The Nightrunner Series

This article is about the series. For other uses, see The Nightrunner Series (disambiguation).

The Nightrunner Series

An official icon for The Nightrunner Series.
'Books: Luck in the Shadows Stalking Darkness Traitor's Moon Shadows Return The White Road
Author	Lynn Flewelling
Country	United States
Language
Genre	Fantasy, Adventure
Publisher	Bantam Spectra
Media type	Print (Paperback)

The Nightrunner Series is a multi-part historical fantasy series written by Lynn Flewelling. It currently contains five novels, and has a sister series, The Tamír Triad, which contains three. The series contains mythopoeia and homosexuality, but approaches both casually, rather than focusing on them as a main plot point or issue. The resounding issue dealt with within the series is the on-and-off war between two fictional countries, Skala and Plenimar, and their citizens, with other countries often getting caught in the crossfire.

The series focuses on Seregil and Alec, and the adventures they take due to their choice in an unusual profession as nightrunners—spy, thief and diplomat—and working for the Wizard Nysander, who in turn works for Queen Idrilain of Skala, which is the inspiration for the title of the series itself. However, a large amount of magic, religion and fate seem to pull the strings on the main characters' eventual importance to the story, with a combination of their own personal choices.

It has been translated into multiple languages and published in multiple countries, including Russia and Japan. The fifth novel, The White Road, will be available for purchase in May, 2010. Flewelling has stated that she now has a contract to write at least two more novels in the Nightrunner Series after The White Road with Bantam Spectra, the same publishing company that has published the first five books, as well as the sister series, The Tamír Triad.

In September, 2009, the independent film company, C-Squared Productions, has optioned the rights to the first three books, Luck in the Shadows, Stalking Darkness, and Traitor's Moon with the intention of making them into a movie, or a mini-series.

Lynn Flewelling

Lynn Flewelling was born Lynn Elizabeth Beaulieu on October 20, 1958 in Presque Isle, Maine. She is a fantasy fiction author, often compared to one of her favorite animals, an otter.

She grew up in northern Maine, United States, and has lived on both coasts and traveled in Europe, all of which show up in synthesized form in her books. She has worked as a teacher, a farm laborer, a house painter, a necropsy technician, sold fine jewelry, and written for newspapers and magazines. She has been married to Douglas Flewelling since 1981, and has two sons, as well as several dogs. She currently lives in Redlands, California, where she continues to write, and serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Redlands.

Synopsis

The Nightrunner Series is made up of five books: Luck in the Shadows, Stalking Darkness, Traitor's Moon, Shadow's Return and The White Road. These books follow characters Seregil of Bôkthersa and Alec of Kerry, two young men who initially work as Watchers--a type of spy--for a wizard by the name of Nysander in order to protect their country, Skala, and its queen. It takes place nearly six-hundred years after the companion series, The Tamír Triad, but is still within the same fictional universe.

The story begins with the meeting of the two main characters. Alec, a young boy of sixteen, is on his own after his father dies. During a hunting trip gone wrong, he is captured and imprisoned for the crime of trespassing. Seregil, a spy, though at the time pretending to be a bard, happens to be thrown into the same cell as Alec not too long afterward. Hesitatingly, Seregil invites Alec to escape with him, and together they manage to get away. Alec takes a job to guide Seregil through the Northern Lands.

It's during the time that they're initially traveling when the reader begins to learn of the intense and detailed history of the fictional universe that Flewelling has created. Seregil teaches us, by teaching the ill-educated Alec, of the Hierophant King who once ruled over one great expanse of land, before it was eventually split into three countries, called the Three Lands. The Three Lands is made up of three countries: Skala, Plenimar, and Mycena. Mycena is the largest, but Skala has territory good for battle and trade, while Plenimar's land is small and inconvenient for trade. Mycena and Skala have remained allies throughout time, but Plenimar and Skala are almost always at war.

We learn during these lessons that Seregil is from Skala, though Alec is from the Northern Lands, which is a huge mass of territory beyond the Three Lands. Also, during this time, Seregil begins to teach Alec tricks of his trade—small things, such as hiding money—and upon his discovery of Alec's quick ability to learn as well as his inquisitive nature, suggests he become his apprentice.

As the story continues, Alec learns to become a nightrunner, or as the Wizard Nysander calls them, a Watcher. He, Seregil, and several others work behind-the-scenes for the Queen of Skala, and discover more than one plot for war.

Luck in the Shadows

Luck in the Shadows is the first book in The Nightrunner Series. It was published by Bantam Spectra on August 1st, 1996.

Alec, a young boy of sixteen, is on his own after his father dies of a disease. During a hunting trip gone wrong, he is captured and imprisoned for the crime of trespassing. Seregil, a spy, though at the time pretending to be a bard, happens to be thrown into the same cell as Alec not too long afterward, under suspicion of being a spy. Hesitatingly, Seregil invites Alec to escape with him, and together they manage to get away. Alec, without money or anywhere to go, takes a temporary job as a guide for Seregil, who does not know the Northern Lands, where Alec was born and raised. Seregil begins to teach him tricks of his trade--small things, such as hiding money--and upon his discovery of Alec's quick ability to learn as well as his inquisitive nature, suggests he become his apprentice.

Soon, joined by an old ally of Seregil's, Micum Cavish, the three men put their skills to work by sneaking into a mysterious Plenimarine's room, and discover a small, wooden disk, which Seregil takes. Immediately after, they are forced to flee as men hunt them down, and rewards are promised to whoever can capture them. They escape once again, and all seems to be going well as Seregil begins to take Alec back to Skala, until the man falls desperately ill. Unsure and confused but undeniably loyal, Alec searches for a way to get Seregil back to the capital city of Rhiminee, where a previously mentioned wizard may be able to battle the unknown sickness. Despite the long trip and work it required, he finally arrives and Seregil is remarkably healed once put into the wizard Nysander's care.

There, Alec truly becomes a spy, and joins an organization called The Watchers, which Nysander runs, and serves the purpose of protecting Skala and its queen. Though saved from the mysterious illness, which had been caused by the wooden disk, Seregil is soon accused of treason against Skala, and is imprisoned once again. With the collaboration of Nysander's apprentice, Thero, he escapes the prison and works to uncover the plot of whoever had falsified his signature on incriminating documents.

He and Alec discover the identity to be an entire group known as Lerans, who don't believe the current Queen Idrilain II's claim to the throne is valid. With this new information, they prove Seregil innocent and solve the age-old question of where Lord Corruth had gone--the Lerans had murdered him. The question of what the wooden disk is asked within this book, as Seregil question's his sudden illness and a prophecy he received which spoke of "The Eater of Death". It is continued in Stalking Darkness.

Stalking Darkness

Stalking Darkness is the second book in The Nightrunner Series. It was published by Bantam Spectra on February 3rd, 1997.

Soon after the Leran threat is put to rest, Seregil is sent by Nysander on a mission to retrieve a dangerous item similar to the wooden piece that had previously caused an illness. Upon finding it, he has to dodge meeting a group of Plenimarans who are also after it.

He returns to Nysander and learns of an ancient prophecy dictating the actions of four people, The Guardian, The Guide, The Vanguard and The Shaft, associated with Nysander, Seregil, Micum, and Alec, respectively. Mardus Ashnagul, a plenimarin, is trying to collect various pieces of a Helm that, when put together and placed upon someone's head, invokes the power of Seriamaeus, an evil God, and allows the dead to be used as soldiers along with more unspeakable evils.

Upon his success, Mardus plans to attack Skala. Alec and Thero are kidnapped by Mardus and are intended sacrifices. Seregil, Micum and Nysander must go to Plenimar and try to save the two boys, as well as kill Mardus and ruin his plan. Though they manage all of this, as well as to destroy the helm, Seregil must kill Nysander in the process. Agonized by his act, Seregil tries to run away from everything he knows, stopped only by Alec.

Traitor's Moon

Traitor's Moon is the third book in The Nightrunner Series. It was published by Bantam Spectra on July 6th, 1999.

Skala is in deep war with Plenimar at the start of this book, it beginning two years after the end of Stalking Darkness. Desperate for supplies only trade with Aurënen can provide, as well as help from their able-bodied fighters, Queen Idrilain, upon her deathbed, sends her youngest daughter, Princess Klia, to go to Aurënen and arrange a meeting with its leaders in order to convince them to help Skala in its time of need.

Seregil and Alec are asked to come as well, despite Seregil's exile from Aurënen. Upon his return, Seregil is met with mixed reactions--some are generally happy to see him, some still suffer from their hatred and discrimination. Seregil must conquer these attitudes as danger begins to surround the princess and her party. The princess is poisoned shortly after her mother dies in the field and her oldest sister, Phoria, becomes queen.

The new queen, suspicious of her sister and wary of Aurënen, sends her brother to forcefully take what they need from the country by invading with Skalan ships and soldiers. Despite Seregil being told to stay in the capital city, he and Alec go against the Aurënen law in order to encounter the prince before he can attack Aurënen. They find him, and upon learning of his youngest sister's nearly fatal sickness, complies with pretending he came for her sake, and not to declare war against Aurënen.

Upon their return to the capital city, Seregil informs all of his suspicions of the murder, and finally the Aurënfaie decide to help Skala as a reaction. Also, Seregil, due to his loyalty to the Skala princess over Aurënen law, is declared a Skalan, and is no longer considered Aurënfaie by his people--but taking his Aurënfaie exile status away as well, thus allowing him to visit his home country once again.

Shadows Return

Shadows Return is the fourth book in The Nightrunner Series. It was published by Bantam Spectra on June 24th, 2008.

Seregil and Alec begin this fourth book as nobles in Rhiminee, completely bored. Upon a request from Queen Phoria to go to Aurenen and escort her youngest sister home again, they jump for the chance to put their skills to good use again. However, before they even reach Aurenen, their ship is attacked and they are kidnapped by Zengati soldiers who sell them into slavery.

Separated and scared, but not foolhardy, Seregil and Alec are unknowingly sold to the same man--a Plenimarine alchemist.

Seregil is tormented by an ex-lover who also happens to be serving in the household, yet bears a grudge against him for the misfortune. Alec, meanwhile, lives comfortably for a slave, only punished when he speaks before thinking. Ilban, their master, attempts to purify Alec's blood as much as he can, hoping for a higher concentration of Hazâdriëlfaie than human. He succeeds, and then uses various bodily fluids from Alec to create a rhekaro. The rhekaro turns out to be a small child, deathly pale and yet resembling Alec himself.

Ilban tortures the creature for the sake of his alchemy, until it eventually dies, despite its uncanny penchant for miraculously healing. Ilban creates another much to Alec's distress, and Alec then decides he has to escape as soon as he can--and take the new child with him. His plan fails, but Seregil succeeds and then finds Alec.

Seregil, Alec, the child and Seregil's ex-lover, much to Seregil's distaste, all escape together. As they head towards the sea, Alec names the creature Sebrahn and claims it is his son, though Seregil isn't so sure. They almost get away from Ilban, until the alchemist catches up with them. They try to fight, but Alec and Seregil are both brought down by arrows. Sebrahn, distraught with the attack on his 'father', lets loose a vocal attack that amazingly, kills everyone around him. He then proceeds to attempt and heal Alec and Seregil--managing to, at least, keep them alive until Thero and Micum find them. They go back to Aurenen, where Magyana, Thero's new teacher, looks at Sebrahn and says that she can see a dragon.

The White Road

The White Road is the fifth book in The Nightrunner Series. It will be published by Bantam Spectra on May 25th, 2010.

The official summary given at the end of Shadows Return implies that the plot will deal with the Hâzadriëlfaie, a group of Aurënfaie who have cut themselves off from everyone else. They are Alec's ancestors, from his mother's side. In Shadows Return, there is foreshadowing that the Hâzadriëlfaie will attempt to seek out and kill Sebrahn, a child born from Alec through alchemy, and what they call a white child.

Further Reading

Flewelling has stated that she now has a contract to write at least two more novels in the Nightrunner Series after The White Road with Bantam Spectra.

The companion series, The Tamír Triad, was also written by Flewelling and deals with the on-going war between Skala and Plenimar from the perspective of Tamír Ariani Gherilain, nearly 600 years before Seregil and Alec meet in The Nightrunner Series.

Characters

Seregil í Korit Solun Meringil Bôkthersa, also known as Lord Seregil of Rhiminee, was introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows. He is a main character in every following book of the series.

Seregil is the fifth child and only son of Korit í Solun Meringil Bôkthersa. He is full-blooded Aurenfaíe, but was exiled from Aurenen after mistakenly killing a man due to a plot to ruin an important treaty of his father's. He was forced to take refuge in Skala, where he is distantly related to the royal line. He is attractive in his looks, but also in his confident personality, having many skills resembling those of thieves and spies, and yet capable of acting the part of a nobleman. His swordplay is said to be dangerously skilled, as well as sneaky. He has no ability for magic, and it has unexplainable and often dangerous reactions around him.

He is a loyal but secretive man, outwardly appearing bold, adventurous and confident, whilst nursing a deep sense of failure. After being forced to kill his friend and ex-master, the wizard Nysander whom was much like a father to him in Stalking Darkness, he sinks into a depression and tries to disappear, before Alec, literally, knocks sense into him. Following a kiss, they begin a romantic relationship which slowly heals some of Seregil's aching wounds.

In Traitor's Moon, Seregil is declared a Skalan, and given the same rights as a Skalan, rather than an exiled Aurenfaíe, which would have even fewer, due to his involvement in solving the murder of Corruth, an Aurenfaíe who had married a Queen of Skala and disappeared soon afterward and revealing other traitors amongst the Aurenen council itself. A large part of the decision was made based on the fact that Seregil was loyal to Skala and performed acts dubbed illegal in Aurenen in order to protect one of Skala's royal line, Princess Klia. Seregil welcomes this decision, much to the surprise of his family.

Alec í Amasa of Kerry, also known as Sir Alec of Ivywell, was introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows. He is a main character in every following book of the series.

Alec is the only son of Amasa, from the Northern Lands, and Ireya ä Shaar, a Hâzadriëlfaie, making him a half-breed, though he does not know this until Seregil tells him in Stalking Darkness. It accounts for his young and attractive looks, which are commonly noted of throughout the series, as well as his honest face and virginal attitude. He is uneducated in the beginning of Luck in the Shadows, and knows little beyond archery and hunting. With Seregil as a teacher, however, it is revealed that Alec is an extremely quick learner, and within the first book, he learns swordplay, reading and writing in multiple languages, lock-picking and much more--usually skills conducive to a living as a thief and spy.


He is an honest, loyal and often kind individual, yet is proud of himself and his accomplishments. He is more happy to get his hands dirty than allow servants to do the work. In Stalking Darkness, he initiates a romantic relationship with Seregil, which lasts throughout the rest of the series. In Shadows Return, Alec is captured and sold as a slave to a Plenimarine alchemist who uses his rare blood type, tears, and semen to create a rhekaros, which is a creature in the shape of a very pale, five-year-old child resembling Alec himself. Upon his escape, Alec takes the child and names him Sebrahn, claiming to be his father.

Beka Cavish was introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows, and is a minor character until the third book, when she takes on a more important role.

Beka is Micum's oldest daughter, and she convinces Seregil to use his connections to get her a place in the Palace Guard where she quickly rises up in rank. At the end of the second book, she comes to help Seregil, Alec, Micum and Nysander during a battle against the rising of a Dark Plenimarine God Seriamaeus. In the third, she accompanies Princess Klia, Seregil and Alec into Aurenen during the diplomatic negotiations, and helps uncover a plot of murder and treachery. She marries an Aurenfaie by the name of Nyel.

Idrilain, also known as Queen Idrilian of Skala, was introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows, and is a minor character throughout the first three books.

Idrilain is Queen of Skala in the first and second books, but she dies in the beginning of the third, as a casualty of War. Her oldest daughter, Phoria, becomes Queen after her. Idrilain had had Nysander as her most trusted wizard, and used his group of Watchers to keep track of treachery within her country.

Klia a Idrilain, also known as Princess Klia of Skala, was introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows. She is a minor character until the third book, Traitor's Moon, when her role becomes more important.

Klia first meets Alec while looking at horses, and then again when Klia visits the Oreska Tower and runs into him. Alec saves her at the end of the first book when he pushes her out of the way of an explosion that would have killed her.

She is sent to Aurenen in the third book as her mother's last dying wish so that she could attempt to have Aurenen re-open trade negotiations, because the war against Plenimar is one that Skala seems to be losing. The diplomatic negotiations fall into disarray when a murder takes place and Klia herself is poisoned. At the end of the book, Klia manages to convince the Aurenen Council to re-open the Gedre Port, as well as allow Aurenfaie who wish to join the war against Plenimar, to join.

She is the youngest daughter of Queen Idrilain, and appears to be disliked by her oldest sister, who becomes Queen after her mother dies, despite the fact that many Skalans seem to believe that Klia would make a better Queen--including Idrilain herself, who favored her over Phoria. She also seems to have romantic feelings for Thero, a Wizard, whom she gets to know better during her stay in Aurenen--which is somewhat an exile, as it is Phoria's orders that she stay there.

Mardus is introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows, and is the antagonist of the first two books.

Mardus has a plot to connect the pieces of a helm, and bring Seriamaius, an evil, sacrificial God, into physical form. He dies at the end of the second book, after kidnapping Alec and Thero, and killing many others. He was related to the Plenimarine King, but was thought to be crazy even by his own people.

Micum Cavish was introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows. He is a main character in every book of the series.

Micum is a strong man with a wife and three daughters, plus two sons, one adopted when his mother was killed. Seregil at one point fell in love with Micum, and Micum views Seregil as his best friend, someone he'll never be able to turn against, despite the fact that he chose Kari, his wife, instead, when it came to romance.

He's good at a sword and is a watcher, like Seregil and Alec. He is part of the prophesy foretold by Nysander and his masters.

Nysander í Azusthra Hypirius Meksandor Illandi also known as the Queen's Court Wizard Nysander, was introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows. He is a main character throughout the first two books, and is still mentioned and considered regularly throughout the remaining books.

Nysander is holder of the broken pieces of the helm. He knows the prophecy. He is the leader of the Watchers, a group of secret people who watch over the Queen and Skala, to protect it from treachery and help in other matters.

He is the master of Thero, and was once the master of Seregil, as a Wizard. He's in love with Magyana, but sleeps with other women due to Magyana's vow of celibacy. He is a great friend to many, but dies at Seregil's hand at the end of the second book, because of the helm and prophecy that demands it be so.

Phoria a Idrilain, also known as Queen Phoria of Skala, was introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows. She is a minor character until the third book, Traitor's Moon, when her role becomes more important.

Phoria engaged in a romantic relationship with a man who killed himself due to his nephew's dealings in treachery against the Queen, but was given clearance since she claimed to know nothing about such things. Phoria becomes Queen when her mother dies, as she is the oldest of Queen Idrilain's three daughters. She is said to be very good at War, but is distrustful of help from other countries.


She is rumored to be barren, and is also rumored to have a possibly romantic relationship with her twin brother. She is going through the process of adopting her sister's first daughter, so as to have a direct heir. It seems obvious that she does not care for her youngest sister, Klia, due to Klia's father not being Phoria's and Idrilain's obvious favoritism of her, as well as the fact that some Skalans believe Klia would be a more appropriate Queen.

Thero í Procepios was introduced in the first book, Luck in the Shadows. He is a prominent character in every following book of the series.

Thero is presumed to be the son of a middle-class nobleman named Procepios, but not much is known of his childhood before he began his apprenticeship under Nysander. It is once said that he is distantly related to Arkoniel, Nysander's master. Throughout the first two books of The Nightrunner Series, Thero lacks emotion and enthusiasm for his work, despite being dedicated to learning as much as he can, and being skilled at what he can already do. He and Seregil have a nasty relationship, both hating each other, stemming from a rivalry for Nysander's affection, which he gives to both freely. Nysander believes Thero has the potential to be great, but not yet the humility necessary for it. Thero learns this harshly at the end of Stalking Darkness, when his too-greedy thirst for power leads to a Plenimarin stealing important and dangerous objects which eventually lead to Nysander's death.


He makes a determined attempt to change in respect of the closest thing he had to a father, and leers away from the yearning to be powerful, and more to simply learning for the sake of knowing. He becomes much more carefree, and friendly, in Traitor's Moon, even going as far as to repair his relationship with Seregil, eventually calling him friend.

Countries & Cultures

The world created by Flewelling focuses on a country known as Skala, but actually has several other countries and locations that are important to the story. Skala, Mycena and Plenimar are three separate countries that are known as the Three Lands, because they were once one country ruled by one King Hierophant. Aurënen and Zengat are two countries often brought into the story as well. Three large areas surround all five countries: The Northern Lands, a huge amount of land that lies to the North of Mycena, the the Barbarian Lands, which is a huge amount of land that lies to the West of Zengat, Skala and Mycena, and the Gathwayd Ocean, a huge ocean that lies to the East and South of all mentioned countries and lands.

Aurënen

The country of Aurënen is a mass of land connected to Zengat.

Origin:

Locations: Sarikali is a city said to be the heart of Aurënen. It is a intensely spiritual place, home to the rhui'auros and the most powerful oracle's of the Goddess Aura, whom the Aurënfaie worship singularly. It is the city where diplomatic negotiations take place, yet none but citizens of the country may know where it is, and non-citizens are blind-folded upon making the trip, even royal parties. Gedre is a port city that most often traded with Skala until Aurënen ended all trade negotiations with the country. Trade was re-opened due to the war between Plenimar and Skala in the third book, Traitor's Moon, after intense negotiations. Vire'sse is a port city near the Strait of Bal, capitalizing on illegal trade with Zengat and Plenimar. The Ashek Mountains is the name of a mountain range that runs through the Northern area of the country.

Aurënen is known to be beautiful, filled with lush trees and plantlife, though in some areas, it becomes mountaneous.

Languages: Aurënfaie is a language known for its beauty, but is difficult for others to learn properly.

Ethnic Groups: The Aurënfaie are a race known for their beauty and long life, though they separate themselves from one another through clans, each clan having individual characteristics that can range from skin color to personality types.

As for animal life, dragons are native to Aurënen, and is in fact the only location where full-grown dragons can be found. Dragons are intelligent beings and can actually think and speak when they become old enough. Dragonlings, the young form of dragons, are overwhelming in population and appear in most places, sometimes in such a number that they cover the ground and trees entirely. Dragonlings are often eaten by dragons, which is why their numbers dwindle as they grow. When bitten, the poisonous venem will cause swelling and pain, or death if the dragon is big enough. It is thought that when a dragon bites someone, they will forever remember that person, and that it is a sign of good fortune to be bitten. By using lissik, a blue marking will tattoo the bite on the skin forever. It is against the law to kill a dragon, because of the attachment to the Goddess Aura, and that that attachment and the country's dedication and worship to the Goddess is the reason that dragons are so easily found in Aurënen. Owls are also native to Aurënen, and are also in connection with Aura. When sighted in daylight, it is said to be a sign from the Goddess. It has been mentioned that snakes cannot be found in Aurënen.

Government: Aurenen has multiple clans, each of which has a leader. When the country needs to come to a political decision together, these leaders meet in Sarikali to discuss the situation.

Religion: Throughout Aurenen, the native people worship one single goddess known as Aura, who is also known as Illior in Skala. She is said to grant knowledge in exchange for madness, and uses oracles to communicate with those who believe in her. The moon is her sign, as well as dragons and owls. The city Sarikali is said to be Aura's city.

Culture: In Aurenen, hospitality is a matter of honor, which includes feasts, bathing and even massages. Bathing is also communal, and not separated by gender, and is undertaken often, while in other countries, it is something the general populace try to avoid.

Mycena

The country of Mycena is a mass of land between Skala and the Northern Lands.

Origin: Mycena was originally one country in combination with Plenimar and Skala, until the Hierophant King split the land in three.

Locations:

Languages:

Ethnic Groups: Mycenians are human, like Skalans.

Government:

Religion: In Mycena, most citizens believe in four notable deities, although depending on the part of the country, special attention may be provided to certain deities. There is Illior, who is also spoke of as The Lightbearer or The Lightbringer. In Aurenen, she is called Aura. She is the Goddess of the Moon, Wisdom and Insanity. There is Sakor, who is also spoke of as The Flamebringer. He is the God of the Sun, War and Victory. There is Dalna, who is also spoke of as The Maker. He is the God of Fertility, Land and Hearth. And there is Astellus, who is also spoke of as The Traveler. She is the Goddess of Messengers.

There are also less known, minor deities, acknowledged throughout the country, but not worshiped at nearly the same level as The Four, as they are mostly village deities spread around by travelers. One of these more popular deities is Bilairy, who is said to guard the gate of the afterlife.

There are temples for one of The Four in almost every Mycenian city or town, sometimes even temples for all four together. There is also an Oracle's Temple, where Skalans may venture to gain prophetic visions from Illior herself. Swearing is often by using a God's or Goddess' name in vain. For instance, "By Illior's Hands!" or "Billairy's Balls!" are both popular terms of swearing.

Culture:

Plenimar

The country of Plenimar is a small peninsula connected to Mycena through a small stretch of land.

Origin: Plenimar was originally one country in combination with Mycena and Skala, until the Hierophant King split the land in three.

Locations: The capital city is Benshâl, which was also the capital of the Three Lands when it was still run as one country. Riga is a port city primarily used when the cargo is not up to Benshâl's standards.

Languages: The Plenimarine language is said to be harsh.

Ethnic Groups: The Plenimarine people are humans like the Skalans, only darker-skinned. Many Aurenfaie and Zengati people also live in Plenimar, due to slavery and good trade with Zengat.

Government: Little yet is known about the way Plenimar is ruled except that it is a hierarchy and the position of Overlord, or King, goes from father to son.

Religion: Though the extent of the belief and worship in Plenimar is unknown, Seriamaius, referenced as The Eater of Death throughout the Nightrunner Series, is known to have followers there. His worship rituals are similar to that of a blood cult, requiring human sacrifice and mutilation. Plenimar's near-victory during the Reign of King Thelàtimos was in thanks to the worship of this God, for the Plenimarins used a helm of great evil that somehow connected to Seriamaius and his power.

Culture: Plenimar has much use for slaves, often stealing or employing the Zengati to steal Aurënfaie people in order to make them into slaves, either for labor or breeding. Otherwise, male Plenimarins are often either soldiers, merchants, etc. Females are nearly always kept at home, or are with a male protector if they must travel. Some women, particularly those of a noble home, keep daggers with them at night so as to kill themselves in case of an invasion, and thus save their husband's honor.

Skala

The country of Skala is a small peninsula that lies between the Osiat Sea and the Inner Sea, but stretches onto the larger amount of land that connects with Zengat and Mycena.

Origin: Skala was originally one country in combination with Plenimar and Mycena, until the Hierophant King split the land in three.

Locations: Rhiminee is the new capital, designed and built by Oreska Wizards under Queen Tamir II's reign. The two main characters live in Rhiminee at the Cockerel, which is a hotel that is burnt down and replaced by another, called the Stag and Otter. They also live in a nice house on Wheel Street. Rhiminee is known for the Third Oreska Tower, where the countries Wizard's take residence, as well as the Canal built for trade and Street of Lights made for pleasures of body. Ero was the original capital of Skala, but fell under King Erius, and Tamir, who became Queen after him, chose to use the city of Atyion as a substitute capital city until a new city, Rhiminee, could be built in a location that Illior sent her in a vision. Cirna is a very old port city, and Skala's main city for trade. Watermead is a small town near Rhiminee where Micum Cavish and his family live.

Languages: Skalan is the language spoken throughout the novels.

Skalan is the language spoken throughout the novels.

Ethnic Groups: Skalan is the dominent race of people who reside in Skala. They are pale-skinned humans. Most are not capable of magic, but those that are called wizards. There is also a small amount of Retha'noi, or forest witches, who also live within the country. They are dark-skinned humans, all of them capable of magic.

Small dragonlings might be found at the Temple of the Oracle, but it is rare. Other animals, such as deer, rabbit and wildcats, can be found throughout Skala.

Government: One defining feature of Skala is that the throne is always held by a Queen, power traveling matrilineally. The queen takes an active role in the defense of Skala, riding out and taking part in battles, and holds the military title of "War Commander." She is also in charge of helping her people in times of peace, by acting as the judge for public disputes, as well as controlling taxes, food availability, plague and more. This is due to the prophecy made at the Afran Oracle in Skala, which stated, “So long as a daughter of Thelátimos’ line defends and rules, Skala shall never be subjugated."

This prophecy was made during The Great War with Plenimar, and King Thelatimos instantly handed the crown to his daughter Gherilain, who quickly led the country to victory. Other than the Queen, there are many important roles within the Skalan government, such as Commanders, Generals, Secretaries, Treasures, etc. Many nobles own their own land and armies, though swear fealty to the Queen and give her their forces in times of war.

Following Queen Gherilain the First, there have been many Queens, and occasionally, Kings. Those known are Tamir, who was poisoned by her own brother, Pelis, who became King until plague struck him down and his niece, Agnalain, became Queen. Then was Gherilain II followed by Iaair, who was known to have fought a dragon, Klia, who killed a lion, Klie, Markira, Oslie, whom had six fingers, Marnil, who began the tradition of having more than one consort, and Agnalain III, the first mad queen. Erius, her son, became King because his sister was still just a child at the time of their mother's death, but Tamir II, his niece, became Queen instead of his son when he died. It's possible there was another queen before Gerilani, but Gerilani is the next that we know, followed by Idrilain, who put aside her first consort in favor of an aurenfaie, Lera, the daughter of her first consort, and Corruthsera, the daughter of her second. Elusthera was next, followed by Idrilain II's mother whom we do not know the name, Idrilain II herself, and her oldest daughter, Phoria, is the current queen.

Religion: In Skala, most citizens believe in four notable deities, although depending on the part of the country, special attention may be provided to certain deities. There is Illior, who is also spoke of as The Lightbearer or The Lightbringer. In Aurënen, she is called Aura. She is the Goddess of the Moon, Wisdom and Insanity. There is Sakor, who is also spoke of as The Flamebringer. He is the God of the Sun, War and Victory. There is Dalna, who is also spoke of as The Maker. He is the God of Fertility, Land and Hearth. And there is Astellus, who is also spoke of as The Traveler. She is the Goddess of Messengers.

There are also less known, minor deities, acknowledged throughout the country, but not worshiped at nearly the same level as The Four, as they are mostly village deities spread around by travelers. One of these more popular deities is Bilairy, who is said to guard the gate of the afterlife.

There are temples for each of The Four in almost every Skalan city or town, sometimes even temples for all four together. There is also an Oracle's Temple, where Skalans may venture to gain prophetic visions from Illior herself. Swearing is often by using a God's or Goddess' name in vain. For instance, "By Illior's Hands!" or "Billairy's Balls!" are both popular terms of swearing.

Additionally, the Retha'noi, whom also dwell in parts of Skala, have only one Goddess, whom they call "The Mother". She is said to provide them with their magic and will provide prophetic dreams. It has been stated that The Mother and Illior are not the same patron deity, despite certain similarities.

Culture:

Zengat

The country of Zengat is a mass of land between Aurënen, Skala and the Barbarian Lands.

Origin:

Locations:

Languages: A harsh, hard to pronounce language.

Ethnic Groups: The Zengati are large, bulky and darkly colored.

Government: Zengati runs through clans, similarly to Aurenen.

Religion:

Culture: Slavery is prominent in Zengat.

Themes

Homosexuality

Despite the fact that Seregil and Alec, the two main characters, eventually become involved romantically, Flewelling has said that this is not what the story is about, and indeed, the relationship is very slow-building, the two not becoming involved until the end of the second book. Even once they have, their relationship has much more to do with emotions and trust than the physical aspect of it. Their relationship is not made to be controversial within the fictional universe that it takes place, as homosexuality is viewed as a normal aspect of human behavior, depending on preference. The only issue raised from the fact that they are both male is brought up by Seregil, when he feels that perhaps Alec regrets not being able to have children.

Adaptations

On September 19, 2009, the independent film company, C-Squared Productions, has optioned the rights to the first three books, Luck in the Shadows, Stalking Darkness, and Traitor's Moon with the intention of making them into a movie, or a mini-series.

The first script is being written, though most details are being kept from the public at this time.

Concept, Creation & Publication

Flewelling has stated that she initially intended Luck in the Shadows and Stalking Darkness to be one book, but that her publisher thought it was too long, and had her edit it until it could be published as two books instead.

Reception

The Nightrunner Series has a small fan base in the United States, but it is also published in several different countries, with fans in each.