Mai'rinnen Tearza

Mai'rinnen Tearza was the last warrior queen of Speer, and a shaman of the Phoenix.

There are countless stories about her battles against the Red Emperor. It is not known exactly how the Red Emperor annexed Speer,but it happened when opium was introduced into the island as a way to make the Speerly people more compliant and submissive. Later Tearza committed suicide in efforts to prevent the Vermilion Phoenix from taking over her mind and body and razing Nikan. After her death, the islanders were easily overtaken. It is hinted that she and the Red Emperor were actually lovers.

The Poppy War
'"They said you'd come," said the figure. The voice was a woman's, deep and sad. "The gods have known you'd come."'' —ch. 9, The Poppy War.'''

Tearza reappears as the Woman, to stop Rin from entering the Pantheon and communing with the Phoenix. Tearza consistently tries to dissuade Rin from communing with the Phoenix, warning her that it is a vengeful and destructive god that thirsts for blood and suffering. Rin finds her very familiar and the sight of the Woman sparks memories of sand, water and open skies. She is finally banished when Rin gives into the Phoenix at the end of the first book.

The Burning God
In the city of Xuzhou there is a statue of the Winter Empress, the first wife of the Red Emperor, a woman of heavenly beauty. According to history, she was kidnapped by as a child to be deposited in the Emperor's court, where her constant weeping and pain only enhanced her beauty until she died from sickness. It is revealed however that the statue actually represents Tearza.