From here we progress to the very intriguing matter of human assumption of Deryni powers, apparently first exploited by Camber, Evaine, and Rhys when they discovered this propensity in Cinhil Haldane and made it part of his preparation to reclaim the crown of Gwynedd. Whether the so-called Haldane potential is unique to this particular genetic line or is only a specific instance of a more generally occurring phenomenon, we do not know.

We do know, however, that some individuals of no previously known Deryni lineage are able to assume at least some Deryni-like powers. Whether this simply taps into a preexisting reservoir of unrecognized or forgotten Deryni lineage or else somehow activates a purely human factor, enabling hitherto absent abilities, we do not know. Some such individuals may descend from Deryni originally blocked by Tavis O’Neill or Sylvan O’Sullivan during the brief heyday of Revan’s baptizer cult, 917–922; and some supposed humans will descend from Deryni by-blows, as noted previously.

It is possible, too, that the right circumstances do enable some humans of no Deryni background to assume some powers like those of the Deryni. Close association with functioning Deryni sometimes seems to awaken some of the most rudimentary psychic characteristics commonly present in Deryni, such as mind shields and some slight ability to resist psychic probes and attempts to control. Most recently, in In the King’s Service and Childe Morgan, we have seen aspects of such psychic awakening in Zoë Morgan and her father, Kenneth, through close association with Alyce de Corwyn. Derry’s early propensity for magic could also stem from such association, at least in part, though after his rough treatment at the hands of Wencit of Torenth—and later, by Wencit’s sister Morag—he may be too scarred ever to regain his previous openness to Deryni magic, even after the healing ministrations of Morgan and other benign Deryni.

Bran Coris is another example of a supposed human taking on Deryni-like powers, though it may be that he had unwittingly experienced initial stirrings of psychic potential through close association with his Deryni wife, Richenda—which, in turn, might have facilitated Wencit’s efforts to subvert him with the promise of power. In a possibly related occurrence, Duke Lionel is described in the first trilogy only as a kinsman of Wencit—the husband of Wencit’s sister Morag—and also allegedly has assumed powers. However, in keeping with later expansion of the Torenthi bloodlines, which reveals that Lionel is the scion of another powerful Torenthi family, the dukes of Arjenol—and half-brother to Mahael and Teymuraz, destined to cause so much trouble for Kelson a decade later—we must surmise that Lionel, the king’s brother-in-law and the father of Wencit’s presumed heirs, actually must be a very powerful Deryni in his own right, and that Wencit only claimed that Lionel’s powers were assumed, to strengthen his rough wooing of Bran Coris.

Such is the nature of making things up as one goes along, and trying to remain true to established canon while still keeping the world-building moving forward. After thirty-five years, with fifteen novels in the Deryni cycle (not to mention numerous short stories set in that universe), I still find it somewhat amazing that I have managed to remain as consistent as I have. In the end, however—and for the purposes of telling a good story—I suppose that Deryni are what I say they are. However, I do promise that I will do my best, if at all possible, to avoid summoning too many dei out of the machina!