Secrets Of The Souls

[angelus]

Hi there, this is a story that I'm busy working on. At the moment I'm up to Chapter 7 and I just wanted some feedback on how it's going so I decided to post it here before I posted it elsewhere. I'm gonna post the first 3 chapters and then I'd love to hear you're feedback, thanks.

Chapter 1
Boom! Went the heavy textbooks as he dropped them down on the desk in front of him. He sat down looking around the lecture hall in awe of his new surrounds. Despite getting the acceptance letters last year and his moving into his dorm room, a part of him still just couldn’t believe that he was in college. He was a full ten minutes early because he feared that he’d somehow miss his lecture. As he sat there he took one of the textbooks and slowly looked through it. He was so engrossed in what he was reading he failed to notice the entrance of somebody else into the hall.

“Hi,” a rich voice boomed to him. Dropping his book out of shock he looked up and meekly squeaked out, “Hi.”

Embarrassed he coughed as the stranger continued, “I’m Daniel Keller,” after a slight pause the stranger continued, realising that he didn’t know who Daniel Keller was, “The lecturer of this course.”

A slight smile crossed his face as he answered, “I’m Eric, Eric Thompson…”

“A student I guess,” said Daniel with a dazzling smile, finishing his sentence for him.

“Yes,” came the response from Eric. A silence ensued as Daniel began preparing his papers for the lecture. As unobtrusively as possible Eric’s eyes followed Daniel as he went about his business. Whenever Daniel would look down his blonde hair would slide down into his eye requiring a flick that caused many a men and woman’s hearts to skip a beat. As his eyes perused the papers, the normally indigo blue eyes flashed sapphire whenever he squinted slightly at something that was not in order. The dappled late Summer sun only accented the golden hue to his skin.

The ever so slightly tight shirt showed off his body, a finely honed machine, to perfection. And all this Daniel knew. Every move that he made was one that accentuated his beauty to the fullest. Right from the languid manner in which he blinked to his long stride as he walked, his entire life he’d been finding mannerisms that he knew surreptitiously drew attention to him. Daniel slowly wiped the board clean fully aware of the eyes on him and slowly smiled to himself. If there was one thing that could be said about Daniel it was this, he loved attention; of any sort, variety or shape, whatever, as long as it was attention.

He heard the sound of the other students coming towards the venue and turned to Eric just in the last seconds before the doors swung open and the masses of bodies walked in, locking his piercing eyes on Eric. Eric immediately looked away and less than a second after that, unable to stop himself looked up again. Daniel was still staring at him with an indescribable look in his eye. Before any thoughts could enter Eric’s mind a loud group of girls walked in breaking the moment. It was so fleeting that moments after it had happened Eric was beginning to think that he’d imagined the whole thing. Eric was snapped out of his reverie by a sharp squeal that he instantaneously recognised as that of his best friend, the most unlikely of people, Donna Underwood. Donna came bounding up to him, pushing past all the people in her way without the slightest of apologies gave him a massive hug followed by a passionate kiss that drew eyes from all around.

Eric looked at Donna shocked by this surprise greeting and said, “Now what was that all about?”

Donna said with a sly tone in her voice, “Darling, I have to make people know just who I am and you, you scrumptious piece of meat are going to help me with that. I’m going to lead people on to believe we’re dating.”

With a small laugh Eric said, “And were you planning on asking me to join your campaign at any point,” even though inside he was more than a bit irritated at Donna for bringing unwanted attention to him. But experience with Donna had taught him that, if you found yourself in the middle of one Donna’s insane schemes and plans there was nothing else to do but just go with it.

Sassiness filling her voice Donna replied, “Honey, this is gonna work out for the best for the both of us, all those hot young men out there will see a young, unspoilt, delicacy ready to be ravished in me or in you.”

Playfully Eric replied, “Hmm, interesting theory, but since we are meant to be dating and totally hot for each other, how would these hot young men know that you or I are actually available, specifically me?

“Sweetie, any gay man gifted with the use of one eye and half a brain cell can see that you’re as gay as the day is long and…” Donna didn’t finish her sentence as a gasp emanated from her lips at about the same time as the rest of the female population of the class as Daniel turned and faced his students.

Daniel internalised his delight at the reaction that he got from his class as he said, “Good Afternoon ladies and gentlemen, welcome to HST111F, History of Popular Culture, I’m Professor Daniel Keller and I’ll be taking this course.” As he continued with his introductory speech Daniel’s eyes scrutinised the body of students in front of him there was total silence as every one of them intently listened to him, many, as he knew, just dumbfounded at his beauty. “This course will entail…”

Daniel faltered as his eyes rested upon Eric who sat very close to a striking blonde who was whispering something in his ear. Irritated Daniel, recovering from the falter smoothly addressed the couple, “Excuse me miss but perhaps you’d like to share with the rest of us what it is that is so important that it can’t wait till I’ve finished?”

Before Eric or Donna could give an apology, some wiseass shouted out, “Sorry Prof, but she wants to make sure she’s cleaned everything, perhaps she missed a spot when she vacuumed his mouth out with her tongue when she came in!” The class broke out into a booming laugh as Donna gave a look so impertinently vivacious that she ensured that nobody in that class would forget who she was. However, Eric’s face turned a deep red as the embarrassment shot up his neck. For the first time in that class Daniel was at a loss, this was not how it was meant to work; his seduction of this enticing boy was not meant to involve a girlfriend. Even more irritated now Daniel continued the introductory lecture.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

With her arm looped through Eric’s arm Donna said to him as they walked out after the lecture, “Lordy is that man sexy!”

Feigning nonchalance Eric said, “I don’t think he was all that hot.” Donna stopped right in her tracks and said looking straight at Eric faking concern,

“Boy, are you are sick or something, that man has to be, without a doubt, the good Lord’s best work ever.”

Eric looked away and said shaking his head, “I’d beg to differ but let’s just forget this whole thing because we’ll never agree on it.”

“Oh no you don’t! Eric I’ve known you forever, there is something here that you aren’t telling me.”

Eric looked at Donna and said slowly, “Donna, I swear there is nothing to tell here.” Donna let out a harrumph of exasperation knowing fully well that once that that tone got into Eric’s voice there was no way that she’d get anything out of him.

“Moving onto more exciting issues,” said Donna a marked spring entering her step, “Tonight is the welcoming party for the Freshmen class at Cabañas, what will you be wearing?”

Sitting down on the soft grass of the campus’ sprawling front lawn Eric said, “Donna, I’m sorry to ditch you but I really can’t make it tonight; I’m…”

Before he could finish what he was saying Donna said finishing for him, “working! Oh my word sweetie you are ALWAYS working and you won’t even tell me where it is that you work!”

With an apologetic shrug of his shoulders Eric said, “We’ve had this conversation a million times, I don’t want you to know where I work because my boss really doesn’t give me a break, he doesn’t want anyone there that isn’t a customer and you wouldn’t be able to help yourself but to come see me at work, or even worse, call me.”

“Yes, I know the argument but, seriously, honey, what happens if I suddenly need you or you go missing or something. And I guess you do have a point there babe, but in all seriousness, ever since...”

Catching his breath slightly knowing exactly where Donna was going with this conversation Eric interrupted her, “Donna could we please not talk about that, I just want to put it behind me,” a plaintive look in his face Eric said plead with Donna, “please.”

Swallowing the dry lump that had formed in her throat, Donna’s normally vivacious voice slightly dropped as she continued, “Eric please, ever since – ever since what happened, you’ve become a totally different person.”

Eric’s entire demeanour changed as it became clear to him that Donna was intent on carrying on with this line of questioning, “Donna no! I don’t want to talk about this!”

“Eric please…”

“No Donna, unless you want me to leave just stop,” Eric said, with a tone of voice that was just as cold as it was fiery, ensnaring them in a veil of uncomfortable silence

It was right at that moment that out of the blue, Professor Keller sat down right next to them, Eric and his eyes locked for a moment and as though nothing had occurred said towards them, “So, what did you think of my introductory lecture?” Eric said nothing and looked away.

Donna quickly filled in with a sweet smile covering the initial confused look on her face, “It was really cool, it only furthered our interest in the course. But if you’re really interested ask Eric, he’s the one who’s really into his work and all that and never passes up an opportunity to talk about it.”

Cocking his perfectly shaped eyebrow and tilting his head just the right angle Professor Keller, said to Eric, “Well, what did you think of the lecture?”

“Uhmm, I guess it was okay,” said Eric, the words clumsily stumbling out of his mouth.

“Only okay,” replied Professor Keller with a put on tone of shock, his blue eyes boring deep into Eric’s matching deep brown ones.

Donna said smartly stepping into the conversation, “I don’t know what’s wrong with him Professor, he’s been acting strange ever since, well I guess since your lecture.”

Barely passing a glance into Donna’s direction, Daniel continued, still piercing Eric with his indigo blue eyes as Eric’s eyes darted from one place to the next trying by all means to stay away from the magnetism that was Daniel Keller, “Oh drop that Professor crap, call me Daniel. Well I hope he’s feeling more himself soon, anyway I’d better get going, and I’m so sorry for having made an example of you two today, but trust me, as a lecturer, there’s nothing more irritating than two people going at it while you’re lecturing.”

Expertly tossing her hair Donna said finally getting Daniel’s eyes off Eric and onto her, “No we owe you the apology, we were out of line. Anyway, it was nice chatting to you, hopefully there’ll be more discussions particularly ones with Eric being less weird.” With that she playfully punched Eric’s shoulder.

As Daniel stood to leave, he lightly and deliberately placed his hand on Eric’s shoulder leaving it there for just a moment longer that was necessary, shocking Eric out of the silent reverie that he had slipped into. Eric looked up just in time to catch the dazzling smile that Daniel threw at him. With Daniel firmly out of earshot Donna said with a slight laugh in her voice as a smirk spread across her face, “Well, well, well, now that explains it all.” Seeing that Eric was preparing to protest whatever she was about to say, not giving him a chance to edge in his protest, Donna continued, “That explains why you’ve been acting so weird.”

Eric looked at Donna heart thumping and said as calmly and sarcastically as he could possibly muster, “Well, tell us Nancy Drew, what is it that has had me allegedly acting so weird.”

“Well my dear boy, as a friend, I feel that it is only prudent that I wait for you to realise it, if you haven’t already and if you have, to come out and tell me yourself. Till then, these pretty little pink lips of mine are sealed.” And with those words Donna stood into the brilliant sunshine of a summer morning and walked off leaving, an entertained and irritated Eric behind her.

 

[angelus]

Chapter 2

Standing in front of the mirror, Daniel Keller watched himself, looking for the slightest imperfection. Even though he’d been told and continued to be told that he was beautiful from as early as he could remember there was always a niggling part of him that fully believed that he wasn’t as beautiful as others said he was. That feeling didn’t just manifest itself in the way he viewed himself in the mirror. To be truthful it was his Achilles heel, people who got to know him or those who happened to be around whenever he had a bit too much to drink had seen the unravelling of his tightly woven and carefully managed image into the self-conscious man that he was.

Despite the achievements that he’d had in his professional life in academia, where he was tenured at the age of 35, something unheard of at the exclusive mid-sized liberal arts university where he was based, and his various other accomplishments, he still felt that without his looks he was nothing. In some strange twist of his psyche these were the very emotions and feelings that led him to find validation in others desiring him, essentially turning him into a sexual predator.

It was an open secret amongst both the staff at the Illyria and the more senior students, that he was quite the predator, and that his professorship didn’t stop him from pursuing students(of either sex) with just as much vigor as he did anybody else. By sheer grace and good luck, he’d never been embroiled in a scandal with a student but the consensus of the gossips was that this was inevitable. However, his colleagues and seniors held him in too high a regard to ever censure him over his behavior.

His last conquest had been a ravishing redhead who’d been in his class during the final semester of the previous year. Robyn was her name and she’d been the perfect prey for him. Previously she’d been overweight and after much toil, both physical and psychological with lots of help from friends and family she had finally shed the weight. Sadly, though, she’d been unable to rid herself of the self-doubt that still dogged her every move and thought.

Regardless of how often others told her she was beautiful, she was never able to fully believe them, always having the debilitating thought in the back of her mind that perhaps they were only being kind. Thus, when Professor Keller had turned his sharp indigo eyes on her, she’d been unable to resist. That was all that she’d needed, he made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

He placed her on a pedestal, showering praise after praise on her. Older students tried to warn her of the danger in which she was placing herself. That nothing good ever came of students fraternizing with staff in general and particularly students fraternizing with Professor Keller, but all their warnings fell on a deaf ear. Whenever she told Daniel of what other students were telling her, he turned it into another opportunity to heap praise on her, telling her that the only reason that people were saying these things was because they wanted her for themselves, that they knew that he was way below her league and these praises of his worked.

Slowly over time, her confidence grew, with every kiss, look, touch and praise from Daniel she grew more confident in who she was, the Robyn she believed Daniel wanted her to become. But that seed of confidence that Daniel placed in Robyn was the very seed that slowly signaled to something deep within him, that part of him to which he was willfully blind, choosing to ignore it, as the fruits of its toils were just too delicious for him to turn down. To him, it always seemed to come out of the blue but ever so surely Daniel would find himself beginning to become irritated by certain things about the very person who initially had intrigued him so, the very things that he had loved at the start.

Words that had been of encouragement, endearment, support and love suddenly turned into words that cut deep. Words which ferreted out and toyed with those neuroses that were hidden deep within, those secrets that Daniel knew once he had knocked down the walls that those who’d loved him had allowed to come tumbling down as they felt secure in the love they had both for and from him.

With Robyn, it had been at a dinner date with Daniel; their waiter had been lightly flirting with her and she in all innocence had been flirting with him. That triggered something in Daniel, he was suddenly criticizing her meal choices in the most insidious manner, mentioning calorie counts and fat content. As time passed it slowly got worse, he began to mention the slightest tightness in any article of clothing, in a deliberate, cold and unfeeling fashion, destroying the self confidence regarding her weight that he himself had helped to foster. But that was only the opening salvo in his attack.

His words towards her became more pointed, measured, mentioning issues that he knew were deep seated insecurities all the while veiling them in a veneer of caring, making her believe that her friends saw her as little more than a pity case, something to be laughed at the second it walked out the door, thus alienating her from the very people whom she could’ve turned to. By the time Daniel had officially decided to end his relationship with her, Robyn had turned from a girl who had been marginally self-doubting to a woman who was sure and secure in and of herself, to a whimpering scared, alienated, unstable, timid shell of a person. Like many before herself, her dalliance with Professor Daniel Keller had resulted in her dropping out of college, unable to carry on around the very people who wanted to help her but whom she believed saw her as a joke.

Whereas on the other hand, Daniel left intact hardly even remembering Robyn. As soon as he closed the chapter on this romance, said his final detached and indifferent goodbye, the memory of Robyn receded into a milieu of the countless others who had preceded her. To him she was nothing. However to say that Daniel left that romances unchanged would be flawed, out of these romances Daniel left in a sense regenerated, certain in his own allure and beauty, less likely to be beset by moments of self-doubt. For Daniel in a manner, these relationships were necessary for him to survive, without his even realizing it, he chose someone, built them up and just as they reached the apex of their development he started to knock them down, whilst stripping them of just any and all support he could, thus when he left them, he could tell himself that his leaving somebody absolutely and totally devastated, all to reaffirm himself. Now his eyes were set onto Eric Thompson, and nothing, including pesky perky type-A blonds were going to get in his way.

Tonight would be when he started chasing down Eric, he’d overheard the exchange between Eric and Donna prior to his joining them and he knew tonight Eric would be at work, wherever that was, away from Donna. All it took was a couple of mouse clicks going through his student record files and he’d found Eric’s place of employ, Beluga, a restaurant not too far from campus. Daniel smiled to himself, excited at the prospect of his perhaps finding ‘the one.’ But deep inside, the excitement that he felt came from his anticipation of the fun that lay before him in Eric.

 

[angelus]

Chapter 3

Eric got back to his dorm, pleased to see that the other side of the double room he had been placed in was still bare. Although he had been prepared to share he was glad that by some stroke of fate, the guy with whom he’d been destined to share the room had ultimately decided to not come to college. The dorm authorities had told him that this situation would most probably not be permanent but still he hoped.

He placed his book-bag down and flopped down onto his bed, worn-out. Looking to his watch and seeing that it was 4:15pm, and that he had just less than three hours till his shift started, just enough time for a short nap he let his eyes slowly droop closed as the warmth and glow of the setting sun softly cradled him to sleep.

Eric woke slowly and looked around him, not recognizing his surroundings. Slowly his senses returned to him, with the realization that he wasn’t at home, but in his dorm. His eyes still heavy with sleep he looked to his watch and jumped into action upon seeing that it was 6:45, in less than fifteen minutes he was expected at work. He quickly stripped off his campus clothes and got into his work uniform, black jeans, and t-shirt.

Running out from the dorm building into the dark of the night, Eric realized he didn’t even know to where he was running, only aware that there was a nearby bus stop somewhere outside or inside campus. His mind racing, he decided that his best bet was outside campus, as it was just too large for him to look for a bus-stop on the inside. He ran in the direction of the campus' main gates thinking only of finding the bus stop. As he ran, now slightly out of breath, turning the corner to exit by the main gates, Eric was blinded by the bright lights of an oncoming vehicle, the last thing he heard was the squeal of tires on tar as the driver slammed on the brakes, then there was silence.

“Oh my God! Hold still, I’m calling an ambulance!” A strange voice anxious with worry said to Eric as he lay on the ground. His eyes slowly fluttered open trying to take stock of what had occurred. A deep groaning came from him as a shot of pain went through his arm as he tried to lift himself off the ground.

“Don’t do that!” the voice said again, “just lay there, I’m going to get my mobile from the car.”

Weakly Eric called out, lifting himself using his other arm, “No, it’s okay. I think I’ll survive.” Gingerly Eric got up off the ground, but before he knew what was going on, he found himself tumbling back towards the ground.

Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped themselves around him steadying him, with a light chuckle the voice of the arms holding Eric around the waist said, “Whoah there, take it slow. In case you forgot you just got hit by a car, my car to be exact.”

Despite the pain he was in, Eric rolled his eyes and unable to keep the slight drawl of sarcasm from his voice, irritated at the statement, “I know. It’s something I’m not likely to forget seeing that I’m still in pain from that slight encounter.”

“Okay, okay. Down boy, I was only joking with you. But seriously I think you need to get checked out or something.”

Trying to extricate himself from the arms tightly wrapped around him, “No, I’m fine thank you, I just need to get to work, I’m really late.” The second he got free he started tumbling to the ground again.

“Okay, that does it, there’s no way, you’re certainly not getting to work today. We’re off to the hospital, you have to get checked out. Before Eric could protest, hobbling, he was led to the passenger side of the silver-grey Prius. Sitting in his seat he looked himself over, nothing major seemed to be wrong with him, it was just his left ankle and wrist, they were fine as long as he didn’t try to move them. While he was busy checking himself over the door to the driver’s side of the car opened as the stranger let himself in. A pair of green eyes looked over him, concern flashing from them, “You okay to go?” the driver asked.

“Sure, let’s just make it quick. Mercy Grace will be okay.”

“Not Mercy, we’ll be waiting in that trauma room waiting forever, I’m taking you to St Stephens’.”

“No, I could never afford the fees of a private medi-centre. Just take me to Mercy, drop me off, I’ll be fine there.”

Starting the car and driving off the stranger said, concern and a slight streak of stubbornness evident in his voice, “There’s no way I’m leaving you all alone at that hell-hole. I insist, we’re going to St Stephens’, and besides, the fact that you need to get to hospital is my fault so anything that needs to be paid will be my responsibility.”

“No,” said Eric a streak stubbornness evident in his voice as well, “I don’t need your charity, and anyway, this accident was just as much my fault, in fact it was totally my fault, I should’ve been watching where I was going and I was dressed in all black, classic mistake of the night-time pedestrian accident victim.”

Trying to keep his exasperation at the victim of the car accident out of his voice the stranger said, “It’s not charity. It’s what’s fair, I’m the one who should’ve been more careful and had I had my brights on I would’ve seen you and we could’ve avoided this whole situation. Really I am insisting here, we’re going to St Stephens.”

This exchange went on for a while, each of them attempting to keep their tempers in check, but also trying to get their point across forcefully until finally the stranger shouted out in exasperation, “Christ! Okay, we’ll go to bloody Mercy Grace! But I insist I’ll wait there with you and that’s final!” As if to signal to Eric just how final his decision was, he turned on the cars sound system.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Parked outside Mercy Grace, Eric slowly got out of the car. “Geez, you are one stubborn git aren’t you,” said the stranger rushing to support him out onto the tarmac.

“Well, I’m not used to having to rely on others,” Eric said secretly grateful for the help “Haven’t had to do that in a while,” he continued under his breath.

“I’m sorry I missed that,” said the stranger his breath slightly laboured as he helped the hobbling Eric towards the doors of the trauma room.

“Oh nothing,” said Eric surprised at himself for even saying that.

As they finally reached the trauma room after a painstakingly slow hobble, a simultaneous sigh of exasperation came from their lips as they took in the packed waiting area. Hobbling towards two empty seats the stranger couldn’t help himself from saying to Eric with a lopsided smile, “I bet you wish you took me up on my offer now.”

“Nobody likes a smartass,” Eric replied joking.

Laughing he replied. “It’s not being a smart-arse, it’s honesty.” Setting him down onto a chair the stranger said, “Okay, just wait here while I go get some help or something.” Eric watched as… as… it was at that moment that Eric realised that he didn’t even know the name of this person who’d helped him out. “Okay so the nurse said that you should fill out these forms and then for me to get them back to her when you’re done.”

“Eric Thompson.”

“Excuse me,”

Trying to keep with the light tone that the conversation had taken as they’d arrived at the hospital Eric continued, “Eric Thompson, that’s my name,” The stranger looked at him, puzzled, “I realised while I was sitting here that we didn’t even know each others names, you injured me, we fought, you know, clearly on the way to becoming enemies, and I mean, if I’m gonna hate someone, I like to at least know their names.”

“Oh yes, sorry. Carter Winthrop, that’s me.” A short silence followed the introductions. His greens eyes twinkling at the awkwardness of the moment Carter said, “So I suppose we shake hands now or something of the sort.”

Taking Carter’s hand into his own Eric said hardly able to suppress the nervous laughter, “Well - I suppose so. Nice to meet you Mr. Winthrop.”

“Oh! Is my father somewhere around here?”

“What?”

“Well you just said it was nice to meet Mr. Winthrop, that’s my father, certainly not me.”

Taking the form from Carter and starting to fill it in Eric said, “You know, they always say that a British sense of humour doesn’t translate well to us Americans. I always thought that that meant that it was more sophisticated or something like that. It never occurred to me that it meant that it was just plain old corny and stupid.”

“Ouch that cut deep. Here I am trying to be nice and you have to go after the motherland.” A slight laugh came from both of them at that statement, “So how’d you figure out I was British? I thought the accent had just about disappeared.”

“Oh it has, mostly, but there are a few moments where I can hear it a bit, and then there’s the weird expressions and words you use, ‘git,’ ‘arse’ instead of ass, ‘mobile,’ instead of cell. All it is just takes to listen carefully and it’s right there.”

His voice dropping ever so slightly and that impish twinkle returning to his eyes again, Carter said, his accent becoming somewhat more pronounced, “So you were observing me carefully were you, like what you hear… and see?”

“Uhm-uhm, no, I mean… I meant…” stammered out Eric a strong blush rising from his neck.

With a faint laugh and a smile spreading across his deep red lids at the sudden nervousness from the young guy in front of him Carter said, “Calm down there, it’s okay. Here, give me the forms and I’ll go hand them in.” After having handed him the forms Eric breathed in a deep steadying breath in an attempt to calm himself. This was always his problem and he knew it, whenever some cute guy, and cute Carter most certainly was, said anything that could in anyway be construed as flirtatious he immediately fell into an apoplexy of nervousness, stumbling over his words, unsure of how to respond, filled with self-doubt, not certain that there had even been flirtation there to begin with. And right there with Carter, the classic Eric Thompson apoplexy had struck.

Eric looked at Carter as he stood at the desk, yep, even though he was a bit older, cute he definitely was, he thought to himself. He wasn’t thin, but he wasn’t muscular either, he was just lean. His jet black hair was elegantly swept and gelled back, contrasting against his pale skin with full blood red lips and emerald eyes the perfect finish to the overall James Bond look. For the first time Eric realised that Carter was in a tuxedo and realised that he’d clearly been on his way somewhere.

Once Carter returned to his seat next to Eric, Eric said firmly, “Carter. Thank you for bringing me all the way here but I just noticed your clothes, you clearly were on your way to something important, and there’s really no point to you hanging around here all night with me when you have plans.”

“Heavens no, are we back to this old line again? I thought I’d made myself pretty clear in the car, I’m staying here with you. It’s the least that I could do. Let’s just drop it.”
“No Carter, it’s okay you can leave.”

“Oh so you’re that sick of me already.”

“That’s not what I’m saying and you know it.” Looking to Carter mesmerised by the determined look in his eye as Carter tried to stare him down, Eric realised there was no way that he was going to change Carter mind. His eyes flitting away from the pull that Carter’s exerted over his, Eric said joking, “If you insist then, just don’t blame me when the queen’s mad that you missed the ball.”

That gentle smile returning to his face, Carter asked, “What in heavens name are you talking about now?”

“Well you’re British, in a get up, you must be off to a ball or something of the sort.”

“My, we see ourselves as something of a court jester don’t we?”

“Aah, the royal ‘we,’ always thought it was a myth.”

Laughing lightly, unable to carry on with the banter Carter said, “No seriously, I’m not really British, and certainly no royal. Only half-British, my mother’s American as they come, apple-pie, Betty Crocker, all that stuff, and I haven’t lived in Britain in years.”

“So how long you been here in the rebel colony?”

“Well I got here, in the rebel colony as you call it, half way through High School and have been here pretty much ever since. Been at Illyria U. for about six and a half yrs now.”

“Wow, six and half, whatcha doin’ here?”

“Well I’ve been studying. Got my Bachelors, Honours and now onto my Master’s degree in Historical Studies.”

“Damn that’s a lot of studying, I hope I have that kinda staying-power when it comes to my academic career.”

That wicked glint and the lowered slightly more pronounced accent coming forth again Carter said, “Well I don’t know about your academic fortitude, but experience has taught me that people who have the staying powerto be as stubborn as you are generally tend to have stamina in other departments as well.”

And just as before Eric fell into his little apoplexy, stumbled over words and blushing deeply before Carter took him out of his discomfort even though he yet again found the young boys reaction amusing, “Okay, I’ve told you quite a bit about myself, considering I know nothing about you. So Eric Thompson, tell me about you.”

Desperate to get away from the topic of his personal life, Eric deftly turn to a topic he was certain that Carter would be interested in, “Oh there’s nothing to tell really, not much family to speak of, I’m a junior, haven’t really decided on my majors yet. Though, I am taking a History course and seriously considering it as a major.”

“Which one,” asked Carter, clearly pleasantly surprised to find a kindred spirit.

“History of Popular Culture with Professor Keller.”

“Aah, you’re with Keller, watch out there, he’s a great lecturer but there are other aspects to his personality that are not quite… Uhmm, how does one out this delicately… I suppose that are not quite in keeping with the guidebook stipulations on faculty-member/student relations. Get my drift.”

The memory of his run-ins with Professor Keller that morning rushing into his mind Eric blushed again and tried to chuckle to hide his embarrassment at the precise statements, “I think I get the general drift of what you’re saying.”

Even though Eric tried to hide his embarrassment at that statement, Carter saw it and knew there was something there, something that Eric was trying to hide. Not even sure why he felt that way towards this kid in front of him Carter knew that he had to stay close to him, to protect him from whatever was stirring or had the danger of stirring between him and Daniel Keller.

Waiting there in the hospital as the hours passed, Eric and Carter talked, friendly light conversation. Conversation interspersed with double entendres and slightly off colour statements from Carter. Statements that got certainly got the colour going in Eric’s face, And though Eric would never have admitted it, even to himself, with each and every one of those moments when Carter looked at him eyes flashing and voice even more entrancing than usual his heart raced just a bit faster.

By the time Eric was called in, just about all the awkwardness that had been there between them had just about vanished. Eric got a quick check-over with the doctor explaining he’d received nothing more serious than a slight sprain in his left ankle and some bruising on his left wrist but giving him a crutch with strict instruction to use it for at least 2 days to ensure that he didn’t lean on his ankle to strongly before it healed.

“So what’d the Doc say, you gonna survive?”

“Sadly not, you’ve dealt me my death blow. Just joking, nothing serious, a sprain and a bad bruise and I have to use this for a few days,” replied Eric holding up the crutch. A slightly awkward silence passed between them, neither of them knowing what to say, “well thanks for the company. I’ll just wait for a bus and get home myself.”

“Have you seen the time? A bus past midnight, not gonna happen. Let me give you a lift back to campus, I take it you’re in one of the dorms right?”

“No seriously Carter, it’s okay I’ll be fine. You’ve done more than enough tonight, but thanks for the offer.”

Ushering him towards the exit of the hospital Carter said, “Seriously no arguments Eric, I’m taking you home. I have done more than enough tonight; I hit you with my car, now that car is going to take you home.” Too exasperated to put up a fight, Eric followed Carter to the car.

As they drove back towards the campus, passing through the club and restaurant district Carter said, “Have you had anything to eat? I’m famished.”

“Well I don’t know about famished, that’s just a bit too British for me, but I suppose I am a bit hungry.”

With a smile across his face Carter said, “That’s decided then, we’ll stop off at Starlite’s Diner before I take you home. I think it should still be okay, the after-clubbing hungry drunks haven’t descended yet, they only get there at about 2 or 3. And in case it never happens again let me say it for posterity’s sake, you’re actually capable of agreeing with me without a marathon argument before doing so.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

Taking their menu’s as they sat down at their booth Eric said, “Okay, I agreed to your request without an argument, let’s see if you can do the same.”

“I’ll do whatever you want - as long as it’s something I don’t want to do.”

“There again with that side-splitting sense of humour. I can barely contain myself,” said Eric sarcastically, “after everything you’ve done for me tonight, let me at least pay for dinner.”

“Well I’ve never been able to say no to a date with a cute boy.”

Spluttering on his drink Eric could hardly get the words out fast enough, “No… I mean… I… I meant…”

Yet again laughing at Eric’s reaction to these statements Carter said, “Oh calm down will you, I’m just joking. Thank you, I accept your offer most graciously. You’re so easy sometimes,” Carter finished looking into the menu. Eric, couldn’t help but laugh at himself even though he was embarrassed at his reaction. That broke whatever slight awkwardness was left between the two of them.

They sat in that booth talking as though they were the oldest of friends. Conversation went from the most serious of topics, topics they were both passionate about opening up another aspect of Eric’s personality the serious thinker for whom there was no shyness when it came to expressing his views.

That was just something else that intrigued Carter more about the seemingly debilitatingly shy young man across from him. For Carter, it seemed that when it came to him, to his personal life, Eric folded away and hid as much as possible, but was more than willing to listen to somebody else talk about their personal lives. Answering Eric’s questions, Carter realised quickly that the way in which Eric listened to him talk about himself wasn’t the way in which so many people seemed to talk to one about another’s life. Carter felt that Eric was truly interested in who he was and wanted to know as much as possible about him, and though Eric’s heart ached to do just that, he knew that he couldn’t.

As the time whiled away, Carter became more enamoured with Eric as he realised that the deep listener was just one aspect of who Eric was in conversation. When it came to debating some or other hot topic, he just came alight, a fire would light in his eye brown eyes, a fire that showed just how fervently he wanted to come out tops in that argument, but even though the adversarial spirit was more than alive in him, Carter was surprised to see that Eric was more than willing to listen to opposing points of view.

After six and half yrs of having academic debates at university, he’d grown used to having people not really listen to another’s point of view, merely seeing another person’s time speaking as a chance to formulate their counter-point, but Eric didn’t just hear, he listened and every time he listened, his whole frame would lean in a little closer.
Carter wasn’t aware of it, but every time Eric did so, his heart would beat just a bit faster, his breathing would be just a touch shallower, the colour would rise ever so slightly on his face. Whatever it was that Carter saw in Eric grew stronger as the time passed with them sitting there engaged in the conversation, becoming more immersed with each other.

They were startled when a loud group of students came through the door to Starlite’s. “Wow, the club crew’s here already. They must’ve left early, it’s only…” looking to his watch Carter was surprised to see that it was well past 2am, “wow, it’s later than I thought.”

Equally shocked when he looked to his wristwatch Eric said, “2:30! We’ve been here a while.” Signalling the waitress for the bill he continued, “I’m so sorry that I kept you here so long, I had no idea. It was really great to talk to you. Us lowly Freshmen don’t really get a chance to talk to you grad students, you gave me a lot to think about.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, you had my mind rushing all over the place trying to keep up with you. It must be old age catching up with me.” Slowly walking to the doors as though they didn’t really want to leave, the smile that had been on Carter’s face spread as he continued in sincerity, “But seriously though, I had a great time – in all honesty I have no idea when it was that I last had so much fun.” As Carter said this, standing by the passenger side door to help Eric in, he looked into his deep brown eyes. In that instant, something seemed to happen, they both paused, the good natured smiles that had been on their faces slowly fell away. Inch by inch, an invisible cord drew them towards each other till it was only mere millimetres that separated them.

“Eric? whatcha doin' here? OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?” The spell that had wound itself around them broke as Donna broke away from the group that was going into Starlite’s and made her way towards Eric teetering in her 6-inch heels.

Grabbing ahold of her, afraid that at any moment she was going to topple over, “Just a small car accident, nothing major.”

“Nothing major! You’re in crutches! How does that possibly equate to ‘nothing major,’ when did this happen, who did this to you?”

Cutting her off Eric said, “whoah, one question at a time. Let’s start with the crutch, not crutches. It’s only a sprain nothing major, just have to stay off my foot for a few days. Second, when did this happen, when I was going to work, I wasn’t watching where I was going and I got hit by a car and thirdly…”

“Thirdly, who did this to him; that would be me. I’m the guilty party. Never mind him, it was entirely my fault and I extend to you my sincerest apologies.”

Donna looked to Carter quizzically. Her eyes shifted back to Eric as the pieces slowly started coming together in her mind, “And you would be?” she asked.

“Winthrop. Carter Winthrop.”

“I see, hmm, that whole sexy British accent thing works with the apology, normally I would’ve killed you for hurting my boy here, but it seems as though Eric’s about more than forgiven you.”

Both Carter and Eric began to speak simultaneously “Oh no, you’re mistaken…” “No Donna you’ve got it all wrong…”

A small laugh escaped from Donna as she watched the two guys before her try to explain away what had been clearly about to happen. “Okay boys, if you say so.”

“I was just helping Eric into the car.”

“Yes that’s all it was Donna, nothing more.”

Smiling even wider to hold back the laughter that was dying escape Donna said, “Didn’t say it was,” unable to hold herself back she continued, “or wasn’t. It was nice to meet you Prince Charming.” Replying at the quizzical look on Carter’s face, “what – I couldn’t not say something about the get-up. And Eric,” she said whispering in his ear as she drew him into a hug, “I’ll speak to you tomorrow; I want to hear this whole story.” Donna stood aside as Eric and Carter got into the car and watched them drive off with a smile, happy that at last things seemed to be changing for the good for her friend. “It’s the least he deserves after everything he’s had to endure,” she said to herself, trying to clear her mind of all that Eric had had to endure as she walked back into the diner.

Unknown to them all, there was another pair of eyes that had witnessed not only the little exchange between Eric and Carter outside the car, but pretty much the entire time at the diner, and what those eyes saw, those eyes did not like. Daniel irritated by Eric’s no-show at work, had left Beluga and decided to come down to Starlite’s on a whim, the second he’d arrived, he spied Eric sitting across from Carter, both of them clearly engrossed in each other.

As he drove off Daniel scowled to himself, somewhat pleased that the perky blonde had not been the problem he’d expected, but alarmed at what was clearly developing between Eric and Carter. But Daniel Keller was never one to panic, he knew that it led to nothing, and nothing was a result he was not going to settle for here. He knew Carter from the Dept. and had Carter been a little younger, a little more naïve, he may’ve been just the type of guy that Daniel would’ve gone for, but in Daniel’s twisted mind all he figured was that Carter was not his type, nothing more and nothing less, but Daniel already had formulated a plan to deal with Carter and it was devastating in it’s simplicity.

 

[DonQuixote]

Angelus,
That's a huge start to an intriguing, dark story thread. There's a lot of extremely descriptive language.

I do have some concerns -- I think, perhaps, you have so much you want to get down in print that you are rushing to publish, and not taking as critical an eye to proof-reading as you might. I've found several places where the syntax was awkward or duplicative or re-starting of itself.

Take the time to slow down, particularly on the proof read. Punctuation, properly used and placed, can greatly aid the flow or word intent. Don't get me wrong, you've used a lot of punctuation, it's just that there are times where I feel myself racing in the non-stop word flow; consequently, I have a hard time following.

Go back and re-read your chapters, SLOWLY, reading each word that is and is NOT actually there -- "I'd had had . . . " is a triple adverb awkwardness -- that's in your text up there, somewhere. There are other similar examples where it looks like your mind was headed one direction, then quickly turned and went another, mid-sentence/syntax.

Please don't take my input as saying anything negative. You've got a great story line started, and an excellent command of the more descriptive elements of the language. You just need to be a bit more careful on your sentence creation. Part of that may be a blending of Dutch, European/South African English, Afrikaans, syntax versus American English, but I really think it's just your eagerness to put word on paper, so to speak.

Keep up the work -- take your time posting the chapters, so people have a chance to read, digest, react. You have a lot of potential here. I know we've got a dark story headed our way, which isn't always my cup of tea, but you are drawing me in -- just make it easier for me to follow you, please.

It's a commendable effort.

 

[Craiger]

I like the story line. We need some deep dark drama to add to the forum. Thanks for beginning your story with us.

Craiger

 

[Autolycus]

Hi! Welcome to the story board and thank you for your contribution - looking forward to reading more.

Don Quixote has offered some sound advice. Take a look at your third chapter, I have edited your text where Eric dashes for work and is seeking the bus. See how the wording has been modified.

A story does not have to be too loaded with metaphors to be effective, in fact too much descriptive text can be annoying to the reader and can best described as 'camp'.

You are a modern writer of a modern story - do not try to emulate the flowery style of nineteenth century authors. They were OK in their day and although we study their works and those of earlier times in our literary courses, they do not always serve as good models for present day writing! The best they can teach us is to have a wide and varied [but not pretentious] vocabulary.

 

[belgarion63]

An excellent start! When can we read more?

 

[Craiger]

Eagerly waiting for chapter 4 and more, Angelus.

Craiger

 

[gaytxn09]

Nice job!! Such an interesting story!

 

[angelus]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, particularly DonQuixote. I'll definitely be incorporating what you've said. The next chapter will be up by the end of the week. It's obviously all written but I just wanna go over it again and also finish the current chapter that I'm working on, just so that I have a buffer between what's going up and what I have ready to go.

 

[willybob]

I really like the way your story is going Angelus. I'm no author but everything seams to fit together. you've got my kudos, and i can't wait for another installment

 

[harry113]

Great story Angelus, Thank you.
Will poor Eric get caught in the crossfire between Daniel and Carter?
More please
Harry

 

[angelus]

Here's the latest installment, hope you enjoy.

Chapter 4

“You came in late last night; I guess the dinner was a success then.”

“Ummm, what time is it?”

“Whoah milord. One night out with your countrymen and you sound as though you just stepped off the plane from Heathrow after a lifetime on the Isle.”

“Christian, how many times have I told you that, firstly nobody calls Britain ‘the Isle,’ and secondly not to call me that,’ said Carter stretching as he tried to get his bearings, mornings were never easy for him.

“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I, for the life of me cannot understand why you refuse to be called by your title. Your great-great- great- great- great-grandfather to the nth power killed somebody or kissed some major royal ass, or arse as you’d say, to get that title for you. And it’s like, totally super-cool and ultra-sexy. It’s like totally the primary reason I got together with you,” said Christian running his hands through Carter’s hair.

“Yeah, it’s great that a meaningless and powerless title got you in my bed and apartment, but really it’s next to no importance to me and after everything been through together, it really ought to mean nothing to you either,” said Christian climbing out of bed.

“Whoah honey, how about some pants?”

“What? It’s nothing you haven’t seen – or enjoyed before,” Carter replied, with that mischievous glint in his eye. “You talk a big talk Christian but how long will it take you to realise when it comes to actual action, I always win out?”

Watching Carter wrap a towel round his waist Christian said, “You know that’s a sight I never ever get tired of seeing.”

“Well that’s not what it sounded like about a second ago,” Carter said glancing at his wristwatch, “Good heavens, it’s past 10 already, you should’ve woken me up.”

“What for, it’s not as if you had someplace to be, and seriously why are you speaking with such a heavy accent all of a sudden?” Christian said following Carter into the living room of their apartment.

“I’m not, I’m speaking in the exact same manner I was speaking when you last saw me.”

“No you’re not.” As Christian said this, he sidled up behind Carter and whispered breathily in his ear, “Anyway, it’s not as though I wantcha to stop, it’s way hot. Reminds me of all the reasons why I found you so sexy to begin with.” As Christian said this he wrapped his slender arms around Carter’s torso while seductively running his fingers through the fine dark hairs which contrasted so starkly with Carter’s pale skin, finally letting his one hand snake down towards where the towel was held tightly together, begging to be released as the other gently twisted his nipple.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself Carter gently pushed Christian’s hand away from him, and with a wry smile on his face said, “Not now Christian, it’s way too early for this.” Carter walked to the table where the answering machine was blinking and pressed the button.

“Early? You just said it was late,” Christian answered as Carter walked off.

Pouring himself a cup of coffee while standing leaning against the cold granite of the counter-top Carter was startled to hear a deep voice smoothly state, “Good morning. This is Professor Daniel Keller speaking. Mr. Winthrop I was hoping to catch you. Could you please call me back at the dept or come see me as soon as possible, I’ll be in my office during my consultation hours.”

“That’s strange,” Carter said taking a long sip of his coffee.

“What is,” asked Christian who was now lying across the sumptuous leather couching flipping through the channels waiting for his soapies to begin.

“That was Professor Keller on the phone.”

“Should I remember that name?”

“No, I’ve never really worked with him, just know him from the dept. It’s just strange that he should be calling me, particularly after last night.”

“Why particularly after last night?”

“Well I was talking about him last night.”

“Why the hell would you be talking about a Professor that doesn’t take you for anything at a dinner thrown by the British Consul,” asked Christian still absentmindedly flipping through the channels.

Sitting at his usual spot, a little breakfast nook, overlooking the large windows and the amazing views of the sprawling campus they provided, Carter turned to Chris and said, “Well I actually didn’t make it to the dinner last night, I got into a car accident.”

At the mention of car accident Christian sat up and asked shocked, “What? You were in a car-smash and you mention it in passing like that?”

“No it wasn’t anything major. I ran into a Freshmen as I was leaving the campus gym to go to the dinner. He wasn’t really hurt.” Christian, forgetting about his soaps moved to the small table where Carter sat and listened intently as Carter filled him in on all that had transpired the night before.

“Well this Eric of yours certainly sounds interesting and I have to say he seems to have won you over. I have to say I’m a bit jealous.”

“That’s totally wrong, Eric’s a Freshmen, a kid. All there is to it is a bit of ribbing.”

“What?”

“Ribbing, making fun of, he’s really easy to bait,” smiling at the memory of Eric’s reaction to it, Carter continued, “all you have to say to him is anything slightly risqué and he can barely say a single word in reply. And his blush, well that’s just so endearing, one can hardly hold themselves back.”

Cocking an eyebrow quizzically, Christian said, “Are you sure there’s nothing there because from where I’m sitting, it certainly seems there is.”

“Of course I’m sure Christian,” said Chris standing and walking towards the kitchen area of the open plan living space, “I mean like I said, he’s a kid.”

“So there’s no attraction there whatsoever then?”

“Well I never said he’s unattractive, he’s quite alluring actually.” Carter paused a bit as he thought of Eric’s just-out-of-bed dirty blonde hair, those full pouting lips against his light tan but particularly his dark-brown eyes. Eyes that seemed to say there was so much there, so much being held back, so much that sought to be freed from the constraints it was in. “Despite that though, he’s a kid. There’s a lifetime between being a Freshmen and graduating, I mean look at us, did you ever think when we met when we were Freshmen we’d up together like this, and never mind all the baggage that I come with.”

“Oh please Carter, baggage, you’re baggage is Louis Vuitton. People are and would be willing to pay for the baggage you bring, and haven’t I taken it on and am carrying on just fine?”

“Christian you’re special, it’s not the same. I’m not talking of just the stuff here at university, there’s all my stuff from back home as well to deal with, there’s no point to even thinking about it. Let’s just drop Eric as a topic of discussion, I’m going to take a shower and find out what Keller wants.” said Carter as he walked towards the bathroom. Turning at the door with that glint in his eye again he asked temptingly, “care to join me?”

“You know me, I’m always up for fun but I don’t know how I feel about being a substitute for Eric, somebody I don’t even know,” replied Christian laughing at Carter’s discouraged face lying on the couch turning back to his soapies. Just as Carter was about to close the door Christian called out, “Hey Lord Winthrop! I think I figured out the accent thing, you said the girl-friend of his said the accent was sexy, I think you’re hoping him and is BFF are on the same wave-length explaining the case of the mysterious and sudden return of the British accent. Best not to tell people that though, they may think it’s pathetic, go with the consul dinner story.”

Carter laughed as he walked into the bathroom shouting out, “You do realise you’re absolutely totally bloody bonkers don’t you?”

“I’d have to be to take all your crap wouldn’t I?” replied Christian as the door to the bathroom closed behind Carter.

 

[garion]

Great story - can't wait to read the next chapter!

 

[hardreader]

I finally got a chance to read your story and I have to say I am glad I did. So often writers at JUB jot something down and post it. It may be interesting. It may be sexy. But the problem is that they don't know where they are going with it. The characters are what the characters do. They aren't propelled by the past or pulled by their destinies. Your characters clearly are. You have a story past, present and future. That puts you ahead of the pack.

Now about the discussion of whether your writing is too flowery, too descriptive, too full of metaphors. It probably is for the genre we expect to find here. The key to good writing, I think, is to say everything that needs to be said so the reader understands you and not one word more.

I do make on exception to that rule: When writing cum scenes, the writer must create a pace that matches the action. Description that not so much describes as fuels the imagination. A sense of presence so intense the reader feels part of the action.

One more rule about cum scenes: They need to have a purpose. They need to further the plot.

You haven't gotten to any cum scenes yet, but my expectation is that we will be seeing as rich a plot development in them as we do in everything else you write. I don't expect you'll disappoint me.

 

[willybob]

I really like this story =)

 

[harry113]

Great!! Thanks
More please
Harry

 

[DonQuixote]

Angelus,
A very nice installment. Only a pronoun or so missing, from the nit-picky grammarian side of me! Nary a hair out of place. The story continues to build intrigue. Our wake up scene was much more casual, carefree AM banter and flirting.

Sorry it's taken me so long to post. My alerts seem to be working willy-nilly. I didn't realize you'd posted a new chapter, then I've been a bit run down/burning the candle, boringly, at too many ends. I have been on the site, trying to stay current w/ my readings, fighting the sandman, but I do apologize. I wanted to stay current with your efforts. I have been concentrating heavily on catching up with the Watching Brad saga, since I come to the story late -- several hundred pages late! (I'm printing just the story off at 10pt Arial, just to get caught up, and I've printed in excess of 500 pages out, so far!)

HR writes great descriptive narrative, and he DOES have a love for Cum, yes he does! As do many who frequent this site. He provides a lot of budding authors good advice. But, hard as it is to believe, not all of the stories here are completely about sex! Some do have intense plots -- including what is arguably the keystone of this particular forum, the aforementioned Watching Brad. So, remembering the Heavy Cream dripping (drooling?! ) from HR's mouth, take his, and my, advice with the appropriate seasoning -- can't ever be sure if the cum will be too salty or not!

I'm realising that this forum has a very international flavour to it - with a healthy dose of Pure Maple Syrup which is always yummy. Our Canadian friends have a nice anchor hold here, since I believe the antecedent to JUB was Canadian. My own spelling usually has a bit of a European Accent, since I favour the additional u's, and now I'm substituting s's for z's!

I stray. Keep it coming. This past chapter feels much more natural, even with the British Accent banter back and forth, m'Lord! It's your story, and it's entitled to have your flavour to it. I was most concerned with the missing words from your eagerness to put them in print - we're all guilty of it -- our minds move faster than our fingers, and we would swear that pronoun or adverb that smooths the sentence out it really there -- we can see it, even if nobody else can! Then there's the nasty cursor that pops up a row or two without us realising it till we've inserted a sentence and a half in the middle of a completely different thought! I love my new laptop for its portablility and power, but I must have a propensity for touching the mouse pad and sending my thoughts careening into the middle of other sentences!

Lay on, McDuff, Lay on is the proper expression, I believe, according to my even more nit-picky spawn.

Good work.

 

[Autolycus]

Lay on, McDuff, Lay on is the proper expression, I believe, according to my even more nit-picky spawn.

Good work.

The correct quote, from Macbeth, is:

"Lay on, Macduff,
And damn'd be him that first cries, 'Hold, enough!'"

They are Macbeth's last words, meaning "go for it, Macduff, let's fight to the death!", before Macduff kills him in combat.

If you're wonering why this is so misquoted, no-one seems to know - I certainly first heard of the phrase as 'lead on...

 

[angelus]

My High School English teacher would be really disappointed that I didn't recognise that Macbeth quote.

Anyway, thanks for the comments guys, gonna go over them again carefully, and DonQuixote I read over that last installment at least thrice before posting and didn't notice the missing pronouns. I swear they disappear in the process of posting, will try to be more careful in future.

The next chapter will be up later tonight or tomorrow.