Phorenice

Unknown Narrator

Phorenice and the narrator are locked in a tense adversarial dynamic, often clashing over power or ideology.

Zaemon

Phorenice and Zaemon are fierce antagonists, each vying for control or dominance in the narrative.

Deucalion

Deucalion and Phorenice are direct enemies, often in conflict over power or principles.

Nais

Nais and Phorenice are bitter rivals, often clashing over love, power, or status.

Unknown Narrator

Phorenice and the narrator are locked in a tense adversarial dynamic, often clashing over power or ideology.

Zaemon

Phorenice and Zaemon are fierce antagonists, each vying for control or dominance in the narrative.

Unknown Narrator

Phorenice and the narrator are locked in a tense adversarial dynamic, often clashing over power or ideology.

Deucalion

Deucalion and Phorenice are direct enemies, often in conflict over power or principles.

Zaemon

Phorenice and Zaemon are fierce antagonists, each vying for control or dominance in the narrative.

Nais

Nais and Phorenice are bitter rivals, often clashing over love, power, or status.

Deucalion

Deucalion and Phorenice are direct enemies, often in conflict over power or principles.

Nais

Nais and Phorenice are bitter rivals, often clashing over love, power, or status.

Prefatory

Mentioned as the reigning Empress of Atlantis, possibly corresponding to Pyrrha.

My Recall

Empress of Atlantis, risen from a swineherd's daughter; deposed Zaemon, defeated armies, and now recalls Deucalion.

A Rival Navy

Mentioned as the Empress who may have Deucalion executed; Tob hopes she will reward him for delivering Deucalion.

The Welcome of Phorenice

Welcomes Deucalion with high honors, reveals her wound from rebel attack, and discusses the siege of Atlantis.

Zaemon's Curse

Hosts a lavish feast, attempts to win Deucalion's loyalty, and is confronted by Zaemon who declares her deposed.

VI: The Biters of the City Walls

Presides over the banquet, curses Tarca, and speaks to Deucalion about thawing his coldness.

VII: The Biters of the Walls (Further Account)

Mentioned as seeking to marry Deucalion; described as a tyrant by Nais; her rule is criticized as oppressive.

VIII: The Preacher from the Mountains

Referenced as the scourge of Atlantis and the tyrant to be overthrown.

IX: Phorenice, Goddess

Declares herself a goddess and performs a sacrifice, displaying her charm and authority.

X: A Wooing

Newly declared goddess, she pardons Deucalion's defiance, proposes marriage, and cruelly commands that Nais be entombed alive as a wedding gift.

An Affair with the Barbarous Fishers

Jealous of Nais, orders her guarded; plays at being a maiden with Deucalion; fights fiercely against the fishers, showing her sword skill; rescued by Deucalion from a turtle.

The Drug of Our Lady the Moon

Empress who tests Deucalion's combat skills and plans to marry him.

The Burying Alive of Nais

The Empress who decrees Nais's burial and marries Deucalion, displaying both cruelty and passion.

Again the Gods Make Change

Mentioned as having threatened Deucalion with mutilation and as a brilliant speaker who might sway the mob.

XV: Zaemon’s Summons

Referenced as the wanton Empress who has besieged the Sacred Mountain, stolen ancient knowledge, and keeps Nais captive. She is the antagonist the narrator must fight.

Siege of the Sacred Mountain

Condemned by the High Gods for discovering the Secret of Life and Death and defying divine authority.

Nais the Regained

Stands calmly in the square during the earthquake, showing no fear, observed by Deucalion.

Storm of the Sacred Mountain

Directs the assault on the Sacred Mountain from a spur of rock, sacrificing troops relentlessly to overwhelm the defenses.

Destruction of Atlantis

Orders Zaemon's killing but is subdued by the Symbol; last seen in her litter as the flood engulfs the Mountain.