The Virian Chronicler

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS " THE HALLORIYAAN "? It's an adaptation of the traditional Carpathian family record known as a Merequitus. Recorded in it are births, marriages, deaths and other important events in the family history. Carpathians also annotate their business deals and alliances. As with all Carpathian documents, a computerised version is also kept. The Halloriyaan was started by Lord Claudio Scalani because of the Halloran family's strong connections with several high-ranking Carpathian families.

The Merequitus is a record kept by each Carpathian family, comprising of the family history, business deals, alliances, births, marriages, deaths and other notable details.   Traditionally the Merequitus was presented in the form of ornately bound books but since the advent of computers, a computerised version is also kept.  In the modern era, the hard copy ledgers are mostly for ceremonial purposes.

Although computers are widely used throughout Varathusia, Carpathians still like using parchment scrolls for certain purposes.  Listed here are the main ones. CARTABEYRA : Statement of demotion issued to a Carpathian family.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll bound by a grey ribbon. CARTAGRILIA : Statement issued on completion of a yrrq.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll, sealed with wax and bound by a red ribbon. CARTAJUNTA : Statement of alliance, often via marriage.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll bound by a pink and purple ribbon. CARTALEVA : Statement of promotion issued to a Carpathian family.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll bound by a green ribbon. CARTAMORTA : Similar to a Will.   Statement prepared by most Carpathians to be issued to their closest relatives on the occasion of their death.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll bound by a pale blue ribbon. CARTANAESC...

Portraying feisty Matriarchs is among my specialities.  Here are a few examples from my novels:   Devonia Shanahan is a Virian warrior.  She wears armour at all times, even to weddings!  She is feisty and formidable but also nurturing. Galea Nentofore is a Carpathian Matriarch.  She is tough, intelligent and devious.  She mostly wears overalls as she is fond of gardening in her spare time.  She smokes a pipe and is rarely seen without it.  She is hugely wealthy but loathes any sort of pretension.  She rarely buys anything new, only if it needs replacing.  She drives a 30 year old truck.  She is fiercely protective of her vast extended family. Bodah Conder is another Virian warrior.  Again, she wears armour at all times.  She is harsh and unforgiving. Veveen Ohrivaal is a Sartorian desert dweller.  She refuses to wear clothing of any type, apart from a few occasions when her Carpathian husband manages to pers...

Most sorcerers in the Fenian Galaxy derive their powers from crystal bonds, whether they be natural or artificial.   A natural crystal bond develops during the conception and gestation process, whereby minute fragments of crystal become fused with the genetic material of the foetus.   Natural crystal bonding is not necessarily hereditary.   It is possible for a crystal-bonded child to be conceived by parents who have no crystal bonds.   Conversely, even if both parents have crystal bonds, it does not guarantee that their offspring will inherit them.   Some sorcerers have stronger bonds than others.   The stronger the bond, the greater the powers of sorcery. Artificial crystal implantation is considered blasphemous by most Virians and Varagans.   It is usually performed on infants and young children, although it can be done on adolescents.   The older the person is at the time of implantation, the greater the risk that the implants will ...

Although it is considered by certain sectors of society that time does not run in a linear course, for the purpose of putting my histories into their correct context, I now set out an approximate timeline.   While it is the choice of the reader as to the order of reading, some readers might find it preferable not to differentiate between Chronicles, Companions and Prophecies as I have. The Maker Carrying a Torch Probyt’s Progress + The Donovan Destiny Mind Games + Neurotic Mothers’ Battleship + The Window Man The Virian Fellowship The Forbidden Sorceress Chimera Obscura The Sunshine Acolyte Malachi’s Law The Halloriyaan + The Unborn Child The Crystal and the Nethiyaan

I lean back in my chair and look at the view from my window.   My window in my office.   The office which I now occupy as befitting my status.   For so many years, I have merely existed at the whim of others and allowed myself to be used by others.   No more.   A change has been wrought and the balance of power has moved in my favour. I have achieved the infamy which I desired all along.   People may curse me or fear me but they will never forget my name.   I will live on in the tales they tell their offspring at night (why do so many species do this?   Frighten the little ones half to death, THEN expect them to drift happily off into sleep?) and the rumours which spread like forest fires. If you ever see me in your window, you know you are doomed.   Even if you don't see me, and I am there, it still spells your swift demise.   The missions are similar, the reasons are similar, only the chain of command has changed.  ...