ALL THE WHILE, HIGH ABOVE THEM, a pair of mournful, dark eyes watched and waited …
ZARALINA’S EYES FLEW OPEN and she sat bolt upright in her bed. ‘Shazet!’ she cried.
Never far away, the Morte Whisperer materialised beside her.
Without acknowledging him, she addressed the darkness. ‘She is in the Limen.’
Shazet released a long, triumphant sibilation.
‘Bring her to me.’ Zaralina lay back down slowly. ‘Bring her to me now.’
There was a slight disturbance in the air as Shazet went to do his mistress’s bidding.
THESE TERMS ARE EITHER ITALIAN or Venetian, or sometimes fantasy variations of the two. I have, on occasion, taken liberties with meanings and spellings.
allora: an expression used to start a conversation. For example, ‘So, …’
altana: roof top terrace
amica mia: my friend (female)
amico mio: my friend (male)
amore mio: my love
anche: also
aspettare: wait
barnabotti: a group of impoverished nobiles or degenerate young men
basilica: church
bells of Serenissima: bells in the campanile or tower in the main piazza that all rang to mark time and/or occasions. Nona sounded at midday, the Maragona rang to mark the beginning and the end of the working day. The Renghiera was sounded to denote an execution, while the Trottiera called Council to a meeting and the Mezza Terza summoned the Senate.
bocca di leone: literally, ‘the mouth of the lion’. In Serenissima, citizens (of any rank) are encouraged to reveal the names and behaviours of those who are breaking the strict laws and doing anything untoward by depositing a slip of paper with the details in the mouth of a carved lion. These lions, or repositories, are situated in different locations on the islands and the notes found in them are taken very seriously and investigated by the Signori di Notte.
Bond Rider: a person who surrenders his or her soul to a pledge stone for keeping in order that he or she may fulfil a specific task – a Bond
broach: wooden rod from which wicks are suspended, then dipped repeatedly in either tallow or wax to make candles of varying thicknesses and lengths
buon fortuna: good luck
buon giorno: good morning
calle: alley
campo: local marketplace or square, plural is campicandles: used for both heat and light. The cheapest are formed from animal fat (mostly beef) and render, often a mixture of different types, while more expensive candles are made from beeswax and even different types of oil. The most popular types are: long, slender tapers; small, squat votives placed in glass containers, often used for religious purposes; pillar candles, thicker and taller than votives. Rush lights, lumps of tallow rolled around a basic wick, are popular with the poorer classes because a one-metre homemade rush light burns for about an hour. Wicks can be made from any flammable fabric that maintains a consistent burn and temperature, e.g. hemp or cotton. Additives can also be applied to the wax to sweeten the candle’s scent.
capi: collective name given to the three nobiles who head of the Council of Ten. The positions are rotated among the Council.
capisce: you understand
capisco: I understand
capiscono: they understand
capite: you (plural) understand
casa: grand house owned by a member of the aristocracy
Castana: means ‘chestnut’; is the name of Cristoforos’ horse
cavola: literally ‘cabbage’, but also slang for ‘bitch’
certo: certainly; sure
ci vediamo: till we see each other again (pronounced che)
colleganza: a short-term business partnership
Commedia dell’arte: term for a particular type of theatre with distinct characters that relied on humour (usually satire and irony as well as slapstick) to tell the story
Council of Ten: elected nobiles who advise the Doge on matters of governance and security. They have extraordinary powers of veto and often work without the Doge’s knowledge to protect the interests of Serenissima.
Doge: elected ruler of Serenissima
dorata: golden (feminine)
dorato: golden (masculine)
dottore: doctor
esattamente: exactly
esatto: exactly
Estrattore: someone who has the ability to extract specific emotions and feelings from a person, animal or object and alter and transfer this emotion/feeling, positive or negative and distill these in different ways
Factotum: general servant or person who fulfils many functions in a household – mostly, administrative
felze: small passenger compartment on a gondola
fondamenta: paved path that runs beside the canal
forcola: the oarlock on a gondola
fortuna: fortune, chance, good luck
grazie: thank you
grazie mille: thank you very much (literally: thank you a thousand times)
homicidi: murder, homicide
insegnante: teacher
Limen, the: a peculiar space that divides countries and, according to legends, worlds. Within this space, time stands still. Only Bond Riders and their horses or those who have partial or no souls can dwell in these parts.
maestro della casa: literally, master of the house; a Major Domo
maragona: see ‘bells of Serenissima’
mercato: the market
Morto Assiderato: a plague, literally means ‘frozen to death’
Mortians: wraith-like beings whose specific origins are unknown but who currently have an allegiance with the Queen of Farrowfare, Zaralina. They are able to breach the Limen and can move mostly undetected. It is also believed that they have formed a treaty with a Bond Rider faction to enable them to navigate the Limen more readily. Also known as Morte Whisperers.
naturalmente: naturally
nobile: noble; aristocrat
non è possible: it’s not possible
nona: see ‘bells of Serenissima’
nonno/a: grandfather or grandmother
ombretta: small glass of wine
paean: song or poem of joyful praise or exultation
palazzo: palace
paline: red-and-white striped poles in the canals to which personal watercraft are tied
piano nobile: main floor of a palazzo or casa
pianterreno: ground floor of a palazzo or casa
piazza: main central plaza in Serenissima – the Doge’s palazzo and the Cardinale’s basilica face onto the piazza
piazzetta: small square for markets or concerts, often linked to other parts of the quartiere by bridges and calles. Casas, businesses and local basilicas usually line piazzettas.
pledge stones: name given to the strange monoliths that absorb the souls of Bond Riders. Each is named after a major Serenissian nobile’s house or casa.
ponte: bridge
Ponticello di Mille Pietre: Bridge of a Thousand Stones
portego: main room in some casas
porteghi: a covered walkway generally formed when houses meet or through deliberate design
puttana: bitch or whore
quartiere: a district; plural is quartieri. In Serenissima, quartieri are named after the major profession or trade of the area.
ragazza: adolescent girl
ragazzo: adolescent boy
rami: very small, often dead-end, alleyways
Redentore: the Redeemer
salizzada: main street; means ‘paved’
scion: a descendent (of a notable family); a son or daughter
scuola: school or trade group. In Serenissima, scuola are non-religious establishments based in areas where master craftsmen live. The group decides on tithes, training and the general rules by which craftsmen and women should live.
senta: literally, ‘listen’; a common way to start a conversation
La Serenissima: republic formed by a group of islands nestled in the lagoon area of the Mariniquian Seas and surrounding mainland areas, between the Jinoa and Vyzantian pensinulas
Serenissimina: a conquered island off the coast of Hibernya. Forms part of an important trade route between Moroko, Hibernya and Serenissima. Literally ‘little Serenissima’.
sestieri: the six major areas of Serenissima, which are then broken up into quartieri named for the dominant craft in each area
signor: mister, sir
signori: gentleman; lords
Signori di Notte: Lords of the Night. A band of elite soldiers/police who answer usually to the capi (three heads) of the Council of Ten, but also, in Serenissima, to the Cardinale.
Signorina: unmarried woman
sottoporteghi: passageways through the city; tunnels formed when buildings meet over open spaces
squero: boatyard
stazione: jetty where passengers wait for sandolis or traghettos, also known as fermata
ti amo: I love you
traghetto: a gondola ferry
vero: it’s true
vi amo: I love you (plural)
Zia: Aunt
Zio: Uncle
THIS NOVEL HAS BEEN A LABOUR of love and I’ve so many people I wish to thank. I fear I’ll be a little sentimental, but when you read why, I hope you’ll forgive me that indulgence.
When I wrote the acknowledgements for my last book, Tallow, I stated how inspiring two of my dearest friends, Sara Warneke and Grant Searle, who were undergoing treatment for cancer were (and still are). Little did I know, as I typed away that I too had cancer. Diagnosed last year, I’m still in the process of recovery and, without the unwavering support of the people I’m about to mention, I doubt I could have gotten through the last 18 or so months – a time when I also lost my father and, within a few weeks, my beloved dog, Dante, as well.
Out of the darkness, there does indeed come light and the names below have brought that and more into my sometimes dim world – so has the writing of this book.
Firstly, I have to thank my fabulous agent, Selwa Anthony. Selwa is both friend and colleague and lifted me when I was down and unwell, advised me on matters beyond the manuscript and was just magnificent.
I also want to thank the lovely Leonie Tyle for her faith, presence and enthusiasm. When Leonie rang me at 5.30 pm on a Saturday to say she’d read the draft of Votive in one sitting, neither showering nor getting out of her pyjamas for two days, it was a thrill, and something every author (but not neglected family) wants to experience. Thanks also to the adorable Sarah Hazelton for early work on this novel – again, your ideas and belief have been sensational.
Celia Jellet, the main editor on this book – what a considered, brilliant and knowledgeable woman. I’ve been so fortunate to, yet again, have someone so familiar with and passionate about the genre with which to work. Celia has made this book much better than it otherwise would have been and, in editing terms, is a writer’s gift. To the rest of the terrific mob at Random House, Cristina Briones, Adiba Oemar, Nerrilee Weir, Justin Ractliffe, Sarana Behan, Peri Wilson, Linsay Knight and the entire design team – thank you for your support and understanding and for your hard and enthusiastic work on the novel and series.
To my vet, Greg Plumber, who shared his love of poetry and introduced me to the joys of Edna St. Vincent Millay and who tried desperately to save Dante – thank you. To my neighbour and friend, the artist Ken Johnson, who was not only inspired enough by Tallow to paint a magnificent picture, but who dropped by for coffee and talk all things Italiano with me as well – grazie mille. My mate and fellow writer, Anthony Eaton, who always found the time to check in and discuss writing, work and family and share a laugh or allow me to vent about illness – thank you so much. Also, a heartfelt thanks to my gorgeous friends, Lesley Roberts, Shelley De Courcy Lys, Frannie Thiele, Lisa Hill; Michael, Stacey, Andre and Axel Angelides; Grant Searle and Fiona LeGassick and their lovely children, Shamus and Riley; Chris, Andrea, Charlotte and Isobelle Lilley – all of whom stopped their lives for me and Stephen. Special thanks go to Greg and Alison Hall. Even in the grip of cancer themselves, their love and friendship shines. Also, Jo and Harry Gibbs, Jane Fynes-Clinton, Bronnie Marquardt, Lauren Charrington and Gail Enstrom; my family, especially, Moira Adams, Pat Brooks, Peter and Helen Meyer. I am so lucky to have you all in my life.
There were many wonderful people who helped and supported me without even knowing it: the talented Sassy writing community – you’re all fabulous, especially Kim Wilkins, Michael MacConnell, Nathan Burrage and Katherine Howell – amazing writers and loved friends. Also, the great team at the Courier Mail: Margaret Wenham, Sam Strutt, Geoff Shearer, Paul Syrett and Bob MacDonald – thanks. Thanks also to Professor Graeme Turner and his gorgeous wife, Chris, and the staff and students at the Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies at the University of Queensland.
My facebook friends and members of my Fan Page – your words, help, insight, ‘likes’ when I posted something trivial, thoughtful or just needed to share were so important. Thanks especially to Amanda Wrangles, Joy Rockey and Michael Clabingboel – virtual friends extraordinaire. Thanks go to my email buddies, Bronwyn Quinn, Gregory Rees, PK and Bill Howell – you brightened my days and nights.
To those who wrote regarding how much they enjoyed if not loved Tallow – you have no idea how much your kind words meant.
Thanks also go to my dear, dear friend, Jim McKay. Someone who not only was there whenever Stephen or I needed him, who gave us so much love and support through good times and not so good, but who, along with Stephen, was a ‘test’ reader for Votive. Both Jim and Stephen gave me such insightful and great advice and I know the book is a better read for their suggestions.
To my children, Adam and Caragh, who never doubt me as a mother, writer, and a person, and always love me – thank you, darlings. Those feelings are completely and utterly mutual.
Sara, what can I say that I haven’t already said, except from the bottom of my heart – thank you. Words, our currency, are ironically inadequate here.
My thanks also go to my little sister, Jenny Farrell, who unselfishly dropped everything and was there when I needed her most and who has been the best sibling anyone could wish for. Along with her husband, John, and my niece, Jessica, and nephew, Jordan, they took me into their home and cared me back to health – thank you today and every day.
But Jenny didn’t do the caring alone and I didn’t heal in isolation either. Stephen – my beloved, my partner, my rock – was beside me every step of the way. Stephen has held me up, given me arms and a shoulder whenever I needed them, cried and laughed with me through the cancer and its rotten aftermath, sacrificing his needs for mine without second thoughts – only love. And all the time he encouraged me to write and live. Votive is as much yours as mine and you get the biggest thank you of all. As Dante and Tallow said to each other: Ti amo – per eternitá.
Associate Professor Karen Brooks is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies at the University of Queensland and has a PhD in cultural studies.
Renowned internationally for her work on popular culture, Karen is also a dynamic and award-winning teacher. She is a weekly columnist for The Courier Mail and an ‘expert’ on Channel 7’s Sunrise and The Morning Show and has appeared on 60 Minutes. She was also a regular on ABC’s The Einstein Factor as part of the Brains Trust. Author of the popular Cassandra Klein quartet and Rifts through Quentaris, Karen’s first non-fiction book Consuming Innocence: Popular Culture and Our Children was published in 2008 to rave reviews. In recognition of the public debates she has stimulated and her academic and creative contributions to Australian and global society, she is cited in Who’s Who of Australian Women 2007–2011, as well as Who’s Who in the World.
Karen has a wonderful partner, Stephen, and two gorgeous children, Adam and Caragh, and shares her house with her cuddly dogs and, occasionally, her fabulous friends as well.
TALLOW
THE CURSE OF THE BOND RIDERS BOOK I
By Karen Brooks
In a world of darkness, there is one who will bring light …
On the edge of a mystical border called the Limen, close to a beautiful canal-laced city, a humble candlemaker rescues a child, whom he raises as his apprentice.
Years pass and the child’s unusual talents are revealed, the gentle art of candlemaking slowly transforming into something far more sinister.
Lingering in the shadows, enemies watch and wait – a vengeful aristocrat, an exotic queen and the lethal creatures known only as the Morte Whisperers.
They hunger after the child’s ancient magic and will do anything to control it – betray, lie, manipulate. Even murder.