Mark C.

As we approach our one year anniversary of the launch of our newest version of Castle Roland, the Administration team has decided to take you on a little behinds the scenes tour of what we do, who we are and what we have accomplished. 
Everyday at least one member of the Administration team takes time out of their busy personal schedule to solve technical issues, answer questions, post updates, discuss upcoming promotions, plan events and contests, and yes, to write this post. Officially there are only three administrators for the entire organization, Roland, Al Norris and Ken Barber. Unofficially we have lots and lots of advisors and assistants. Everyone involved from administrators to editors are unpaid volunteers. 
The amount of growth we have experienced in such a short time has caused some growing pains. Some programs we attempted failed horribly, others soared beyond our wildest expectations. Whenever a project fails we have to remember the words of the Great USA President, Franklin Roosevelt “It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.” 
We have reached out across the world. Most of our readership is centered in North America and Europe but we have had emails and notes from places like Loas, The Philippines, Afghanistan, Australia, Madagascar and even more. Places where people could could be arrested, thrown in jail and possible killed just for reading our stories. Yet they still do. We can only guess that our stories and the hours of time and effort we put into the website gives them hope and courage. And yes of course a view into a sexual concept they can only think about and never act upon for fear of their lives. 
We consider ourselves an adult focused site as some of the stories we host would be considered erotica but we are certain that teenagers, struggling with their own sexual orientation have discovered a place where, just for a short time they can set aside their fears of coming out and immerse themselves in world of imagination that allows then to be true to themselves.  
To understand how we accomplished all of that we are going to go back to the "beginning" of The Castle and give you a 3 part history. Starting on August 12, 2018, part one will be the origin and beginning years through the end of 2015. On August  15, 2018, Part two will encompass 2016 and 2017. The Final post will be August 19, 2018 and will include where we are today and our plans for the future. Starting in September and each month after that we will share with you some details about key people in The Castle: The Administrators, Authors that have been with us from the very beginning, Editors and key volunteers.
(Please feel free to comment, make suggestions or ask questions)
 

This story has great baseball flavor and a young man proud of his heritage and who is looking for love....

Wow, D'Artagnon... Are you sure you are not some Nobel Prize winning author, hiding out as D'Artagnon? Or come down from Mt. Olympus to hob nob with us mere mortals? This was so good! You catch the nuances of young people trying to grow up in this world, so well. All the changing emotions, the uncertainy, the feeling of weirdness and powerless as a body begins to morph out of their control as it matures. You take me back to when I remember all those fears and insecurities. I love the characters you create, guy. And how they rise (oops, you know what I mean, grin...) to rhe occasion when needed. Great stuff! Thank you for another great read. You probably are tired of hearing it but you are one damn good author and I appreciate the time and effort you make in writing.

It's a good thing I don't live near you because I would lock you in your writing den and only give you dinner when you finished a chapter. Call it an incentive, grin....  just kiddIng.... take your time and do not think about anything but doing your best. The story and you is what counts, not us out here waiting.... anticipation will just sweeten the read.... 

It's a good thing I don't live near you because I would lock you in your writing den and only give you dinner when you finished a chapter. Call it an incentive, grin....  just kiddIng.... take your time and do not think about anything but doing your best. The story and you is what counts, not us out here waiting.... anticipation will just sweeten the read.... 

It's a good thing I don't live near you because I would lock you in your writing den and only give you dinner when you finished a chapter. Call it an incentive, grin....  just kiddIng.... take your time and do not think about anything but doing your best. The story and you is what counts, not us out here waiting.... anticipation will just sweeten the read.... 

It's a good thing I don't live near you because I would lock you in your writing den and only give you dinner when you finished a chapter. Call it an incentive, grin....  just kiddIng.... take your time and do not think about anything but doing your best. The story and you is what counts, not us out here waiting.... anticipation will just sweeten the read.... 

I was reading the thread about the Ashes of Fate series of books, where the question was posed as to whether or not anyone was reading it, after three books and no comments.

It prompted me to read chapter one of book one, no offence to the author, because it was well written, but I stopped halfway through when it started talking about werewolves and other creatures. It’s a whole universe, you’re either into it or not.

This got me thinking about a reader poll on preferred story genres. I don’t know if that’s possible, but it could be really interesting. It would need to allow readers to vote an order of preference, because people will like more than one story type. There is no need to get too sophisticated,  although you could include sub-genres like in fantasy, where you might have, vampires, werewolves, altered reality etc. I mention that possibility only because that is where I started - how many readers like werewolf stories? 

 

My, that lamb looks so delicious! You tease us with food, Arthur teases with his red herrings... and we love it alll!

My, that lamb looks so delicious! You tease us with food, Arthur teases with his red herrings... and we love it alll!

I hope not. His chapters are much better. Sorry, I got carried away.

Looking forward to tomorrow's chapter, Happy Easter to those of you who will celebrate this weekend.
This is what I will be doing Easter Sunday, best way to cook Lamb. 
 

I think In owe you all an apology. All the talk about Kandric and Drummer boy had me thinking my stories were completely going unnoticed. I don't get mail on them or anything so it was getting me really depressed and a little jealous of Kyle and Arthur.. But last night I saw my numbers and realized with those numbers, I have to have a pretty good fan base. So no more sad guy, I'm just going to write my little ass off and hope you are all enjoying the stories. So again, I apologize for my jealousy and thank you all for reading. So on with the show. Let the Dragons ROAR!!!!!
P.S. Anyone with ideas are welcome to write, skype, or message me. 

I've been reading the stories on Castle Roland now for about a year, I think.
I like the Revolutions Universe, of course Kandric Universe and a lot of the other authors.
I'm a fan of Arthur, Chowhound, Eric Aune and Ken Barber and several others. Sorry I don't remember all names (at the moment), but I hope I'm not standing on any toes, here.
English is not my native language; but about 95% of the stories I read online is in English. Some German and ofcourse Dutch.
While some stories online alas were never finished... (other sites). Hopefully The Kandric Saga will continue. It's anyway the oldest story I follw and I've read it
from the early start. I've chatted with Kyle many times.
Before I was just a reader, a lurker in the background. I will try to make myself at home here and try to make comments on many more stories.
H.

Every one of us will have a different response and that is part of the strength of this site, that there are stories for every taste. For me, 'Forever' by Jack Schaefer is a top one, as well as 'Drummer Boy'. As much as I love sci-fi and fantasy, I tried very hard to get into D'Artagnon's writing. Don't get me wrong, sir, you are an incredibly gifted writer but I found after awhile, I preferred older characters as main characters. But I am glad you are there for our younger readers, who need positive role models and good things in their lives. And although I think the RU universe is a good idea, I found that reading about the same events, even written in different stories perspective, a bit tedious after awhile. 
I want to read about characters who develop during a story and grow in love and character. I admit I am a romantic at heart and love happy endings. Those stories making me come to care about the main characters are the best.  Any genre which gives me all that, I will read. To sum up: characters who make me care about them and want to keep reading, good dialogue, good plot and heartwarming moments. 
I have not yet read all authors here either, so ask this question next year and although my main points will be the same, I bet I will have added new favorites to the list. Again, a strength of this site is its diversity. 

Every one of us will have a different response and that is part of the strength of this site, that there are stories for every taste. For me, 'Forever' by Jack Schaefer is a top one, as well as 'Drummer Boy'. As much as I love sci-fi and fantasy, I tried very hard to get into D'Artagnon's writing. Don't get me wrong, sir, you are an incredibly gifted writer but I found after awhile, I preferred older characters as main characters. But I am glad you are there for our younger readers, who need positive role models and good things in their lives. And although I think the RU universe is a good idea, I found that reading about the same events, even written in different stories perspective, a bit tedious after awhile. 
I want to read about characters who develop during a story and grow in love and character. I admit I am a romantic at heart and love happy endings. Those stories making me come to care about the main characters are the best.  Any genre which gives me all that, I will read. To sum up: characters who make me care about them and want to keep reading, good dialogue, good plot and heartwarming moments. 
I have not yet read all authors here either, so ask this question next year and although my main points will be the same, I bet I will have added new favorites to the list. Again, a strength of this site is its diversity. 

Every one of us will have a different response and that is part of the strength of this site, that there are stories for every taste. For me, 'Forever' by Jack Schaefer is a top one, as well as 'Drummer Boy'. As much as I love sci-fi and fantasy, I tried very hard to get into D'Artagnon's writing. Don't get me wrong, sir, you are an incredibly gifted writer but I found after awhile, I preferred older characters as main characters. But I am glad you are there for our younger readers, who need positive role models and good things in their lives. And although I think the RU universe is a good idea, I found that reading about the same events, even written in different stories perspective, a bit tedious after awhile. 
I want to read about characters who develop during a story and grow in love and character. I admit I am a romantic at heart and love happy endings. Those stories making me come to care about the main characters are the best.  Any genre which gives me all that, I will read. To sum up: characters who make me care about them and want to keep reading, good dialogue, good plot and heartwarming moments. 
I have not yet read all authors here either, so ask this question next year and although my main points will be the same, I bet I will have added new favorites to the list. Again, a strength of this site is its diversity. 

Castle Roland's PR staff needs your [The Reader's] input... We want to know what stories here at The Castle you like and would recommend to others. This is something only you can tell us... So think of your favorite story and post telling us which story and why you like it.. All Input is appreciated.

 If you would like to make your recommendation for the the Readers Choice Story of the Month visit:
Readers Choice on The Castle Roland Community Forum

Denis P
Castle Roland PR Administrator
 

I can not agree more Ken. Arthur is showing us what a true artest he is. Can we say this story has been viewed by more people than anyother on CR. We knew it was good way back then and even better now. I will have to say other storys by Arthur are very good and well worth the read. House of Vladd all three book and The Twilight Galaxy Motel. If you have not read those you should. This story always improves it self from one chapter to the other. That is way I am such  fan of his work.

Holy crap what a chapter. Griping is an understatement. Considering the level of detail in the military strategy. I can imagine Arthur with a giant topographic map of Spain and moving monitored soldiers around on it and taking notes as he plans this out. My hat's off to you sir. The depth of the story telling and walking us through so we can see and feel it is not even matched by some professional arthur's. Amazing work. Totally hooked and very impatient for next Thursday 

Thanks very much for your personal response, Sir Arthur. That was very kind of you.
Now I am more impressed than ever, to learn that this masterpiece is written by a man who has overcome so many obstacles in his life… Alzheimer’s, senility, JOAT-ism, middle-school education, displaced aggression at Loki, and isolation at the ass-end of the world… not to mention wondering around without his password.
In any event… your story about Thomas and his companions is greatly appreciated for the captivating storyline, the wonderful characters, and all the fine details. At the very least, we fans owe you a cask of port.
All the very best to you, Arthur. (…and Loki, and Al)

Excellent Fifth Chapter! (of course)
This Wellington fellow is way too snooty for my tastes (no surprise there), but he knows how to pick his battles and wisely backed down from taking on the Prince and his new "Spanish" general. I suspect perhaps he had to inwardly admit at least a little more respect for Thomas than his most recent comments portrayed. I'm glad he decided to seek out the real truth of the matter, and hope we will later read that he was able to do so, and that Beresford gets what he deserves.
Col. Lewis is a good man. I’m glad he was there, and that he enjoyed the moment. It’s good that he is Thomas’ friend.
But best of all, Thomas is back to what he prefers to be doing, and is so good at… giving the French hell. Although he’s very serious about it, and concerned about doing it in a way that protects his men, he must be a much happier young man now that he’s out in the field again. No more laying around and following his surgeon’s orders, and no more political games with higher ranking masters.
I almost referred to Thomas as a boy just now. But I guess he’s really a young man, having just turned fifteen. He has title, position, a Spanish estate, wealth, and most importantly friends and a mission he’s determined to fulfill. Wow… what big changes in not quite four years!
His earlier life in Limehouse must seem so far away now in many ways, if he ever has time to think of those days.
Several times I’ve gone back and reread how we were introduced to Thomas.
Thomas Marking sat with a hungry look on his young face as he watched his careworn mother prepare their evening meal. Thomas had very little and his hopes and dreams had long ago been put aside and forgotten. The destitution of Limehouse and its environs gave little hope for any boy’s future let alone one who was thin and underfed.
The times had been hard for all of them but more so for the young boy. He had no chance of an education and very little prospects for a good job in trade or any other of the jobs available to the poor. Thomas was lucky that his father had taught him how to sign his name and read from the book of regulations. He could also do his sums right up to fifty. It was the only education he had gotten.
Cromwell looked down at his only son. The boy was barely eleven years old and was nothing more than skin and bones, the rags he wore were the only ones he had. Tears welled up once again as he tried to remember what he really wanted for his son before he was hit by the grape shot and all his dreams disappeared…
Cromwell looked at the skinny boy sitting before him. The boy just might have a chance at something better, where as if he kept him home there was very little chance of anything.
Yes… big changes. Thomas' life now is not easy. But it is definitely "something better."
 

I have been waiting since just before Thanksgiving, to get this chapter published, as it is my favorite chapter. So far.
Being just a lowly American, perhaps I have gotten the nuances wrong, but this is how I viewed what happened at the ball. When Wellington bowed to the inevitable and acknowledged Thomas Marking as a General, he also acknowledged Don Thomasino as being near on par with his own status as Viscount; Wealthy, Landed and of Rank. In the eyes of the arrogant English, Wellington received his comeuppance. To save face, Wellington had no choice than to convene an immediate inquiry into the report furnished by Beresford. Beresford himself has just been given a slap to his dignity, but one that cannot be answered on the dueling field.
Of course, I don't believe we have seen the last of the Viscount, nor the last of Beresford. <-- Nothing I know for certain, just looking ahead at the battles of the Peninsular War.

Received the following from our dear author:
Dear Al,
Well its finally come true, Alzheimer's has hit and I no longer can remember things so i am now leaving it up to you.   I was looking in the forum and then was going to reply to Tinker but have forgotten my password for the login, oh how senility comes so quickly and lays us old fogeys low.   If you wished you could pass onto the forum that Thinkers summations were very good but; as we both know, far off the mark. I have never been a military historian; far from it I am just a lowly JOAT (jack of all trades) with very few skills and even less sense. I have never traveled to the continent or even been within shooting distance of Portugal although I have probably drunk them dry of good port.   I have served in the services but that was long ago before they used automatic weapons to make the soldiers feel good and keep their asses safe, While I like Tinkers kindness it would be remiss of me to let him think I was that good, 8th grade drop outs usually have to make up with either aggression or be just plain ugly and smart; take your pick but remember that at heart I am a real softy even if I do occasionally give Loki a bop on the nose for being a smart ass. Perhaps you could let Tinker know that I live at the ass end of the world (NZ) and the Poms (English) are not really my favourite flavour, colonials and all that    Thank you   Of course, I sent Arthur a new password, so perhaps he will come in and chastise me for posting the email in its entirety.

Okay, I did not write this.  I received a Christmas card from one of my newspaper customers.  She is a sweet old lady, living alone, who works meticulously on her front yard garden despite needing a motorized chair to get around as spritely as she does.  And she must cross the road to get her paper out of the tube because of how the mail routes are set up in that rural area.  To that point, when the weather is bad, I drive up under her carport and set her paper in a rocking chair near her kitchen door.  Anyways, inside this car, printed on the left inside, was this poem.  I have found several attributions to it on the web, so i present it here for all of you.
I should also say, before the poem, that I was a Navy BRaT (Born, Raised and Trapped) kid.  There were a few Christmas holidays where my father was stuck on ship, thousands of miles away from our family, in very tense situations.  He served his country with honor, pride and a professionalism that to this day serves as an example to my family, even though Dad has been gone from us ins 2010.  With the passing of my sister, just this month, I have found my focus going back to family and memories.  I know many of you here, both staff and members and visitors have served in the military.  I know many of you have had family member serve, and some of those have made the ultimate sacrifice for home and country.  I imagine that the young Lance Corporal who wrote this poem feels much the same way we all do.
So on this Christmas Eve, after celebrating my fiancee, Benji's, birthday and before we both head out to prepare the papers for throwing early tonight, I offer you all this poem, written by a soldier, describing a soldiers love and dedication to his country on this night of all nights.
May there be peace in your hearts, love in your lives, beauty in your sight, warmth in your body, joy in your soul and something wonderful in your glass.  And may this new year upon us bring hope, unity and prosperity to us all.  Merry Christmas, dear friends.
And now...
 
Merry Christmas, My Friend

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
 
The author is James M. Schmidt, who was a Lance Corporal stationed in Washington, D.C., when he wrote the poem back in 1986. As Corporal Schmidt told us in December 2002:
The true story is that while a Lance Corporal serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, DC, under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers [in 1986], I wrote this poem to hang on the door of the Gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine. Schmidt's original version, entitled "Merry Christmas, My Friend," was published in Leatherneck (Magazine of the Marines) in December 1991, a full two years before it was supposedly "written" by someone else on Christmas Eve 1993 (and had appeared in the Barracks publication Pass in Review four years before it was printed in Leatherneck).