THE LEAVING OF AVENHELM

"The Leaving of Avenhelm" takes place about 1500 years before the events depicted in "Hierath".

BLURB

The people of the wintry city-state of Avenhelm have learnt to live with the earth tremors that plague their city. But Lukaas, disgraced former priest, believes they pose a greater threat than anyone has imagined. His belief earns him the enmity of the authorities, but ultimately it could save the lives of many, if they can be convinced in time.
When Lukaas meets Rosleen, a priestess of the Temple of Adeamus, he finds she shares his conviction. But her beliefs bring them into conflict. Can they put aside their differences for the sake of the city?

CHARACTERS

        LUK is a former priest, now turned cobbler and content to live a simple life with his family.  But his curiosity and strong will have always led him into trouble.  His involvement in a fatal tavern brawl brings him back into contact with the Temple of Adeamus, and it is there he learns of the threat to the city.  But will anyone listen to him? 

         ROSLEEN is a young priestess, working in the legal department of the Temple of Adeamus, and it is through her work that she meets Luk.  Persuading him that Avenhelm is threatened is easy enough, but her dream of saving the city soon brings her into conflict with his hard-headed practicality.

        CALLISTE -Luk's eldest daughter.  A rebel, she resents working for her father in his shop, and has just embarked on her first love affair with a young fisher named Brojde.  She had no idea that this passion will ignite a power in her that may put all her people at risk.

        PHAR is a novice at the Temple of Adeamus, and a close friend of Rosleen.  It is his interest in geology that first alerts Rosleen to the danger the city faces, but his obsession puts his future with the Temple in jeopardy.

        MAGRETHE - Luk's wife, and mother of his three children.  She doubts her husbands word, but is determined to stand by him in the face of the hostility of the city.  But can she defend him when his words attract the alarmed attention of higher authorities.  Some people want to preserve the status quo in Avenhelm at any cost, and Luk may pay the price.

        SOLYAR - The youngest child, and only son, of Luk and Magrethe.  Solyar is small for his age, and endures teasing and bullying from the other children.  But his courage will change the fate of the world.

LUA - Younger daughter of Luk and Magrethe, Lua is smart, but frequently gets involved in her younger brother's schemes.

 

NESSUN - High Priest of the Temple of Adeamus, his duty is to keep peace in the city.  An avuncular figure, he is fond of Rosleen and Phar, but has no time for their fears.  His faith is unshakable, and he knows his God will never allow Avenhelm to be destroyed.

 

KERISH - The young King of Avenhelm is at odds with the priesthood, and would like to impose a new order in the city.