For the plains people of Lorne, the figure of Death comes in four parts, each distinct and separate from the others. This division of Death comes from the tribal myths and oral traditions passed down through the generations.

The first Khan of the Horsemen, Falcon, was a warrior. He united the tribes at sword-point, claiming each clan’s loyalty for his own. And when he had finally united the clans, he lay down and cried aloud “What can I do now, for the world is mine, and there are no more people left to conquer.”

In punishment for his arrogance, the clans rose up against him, and he he fought them single-handed, such was his love of battle. And so it was that death came to him as an Enemy, roaring like a lion. So it is that the first death is The Imminent Enemy, or more conventionally, the Enemy at the Gate.

Arsha was the first Kinlady to rise to be Khan. One of the wise women of Lorne, she was married to Urnith, to whom she bore twenty five daughters. These daughters went out and found themselves husbands among the tribes, until Arsha was truly the grandmother of the clans. She outlived her daughters, and her granddaughters, and when death finally came to her, he came like an old friend in the night, quiet and swift.

Djinne was a sorcerer, skilled in the spirit arts. He was also a scholar and a diplomat. He rose to Khan on a wave of diplomacy and cunning, skillfully riding the truces, treaties and trade agreements, and tying the complex system of interclan alliances into a knot with himself at the centre. He consorted with creatures of the underworld too, conducting dark research. In the end, one of the foul creatures he had summoned attacked him. He was left dying at his altar. For ten days he lay, unable to even seek the solace of the grave. And eventually, death came to him as a Lingering Farewell, and he passed.

Musthalla was the Khan who was not. She rose as Chief, to be Khan over the clans. Chosen by the Kinfolk, supported by the clans, she was loved by all. On the night when she was to be elevated to the Saddle, in the dark of night, the healthy and vibrant leader passed away, suddenly and without cause. Death had come to her like a thief in the night.

These were the four Deaths. Two to wish upon your enemies – May the Lingering Farewell take you. May you be taken by the Thief in the Night. Two to wish upon your friends. May you die bravely, taken by the Enemy at the Gate. May you be touched by the Old Friend. Each is distinct and different, although all are known to be Death. The four stand side by side in the shrines of Lorne – two to placate and two to welcome.