The Tale of Kaimin and Kellear
Kaimin and Kellear were twin brothers who lived before the making of the world. Kellear was ruler of water, oceans, rivers, and lakes. Kaimin was lord of the earth and crafter of jewels, silver, and gold. Together they shaped many lands. Yet both were sometimes quick to anger. And in that rage, Kellear would often flood the coast and Kaimin would cause lava to erupt, creating new areas of dry land and conquering the sea.
They argued constantly, like most brothers, over the smallest points: a length of coast, the course of a river, or the size of a lake. They seemed not to care so long as they argued. Yet they agreed on one thing — the beauty of Lothanna.
Lothanna, giver of fruits and flowers, trailed after Kellear and Kaimin and flowers grew where she treads. Now Lothanna’s beauty was second only to Elas’, Queen of the Heavens; and, early after the world began, Kellear and Kaimin both swore oaths of love to Lothanna..
Yet Lothanna could not choose whom she loved best. To help her settle the matter, she devised a contest: each brother was to demonstrate his love for her. Kellear made fine water sprays that caught the sunlight and created rainbows over Lothanna’s gardens and orchards. Kaimin crafted silver inlaid with seven gems, to create a circlet for Lothanna.
And when Lothanna saw the circlet, she loved Kaimin best. Kellear was furious and flooded the land with a great storm. He disappeared after that, preferring to be alone. And they say on cold, windy nights, you can hear Kellear’s lament of loneliness and unrequited love.
Excerpt from Topaz Taking
Topaz Taking: First Lay of the Aglaril Cycle - Kindle edition by Feitelberg, Rich. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, p