The Chronicles of Tornor
The Chronicles of Tornor is a fantasy series by Elizabeth A. Lynn. It begins with Watchtower (1979), which won a World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, and continues with The Dancers of Arun (1979) and The Northern Girl (1980). The books are notable for including positive gay protagonists whose relationships are a normal part of Arun’s world.
In the north of Arun, Tornor Keep is seized by Col Istor, a southern mercenary leader who kills Athor, the lord of the keep, and captures Athor’s son Errel and the watch commander Ryke. Ryke agrees to serve Col Istor as long as Errel lives. With help from two genderless ghyas of Arun’s Green Clan, Ryke plans an escape to retake Tornor. In the hidden land of Vanima, Ryke discovers a world without constant war or rigid social rules, where people work together and try to keep the world in balance through the idea of chea—the conscious act that keeps balance in the world.
As the story unfolds, Ryke begins to dream of reclaiming Tornor, while Errel starts to adapt to this new life. Their choices, along with those of their companions Sorren and Norres, will shape Tornor’s future. Generations later, the idea of chea is better known across Arun, and groups of dancers called chearas travel from village to city, teaching sword fighting and helping keep balance.
In a later thread, Kerris, a young and disabled scribe in Tornor, learns he has a witch-gift that lets him connect to his brother Kel, who is part of a chearas. With Kel’s troupe, Kerris travels to Elath and meets Sefer, Kel’s lover and builder of the first Tanjo—a school for witches. Kerris faces threats from the Asech, desert tribes who want to learn witch gifts.
A century on, Sorren—southern and a former bondservant—works for Arre Med, whose ancestor built Tornor Keep. The White Clan, powerful witches, have risen, built more Tanjos, and banned swords from Arun’s cities as they seek to rule all Arun. Sorren dreams of reaching Tornor, now rundown, and must act to protect those she loves, including her partner Paxe, the female Yardmaster of the city, as she becomes embroiled in plans to smuggle swords and assassinate Arre.
The series has been praised for its character development, solid storytelling, and thoughtful portrayal of love, power, and balance.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 12:49 (CET).