Andrew Q Gordon

Nice, in the last chapter I was wondering how the hell Levi got away. Okay, I have to laugh at this - bleach blonde goatee that's black - I see that dopey guy from TV in my head although he is kinda chunky. Anyway, it is NOT a good look so it's perfect for the evil Christian. I still wonder what more there is to Christian for him to do this. it seems like Blaine knows there is more to him but has never said why or how he knows.

Thanks Simon - I am working on the longer longer story, it is not really a continuation or anything of this one, more like these two characters gave me the idea for the longer story that borrows a few of the details from this but doesn't follow Marcus and Kenard, though again, I have borrow some names, details etc. That's because there needed to be a real conflict for a longer story and I had to tweak quite a few details to get that to work - or to where I thought/think it works, readers will have to decide if it does. Thanks for the review, I'll let you know when the other comes out. I think I'm about 1/4 through revising the other. So going as it was started so long ago. --- Andy

You didn't miss anything Renee, the 'twists' were planned in this. I wanted everyone to think Kenard was himself, though I worried the lack of sword would be a give away. The kiss at the end was designed to be something a shock - again, I was hoping I didn't give too much away in the beginning but wanted to hint at their relationship - 'you of all people' 'hang around me enough' So no you read it exactly how I wanted it, which means you were spot on not, dense. -- Thanks Andy

I tried with the staff to say at one point Kenard released the second of the spells woven into the staff - the first one he released by slamming one end onto the ground, the second by using both ends - that was as close to 'lying' as I wanted to get, to give the idea that it was something Marcus put into the staff for Kenard to use. I avoided 'Kenard' using other types of magic to avoid giving away that it was really Marcus. I might just go back and make that minor tweak. Never thought about how 'the' denoted only one, but it makes total sense. -- Thanks for the review Cia.

It is definitely a saga in the making. I have been editing/re-writing for a bit but you'd be amazed at how little I knew when I started the long story - things like perspective, emotion, conflict - all I cared about before was telling the story. it's a bit of a slog. This was short so it was MUCH easier to rework. Soon hopefully. Thanks for the review. Andy

“Once more I tell you, I am not for hire, Geldin.” Marcus wiped the sweat from his face with his sleeve. Cradling his staff without relaxing his grip, he stared at the balding, fat merchant standing in the archway. Was he serious? “Now leave, so I may resume my weapons practice.” “How can you refuse me when you have not heard my offer?” Geldin stepped into the courtyard behind the modest stone villa. Four well-armed guards followed close behind. Marcus, poised for deception, whipped

This short story was posted under the old eFiction and never transferred over. There it was titled 'Merchant's Gold', but I never really liked the title. So with a few tweaks, I am reposting it now. It was/is the very basic idea for a much long story I hope to one day post.

Blaine's a better man then I, I'd be in jail for APO - Assault on a Police Officer - after Ofc Redding spoke to me like that. One wonders why Harris let her lead the investigation at all, her skills are so lacking. Why do I hear ominous music playing when I read this chapter? Why would Christian leave Levi like that? Is it a set up? Is he letting Levi go so he can make a statement that he can get to them at any time? Does leaving put the dogs at risk - sorry, I'm a dog person - well lucky me, I have a metro ride ahead of me in which to read more See there you go, leaving us dangling over the precipice again. Geez how come no one nominated YOU for Queen of cliffs. Hmm might need to start my 2011 campaign now

Blaine's a bttm? Who knew? Just kidding, it's always interesting to see what authors do with their characters. I could state the obvious, but instead I'll ask about Christian. It seemed at first Blaine never saw this side of him He thought he loved him etc. Then when he outs him, at least at first, Blaine was baffled because he never thought he was so vindictive. Now, well now he is convinced of how evil Christian is and how dangerous - why? Where does this believe come from aside from kicking the dog and breaking windows? That's a far cry from him hurting Levi. So I guess I just want to know if Blaine knows something we haven't been told yet?

When I read this I thought was a jerk Levi was being, his reactions made no sense, and Blaine was bewildered. Then when I read his excuse, I was still thinking he was a jerk - albeit a tad less, then I realized I had this image of Levi as this totally together with zero issues, perfect guy and he isn't. Clearly he comes to this with his own issues and fortunately Blaine didn't get ticked off. Was a nice scene - like I said, it got me mad, then annoyed, then going oh yeah

I know this is probably a bit of a tangent to this, but most everything about how horrible this was to the little boy and the sad effect it had on him has been said. What struck me is this "Dr." Reker is like so many other despicable people who are willing to do whatever and say whatever to make a buck. Here he is a closet gay man, attacking gays and worse pointing the finger at little children scaring their parents into believing they are 'wrong' and he can 'fix' them. All the while using the money they get to lead a clandestine secret life. It's sad that there is no way to weed out these people. Clearly he needs a shrink more than he needs to be one.

Getting reviews now, I have to go back and see what is in the chapter being reviewed. This still affects me only because of - as you say - it has a kernel of reality in it. Sometimes it takes being dragged to the brink for people to come to their senses. That was what I was trying to get out here. -- Thanks for reading - and re-reading Trevor.

Not exactly how I expected it to end, but you could feel something coming. One of them had to end up dead - or both. The ending was perfect - will he beat the rap? will he go down? Will he hang for the murder? Will Davis - Stand by his man? And yet, the story is complete. Nicely done JW - really well done.

Really? Sneaky? Seriously, everything he said, Putting Peter on the spot etc, had a total double meaning, kinda :PAs for lucky to chat with me? pish posh, I'm the lucky one

Wait - they've kissed - quite a bit, slept together - as in just sleep, showered together and all that entails, but Blaine doesn't have Levi's number yet?? Talk about being distracted well this was as far as I got on the train today so the rest will have to wait for later BUT I wanted to say how much I enjoy the dialogue betweent he boys - Levi and Blaine - some of it seems mundane, but it is in those causal conversations that we get the feel for them both. Two things - Phil didn't sound terribly shocked by what happened, were there other episodes of rage we missed? No - don't tell me, it's probably to be explained later - but I found his lack of reaction puzzling, 2) What does Blaine know about Christian that we don't? I mean what switch went off that turned him into pyscho-ex? Maybe it's the prosecutor in me but I'd be leery about going to the police after punching Christian in the nose at the camp site. Not that it wasn't justified and Christian was not entirely blameless, but when he get's hauled into the police station, I could see him pointing to his face and saying, he did this to me and now he and that pyscho new BF of his are tormenting me with lies. Like I said, just my warped world view after 20 years in the 'business.'

Well for someone named Christian, he is anything but. I hope as this moves along we find the motivation for this inexplicable change in the ex. I do so love the - you weren't acting all that straight with my dick in your ass - line The bit at the end - see my PM to you. Nuff said

Well that was a feel good chapter - interesting how the two doofus's could both be on the same page but be totally worlds apart. I have to say that when I started this chapter, I had that - 'oh no, she isn't going to make them joined at the hip in 3 days' feeling. BUT I think it was good. Yes this does happen, never to me, which is perhaps why I cringe when I read it, but I know people meet someone and WHAM - there done for. Mike and I took a good six months of circling, calling, dating, etc for me to realize what he realized much sooner, but for Levi and Blaine, yeah it was good. And yeah, there's that little cliff again, do you write looking down the side of a mountain or something?

OMG - that was so not the point All I meant was, if you don't come here and say "Hi, I'm new, my name is ... no one is going to say - Hi, .... because we have no idea a) you're new or b ) that you even read this forum. I've been more than welcomed, by you and quiet a few others - trust me when I say, I feel welcome, always have. I mean where else am I a Grumy Old Man?? Thanks Nephy.

Mark isa good guy. And the way you present him and Blaine feels so natural I could almost see them at the camp sight. Loved the - who's this - pointing to Ruff as if he wasn't surprised Blaine found a dog. Against its the things you show us that help define the characters the most

Wow alot happened there but it seemed so fluid you dont realize it until you go back. The way he runs off on Levi speaks volumes for his internal struggle. Poor Levi, gotta hurt being rejected like that - even if he understands why.

Levi has some gumption for a small guy. Brazen is another word. Ah yes a puppy makes everything better Levi being a vet sure made things easier So i like how we find out stuff as we go along and notin one giant lump - nicely done, the pacing is good, makes for an easy and engaging read

Bad break up, vindictive ex, outed to parents, no place to live, dag you dont play around do u? Blaine sounds like he hasnt been around much date wise but now he has quite a bit to deal with all at once. So where does this go from here

Life in the closet is a bummer, especially when you really like someone but can't acknowledge it. Peter's confidence is his strength, and perhaps his Achilles heel. Only time will tell on that, but you know that already don't you

Sneaking around DOES get old, it is bound to lead to problems. Sorry to disappoint but the 'spice' is few and far between. This is more about the boys and the rest of their lives with a bit of spice tossed in for fun. Though much of it is hinted at or done through innuendo. Hope that isn't too disappointing

Wow. Smoke no more Interesting to see Duncan and his power. Now let's see if he can hold off one very hungry, determined and upset Vampire Bryce. I really like how you are cycling back plot lines to weave them into the final part of the story - I mean I assume we are moving toward the finale and this isn't going to be a 75 chapter epic that never ends.