Forthright .'s Blog, page 5
June 18, 2025
Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons
Chapter 16, “Incoming Students” is live over on Patreon! Subscription to this story is one of the perks that starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thanks to those who’ve chosen to read along! I’m grateful.
… because timelines have collided with a nonny, nonny, hey!
June 17, 2025
Coop 112: Height Difference
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially one cast in the role of translator.
112
Height Difference
“Will you let me ride?”
“Can you ride?” Radiance relayed lightly.
“Well, yeah. Daroo lets me pretty often.” Coop considered for a long moment, then admitted, “You’re bigger than he usually goes. Kinda perfect, since I’m s...
June 13, 2025
Coop 111: Waiting for Destiny
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one who defies prediction.
111
Waiting for Destiny
“How long have you been waiting for your person to show up?” asked Coop.
Mutt sighed.
That translated just fine. Coop said, “Feels like forever, huh? I get that. So… you gonna stick with fortitude, or can I help you look? Wh...
June 10, 2025
Coop 110: Mountain, Tree, Sky, and Sea
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one who’s spilling secrets.
110
Mountain, Tree, Sky, and Sea
“You’re part star?”
Radiance asked, “Does your wolf ever tell impish bedtime stories?”
“Nope.” Coop always asked about wilderness survival stuff. Or for extra lessons in wolvish.
“Long ago, very near the beginni...
June 6, 2025
Coop 109: Cockamamie
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the receptive one.
109
Cockamamie
Coop wanted to make a good impression since partnering with Mutt would mean getting in on the battler games, but… how? Minding his manners, he took a receptive posture.
Mutt was easily as big as a horse, with cockamamie ears—one up, one down. He co...
May 30, 2025
Coop 108: Furball
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one with a destiny.
108
Furball
“Mutt has always worked with our campers,” said Radiance. “It’s no secret that he’s been waiting for the right one.”
“Like… he’s auditioning partners?”
“Not quite. Mutt’s special someone has been foretold.”
Coop asked, “Why doesn’t he go lo...
May 27, 2025
Coop 107: Mutt
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one who’s fond of games.
107
Mutt
A huge blue jay swooped to a landing atop Salali’s head. “Help has arrived!”
Coop turned to see a tall, white-haired Amaranthine lady coming along the trail.
“Gent delivered your message. Hello, Coop! I’m Radiance. Let’s go see Mutt.”
Sal...
May 25, 2025
ART PEEK: Mr. Hudson
Mr. Hudson. In the original Sherlock Holmes mysteries, he and Watson relied upon Mrs. Hudson, who lived downstairs at 221 Baker Street and served as … well, housekeeper and cook. I felt there needed to be a Hudson on the premises in my own series, but opted for a slightly different head of the household. And so Thomas was added to my cast.
Close crop from “Hudson & Holmes,” one of the portraits that Mart Lett, series illustrator, created for the art card series that I have been sending ou...
May 23, 2025
Coop 106: Susceptible
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the eager ones.
106
Susceptible
“Is it really okay if we try the trail?” Giang asked.
Salali promised, “You won’t get far, but I can make sure your attempt is instructive.”
Coop stayed put—as ordered—while the other boys bumped fists and started walking. Six steps in, Pierre vee...
May 20, 2025
Coop 105: Full Grovel
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one who isn’t actually in trouble.
105
Full Grovel
“Sit,” ordered Salali.
Coop sat fast. Actually, he went full grovel. The situation required it, but the ground was prickly and ticklish against his bare back. It was hard not to squirm.
Snorting, Salali lifted Coop’s foot ...
