the owling circus

The Owling Circus

Elaya, a pious young sword-maiden from the island nation of Laril, is robbed of the sword that carries her soul when the mysterious Owling Circus comes to town, and it seems that travelling with the circus is her only chance of getting it back. However, she finds out that to recover her sword, she must also recover the Ringmaster's soul, a precious commodity that controls the magic of the land. It is the only thing preventing the Mainland from being devoured by an all-consuming Light incurred by cultists from the Southeast nation of Obanari.

Alongside Khaz, an enigmatic young acrobat with an interest in cartography, and Maglin, Elaya's close companion, Elaya sets out to track down the Time Market where the souls will be put on sale. At the same time, political instability causes havoc in the influential region of Thalakat, strange magical happenings unfold across the land, and the Ringmaster's motives become increasingly worrisome.

Dramatis Personae

Elaya of Laril - a sword-maiden

Maglin Jadba - a close friend of Elaya

Khaz - a young acrobat for the Owling Circus

Ringmaster Dragon - the ringmaster of the Owling Circus

Anabidanong Taworima - a high priestess

S'aambar - a wizard and keeper of the Time Market

Natka - a thief

River - the Prophetess of the Wild

King Karudu of Thalakat - the King of Thalakat

Queen Nethiva Karudu - the Queen of Thalakat

Giyai - the right-hand of S'aambar

The Triplet Wives - performers at the Owling Circus

“He did not die,” she whispered harshly, and it appeared for a moment that there was no white in her eyes, only twin pits of darkness. She leaned close to Maglin’s ear. “He was offered. The lucky thing.”