Will Hawkins

Thanks for responding, it was somewhat unexpected because, as I said, I did not figure the author was checking on comments any more. I have a somewhat evil reputation on GA as being a troll living under the bridge that an author must cross on his way to publication of a story, snapping at his bare toes by making comments and suggestions about word usage and grammar. My comments/suggestions are merely designed to assist an author in perfecting his work, not in embarrassing him by showing up errors to the public. So if this suggestion rubs you the wrong way, just laugh it off as the narrow mindedness of an old school teacher and go on with your creativity. Mister Will

It appears to me that there are two classes/types of authors on GA., those who believe that a hot sex scene between two men is a requirement for every chapter, and those who believe, firstly, that a good story is the prime requirement, with just enough M/M sex thrown in to make it qualify as a gay story. Fortunately, I am old enough that the second category is more appropriate for my taste, I enjoy a good story even more than one slathered with sex. The stories by this author are much of the second type, and I enjoy them all the more because of that. You do good work, Richard, keep writing and don't change your style. Mister Will.

This tale is especially interesting to me as it is somewhat contemporary with my parents. I was born in 1932 and had, before they passed, an older brother (+16 years) and sister (+14 years), so it might well be the life of my parents. My father had been a flying officer (not a pilot, an aerial observer) in WWI. He had started pilot training, but switched over to a shorter training program, when it appeared the war would end before he graduated.

I, too, have noticed the British words and syntax in the story, but just like ColumbusGuy I read enough stories by British speaking authors to accept their grammar. One word you use with which I do have a problem is the command to 'stop a horse'. You use woah, but in both American and English spelling, that word is 'whoa'. No biggie, just a small suggestion. The use of a spell-check program, which is available for either American or British spelling (but not allowing both) is one solution, but 'Grammarly', the one I use, has its faults too. It frequently will allow a homophone through unmarked. (Homophone: a word which sounds like another when spoken, but is an improper spelling, as the substitution of 'there' for 'their'). I have seen lists of homophones in English and American of over 400 words in length on the web, and some lexicographers claim to list thousands of them, but they allow words which sound somewhat like others, but are not perfect homophones. Even the best American/English authors will allow a homophone to slip through occasionally. And don't get me started on Australian authors – I believe they gave up on writing in a readable language generations ago.

I agree with GanymedeRex

I had figured the vampire part, but I am a puzzled as is broken bind about the neglecting of the rules of being a vampire. You dropped enough crumbs along the way to come to the vampire conclusion. I an still a little confused about Victor's friend\partner\servant addressing him accidentally as either Sir or Sire. Either form of address would hint at some form of English nobility, a knighthood at least or perhaps a higher (but non-royal) ranking. Well, on to the next chapter.

Even a distinguished and competent author such as you, Wayne, is honor bound to slip in a 'cliffy' every once in a while, perhaps once in each story, but I am pleased to see that you have avoided the temptation previously – don't let this one slip become a habit, however. Your readership would not allow it. I have neglected in recent weeks to pass on to you my compliments on your writing skill. Of course you share that ability with your editor(s) and beta reader(s). The dearth of grammatical errors and the skill in pacing, join your ability with characterization, to make the reading an unalloyed pleasure. Keep up the prime work!

ECT, even though it is no longer legal in any state is still practiced and I am sorry to say, most frequently practiced in 'religious schools or camps'. Many of these are located in the South and hide behind their religious camouflage to practice this outlandish torture.

Unfortunately I have been cursed in my life with sinuses that make me insensitive to smells. Oh, I can small a rose or a skunk, but the odor of a lover left behind on a pillow is something I have never been able to enjoy.

Where stories are not my usual bag, but even I get tired of the 16-17 YO 'coming out' genre. This tale holds great promise. I may not read it today, but I am certainly going to put it into my 'to do' file.

The journal and the backyard fence have become symbols for the relationship between Troy and Grant. Yes, John died and that began Troy's despair, but he was able to restore the fence by good workmanship and by applying the same sense of restoration to his relationship to John, he can rebuild that life as well. The opportunity and the means are there, but what needs to be restored is Troy's desire to rebuild. Troy is a proud man, so proud that he is unable even to admit to himself that he is destroying his own life, the life that John can give through both the voice in his head and the journal, if he will but accept the help that is offered. Grant can be a conduit for that restoration, if Troy can even accept Grant's help. Troy is a good man who is in need of help and Grant in real life and the voice of his lover, John in his head are able to provide that help... if Troy can ever accept it.

It seems that Adan is taking hold of his new position as heir to the throne very rapidly and making good suggestions about the defense of the nation – perhaps it is his fresh eye applied to old problems that is making the difference, Roku is getting practice in using his tail as a sexual instrument; certainly a great advantage. I am seeing a vision of a relaxed and sleeping tiger with his tail stretched out along the ground with just the tip flicking from time to time as he dreams,

Just for your knowledge, some additional facts about tigers: you are correct in that tigers do not fear water as do many cats, sometimes on a hot day, they will seek out a pond or stream and dive in to cool off. They do snore while they are asleep, but their snore is a clicking sound of their teeth accompanied by an exhalation of breath, and tigers, as a carnivore near the top of the pyramid can sleep on their back and frequently do so, with all four feet in the air, other animals sleep curled up into a ball to protect the stomach area, an area that has no natural defenses. Only man stands higher on the pyramid of carnivores even though he has no claws and no fangs, he can run, but not as fast as a horse, he is strong but not in comparison to the bear, in all things but one he is weaker than any other carnivore and that is the one that places him at the peak of the pyramid and makes him the most efficient and most feared carnivore of all – his brain.

In answer to the question you ask at the end of this chapter – the character I like best (so far) is Roku, primarily because go his child-like sense of wonder at each new thing he learns.

I am willing to accept your description od the tigers abilities as he is, after all, a magic being. I just mentioned some of the aspects of a non~magical tiger as a point of reference. A very enthralling story, by the way. I am following the tale most avidly. even though magic is not my preferred genre. I think your characterizations are well~handled an the pace is appropriate. Superior authorship.

I am aware that this story concerns itself with magic, so not everything needs to follow the rules of a non~magical society, but fur your information Bard, big cats like lions and tigers can not purr. Their vocal cords (voice box) is set up for roaring, not purring. A tiger mother will call her kittens with a noise like a 'chuff, chuff'. Of course as a magic tiger, Roku can make any noise you, as author decide he can. Also, big cats do not retract their claws as does the pussy cat sleeping bu the fire, so Roku will have to be careful when embracing Adan so as not to claw him. I think a tiger as a familiar would be totally neat and certainly a big fur~covered body would be wonderful to sleep with, especially in cold weather. A tiger's body temperature is about 1℉ higher than that of a human, meaning he would be a great companion to snuggle with. he next question is,: do Tigers snore? I will leave to you, Bard, to figure that one out! Oh, and Tigers are not afraid of the water and will often lie in a pool to cool off on a hot day.

I would like to get a larger copy of the man on the couch with the bunny picture – can you email me the site from which it came?

The guy on the couch with the bunny picture is not just cute – he is hot, hot, hot. If he is not comfortable on the couch, I hav a double bed, benefits optional.

When Jett is taught how to change Jay's diaper, don't forget to warn him about little boy fountains as shown in the gif. That training session is going to be a kick!

I seldom give a story five stars, but I felt this one deserved the highest praise I could give. Ronyx has developed, in me at least. a reputation for very dark characterizations, but in this story, even though I was waiting for the negative twist all the way through my reading, I was very pleased that he was able to take a dark character and turn him to the light just as he was able in other tales to turn a character to the dark side. This story MUST be read as a sequel to Mark's Revenge, but if done so, is a welcome upbeat.

It would be very interesting, Ronyx, to put Scott back into his California atmosphere and see if he can carry his new positive attitude back. Maybe that is a possible book three of this tale!

Scott is facing an issue that he has never faced before. In his life to date he has taken into consideration only what he wanted. Now he meets a situation where he feels he should consider what someone else wants/needs. That is a big test for him, for his new personality. But this is the twist that I anticipated from Ronyx, the twist that he puts into many of his stories. Let's just see how Scottie is going to work it out!!!!! Oh, and if he works out that problem, can he become a star on the football team? They really need something to turn their record around.

Okay, we have two brothers who are vying for Scottie's attention. I hope that Scottie can recognize that it is little Devin who needs a friend the most. He can have fun with David, but Devin is the one that needs him.

If Scottie is going to continue to make the moves like he did on his first appearance on the football field, he is going to have to learn the dance to do under the goal posts!!!!!! But Ronyx, I am still waiting for the story twist you are famous for.

Scottie is going to go an intense learning process over the next few weeks. His attitude is going to adjust to the new school and to the farm as well. Collecting eggs from the chickens is only the first step, getting to know the horses well by cleaning out their stalls will be another one, and when he rides a horse for the first time, wow!!!!!