The Frewyn Herald: Home of the Haanta Series

Surprise Package                 The Den Asaan sat beside the door of the commons facing the entrance of the winding stair, waiting for the herald to arrive with his daily report. The expectant giant would not have made such an exertion in waiting for news from his brothers while remaining away from the warm aegis of his residence but there was something of great consequence that kept him on his guard and out of his home, something significant enough that would cause him to glare at the stone steps and wait for sounds of the object’s coming. His pointed ears perked when he heard familiar footfalls echo through the hallway toward him. He blinked and straightened when he observed the commander bounding up the stair, smiling in his direction. His gaze softened to see her returning from her duties and when she neared gave her promises of attending her in a few moments. He pulled her close momentarily to devour hi...

For those who didn't get to read this story, I'll reprint it here since a very special picture came to me today: Letters to Unghaahi: The Lesson of the Rainbow There was a summons that had come to the temple in the outpost as the party was leaving the pier. Everyone was giving Obhantaa their profoundest consolations as the ship that carried Rautu away had disappeared over the southern horizon and though the white giant was aggrieved that he was meant to be deprived of his brother's presence for a time, it was Otenohi who felt more saddened by Rautu's absence than any other. In planning his small deceptions for his brother, he had felt himself again and to have Obhantaa by his side and Unghaahi to scold him, it had felt ever as it should have been if only they were on the islands. The summons that came for them, however, caused some further distress for the inquisitor as it was a message tendered to himself and Unghaahi. The message was given to Ghodhina ...

A special extra story to commemorate Twisk's birthday: The Birthday Parade            After the pleasantries of Kai Linaa's birthday cake were cleared away from the kitchen table, there was much discussion as to what was to be done in honour of her birthday. The four Haanta made numerous petitions to teach her the forbidden practices of the Amghari she so desired to learn to commemorate such a day but Alasdair sensibilities overruled their suggestions, fearing that the small woman would not be able to withstand the strain on her body. Quiet Frewyn activities were set in place of arrow-catching and strength training at the commander's proposal for she believed the birthday practices of the nobility were in order. Culinary decadence, the parading of oneself about while making proclamations of the special day, the purchasing of excessive clothing, the demanding of certain rights had all done for the royals of the keep and the...

The Haanta don't believe in the concept of birthdays but those in Frewyn do. Twisk, the artist for the Haanta series, is one of my Anonnaa and today happens to be her birthday. As such, I have goaded Rautu into wishing her many returns of the day. It took much birthday cake to convince him but his wish is sincere. The happiest of birthdays to Twisk. May there be a cottage, much Khopra and many sweets in your future. Ghesturaas dan Anaalon: you Haanta family

For those who has missed it yesterday:  The First Snow               It was customary in Frewyn for the first snowfall to occur the second week of the first month in winter. This was only an approximation but the citizens of Diras capital understood it as a certainty. The first snow had always come when the skies were clouded an impenetrable white and the atmosphere was damp and glacial. Many prepared with leather boots and woolen coats, and when the second week of the winter months came, they looked up at the skies and waited. Though the skies gave all the telling signs of a snowfall, the heavy clouds did not give way to expectation. Another week passed of bundled children, woolen leggings and reinforced feet but nothing came. The young of Diras were distraught but the Den Asaan was immensely pleased.               Rautu had endured one of Fre...

   Supper with the Cuineills               The following day, after Tomas had finished the chief of his work in the smith, he went outside to take in the evening air before his vigilant mother would call for his attendance at the table. His work was slower than usual that day. While his hands were busy toiling with ores and irons, his mind was occupied with numerous questions regarding his meeting with Aghneis. It was a short convention but it was of great consequence. She had promised to visit and he was bid to accept. He stood on the front terrace of his house and his eyes were active regarding the several lanes in front of him as he stretched, searching for signs that the woman had been there without his notice. His mind began to invent scenarios in which he would meet her by chance, that he would see her in the street or on his way to visit his brother while she was coming to visit him. He convince...

Welcome to the new Haanta site! I will be posting daily stories from the Haanta series. The series began with "The Commander and the Den Asaan Rautu" and has since grown into a large community of characters. Haven't read the book? Get it on sale now at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Commander-Den-Asaan-Rautu-Haanta/dp/1450265790/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288432979&sr=8-1