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Summary: First of the Virian Companions First of the Virian Companions, telling the back-stories of Mustapha Morphew and Malawi Redigan, the lovers who never really were. Mustapha comes from one of the old Northern Virian travelling clans, but a chance meeting with a sorcerer from another world makes him yearn for more than the usual routine. His curiosity leads him in unexpected directions and his fascination with gambling shapes his future in ways which he could never have imagined. Malawi was born into a privileged Southern Virian family, growing up in a large mansion on the outskirts of the capital. She always feels overshadowed by her glamorous and graceful elder sister. The enduring feelings of jealousy shape her life and lead her to embrace the darker side of her nature. When the two meet, strong feelings are unleashed and their lives are transformed beyond all expectations. Mustapha pursues the unattainable Malawi, even though she regards him as a mere plaything, to be discarded once the initial excitement wears off. Eventually, Mustapha realises that she will never love him, but by that time, his life is in ruins, with no prospects for a happy future. Can he find love in the arms of another woman or will he be forever doomed to a life of poverty and misery?
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Summary: Second of the Virian Companions Second of the Virian Companions, telling the back-story of Lyle Menehari. Born into a high-ranking Carpathian family, Lyle’s future is all mapped out for him, or so he thinks. When he meets a mysterious new tutor and learns about his true nature, a whole new world of opportunities is opened up for him. Training to become a spy and assassin turns out to be very different from what Lyle had expected. His new tutor has some extremely unconventional teaching methods and Lyle is constantly challenged while he prepares for the role which he is destined to perform for his family. Throughout all his trials, Lyle is inspired and influenced by the enigmatic legendary assassin known only by the code-name of The Window Man, a figure whom he has admired since his childhood. He discovers that he has far more in common with his hero than he ever imagined. Learning to deal with loss and disappointment is all part of the experience, as well as coming to terms with a particularly cruel prophecy. Can he overcome the prophecy and carve out a happy future for himself?
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Summary: Third of the Virian Companions Third of the Virian Companions, telling about the lives of various members of the Halloran family and their allies. Trouble is brewing in Viria, exacerbated by the circulation of propaganda suggesting that the influx of immigrants poses a threat to the native population. There is a growing resentment towards off-worlders, fuelled by clever and charismatic community leaders, resulting in acts of terrorism against non-Virians. When Justeen takes up her post as resident priestess in a small Virian town, she has no idea that her family will be exposed to danger. She tries to bring the community together, but some people refuse to embrace her ideas of peace and take action against her. In the aftermath of a devastating terrorist bomb attack, Justeen has to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and move forward for the sake of her young sons. The twins, Ari and Nye, are determined to carve out worthwhile careers for themselves and make their mother proud. There are many challenges ahead for the brothers as they grow and learn. Can the close-knit family hold together and overcome their troubles? Will they manage to deal with their enemies and secure a peaceful future for the next generation?
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Summary: Fourth of the Virian Companions Fourth of the Virian Companions, focusing on the life of Anwyn Menehari. The Goddess Rayledni bestows a gift upon Lyle Menehari in remembrance of his great love for his second wife, Rayleen Shanahan, who was pregnant when she relinquished her physical body and melded with Ledni, Goddess of Fire. Still wracked with guilt over the mistakes he made with his first child, Lyle is determined to do better with the daughter gifted to him by Rayledni. He names her Anwyn after a tragic lost love from the past and brings her up in a manner which reflects his dual lifestyle — the free-spirited tribal life in the Sartorian desert combined with the privileges and duties of the Carpathian Way. At a tender age, Anwyn learns of the prophecies governing her life and finds her own way of dealing with them. Her family and friends give her support and she strives to meet all the challenges in her fierce and unconventional manner. Share in the triumphs and tragedies of her life from childhood and adolescence, into marriage, motherhood and onwards. Can she play her part in the ancient prophecies and still find happiness? Does she have the requisite strength of character and leadership qualities needed to fulfil her pre-ordained role?
