Literature / Dragon Calling

Covers of the paperback editions

Dragon Calling is a five-part High Fantasy/ adventure series written by Australian author/ illustrator N. R. Eccles-Smith. The story is set in the fictional world of Valadae and follows a young dragon named Laeka’Draeon on his quest to find the others of his kind. It contains the following books:

• Kin Seeker (2013)

When Laeka'Draeon learns he is the last dragon left after the mysterious disappearance of his kin, he begins the daunting quest to find them, knowing their prolonged absence could ultimately destroy the balance of peace in the world.

• The Beacon Thrones (2014)

In his quest to find the other dragons, Laeka'Draeon learns of an even greater threat to the lands than the strife caused by his missing kin. A terrible doom grows on Valadae's horizon, and the power to avert it resides in the mysterious Beacon Thrones, a power only a dragon can revive.

• Dual Destiny (2016)

Laeka'Draeon and his companions continue their search for the Beacon Thrones and their guardians. But when one of his friends is captured by Trappers, Laeka'Draeon's actions lead to consequences that threaten to doom his quest to failure.

• The Sword of Stars (2018)

The actions of enemies and allies are set to converge, but the greatest threat to Laeka'Draeon's journey may not lie from outside influences, but from within...

• The Last Calling (2020)

Laeka'Draeon closes in on the mystery of the dragons' disappearance, but time is running out. The final fight to save Valadae looms. Klonnoth Aire must be restored and the dragons found at all costs.

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This series of books provides examples of:

Tropes A-C

• Abandoned Area: The Deep Ways; left abandoned after the War of Shores due to the residual corruption that soaked through the earth and stone, making most of the roads and realms unliveable.
• Accent Interest: Shifra’s accent is distinct enough as to be mentioned more than once; particularly when she is speaking in softer, quieter tones (which is rare).
• Achilles' Heel: The Imurainiir is the only object capable of destroying Thrawn.
• Action Girl: Born into a Clan famous for its warrior bloodline, and raised in a household of elite fighters and slayers, Shifra was destined to be honed as a living weapon herself. Trained in both martial arts and short-blade combat, with a cold and focused disposition, Shifra is a formidable opponent despite her smaller stature and youthful age.
• Act of True Love: Most examples are thanks to Laeka'Draeon's strong devotion to his friends; many of the perils he faces are a result of his efforts to protect/ save those he cares for. A trait revealed earlier in the series (e.g. his volunteering to rescue Ubi from Darks Whelm, despite having only recently met her) and continues throughout, climaxing with the sacrifice of his dragonic manna to save Shifra.
  • Shifra, herself, also does this when given the choice to use the Aunuen to either reverse the corruption from the unforged Beacon Throne or break the curse of Sod’minokul and thus releasing the dragons to reignite Klonnoth Aire (saving Laeka'Draeon in the process but at a high personal price), she chooses the latter.
  • Tiel's sacrifice is solely given out of her fondness for Ghinzel and trust in Laeka'Draeon.
• A Dog Named "Dog": Although given the added flair of being in the hilesal language, Laeka'Draeons's substitute name (given by Ubi) is just what he is: a little dragon. Ubi herself admits that it’s “not exactly the most creative name” but she imagines that he will not have to use it for long.
• A Friend in Need: Laeka'Draeon wears the crown for his burning desire to protect his friends, often risking life and limb to do so. Due to his compassionate nature, his instinct to rescue and defend extends to acquaintances, and even strangers.
  • Norf creates a Friendship Moment when he risks his life to rescue Ubi from Az-Thorz’ enchanted bog.
  • Ghinzel, distraught and determined, ignores the peril to his life and rushes to interrupt the forzaeder doen to stop Yarad from being killed.
• The Ageless: The unicorn creature-kind. Also, the dragons. Both races are immortal, able to live on indefinitely unless struck down by mortal wounds. The soujor creature-kind is the ultimate form of this, crossing over into Complete Immortality, as they cannot be killed by any measure of wounding, and have only been known to "die" of their own volition by ending their own lives.
• After-Action Healing Drama: After the ghoshmyl attack on the centaur/ hobgoblin groups in the Raegelian forest, it is discovered Maewren is gravely wounded and requires both Belzor and Ubi’s combined Healing abilities to mend.
  • Also, when Ubi is mauled nearly to death by Laeka'Draeon during his temporary spiral into madness, the companions rush to bind the worst of the injuries but it becomes clear she is in need of proper Healers, and quickly. Once getting her to a somewhat stable condition, the group moves with haste to reach Coron-Mias.
• After Action Patch Up: After fleeing the harpy-infested city of Shoumeign and finding refuge in a small wood, the companions are all treated for their injuries. The scene between Laeka'Draeon and Shifra shows her carefully removing his bandages to check how the poultices are working against the harpy claw gouges.
• Alas, Poor Villain: Vagel's demise at the hand of Ikorveil, given poignancy due to the final revelation of his motives: to save his family and last remaining untainted kin.
• Alien Blood: The ludas/ ludipis have green blood. Sotaik has black, as does the Yurek'stelin (an actual alien).
• All-Loving Hero: Laeka'Draeon's strong tendency to believe the best in others, offer second chances, and an unmistakably innate desire to protect and save others, friends and strangers alike.
• All Work vs. All Play: Shifra is the extra-diligent one in the group, contrasting Ghinzel, who is playful, and easily-distracted from his tasks.
• Always Chaotic Evil: The hobgoblins of Beruun Terrolaghn; if left to their own devices they will murder and haul each other.
  • The Don-Chease—born out of the rage, hatred and fear felt by the Parasite.
  • The Tainted Shadows as well (also an entity that originated from the Parasite).
• Always Identical Twins: Ferule and Chase Sheddly. They even have Speak in Unison and Finishing Each Other's Sentences down pat.
• Always with You: The Beacon Throne guardians sacrifice their bodies to preserve the flow of their Thrones, but place their spirits inside Laeka'Draeon, as a measure of guarding and guiding him.
• Amnesiac Hero: Laeka'Draeon; in fact, this element is a major plot-driving device.
• Amulet of Concentrated Awesome: The Aunuen, although it only really shows its true power in the final arc of the series.
• And I Must Scream: What becomes of the dragons when Sadukravon unleashes the Sod’minokul (Blood Curse). The Sod’minokul tears the spirit from the body, but leaves the spirit trapped inside; the body now stone, the spirit severed from all sensations but their final moments of terror and isolation.
• Animalistic Abomination: Wall-watchers (aka tel'heris or Tree Children) would qualify, as they often take the form of animals, although with unsettling alterations (particularly their faces resembling that of fossilized masks).
• Animal Motifs: After the Shade Senders are transformed by the manna-terra infusions their masks take on animalistic features representative to their individual traits (Fordon’s resembles a wolf, Curdilis a snake, and Hulborne a bull).
• Animesque: The author’s illustrative style of the characters is inspired by Japanese anime.
• Another Man's Terror: When the companions find the scrawlings in the stone, left by Fletcher.
• Anti-Magical Faction: Sorrel Wrathmere (aka Scimitar Dancer) and his illegal stave trade of magical creatures. Also his older brother, General Starvos Wrathmere, and whatever terrible schemes he oversees in Rellornen (and likely other places as well).
• Anti-Villain: It eventually becomes clear that Volten Vagel’s ultimate goals are anything but nefarious when he returns to the hidden haven of the remnant of pure-blooded hobgoblins. But due to the nature of their precarious (and secret) situation, he is forced to become a Well-Intentioned Extremist fully dedicated to doing whatever it takes to fulfil his real mission: which is freeing his kind from the imprisonment beneath the flow of Klonnoth Aire, saving them from a slow and silent extinction.
• Arc Words: "Not Alone."
• Arranged Marriage: Ubi to Aej (revealed in the chapter, My Light), although the pair have known each other since they were young, so they are not actual strangers. And, it’s made pretty clear that Aej is genuinely in love with her, and (while averse to the arrangement) Ubi does not dislike him, making their future a possible Perfectly Arranged Marriage.
• Artifact of Power: Both the Imurainiir and the Aunuen are objects of extreme (and otherworldly) power; the Imurainiir was forged from the mineral of a meteorite, and the Aunuen is a necklace holding a stone originating from the dragons' realm, Ayrelan.
• Attack! Attack! Attack!: Whenever Laeka'Draeon goes Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn (a kind of savage Super Mode) he tends to lose himself in the instinct of attacking, and requires the intervention of his friends to bring him back to his senses.
• Aura Vision: Laeka'Draeon can detect the presence of others by their auras. It is an inborn ability (of dragons), but one that requires a great deal of training to improve, and so Laeka’Draeon doesn’t rely too heavily on it (he has plenty of other keen senses to tap into).
• Authority Equals Asskicking: Starvos Wrathmere is a brigadier general of the Enquelandrian army, and an extremely formidable fighter. He out-classes Yarad in their first face-off, despite Yarad having Magic Enhancement.
• Awful Truth: The fate of the dragons, and of Laeka'Draeon himself. It’s one of the reasons why Opal Eyes is so ambiguous in his interactions, knowing the young dragon would neither properly understand, nor cope .
• Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other: Though Norf and Ubi are frequently at odds due to their cultural differences, the narrow escapes and brushes with death reveal snippets of their true admiration and care for each other (without any romantic angles). A particularly poignant moment is when, with Ubi trapped and sinking into Az-Thorz’ enchanted bog, Norf resigns himself to death-by-drowning alongside her, rather than abandon her to die alone.

• Back from the Dead:
  • Shifra is given a second chance at life, thanks to Laeka’Draeon’s Heroic Sacrifice in using his dragonic manna to revive her.
  • Belzor is also revived from near-death by his Soul Guards.

• Badass and Child Duo: Yarad and Ghinzel, although not in the trope's purest form. Still, their dynamic is pretty obvious.
• Badass in Distress: Laeka’Draeon, while strong and capable (and with an increasingly powerful arsenal of abilities as the quest progresses) often finds himself in dire situations due to recklessness and/ or the surging drive to protect his friends. Some examples include: nearly being overwhelmed by the Ash-Banes; ambushed and badly injured by Sotaik; nearly falling to his death, twice; being captured and imprisoned by the goblins and forced to fight in their battle arena; also attacked and corrupted by the Tainted Shadows.
  • Senses dulled by the stormy elements, Shifra is caught off-guard by Fals, who holds her hostage (and threatens to slash her throat) as the other Shade Senders converge on the rest of the companions.
  • Yarad (the stoic bulwark of the group) during the manorphis arc in Book 5. After being captured by Prince Veilkiir and the Gaalainven he is taken to Duintrai City and resigns himself to his fate in the forzaeder doen (Traitor’s Duel) for past crimes.
• Badass Longcoat: Yarad’s traditional attire is given this flourish with his long dark coat which he (on more than one occasion) transforms into great black wings using his unusual mage abilities.
• Bad Is Good and Good Is Bad: The creed of the harpies, due to being creatures tainted by corruption.
• Bag of Holding: Ghinzel’s Ukaito Pack. The magic required to create such an object is extremely complex and a well-guarded secret of the fellis (the original creators).
• Balcony Speech: The Lord of Duintrai, Throralvin, formally initiates the forzaeder doen between Yarad and Aena, from the Bastildome’s balcony.
• The Bard: Although only introduced right at the end of the series, Redwick Ravenwings (who is also The Storyteller) has, in fact, been a part of the series since the first book (his songs/ poems and quotes can be found at the start of many of the chapters throughout the entire series). The same goes for Calzor Ven'Ho.
• Battle Butler: Doriel and Laurana are Belzor’s Soul Guards (loyalist servants), and both are capable fighters—users of Light magic.
• Beat the Curse Out of Him: In Book Four, Yarad is forced to fight Laeka’Draeon and beat him into submission as well as siphon his manna in order to snuff out his tainted Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn .
• Beauty Equals Goodness: Ubi, Maewren, and Megandel all qualify.
• "Be Quiet!" Nudge: Shifra does this to both Ghinzel and Norf; the fellis for his naivety and the satyr for his obnoxious blurts.
• Berserk Button: It doesn't take much to set Norf off, but what tends to tip him toward an unnecessarily escalated reaction are directed insults and (of all things) whenever he feels particularly threatened; his anger is a clear coping mechanism.
• Beware the Nice Ones:
  • Laeka'Draeon is a kind-hearted, curious individual, with a trusting and compassionate nature, but is a frightening and savage opponent when tipped over the edge (particularly when he slips into his Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn mode).
  • Maita is sweet, curious, and confident (not to mention sly), but has no qualms savagely clawing the face and eyes of the boss of the Trappers who captured her, or shooting electric barbs of raw manna at swooping harpies.
• BFS: Volten Vagel sports an enormous sword that’s serrated along one side (as if it’s the size and the power of its wielder wasn’t scary enough).
  • General Starvos Wrathmere wields a huge broadsword; which makes sense, considering his height and bulk is considerably larger than the average hemlan.
• Big Bad: Sadukravon is the catalyst for all the major troubles besetting Valadae, being The Chessmaster of the series.
• Big Ego, Hidden Depths: Norf is unashamedly big-headed, but the time spent questing with Laeka’Draeon and company, risking life and limb through various trials, at times reveals his loyal and caring side.
• Big Damn Heroes: Laeka’Draeon, when charging in to rescue his friends; a few times through the 11th-Hour Superpower, and also when his call awakens the Beacon Throne guardians, Selisidus and Dontriavien.
  • Belzor basks in this limelight a few times, too; thwarting the ghoshmyl attacks Just in Time in the chapter Ash and Blood, and also freeing Laeka’Draeon and Shifra from Thrawn’s grasp with a Spanner in the Works charge.
• Big Damn Reunion: Subverted in that, when Laeka’Draeon finally reaches the place where the other dragons have been imprisoned, he finds out they have been wiped out by the blood curse the Big Bad, Sadukravon, unleashed upon them.
  • Played straight at the end of the series, when Laeka’Draeon is reunited with his friends and allies.
• Big "NO!": Laeka'Draeon is prone to such outbursts. First, when the enchantment to open the way to the Olmu Glade collapses before Belzor, Maewren, Chase, Ferule, and Maikor are able to get through, and are thus left trapped in the lake, surrounded by crazed wall-watchers.
  • Again, when Az-Thorz bears down on Shifra in what looks to be a killing blow.
  • And again, when Vagel appears to have crushed Shifra’s neck with his hand.
  • And, most poignantly, in Book 5, when Shifra is impaled by Sadukravon after she chooses to sacrifice her life to save his.
  • Chase also screams this, after he finds Maewren badly injured by a ghoshmyl strike.
• Bittersweet Ending: Leaning more toward the happy spectrum as nearly all the support and main characters survive. At the Abiding Pass, Belzor chooses to go back (stay alive), but at the cost of his memories and his right arm. Shifra is revived by Laeka’Draeon, but at the cost of his dragonic manna; meaning he is unable to assume his dragon form ever again. It is unknown whether he retains any of his heightened senses/ abilities. A few supporting characters’ fates are left ambiguous (Eran Va'eleon, Paytha, the sphinx).
• Blade Lock: Happens during Yarad's skirmish with Curdilis (scythe-blades against single-handed axes). Also briefly occurs during the final fight between Yarad and General Wrathmere, when Aena steps in and blocks Yarad’s killing blow with the blade of her naginata.
• Blow That Horn: The morwulf watcher, Nomar, blows his toekae horn to alert Lady Mauveer’s caravan of the arrival of the enemy.
• Blow You Away: One of Ghinzel's magic nuts can transform into a baton with a fly swatter-shaped head, which can create powerful wind blasts. Twice, he uses it to literally blow enemies away.
  • The sphinx can manipulate both wind and earth; one of their signature abilities is transforming into whirlwinds—which they can use to pick up and carry other creatures.
• Body and Host: Fynwen (the Host) and Velhonoandrius the Second (the Guest). Their relationship is beneficial to both; Velhonoandrius' inhabitation cures Fynwen of his illness, and Fynwen's body allows Velhonoandrius to remain and Valadae and surreptitiously aid in Laeka'Draeon's quest.
• Body Horror: The Parasite (aka. Yurek'stelin) which descriptions reveal as having deformed legs, multiple eyes, disproportionately huge mouth, and a body that can discombobulate and reshape.
  • Thrawn, (being a non-natural chimera) also fits this description, with his nightmarish two-pronged body of fused beast and rider.
• Book Ends: Chapter One of Kin Seeker (the first book in the series) is called ‘Alone’ and has the protagonist, Laeka’Draeon, confused and troubled about his lack of memory and why he is alone in an unfamiliar place. Chapter Sixty One of The Last Calling (the last book in the series) is called "Not Alone" and has Laeka'Draeon loved and surrounded by his friends with the affirmation that he is not alone, and never will be.
• Breaking Lecture: Vagel attempts this on Aubrianna (during her captivity), and also on Laeka’Draeon (during both encounters).
  • Sadukravon also targets Laeka'Draeon during the final battle.
• Break the Cutie: Ghinzel falls into a bout of despair after Tiel sacrifices her life to stay behind and hold the goblin gate closed, which enabled the companions to escape the collapsing cavern.
• Break Them by Talking: Vagel to Laeka'Draeon, during their first face-to-face confrontation.
• Broken Bird: Shifra leans heavily in this direction, as her cynicism and coldness stem from grief and loss and the burden of trying to find a way to help her kind.
  • Aena also strongly fits this condition, even to the point of the obsessive pursuit of nothing but Revenge.
• Broke Your Arm Punching Out Cthulhu: Belzor is mortally wounded in his effort to destroy the High General, Thrawn. And while he is successfully brought Back from the Dead, he is left with a somewhat Pyrrhic Victory, suffering from extensive memory-loss and an amputated right arm.
• Bruiser with a Soft Center: Laeka'Draeon is physically muscular and strong, and as such can give his opponents a solid clouting. But his core is that of a kind, curious and compassionate individual, who goes out of his way to help others.
• Brutal Honesty: There are plenty of times where Shifra has no qualms telling it like it is, or making a practical, if not cynical/ unkind/ cold, remark.
  Shifra: Seriously? Are you all so careless in who we choose to lead us into danger?
  Laeka'Draeon: Shifra—
  Shifra: What! He's been exiled from his village for doing something appalling, which you decided was none of our business! Are you still going to trust him?
• Bullying a Dragon: Norf has a terrible habit of lashing out at things that make him stressed/ fearful; like hurling insults at harpies and sphinx, or throwing rocks at coil slugs, or provoking Scimitar Dancer to violent retaliation.
• Butt-Dialing Mordor: In a sense what Laeka'Draeon and company do by being detected by the Tainted Shadows. The Shadows’ screams reach through the dark spaces and currents of the world, straight to Sadukravon, who in turn reaches back through the Shadows, making direct contact with Laeka’Draeon for the first time.
• Byronic Hero: Yarad possesses numerous hallmark traits including being intelligent, perceptive, driven, deep-feeling and introspective but jaded and very self-critical (as revealed in the manorphis arc in Book 5).

• Calling Your Attacks: Ghinzel does this frequently when using his magic nuts, but (as with certain types of magic activations in Valadilian Lore) his vocal assertions are a focusing method, to help him successfully activate the magic.
  • Belzor Ven’Ho also performs vocal invocation, using the hilesal language, which amplifies the power and efficacy of his attacks/ abilities.
• Cannot Cross Running Water: The Ash-Banes, bound by Ancient Lore, cannot cross running water. In fact, water of any depth that would require swimming — running or otherwise — will kill them if they attempt to pass through.
• Caring Gardener: As a hobby, Belzor Ven’Ho tends the Gardens of Grey Path, and has a particular fondness for flowers.
• Carnival of Killers: The Shade Senders mercenary group, hired by Vagel to track and capture the morwulf fugitive who escaped with the artefact (aka. Shifra with the Aunuen).
• Cataclysm Backstory: The very first Manna Eruption wiped out half the continent of Koventh. The southern half, Valadae, was spared due to the Beacon Thrones being built in order to thwart the disruption of manna and re-stabilise its flow.
• Catapult Nightmare: Most of Laeka’Draeon’s dreams evoke strong physical reactions.
• The Cavalry: Belzor and his sentinels charge in to rescue Laeka’Draeon, Ubi, Norf, and Maikor, from the rampaging Sotaik.
  • Again, Belzor, along with his Soul Guards, appearing Just in Time to break the assault of the hobgoblins and ghoshmyls against the centaurs and Laeka’Draeon’s group.
  • Boedek—having followed Laeka’Draeon into Darks Whelm—rushes to deflect the cacodemon’s attack, and keeps the monster occupied, giving Laeka’Draeon and Ubi time to escape.
  • Ferule, Chase, and Belzor perform a coordinated charge in order to break through Thrawn's forest of limbs and get in a clean strike to free Laeka'Draeon and Shifra from its grasp.
• Character Tics: Ghinzel plucks at his sleeves when nervous.
  • Maewren fiddles with her neck pendant when emotionally stirred.
  • Shifra slaps her arms against her sides when frustrated.
  • Yarad touches his fingers to the base of his throat as a gesture of respect.
  • Ubi snorts when annoyed or exasperated.
• Character Title: The first book in the series, Kin Seeker, is in reference to Laeka’Draeon, and his initial quest to find the others of his kind.
• The Champion: Shifra is this to Laeka’Draeon; out of self-imposed duty at first, with no sense of admiration or comradery, but that changes as the story progresses.
  • Yarad also displays a Champion’s devotion toward Laeka’Draeon, due to what Laeka’Draeon is (a dragon) and everything that that entails.
• Chekhov's Gun: Though the Imurainiir is already shown to be an important artefact and plot device early on in the story (providing Laeka’Draeon with the prophecy of the Beacon Thrones) it proves even more invaluable later on when Belzor realises he can use it to break the corrupted barriers over the city of Dae and the realm of Laranen’unok. The sword also ends up being the Weapon of X-Slaying against Thrawn.
• Cheerful Child: Ghinzel, with his bright-eyed outlook and excitable naivety. Even when the chips are down, it is easy to lift Ghinzel’s spirits again.
• Cheshire Cat Grin: Kushal implements this expression often, and seems to relish the unsettled reactions he receives.
• Chess Master: Sadukravon involves an array of kinds and creatures in his long-term scheming, pulling them into his plot and utilising them like pieces on a board; all the while puppeting from the shadows.
• Childhood Friends:
  • Norf and Jessa grew up together, and were also schooled in the Wood Musician arts at the same time.
  • Maewren, Belzor, Chase and Ferule are all childhood companions. One could even argue that Doriel and Laurana are too; however, as Belzor’s Soul Guards, they would not see their relationship that way; more of a servants/master with Belzor, and peer/peer with the others.
• Childhood Friend Romance: Maewren, Belzor and Chase have known each other since childhood. And while both Belzor and Chase fall in love with Maewren, the latter’s affections are unrequited. Understanding this, Chase accepts with a dignity that ensures his friendship between both of them remains steadfast.
  Ferule: My poor spurned hooves. I suppose I will have to be satisfied stomping a beat for Chase and his lovely one, Mae. We could do with a little show of affection amidst all this weary roving.
  Chase: Of course she's my lovely one. How can she not be lovely to anyone? But I will spare my hooves their own spurning, for they'll likely fall off if I do any more prancing this span. Besides ... her dance belongs to someone else.
• Child Soldier: Shifra began training in the Kutokii arts (as well as short-blade combat) at an early age, although this is a cultural norm for morwulf families from prestigious warrior bloodlines.
• The Chosen One: Laeka’Draeon, as only he (being the last dragon), is capable of awakening the Beacon Throne guardians from their enchanted slumbers. Also, due to his kind’s ancient pact with the serpentine drakes, he is the only one able to host the guardians’ manna within his body, and consequently use their unique abilities.
• Citadel City:
  • The city of Rellornen is walled and well-guarded.
  • Dae, the capital of K’tailiur, is the kingdom’s most well-defended city (making its besiegement all the more shocking and unprecedented).
  • Shoumeign to an extent, too, as it was once a major military hub during the War of Shores.
• Co-Dragons: The Hongrin Priest, Ikorveil, and High General, Thrawn.
• Cold-Blooded Torture: Vagel resorts to this tactic against his morwulf captives in an effort to get the Seksai, Aubrianna Mauveer, to reveal to him the secrets of the Troth of Penitence (aka. The Aunuen).
• Collapsing Lair: The Fallen Courts crumble to ruin as the corrupted manna within Beruun Terrolaghn is reversed by the fully restored and activated flow of Klonnoth Aire.
• Combat Parkour: Yarad moves like this during combat, utilising his mage abilities to enhance both speed and agility, as well as defy the laws of physics for short bursts.
• Combined Energy Attack: In order to hold off the Tainted Shadows (and give their companions time to open the Merge Door) Laeka'Draeon pushes his energy outside of his body in a Kutokii shield manoeuvre, while Shifra adds her own energy and Ghinzel his Poethur fire magic .
  • During the final stage of the battle against Sadukravon, Laeka’Draeon and Opal eyes merge their bodies to become a full-grown dragon, with all subsequent attacks combining their strength and energy.
• Comic Relief: Norf often relieves the tension caused by the dangers of the quest through comical statements and antics. Adversely, Norf also has a tendency to create more tension through ill-timed jokes or snarks.
  • Ferule and Chase Sheddly are also kings of tension-dispelling by means of their blithe jesting and cheerfulness.
• Commonality Connection: Although not expounded upon as far as forming a friendship, Shifra and Aena are very similar in temperaments, drive, skills with bladed weapons, as well as a sense of purpose and practicality.
• Confusion Fu: Ghinzel, with his Magic Nut Pouch and fellis Magician abilities, that often prove handy but unpredictable.
• Conlang: The hilesal being the most developed of the Valadilian languages (having its own written form). Horvish, faeren and phylkir to a much lesser extent.
• Connected All Along: Shifra is the descendant of Keisha, and Laeka’Draeon the descendant of Velhonoandrius/ Ghenavallan. It was Keisha and Ghenavallan who stopped the first Manna Eruption from destroying Valadae (and subsequently Shifra and Laeka’Draeon who stop the second one). Through the Aunuen, Ghenavallan swore an oath of fealty to Keisha’s line; that his descendants would always watch over hers, if called upon.
• Constantly Curious: Ghinzel in practically every new situation, and even occasionally in already established situations. He is a child, after all. Also, Laeka'Draeon to an extent, due to his memory loss, although it is implied his curiosity is a natural (albeit unusual) trait.
• Constructed World: Set in a fictional world, on a continent known as Koventh; all the major elements of the story take place in Valadae, the southern half of Koventh, comprised of eleven kingdoms.
• Continuity Nod: Plenty of references (big and small) in The Last Calling (Book 5) that tie together characters and events throughout the series. Examples:
  • The company coming across two Lungatos and the birthing of a new Ludipis field; revealing that not all the Ludas from Laeka’Draeon’s first misadventure were slaughtered by the cacodemon.
  • The revelation of why Laeka’Draeon is drawn to the stars.
  • The conversation (implied by Aej, confirmed by Stal-Marr) that reveals Boedek’s fate.
  • The Imurainiir requiring water to conduct its power, even after being deconstructed (Belzor only takes the sword part of it).
• Conveniently Timed Attack from Behind: As Curdilis gloats over his impending death blow against Norf, Yarad sweeps in from behind and turns him into Half the Man He Used to Be.
• Cool Old Lady: Madam Lume is a grouchy old hermit, but also tireless, fearless and readily willing to help Laeka’Draeon and his companions, even before she knows much of anything about them. She also lives alone, in a forest full of tricksy magics and tricksy creatures, and isn’t fazed at all.
• Cool Sword: The Imurainiir, although it poses a danger to anyone who comes into contact with it, and thus can only be wielded by Belzor (who has spent many seasons building up a psychological resistance to its power). Gharth’s sword, Uungad, is also quite impressive, able to shoot out swathes of fire after being infused with manna terra orbs.
• The Corruption: In Valadae, the force of chaos and destruction is literally called corruption. It is manna in its purest form that flows in the opposite direction to the True Flow.
• The Corruptor: Sadukravon manipulates The Corruption with such control that it cannot consume him; thus he is able to wield it like a weapon and a poison, infiltrating the minds and souls of other creatures and puppeteering them to his will.
• Cosmopolitan Council: The Crown Meet; practically every important, high-ranking figure with close ties to Laeka’Draeon and his quest is there, including Lady Megandel and Belzor Ven'Ho.
• Cowardly Lion: Ghinzel has a tendency to become overwhelmed and turn coward (freezing up, running away, or hiding), but in his defence, he is just a kid.
• Creation Myth: According to The Making tale, in the Kin Seeker Companion Guide, everything was created by the Maker, manifesting in the form of Words (matter within the Maker made into separate energies by being ‘spoken’ out from Him). The final Word, Manna, was broken into three Strands, and the Strands were tasked with flowing through all the other Words, bringing everything into a constant flow of existence. One Strand decided to make its own flow, disrupting the balance of everything, and was henceforth severed from the other flows, becoming The Corruption.
• Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: Both Norf and Ghinzel fit this category. Both are the less serious members of the group, both tend to cause disorder and unnecessary issues, and yet both display their skill and dedication when it’s needed (sometimes in unexpectedly awesome ways).
• Cruel and Unusual Death: Badva's archaeologist crew, as well as Fletcher and Riev suffer horrendous deaths by their own hands; infected and traumatised by the Tainted Shadows to the point of violent suicide. Thankfully, readers are spared having to endure the event as Laeka’Draeon and companions arrive after everyone is already dead and cold.
• Cry into Chest: Ghinzel collapses against Yarad, begging him not to sacrifice his life in the forzaeder doen .
• Cryptic Conversation: Opal Eyes is notorious for his ambiguousness. Despite this, Laeka’Draeon still trusts him.
  Laeka'Draeon: ... I thought you came here to help me, but you’re making very little sense.
  Opal Eyes: It is not how something is said, but how it is understood. For me, such is recognised; for you it is left to discover.

• Cryptically Unhelpful Answer: Fargo tends to spout these off in reply to Laeka’Draeon’s questionings, even to the point of occasionally lapsing into The Unintelligible.
  Laeka'Draeon: But what is Keiegn, and why do you want me to seek it?
  Fargo: Haste for haste ... must seek.

  Fargo (upon its return from darting off into the mist): Chasing away shadows ... and mist ...

• Crystal Ball: The Hongrin Priest, Ikorveil, uses a foreseer orb to scry across distance and depth to spy on the happenings within Valadae. Later, is it revealed that his brother, Ulkvran, possesses one as well. It is implied he used it to watch over Volten Vagel.
  • Both the Imurainiir and the Eye of Empyrean (although not actual orbs) are also tools used for delving into the past/ future. The Eye of Empyrean is also capable of scrying.
• Culture Clash: Norf and Ubi, amusingly summed up in their first argument:
  Norf: Oh, please—you unicorns are so easily snubbed, it’s any wonder you’re not made out of glass.
  Ubi: And you satyrs are so vulgar and brash, it is any wonder you are made out of any decent matter at all!

Tropes D-G

• Damaged Soul: Belzor returns from the Abiding Pass, at the cost of his memories.
• Damsel in Distress: Ubi, when she is abducted by the Don-Chease in Kin Seeker (Book One). And also, in The Beacon Thrones (Book Two), when she is lured by Az-Thorz into an enchanted bog. But for the most part throughout the series, she capably holds her own as the Pretty Princess Powerhouse.
• Dance Battler: Shifra fights using the Kutokii style—a secret martial art known only to the morwulves that involves wielding one’s own manna to extend and enhance physical attacks. The style often makes the fighter look like they are dancing.
  • Yarad’s fluent movements when fighting also gives the impression of dancing (albeit in a more frightening and savage manner).
• Dangerous Forbidden Technique:
  • The Enargri Vierin (aka Energy Purge) used by Yarad on Laeka’Draeon is considered a controversial and dangerous magic technique, as it requires siphoning out an individual’s life-force in a cleansing ritual before returning it.
  • It is also revealed that the creatures whose skeletons litter the hidden cistern of the eastern Beacon Throne used the highly taboo Soul Transferral spell on themselves to transfer their spirits into the surrounding stone carvings and statues, in order to booby-trap the entire chamber.
• Dark and Troubled Past:
  • During the manorphis arc, Yarad's true identity is revealed, as well as the awful, heart-wrenching hurts of his past; his failure as a Warden and becoming an arch-apostate; his being cursed and left to roam as a vagabond; and, worst of all, the brutal murder of his beloved Eelyn and her family, that ignited his savage drive for vengeance against Starvos Wrathmere.
  • Aena shares a part of Yarad's past, which is especially tragic from her point-of-view as she loses her entire family and home and is left orphaned to fend for herself. It is never explained how she ended up with the manorphis, but pretty much all of her life from Wrathmere's raid to the forzaeder doen with Yarad was spent in bitterness, loneliness, and hate-fuelled desire for revenge.
• Darkest Hour: A few occurrences throughout the series; the harrowing trials of Shoumeign (starting from when the companions enter the hidden passages under the House of Justices); the Maurin Moors; the Deeps Ways arc, especially during and directly after the Tainted Shadows; when Laeka'Draeon exits the Eye of Empyrean ; and also when the Second Gathering begins.
• Dark Is Not Evil: Yarad may have dark eyes, long raven-toned hair, dress in predominately dark clothing, and have mage abilities associated with wind and darkness... but he’s a strong ally to Laeka'Draeon and friends with the Keet of the group.
  • The manorphis, while at first hostile toward Laeka'Draeon and his group, are not inherently evil, and end up becoming staunch allies during the Second Gathering.
  • The Gaalainven, by all appearances, looks extremely villainous, however, the truth is the opposite; Aena is not evil at all — just a troubled, heart-broken young woman, out to avenge her murdered family.
• The Dark Side Will Make You Forget: Happens to Vagel to a degree (which you only learn about during his Return Arc in The Last Calling). He infiltrates The Hold in order to find a power great enough to save his people, but spending so much time in Beruun Terrolaghn, and being influenced by Ikorveil’s Dark magics, has a corruptive effect on him, making him Slowly Slipping Into Evil. Fortunately, he keeps hold of his original goal, and, once he begins his mission to retrieve the Aunuen, he spends enough time away from the Hongrin Priest and is able to break free of his manipulative hold.
• Dawn of an Era: The completion and final resurgence of Klonnoth Aire (and subsequently, the annihilation of the corrupted forces of Beruun Terrolaghn) mark the beginning of true change and renewal for Valadae and all its creature-kinds.
• Dead All Along: The Eye of Empyrean reveals that Opal Eyes is really the spirit of Velhonoandrius the Second (whose body was destroyed by Sod’minokul) who found a Willing Channeler in the sick hemlan boy, Fenwyn.
• Deadly Upgrade: Laeka’Draeon gains incredible strength and ferocity when his (tainted) Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn is unleashed, though at the increasing risk of losing his mind to wild savagery and blood-lust.
• Deadpan Snarker: Norf is the source of all snark in the group, as well as the allocated Plucky Comic Relief guy.
• Death Glare: Shifra, often, and usually aimed at Laeka'Draeon (although Norf is a frequent target, due to his untimely/ obnoxious remarks).
  • Yarad, less often, although he executes the look with more frightening intensity.
• Death Mountain: The highest peak in the Nemblem mountain range is a cleft summit called the Horns of Biekrel’Sorgh wherein lies the essence of a powerful demon, sealed away and guarded by the spirit of the monk who defeated it centuries ago. If the demon is awoken, it can turn the mountain and surrounding elements against any who dare to trespass.
• Death Seeker: Yarad, in his decision to lose to the Gaalainven, as recompense for his past crimes.
• Declaration of Protection: Laeka’Draeon is passionate about protecting his friends, and vocalises his intentions more than once, mostly to Ubi.
• Defiant Captive: Norf ends up Tempting Fate by mouthing off at Scimitar Dancer from inside his cell.
• Defrosting the Ice Queen: Laeka’Draeon’s persistence, as well as his consistent display of courage and integrity, eventually turns Shifra’s heart, and she comes to see him as—not only an ally—but a valued friend.
• Demonic Possession: The Don-Chease of Darks Whelm summon a demon to possess their bodies, transforming them into a giant cacodemon. Also, all the cacodemons cut down by the Shade Senders were once animals/ creatures turned by full demonic possession.
  • Sotaik is a gollow-gellidi—an example of what happens when a demonic possession fails and subsequently traps both the demon and host spirit together in one body (the story of Sotaik as revealed in the Kin Seeker Companion Guide).
• Description Porn: Some settings throughout the series are described with that little bit more detail. Justified for its genre: Epic Fantasy
• Detect Evil: Laeka’Draeon and his “prickling paws”. An inherent dragonic instinct is a sensitivity to the presence of corrupted manna, and while the trait has helped Laeka’Draeon with pre-emptive awareness of possible dangers, its erratic tendencies make it unreliable. That, and detecting corrupted energy does not necessarily mean the source is evil per se (e.g. his paws prickled at the approach of the morwulf wagons in chapter four of Book 1, Kin Seeker); although more often than not, it is.
• Determinator: Volten Vagel resorts to kidnapping, murder, torture, manipulation, and gladly risks the corruption of Beruun Terrolaghn and the puppeteering of the Hongrin Priest, all to fulfil his ultimate mission: to save the dying, untainted remnant of his people.
• Deuteragonist: Of all Laeka’Draeon’s companions and allies, Shifra’s choices and arc carry an equal amount of plot-shifting weight as the young dragon’s, which is made all the more prevalent as the series progresses. She is also the character that has the most Character Development in the series.
• Did You Just Flip Off Cthulhu?: Norf has a tendency to spout angry insults as a coping mechanism during moments of stress; unfortunately he also does this at the creature/s causing the stress (eg. When he hurls insults at the harpies of Mistwood that have surrounded their camp, or when he verbally abuses Scimitar Dancer, despite being at the hemlan captain’s mercy).
• Die or Fly: Happens to Laeka’Draeon when Az-Thorz charges after Shifra, certain to kill her without intervention (her ‘die’ activates his ‘fly’); Laeka’Draeon’s Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn awakens and peaks, enabling him to rush at Super-Speed and ram Az-Thorz off target with so much force, it shatters his connection to his unnatural powers.
• Direct Line to the Author: The introductory of Redwick Ravenwings (a renowned Valadilian Chronicler) right at the end of the series gives rise to the hypothesis that the tale of Dragon Calling was originally penned by him after hearing the whole tale directly from Laefael.
• Disappears into Light: When the Beacon Throne guardians perform the Last Sacrifice, their bodies disintegrate into particles of light, which are then absorbed into their respective Throne, as well as Laeka’Draeon, endowing him with new powers.
• Disapproving Look: Ubi gives plenty of these to Norf; most of the time justified.
  • Shifra makes her fair share too, usually at Laeka'Draeon.
  • Doriel nearly always has this expression when directed at the Sheddlys.
• Disney Death: When Yarad is struck by the Gaalainven’s palsven, the companions initially believe him to be killed, although it is revealed (relatively quickly) that the strike only incapacitated him.
  • Also, Laeka’Draeon’s and Belzor’s “deaths” in The Last Calling may be considered this.
• The Dragon: The Hongrin Priest, Ikorveil, to Sadukravon; although, like his Master, he works from the shadows, and never crosses paths with the Laeka'Draeon and company. Once Thrawn is ‘born’ he also becomes a Dragon to Sadukravon, and does cross paths with the heroes.
• Dragons Are Divine: The dragons of Valadae are considered the most powerful creatures alive. Their magic is unrivalled; they were able to manipulate the very manna of the world itself, through the construction of the towers of Klonnoth Aire. Dragon manna also tends to affect the manna of things and creatures around them. And their origin remains a mystery, other than they claim to hail from a realm called Ayrelan.
• The Dreaded: The Parasite (aka Yurek'stelin) is an infamous terror, being the cause of the destruction of Elrathil, the near-annihilation of the Ludas, the bane of the unicorns, and the fact that seemingly no power in Valadae can kill it. The Tainted Shadows also, as they terrify to suicidal madness (interesting to note that Sadukravon actually calls the shadows the "Parasite's half-spoken songs", implying they are, in fact, some kind of warped creation of the creature.
• Dream Intro: The series begins with Laeka'Draeon dreaming.
• Dream Sequence: A few times throughout the series, all of them from Laeka’Draeon’s POV.
• Dream Walker: Opal Eyes enters Laeka’Draeon’s mind in dreams as a way to communicate with him.
  • The sphinx, Riine’tae, is an actual Dream Walker (in the series); her abilities being inherent (and very rare). She enters Laeka’Draeon’s dreams to sniff out his motives, but instead accidentally witnesses a Beacon Throne premonition.
• Dream Weaver: Opal Eyes wields this ability to some extent, usually using it to give a Vagueness Is Coming warning to Laeka’Draeon.
• Driven to Suicide: All of Badva’s company, including Fletcher and Reiv (Tappala and Dirk’s colleagues) due to their encounter with the Tainted Shadows .
• Dropping the Bombshell: When Belzor’s states that he knows where the dragons are.
  • Also, when Shifra reveals to the rest of the companions that Yarad is not a hemlan, but a manorphis.
  • Opal Eyes drops the biggest bombs of all on Laeka’Draeon, during their gazing into the Eye of Empyrean (and afterwards).
  • When Aubrianna takes Laeka'Draeon through the secret mural gallery within Koruhand'minokul, revealing the truth of the history of Keisha Velapphia, First Mother of Slayers. And again, a short time later, when she dubbs Laeka'Draeon the first Keiegn of the Age of Undoing.
  • Sadukravon also drops some nasty history bombs on Laeka'Draeon, revealing to him that is was the dragons' fault the lands north of the Black Mountains remained in desolation, and that they intentionally closed the border between the northern and southern realms, resulting in all the creature-kinds north of the mountains to suffer and/ or perish as a result. As a consequence, the manticors retaliated by instigating the War of Shores.
• Drums of War: The armies of Beruun Terrolaghn march to the beat of war drums as the Second Gathering commences.
• Dual Wielding:
  • Yarad can manipulate the shape and composition of his red belt and red hair ribbon—the signature weaponized form being a pair of scythe-like swords.
  • Chase Sheddly wields a matching pair of battle axes.
• Dying Race: Thought by many to be long-ago extinct, the four remaining serpentine drakes are fated to die in order to restore the flow of their Beacon Thrones.

• Earn Your Happy Ending: Laeka’Draeon and his companions, as well as a host of their known allies take part in the Second Gathering, risking their lives to try and stop the armies of Beruun Terrolaghn and the resurgence of the Manna Eruption.
• Easily Impressed: Ghinzel is young, impressionable, ultra-curious, and innocent of the wider things of the world. It’s no wonder he gawks and gasps with unabashed enthusiasm at practically every new and unusual (and sometimes not all that unusual) thing.
• The Eeyore: Opal Eyes is this, but in countenance only. Those beautiful, but sad, sad eyes. Fargo is also this, but in tone-of-voice only; descriptions portray it as sounding lonely/ depressed/ rueful.
• Eldritch Abomination: Out from the fragments of a fallen star, emerged the thing that would become known as the Parasite (Yurek’stelin). The otherworld entity is unlike anything in Valadae, an abominable, unnatural thing whose presence defies the laws and harmonies of the lands, causing devastation to creatures and environments alike. As "offspring" of the Yurek'stelin, the Don-Chease and Tainted Shadows,are included.
• Eldritch Location:
  • Coron-Mias is strongly affected by the close proximity of raw manna veins to the surface, so much so that time, light, and other elements do not follow the normal physical laws of the world. The trees are changed, turned petrified and luminous, and the waterways are imbued with powerful healing properties. All living things within the realm are immune to degenerative forces, including disease.
  • Darks Whelm is separated from the rest of the world by ancient, powerful barriers, and the corruption within the forest has caused time to distort, eradicating the normal cycle of seasons and weather patterns.
• Elemental Powers:
  • Laeka'Draeon uses Fire, Ubi and Belzor use Light (Doriel and Laurana as well), Yarad uses Wind and Darkness, and Norf uses a specific form of Sound magic that affects flora and air.
  • More broadly, nymphs use their respective elements in magical expressions, as do the serpentine drakes.
  • Sphinx manipulate Earth and Wind, able to discombobulated their bodies into whirlwinds, and control sand with their breaths.
  • The manorphis seem to have some form of control over Lightning, as well as Darkness and Wind.
• Elemental Shapeshifter: Nymphs are dual-formed, able to shift between a humanoid form and a pure energy core of their element.
• Elite Mooks: Though Sadukravon tends to use them as Cannon Fodder, the hobgoblins of Beruun Terrolaghn are a powerful and savage race, physically strong with incredible stamina.
• Embarrassing First Name: Norf is short for Nordfius; not that there's anything wrong with that name. Well, except, perhaps that it means "Northern Wanderer", and Norf is a southerner, and hates travelling. No matter the reasons, Norf considers his name an embarrassment and thus never uses it.

• The End of the World as We Know It: What would have happened to Valadae if the first Manna Eruption wasn’t averted by the Beacon Thrones. What will happen to Valadae if the Manna Eruption is re-activated.
• Enemy to All Living Things: The Parasite, as its alien manna does not integrate with any living thing in Valadae. Even the soil and air becomes corrupted with prolonged exposure to the creature.
• Enemy Within: Laeka'Draeon's unstable Fuls ov Kuvusharrn (that slowly degenerates toward a Superpowered Evil Side); the reason, he eventually discovers, is due to his blood being cursed.
• Energy Donation: Doriel and Laurana transfer portions of their manna into Belzor to amplify his Light magic, as well as recharge his energy when he’s expended too much. After learning the Last Sacrifice ability thanks to Raunteshin, Laeka’Draeon transfers all of his dragonic manna into Shifra, in order to revive her.
• The Epic: With a central heroic character embarking on a long and dangerous/ mysterious quest, fighting evil forces and gathering companions along the way, the series certainly qualifies.
• Even Evil Has Loved Ones: Vagel resorts to all measures of vileness, all for the sake of saving his family and kin.
  • Cassiopeia, bound to Sadukravon’s will, obeys him on the somewhat deluded hope that he can save her kind from a slow, quiet demise.
  • Even Sadukravon himself has his ambitions fuelled (in part) by a longing to resurrect his kind and restore them to the glorious status of ages long past.
• Even Evil Has Standards: The Shade Senders, although notorious for crimes such as murder, kidnapping and plundering, work by strict codes imposed by their leader, Fordon. They also do not abide taking any part in aligning themselves with unnatural evils, such as cacodemons or med’neth’dast.
  • The vel-spectres serving under Sadukravon only do so as informants, surveillants, and transporters, and do not directly participate in conflicts of violence. Even then, calling them “evil” is a bit of a stretch.
• Evil Me Scares Me: Laeka’Draeon becomes more and more disconcerted by his “inner dark heat” as the story progresses and he gains strength (which incidentally makes his inner savagery stronger, too).
• Evil Overlord: Sadukravon could be considered this, although he has no intention of taking over the world, rather re-making it to fix what he considers the wrongs inflicted on the manna of the lands due to the dragons’ interference. He is also The Chessmaster, and takes every opportunity to use fear, manipulation, coercion and indoctrination to buff his resources.
• Evil Sorcerer: Through unnatural fusions and tortuous grafting spells, the Hongrin Priest was made into a powerful magic-wielder, deranged and sadistic and bent completely to the will of the manticors.
• Evil Tainted the Place: Several examples that are referenced (even traversed by the main characters) throughout the books.
  • Darks Whelm was once the forest of Elrathil, coveted for its beauty and purity. The Parasite’s arrival heralded its long, slow demise; the taint and decay caused by the creature proved so great that the forest was abandoned and magically sealed off from the rest of the world.
  • The corruption caused by the War of Shores permeated much of the Deep Ways, to the point where the realm became uninhabitable.
  • Hunadreas, the mighty heart of the duards’ old empire, was overrun by the hobgoblins and manticors, and fouled by the corruption that followed them. After its fall, the city became known as Beruun Hunadreas, along with the mountain realm’s changed name from the Border Realm to Berrun Terrolaghn.
• Evil Tower of Ominousness: The Fell Tower, Sadukravon’s inner lair.
• Evil vs. Evil: Volten Vagel works under the shadow of Beruun Terrolaghn, but his ultimate goal is to find a way/ power to save his remnant kin. The mission to hunt down the morwulf artefact provides him with the opportunity to stay away from the Hongrin Priest (Ikorveil) long enough to break the sorcerer’s hold on his mind, and to fully pursue his goals. Ultimately, he turns against Beruun Terrolaghn and all it stands for and goes after Ikorveil himself.
• Evil Wears Black: This trope is carried across many of the antagonists of the series; the Don-Chease and their cacodemon; the vel-spectres; the Shade Senders all wear black (minus the masks and capes); the Parasite; the High General, Thrawn (although it makes sense, as Thrawn was created using parts of the Parasite). Even the semi-sentient fear-inducing Black Sand is, well, black.
• The Exile: Late in the series (Book 5) during the manorphis arc and the revealing of Yarad’s past, it is discovered he self-exiled instead of returning to the Warden Velds to face honourable punishment for his crimes and failings as a Warden .
• Expressive Mask: After Vagel forcibly infuses manna-terra into the bodies of the Shade Senders, their masks fuse with their faces (actually become their faces) and take on more bestial features such as horns and fangs.
• Eye Scream: Happens to Thrawn twice, both times courtesy of Maewren and her badass archery skills.
• Face Death with Dignity: Yarad, accepting his fate in advance of the forzaeder doen .
• The Faceless: All the vel-spectres (Mor'tuthra, Cassiopeia) wear masks... and never take them off.

• Face Your Fears: What Laeka’Draeon and company were confronted with inside the Black Sand.
• Facial Horror: When Volten Vagel forces manna-terra orbs into the bodies of the Shade Senders, the fusion causes the mercenaries’ masks to meld with their faces and deform into having beastly features.
• Facial Markings: The Hongrin Priest has black hexes tattooed along his jawline and across his forehead. The markings glow ghostly blue when he is using magic. The fact that the tattoos are ‘hexes’ suggests they are a type of written spell—perhaps to help amplify of focus his magic.
  • The Ashri (the equivalent to a unit commander) of the sphinx creature-kind have markings inked onto their foreheads, symbolic of their position.
• Fainting:
  • Laeka'Draeon often overexerts (or injures) himself, leading to fainting spells.
  • Ubi has several near-fainting episodes, more often than not due to fear.
• Fantastic Light Source: Numerous examples including, bioluminescent plants and fungi in various areas (the cave leading to the Olmu Glade as well as inside the Olmu Tree), and luminous mineral veins and crystals (in the Deep Ways).
  • Manna-stones are an energy source, used for lighting or activating mechanisms (prime example seen in the Deep Ways).
  • Coron-Mias is one giant forest of petrified trees that perpetually glow due to having a direct link with one of the world’s manna veins.
  • The Ludipis Field in Darks Whelm is bathed in some kind of energy that permeates everything so that nothing within the field casts a shadow.
  • The chamber of the Beacon Throne of Darkness and Light is full of luminous crystalline formations.
  • The floors within Koruhand'minokul have semi-transparent mineral obelisks that emit light. The walls and ceilings have long icicle-like projections, all of which give off a pervasive, pale-blue glow.
• Fantastic Racism: The segregated structuring of Shoumeign paints a pretty clear picture of the hemlans’ sense of superiority over the non-hemlan residents. Scimitar brings the undercurrent of prejudice to its most despicable level with his Denin slave trade.
• Fantasy World Map: The map of Valadae is featured within the front pages of every novel. It is also in the Companions Guides, and the Dragon Calling Wikia.
• Faster Than They Look: Norf, being of shorter, stockier stature, has all the appearances of a slower-moving individual. But, under the right motivations, he displays just how fast satyrs can be (e.g. he’s able to outrun both Laeka’Draeon and Ubi, due to the Rage Breaking Point of Maita thieving off with his music pipe).
• Fate Worse than Death: What happens to the dragons after being consumed by Sod’minokul.
• Faux Flame: Ghinzel’s Poethur Flame consumes no air and creates no smoke, and only burns things tainted by corruption.
• The Fettered:
  • Due to her upbringing, Shifra places a high value on duty, honour, and justice, and is often the one in the group who opposes emotional decision-making or plans/ actions that threaten the group’s ultimate goals.
  • Aubrianna refused to reveal to Vagel the secrets of the Aunuen, even as he was torturing and killing her companions in an effort to force her hand.
• Flight: Laeka'Draeon, given that he's a dragon. Yarad and Shifra also possess this ability, both using different levels of Voluntary Shapeshifting. More broadly, all Valadilian creature-kinds with wings (e.g. hippogriffs, mifflins, manorphis).
• Final Battle: The Second Gathering; all the allies armies gather at the Banded Plains in response to the threat of Beruun Terrolaghn. Though once arrived, for the allies it is clear the battle will not be victorious unless the Aunuen proves an effective repellent to the corruption.
• Finishing Each Other's Sentences: Ferule and Chase a few times, as they are well-versed with each other’s bantering.
• First Friend: Ubi is this to Laeka'Draeon. She gives him his substitute name, and, when the opportunity arises, immediately joins in his quest. From the start they share a close comradery and, over the course of the quest, she becomes one of his most treasured companions.
• Flaming Sword: Gharth's sword, Uungad, is infused with manna terra of Inner Stone's Blood and thus can ignite along the blade with fire, as well spit fire at anything the wielder wills to burn.
• Floating Continent: Nyetu’an, the Island in the Storm, location of the Beacon Throne of Fire and Stone; held aloft by a manna rift: an abnormality in the earth’s manna flows.
• Flying Brick: Laeka’Draeon, already physically strong and with heightened senses, upgrades to this once his Flight ability is reawakened.
• Flying Firepower: Laeka’Draeon, once both his Flame and Flight abilities are restored.
• Foil: A few characters are this to each other: Laeka’Draeon and Shifra, Ubi and Norf, Maikor and Norf, Tappala and Dirk, Yarad and Ghinzel, the Sheddlys and the Wetherests.
• Forbidden Friendship: The dragons and morwulves have had bad blood between each other for hundreds of years. Despite the apparently taboo notion of forming a bond, Laeka’Draeon doggedly attempts to befriend Shifra. Eventually, his resolve ends up Defrosting the Ice Queen.
• Forbidden Zone: The Labyrinth of Tears becomes this after the Illusionist takes over the territory and begins terrorizing/ snatching away any who venture therein.
  • Darks Whelm is a place forsaken by the unicorns and left to its silent, perilous, ever-dark, although plucky adventurers have been known to try and traverse its dead woods — rarely, if ever, to return.
  • The Void of Storm and Fire is also a domain strictly off-limits, for obvious reasons.
  • And Laranen'Unok, a hallowed place of the dragons, cannot even be reached unless the path of Echoes Rift is trodden by one of their own.
• Forced Sleep: The Beacon Thrones guardians are in self-induced enchanted slumbers (although they are still conscious, and can mentally project in order to continue to observe the goings-on within their respective territories).
• Forced to Watch: Vagel binds Aubrianna’s head to the wall and forces her to watch him inflict Cold-Blooded Torture on her fellow morwulf prisoners.
• Forced Transformation:
  • Laeka’Draeon’s forced transformation into hemlan form by Kushal’s metamorphosis curse. Later, after the curse is revoked, the residual imprint of the ability allows Laeka’Draeon to use Voluntary Shapeshifting.
  • Later, it is also revealed that Yarad’s form is not his original one, and is a result of a curse which he has never been able to fully break free from.
• Forest of Perpetual Autumn: Darks Whelm is cursed to cycle around the season of usel (the equivalent of Autumn); the deciduous trees within are constantly growing, killing and shedding leaves at an unnatural rate.
  Excerpt from Kin Seeker, Chapter Nine: It is folly to tread amongst the black pines, where Time itself has frozen on the pinnacle hour of usel’s dying breath. The trees, the trees—oh, so many leaves! All dead and decaying, and all of them watching; watching your every step with invisible eyes, until you take your last.
• Forgiveness: Shifra's entire Character Development arc is centred around this theme: from having a severe hatred and distrust of dragons to becoming a staunch defender of them as well as close companions with Laeka'Draeon.
  • Aena spares Yarad’s life, and, in the time leading up to, and during, the Second Gathering, acts as his ally. Afterwards, they are seen spending a lot of time together.
• Friendless Background: It is implied in the series (and confirmed in Ubi’s Prologue Comic), that Ubi had few-to-no friends growing up, due to her status as the Golding heir. The comic confirms that she was also kept apart from others due to the fact that while she is learning to hone her particular abilities, her presence around other young unicorns would disrupt their manna.
• Friendly Ghost: Laeka’Draeon initially mistakes Fargo as some kind of phantom, until he learns otherwise.
  • Hikaranu more soundly fits this trope, being the actual spirit of the warrior monk who felled the wicked Biekrel'Sorgh.
• Friendship Moment: A few touching moments between the main cast, particularly between Laeka'Draeon and Ubi. For starters, in Kin Seeker, after only meeting her a short while, Laeka'Draeon risks his life to save Ubi from the Don-Chease, and then from their summoned cacodemon; even going so far as being ready to throw away his newly acquired purpose (finding the other dragons and restoring his memory) and exchange his life for hers.
  Laeka'Draeon: I'm sorry, Ubi. I've failed you.
  Ubi: It does not matter now. Escape this place, Laeka'Draeon! There is no need for both of us to die.
  Laeka'Draeon (thoughts): I won't run away to spare my own life. I won't leave Ubi to endure this fate alone. I would rather die!
  • Ubi and Norf; after being at odds with one another since they met, when Az-Thorz captures Ubi and has her trapped in his enchanted bog, Norf and Ghinzel rush to save her. When it becomes clear their efforts are futile, Norf refuses to let go even though doing so will guarantee he'll drown in the mud alongside her.
  Ubi: Please let go ... I cannot be saved.
  Norf: I ain't lettin' go. If you're gonna sink, Sweet Fur, then I'm sinkin' with ya.'
  • There's an especially touching moment between Ubi and Laeka'Draeon, after he comes out of his Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn (aka Fire of Judgement/ Dragon's Wrath) for the first time, and is horrified by the intensity of his savagery.
  Laeka'Draeon: Forgive me. I am a monster, and I did not realise it.
  Ubi: No, Laeka'Draeon, you are not a monster. That was a hobgoblin. They are the sworn enemies of your kind. It is probably etched into your instinct to unleash all your fury upon them.
  Laeka'Draeon: But, you ... you were afraid of me.
  Ubi: Yes. But the whole situation was a dreadful surprise. But it does not matter now. I trust you, Laeka'Draeon.
  • Basically every interaction between Yarad and Ghinzel. Their Intergenerational Friendship is something special. One of particular note is in the chapter, Wrath of the Matriarch (in Book Three), when the harpy matriarch—having broken out from her prison—spots Ghinzel (harpies and fellis being sworn enemies) and flies into a murderous rage. She bears down upon the group too quickly for Ghinzel to ignite his harpy-repelling Poether Flames, but Yarad thwarts the attack by sacrificing one of his weapons (which he was using to fight General Wrathmere) to throw at the beast (it strikes her in the arm and distracts her long enough for Ghinzel's Poether magic to ignite). Yarad is injured as a result and Wrathmere gets away, but Ghinzel and the others are spared a terrible fate. Some could argue that Yarad acted the way he did because of Laeka'Draeon (later the mage reveals his reason for his interference in Laeka'Draeon's affairs was due to the respect he has for dragon-kind), but it's pretty obvious the one in direct danger was Ghinzel (and Yarad had saved Ghinzel earlier on that night, in the alley).
  • Norf—not inclined to be kindly of tender towards children—often teases and provokes Ghinzel. As the story progresses though, his teasing becomes more like affectionate jesting, to the point where is Ginzel is comfortable enough with the satyr to tease him back.
  • Laeka'Draeon and Ubi's reunion is a total melt-your-heart moment.
  • In Book 5, when Norf gifts Ubi the seashell he took from the shore of the Wistlight Sea (actually, took from Ghinzel, scolding the fellis for trying to keep it. Hypocrite.)
  • During the gathering of the heirs of Aunuen, Shifra boldly stands up against her own kin in order to defend Laeka'Draeon's character (she even admits later that she used to be just like them, and her change of heart is due to questing with Laeka'Draeon, seeing firsthand his courage and selflessness).
  • The biggest and most heartbreaking moment is when Shifra chooses to sacrifice her life to save Laeka'Draeon and break the curse of Sod'minokul (even when there was another option to save Valadae).
• From Bad to Worse: After the premature death of Raunteshin and destruction of the northern Beacon Throne, Laeka’Draeon and company travel all the way to Laranen'Unok... only to learn of the tragic fate of the dragons (and Laeka’Draeon himself). This is followed by the company travelling north, to face the imminent Second Gathering .
• Frontline General: Though neither are actual generals in profession, both Veilkiir and Lord Va’eleon are experienced warriors and willingly lead the charge of their units into battle during the Second Gathering.
• Full-Boar Action: The bile-boars. Wild ones are aggressive and destructive enough, but the ones that attack Laeka’Draeon and his friends in The Sword of Stars (Book 4) are goblin-mounted (the goblins themselves armed with long-range weapons).
• Functional Magic: Is a strong part of the core lore of the world, with Denin (inherently magical) and Et’denin species; languages that augment/ activate spell-castings; and different methods through which certain types of magic can be used, even by non-magical beings (aka. the Written, Spoken, and Summoned laws).
• Fury-Fueled Foolishness: Norf’s temper lands him in hot water more than once; the worst case occurs in Dual Destiny (Book 3) when he runs after the pixie-cats in a vengeful fit and gets himself snared by Trappers.
• Fusion Dance:
  • Used by Sadukravon on a hapless dragon and morwulf, to create the chimera, Thrawn.
  • Laeka'Draeon and Opal Eyes temporality merge into a single, powerful dragon, to take on Sadukravon in the climactic fight.
• The Gadfly: Most of Norf's conversations involve at least some degree of provocation or impertinence.
• Garden Garment: Nymphs form clothing from living plants as well as layers of their chosen element (e.g. water, earth).
• Gendercide: What the manicors did to the female hobgoblins.
• Genius Loci: The mountain peaks of the Horns of Biekrel'Sorgh literally house an imprisoned demon. The demon, when awake, can manipulate the mountain to its will.
• Genocide Survivor: Sadukravon was the only manticor to survive the Red Scourge Purge made by the dragons.
• Gentle Giant: Conso is a haunjer (and haunjer males stand around seven feet tall). And while most haunjer are culturally proud, hot-blooded heavies, Conso is a kind and temperate individual. But he will push back if his friends are threatened.
• Giant Flyer: Ghoshmyls are the staple mount of the hobgoblin forces; their hive-like social structure enables the higher-ranking hobgoblins to easily manipulate and train the ‘worker’ beasts into subservience.
  • The Beacon Throne guardians (serpentine drakes) are the largest living creatures in Valadae; Eminroth is so huge his body alters the weather around him.
  • Hippogriffs are the second-largest of the ten ruling creature-kinds, and—depending on the situation—allow themselves to be ridden by other kinds.
• Giving Up on Logic: Shifra’s attempts to warn against certain Honor Before Reason and Selective Obliviousness actions planned by the companions are often contested, and if her opinion is overruled by Laeka’Draeon, she relents (often left grudging and frustrated).
• Ghibli Hills: Most of Valadae fits this description, as many of the creature-kinds live harmoniously within their environs; even the larger cities are constructed in such a way as to not obnoxiously breach into the surrounding wilderness.
• Glowing Eyes of Doom: Sadukravon’s eyes glow a deep, fiery red whenever his corrupted manna flares up (usually due to a temper shift).
  • The Ash-Banes of Caprine have eyes that glow an ethereal green.
• Go Back to the Source: Shifra has to take the Aunuen back to the exact location of the place it absorbed a portion of the Manna Eruption (the place of the unforged Beacon Throne) in order to completely and effectively reverse the corruption of Beruun Terrolaghn and stop the Manna Eruption from re-igniting.
• Gone Horribly Wrong: Aurnraulath’s blood exchange with Sadukravon (terrible and traitorous as it was) was only ever meant to curse the bloodlines tied to his. This, as it turns out, ends up not being the case at all. The reason is not specified but can be assumed to be a few reasons; the most likely being that all dragons are connected by a special manna-bond that ties them all together. So, if one is blood-cursed... they all are.
• Good Is Not Nice: Norf is often obnoxious, loud, pessimistic, and perfectly fine with handing out insults.
  • Shifra, for the most part, maintains a disposition of iciness toward pretty much everyone (she softens as the story progresses, particularly toward Ubi and Laeka’Draeon).
  • Madam Lume, while accommodating and helpful, is not a soft, friendly individual by any stretch of the imagination.
  • Kushal is perverse and manipulative.
  • Yarad is utterly ruthless against those he considers enemies.
• Good Is Not Soft: Laeka'Draeon is kind, affable, and compassionate, but one would be a fool to think this makes him soft. He is the Unskilled, but Strong one of the group and only gets stronger as the story progresses, pulling out some serious Lightning Bruiser and Super Mode moments.
  • Conso is a gentle, calm, and steadfast individual, but also a bruiser who will use his immense natural strength to protect his friends.
• Go Out with a Smile: Volten Vagel dies with a smile on his face, knowing his killing strike against Ikorveil using Ulkrvan’s Blade of Joining was successful, and his kind (his son and daughter) will be able to escape their poisonous sanctuary.
• Go Through Me: Ghinzel defies the laws of the manorphis and risks his life to stand between Yarad and the Gaalainven, to keep the latter from making the final fatal blow.
• Green Thumb: Norf is not only a satyr (a creature with a naturally strong affinity toward plant life) but also a Wood Musician—able to control plants (and even communicate with to a certain degree) using Sound magic.
• Grim Up North: Beyond the northern Banded Plains stretches the ominous and treacherous Black Mountains (aka Beruun Terrolaghn), wherein lies the corrupted realm of Beruun Hunadreas, headquarters of Sadukravon and his Hold.
• Guardian Entity: Fargo, for all its unpredictability and (more often than not) limited efforts, ends up being the catalyst of rescue and escape for the companions on several occasions.

Tropes H-M

• Half-Breed Discrimination: Tiel is treated contemptuously by the other mountain goblins of Maurin Moors due to being a half-wood, half-mountain goblin.
• Hand Signals: Norf is very expressive with his hands and arms (and, let’s face it, his mouth most of the time, too) and regularly does dramatic signals (emphasised pointing, crossing the arms to form an X, flailing the arms, face-palming, etc).
  • A particularly subtle but important gesture is made by Yarad (keeping his arm placidly against his side but waving his fingers) to Laeka’Draeon in a “hold off from reacting” command when Shifra is pinned by Fals and threatened with his chakram.
• Happy Dance: Ghinzel breaks out his silly, gawky moves when he is really excited or cheerful. Also, Ubi a few times, but with far more grace and temperance.
• Harmful to Minors:
  • Ghinzel is only eight when he joins Laeka'Draeon's quest. All the subsequent trials and horrors experienced would certainly not be something any normal child would have to deal with, even a fellis child — who are raised in villages surrounded by dangerous marshy woods infested with harpies and water horses.
  • Although Tiel's age is never revealed, it’s obvious that she's quite young. She is ostracised, brutalised and bullied by most (if not all) the other goblins of the Maurin Moors.
  • It is implied that Aena witnessed the murder of her entire family and the destruction of her home, at the hands of Starvos Wrathmere and his Denin-hunting raiders. She would have been young at the time, no more than thirteen years old.
• Hates Being Touched: Yarad; although he does not outright state this, the other companions seem to come to an unspoken understanding and avoid social contact (except Ghinzel, who grabs hold of his legs and jumps on his back, interacting as a child would with their father or older sibling).
• Hate Sink: Sorrel Wrathmere; although only a secondary villain that appears in Dual Destiny (Book 3), Sorrel leaves a lasting impression. He is vain, sadistic, cruel, and a violent xenophobe against Denin creature-kinds.
• Haughty "Hmph": Ubi’s version of this (when dealing with Norf) is a characteristic chin lift and breathy snort.
• Healing Factor: Yarad’s unusual rapid rejuvenation has ensured his survival from what would have been fatal injuries.
• Healing Herb: Collecting Melio Cress is one of the tasks Ghinzel has to complete for his sukishka (redemption by fulfilment of special tasks). The same plant is also used to purge infection from the blood and tissue of the wounds inflicted on the companions by the harpies that attacked the city of Shoumeign.
• Healing Spring: The pools of Armon-nen (literal meaning being High Place of Ancient Waters). Also, the Eideleus pools in the Labyrinth of Tears. Both sources of water are connected to veins of raw manna from the tuplok’gidelara (the Space of Life).
• The Heart: Ghinzel, primarily, although Ubi also shares some aspects (peacekeeping and caretaking).
• The Heavy: Volten Vagel provides a fair amount of conflict and obstacles for Laeka’Draeon and companions (especially for Shifra), even before they meet face-to-face.
• Heel–Face Turn: Initially bent on executing vengeance against Yarad through the Forzaeder Doen, Aena stays her killing blow, at first due to Ghinzel’s heartfelt pleas, but over the course of time spent with the companions, and speaking frankly with Yarad on several occasions, she comes to understand he is not her real enemy, and so becomes an ally.
• Held Gaze: Multiple examples, with different characters: Laeka’Draeon and Ubi, Laeka’Draeon and Shifra, Belzor and Maewren, Yarad and Aena, and (in memory) Aurnraulath and Celetheal.
• Heroic BSoD: Happens after Laeka’Draeon comes out of his Superpowered Evil Side episode, to learn he has savagely attacked (and possibly mortally wounded) Ubi.
• Heroic Sacrifice: A few. Boedek distracts the Darks Whelm cacodemon, long enough for Laeka’Draeon and Ubi to escape.
  • Yuolers sacrifices his manna link with his kin (which eventually kills him) AND abandons his home (leaving it to its fate under the ravaging of the Don-Chease and their cacodemon) in order to rescue Ubi and Laeka'Draeon and carry them to safety.
  • Tiel remains behind in the collapsing cavern to hold the goblin gate closed.
  • Several characters during the Gathering including Chase and Belzor (both badly wounded), and Ametrine.
  • Shifra sacrifices her life to save Laeka’Draeon, and subsequently Laeka’Draeon gives up his dragon manna to revive her.
• Hidden Elf Village: Duintrai city, home to the manorphis: regal and mysterious isolationists who care little of the goings-on beyond their borders.
  • Lailil-Thenen, most certainly, for not only is it a realm made exclusively for the unicorns, but they have used special barriers to keep it hidden and impassable to anyone else.
  • The Olmu Glade as well, although the nymphs and faeries created the place more out of necessity (to ensure their survival against the spreading corruption in the lands) than any attitude of aloofness or disdain toward the other kingdoms and creature-kinds.
  • Coron-Mias, to some degree, in that—while the location is well-known—the inhabitants isolate themselves and very rarely allow outsiders to enter.
• Hidden Weapons: Shifra keeps her dragon-fang dagger in a hidden sheath lined into her boot.
  • Yarad’s hair ribbon and waist belt could technically be this, as they have no resemblance to any kind of weapon until he manipulates them with magic.
  • One of Ghinzel's magic nuts can transform into a baton with a flat, over-sized rectangular head (like a giant fly swatter) with which he can create powerful wind gusts.
• High Fantasy: The Dragon Calling series has many of the core elements that place it securely in this genre.
• High Priest: Ikorveil, the Hongrin Priest, fits this role, although whatever religious belief the hobgoblins hold is never touched upon; likely because the hobgoblins of Beruun Terrolaghn are essentially a Henchmen Race, bred unnaturally for the sole purpose of Sadukravon’s devices.
  • Belzor Ven'Ho is the High Prophet of the kingdom of Gelian, and the third most influential centaur—with only the king and queen above him. He is in charge of Elenoelian, the centaurs’ main temple.
• The High Queen: Lady Megandel, in nearly every aspect of the trope.
• Hijacking Cthulhu: Sadukravon uses his immensely powerful manipulative abilities to reach across distance and depth and awaken the Parasite from its death slumber. He then lures it to Beruun Terrolaghn and subsequently imprisons it so he can utilise its corrupted essence to aid in the creation of Thrawn .
• Hit-and-Run Tactics: Fargo's "attacks" are really no more than distractions, though still prove relatively effective. If only it would stick around after the first swoop to continue being useful.
• Hive Mind: Both the vel-spectre and ghoshmyl creature-kinds have hive-like structures in their societies and mental synchronies.
• Hive Queen: Cassiopeia is the ruler of the vel-spectres, and is literally referred to as the Hive Queen.
• Holding Hands: Shifra and Laeka'Draeon (aka. Laefael) as a show of absolute comradery and platonic love and devotion.
• Hoist by His Own Petard: General Wrathmere's insidious Project Atonement backfires when Kushal manages to temporarily free the minds of those enslaved, and so, instead of obeying the general’s order to kill Yarad and Aena, the creatures turn their manna bombs on him, instead.
• Honor Before Reason: Laeka'Draeon's good-naturedness and desire to help both friends and strangers alike have often been the cause of him taking action before considering the practicalities or longer-term consequences. This is especially true in regards to placing himself in danger in order to protect someone.
• Hope Bringer: Shifra, after the Aunuen accepts her as its Heir.
• Hopeless War: The Second Gathering, essentially, although calling it a “war” is a stretch, as it ends up being more of a Last Stand, meant to hold back the enemy long enough for the Auneun’s Heir to use the ancient amulet’s power to turn the tide in the allies’ favour.
• The Horde: The hobgoblins of Beruun Terrolaghn. Also, the Don-Chease of Darks Whelm.
• Horns of Villainy: The hobgoblins of Beruun Terrolaghn have malformed horns protruding from their foreheads, the deformity a result of genetic mutation caused by corruption.
• Hot-Blooded: Laeka’Draeon charges into situations, impulsive and brash, whenever his friends are in trouble or there is an injustice he feels he can right.
  • Aej’s behaviour and mannerisms strongly imply he is naturally inclined to this trope.
  • Ferule and Chase are full of vim and vigour and are especially gutsy and determined when it comes to combat.
• Humble Hero: Laeka'Draeon does not see himself above others, despite his renown for being the last dragon, or for his heroic deeds, and is always deferring to his friends as being equally responsible for his successes.
• Hybrid Monster: Thrawn is a chimera, created from the blood of the Parasite, manticor bones and Fusion Dance bodies of a morwulf and dragon.
• Hypnotize the Captive: What Az-Thorz does to Ubi in order to get her away from the others and trap her in his enchanted bog.
• IAM Who: When Laeka’Draeon finally uncovers the mystery of the dragons, he also learns that he is the son of Aurnraulath, who is the youngest son of Velhonoandrius the Second, King of Dragons.
• I Am X, Son of Y:
  • Vagel says this to Mor’tuthra in an official declaration of his treachery against the lords of Beruun Terrolaghn.
    Volten Vagel: I am who I always was. Volten Vagel, son of Vulkorn, Warrior of the Remnant, and Hand of Vengeance to Ulkvran, the true Hongrin Priest.
  • Embal (the unicorn sentinel from the Omet Woods) introduces himself to Laeka’Draeon in this manner.
    Embal: I am Embal, son of Oryhn, and this is Boedek of Coron-Mias.
  • Aej (Ubi’s fiancé by Arranged Marriage) introduces himself to Laeka’Draeon in this manner, with an air of disdain.
    Aje: I am Aej, son of Astair, son of Stal-Marr, successor to Alvran the Shield.
• I Am Your Opponent: To keep Hulborne from attacking his friends, Laeka'Draeon makes himself the larger target and shouts, “"Face me, you monster!" To keep a violently out-of-control Laeka'Draeon from attacking the other companions, Yarad deliberately puts on a threatening display and says, "Here dragon. I am your threat now. Face me. Come!"
• "I Can't Look!" Gesture: Norf presses his fingers over his eyes during the forzaeder doen , stating, "I can't watch this."
• Ice Queen: Shifra is not known for any level of cheerfulness; her frosty demeanour (and disposition) is a stand-out trait. She also rebuffs all attempts from Laeka’Draeon and the others to establish a friendship (initially), preferring to give the quest a more duty-based focus.
• Icy Gray Eyes: Aena’s eyes are a perfect reflection of her cool, stern disposition.
• Idiot Ball: Norf tends to do and say really stupid things when he's angry.
• Idiot Hair: Norf's hair sticks up like a wild, brown shrub.
• I Don't Like the Sound of That Place: Black Mountains, Darks Whelm, Labyrinth of Tears, Void of Storm and Fire. Norf actually points out that the latter two clearly must be obvious places to avoid, and bemoans that the company must go to each of them, regardless.
• If You Kill Him, You Will Be Just Like Him!: In the Chapter, The Price of Vengeance (inBook 5), Yarad has General Wrathmere at his mercy and is fully committed to landing the fatal blow, but is thwarted by Aena.
  Yarad: Why are you protecting him? He murdered your family! He is nothing but a monstrous butcher.
  Aena: And if you kill him as you are now, you will become one as well.
• I Just Want to Be Normal: Ubi resents her high-born status for all the restrictions (she feels) it brings her. Along with not being able to have close friends, and given to an Arranged Marriage, she finally has enough and runs away, and thus fatefully crosses paths with Laeka’Draeon.
• I Just Want to Have Friends: One of the reasons Ubi ran away from her home was due to forced isolation while she continued to develop her Goldling abilities.
• I'm Cold... So Cold...: Laeka'Draeon experiences this to great levels of frustration and dismay, although the symptom is not due to mortal injury or illness, but rather being trapped in a cursed body .
• Impaled with Extreme Prejudice: In Book Two, the night watcher, Nomar, is pierced through the shoulder by Vagel, who uses the morwulf’s own sword to do so. In an act of cruelty, the hobgoblin captain then lifts the hapless morwulf off the ground and pulls him along the shaft of the sword to stare him down nose-to-nose.
  • In Book Five, Belzor stabs Thrawn through the core with the Imurainiir, which effectively severs the bonds of the spirits trapped inside and consequently causes Thrawn’s body to disintegrate .
  • In turn, Thrawn impales Belzor with one of its branch-like ligaments; it punctures straight through the centaur, between his front legs, literally pinning him like a stuck fish, until Thrawn flings him loose during his death throes.
  • During the Final Battle Sadukravon, in a fit of absolute rage (at Shifra using the Aunuen to break the dragon’s blood curse), skewers her through the chest before flinging her like a rag doll across the rocky escarpment.
• Implied Love Interest: Between Belzor and Maewren. For most of the series, the pair seems to dance around the Will They or Won't They? tree, for different reasons, until, with the threat of the Second Gathering imminent, they finally express their feelings and get a Relationship Upgrade.
• Improbable Aiming Skills: Maewren takes down running (hobgoblin) targets through a forest while also running. She also manages to strike Thrawn right through the slit of its helm, and puts an arrow in the eye of its beast head.
• Ineffectual Loner: Yarad, being The Stoic with a Dark and Troubled Past. The Power of Friendship plays an important part in his redemptive arc.
• Inelegant Blubbering: Ghinzel does this twice. First, in The Sword of Stars (Book 4), when Tiel stays behind to hold the goblin gate closed, sacrificing herself to save him and his friends. Second, in The Last Calling (Book 5), when Yarad is in the verge of losing the forzaeder doen against the Gaalainven. Hysterical and desperate, Ghinzel performs a Go Through Me moment to keep the Gaalainven from killing his friend.
• Infinite Supplies: Not quite, but thanks to Ghinzel’s Ukaito Pack, the companions are never really short on any of the travel necessities.
• Inhumanly Beautiful Race: The evaish are described as having a splendid and strange beauty that often leaves beholders awed to the point of aching. Also, many consider the honmirogein faerie-kind as markedly winsome creatures. But it’s the unicorns that are renowned as the most beautiful creature-kind in Valadae.
• Instant Waking Skills: Some of the instances where Laeka’Draeon wakes up, he’s fully alert. Justified, either because his sleep was interrupted by visions from Opal Eyes, or his instincts alerted him to an impending threat; he is a predatory creature with heightened senses, after all.
• Intangibility: Fargo, to a degree, as it can pass through solid matter. Even barriers and spells do not affect it. Although, it is capable of interacting with physical matter, being of a manifested and sustained coagulation of raw manna.
• Intelligent Forest: The Realm of the Nymphs is home to the last untainted network of Elder Trees: entities of unique and ancient consciousness, that still have the ability to "birth" tel'heris (aka the Tree Children or wall-watchers).
• Interclass Friendship: Multiple examples: Belzor Ven’Ho (third-highest ranking centaur in Gelian) and the Sheddlys (common-born vanguards); Ubi (high-born and heiress to a powerful magical lineage) with the rest of the company; Shifra (noble-born) with the rest of the company; even Laeka'Draeon (after discovering he is the son of the First Prince of Valadae), although the group is unaware of this status for most of the story.
• Intergenerational Friendship: Yarad and Ghinzel, which also becomes a Mayfly–December Friendship, when the group learns that Yarad is actually of manorphis blood (manorphis having a lifespan three times that of a fellis).
• Interspecies Friendship: Most of the cast of main and support characters are different species to one another, and most become friends/ allies.
• Invisibility: Fargo is able to phase in and out of physically visible states. So can, Ourntar.
  • Yarad is able to bend light around himself to become undetectable to the naked eye (and uses this technique to help Laeka’Draeon, Shifra, and Ghinzel infiltrate the House of Justices).
• It's Personal: Yarad’s hatred of General Wrathmere; the general maliciously targeted him due to him being a magical creature, which resulted in the death of his lover, Eelyn, and the senseless butchering of her entire family (all of whom he had formed bonds with), except for Aena (who managed to escape).
  • Aena’s pursuit of retribution against Yarad, until she postpones her judgment thanks to Ghinzel’s bravery and heart; eventually she shifts her goal to align with Yarad’s.
  • Also, Shifra’s hatred of dragons (her mother was snatched by a Rogue).
• I Will Find You: A primary motivation of Laeka’Draeon’s quest is to search for, and reunite with, his missing family.

• Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Norf is loud, snarky, and occasionally obnoxious, but most of it is hot air, and his companions know it. And the fact that he continues with Laeka’Draeon’s quest shows that he is dedicated to playing a role in helping make things right, not just for himself, but for his friends, and for Valadae.
• Jumped at the Call: Ubi expresses genuine eagerness to join in Laeka’Draeon’s quest.
  • Ghinzel practically begs to join, and, once initiated into the group, spends hours afterwards burning hyper-active energy.
• Just Friends: Chase and Maewren; although Chase is in love with her, he knows the feeling is unrequited and so follows the path of I Want My Beloved to Be Happy.
• Just the First Citizen: Lord Eran Va’eleon is the overseer of Coron-Mias, not its ruler or law-maker.
  • Also, the Steward of En’dueneth, Rynual Rhenorth (in the series it is never brought up why the kingdom of Risenden doesn't have a royal ruler).

• Keet: Ghinzel ticks all the boxes: kind, hyper, inquisitive, talkative, and the young one of the group.
• Kick the Dog: Scimitar Dancer deliberately sets off the magic set into the bars of Norf’s prison cell (while Norf is holding onto them) which basically gives the satyr a terrible electric shock that hurls him across the small chamber.
  • How Baucin and the other Maurin Moor goblins treat Tiel is especially and needlessly mean-spirited (physically abusing her, taunting her, bullying her and forcing her to do laborious tasks).
• Kid-Appeal Character: Ghinzel; young, artless, hopeful and all-round bundle of energy that helps balance out Shifra’s and Yarad’s more serious dispositions.
• Killing Intent: Vagel exudes this energy, as does Yarad. Curdilis also, after his manna-terra transformation.
• Kill It with Fire: Laeka’Draeon obliterates the muulta bugs with his Flame.
  • Ghinzel’s Poethur Fire is an effective deterrent against the harpies.
  • Hikaranu’s manipulation of Dontriavien’s spirit fire burns Hulborne to a charred husk.
• King Incognito: Opal Eyes is actually Velhonoandrius the Second.

• Lady of War: Shifra, thanks to her noble lineage and upbringing as a Child Soldier.
• The Lancer: Shifra, while initially hostile and at odds with Laeka’Draeon, eventually becomes one of his closest allies and advocates, and, eventually, his closest friend.
• Large and in Charge: Starvos Wrathmere is described as noticeably (and intimidatingly) broad and hulking by hemlan standards. He’s also the brigadier general of the Enquelandrian army.
  • Sadukravon is the Lord of Beruun Terrolaghn and one of the largest characters/ creatures in the series.
• Last Episode, New Character: Both Redwick Ravenwings and Calzor Ven’Ho are introduced in the very last chapter of the last book. Sharp-eyed readers would have noticed that both characters are part of a Continuity Nod in that their songs/ quotes and poems are used in the chapter excerpts throughout the entire series.
• Last of His Kind: Laeka’Draeon is the first dragon to be seen for several months, and is figuratively considered the last of his kind in Valadae, until the mysterious disappearance of the others is solved. When it does, he learns that (sadly) he is the last (at least the last dragon still active and able to take part in the Second Gathering .
  • Sadukravon is the last of his kind, as far as he knows.
  • The Beacon Throne guardians are the last of their kind.
• Last Stand: The allied kingdoms against the armies of Beruun Terrolaghn. It becomes clear that the Second Gathering will end with the complete annihilation of Valadae’s forces unless the Aunuen’s activation turns the tide in a significant way.
• The Last Title: Book Five, titled The Last Calling.
• Leaf Boat: Ghinzel’s fellis Leaf Magic creates a (small) boat-sized white leaf that hovers above the ground.
• Life Energy: Called manna in the series, it is a thread of Pure Energy that flows through all living things, sustaining the tether between an individual’s physical being and their spirit. It should be noted that the word “manna” is also used to describe Pure Energy itself. Depending on what it flows through, manna will change compositions/ purpose/ strength.
• Light 'em Up: In-world magic law has Light magic capable of being used to both restore and destroy. Primary examples can be seen in the unicorns (their horns are the conducting points of their external magic castings) and the magical bloodline centaurs (channelling through their hands).
  • Boedek uses a light beam to (temporarily) repel the Don-Chease cacodemon.
  • Ubi utilised her horn offensively multiple times to protect her friends. Her light beams have a yellowy tinge to them.
  • Belzor and his Soul Guards combine their energies to create a massive Light explosion which destroys the hobgoblin and ghoshmyl enemies attacking Laeka’Draeon and Rardius’ groups along the Raegelian border.
  • Doreial and Laurana utilise Light magic to attack Thrawn (shooting balls of Pure Energy from their hands).
  • Aej attacks Laeka’Draeon with beams of energy, although the manifested energy is black, suggesting he might, in fact, be using a pure form of dark magic.
  • Wielded as a weapon, the Imurainiir projects spears of burning rainbow-coloured light from its blade.
• The Lightfooted: Ubi (being a [[{{Unicorn unicorn]]) is deftly agile, with a light tread that often-times slips into the Noiseless Walker category.
• Lightning Bruiser: Laeka'Draeon, when empowered by the manna of one (or more) of the Beacon Throne guardians. Also when fully immersed in his Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn mode.
• Limited Wardrobe:
  • Norf only wears a red vest; the same red vest until it's taken from him by Trappers. His replacement ends up being a red shirt from Ghinzel’s Ukaito Pack supplies... which he converts into a vest.
  • Yarad wears the same outfit for the entire quest, which is shown to be Magically Regenerating Clothing (this is later revealed to be because his clothing is actually a part of him; his own manna, externalised and manipulated to look like clothing).
  • Shifra also wears the same outfit for most of the series and spends time mending it when she can (the clothes are also mended by evaish attendants during the group’s stay at Coron-Mias).
• Living Relic: The serpentine drakes (aka Beacon Throne guardians) chose an existence of loneliness and self-isolation by becoming the living stabilisers of their respective Thrones, while the rest of their entire race sacrificed their lives to activate the Thrones’ powers in order to subvert the destruction of the first Manna Eruption.
• Loner-Turned-Friend: Both Shifra and Yarad’s arcs follow this pattern (becoming The Lancer and the Sixth Ranger, respectively).
• Long-Haired Pretty Boy: Yarad, with his tall, lean structure, smooth, pale countenance, sharply structured features, topped off with long, lustrous raven-black hair.
• Long-Lived: Many sentient races in Valadae have long lifespans, with 200 years being one of the ‘lesser’ spans.
• Loony Friends Improve Your Personality: Norf, the consistent Jerk with a Heart of Gold, becomes more adventurous, tolerable and self-sacrificing, thanks to his relationship with Laeka’Draeon, Ubi, Shifra, Ghinzel and Yarad.
• The Lost Lenore: Eelyn, Yarad's lost love (and Aena’s sister), and the major catalyst for his Revenge arc.
• Love Redeems: In the end, it is Yarad’s affection for Ghinzel that trumps his hatred for Wrathmere, ultimately making him abandon his path of Revenge, even when he has Wrathmere at his mercy .
• Luke, I Am Your Father: Opal Eyes is really Velhonoandrius the Second, Laeka’Draeon’s grandfather.

• Magical Accessory: Ghinzel has his Jewels of Kai, the Ukaito Pack, and his magician’s pouch of magical nuts.
  • Norf’s music pipe is carved from special wood and used to channel magic through sound.
  • The Aunuen also fits in this category.
• Magical Gesture: Kutokii is a fighting art requiring many purposeful poses and gestures, particularly hand gestures.
• Magically Regenerating Clothing: Yarad’s clothes self-mend; justified, in that it is eventually revealed that the clothes are actually a part of him (his own manna, externalised and manipulated to look like clothing).
• Magic Is a Monster Magnet: Not “magic” per se, and not outright stated in the books, but Word of God confirms that Laeka’Draeon’s cursed blood/ corrupted manna attracts the attention of other corrupted entities. It is the reason the Don-Chease (although actually aware of him) ignore him until he interferes, why the cacodemon wants to devour him, and why Sotaik breaches the Grey-Path.
• Magic Music: The power of the Wood Musicians (an ability utilised by Norf).
• Magitek: The instruments and utilities of both the old duarden and evaishian empires are referred to as ‘technologies’, implying a level of advancement not seen in the current Age of Valadae—or, to be more accurate, only seen in small amounts and glimpses, such as the manna stones and Merge Doors found in the Deep Ways.
  • The trans-shifting circles created by faerie magic (and utilised by both the faerie and the evaish) are basically elevators powered by magic.
  • The airships of Ho-Ru Thenen are of ancient evaishian make, and are powered by some collected form of manna. They are also equipped with manna-firing cannons.
  • The manna cannons used by Shoumeign’s city guard are barrelled weapons that accumulate manna (presumably by magical means) and use it as ammunition.
• Magnetic Hero: Laeka'Draeon's unusual magnetism (and the importance of his quest) lends many different allies to his side and cause.
• Malevolent Masked Men: The Shade Senders' signature attire includes matching ghoulish white masks.
• The Marvelous Deer: The ki'lin of Coron-Mias can be considered this, seeing as they are magical creatures and deer-like in appearance. They can also be categorised as a type of Kirin, as they are intelligent, benevolent creatures that have a single antler protruding from their foreheads, with an affiliation to the element of water, as well as healing abilities.
• Mask of Power: Although not specified in the books, Aena’s Gaalainven mask is crafted from magically enchanted materials and provides acute sensory awareness.
  • The Shade Senders’ masks are enchanted, revealed to at least project their voices, although whatever spells attached to them has Gharth consider them tainted objects.
• Master of Illusion: Az-Thorz is able to create clones of himself, as well as manipulate sounds and visuals through illusions.
• Mayfly–December Friendship: Yarad and Ghinzel (after learning Yarad is Really 700 Years Old).
  • Ubi (unicorn), with the rest of her companions (of varying lifespans).
  • Tappala (average wescat lifespan being 40 years) and Dirk (average duarden lifespan around the 430-year mark).
  • Haskel (also wescat) and Conso (with haunjer’s averaging around 300 years).
• Meaningful Name: All the nymph names are inspired by their core element: Pyralis means Of Fire; Cloris (after the Greek goddess) means Flower Goddess; Keelty (the German origin) means From the Woods; and Naida means Water Nymph.
  • Kushal means Skilful and Clever, alluding to his abilities and mental prowess.
  • Fynwen (a combination of Finian and Owen) means White Noble; a tribute to the boy being dragon-touched by the king of dragons.
• Meaningful Rename: As he does not know his real name, Laeka’Draeon dons the name given him by Ubi; later he also accepts Shifra continuing to call him by his hemlan alias, Atanu. Laeka’Draeon, literally means Little Dragon in the in-world language, hilesal; Atanu, means Unshapen, suitable in the case of Laeka’Draeon, who spends the majority of the series seeking after his lost identity and calling. By the series’ end, his learns his real name, Laefael, which means Heir of Ascension, and chooses it over the others.
• The Medic: Ubi is this for the companions, thanks to her inherent Healing magic.
• Medieval Stasis: Only as far as technology is concerned, and somewhat justified, as the War of Shores caused near-total devastation to economies and cultures (even wiping out entire races). Between the Elder Age and the Age of Discord there were many evolutions, including the birth of new kingdoms, and the rise of different creature-kinds to prominence.
• Meta Guy: Norf often (sarcastically) points out the perils/ foibles/ possible miscalculations of the company’s forthcoming routes/ plans/ tasks, but really only because of his natural cynicism.
• Mighty Glacier: The cacodemon of Darks Whelm is enormous and incredibly strong (able to lift stone columns and full-grown Ludas with just one arm), but it’s size and composition make it slow, and somewhat cumbersome.
  • Hulborne of the Shade Senders becomes this after his body is mutated by the absorption of manna-terra orbs.
• Million Mook March: The Armies of Beruun Terrolaghn descending from the mountains and accumulating across the Banded Plains for the Second Gathering.
• Mind Rape: What the Tainted Shadows do to Badva’s encampment.
• Minored In Ass Kicking: Due to his age, Ghinzel is inexperienced, but over the course of the quest gains more confidence in his abilities, and even pulls out some surprisingly effective moves with his Wind Baton, Shroom Shock and Poethur Flames.
  • Also Norf—although generally being the Non-Action Guy—steps up to match the heat of each obstacle/ predicament, revealing his abilities.
• Missing Mom: Later in the series Shifra reveals that her mother was abducted by a Rogue dragon and presumed dead, as the Vala-Kas and Slayers were never able to recover a body. Near the end of the series, it is discovered that two creatures (a dragon and a morwulf) were fused to create the monster Thrawn. The Aunuen did not try to repel Thrawn when it took hold of the amulet, which means Thrawn's blood was bound to the Aunuen … and there's only one way for that to happen.
  • Also, Laeka’Draeon’s mother goes missing after the Second Gathering, and in a conversation with Shifra he states that one of his future goals is to find out what happened to her.
• Mistaken for Granite: The hippogriff statues inside the eastern Beacon Throne chamber were imbued with the Soul Transferral spell.
• The Mole: Gharth (aka Tovin) infiltrated the Shade Sender ranks as a Vala-Kas spy.
• Moment Killer: Aej’s angry brooding off to the side takes the bloom out of Laeka’Draeon and Ubi’s reunion .
• Morality Pet: Ghinzel is this to Yarad. Although Yarad is no villain, he can be classified as an Anti-Hero. He is the darkest/ most troubled of the companions, with a brutal undertone, and it’s Ghinzel’s influence that softens him and opens his heart to chance caring for others again.
• Mordor: Beruun Terrolaghn, first broken, in part, by the Manna Eruption of the Elder Age (although stabilised by the duards and hobgoblins for many generations), but eventually degenerated into a deeply corrupted state throughout the long years of the War of Shores.
• Morph Weapon: Yarad’s ribbon and belt change shape and composition according to his will (usually taking the form of scythe-like swords).
• Mortality Ensues: Laeka’Draeon essentially loses his near-immortal lifespan after he gives up his dragonic manna to revive Shifra.
• Motive Rant: Sadukravon gives one to Laeka’Draeon during their final confrontation ; he makes it clear beforehand he’s been waiting to do this ever since he learned of Laeka’Draeon’s existence, and that Laeka’Draeon has been receiving guidance from Opal Eyes (whom Sadukravon would see as revealing only half the truth to the young dragon). Played down somewhat, as he willingly engages in a two-way conversation with Laeka’Draeon, wanting to glean the young dragon’s perspective as much as wanting to declare his reasons and desires.
• Motor Mouth: The wescat, Tappala, is super chatty.
• Mr. Exposition: Opal Eyes narrates over the past events as they unfold in the Eye of Empyrean, explaining to Laeka’Draeon the whats, hows, and whys of the imagery shown (Sadukravon surviving the War of Shores, Aurnraulath’s blood betrayal to save Celetheal, the beginning of the Aurnraulath’s Trial of Separation before it was interrupted by the Sod’minokul. What happened to the dragons as a result. And what happened to Opal Eyes and Laeka’Draeon himself).
• Multinational Team: Laeka’Draeon's quest companions comprise of individuals from different races and kingdoms.
• Muscles Are Meaningless: Yarad is described as being tall and lean, but his prowess in battle reveals he is much stronger than he looks. Justified in that he is not only a mage but a manorphis.
• Mutually Exclusive Magic: The Beacon Thrones are connected to an ancient binding magical law that restricts the inhabitants of Valadae from only ever being able to learn of the location of one of the four Thrones (whichever Throne channels the manna of the kingdom of the birth). Laeka’Draeon is the only known individual exempt from this law, and through him, is able to unbind others by verbally telling them what he knows. In the final book of the series (The Last Calling) it is revealed that his uniquely unbound condition is a result of him dying and then being resurrected before he was physically born .
• My God, What Have I Done?: After Laeka’Draeon comes out of his Superpowered Evil Side episode to learn he has savagely mauled Ubi.
  • In the replay of past events through the Eye of Empyrean, Aurnraulath expressed his horror at the realisation of the full extent of his treason, and how far-reaching the Sod’minokul (blood curse) actually is .
• My Greatest Failure: Yarad’s tragic backstory. Also, Opal Eye’s failure in regards to not dealing the killing blow against Sadukravon, the consequences of which ultimately destroy the dragons of Valadae, and very nearly Valadae itself.
• Mystical Waif: Opal Eyes fits solidly into this trope.
• Mystical White Hair: Opal Eyes, being the Mystical Waif; solidified when it is discovered that he is actually Velonoandrius the Second's spirit, borrowing the body of a hemlan boy (the white hair and eye colour a result of the dragon's intrusive manna).
  • Belzor is of a magical bloodline (while most centaur bloodlines are non-magical) and is able to use Light and Healing magics.
  • Doriel and Laurana Whetherest are the same as Belzor, although their line is not as established, and, therefore, their training in magic came with additional side effects (the loss of their voices).

Tropes N-S

• Naïve Newcomer: Laeka’Draeon, thanks to his memory loss.
• Name Amnesia: Laeka’Draeon cannot recall much of anything about his past, including his name. Ubi obligingly gives him the substitute, Laeka’Draeon, and later, he borrows the pseudonym, Atanu Duern, to complete his guise while in Shoumeign (Shifra continues to use the latter, having refused to call him by the other substitute).
• The Namesake: The first book, Kin Seeker, is in direct reference to the main protagonist, Laeka’Draeon, although the words ‘kin seeker’ are never actually used. Book 3, Dual Destiny, is in reference to Laeka’Draeon and Shifra’s intertwining quests/ destinies.
• Narrative Poem: There are several of these (though not the full versions) added as Chapter Excerpts, including: The Slayer and the Rogue (from Chapter 8, Book Two), Three Cushy Fellis (from chapter 27, Book Two), the Legend of the Durrn’s Bay Raker (from Chapter 19, Book One), and Fallen Warden (from Chapter 10, Book Five).
• Native Guide: Being an inhabitant of Caprine and geographically savvy, Norf guides Ubi and Laeka’Draeon through Twens Way and on toward Elenoelian—their final destination. Later (in Book 2) after the group leaves the (heavily-guarded) confines of the Nymph Realm, Norf once again guides the group through the outer regions of Mistwood, tracking toward one of the fellis villages (where they hope to find a local ranger to assist them further).
  • Belzor, being a resident of the southern forests, assists Laeka’Draeon and company in reaching the entrance to the Olmu Glade, by safely guiding them through the dangerous and shadowy terrain of the Realm of Nymphs.
  • Ghinzel—having learned how to navigate all the regions of Mistwood since he could walk—happily volunteers to guide Laeka’Draeon and company through the Labyrinth of Tears (Mistwood’s most dangerous region) in order to help them locate the mysterious Beacon Throne of Water and Air.
• Nature Lover: Norf is a satyr, and all satyrs have an inherent love and affinity for nature.
• Nature Spirit: The faerie and nymph creature-kinds are closely bonded to nature, as are the satyrs and fauns.
  • Also, the ludipis/ ludas (having some very plant-like characteristics).
• Neck Lift: Vagel does this to Shifra, during his attempt to take the Aunuen from her.
  • Vagel also does this to Fordon, after the hemlan refuses to continue working with him; Vagel, determined to fulfil his mission, gives the hemlan no choice and forcefully infuses manna-terra into his body—which consequently injects his body with unnatural levels of manna, and makes him subservient to Vagel's will .
• Nerves of Steel: Only one thing can shake Yarad: people and memories of his past being prodded or stirred; everything else is child’s play.
• Nice Guy: Laeka’Draeon is friendly, supportive, protective, and extremely loyal.
  • Ubi is kind, eloquent, and polite (most of the time), and integral support for Laeka’Draeon.
• The Nicknamer: Norf gives nearly all his companions nicknames (and not particularly polite ones, either).
• Nigh-Invulnerability: Fargo is a Spirit Message, and Spirit Messages cannot be harmed or disabled by anything accept its recipient’s command of release.
  • The Parasite (Yurek’stelin) is also seemingly indestructible, to where the only way the original residents of Elrathil could stop its spread of destruction was to imprison it in a coma-like state. Once awakened and set loose on the battlefields of the Banded Plains, imprisonment by magical means seems the only way to stop it, that is, until a river of dragon spirits blast their manna through the beast, turning it to stone.
  • Also, the Med’neth’dast, as they are entities resurrected by necromancy, and can really only be destroyed by purified balefire.
  • Thrawn is comprised of unique, corrupted manna (from the Yurek’stelin) and thus can only be seriously injured by manna of a uniquely opposite nature (aka the energy from the Imurainiir).
• Ninja: The morwulf Vala-Kas are the equivalent of this; masterful infiltrators, spies, and assassins. Tovin and Paytha are both Vala-Kas; Tovin being a ku’in or ‘master’ of his field.
• No Hugging, No Kissing: The only romance in the story is the sub-plot between Belzor and Maewren, and even then it is only lightly touched on.
• Noiseless Walker: Sadukravon’s paws are infused with the spell of Fade, making his steps silent.
  • Ubi makes very little noise when walking, as unicorns are renowned for their lightness-of-hoof, and can oftentimes move about while barely making a sound.
• Non-Action Guy: Norf, but in a milder sense, as he is capable of defending himself and carrying his weight in the group (although he prefers to steer clear of trouble as much as possible).
• Non-Linear Character: Both Belzor Ven’Ho and Opal Eyes, although only to an extent, and only because of their exclusive access to the Imurainiir and the Eye of Empyrean, respectively.
• Noodle People: Mor’tuthra and Cassiopeia are of the vel-spectre creature-kind, which are very tall and slender, with disproportionately long arms and fingers, and very flexible joints.
• No Sense of Humor: Yarad, being The Stoic of the group, but he subverts this one time by imposing uncharacteristically funny conditions on Ghinzel and Norf during the group’s game of Fools Stone Trump Stone in the chapter, Shelter of Ruins in Book Four.
  • Doriel fits squarely in this trope, often seen scowling or scolding the Sheddlys for their flippant behaviour.
• Not Evil, Just Misunderstood: Pixie-cats are notoriously mischievous and trouble-making, and in some cultures/ regions are believed to be evil and the presence of one a bad omen. But they are not inherently bad. They just have a greyer moral spectrum, and are, by nature, more chaotic than most sentient creatures. The same stigma follows the goblin creature-kinds.
  • And while vel-spectres are working for Sadukravon, and aid in his dreadful operations, it is revealed later in the series that they do so under duress; forced to follow orders from their Queen, who is bound to Sadukravon against her will.
• Not Quite Flight: Before Laeka’Draeon’s Flight ability is restored, the most he can do is augment his jumps and do short glides.
• "Not So Different" Remark:
  • Vagel suggests this to Aubrianna, to her horror and immediate rebuff; but when Vagel’s final arc is revealed, his words ring with truth. Both the hobgoblin captain and morwulf Seksai were driven with unbending determination to find a way to save their people.
  • Sadukravon actually says this to Laeka’Draeon, speaking of their shared legacies of vileness, as well as the driving desire to save their kinds, regardless.
• Not So Stoic: Yarad, during his capture and imprisonment in Duintrai.
  Narration: Laeka’Draeon stared, stunned out of a response. The calm, stoic Yarad he knew had been cleaved in two and pulled apart, exposing someone beneath he hardly recognised. Someone pierced through to the soul with deep sorrow and remorse.
  • Yarad again, during his second fight with General Wrathmere, where his savagery gets out of control .
• Nothing Is Scarier: The company's passing through the Ugubai Domain and lead-up to the encounter with the Tainted Shadows .

• Obviously Evil: Most of the antagonistic forces that obstruct Laeka’Draeon’s quest are creatures strongly rooted in corruption, and thus either physically manifest signs of taint, or have a detectable aura of wrongness.
• Occult Blue Eyes: Sadukravon’s eyes are a piercing ice blue that can transition to a fiery red. Both colours are implied to be unnatural.
• Odd Friendship: A few. Ubi and Norf, as their kinds are at odds with one another in regards to vastly different cultures.
  • Yarad and Ghinzel, in age-gap, polar-opposite temperaments, and being different species.
  • Laeka’Draeon and Shifra, whose races have been enemies for hundreds of years (the morwulves especially carry a deep-seated hatred).
  • Haskel and Conso’s partnership is far from the norm as well, as haunjers and wescats don’t normally interact on any terms of equality or comradery.
• Oh, Crap!: Several of these, such as the Half-moon Hunt, the harpy assault on Shoumeign, the cursed statues of the Duintrai Fortress, the Tainted Shadows, and Biekrel’Sorgh.
  • Sadukravon has this moment during the climax battle, right after Shifra breaks the Sod’minokul.
• The Older Immortal: Great Stal Marr was present (and active) during the War of Shores, marking him over 700 (Valadilian) years old, at the very least.
• Older Than They Look: Many Valadilian creature-kinds are long-lived, but unicorns, particularly, retain a prime appearance, as do the evaish, the nymphs, and the faerie.
  • Of the companions, Yarad is over 230 (at the very least), although his appearance is that of a hemlan in his late twenties.
  • Opal Eyes, once it is revealed that he is, in fact, Velhonoandrius the Second (although his condition is quite unique, in that he is sharing the body of a hemlan boy).
• The Omniscient: The Beacon Thrones guardians are aware of all the goings-on in the kingdoms aligned with their Thrones, although they have no power to interfere of influence, due to being trapped in enchanted slumbers.
  • It is also clear that Lady Megandel has some level of supernatural insight; through touch, she can look into an individual and see everything about them, including their potential for both good and evil. Her ‘Sight’ also extends throughout her domain, though not beyond.
• One-Gender Race: The nymphs, although technically genderless, assume forms that are distinctly feminine.

The hobgoblins (all males), although not by design, as the manticors exterminated the female of the species; subverted, when later in the series it is revealed that a small remnant of untainted hobgoblins survived the desolation of their culture, including females.

• Only Known by Their Nickname: Norf introduces himself as such, and it is only much later in the series that his companions learn his full name (Nordfius).
• Only Mostly Dead: Laeka’Draeon, though not actually dead, is near enough in spirit to pass through the veil into the Abiding Pass .
• The Only One: Laeka’Draeon is the only one able to find and restore the Beacon Thrones; justified, in that the other dragons have gone missing, and only dragons can awaken the Throne guardians from their enchanted slumber.
• Only One Name: A cultural aspect of several creature-kinds, including unicorns, mifflins, ludas, fellis and nymphs. E.g. Ubi is Ubi, Daughter of Hetra, Maikor is Maikor of Muurnwood, and Ghinzel is Ghinzel, son of Hujiro.
• Only the Chosen May Wield: The Aunuen is a sacred morwulf artefact specifically attuned to a particular bloodline of morwulves, in which its power will awaken only for them. While Shifra is its keeper, it behaves as a Protective Charm (in a way) whenever she is in grave peril. It also actively repels anyone who attempts to take it by force. Later, it is revealed that the reason it responded protectively toward Shifra is that she is actually one of the bloodline heirs.
• Only Sane Man: Both Norf and Shifra have these moments, either pointing out the absurdity of another character’s plan/ opinion or stating the utter madness/ perilousness of their current situation.
• Opposites Attract: Tappala and Dirk’s friendship. Also Cab and Taijorn’s.
• Our Demons Are Different: Cacodemons are evil spirits that steal the physical bodies of living creatures and metamorphose into a stronger and monstrous form.
• Our Dwarves Are All the Same: Averted in the case of the duards in that while they do share a lot of similar cultural traits, there is enough difference the make them especially unique.
• Our Elves Are Different: The evaish are the equivalent of Valadae’s ‘elvish’ kind (as their name implies). They are ethereally beautiful, strange, and possess some inexplicable connection with the supernatural elements of the world (Coron-Mias, anyone?). Although humanoid, they possess little in the way of physical similarities to traditional elves, looking more along the vein of the Zoras from The Legend of Zelda franchise... if Zoras were modelled after elegant trees instead of fish.
• Our Fairies Are Different: There are four different types of faeries in Valadae, all with traits that both tie them together as a creature-kind, and distinguish them from one another. Common features include being bipedal, with cloven-hoofed feet, feathery tails, horns protruding from the forehead, laying eggs instead of live offspring, and wings. Some differences are: one kind have feathered wings, the others have dragon-fly like wings. Two kinds are covered in hair, one kind is nomadic (and very, very small).
• Our Goblins Are Different: The general impression of the wood goblins is that they are generally passive and timid although implied to be nosy and knowledgeable (examples seen in Tolib and Tiel).
  • Hobgoblins stand around eight feet tall, are covered in thick hair, with bull-like head horns and boar-like tusk and upturned nose. Their features are described as being a mix of porcine and feline. Before their culture was decimated by the manticors and they were turned into mindless Elite Mooks, they were a Proud Warrior Race as well as True Craftsman in stonemasonry, excavation and refinement (considered better even than the duards).
• Our Wights Are Different: The Med’neth’dast are unnatural flesh-eating abominations, created by necromancy, capable of Pulling Themselves Together. Their actual appearance is a mystery, as they are swathed from head-to-toe in strange, purple bandages.
• Out-of-Character Moment: Norf gifting Ubi the seashell necklace. Yarad’s (rather hilarious) betting conditions made to Norf and Ghinzel. Both examples can be seen as Character Development, especially Norf.
• Overly Long Name: Not to any great extreme, but the manorphis tend to have longer-than-average names (eg. Hien Shalvol Eisht Hastklingr).

• Painful Transformation: Laeka’Draeon’s forced shifting into hemlan form, by Kushal’s curse, is described as being consumed by an agonising heat whilst also enduring muscle and ligament contractions hard enough to shatter bone (his bones did not shatter, of course, but rearranged).
  • Fordon’s screams after Vagel crushes manna-terra in his claws before punching it straight into the mercenary’s chest attest to the pain he undoubtedly endures during the manna-terra’s transfusion. One can assume the other Curdilis and Hulborne suffered the same agony.
• Panacea: The waters from Armon-nen have clearly potent properties (able to rid the companions’ of corruption) and the Eideleus pools are stated to have tremendous healing properties able to cure almost any illness. Both sources of water are connected to veins of raw manna from the tuplok’gidelara (the Space of Life).
• Panthera Awesome: Ourntar is a soujor, and the majority of soujors take the form of large felines, with fantastical features (such as horns or spines, or extra ears and tails). Soujors are super intelligent, super rare, powerful, and practically immortal.
• Papa Wolf: When Ghinzel is kidnapped by the Maurin Moor goblins, Yarad’s temper rockets to a whole new level of cold, vengeful anger.
• Parental Substitute: Ghinzel pretty much adopts Yarad as his substitute ‘parent’, and despite Yarad’s seemingly stony indifference to the position, interactions between the two as the story progresses makes it clear the mage ungrudgingly accepts the role.
• Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Death: Vagel dies facing the sunrise as the sun (briefly) breaks through the clouds.
• Perpetual Frowner: Yarad’s resting face is a natural frown.
• Perpetual Storm: The Void of Storm and Fire is a massive, cyclonic sandstorm circling a deep chasm in the earth, caused by a manna rift.

• Pint-Sized Powerhouse: Being the Non-Action Guy means Norf, for the most part, keeps a low profile. But the fact that he is able to keep up with a dragon, unicorn, morwulf warrior and bad-ass mage is a testament to the satyr’s hardiness and endurance. Plus, he has a mean right hook (looking at you on the tavern floor, Borcin).
• Place of Power: Klonnothe Aire. The White Fountain within the Olmu Tree. Also, the locations upon which the Beacon Thrones are built (including the unforged Beacon Throne in Beruun Terrolaghn).
• Platonic Declaration of Love: Shifra makes this declaration in the loudest possible way —when she chooses to use the Aunuen to save Laeka’Draeon’s life (and free the dragons) knowing it will cost her hers.
• Playing with Fire: Laeka’Draeon, once his Flame abilities are restored.
  • Also, Ghinzel, to a degree, with his protective Poethur Fire.
  • Eminroth is a serpentine drake of Fire and Stone, whose fire-power is so immense it blasts apart the cyclonic storm surrounding Nyetu’an .
• Plot-Powered Stamina: All the centaur characters (Belzor, Chase, Ferule, Maewren, Doriel and Laurana) endure long bouts of running. Doriel, Laurana, and Belzor also exert magical energy, sometimes straight after or during events of intense physical exertion. Mind you, centaurs are known for their high stamina, and all the known characters have the benefit of additional training (Chase and Ferule are vanguards in the Centaurian Army; Doriel and Laurana are Soul Guards).
  • Many of the morwulf characters (Tovin, Paytha, Abner) are shown exerting extreme bouts of physical activity. Abner, in particular, manages to keep up with Belzor and his companions, and runs all the way from Shinyon to the morwulf encampments surrounding Dae.
  • Aubrianna maintains continuous cloaking/ protective spells over the wagons that escaped the siege of Dae for days before finally needing to rest.
  • Thanks to her extensive training and her pedigree, Shifra often has no trouble keeping pace with Laeka’Draeon and Ubi (both of whom have more legs and more magic than she).
• Plucky Comic Relief: Norf; his humorous irritability and antics add a great dynamic to the group.
• Plucky Girl: Ubi is quite brave (choosing to embark on Laeka’Draeon’s quest, for one thing) and has a (more often than not) optimistic and encouraging disposition.
  • Tappala is vivacious and undeniably bold in her determination to explore and uncover the lost archaeological secrets of the Deep Ways (despite the numerous threats the tainted realms hold). Even after the terrible incident of discovering the body of her apprentice (and the other massacred archaeologists), she still keeps her head on straight and helps Laeka’Draeon’s group make their escape. Even after the Tainted Shadows incident, she’s still as eager and excited as ever to return to her Deep Way explorations.
• Portal Pool: The Rune Pool inside the Olmu Tree.
• Posthumous Character: Laeka’Draeon’s father, Aurnraulath; Yarad’s ward, Veilishi, and lover, Eelyn; Also, Shifra’s mother (although near the end of the story it is revealed that her mother was actually one of the creatures used to create Thrawn).
• Post-Victory Collapse: Laeka’Draeon, after successfully fending off and escaping the Ash-banes, and after breaking free from the harpies, during the siege of Shoumeign; also, after defeating Sadukravon.
  • Belzor Ven’Ho also collapses both times from exhaustion/ exertion, after using the Imurainiir to break through the corrupted barriers.
• Power at a Price: Wielding the Imurainiir grants Belzor unique powers and supernatural insights but at considerable risk of permanently damaging his soul and sanity (even losing his life) to the sword’s voracious otherworldly current.
• Power Glows: When the Beacon Throne guardians’ power is active, it often manifests around/ from Laeka’Draeon as a luminous aura. When Ubi uses her Light and Healing magics, the energy gives off an effervescent glow. Note, that most elemental magics in the series manifests some level of luminosity.
• The Power of Friendship: A very strong theme throughout the series. Especially prevalent between the main cast; in essence, it’s the permeating element that brings success (or hope, during moments of failure) to all the endeavours undertaken by Laeka’Draeon and his companions. Some examples include:
  • Laeka’Draeon proves time and again that his love and devotion to his companions is the core of his strength and his driving motivation to continue with his quest (even above his drive to find his family and restore his memories).
  • Yarad’s redemptive arc would not be possible without the influence and friendship of the others, particularly Ghinzel.
  • Shifra and Norf are not particularly close but their shared love of music leads to a few bonding moments, shown when they play their instruments together during times when the companions are recuperating from their travels.
  • Ubi and Laeka’Draeon glean comfort and courage from one another regularly. Ubi’s trust and outward display of kindness and affection are important stimulations for Laeka’Draeon—especially during his downer moments of self-doubt, fear of failure, and losing control of his Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn.
  Ubi: I know you too well, Laeka'Draeon. I know your heart aches. But please, do not blame yourself for what happened. Get some rest. Recover your strength. I have faith that you will find a way to overcome any obstacle. I always have.
  Laeka'Draeon (spreading his wing over her): Thank you.
  • Shifra learns to let go of her prejudice and hate, due to Laeka’Draeon’s consistently courageous, pure, and honourable heart (and his persistence in wanting to befriend her).
  • Norf really shows his fortitude when he throw himself into harms way to save Ubi from Az-Thorz’ enchanted bog. Also, when he chooses to stay behind and hold off the possessed statues inside the ocean cistern, rather than slow Laeka'Draeon and Shifra down and make their efforts to reach the Beacon Throne guardian's head more perilous than what it already is.
  Norf: I-Ican't. You go on. I'll keep these degenerate blights off your back.
  Laeka'Draeon: No. I won't leave—
  Norf: Go you idiot! I've got this.
• Pragmatic Villainy: As the leader of a mercenary group, Fordon enforces a code of conduct to ensure the missions his group takes on run as smoothly as possible, which includes abstaining from unnecessary pillaging and slaughter.
• Pre Emptive Declaration: Yarad to Curdilis, before driving his scythe swords through him and slicing him in half.
  Curdilis (gloating over Norf's inevitable death by his hand): ... I will be your shadow, until the moment of your final, screaming breath.
  Yarad (suddenly looms from behind): And I will be yours. (cue stab through the back)
  • Also, Sadukravon to Laeka’Draeon, before puncturing his manna flow, allowing the Tainted Shadows to infect him with a massive dose of corruption, which, in turn, plunges him into his Superpowered Evil Side.
  Sadukravon: So, the test for you now is this—not if you can stop me, but if you can stop yourself.
• Pre-Sacrifice Final Goodbye: Tiel gives Ghinzel a final farewell before returning to close the goblin gate and thus sealing her fate.
• Pretend Prejudice: Although Norf finds unicorns (collectively) unbearable in their haughty and sensitive cultural leanings, and tends to act out his disdain in an overdramatised fashion, his fondness for Ubi grows into something genuine, and culminates into a steadfast friendship.
• Pretty Boy: Laeka’Draeon, when in his hemlan dual form.
  Ubi:‘You look fine, Laeka’Draeon. Well, for a hemlan, that is.
  Ghinzel: You think he’s pretty, don’t you, Ubi.
• Pretty Princess Powerhouse: Ubi is a high-born (pretty much the unicorn equivalent to a princess), and heiress to the powerful augmenting Goldling magics. And she readily steps in the use her powers to help protect her friends.
• Prophet Eyes: The Hongrin Priest, Ikorveil, is blind in the biological sense; however, he can see creatures and objects in their energy/ manna form. He can even extend this ‘sight’ through solid objects, as well as use it to read the emotional conditions of others.
• Protective Charm: Ghinzel’s Jewels of Kai protect him from extreme temperatures, the obstruction of complete darkness, and corrupted energies.
  • The Aunuen protects Shifra when her life is in imminent/ immediate peril.
• Protectorate: Laeka’Draeon’s friends; he will do almost anything to protect them.
  • Yarad and Ghinzel are the Badass and Child Duo.
• Proud Warrior Race: Both morwulves and haunjers are a proud creature-kind who place a high value on warrior bloodlines and status (although only the morwulves’ culture is directly touched upon in the series; information on the haunjers is revealed in external sources, such as the wiki).
  • Also, what the hobgoblins used to be before their culture was decimated by the manticors. Later in the series, it is revealed that an untainted hobgoblin remnant survived, as did their culture (due predominantly to the leader, Ulkvran’s, efforts to keep the old clan traditions alive).
• Psycho for Hire: Fals and Curdilis of the Shade Senders (Curdilis in particular) are sadistic and depraved, but thankfully kept in check by their leader, Fordon.
• Pulling Themselves Together: The Med’neth’dast, being resurrected abominations, held together by necromantic Dark magics.
• Punctuation Shaker: Subverted in regards to the hilesal language as the apostrophes are a part of the language's grammar.
• Purgatory and Limbo: The Abiding Pass is, essentially, a place of transition for spirits.
• Put on a Bus: Maikor is introduced in chapter 19 of Book One and continues to play a supporting role through Book Two, until the end of Chapter 14, when the group is separated by the breaking of the Seal of Opening spell. Maikor is never re-introduced into the story (although other characters from the split group are).
• Pyrrhic Victory: Belzor defeats the High General, Thrawn, using the Imurainiir, but is mortally wounded (also loses his right arm). He is revived, but the cost for returning from the Abiding Pass is his memories.

• Quest for Identity: One of Laeka’Draeon’s primary motivations throughout the series.
• Quicksand Sucks: Az-Thorz casts a hypnotic spell over Ubi and lures her into an enchanted bog with the intent to absorb her manna.
  • In Dual Destiny (Book 3), Laeka’Draeon and his companions find themselves in incredible danger when they realise the plain they are trying to cross is, in fact, a sand sea—with only the top few inches of sand being solid.
• Quirky Mini Boss Squad: The Shade Senders.
• Racial Remnant: The ludas/ ludipis. Also, the (untainted) hobgoblins.
• Rage Against the Mentor: Vagel vents his anger and frustration over Ulkvran’s deception about the Aunuen .
  • Laeka’Draeon has an emotional breakdown over (pretty much all) the revelations and choices made by Opal Eyes.
• Raven Hair, Ivory Skin: Maewren is considered very beautiful in centaur society due to this. Her brother, Tain, shares this genetic combination. Yarad, also, has long, dark hair and pale skin.
• Razor Wind: Norf uses sound magic against Sotaik, making the air ‘slice’ through the creature’s tentacles.
• Really Royalty Reveal: Through the Eye of Empyrean, Laeka’Draeon learns he is the son of Aurnraulath, the First Prince of Valadae, who is the son of Velhonoandrius, the king of dragons.
  Laeka'Draeon: That dragon who gave his blood to save Celetheal, is ... is my ...
  Opal Eyes: Aurnraulath, First Prince of Valadae. Eighth Star of the Heirs. Son of Velhonoandrius the Second. Your sire.
• Really 700 Years Old: The revelation of Yarad being a cursed manorphis and not a hemlan follows with his revealed age (no exact number is given, but it’s confirmed he is over 230 years old).
• Really Was Born Yesterday: Laeka’Draeon finds out from Opal Eyes that he is as “young as his first sunrise”; meaning, he’s only a few months old.
• Reasonable Authority Figure: A few, including Belzor Ven'Ho, Megandel, and Eran Va’eleon. The fact that Laeka’Draeon is the last dragon helps to give his appearance/ presence clout as far as dealing with the different authority figures.
• Rebellious Princess: As the Goldling heir, Ubi is the equivalent of a princess, and runs away from her home for all the standard insufferable cultural “important heir” reasons imposed upon her by her kin.
• Red and Black and Evil All Over: The Shade Senders wear black clothing, accentuated by blood-red capes.
• Red Eyes, Take Warning:
  • When Sadukravon's eyes turn red that means his temper is flared up, and when his temper flares, the corruption coursing through him flares, too. Never a good thing.
  • Subverted with the sphinx and the manorphis. Although depending on your feelings about said creature-kinds, that is questionable... both have stringent creeds and are particularly fierce and unforgiving. For certain, you do not want to get on the bad side of either of them.
• Red Is Heroic: Ghinzel's wardrobe is pretty much exclusively this colour (and is his favourite) for this reason.

• Reduced to Dust: Upon death, Curdilis is burned so fiercely from the inside by the fused manna-terra orbs, his body turns to ash.
  • When Vagel successfully plunges the Blade of Joining into Ikorviel’s heart, the dagger’s wicked magic consumes the Priest until there is nothing left.
  • Belzor driving the Imurainiir into Thrawn’s core causes the creature to combust into countless particles.
• Refusing Paradise: In the Abiding Pass Belzor can feel the pull of the physical world and sense the sorrow of those trying to revive him, and so chooses to go back, even though it will cost him .
• Rejection Ritual: Called the Trial of Separation. Dragons punish their own kind (for especially heinous conduct) by severing the individual’s inherent manna connection all dragons share with each other and then exiling them. It is the worse form of punishment in dragon society and the source of mad dragons known as Rogues.
• Relationship Upgrade: Near the end of the series, Belzor and Maewren finally express their feelings for one another.
• The Reliable One: Shifra (who is also The Lancer).
• Recurring Dreams: Laeka’Draeon’s vision of Aurnraulath’s blood betrayal with Sadukravon, in order to save Celetheal.
• The Reveal: Chapter 6 of The Last Calling (Book Five) has a pretty potent reveal about Yarad .
  • Also in Book Five, from Chapter 33-39 is a continuous barrage of reveal bombs including The Namesake of the entire series.
  • More reveals take place in chapter’s 46-49. Basically, The Last Calling has all of the series’ important plot and character truths uncovered.
• Revenge: A driving motive of Yarad’s, as well as Aena’s, and one of the catalysts of Sadukravon’s grand schemes.
• Reverse Grip: Shifra sometimes holds her dagger this way.
• Rite-of-Passage Name Change: Morwulf culture see the individual change names three times throughout their life; touched upon in the fandom wiki and The Beacon Thrones Companion Guide.
• Royals Who Actually Do Something: Opal Eyes, even though stripped of his true form and left with very little of his original power, does all he can to aid Laeka’Draeon’s quest.
  • Laeka’Draeon himself is a prince, although for most of the series is unaware of the fact.
  • Lady Megandel, queen of the faeries, plays an important role in the series, making more than one appearance.
  • Great Stal Marr—not only a king, but an experienced warrior—leads his kin against the Parasite.
  • Prince Veilkiir is very active in matters of his father’s territory, and, later, participates in Laeka’Draeon and Shifra’s campaign in the Second Gathering .

• Samus Is a Girl: The Gaalainven is Aena, daughter of Reuben; when dressed in her manorphis attire (mask included), her figure becomes androgenised.
• Sarcastic Devotee: Norf and his dramatic (though often humorous) pessimism.
• Saving the World: The quest to stop the Manna Eruption from reigniting.
• Scarily Competent Tracker: Curdilis, thanks to his rare spirit tracing gift (the ability to detect imprints of energy left behind by living things).
• Scars Are Forever: The scar on Laeka’Draeon right cheek, made by Shifra’s dragon-fang dagger.
• Sealed Evil in a Can: The Parasite (Yurek'stelin), with its destructive, foreign matter, proved too powerful to overcome, and so the inhabitants of Elrathil performed a Heroic Sacrifice by using their life-force to seal it away in a death-like slumber, deep beneath the earth... until Sadukravon reached out through the depths and darkness, awoke it and summoned it to Beruun Terrolaghn.
  • The harpies of Mistwood are also implied to have been this until the seals binding them to the trees of Hingraith Grove were broken (the culprit suspected to be the monster that mysteriously appeared in the Labyrinth of Tears and claimed the territory for its own).
• Secret-Keeper: Laeka’Draeon, unbound by the law of the Thrones, holds knowledge of all four Throne locations, which no other creature is able to learn—unless revealed directly by Laeka’Draeon. Later in the series, he learns the reason for his unique immunity is due to his unnatural hatching (being revived by his father’s manna while still in the egg).
  • Aubrianna and the Mauveer Clan inherit the secret of the heritage of Keisha Inshurima, waiting for the time when passing on its truths to its bloodline heirs is required.
  • Opal Eyes is a veritable vault of secrets, both amazing and terrible, and for most of the series his secrets stay with him (for reasons he later explains).
• Security Cling: Ghinzel does this often when intimidated/ nervous/ scared, often grabbing hold of Yarad’s cloak or arm (even reaching for Shifra and Norf at different times), or ducking in close to Laeka’Draeon.
• Seeing Through Another's Eyes: Both Opal Eyes and Celetheal utilise Fargo as a physical lens through which they can watch Laeka’Draeon’s progression, and lend aid when they feel it necessary.
• Sequel Hook: The end of the series has Laeka’Draeon making plans to begin a new quest (to find his mother, learn more about his kind, and travel beyond the Black Mountains to see what is left of the lands beyond).
• Shadow Walker: When Kushal (and his entourage) leaves the Forest of Howling to collect Maita and Ika (after Laeka'Draeon and company rescue them), they travel on the shadows of the land as the sun sets.
  [[Maita: He will cast himself into the wind and darkness, and fly on the shadows stretched by the setting sun. He should find us early sundark.
• She-Fu: Shifra’s fighting style (Kutokii) involves a lot of leaps and kicks.
• She Will Come for Me: Norf’s confidence/ hope that Laeka’Draeon and the others will find and rescue him from the Trappers.
  • Laeka’Draeon’s and Shifra’s shared certainty that the rest of the companions will try to rescue them (and Ghinzel) from the goblins.
• Shining City: Coron-Mias, with its eternal, ethereal manna-light, and rare, elegant societies.
• Shock and Awe: The manorphis creature-kind are able to manipulate lightning, as well as use their bodies to conduct it (without harming themselves).
  • The manticors are also manipulators of lightning and are known as the Beasts of Thunder.
• Shout-Out: The character Megandel was named after one of the author’s high school friends, Megan.
• Signed Language: Conso uses this to communicate with Haskel.
• Single Line of Descent: Subverted, in that when the Vala-Kas seek out potential heirs for the Aunuen, they are able to secure over twenty candidates.
• Sir Swears-a-Lot: Norf; fortunately his blaspheming is in the faeren language, so most of the other characters (and readers) remain unaware of exactly what he’s saying.
• Sixth Ranger: Yarad is the last member to join Laeka'Draeon's company, and although he is introduced nearly half-way through the third book (in a five-book story), he plays an integral role for the rest of the series.
• Skyward Scream: Laeka’Draeon does this a couple of times; after Kushal leaves him alone in the forest, trapped in hemlan form, and again, later in the series, when he learns the truth about the dragons .
• Slasher Smile: The mercenaries Fordon and Curdilis inherit this maniacal expression after they’re mutated by the forced ingestion of manna-terra orbs and their magical masks become fused to their faces .
  • Sadukravon would also qualify as having this expression a few times, especially during his fight with Laeka’Draeon.
• Slave Mooks: The vel-spectres could be considered this, seeing as their queen is (unwillingly) under Sadukdravon’s control, and vel-spectres are a hive-minded society, completely subservient to their monarch.
  • Also, the poor creatures enslaved (via mind binding spells) to General Wrathmere under what he calls ‘Project Atonement’ (revealed in the chapter: Where the Lines Are Drawn in Book Five).
• Slavery Is a Special Kind of Evil: Scimitar Dancer’s illegal slave trade and forced mind control hexes on innocent Denin creatures makes him an especially heinous villain.
• Sliding Scale of Anthropomorphism: The entire series is full of sapient anthrozoomorphic creatures, ranging from multi-tailed foxes, unicorns, dragons, and wescats, all the way through to more anthropomorphic beings such as morwulves, duards, fellis, goblins, and haunjers.
• Slipknot Ponytail: Yarad’s hair; justified in that the ribbon he uses to tie his hair is actually one of his weapons that he can control using magic.
• Smack on the Back: Happens to Norf a few times, being the target of the Sheddlys’ boisterousness and vigour, as well as Jessa’s.
• Smug Smiler: Norf is a milder version.
• Songs of Solace: Ubi often resorts to singing in order to relieve stress/ lighten the mood/ or distract from unpleasant feelings like discouragement and fear.
  • Shifra sings Sol's Lullaby in an effort to bring some comfort to a highly distraught Laeka'Draeon and gravely wounded Ubi.
• Sour Supporter: Norf often grouches about various aspects of the quest, and the high probability of death and failure.
• Speak in Unison: Ferule and Chase a few times (being identical twins and all).
• The Speechless: The haunjer, Conso (co-owner of the Red Antlers Tavern) is a mute.
• Sprint Shoes: Ghinzel’s Firewheel Magic.
• Star Scraper: Klonnoth Aire (the heights of the towers are not specified, other than being so tall that much of their height is often obscured in cloud-cover).
• Staying with Friends: Ghinzel is essentially a ward of Laeka'Draeon and his friends, while the group quests across Valadae (and Ghinzel undergoes his seinuanu).
• Stern Teacher: Shifra takes training Laeka’Draeon in the art of Kutokii very seriously (she begins teaching him how to fall safely by kicking his legs out from under him... without any warning). And Madam Lume shows little leniency to Laeka’Draeon while she helps him to adjust to his hemlan form — although she's not above giving mild praise where it’s due.
• Sticks to the Back: Shifra’s farrowlin bow sits against her back without any straps or sheaths; justified in that it’s an enchanted item.
• Stock "Yuck!": Ghinzel’s reaction to spiced ale. Ubi’s reaction to Ghinzel eating a butterfly.
• Summon to Hand: Yarad summons his scythe-blade sword back into his hand by merely raising his arm.
  • Ghinzel’s magic nuts are also ‘called’ back into their pouch from (almost) anywhere when the fellis opens the bag (they are kept in) and shakes it.
• Sunny Sunflower Disposition: Ghinzel is naturally (and energetically) optimistic, cheerful and adorable.
• Super-Empowering: As a Goldling, Ubi is able to enhance the energy and magical prowess of others—specifically those who share the same type of magical abilities as her.
• Superhuman Trafficking: Scimitar Dancer's secret slave trade deals almost exclusively in Denin creatures.
• Super Mode: Laeka'Draeon, after activating one (or more) of the Beacon Throne guardians' powers. Also, when he slips into the Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn ( although that rapidly becomes more of a Superpowered Evil Side as his cursed blood gains in strength and influence). And again, when he does a Fusion Dance with Opal Eyes and becomes a full-grown dragon, with enough power to finally take down Sadukravon .
• Supernatural Fear Inducer: The Black Sand within the Void of Storm and Fire is a manifested form of corruption that is drawn to emotion. It attaches itself to an individual and draws out their greatest fear — forcing them to experience lucid visions of said fear.
• Supernatural Martial Arts: The morwulves’ Kutokii could be considered this, as its technique includes the fighter being able to manipulate his/ her own manna outside of the body to wield like an invisible weapon/ extension of their limbs.
• Supernatural Repellent: Ghinzel’s Poethur Flame magic can repel corrupted energies; the fellis primarily use it to deter the harpies.
• Superpowered Evil Side: Laeka’Draeon’s Fuls ov Kuvvusharrn (Fire of Judgement) instincts are tainted by a blood curse, and his ability to control his savagery diminishes with each flare-up.
• Super-Reflexes: Yarad displays this trait in several instances, including dodging projectiles and snatching other characters out of falls/ harm’s way with split-second reactiveness.
• Super-Senses: Many characters in the series are above-average in one or more of their physical senses (either due to their species or because of enchantments or magical abilities).
  • Curdilis’ spirit tracing ability.
  • Lady Megandel’s clairvoyant and soul-reading gifts.
  • Laeka’Draeon’s hyper-sensitivity to the presence of corrupted energies (resulting in the signature “pins-and-needles” in his paws).
  • Also, Laeka’Draeon’s ability to detect the auras of living things, even when hidden/ concealed.
• Super-Speed: A few characters possess this, enhanced (of course) by magic; Yarad, Curdilis, Fordon, Laeka’Draeon, and Fargo, to name a few.
• Super-Toughness: A few characters fall into this category, mostly due to supernatural or magical enhancement; Laeka’Draeon, Yarad, Hulborne (after the manna-terra infusion), Thrawn, morwulves when in their Lythaen form, and Sadukravon.
• Swamps Are Evil: Mistwood is one of the more dangerous areas in the southern kingdoms, but especially the Labyrinth of Tears; although once a beautiful place, it becomes too dangerous for even the experienced local inhabitants to enter after the Beacon Throne is desecrated, the harpies break free of their tree prisons, and a monster illusionist begins terrorising the region.
• Sword of Plot Advancement: The Imurainiir provides the Prophecy of the Beacon Thrones. Then, it subsequently plays more important roles, including breaking the barriers of corruption over Dae and Laranen’Unok. Also, it is the only object capable of defeating Thrawn.
• Sword over Head: In their final confrontation, Yarad’s monstrous savagery against Wrathmere brings the general to his knees, primed for the final fatal blow. It’s only by Aena’s intervention—warning of If You Kill Him, You Will Be Just Like Him!, and an impassioned reminder of his True Companionship with Ghinzel—that Yarad stands down.
• Sword Sparks: Occurs a few times throughout the series. During the fight between Vagel and Nomar; during Yarad’s first clash with General Wrathmere; Yarad’s fight with Curdilis (causing magically-charged sparks) as well as the fight against Fordon (involving both Shifra and Aena as well). Sparks (both magical and normal) also fly during the Forzaeder Doen (between Yarad and the Gaalainven).
• Synchronisation: The Ludas/ Ludipis creature-kind are connected to one another by an intricate network of shared manna, making them symbiotic in thoughts, memories, and sensory stimulations. This connection is broken when a Ludas severs its own bonds in order to transform into a Lungatos (a seed-bearing evolution of its species).
  • Dragons, also, have a profound and powerful connection with one another, called the manna-bond. It can only be separated by the Trial of Separation, which causes the severed/ rejected individual to go mad with grief and longing .

Tropes T-Z

• Tall, Dark, and Handsome: Yarad, to an extent, with his tall physique, smooth, angled completion and lustrous black hair and lake-dark eyes.
• Team Chef: Shifra, more often than not. Ghinzel also helps out on occasion.
• Technicolor Fire: The lanterns within the Valour Shrine of Elenoelian produce blue flames which cycle through different colours during Imurainiir’s activation.
  • Ghinzel’s Poethur fire is green.
  • Laeka’Draeon’s natural Flame is green fringed in black.
  • Sephorelian’s fire (as witnessed through the Eye of Empyrean) is white.
  • When Eminroth’s body disintegrates, it turns into colourful fire (the colours mentioned are red, green, yellow, black, white, and violet).
• Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: Shifra is strongly averse to befriending Laeka’Draeon and the rest of the company (at first), and struggles for a while with teamwork coherence.
• Teleportation: Both Opal Eyes and Ourntar are capable of this kind of traversing, although the laws behind it are never explained. Fargo, as a Spirit Message, can also move about in a manner that could be considered a form of this.
• There Is Another: When Laeka'Draeon learns that all the other dragons were destroyed by the Sod'minokul, he also learns that his mother (immune to the curse) is still alive.
• The Tower: The Beacon Thrones are manna conduits erected in the shape of windowless towers designed to regulate the balance of the land’s energies.
  • The towers of Klonnoth Aire are (similarly to the Beacon Thrones) structures designed to channel manna; but, unlike the Beacon Thrones, Klonnoth Aire also emanates its own unique corruption-repelling magic.
• Thinking Up Portals: The vel-spectre creature-kind have the ability to warp Space, creating a ‘tear’ called a Gateway, which they can use as a means of teleportation.
• Third-Person Person: Maikor speaks this way, but it is a cultural thing, so not unusual among the Mifflin creature-kind.
• This Cannot Be!: Sadukravon is genuinely (and furiously) shocked when he realises Shifra is successfully reversing his Surge spell.
• Title Drop: Book Two, The Beacon Thrones, Book Four, The Sword of Stars, and Book Five, The Last Calling are all mentioned in direct dialogue in each respective book. The overall series title (Dragon Calling) is mentioned and unveiled in The Last Calling.
• Together in Death: Laeka’Draeon and Shifra both end up in the Abiding Pass (but only temporarily).
• Token Human: Yarad is the only hemlan (the human-equivalent species) individual in the main group.
• Tomato in the Mirror: During the mega reveals through the Eye of Empyrean (and afterwards), Laeka’Draeon discovers his memories are not his, but his father's; that his body is a result of interference from his father’s manna (he is only a couple of months old, but his body has rapid-aged several years); and that the reason he was able to learn of the location of all the Beacon Thrones is that he died while still in his egg, resulting in him being ‘severed’ from the natural laws of the world.
• Took a Level in Badass: Ghinzel’s development over the course of the adventure is notable. He gains levels of courage to surprising degrees, and more than once steps out and risks his life to help/ protect his friends.
• Took a Level in Cheerfulness: Over time, Yarad learns to loosen up a little more, especially after his arc in The Last Calling.
• Took a Level in Kindness: Shifra and Norf both have Character Development arcs that soften up their frosty/ obnoxious temperaments (respectively).
  • Aena also, in choosing mercy over revenge in regards to Yarad (although this is less developed due to her being a supporting character in only one book).
• The Trickster: Pixie-cats in general, but more specifically, Kushal.
• There Was a Door: Actually a large, door-less set of corridors, but in a fit of untethered rage, the harpy Matriarch ignores any and all obstacles and bursts through the walls of the underground storage and prison network beneath the House of Justices.
• True Companions: All the main characters (through all the shared trials and harrowings) grow to trust and depend on one another in a deep, unshakable way. Belzor with his companions, as well.
• Twin Banter: Ferule and Chase Sheddly; it's what they do best.

• Uncertain Doom: After the Second Gathering, a few character’s fates are left unknown, including Paytha, Fordon, Mor’tuthra, Eran Va’Eleon, and Yessenett’s squad.
• Underground City: Beruun Hunadreas; once the heart of the duarden empire, before it became the Supervillain Lair.
• Undying Loyalty: Most of the main cast to each other, especially by the latter half of the series. Also Volten Vagel to Ulkvran, and the Whetherests (Doriel and Laurana) to Belzor.
• The Unintelligible: Fargo occasionally slips into indecipherable mutterings.
  • The average Beruun Terrolaghn hobgoblins have thick accents that accentuate the ‘r’ and ‘oo’ sounds in a lot of words, making understanding them difficult (to the point the author actually added a Hobgoblin Speech Pronunciation list at the back of Kin Seeker and The Beacon Thrones).
• Unusual Euphemism: Norf uses the fearen swearword deijech and the slightly less awful gestk often, as well as others that aren’t actually mentioned. The horvish word booltesch is implied to be a curse word.
  • Other mild expletives used are blooded hooves, blood-curses, hoof scrapings, hex spawn, festering sac of grime, among others.
• Unskilled, but Strong: Laeka’Draeon has had no (known) expertly taught skills, but all his instincts and natural physical traits lend great natural strength and resilience. The perks of being a dragon. As the series progresses, he gains more learned abilities, including Kutokii (thanks to training sessions with Shifra).
• Unstoppable Rage: What happens to Laeka’Draeon when he slips into his Superpowered Evil Side.
  • Yarad turns completely savage during his final confrontation with General Wrathmere.
• UST: Between Belzor and Maewren.
• Unwitting Instigator of Doom: Velhonoandrius the Second’s arrogance in leaving Sadukravon to die of his injuries on the battlefield (instead of delivering the killing blow) ultimately lead to the destruction of Valadae’s dragon-kind, and the near-destruction of Valadae itself; not to mention all the countless victims of Sadukravon’s vile schemes, both direct and collateral.
• Utopia Justifies the Means: One of Sadukravon’s motives and the reason he plans to unleash the Manna Eruption upon Valadae. He believes the continent should realign its manna naturally, as opposed to the magical measures implemented by Klonnoth Aire and the Beacon Thrones. Never mind that reigniting the Eruption will kill hundreds of thousands of innocent creatures.

• Vague Age: Most of the introduced characters, actually (confirmation of ages are given in the Companion Guides, but not the actual story). Of the main group, only Ghinzel gives his age; and only much later in the series are Yarad’s and Laeka’Draeon’s ages revealed.
• Vagueness Is Coming: Opal Eyes warns Laeka’Draeon in his dreams more than once, but never specifies the dangers.
• Villain Protagonist: Volten Vagel, the Hongrin Priest (aka Ikorveil), and Sadukravon all get POV chapters throughout the series; Volten Vagel the most.
• Villains Never Lie: Vagel offers Aubrianna a blood oath, swearing to free her and her imprisoned companions if she reveals to him the secrets of the Troth of Penitence (she refuses, not believing him, although later in the series, when Vagel’s full motives are revealed, it stands to reason that he would have honoured his word).
  • Sadukravon’s Breaking Lecture to Laeka’Draeon brings a new, and (implied) truthful point-of-view in regards to the dragons and the Manna Eruption .
• Visionary Villain: A major aspect of Sadukravon’s scheme is to correct the imbalance in the world’s manna, which has been out of kilter since the end of the Elder Age. Bringing back balance would allow the lands beyond the Black Mountains to revive, and greatly diminish corruption’s influence across the entire continent. Too bad his means for accomplishing this is to resurrect a Manna Eruption (which would wipe out a large portion of Valadae’s populaces), and ‘restart’ the lands anew under a new and supreme manticor regime .
• Voluntary Shapeshifting: Both Shifra and Yarad have this skill, as does Laeka’Draeon (once he learns to control the metamorphosis ability given him by Kushal). More broadly speaking, all morwulves, sphinx, and nymphs are shapeshifters to varying degrees.
• Waif Prophet: Opal Eyes, since he is physically weak (and seemingly ill), small in stature, but wise and knowledgeable beyond comprehension.
• Waking Up Elsewhere: After Laeka’Draeon passes out from his forced transformation, he wakes up on his back, looking up at Madam Lume’s thatched cottage ceiling.
• Weak, but Skilled: Ghinzel, Ubi, and Shifra are not physically buff by any means, yet their talents in other areas help them to overcome the dangers/ obstacles thrown their way.
  • The pixie-cats (Maita, Ika, and Kushal) are slight and slender, but extremely agile, cunning and proficient at magic (Kushal especially).
• Weapon of X-Slaying: The Imurainiir becomes this, against the chimera, Thrawn.
• We Have Reserves: The hobgoblins of Beruun Terrolaghn are numerous. Extremely numerous. No exact numbers are given, but in the chapter, Where the Lines are Drawn, Yessenett states that the allied armies of (all eleven kingdoms of) Valadae are outnumbered six to one. As such, Sadukravon and The Hold are happy to use their mooks as Cannon Fodder to help forward their plans.
  • In Book Two, a small army of hobgoblins is sent to the Raegelian Forest, not to conquer, but as a one-way trip to stir up the guardians of the woods, so that the forest and its inhabitants (namely its powerful ruler) would be forced into self-isolation (and kept from interfering).
  • In Book Four it’s revealed that hundreds of vel-spectres are sacrificed in order to create large Gateways on a regular basis.
  • In Book Five, hobgoblin shock troops are basically tossed at the frontlines of the allied armies (even before the proper battle begins) just to wear down their morale.
• Welcome Back, Traitor: Laeka’Draeon actually allows Yarad to join the group, even after the mage unfeelingly revealed their rescue attempts (of the imprisoned Denin creatures) to the villain, Scimitar Dancer, subsequently placing Shifra and Ghinzel in danger.
• Well-Intentioned Extremist: Volten Vagel’s goal is a noble one (to save the last of his untainted race), but his methods are heinous, driven by a relentless, merciless determination.
• What Could Possibly Go Wrong?: Norf’s habit of pointing out possible dangers/ catastrophes tends to end in said dangers/ catastrophes taking place.
• What Kind of Lame Power Is Heart, Anyway?: Ghinzel's fellis Magician skills, while unique and varied, are not exactly impressive power-wise (except perhaps the Poethur Flames), and are often limited by his amateur-level proficiency. Nevertheless, more than once his magic has proven useful (even life-saving).
• What the Hell, Hero?: Shifra’s reaction after Laeka’Draeon savagely attacks the highway bandits near the village of Boondin.
• When She Smiles: Shifra and Yarad (particularly Shifra, from Laeka’Draeon’s point-of-view).
• When Trees Attack:
  • In Book One, Kin Seeker, Norf uses his sound magic to manipulate trees and roots into pinning down Sotaik.
  • During the Second Gathering, faun and satyr Wood Musicians use trees to attack and hold down the Parasite .
• White Magic: Ubi and Belzor use exclusively Light and Healing magics. More broadly, the unicorn creature-kind is renowned for their prowess with this kind of magic.
• White Mask of Doom: The Shade Senders’ masks, especially when they become fused with the mercenaries’ flesh, after being mutated by the forced absorption of manna-terra orbs.
  • The Gaalainven’s skull-like battle mask.
  • The vel-spectre cultural masks.
• Whole Episode Flashback: In Book Five, The Last Calling, all of chapters 33, 34, and 35 happen within the Eye of Empyrean, which is basically drawing past events back through light, to be viewed by Laeka’Draeon and Opal Eyes.
• Wide-Eyed Idealist: Ghinzel, being the Keet, and overall Cheerful Child.
• Willing Channeler: Farg's design specifically allows for this, enabling both Opal Eyes and Celetheal to witness Laeka'Draeon's journey (and pre-empt when to step in and lend clandestine assistance).
  • Fynwen — on the verge of death from (an unknown) illness — offers to lend his body as a vessel to Velhonoandrius’ spirit; the union ends up beneficial to both (Velhonoandrius is able to remain in Valadae and continue lending aid to Laeka'Draeon, and Fynwen is subsequently cured of his illness).
• Wise Beyond His Years: Thanks to the absorption of his father’s life force (and slivers of memory), Laeka’Draeon has a solid understanding of foundational concepts life and self, even though technically he is only a few months old (as revealed to him by Opal Eyes in the chapter, Kin and Kind).
• Words Can Break My Bones: The hilesal language is used to cast magic, including dangerous spells and summonings that can maim and kill.

• You Are Better Than You Think You Are: After Megandel’s declaration that the hope for the restoration of the lands lies in him, Laeka’Draeon feels weak and unfit for the task required of him. Megandel, The High Queen and The Omniscient, renews his courage by reminding him of his incredible potential.
  • This quote from Ourntar to Laeka’Draeon and his friends: “Each of you are far more capable than you realise.”
  • After the group’s escape from Shoumeign, Laeka’Draeon encourages Ghinzel along these lines, reminding him that courage is about doing what’s needed and what’s right in the face of fear (not the absence of it).
• You Are Not Alone: Overarching theme throughout the series, particularly between Laeka'Draeon and his companions.
• You Can Talk?: Chase exclaims "It speaks!" after hearing Thrawn verbally respond after Belzor's group rushed to attack it, knowing it to be the instigator of the raid on Shinyon.
• You Cannot Grasp the True Form: Known only as the Tainted Shadows, the entity lurking in the abandoned Deep Ways is so abominable that it/ they cause hysteria and suicidal madness to anyone who comes into contact with them. It is uncertain what type of form (if any) the thing takes, other than being a malleable mass darker than darkness.
• You Have GOT to Be Kidding Me!: Norf's reaction to most problems and obstacles.
• You Have Outlived Your Usefulness: Both Sadukravon and the Hongrin Priest, Ikorveil come to this conclusion about Volten Vagel, once they realise he has broken free of Ikorveil’s sorcerous mental hold.
• You Monster!: Aubrianna to Volten Vagel, during his despicable torturing of her comrades.
• Younger Than They Look: Laeka'Draeon is obviously a juvenile dragon, though, during his time in Laranen’Unok, he learns from Opal Eyes that he is, in fact, only a few months old (even though physically his body is at the matured rate of several years).
• You Remind Me of X: In Book Two, when Laeka'Draeon meets the faerie queen, Lady Megandel, for the first time, she mentions "When I look at you, I see someone else I once knew." She does not continue down that line of conversation, and, although extremely curious, Laeka’Draeon does not pursue the topic. Later in the series (Book 5), after it is discovered that a fair amount of Aurnraulath’s essence absorbed into Laeka’Draeon, altering the rate of his growth (and, likely, his appearance), one can assume that when Megandel looked at the young dragon, she was reminded of his father. Although it is not stated in the books that Aurnraulath or Megandel ever met, one can assume they did in the past, due to their status (he a dragon prince and active delegate, and she the ruler of an allied realm).

Yarad's dismissal of the notion, and Lume’s state (weak and disorientated from her injuries) the comment passes by without further consideration. It is only much later, when Yarad’s backstory is revealed, that the old hemlan’s statement can be seen in a new light (that she did recognise him, and that he, in turn, knew who she was).

• You Shall Not Pass!: In The Sword of Stars (Book Four), Norf bravely stays behind to fight off the pursuing possessed statues in order to give Laeka’Draeon and Shifra time to reach the top of the eastern Beacon Throne.
  • In The Last Calling, when Thrawn ambushes Laeka’Draeon and Shifra, Belzor and company enable an opening of escape and order them to flee. The centaurs are then left to the wrath of the monstrous High General.
• You Will Know What to Do: Raunteshin to Laeka'Draeon in regards to the elements of Darkness and Light. Although initially, she tries to explain how the forces work, her somewhat enigmatic way of speaking only ends up confusing Laeka'Draeon.

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