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Hi Gary! Hope the weather cooperates and gives you a great day for a walk!

Having a Harper at Benden weyr is a great addition for the weyr. I like that the new Harper recognised Kadin and had a chance to observe him. The new candidates from the holds seem to be typical in their beliefs and prejudices, but most seem OK. Hortaimin, the holder's son from Lemos, is going to be a problem if he makes it through the hatching. He sounds like an arrogant, biased asshole. With his temper we can hope he breaks the rules and is sent home. The weyrlings lessons went well for both Jevikel and Kadin as they learned a lot about how to take care of dragons. R'feem's talk with Jevikel talked about ambitions of bronze riders, and I felt it might be because he sees many qualities in Jevikel that would make him a good leader. Kadin's talk with M' rell focused more on what riders felt about their Wingleader. Both conversations were enlightening. The practice throwing balls back and forth while running is good practice for when the guys will be throwing stone filled sacks to riders during threadfall. The trip to the birthing sands to see the eggs was interesting. I liked the explanation for why Ramoth turned the eggs. It just made a great deal of sense that a mother would want to make sure the little dragons would need to be comfortable, and also that some dragons needed more attention than others. The last part where the weyrlings were discussing the dragons impressed me with Jevikel's observation of the others. Jevikel saw their fears and tried to calm them. It is another of those leadership traits.

That's so nice Albert. I'm sure that Bucket will love his souvenirs from Hawaii. You might want to wrap them up is something a little bit warmer for the trip. After Bucket unwraps them I am sure he will keep them more than warm enough.

Hey Drew! How's Yayo? Has he settled in, or is he still trying to stir up things with the other cats?

The adoption was a beautiful surprise for Dylan and Patrick. They are going to make a great family together. It's great that Dylan likes Mr. Andrews, since Andrews is going to make an awesome grandpa. Angus is often spoken of as a mean, cruel asshole, but most of what he has done since Jon arrived is typical of a cautious boss who listens. He demands facts and reasonable arguments before making a decision. Dylan is an accomplished artist. What is the surprise Jon has in store for Dylan?

I really like how the plot moves quickly. Jon is displaying many of the traits of a good leader/alpha which is probably why Mr. Andrews likes him so much and approves of his relationship with Patrick. The lunais seem to be surprised at his abilities so soon after his first turn. They definitely do admire him. His courage and power have saved him, Patrick and Dylan so he is someone to fear by enemies. I also saw that his power seems to be increasing. He was able to crush granite rock to powder. Will that continue? Great chapter to read. You have some great strengths in writing to set up mood and characters so well. As I said, I also love the plot that is developing.

And you can share with Steve equally! You naughty boys! 😊

OMG Is this photoshopped, twins or boyfriends with matching tattoos?

Aloha Albert! Hope you are having a good day!

Mordacious behavior has given birth to many shifter stories I love. Keep it up guys! The more bites the better!

I hope Max has a great time. Those kind of invitations are important for kids his age. 😄

Hi Page! How are you and the family doing?

As a reader and regular member, I just wanted to say that your essay and the one Carlos wrote on marketing are both full of excellent reasons for writing for an anthology. As a reader I value these stories for all the reasons you mentioned. I came to the realization that these short stories were the spawning ground for some of the most enjoyable novels I have read on GA. These stories may not be immediate sources of those novels, but the characters created for them seem to nag at many authors, sometimes for years, until a book gets written. I also like to see the authors I like explore different genrés. It is fun for me to see the authors I like playing with a new toy.

That sounds like and excellent birthday treat! Happy Birthday! I bet Gary will give you a great gift.

Essell and Ases are now lost in the jungle and out of range to contact anyone. Bouncer is being protective, so they are probably in danger from some of the native life forms in the jungle. Hopefully Bouncer is not lost. The voices didn't spark recognition in Essell's mind, so they are probably new characters. They are not offworlders by their comments. In support of that, they used a gas that Garjah could not detect but probably known to four arms and not offworlders. Timok may be part of the plot. He has the knowledge to take out Garjah with a gas like that, but he also could make sure the substance he developed did not work on the prisoner who is in the coma. I don't think the Kardoval is directly involved, but maybe one or more of that group is responsible. Another possibility is a group that does not want contact has formed and are using guerilla tactics to fight treaty. They could be sponsored by the Kardoval or at least some members. I do worry about Essell and Ases while they are in the jungle. I hope Bouncer can find a way out for them and also find where these terrorists are holding Garjah. Glad to have you back Cia. I look forward to reading the chapters this week.

You're lucky I could write a comment at all since you posted at midnight Thai time. I had a hard time getting my sleepy brain awake enough to make the comment. You need to post earlier! I do have faith! My only problem was I couldn't think of any arguments or conditions that would change Kage's mind on this situation. That doesn't mean I don't believe you will be able to do it.

SF is not going to be interesting? @kbois, That statement is scaring me. You don't do boring, so SF is going to be horrendous, hair-raising and horrifying. I agree about their relationship. It's in full f...ing bloom. Tyler's family is amazing and will hopefully inspire Kage to forget his pessimistic view of his and Elijah's future together. Speaking of pessimistic. I suggest you visit your local therapist at the liquour store. You need some cheering up. I am sure the therapist there will have something to help.

Hey Bucket! Your dinner sounded delicious!

Hello Albert!

This is an interesting premise for a story. I like the characters and look forward to how they develop. I find that the beginning is compelling, and I do want to read more and learn more about this world.

Hey drsawzall! You beat me this time. For the record, I did read the whole thing before commenting. I do agree that there will be stormy weather, and hopefully the rainbow at the end will be when Elijah and Kage have their own family together.

You call that a comment????? Yah, you beat me .

What a 180 degree day! As their morning fun took a turn with a call from the Boss. Huntington was at the top of the list and Kage had to be in SF in two days. Then the surprise as Boss also insisted that Elijah go with Kage to help. All the arguments between Elijah and Kage went out the window, because the Boss has spoken. Elijah showed an ingenious streak by using the condolence card from Huntington as a way into the fortress to secretly spy on the layout and security. Only hitch was getting the tapes from Tyler that they would use as an excuse. That meant a family get together. Elijah was so much the loving uncle. It didn't surprise me that Kage recognised how much Elijah wanted a family. Kage being the loving person he is realises that this is an impossible dread if he and Elijah stay together. He argued effectively and now what started out as a fun day turned sadly tragic. I was in tears by the end of this chapter. Elijah and Kage both know they are in love, but also acknowledge that they can never live together without risking the lives of each other as well as those they love. It's going to make a HEA ending very difficult to accomplish. Has kbois written herself into the corner? (Sorry, but I couldn't resist.)

I do love a good Western and have since Saturday Matinees at the local theater. However, you don't have to love Westerns in order to love this story. Survival and romance are also themes of this story. Comments by readers who don't follow Westerns speak of their love for this story. Their desire for more, adequately demonstrates how well written this romantic story truly is. Wiley is on the run when attacked and badly injured by a mountain lion. Coop is his rescuer with secrets of his own. You will fall in love with both these empathic and engaging characters. The setting and dialogues immerse you in the old west culture that feels real and alive. A great story like this is a must read whether or not you like Westerns. If you do like it, then there is even better news. Headstall aka Gary has many stories in many different genres. All are just as great. If this Western pleases you, you should also try Gary's two books in the Sidewinder series.

I for one would love it if you do decide to continue this story. ❤️ You know I love Westerns with cowboys and horses. Especially the stories you write, Gary!