if they were inviting victims.

Because it will paralyze you, he stated simply. Then, he stopped, shocked. Oh... my...

What? she asked, alarmed and hurrying to catch him again.

Oh... my... he said again, almost dead in his tracks.

Did you step in freezeweed? she asked as she joined him... then she saw what had stopped him.

A flock of frilled sippers lay dead on the ground. She looked up at her teacher and saw his eyes filled with tears.

––––––––

Irola Overcity – A’mara complex

––––––––

How could you stand to listen to such tosh?! Saisha demanded of Jerreck as the A’mara retreated to their secure complex.

Your manners! Saraca Ríau called after the impulsive teenager. That girl would be the source of her gray hair, she was certain!

Jerreck flashed to the flustered maqla. Aloud, he replied to the girl. It is the Mayor’s job to make good things look excellent, Jerreck replied. At least he said good things about us – maybe recruitment will pick up.

But.. but... 1,000 parks for the Overcity... What has he ever done for the Understory?! Saisha continued.

The votes of the Overcity is all the Mayor – or any government official – cares about, Jerreck replied.

Saraca knew he was right, but also knew that her young chola would not be so easily placated.

"Who cares for the Understory, then? Has he ever been there? Saisha continued pressing. Why does he ignore the fact that today is also the 50th anniversary of the land of Irola being one-hundred percent covered - paved over – GONE?!"

Saraca noticed that Jerreck’s face remained calm, but she watched a flicker of frustration flash across his face. Had she not known him for so long, she would have missed it entirely.

Standing beside Jerreck, Jilia Thule didn’t seem that bothered, so maybe Saraca was too worried.

Saisha, Saraca tried again anyway, hoping to calm the girl down.

How about the blue-tinted glass used to hide the fact that the air is brown?! And the Understory gets to breathe that! Saisha continued, unfazed.

As well as Çtaráña, Shayanda, and many other poorer countries, Saraca added quietly, knowing the girl was quite right, despite her method of presentation.

is right,> Saraca could feel Jilia send to Jerreck.

The Lord Mayor can only handle the crises in this city, Jerreck explained patiently. Not the ones across the Sound.

But they are all related! Saisha exasperated. Don’t they see that?!

I am proud of you, chola, Saraca said gently next to the teenager. When you sit on the Council of Peers, you will be able to make great changes.

But only if people don’t destroy everything first! Saisha continued.

It’s okay, a lower voice said soothingly.

Saisha smiled in spite of herself as Lucao joined them. Saraca watched him slip his hand around Saisha’s and give it a squeeze. We will change the world, he muttered calmly.

Saraca allowed herself a relieved smile. She was cautious about the romances of A’mara teens. They often blossomed very quickly due to A’mara empathic abilities, but what can blossom quickly can also fall dramatically. She had seen it all in her short 25 years. Yet, Saisha was so passionate and excitable that Saraca welcomed the calming effect that Lucao’s presence had on her chola.

––––––––

Towani City

A white scrubby mop with sudsy water appeared on the glass, frightening away the birds that were foraging insects outside the greenhouse glass. The gunge and shade paint quickly scrubbed away allowing more light inside down below where Vanti Niella was working hard, using her height to get the crevices many could not reach. She had the distinct feeling this space would soon be needed despite the fact summer was rapidly reaching a close in Towani.

She sensed she was not alone. She lowered the mop and turned to see Samek Potam, who was about her height and a couple of years older.

Hi, she greeted. What can I do for you?

You can continue to stand so that the sun makes your hair shine even more red than usual.

She blushed slightly in spite of herself at the obvious flattery.

What are you doing here? she asked.

Looking for a reason to hang out. I’m bored.

You could help me clean glass, she said offering him the mop.

Don’t you have a machine for that? Samek asked.

I’m afraid not. Only this super-long mop with hose, Vanti replied.

Presently, Cyanus Ivald joined them.

I was just wondering where you’d got to, he said to Vanti.

Just cleaning glass. Do you want to help?

I’d love to, Cyanus answered finding a second mop.

I promised to do something for Zarma, Samek said to excuse himself and left the greenhouse.

We need to make better use of our space, Cyanus said.

Vanti wondered at Cyanus’ ignoring of Samek.

Yes, we do. Even though we have several empty greenhouses, I have a strange feeling they will be filled again very soon, Vanti agreed.

I’m always wary of such feelings, Cyanus replied applying his mop to more glass.

2

(Fenjaday, part 2)

Irola Understory

Forty stories below the A’mara Conference Chamber, the air was stifling. Although the filters were always on and the breeze constant, it was still very difficult to breathe even on the good days.

Fashi Wolfkin left the taxi with a scarf around his nose and mouth, even though it was hot. He dashed inside the Wolfkin night club owned by his uncle Drewen. His olive skin and Çtaráni surname belied his ancestry though he had traveled to Irola from Tephsa as a child, seeking completion of his A’mara training.

The first one in the club, he mentally flipped on the piped sunlight from the Overcity, an expensive luxury his aunt had insisted on when they renovated the Wolfkin.

Fashi was anxious to meet this Yidal Sipper and find out what his plans were. The vague invitation to