Table of Contents
Summary
The narrator, Zailm, recounts a surprising and painful event involving his mother. After Zailm experiences a rise in status and invites his mother to join him at the palace, she refuses. Instead, she sends him a letter asking him to visit her. Upon his arrival, she reveals that she has remarried a former lover and is leaving to return to the mountains. She explains that her marriage to Zailm’s father was forced, and she never loved him. Despite raising Zailm, she admits to having only a superficial love for him. This revelation shocks Zailm, causing him to faint.
After recovering from a serious illness, Zailm learns that his mother has left with her new husband and no longer wishes to be involved in his life. He resumes his duties and prepares for a mission to Suernis, accompanied by a group of friends, including his sister Anzimee. They plan a grand journey across various lands. Zailm’s mentor, Menax, makes a brief appearance during the voyage but quickly departs, leaving Zailm and his companions to continue their adventure.
Vailx
- Shape: Long, hollow spindle made of aluminum.
- Size: Four standard lengths, ranging from (82 feet) to (705 feet).
- Construction: Outer and inner shells with double T braces for strength and rigidity.
- Ends: Tapers to sharp points at both ends.
- Windows: Positioned along the sides, top, and floor for views in all directions.
- Promenade Deck: Some vailxi have an open promenade deck.
- Power: Uses advanced technology for high-speed air travel.
- Purpose: Used for long-distance aerial travel.
AI impression of the Valix
Names and Locations
Names
- Zailm – The narrator.
- Menax – Zailm’s mentor and father figure.
- Anzimee – Zailm’s sister.
- Rai Gwauxln – Zailm’s uncle (through adoption).
- Prezza Numinós – Zailm’s mother.
- Rai Emon – A ruler of Suern.
- Astiku Lolix – A princess who is associated with Zailm.
- Incal – A reference to the Sun, used in religious or mythical context.
Locations
- Caiphul – The city where Zailm and Anzimee reside, located in Poseid.
- Poseid – The empire or region that includes Caiphul, a powerful civilization.
- Suernis – A kingdom or region, which also encompasses all of Asia. Ganje is its capital.
- Incalia – A colony located in the region corresponding to modern-day America.
- Necropan – An ancient region that corresponds to present-day Africa, once unified under one government.
- The Waters of Light – A sea, possibly the Indian Ocean, known for its phosphorescence.
- Marzeus – A nearby location from Caiphul, which Zailm had visited.
- Sonora – A region in Southern Incalia, corresponding to modern-day Sonora in Mexico.
- Xioquithlon – A specific time or festival marking the new year.
- Menaxithlon – Possibly the palace or residence of Menax.
- India (Hindustan) – The peninsula region that was part of Suernis.
- Idaho, Montana, Dakota, Minnesota, and Canada – Regions covered with glaciers during the glacial epoch.
- The Arctic – Ice-covered regions in the northern hemisphere, visited by Zailm in his journey.
The chapter
The full text of this chapter is in the book: Chapter XV: A Maternal Desertion.
