The Fire Keeper (The Storm Runner 2) - Page 132
Alom (ah-LOME) god of the sky
alux (ah-LOOSH) a knee-high dwarf-like creature molded out of clay or stone for a specific purpose. The creator of an alux must provide offerings to it. Otherwise it might get mad and take revenge on its owner. Sounds kind of risky, if you ask me.
Aztec (AZ-tek) a group of people indigenous to Mexico before the Spanish conquest of the sixteenth century. The word means coming from Aztlán, their legendary place of origin.
Bakab (bah-KAHB) four divine brothers who hold up the corners of the world, and all without complaining about having tired arms
Camazotz (KAH-mah-sots) a Maya bat god who, before he was exiled, lived in the House of Bats in Xib’alb’a, where his job was to bite off travelers’ heads
Ceiba Tree (SAY-bah) the World Tree or Tree of Life. Its roots begin in the underworld, grow up through the earth, and continue into paradise.
Chaac (CHAHK) the Maya rain god
Hurakan (hoor-ah-KAHN) god of wind, storm, and fire. Also known as Heart of the Sky and One Leg. Hurakan is one of the gods who helped create humans four different times. Some believe he is responsible for giving humans the gift of fire.
Itzamna (IT-sahm-na) a Maya creator god associated with writing
Itzam-yée’ (eet-sahm-YEE) a bird deity that sits atop the World Tree and can see all three planes: the underworld, earth, and paradise. Imagine the stories he could tell.
Ixkakaw (eesh-ka-KOW) goddess of the cacao tree and chocolate
Ixkik’ (sh-KEEK) mother of the hero twins, Jun’ajpu’ and Xb’alamkej; also known as the Blood Moon goddess and Blood Maiden. She is the daughter of one of the lords of the underworld.
Ixtab (eesh-TAHB) goddess (and often caretaker) of people who were sacrificed or died a violent death
Jun’ajpu’ (HOON-ah-POO) one of the hero twins; his brother is Xb’alamkej. These brothers were the second generation of hero twins. They were raised by their mother (Ixkik’) and grandmother. They were really good ballplayers, and one day they played so loudly, the lords of the underworld got annoyed and asked them to come down to Xib’alb’a for a visit (no thanks!). They accepted the invitation and had to face a series of tests and trials. Luckily for them, they were clever and passed each test, eventually avenging their father and uncle, whom the lords of the underworld had killed.
K’ukumatz (koo-koo-MATS) (also known as Kukuulkaan) one of the creator gods. He is said to have come from the sea to teach humans his knowledge. Then he went back to the ocean, promising to return one day. As Kukuulkaan, he is known as the Feathered Serpent. According to legend, he slithers down the steps of the great pyramid El Castillo at Chichén Itzá in Yucatán, Mexico, on the spring and autumn equinoxes; festivals are held in his honor there to this day. El Castillo is definitely a cool—but also hair-raising and bone-chilling—place to visit.
Kukuulkaan (koo-kool-KAHN) see K’UKUMATZ
Mexica (meh-SHEE-ka) a Nahuatl-speaking group of people indigenous to Mexico before the Spanish conquest of the sixteenth century. Also referred to as the rulers of the Aztec empire.
Muwan (moo-AHN) a screech owl that Ah-Puch used to send messages from the underworld (good thing she couldn’t text!)
Nakon (nah-CONE) god of war
nawal (nah-WAHL) a human with the ability to change into an animal, sometimes called a shape-shifter
nik’ wachinel (nikh watch-een-EL) a Maya seer, a diviner who can forecast the future
Tlaltecuhtli (tlah-tek-OOT-lee) the Mexica earth goddess, whose name means the one who gives and devours life
Xb’alamkej (sh-bah-lam-KEH) one of the hero twins; see JUN’AJPU’
Xib’alb’a (shee-bahl-BAH) the Maya underworld, a land of darkness and fear where the soul has to travel before reaching paradise. If the soul fails, it must stay in the underworld and hang out with demons. Yikes!
Yum Balam (YOOM bah-LAHM) Lord Jaguar in Mayan; a wildlife preserve in tropical Mexico
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Writing is a solitary act, but bringing a book to life takes an entire team. Heartfelt thanks to my amazing agent, Holly Root. Your guidance, wisdom, and support are more grounding than you know. To Steph Lurie for your mad editing skills and brilliant sound effects; you’ve got the brass key to unlocking stories. To the incredible Disney Hyperion team: from copyediting, book design, school and library marketing, publicity, and everything in between—I appreciate and admire each of you and your imaginations. To Irvin Rodriguez, who creates mesmerizing, on-point cover art. To Rick Riordan, your enthusiasm is unparalleled. It is such an honor to work with you.
No writer shines (or stays composed) without outstanding, generous, brilliant crit/readers. I’m looking at you, Janet Fox, Lucia DiStefano, and the ever-shining AMC. And to David Bowles. Your mind is a world all its own. Gracias for your expertise.
To my father, who trained me night and day. Yes, I won the jacket, but in the end, I got something better: resilience and a stubborn spirit. I am incredibly blessed to have the unwavering support of my parents, who are always more excited than I am for each new bend in the road. And to my forever loyal, big-hearted family: Joe, Alex, Bella, and Jules. You four are the moon and the stars and my everything.
To all the teachers and librarians who put books into the hands of kids and nurture their love of story. To my readers: There are no words to thank you enough for choosing to follow Zane on his adventures. (Both he and Rosie are beyond grateful, too.)
Source: readsnovelonline.net