Cane23

I’m glad Azula and Raith were able to have a sincere and open conversation without falling into anger or frustration. Many things are much clearer now, and I hope the letters from both emperors will help the Sura clan make wise decisions regarding the island’s future.

The siege of Antioch is slowly coming to its end. I was reading a little about it to see whether it was a bloody massacre, mainly because I’m interested to find out whether Darien will be able to keep his promise. It seems that these historical events are overshadowed by the later conquest of Jerusalem and the bloody outburst of violence that followed. That is going to be a real temptation for Darien and his group… and probably a harsh disillusionment as well. I remember the excerpt you shared with us - Wylan and Darien’s conversation about the future and, I suppose, the possibility of Darien eventually rising to the throne. From history, we already know who is going to become King of Jerusalem (sadly) and, with the hints you’ve given us, we also have some idea about our heroes’ return home.

If Luka only knew how close and simple the answer truly is… It is not hidden in books, dungeons, or photographs. It is not found in escape. It lies in an embrace, a kiss, and the final union of two bodies. Luka does not need to defeat Mezenga; he needs to conquer himself.

You think the body might be the prey, not the soul… or maybe both. After all, despite my expectations, Devin did feel unusually refreshed and well-rested the next day.

I remembered a line from Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie: “—and that is the end of poor, foolish, beautiful Arlena Marshall...” This chapter carries the spirit @CasualWanderer82's best works - devastatingly beautiful, heartbreaking, and deeply unsettling. First comes the feast, with Devin as the main course, because “some transactions cost more than others” ... A boy who dreamed of a house with a window facing something green... So unbearably sad. It makes me wonder... was it inevitable? If Luka had only opened his heart that morning... if he could have given Devin what Devin believed he was finding in Mezenga... could he have prevented this “soul harvest”? And still the question remains - how is Mezenga planning to break Luka...? Above all, my romantic soul keeps wandering - is @CasualWanderer82 writing a fantasy with elements of a fairytale? Is recovery possible? Can soul and body ever be united again... or am I only dreaming of an illusion?

Actually, this was a very entertaining chapter, I really enjoyed reading about those three squires learning to fight! I know it’s not the same civilization (maybe an idea for another novel), but Ishan reminded me of a samurai.

Okay, we can tolerate his hesitation because he didn’t have such great tutors.

Nathan is still hesitating, which is understandable considering he’s been straight all his life. Still, he needs to overcome the obstacles that exist mostly in his own head (the big head 😁). A BJ shouldn’t be treated as just a “job” when it’s actually something pleasurable that both partners should give and receive.

That’s classic Hugill humor. 😂🤣

Strange things are happening... curse, magic, illusion... Theodor’s comment that Vince and Jack are wearing “weird” clothes means the past is much older than I originally thought. That raises so many questions about Theo arriving in the city, growing up, and becoming rich and powerful in the human world. Even if they break the curse, will time continue flowing from that particular moment in the past, or, like in “Sleeping Beauty,” will they all wake up from a years-long dream and continue in the present?

Darien's tent is slowly turning into a medieval “Fire Island.” 😂

Sounds like very, very short story!

The rite of Adelphopoiesis is something new to me. I had to check translations and look for parallels in our Orthodox tradition. The rite as a sacrament has definitely been lost over the years, perhaps even since medieval times. There are still rites of brotherhood, but nothing quite like this - especially nothing sacred. It’s more like drunk guys crossing arms and drinking together. But I like the idea of this holy union making Darien and Wylan connected for life.

Touching and beautiful, this is a slow-burning story about loss, grief, mental health - and the hard road to survival, healing, and love. Ken, a war veteran, is haunted by the death of his twin brother and soulmate, who was killed in a street robbery. Struggling with PTSD, guilt, and overwhelming grief, Ken is invited to Bangkok for the reading of a grandfather's will. What was meant to be a short trip to settle legal matters turns into a not-so-gentle battle over inheritance. With the help of a loyal cousin and a newfound friend and neighbor, Ken begins the difficult, emotional journey toward recovery - and ultimately, toward love.

You're early this morning... a chapter before coffee! And what a chapter - dark, heavy, and disillusioned. Suffering has brought out both the best and the worst in these men, and some truths have finally been spoken openly. I believe we are waiting for spring just as much as our heroes are!

I’ve shared his picture a few chapters ago... If we’re drawing parallels between the story and the movie, Liam Neeson should be seen as Lord Haskal (as both a knight and a father). However, because of his role as commander of the army, I imagined him more as Jeremy Irons.

Well, yes, if we consider the fall of Jerusalem in 1187 as the trigger for the Third Crusade.

Is Neil’s mother going to be a problem? 🤔

Not right now, but a few days ago, inspired by this story, I watched Kingdom of Heaven (the director’s cut) again. It’s not the same war, and while it’s based on historical events, much of the rest is fictional. Still, I like it very much.

Aww, Cane got married… how on earth did I miss this?!

Ha, life is so unpredictable... What would have happened if Charlie had arrived at that first concert instead of Neil?

The Importance of Being Earnest 😁 Intrigue becomes more intriguing...The Latin professor seems like a potential ally… but is he?

What’s Rashid’s game? Why is he allowing this communication between Wylan and Darien? He can’t control this exchange, and more than desperation, it gives them hope... shouldn’t Rashid want to kill that hope?!

I drank my coffee... and still no new chapter yet! That's unusual - it's breaking my morning routine. ☕️

Well, it's war after all...someone has to die!