Hubris: The sin of pride against the gods. The full wrath of the gods is likely to be directed against one who persists in this sin in the face of repeated warnings. The very act of becoming a mage is in itself an act of hubris, and few live to progress beyond the period of novitiate.

Hybuski: Hybuski (commonly known as hyb) are a special type of warrior created and employed in battle by the Kobalos. They are a hybrid of Kobalos and horse, but possess other attributes designed for combat. Their upper body is hairy and muscular, combining exceptional strength with speed. They are capable of ripping an opponent to pieces. Their hands are also specially adapted for fighting.

Kangadon: This is the Lance That Cannot Be Broken, also known as the King Slayer, a lance of power crafted by the Kobalos high mages—although some believe that it was forged by their blacksmith god, Olkie.

Note: Grimalkin told me that this lance was finally broken by Slither, the haizda mage with whom she formed a temporary alliance. He used one of the skelt blades, Bone Cutter, to do so.—Tom Ward

Karpotha: The kulad in the foothills of the Dendar Mountains that holds the largest purrai slave markets. Most are held early in the spring.

Kartuna: This kulad lies beyond the Shanna River. I believe it to be the tower once visited by the haizda mage called Slither; he escaped after slaying the incumbent high mage, Nunc. I believe that the second most powerful mage in the present triumvirate has now taken up residency there, in preference to Valkarky. Many of his magical artifacts will be stored in that tower.

Kashilowa: The gatekeeper of Valkarky, responsible for either allowing or refusing admittance to the city. It is a huge creature with one thousand legs and was created by mage magic to carry out its function.

Kastarand: This is the word for the Kobalos holy war. They will wage it to rid the land of humans, who they believe to be the descendants of escaped slaves. The war cannot begin until Talkus, the god of the Kobalos, is born.

Kirrhos: This is the “tawny death” that comes to victims of the haggenbrood.

Kobalos anatomy: A Kobalos has two hearts. The larger one is in the same approximate position as a human one. However, the second one is smaller, perhaps a quarter of the size, and lies near the base of the throat. If decapitation is not possible, both hearts must be pierced; otherwise, a dying Kobalos warrior will still be dangerous.

Kulad: A defensive tower built by the Kobalos that marks strategic positions on the border of their territories. Others deeper within their territory are used as slave markets.

Note: A number of kulads are also controlled by high mages. They use these as dwellings; they are also used to store their magic and magical artifacts.—Grimalkin

League: The distance a galloping horse can cover in five minutes.

Lenklewth: The second of the three Kobalos high mages who form the triumvirate.