Xethel

Xethel, a 'brood-mother', was a local inhabitant of the Shadow Realm, who dwelt on the banks of a lake in a small settlement of fishers and hunters who lived in huts, constructed of bent branches covered by hides. Xethel was much taller than a human, with an insectile-like head and body covered in black spiny fur. Xethel was possessed of thin chitinous limbs and fingers; multiple pincers at her mouth; and large faceted eyes.Deadhouse Landing, Chapter 3, US TPB p.59-60
==In Deadhouse Landing==
Wu and Dancer, during one of their visits to the Shadow Realm, encountered a pair of the locals — who Dancer, for one, considered to be daemons. The larger of the two locals was, amazingly, able to communicate with Wu and Dancer — who told the two that she was called "brood-mother Xethel". Wu, unsurprisingly, had a multitude of questions he wished to ask Xethel, but their friendly encounter was cut short upon the arrival upon the scene of one of the guardian Hounds of Shadow. Wu and Dancer were able to escape the Hound, but not before Xethel had had the chance to give them both special — and significant — names.Deadhouse Landing, Chapter 3, US TPB p.57/59-62
==Quotes==
==Speculations==
It was not made clear what the 'title', "brood-mother", involved — beyond an indication of Xethel being a parent (either in fact or symbolically) to one, or many, of the locals with whom she was living. Given the types of questions that Xethel posed to Wu and Dancer, plus the fact that she could communicate with the two humans, apparently magically — Xethel was probably some sort of elder, wise-woman, or local magic wielder in a leadership position.Deadhouse Landing, Chapter 3, US TPB p.59-60
==Notes and references==
Category:Females
Category:Mages
Category:Demons