The Chronicles of the Virago: Book III the Triumviratus

By Michael Bialys

Makenna Gold is the Virago. At barely thirteen-years-old, she has been entrusted by the forces of good to protect her twin siblings Emi and Noah from the evil forces that seek to destroy them. The infant twins are destined to lead our world into its next age of Hope and Enlightenment: if and only if they survive. In this follow up to the series, the stakes have just gotten higher. Makenna's dad's soul has been captured and is being taken to the lowest level of Hell. Makenna must stay on Earth to protect her siblings, while her two best friends Stephen, a gifted clairvoyant and Sam, a genius level Game-master, traverse the nine levels of hell to rescue her dad's imperiled soul. The heroic efforts of these three friends will be tested to their limits, while the entire World is at stake. Will their combined gifts be enough to save the world, or will it cost them their own lives?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Bialys
• Release date: Dec 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798650066088

Michael Bialys

Michael Bialys is from Toronto, Canada, where he began his career as a self-taught pianist, composer and lyricist. His song "Going for Gold" was performed at the 1988 Canadian Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta. In addition, Mr. Bialys' song "I Want it All" was performed in 1988 by the Canadian Opera Company backed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.While pursuing a music career in Los Angeles, Mr. Bialys studied law at Western State Law School. He passed the bar in 2004 and is a current member of the California State Bar. Michael practices DUI defense and owns an exclusive and well known DUI practice, branding himself as the DUI MAN!While attending law school, Mr. Bialys met and married his wife. It is his wife and three children who inspired him to write his first novel entitled "The Chronicles of the Virago: Book One The Novus," currently in release.Although his first book was intended only as a gift for his eldest daughter, Makenna, the enormous feedback Mr. Bialys received convinced him to continue the saga. The final two books in the series have been completed and await publication. Michael Bialys currently lives with his wife and three children, and two dogs in California.

Book preview

1

The Aftermath

She still had just a hint of toddler in her, with apple cheeks and thick, light brown curls that draped down around her shoulders. She was now five, and the time had come for the training wheels to come off. Her friends had told her about skinned knees. Millicent, her friend at school, said she fell six times learning to ride her bike.

Don’t worry, sweetie, Daddy won’t let you fall. Really—I’ve got you.

She believed him. He had never let her down before.

In only four tries, she did it. Not a fall. Not one skinned knee. With a whoop of joy, she was off and riding like a pro, on a perfect Sunday afternoon.

He smiled and clapped, jumping and dancing around like crazy man. He always tried to be funny and make her laugh. Though he stood six feet tall, to Makenna he seemed even taller. He had dark hair and blue eyes, and she couldn’t picture him without a smile on his long, thin face. He was always mugging for attention to entertain her friends, pretending to bump into walls and trip. He was so silly.

He shouted Makenna’s name, delighted at her triumph over her two-wheeler. It could have been the sun or a trick of the light, but Makenna was certain her daddy was crying—smiling but crying. This confused her. She thought people only cried when they were sad. He seemed happy now, and yet his eyes looked watery.

Her instincts took over. She rode her bicycle over to him with all her newfound skill. She carefully climbed off her bike, placed it on the ground, and hugged him with all her might. Thank you, Daddy! I love you. He always smelled so good, like fragrant soap.

I love you, too, baby. He scooped her up and spun her around. You were amazing! You’re the best little girl in the world, Makenna.

She did not respond. Her eyes went blank, and she stared straight through him, as if he wasn’t there.

Makenna? Makenna, can you hear me? Makenna! She opened her eyes. A harsh light blinded her. Her head throbbed. She recognized the voice, but it was not her dad’s.

Wake up dear. Wake up.

It was a female voice, with a gentle, almost musical lilt to it, but it also held a note of underlying strength.

Open your eyes, Virago, the voice said. Come now, dear. Elnora, see to her.

The word Virago did it. All of it came flooding back, smashing into her mind like a sledgehammer on granite. She was Makenna Grace Gold, The Virago. She was not five years old, learning how to ride her bike. She was thirteen, responsible for protecting her brother and sister from evil—for protecting the future of the world.

The blinding light coalesced into shapes and figures. Her throbbing headache subsided ever so slightly.

C’mon, kid. What are ya trying to do, give me an ulcer or something?

There was no mistaking that voice: Fluffy, her wisecracking best friend and sidekick, who also happened to be an earthworm.

I guess I must have passed out or something, Makenna said, as the shapes and figures around her took form. She appeared to be inside a vehicle of some sort. With all the medical paraphernalia and gurneys, she quickly deduced that she was in an ambulance.

Perfectly understandable, child, considering all you’ve been through. You have shown yourself well, Virago.

As memories flooded back into her brain, Makenna knew that the gentle, solid voice did indeed belong to not just a woman, but to her mentor, Marigold Frith. Marigold was a full-on, bona fide fairy with all the trimmings. She held the title of Prelate, the highest order of fairy. She stood about three inches tall, with long, golden hair framing her tiny, pixie face. She had a button nose, rosebud lips, and of course, pointed ears. No fairy would be complete without two glowing wings, casting Fairy dust about. But for all her beauty, Marigold was one of the most powerful fairies who ever lived. Regarded by the other fairies as a wise and stalwart leader, Marigold’s command of her magicks was without compare.

Lie still, Marigold said. Elnora will sprinkle you with some healing dust to help make you feel better.

Do you remember anything, kid? Fluffy asked.

Well, I remem—

Just lie there a minute, interrupted the worm, and let ol’ Fluff catch you up. It’s like this. You took out a seven-headed dragon. I mean, you really kicked its bu…

Marigold shot him a disapproving look.

Well, anyway, continued Fluffy, first you took out an Alghanii Demon.

My dad! I was dreaming about my dad! I remember now—the Souler! WHERE IS HE? Makenna tried to stand, but her legs collapsed beneath her.

Makenna’s friends Stephen and Sam, were also there by her side and grabbed her arms and steadied her, gently lowering her back down to the floor of the vehicle. Hovering behind them were her other two winged mentors, Bree and Dee Delphine. They flitted around her with concern.

Take it easy, child, Marigold said.

But my dad! His soul has been stolen! He’s just a human shell….

Fear not, child. Fairy Elnora is tending to him. He is in a suspended state. He will be fine.

Yeah, Stephen patted her arm comfortingly. And Sam and I have already agreed that we’re going to do whatever we can to save him. Isn’t that right, Sam? Stephen looked around for his friend. Sam?

The silence was deafening.

2

The Commission of the Mission

After an excruciatingly long pause, Sam seemed to undergo an internal gear shift. He raised his blue eyes to Makenna and shot her a look fraught with intensity. OK, OK. I’m going. I’m going! He brushed his straight, blond hair out of his face. Send the sixty-eight-pound, skinny genius into hell and see what happens, he muttered under his breath.

Sam knew that some found his academic prowess and above-average intelligence intimidating—his slim physique, not so much. He also knew he was going to a place where an exceedingly high IQ wouldn’t matter much.

So, are you really OK with this, Stephen? Makenna asked.

Of course,, Stephen brushed aside her concern. "We’ve been through a lot together. And this is your dad we’re talking about here!"

Enough, children! Marigold chided them. We have precious little time to waste. Stephen and Sam have both agreed to do this. We must get the boys prepared, Virago.

Sam nodded in agreement. Has it dawned on anyone that we’re in an ambulance parked in the middle of the Lupu Bridge in China? And, might I add, it’s a bit crowded in here, what with four fairies, Makenna’s dad on a stretcher, Heather Stern passed out in the corner and, to top it all off a talking worm. Sam gestured toward the ambulance’s rear window. Not to mention the chaos going on out there. Maybe moving to an area with a little more privacy…?

Sam was right. Makenna had just emerged victorious from a very public battle—with a gargantuan seven-headed red dragon, flying high in the sky over Shanghai’s Huangpu River. All of this played out in front of throngs of local onlookers. In the aftermath of the epic battle, the area now swarmed with law enforcement, military, news media, and bystanders, all looking for some logical explanation for what had just taken place. A few people had even glanced curiously through the tinted windows of the ambulance.

May I suggest a hasty retreat? Sam added.

Sam’s suggestion had merit, and Marigold immediately took command. Bree, Dee, let’s direct the ambulance back into the commercial district and find an alley to lie low in for a while. We’ll prepare there. Elnora, have you put Mr. Gold’s body in stasis?

The tiny fairy flicked her wings in deference. The father is now in suspended animation. We’ll take him to our realm to protect him for the duration.

Oy! Again, with the rhymes.

Fluffy! Makenna exclaimed, embarrassed by the earthworm’s ill-mannered reaction. The elder fairy Elnora had a habit of speaking in traditional fairy-speak that involved rhyming couplets.

I’m sorry, kid, but those rhymes of hers are killing me!

While the earthworm groused, the two Delphine cousins aimed an intense stare at the vehicle’s dashboard. Without warning, the sirens began to wail, and the engine spontaneously roared to life. The ambulance drove itself out into the crowded Lupu Bridge.

Thank you, ladies, Marigold said politely. Now there is much to do. First, we must tend to the patient. Elnora, I will transport the mister and you to the Fairy Realm now. There, you’ll be able to keep him out of harm’s way.

Let us away to keep him well, while the others rescue his soul from hell! Elnora intoned.

WAIT!

Yes, Makenna? Marigold said, signaling Marigold to delay her transportation incantation for a moment.

May I kiss him goodbye? Tears filled her eyes and a tremor shook her voice.

There’s no better healant I know than love—tis truly a gift from up above, the elder Fairy uttered. Even Fluffy kept silent, moved by her kind words.

Assisted by her friends, Makenna rose slowly, and knelt by her dad. He lay on the stretcher, seemingly asleep. She kissed him once on the cheek, and then leaned in close to embrace him. He still had that clean smell she’d always loved.

She laid her head on his chest. I love you, Dad. Don’t worry. We’re gonna save you. She held on tight, reluctant to part with him.

Don’t worry, my child. Be strong, not sad. Elnora will let nothing hurt your dad, the rhyming fairy added sympathetically.

"It’s best we take him now, child, Marigold soothed. The sooner we get the boys on their way, the better. There is still much to do."

Makenna stood, never taking her eyes off her father. She tried hard not to cry, but a single teardrop escaped. It rolled down Makenna’s face and landed with a plop on her father’s cheek. She waited and watched, hoping this would somehow magically revive him. In all the fairy tales Makenna had read growing up, the touch of a single, pure tear was sometimes enough to awaken a sleeping prince or princess. Although surrounded by actual fairies with real magical capabilities, this was obviously not a typical fairy tale. Her father gave no response, and as before, lay still.

Makenna, I promise we’ll get his soul back. I swear we will, Stephen said.

As Stephen spoke, Elnora hovered above the body of Makenna’s father, clapping out a small cloud of dust that settled over Michael Gold. The fairy dust would both preserve and prepare him for his transport to the Fairy Realm. Elnora nodded, signaling Marigold that they were ready for transport.

Marigold flew over to where Makenna’s dad lay, pale and motionless. Magical energies crackled and illuminated the back of the ambulance as it drove through the streets of Shanghai’s new commercial district. By the time anyone in the crowd outside noticed the flickering colored lights, the ambulance was already speeding away.

Elnora, elder fairy and apothecary extraordinaire, looked up at Sam and Stephen, staring directly into their eyes. She spoke one final cautionary rhyme—her tone as dire as her words: Sam and Stephen went down the depths, to help avert disaster. They soon forgot why they were there, and Hell came tumbling after.

In the next instant, Michael Gold, Marigold, and Elnora were gone, vanished from the ambulance in a poof of fairy dust.

3

To China

Malvado Seaton sat calmly in his multimillion-dollar Gulfstream G550 jet, the most expensive private plane in the world. Outfitted with two Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, it boasted a long-range cruising altitude of 12,501 kilometers at speeds averaging Mach 0.80. The wood and leather interior were equipped with every amenity imaginable, including six beds, a conference and dining area, a full kitchen and a half-dozen VIP seats—along with a secret new satellite communication unit and a state-of-the-art entertainment system. Sir Seaton enjoyed the finer things in life.

Seaton’s dark eyes were intelligent and intense, highlighted by tiny flecks of blood red just outside the irises. His perfectly groomed, jet-black hair and goatee framed a well-chiseled, tanned face. Dressed in an immaculate black Brioni suit and sipping a brandy, Seaton presented a perfect portrait of a man in complete and total control.

This tranquil exterior, however, was a facade, successfully masking the tempest brewing within him. The war had begun, and it was not going well.

He stared at his glass of Henri IV Dudognon Heritage brandy, swishing the precious liquid around his mouth, allowing his taste buds to savor the tingle of the liqueur that had been aged in barrels for more than a hundred years. One bottle alone was worth nearly two million US dollars, and why not? It was well worth the expense, Seaton thought. The cognac bottle had been dipped in 24-karat gold, re-dipped in sterling platinum, and decorated with 6,500 brilliant-cut diamonds. It made the bottle quite heavy as cargo, but what’s a little extra fuel? Decadence defined him.

Seaton hoped the priceless elixir would calm his growing anxiety, but this overt self-indulgence offered no relief for Seaton. Haunted by his recent failures, he replayed them over and over in his mind. These defeats did not go down any easier, regardless of the quality of the brandy.

Seaton had never anticipated having to become personally involved in this messy affair. He could never have predicted that the antics of some pre-teen girl from California, of all places, were the reason he was now jetting to China.

Incredibly, this Virago had bested some of his most fearsome and skilled minions. This could not be attributed to mere luck, and certainly not to superior skill. The girl was just a child, with virtually no training to speak of. Clearly, this brazen child had had some powerful assistance. Yes, she had her fairy mentors, her friends, perhaps even some extra power provided by the twin-gift. But that alone could not be enough. There had to be more going on here. It had become increasingly obvious to Seaton that he would have to intervene—and possibly, to prepare for the ultimate battle.

Seaton’s thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of his personal flight attendant, Ms. Demeanor. She approached him tentatively—phone in hand. A tall, lanky woman of African-American descent, Ms. Demeanor cut an imposing figure. Sir, Ms. Anthrop from the London office is on the line. She says she has news.

Thank you, Ms. Demeanor. Now—some privacy, please, he ordered brusquely as he took the phone from her. He watched her leave, finding pleasure in her exotic beauty. What news, Ms. Anthrop?

We’ve gotten confirmation, sir, crackled a female voice from the phone. The Red Dragon was destroyed by the child. She had help from Pan.

Damn that mischievous boy! Seaton ground his teeth. Another child!

It would seem, from all available reports, that her skills have markedly improved, Ms. Anthrop continued. She’s been training.

What of Ms. Creante? Seaton asked. Here, at least, he’d get some good news. By now, the Souler he had dispatched must have already ripped her wretched soul from her demon husk. By now, even the memory of her existence was well on its way to being erased forever. A devilish grin crossed Seaton’s face. What a fitting punishment for anyone who deigned to disobeyed him.

No official word yet, sir, Ms. Anthrop answered.

Seaton’s grin faded. Damned closed-circuit cameras must be out. Oh, well. He was certain it had been accomplished by now. Seaton took another sip, and a different thought crossed his mind. Any word of my cat, Savannah? he asked.

4

The Kitty

Misty Gold opened the door of her hotel room. She anxiously hoped to greet her husband, who seemed to be running late. A series of bizarre noises had awakened her from a deep, but unscheduled, afternoon nap. She looked down to see Emilyne and Noah still sleeping peacefully in their stroller, like two little angels.

Misty had been looking forward to seeing Michael again after a long and strange day, but she had been oddly overcome by fatigue; the babies were so tired they drifted off as soon as she buckled them into their stroller. Now a scratching sound and a loud and persistent meowing had pulled her out of her slumber.

She thought it was Michael scratching at the door, kidding around as he often did. She opened the door, expecting to see him in the threshold, smiling. He was not there. Another meow drew her attention, and Misty looked down to find a stray cat perched at her door. It looked up at her fetchingly.

Aww. Are you hungry, sweetie? Misty always had a soft spot for hurt or needy animals. She bent down to pick up the stray. Look at you! C’mon. Let’s see if we can find you a treat. Oh, my! What happened to your little tail? It looks like someone split it in half. Poor baby. She looked at the cat’s strange tail. It looked more like two separate tails, emanating from one cat, like a fork. Odd.

Misty wondered where the cat had come from. Maybe the owners were in the hallway. She held the cat in her arms and poked her head into the hallway. Anybody lose a cat? No answer.

Hello! Anybody lose a cat? she repeated, a little louder this time. Again, no response.

Well, you had to come from somewhere, she said to the cat. If she had lost a pet while staying at a hotel, she would search high and low for it. She placed the two-tailed feline on the floor of her suite.

Meow, Savannah vocalized with delight. I’m in, the felonious feline thought.

Misty checked the cat for tags but found none. Pretty baby. Let me take one more look to see if we can find your owner. Misty caressed the cat, then stood up and approached the door.

The cat watched her but made no move to follow. That’s right. Leave me in here. Alone. With them.

Makenna’s mom took one step outside, carefully propping the door with her other foot so it wouldn’t close behind her. She scanned the hallway, looking for anybody who might have lost a cat.

Savannah was clever, like most cats. She arched her back and rubbed against the inside of the door, hoping to subtly push Makenna’s mom out of the room. Then she’d have the twins to herself.

Misty Gold startled when the door bounced against her Achilles tendon. She stumbled and lost her footing. She grabbed for the door, stopping it from slamming shut. Nearly had them, Savannah thought. But I’ll get them. She twitched her whiskers.

Misty came back into the room. Already causing trouble, huh? She chuckled softly. She made her way to the honor bar, peeking inside. Let’s see if we can find you some food. I’m sure there’s something in here you can eat. As luck would have it, the mini fridge contained a small foil pack of dried salmon. With a smile, she poured the contents into a small baby bowl and used a spoon to mash it up.

Here you go, sweetie. She placed the bowl on the floor for Savannah, who gave it a cursory sniff. I wonder where you came from, and who did that to your poor little tail. Or were you born like that?

Meow! the cat answered, rubbing up against Misty’s leg in a show of gratitude.

You eat. I’m going to take a quick bath while the babies are still sleeping. I don’t know what’s keeping that man of mine, but when I’m done, I’m going to find out.

Just then, Misty felt a slight pain in her stomach. She remembered that just before she fell into a deep slee there had been some disturbance in the commercial district where her husband worked.

She concentrated, trying to remember. There had been reports of some freak dragon flying around near Michael’s workplace. Had there been an accident?

It was uncharacteristic of Michael not to have contacted her yet. Misty had been in Nanjing with Makenna and her classmates for three weeks now. She had just returned to Shanghai with Ms. Revel and the babies. She missed Michael something fierce, and knew Michael felt the same way. Typically, Michael would have inundated her with calls or texts, or been back at the hotel before they got there.

Misty’s stomach twinge turned into full-on nausea. Something was wrong—very wrong.

Emi began to stir in her sleep, a sure sign that she and Noah would be waking up shortly. Misty’s cell phone broke the silence. She grabbed it from her purse before it woke the babies.

Michael? she answered, without even checking the caller ID.

Hi, beautiful, said her husband’s delighted voice.

Calling Misty beautiful was no understatement. Her big, round eyes were the color of an autumn sky over the Sierras, and her wavy blonde hair cascaded down to the middle of her back. She captivated anyone who saw her. Misty also possessed a smile that could melt the polar ice caps. But what anyone who ever met her found remarkable was that she seemed totally oblivious to her incredible beauty. This made her even more appealing.

Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick! And then I saw this crazy news story….

I’m sorry, angel. It must have been some crazy publicity stunt that went awry, and then communication went down. You know how they’re always getting blackouts here. My cell phone wasn’t getting any bars, and all the streets were blocked off. Are you guys all right?

Misty sat on the bed, finally beginning to relax. We’re fine.

Is Makenna back yet? The phone crackled with static, garbling his voice a bit.

No, but I expect her anytime now, said Misty. When will you be here? I miss you.

I miss you, too. I should be there shortly. I’m trying to get out of here. It’s still a little crazy down here. Just stay put and I’ll see you soon.

OK, said Misty. The kids are still down. I’m going to take a bath. I’ll see you soon. I love you.

Love you, too. Kiss the babies for me. Bye, dear.

Bye, said Misty. Somehow the call made her miss Michael even more.

Misty expelled a huge sigh of relief and smiled. Her nausea began to fade. Again, she heard Emi stir. If she intended to get her bath in, she would have to get started quickly.

How are you at babysitting? Misty asked, looking down at the cat.

Meow, was the animal’s response. It licked its chops, having finished the meal in the bowl.

Good! Then I’ll be out in ten minutes. Keep an eye on them. And don’t wake them!

Misty disappeared into the bathroom and began to run her bath water.

Savannah’s feline face twisted into a smile.

5

The Doppelgangers

That was incredible, Dee. You sounded just like my dad. Even what you said to my mom—she would never have known it wasn’t him! Makenna said, impressed. The more she got to know Dee, the more talented the fairy seemed.

Just one of the tricks of the trade, ma’am, said Dee. I figured it was time to check on the missus and the wee ones. Make sure they were all safe. And I didn’t want to alert her to any problems, so I just borrowed your dad’s cell phone, and…

His voice, Makenna added.

"Good idea, Dee, but