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E K Stokes

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  1. E K Stokes
    The final stretch of their journey, through the sun-drenched countryside, passed with a quiet efficiency. Then, almost before they realised it, the familiar red-tiled roofs and soaring domes of Florence appeared on the horizon. After weeks of travel, encounters, and profound personal discoveries, their arrival felt strangely uneventful, almost an anti-climax. Étienne's mission, the delivery of the Papal letter to Charles, had been completed weeks ago, a success that now seemed a distant memory.
  2. E K Stokes
    A wonderful narrative that eloquently fits the genre bildungsroman (a literary genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth and change of the protagonist from childhood to adulthood, coming of age). The story evokes those books by famous authors like Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn, R D Salinger, Catcher in the Rye, it has the sort of lazy summer haze that so easily places these early events right there in the heart of rural America of the 70s. I am looking forward to reading how things will evolve, a great start.
  3. E K Stokes
    Well, realistically, yeah, I'm afraid it is a little too much to hope for. Not sure if it's specifically stated later, but the silver coin they had stashed is gone.
  4. E K Stokes
    Thank you for that comment, I wanted to write exactly that, the capture and what they were put through, but without going into the horror in detail, focusing more on how they isolate one from the other, then gradually build back their relationship, the healing process more than the descent into Hell.
  5. E K Stokes
    Étienne made a bad decision to carry on when they saw the smoke billowing into the sky and the consequences were dire. Taken prisoner, interrogated, and whipped, then raped, it is indeed a harsh world in medieval Europe and they were very lucky to escape alive (and get their mule back - the same one, still attached to the cart!).
  6. E K Stokes
    Thank you, I pleased the story has captured readers' interest. Life was very different, society was very different, the views and opinions dictated by religion and sensibilities of another epoch which don't quite match with today. Personally, I revel in the difference and enjoy getting lost in the medieval lives of the characters.
  7. E K Stokes
    That I think is a correct observation, what remains to be seen is how the relationship with Corin will work out.
  8. E K Stokes
    In hindsight not perhaps the best choice, but I will say no more and let you read the next chapter.
  9. E K Stokes
    I certainly don't want to disappoint my readers and have made the time to get the next chapter finished and published and am working on the story continuation.
  10. E K Stokes
    There's nothing like corporal punishment of children today, at least in most parts of the civilised world, with some notable exceptions.
  11. E K Stokes
    The dust kicked up by the mule’s hooves was a familiar companion to Étienne and Corin, a hazy cloud that had followed them for weeks on their journey to Florence. Étienne hummed a tuneless song, his eyes scanning the fields that dotted the open landscape. Corin, still fresh-faced despite the road, was quiet, his gaze fixed on the distant, shimmering heat of the summer sky. “We’ll be there by nightfall,” Étienne said, a note of triumph in his voice. “Genoa! I've heard tell it is as full of a
  12. E K Stokes
    A lot hinges on getting help from this visiting dignitary and Étienne desperately needs to discover if the letter was delivered. There is a long way to go, but all, or most, or some, will be revealed...
  13. E K Stokes
    The next chapter ends some of the not knowing, but one lucky escape does not mean in the future they will be so fortunate. Étienne is discovering himself as we all do as we grow and experience life.
  14. E K Stokes
    The day of Monseigneur Delanoy's arrival dawned crisp and clear. Étienne, buoyed by Corin’s unwavering support and their renewed intimacy, felt a surge of confidence he hadn't known he possessed. He approached the Abbot after morning prayers, his request for an audience with the esteemed visitor delivered with a quiet but firm resolve. The Abbot, perhaps impressed by Étienne's recent display of "discipline" in the classroom and his overall respectful conduct, and undoubtedly aware of the potenti
  15. E K Stokes
    Under the cloak of darkness, Étienne and Corin slipped away from the city, navigating the maze of backstreets towards the river. They wandered along the quayside in search of a likely boat and a captain that might offer them passage. Given the late hour there was little activity other than the raucous noise emanating from several drinking establishments. What they needed was an incredible stroke of luck, perhaps a small miracle, and that is what happened. They came across a small boat, laden wit
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  19. E K Stokes

    A Royal Gamble.

    E K Stokes commented on E K Stokes's story chapter in A Royal Gamble.

    The situation is tense, making their escape is difficult, no one trusts Thomas! King James is Charles' older brother and The King's Boy is a sort of honoury title given to the head page, Thomas, who seems a key figure at this point in time.
  20. E K Stokes

    A Royal Gamble.

    E K Stokes commented on E K Stokes's story chapter in A Royal Gamble.

    Good point, I don't think anything was said about the ring so I guess it depends a lot on Thomas being trustworthy, which we all have doubts about!
  21. E K Stokes

    A Royal Gamble.

    E K Stokes commented on E K Stokes's story chapter in A Royal Gamble.

    Was the message delivered, can Thomas be trusted? Of course, I cant say, but you will soon have your answers, it is indeed a dangerous situation.
  22. E K Stokes
    An astute observation, considering Corin keeps things close to his chest, he is an unknown, and indeed the Cardinal has forces opposed to him as do those sympathetic to the Catholic Church!
  23. E K Stokes
    Corin the enigma... well you will have to wait some time to learn more about the boy and where he is from. The connection with the wealthy merchant is probably limited to a simple physical transaction, but as you say, "much to unpack" and a lot to consider!
  24. E K Stokes
    I don't think there was anyone to overhear the secret of Étienne's mission, but Étienne has taken a chance in putting his trust in Corin, probably heavily relying on their growing closeness.
  25. E K Stokes
    Perhaps for no good reason and perhaps he should be more concerned about telling everything to a boy who reveals nothing of himself, but on the other hand, ill thought out or perhaps blinded by attraction, for whatever reason Étienne needs some support and takes a chance.
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