Glossary

Places
Bu'kstaru - The village that grew up around the Temple of Anahita, a well-known oasis and stopping point for travelers.

Haresh - The country the story is placed in, somewhat Persian inspired.

Temple of Anahita - Home to the group of Ahibanu the story focuses on. It is located in an isolated region of northeastern (?) Haresh and is the only water source for a fair distance in any direction. (Other similar temples exist elsewhere in Haresh.)

People
Ahibanu (snake ladies) - Magical women who are devotees of Anahita. They make their home within temples in Haresh, known for their considerable supply of water.

Anahita - Goddess of water and fertility, patroness of women. All women of the Anibanu take vows to her and worship her as the ultimate diety. The dove and the peacock are her animals.

Blessed (The Blessed) - Refers to anyone with magical ability

Initiate - The middling rank within the Ahibanu.

Mahdi (guided to the right path) - Blessed men who are under the guidance of the Ahibanu

Nasir al Din (protector of the faith) - Non-magical devotees of Anahita, primarily made up of warriors.

Neophyte - The lowest rank within the Ahibanu, may or may not possess magical abilities.

Seht - A god believed to act as an intermediary between the Ahibanu and Anahita. He is devoutly revered among the Ahibanu, and the serpent is his animal.

Sister - A woman that has attained full status within the Ahibanu, also referred to as a Daughter of Anahita