The Last Light of the Sun
Guy Gavriel Kay
for George Jonas
I have a tale for you: winter pours
The wind is high, cold;
its course is short
The bracken is very red;
The cry of the barnacle goose
Cold has taken
Season of ice;
a stag bells;
summer has gone.
the sun is low;
the sea is strong running.
its shape has been hidden.
has become usual.
the wings of birds.
this is my tale.
— FROM THE LIBER HYMNORUM MANUSCRIPT
CHARACTERS
(A PARTIAL LISTING) The Anglcyn
Aeldred, son of Gademar, King of the Anglcyn Elswith, his queen
Athelbert
Judit his children
Kendra
Gareth
Osbert, son of Cuthwulf, Aeldred's chamberlain
Burgred, Earl of Denferth
The Erlings
Thorkell Einarson, "Red Thorkell," exiled from Rabady Isle
Frigga, his wife, daughter of Skadi
Bern Thorkellson, his son
Siv. Athira, his daughters
Iord, seer of Rabady, at the women's compound
Anrid, a woman serving at the compound
Halldr Thinshank, once governor of Rabady Isle, deceased
Sturla Ulfarson "Sturla One-hand," governor of Rabady
Gurd Thollson
Brand Leofson
Carsten Friddson Jormsvik mercenaries
Garr Hoddson
Guthrum Skallson
Thira, a prostitute in Jormsvik