Paladin

A delightful story. I remember the 1960's well. Sometimes it's necessary to leave home to improve yourself but it's equally important to remember the people you love and left behind and to return to them.

Now if Madeline was a minister of religion and cured children she would have supporters declaring she was doing God's work, but as a doctor doing the same thing . . . . .

@Myr I am surprised that this is the word of he day. Obviously my prescient powers have left me, but wait I foresee that later @sandrewn will informatively post "just the facts" so we know all about prescient.

Ah ha, @Ticklishboy30's alter ego, Captain Feathersword enters the battle.

It seems Lucas not only has a problem with gays, he also has a problem with women, and it would seem, getting a girlfriend. The statement Mac and Ned pulled him down the hall, suggests that Lucas' friends are trying to control him, even if with little success. Mrs Yarber understands Lucas and stands up to him. First year out teacher Ms Shelton does not. My concern are the two seniors in the toilets. First smoking and second bullying a younger student because of a rumour that he might be gay. Both on the football team and no doubt regarded as "ideal" students. yet here they are breaking two school rules with what they at least believe is impunity. I doubt that this is their first offense. How much more are the school bullies getting away with? Does the school really care about bullying and student welfare? I'm not surprised that Neil doesn't want to report what is happening to the Principal.

A very interesting chapter. A very successful "costumed" Halloween children's trick or treat followed by the school friends' Halloween party. Suddenly a sorcerer (I can't avoid saying 'as if my magic') appears and indicating he knows more about Greg than Greg is comfortable with, insists on swearing fealty to Greg. Not only that he and his sorcerer father are moving to Pittsburgh to be close to Greg. And, why does Alex have to do this while he is still an apprentice? Alex' powers could prove to be very useful for Greg and an asset on Greg's Council. The next chapter could be very revealing and even more interesting.

This excellent and masterfully written story has come to an end. Some stories are incomplete when they end and beg for a sequel. This story is complete in many ways. Just as they released their horses from the stables, Prince has released Bishop, Rook and Knight from King, and like their horses, they will “find their own path” to live their own lives in their own way. And like their horses “they’ll be fine”. King’s letter to Prince hints that the Prince and the ranch, which is “more than a piece of land”, have another story to tell. Not a sequel but a new story just as Prince proposed “a game . . . unlike any other”. If such a story ever happens, I will be there to read it. Thank you @CasualWanderer82 for such a powerful and emotionally packed story. I am so pleased that you decided not to ditch it.

Do you think all Christmas stories about the North Pole, Santa, Elves and Reindeer are all the same? Not so! With this refreshing take on the North Pole / Santa story, @Ticklishboy30 takes us on a sleigh ride of fantasy, love and magic with a cast of adorable and enchanting characters to create a memorable tale.

Thank you @VBlew. More of Cameron's background will be revealed and keep hoping.

Thank you @Ticklishboy30

Jordan is committed to Cameron but is his willingness to visit Stingray Heads again putting his anxiety aside or facing it? Either way he could need Cameron's support.

A wonderful and loving conclusion to this different but delightful Christmas story. Any chance of another story about Nicky and Reilly next Christmas?

Remember @Summerabbacat that Jordan and Cameron spent the night of their first date together in a hotel room. I don't think they had a scrabble set but they did manage to come up with some words associated with bonking. 😻

Yes, it does seem that something is bringing them together.

Ah @Summerabbacat your fertile imagination has created an alternate universe.

Thank you @Cane23 and I'll add my HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. Heaps of BEST WISHES for 2025.

Yes @Al Norris, Jordan was reluctant to be in Stingray Heads but back home he thinks they should visit again for a week and as you indicate, the question is why? Keep speculating, I can't help yet. 😇

Yes @Flip-Flop you will find out the detail of Jordan's background before Part 2. You just need to keep reading.

You are very welcome @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

I may need you as Beta reader @chris191070. I worked through a list of combinations of place names using Stingray before using Stingray Heads. I totally missed the wonderfully alliterative Stingray Sands. You're right, there's no hiding being gay with these families.

I'm pleased that you enjoyed the story @empath

Keep speculating @Summerabbacat. I love it Yes, Stingray Heads is loosely based on a real coastal town. I didn't think using the name would created confusion with the place in NT.

They retrieved their bag from the boot of Jordan’s Lexus having had agreed they could pack all they needed in one carry on bag. Jordan pulled the wheelie bag as they walked to the station to catch a train to the domestic terminal. In Brisbane they walked from the airbridge into the terminal where Cameron pointed out his waiting parents and pulled Jordan towards them. “Mum and dad, I want you to meet Jordan.” Jordan added, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr and Mrs Harris. I’ve

Now you know what I have to do with a lot of American references. 😀

Welcome on board @empath. Hope you enjoy the ride