Master of Poisons
Chapters (102)
Title Page
Copyright Notice
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Dedication
Dedicated to Ama Patterson (1960–2017)
Friend, Poet, and Conjurer
Map
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
The Arkhysian Empire
Djola, Master of Poisons, northlander
Nuar, northlander chief, Djola’s brother
Samina, pirate, Djola’s wife
Tessa, Djola’s daughter
Bal, Djola’s daughter
Quint, Djola’s son
Rano, captain of Djola’s guard
Azizi, Emperor
Master of Arms
Master of Books and Bones
Ernold, High Priest of Mount Eidhou
Master of Grain
Master of Money
Master of Water
Lilot, cook, companion to Queen Urzula
Kyrie, Iyalawo of Mount Eidhou, Samina’s sister
Queen Urzula, pirate queen, Azizi’s wife
The Green Elders
Awa, Garden Sprite
Bal, Garden Sprite
Yari, the griot of griots
Isra, shadow warrior scout
Neth, Garden Sprite
Jod, Garden Sprite
Cal, Garden Sprite
Holy City
Mother, Awa’s parent, smoke-walker
Father, Awa’s parent, builder
Kenu, Awa’s brother
Hezram, High Priest of Ice Mountain
Tembe, Iyalawo of Ice Mountain, supporter of Hezram
Rokiat, Hezram’s horse-keeper
Meera, empire citizen, Awa’s friend
At Sea
Pezarrat, pirate captain
Healer, pirate
Orca, young man, captive
Vandana, woman from beyond the maps
Weeds and Wild Things
The Bees
Mango, an elephant
Soot, a wild dog
The Behemoths
The Goats
Fannie, a horse
The Crows
Amethyst, a river
The Trees
BOOK
I
1
Djola
We are more likely to deny truth than admit grave error and change our minds. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence or imminent destruction, we refuse to believe in any gods but our own. Who can bear for the ground to dissolve under their feet and the stars to fall from the sky? So we twist every story to preserve our faith.