Isulk'im

The Isulk'im are a fictional people created by Melanie Rawn for her Dragon Prince and Dragon Star trilogies.

The "Isulk'im", which means Swift Ones in the Old Tongue, are a nomadic people living in the Desert Princedom. They follow the old ways, use the Old Tongue, and act as guardians of the Desert. While they respect the High Prince and Prince of the Desert, the "Isulk'im" are not subjects of the Prince; they have their own rulers and customs. The "Isulk'im" live on the Long Sand.

"Isulki" Culture and Tradition

The "Isulk'im" have a patriarchal society that practices polygamy. The men are warriors, while the women travel after the men and tend the home and children. The men travel in different groups each led by a "Korrus", or Battle Leader. These groups of warriors make sure no "Merida", their sworn enemies, are lurking about, or planning to attack Stronghold, the seat of the Prince of the Desert. The "Merida" have sworn to one day reclaim the Desert - thus Stronghold as its center of power - and the "Isulk'im" have sworn never to let them.

White Crown

The White Crown signifies the true ruler of the Desert. It is granted to the one the "Isulk'im" see as Prince. This crown had been lost or buried for many years, but was once again found. The Princes of the Desert and the Isulk'im share a common ancestor, and as the "Isulk'im" fought beside the Prince of the Desert the White Crown was given to the High Prince during the "Vellanti" war. After the war it was buried once again under the Desert sands in a place ordered to be forgotten.

Phrases

*Fey tiel, Pariros'im: Bold victory, Clever Warriors

*Velianpashevisel: My sword is like the wind and the air turns to fire beneath my wings

*Josclen dev edeva: Until the sun brings light and life

*Vis-tiem wis'im se'eltan la bellia: Protect us from the dark time of night

Known Isulk'im

*Andra: Born in 738, she was Kazander's youngest child. Chayla Named her after Andry.

*Elizian: Kazander's first wife

*Karalain: Kazander's middle wife

*Kazander: "Korrus" of the "Isulk'im", he was besotted with Chayla and served as her protector.

*Visian: Born in 715, he was Kazander's second-in-command and his youngest wife's brother. After Kazander's death, he became "Korrus". He was also told by Pol to bury the White Crown.

*Zenaya: Kazander's youngest wife and Visian's sister. She bore Kazander a daughter after his death and promised to send the girl to Chayla for a blood-bond. She also asked Chayla to Name the child as she would her own daughter. Chayla Named the baby Andra.