He was mostly made of brownstone, just like the griffin upstairs, and Tupper couldn’t resist reaching up to touch the statue’s broad chest. Richly hued stone the color of bark suited the man quite well, for there was no mistaking his claws and long, wild hair. “He’s Pred!” Tupper exclaimed.

“Aye. His name is Haimish.”

Circling the brown statue, Tupper paid attention to every detail. Haimish was as tall as Freydolf, but not as broad in the shoulder. In a way, he looked like a younger version of his master, but not quite. A different nose, downcast eyes, and fancier clothes.

—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow

Half a Lifetime Ago. In the second book of the Galleries of Stone trilogy, readers meet one of Freydolf’s early statues, a brownstone Pred named Haimish. This stone guardian wasn’t sculpted by a master, so he has his share of faults. As Frey tells Tupper, “He’s shy, awkward, lonely, and he meant well in spite of all the trouble he caused.”

Assorted Facts:
• Brownstone wakes to the scent of spices. The mountain from which it’s quarried is said to be wreathed in rich smoke and perfumed oils.
• Freydolf augmented Haimish with titian jade accents—earrings and bracelets at the wrist and ankles. Under Master Platt’s guidance, he linked the two magical stones. If Haimish’s orange accessories catch the sunset, he remains active until sunrise.
• During 2012, when I was writing Galleries of Stone, “haimish” was the Word of the Day on May 31. Its definition is “homey; cozy and unpretentious.” Thinking it’d make a good name, I created Haimish on the spot. Up until that point, I hadn’t any inkling that he’d exist.
• Haimish is painfully self-conscious. Freydolf explains, “In making him Pred, I doomed him to the very same shunning I experienced.” Allowing the statue to remain in storage was the only mercy his maker could offer.
• Thanks to an amateurish design flaw, Haimish is quite clumsy.
• Many of Haimish’s mannerisms are properly Pred-ish. Gratitude is expressed by placing an upraised palm just below the heart and bowing. Willingness is offered with a show of outspread hands. And complete trust is demonstrated by placing another person’s hand against your own cheek.
• I have art to share! Haimish’s portrait is by ulyana.

Last time: Rimbles
Next time: Torio Kite