David McLeod

Wyatt, I failed to "follow" my own forum, and only recently discovered your earlier messages. First, thank you for reading and for your thoughts and the questions about time. In "George of Sedona," the first of the "World" stories, it was established that humans' live span was approximately 500 years, elves about 5,000 years, and trolls... somewhat longer. It was also established that when one was transported to World (through a gate or quantum wormhole, whatever the gates are), the magic of world teaches them language and attached anti-aging genes to their DNA, I neglected to include that in this particular story. My error. Sorry for the confusion. I should probably not have been so precise about the passage of time. I do have trouble making transitions, and remarking on the passage of decades is a cheap way to doing that. Again, my fault. I do hope my tardiness in replying to you has not offended you, and I apologize for that, as well. Thank you again for reading and commenting. David

For some reason, I failed to register to "follow" this story and the comments. Okay, I admit it, I'm a Luddite who believes Ned Ludd was at best an optimist. Sorry not to have read and responded to Jay's comments. Thank you, Jay, for your thoughts and kind words ... and what becomes encouragement to continue writing. My best to you. David

I said elsewhere and earlier I was re-reading D'Artagnon's interrelated stories. The past few days, I've focused on one of the best: "The Lost Boys." The first chapter (prologue/introduction) is telling, without telling too much. It sets up the story in the reader's mind and certainly encouraged this one to continue reading. Of particular note, in my opinion, is the contrast between what Sammy is and how he sees himself. His understanding of bullying – what it is, how one defends against it, and how that understanding progresses – offers insight into his character. I hope we see more of Sammy in other stories. Besides the usual sources of conflict (good guys vs bad guys), there is conflict among the protagonists. For example, early in the story, one takes a life; one saves a life. Besides the handful of protagonists, D'Artagnon introduces a collage of antagonists drawn from the most perverse of humanity and the darkest of humanity's dreams. The complexities of the plot are further explored in other stories. I've read them all; I am enjoying re-reading to find the commonalities that tie them together.

I found Chapter 3 of Bolt from the Blue, yesterday, devoured it last night, and re-read it this AM. Many clues in Boltpoint to D’Artagnon’s earlier stories including Coupé,the Ripostestories, and The Lost Boys. This demands the eminent pleasure of re-reading those while waiting for the next chapter of Bolt. Glen’s way of dealing with the cell phone was not only rational, but perhaps the best possible solution for all those involved. The word, “closure” has taken on life, its use more than doubling since 1960 according to Google Ngram Viewer. I don’t like the word. It’s so easy to use it has become nearly meaningless. The ritual with which the boys dealt with the cell phone and their past was much more than closure. It was a symbolic way of dealing with a situation and one that would perhaps allow them to begin putting it out of their minds. A brilliant bit of psychology. Thunderbird’s concern that “Justice, trust, [and] honor…” are at stake is a satisfying recap of the ceremony. Injecting not only the Powers but also their avatars – Cockatiel, Thunderbird, Unicorm, and others – immediately after the ceremony provided a welcome bit of relief. Not “comic relief,” for nothing in the story is comical, rather a relaxing of tensions. Looking forward to the next chapter.

I always learn something from D’Artagnon’s stories. The prize, so far, in “Bolt from the Blue,” is Lichtenbert-Figuren (to use the original German, which I got from a Google search). A simple, if difficult to understand, concept which was incorporated neatly, thus creating verisimilitude and expanding the mystery. The story begins and continues with whimsical moments, in which anonymous watchers observe, comment, and occasionally intrude. Then, magic happens. We all know Clarke’s Second Law: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. However, I do not think these Powers are using technology. Their magic is real. And eminently satisfying. I promised myself I would read no more stories until they were completed. That I read (and re-read) Chapters 1 and 2 of “Bolt” is a tribute to D’artagnion and an expression of my faith in him.

The observation of the father (Chapter 2), is a terrific theme, and seems to be the way the story is going. However, the latest chapter was posted in 2015, and the story is "on hold." Disappointing, since it has such potential. I hope someday we will see more. Here's what the father says: It’s just really cool to watch, you know. The way the two of you interact.

David, an unusual twist well-presented. I believe all authors put a bit of themselves in their work, and suspect we'd all like to be greeted by a fan. You've done a good job of making that happen for Shelby. Looking forward to seeing how things progress. David

So very happy to see Chapter 2 posted. Devoured it in a marathon session that would have left even Evelyn Wood reeling. Especially enjoyed hints pointing to some of D'Artagnon's other stories. I'm a big fan of the stories from Canterbury – and of D'Artagnon.

Al (and all moderators): A good move in many respects. Thank you. "Castle Library Updates" is a precise and meaningful name.

Previous Halloween and Christmas stories on the Castle Roland site have been among the best short stores I've encounter since I finished the collected works of Mark Twain. Seriously, I'm not kidding. There's a lot of talent out there, and I hope to see it respond to this challenge. The current theme, "Halloween in the Twilight Zone" is a tautology, but that's what is going to make this contest a lot of fun, and a lot of fright. I hope a story set in an alternate reality (as most of mine are) will be considered a story in the Twilight Zone. May the Muses be with you all! David PS: Anyone wanting a line editor before you post, contact me at boh.translators@gmail.com. As a frustrated English teacher (US or UK), I may be able to offer some suggestions. If I do not reply quickly, it is because I'm overwhelmed.

A tour de force filled with imaginative characters and situations. Arthur's world building here and in "The Last Shaman" is quite vivid. I'm looking forward to reading others of his stories.

Finished "Thilo" last night. An outstanding story. If you (reader) have not seen Adam's comment, earlier, I recommend it. He's the real expert on Africa. "Thilo" is fast-paced, although Mr. Foote pauses the action often enough to allow this reader to catch his breath. Details on the British peerage, law (guns, especially), African and British culture, farming, and schooling offer verisimilitude that knits the story together and held this reader's rapt attention. Bravo Zulu, Mr. Foote

So happy to see Chapter 2 of "Bolt from the Blue"; so sorry to hear of Robby's troubles and travails. I hope for him a turn for the better.

The story continues, and continues to fascinate. I hope the Muses will sit on Kyle's shoulders. Looking forward to the next chapter.

I enjoyed "The Chosen" until it abruptly ended at Chapter 13 in May, 2016. I've given up on the story being completed. Sad.