Darryl62

I have a cousin, well actually a 2nd cousin who is called Arslan. Hes mid 20s, Orthopaedic Surgeon in a public hospital in Mumbai. His religion is Zoroastrian, but of the 2 sects, he is (like my husbands family) a Parsis. Neither Muslim nor Christian, predates both with a Fire god. Surprising me every time that evil old bastard is mentioned. BTW, I now have a pavlovian response to awaiting a chapter to arrive.

I love reading about things I know little or nothing of, hence my dip into Wikipedia and under popular culture I was frankly disappointed NOT to find this novel listed with other historical fiction regarding the Varangians. Im not able to edit such august forums, but if Poul Anderson is listed, and his stories are from the 1950s to 80s then someone ( @drpaladin? ) might be able to...

I'm keen to read how Libbet gets Lord Asshat to leave his son behind in the stinking smelly streets of Antioch.. what must she promise to get this to happen?

Ohh, posted here in Sydney at 3 pm! Wonderful surprise as I finished book 2 only yesterday!!! Personally, I think this is your best series yet. The historical details, the quiet desperation, even from Bran. The Princess and Ser Val, delicious...hahaha

Tieing together Sci Fi and Russiams. The film trilogy od Day Watch, Night Watch and Dawn. 2004

Windows... even the Mayoral Hall wouldn't be glass. Too early to be commonplace. Would be material covering in the village, or just an indentation open in the houses. The mayors offical place might have finest thinnest linen, but if shattered, then perhaps it was glass, but it would be small and the pride of the town . ( Sorry @Topher Lydon it just stuck in my throat and thought it would be better with an explanation. Back to enjoying this series)

I've just finished this chapter, in Cronulla, watching the surf. Strange that you mentioned the place, made me chuckle.

The book was handed to Wylan by the Emperors envoy to the Crusaders host. He appeared suddenly in the corner of the tent, one wet night and left the gift. Gift or curse is yet to be decided

I so agree! The humour is amazing and well told

Can wonderboy go to New Zealand instead? They have surfing, all year skiing, hot springs, mad things like Bungee jumping and Zorb balls... Queenstown where I'm sure Stef has a bolt hole next to some middle eastern sheikh.???

Standing ovation @PrivateTim. Perfectly stated,

Ahh, no thank you, we here Don't need that level of narcissistic trouble. We are very egalitarian, so his flashiest self wont go down well. We do have people like that, but most, generally, will take the piss out of them ( our richest Billionaire has an awful portrait done for a competition, she tried to buy it and was refused. Went to hang in the national gallery. (Gina Rinehart)

You have encapsulated my thoughts exactly.

A ship, intrigue, spies, handsome men,resentment on board. How exciting 😀, will they be practising with Canon and muskets, one hopes!

@PrivateTim One of our National holidays will be this coming week, 25th April, ANZAC day, we have 2 remembrance days, the other one is the 11th November. Non USA readers may not know that your Memorial Day is for the same purpose, honouring those who over the centuries have given their lives for the safety of their countries and others. Their is a phrase used in these circumstances "Least We Forget "

I'm away for but a moment..90 notifications! My hope is for an exclusive contract with Mode. 1 photo shoot a year, Christmas edition. Takes Will off the market, Mode gets a boost, Jeremy gets credit with all. Jeremy is maturing nicely, considering he lost his mother, lies told to him about parentage, sexual assault, friend suicides, career lost, uncaring family. Undiagnosed mental illness. I too would move to the other side of the country to get space from a family that is so wrapped in their own narcissistic glory that a teenager is left to fail by those snide bitches living in California. Jeremy is a much better character than Will, the golden child of the series, forever Peter Pan. Thanks for drawing such marvellous characters @Mark Arbour

11.40 am Auckland! 1st!!

Wonderful Sunday surprise, Granger doesn't really understand what fantastic staff he has keeping apace with his movements. Winkler, you have been missed. Cardona has been lax with his security, but fair enough in his own home. He really didn't need to involve his father, he should have sent her away earlier, but she appears to be such a harridan that he was truly cowed. Im sure that Granger will add extra spice with his conversation with their Most Catholic Majesty's when the opportunity presents itself. Preferably sooner rather than later... ( looking with a hard Paddington Bear stare at you @Mark Arbour)

Marvellous work! Very..evocative!

@Mark Arbour? An update? Yet could not see any immediate cha6!@ sneaky!!

I'm thinking that this was written many years ago, the old Darlinghurst Police station is long gone, now wrapped as part of Surrey Hills police centre. Darling Harbour is now a construction site on one side as the hotel boom continues. I understand @Summerabbacat concern with the throw away comment, but I viewed it as nervousness in a new relationship when monogamy may have been implied rather than explicit. Strangely enough, Mardi Gras parade was on here only 2 days ago, didn't go as been many times, in it, watching it, singing onstage at the after party. ( cancelled budget constraints)

Field mouse is my absolute favourite. Oh Jack, right words even if they seem wrong at the time. Lovely interactions between the three. Thanks for the lovely story!

It's Sunday morning, and we're snerdling in bed while the clouds are scudding outside. @Mark Arbour, lovely chapter having both Stef and Jeremy on scene. ( some of you will be getting dictionaries out, but JP would understand).

2026 Winter Olympic Mishaps Ilia Malinin (USA) ergo.. Jeremy Schulter

It was lovely to be reminded of The Bey of Oran. Seems like a 100 years ago now. Ah, back in the old days...