Geron Kees

No two people that read any story get exactly the same things out of it. Your idea may find its way into the next adventure!

Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed the story. It posted for me at the same time, being just north of Utica, myself!

Sigh. I bought a budget lens, and now it's commanding me to insert quarters to get into my nether!

Thank you, sir. Hopefully, you won't have very long to wait on the next one!

Thank you for your kind attention and support. This stuff always goes both ways. There are no writers, without readers to keep them busy!

Thank you for the pat on the back, @Ivor Slipper!

Lodda lied when he told Porvus that the ring was too far for Lodda to translocate more then one person. Lodda simply wanted time to work alone on the ship. The ship's oracle shut down the skylift in Methuwan, and the oracle there said it was broken. Lodda suggested that Porvus go to Cotirn to get parts from the skylift there as busy-work to keep Porvus occupied, and shed any suspicion that lodda didn't WANT anyone else out there with him. But no gray mages were ever taken to the ship. They never got the skylift in Methuwan working again, because it wasn't broken to begin with. The Council of Mages said that Methuwan would become a study center, implying their going to the place in force. Any gray mages still dumb enough to be hanging around likely found themselves in a magickal slammer.

ONLY 372,906 words! That's equivalent to about 835 pages, if it were a hardcover novel. Stephen King would be jealous of that word count! I'm just happy that the story was enjoyed. You are very welcome!

Not spoken of, you're correct. I should have at least mentioned them. But, one can assume, that the sudden disappearance of the leadership would cause the underlings to disperse fairly quickly. Porvus and Lodda did not share the reins with anyone. No one can step into their places. Also, the Council of Mages did say that Methuwan would become a study center, implying their landing at that place in force to assume charge. I have definitely discovered that, the larger a story is, the many more strings there are left hanging around!

Oops! Did I actually say those lines?

Aw. You're very kind! I have been a reader all my life. I have always loved characters that I wanted to know, and stories that made me want to be there. I am only trying to follow in the footsteps of so many authors that have so wonderfully entertained me, and captured my imagination, for nearly 50 years now!

Yep. But people came back from the Phantom Zone only because the authors let them!

Actually, I think Porvus was more affected by the sharp glimpse he got of himself in the mirror. He was impressed with the power that Jamie and his friends had learned, yes; but it was a clear look at his own failings that perhaps changed his mind about where he wanted to be, and what he wanted to be doing. If there are to be more stories with these guys, it may be a while before I can get to them. Thanks for joining the quest!

Thank you for the very kind words. As always, I have the most fun sharing these stories, and hearing the ideas they inspire in readers. Imagination is, truly, a wonderful thing!

One thing I always like to do in my stories is leave a few doors open for the 'lost' to return.

1) I asked Flitch was an 'Onsal' was. He said he could tell you, but then he'd have to narpixilate you! 2) Back and forth, back and forth! You're very welcome. As always, part of the fun for me is having you and the others along for the ride!

Ah! But what did you see, between the lines!

Thanks for coming along on the journey.

I was happy just to finish this story. I hadn't really considered a follow-up. But, I guess I will now!

I guess even Urvan's actions were foreseen, as the incentive to involve Jamie and Garvin in the first place.

I wouldn't have DARED!

No, not our earth, not our solar system, not our people.

The basis of this story concerned people versed in magick being forced to deal with a world of science and technology, yet seeing it in the peculiar understanding of their own culture. It wasn't always clear what they were dealing with because they weren't always certain, themselves. As they progressed and their understanding of science and technology grew, so did their interactions with it. The occasional vagueness here and there was purposeful, and it resulted in some great speculation for all the readers. A lot of fun for me! Thanks!

You'd make an interesting character in this story!

Jamie turned away from the large window and shook his head at Lodda. "You are setting the ship in motion as we speak. And the ring looks like it is awakening. I warn you now that we will not allow ourselves to be taken through it." The old mage looked surprised, and then narrowed his eyes at them. "Nor will I be kept from going through! So, you can either leave this instant, and remain here in this system, or stay and fight, and go through, anyway." Sir Dorf laughed at that. "Or, I cou