About the Nahill
Where are your books set?
My books are all set in Australia but the exact locations are fictitious. The Jhunti live in a mountain setting where it snows and there is a lot of bush around it. I found having this kind of setting gave me more flexibility.
Are the Jhunti an indigenous culture?
They are real in my head. The Jhunti and Nahill are creations of my imagination. They arrived in Australia at a time before the industrial revolution. They are self-sufficient and their lifestyle is based on the ways of the old times before cars and electricity. They readily acknowledge their debt to the Aboriginal culture who are the traditional owners of this land and who taught them much about bush food and how to survive in the Australian climate.
Who are the Jhunti?
No one knows where the Jhunti came from. Some say they are the descendants of Pacific Island people who fled a natural disaster. Others say they are from the continent, their ships washed off course while on a pilgrimage or crusade. One rumour has it that their ancestors were the remnants of an ancient culture from the Americas such as the Inca or Aztec. Some believe they are descendants of Conquistadors. Stories from Europe contend that the Jhunti are the last of the Pict, or Anglo-Saxon Pagans or Wiccans.
What is known is that one day several hundred years ago, a fleet of huge ships arrived and the people settled. When the English began to colonise Australia in the 1800’s, Jhunti reservations were established. Within a hundred years most of the Jhunti were gone. No one knew where.
Who are the Nahill?
The Nahill are the last remaining Jhunti tribe in Australia. They all live on a single reservation up in the mountains. In order to maintain their culture and way of life, they refuse to have any interaction with Western society.
Who are the Drekesh?
The Drekesh protect. Drekesh guide through example. Drekesh encourage through actions. Drekesh remind others of what's important. This is what the Drekesh are trained to do.