Tarkheena

A Tarkheena is a female member of the hereditary nobility of Calormen. The word is also used as a title following the name of the person (i.e. "Aravis Tarkheena"). Tarkaans and Tarkheenas are often descended from the second sons of Tisrocs, although the Tisroc also had the power to bestow the title upon anyone. As relatives of the Tisroc (who is, according to Calormene tradition, descended in a direct line from Tash), many Tarkaans and Tarkheenas consider themselves descendants of the god Tash.

While the Tarkaans fill various governmental positions, it seems to be the duty of the Tarkheenas to marry for the sake of advancing the standing of their respective families, apparently by the time they're thirteen or fourteen. Lasaraleen, Aravis' peer, was married to an older man in Tashbaan. Aravis ran away from home to escape marriage to Ahoshta Tarkaan, who was over sixty years old.

Notable Tarkheenas

 * Aravis Tarkheena, later Queen of Archenland
 * Lasaraleen, a good friend of Aravis.

Tarkheena