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Dry Bones
New Mexico Territory in 1896 wasn't the easiest place for a couple of cowboys to make a living. Being fired from their last spread for refusing to illegally evict a family of grangers was an unexpected blow. Just as well that Joss quickly found work for himself and his partner Ox, carting around giant lizard bones for a wealthy Eastern greenhorn afraid of bone rustlers.
Joss had no way of knowing that Ox and their new employer had already met. Given Ox's stolid silence, Joss had also never suspected the secrets buried deeper than any dried-up bones in Ox's past. And Joss had surely never realized what hidden feelings underlay their partnership.
Now Joss will have to decide what Ox's friendship is truly worth, he’ll have to make some hard choices, if he can survive those dried-up bones long enough to find the time to choose.
Originally published in the Cowboy Up! Anthology.
Joss had no way of knowing that Ox and their new employer had already met. Given Ox's stolid silence, Joss had also never suspected the secrets buried deeper than any dried-up bones in Ox's past. And Joss had surely never realized what hidden feelings underlay their partnership.
Now Joss will have to decide what Ox's friendship is truly worth, he’ll have to make some hard choices, if he can survive those dried-up bones long enough to find the time to choose.
Originally published in the Cowboy Up! Anthology.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2005
1 person is currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Lucius Parhelion
32 books22 followersLucius Parhelion writes both free and published works. His free original work is found here:
http://www.e-fic.com/sundog/original....
and his fan fiction is on Archive of Our Own here:
http://archiveofourown.org/users/Parh...
He is also listed on Goodreads as Parhelion:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
This author is very private - he does not use social media or include an "about the author" blurb on his books.
http://www.e-fic.com/sundog/original....
and his fan fiction is on Archive of Our Own here:
http://archiveofourown.org/users/Parh...
He is also listed on Goodreads as Parhelion:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
This author is very private - he does not use social media or include an "about the author" blurb on his books.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 3, 2022
Love this.
It feels authentic. There's a subtlety about the relationship that runs deep. No flowery speeches, but Joss listens. He hears the nuances.
And implacable Ox reads literature to his uneducated friend and accepts a whore as a lady. Both see beyond constraints. There's an innocence to world savvy Joss, part prescribed by the ideology of the times. And Ox, some things run deeper for the lack of wasted words.
The story ends with the feel of adventures yet to have, they'll go places, see the sights and settle. Partners. I wish them well.
It feels authentic. There's a subtlety about the relationship that runs deep. No flowery speeches, but Joss listens. He hears the nuances.
And implacable Ox reads literature to his uneducated friend and accepts a whore as a lady. Both see beyond constraints. There's an innocence to world savvy Joss, part prescribed by the ideology of the times. And Ox, some things run deeper for the lack of wasted words.
The story ends with the feel of adventures yet to have, they'll go places, see the sights and settle. Partners. I wish them well.
June 28, 2023
This story is available on AO3.
I really enjoyed the historical details in this short Western but unfortunately, the romance felt incomplete due to the short length. While it was really great historical gay fiction, I wasn't satisfied with it as a historical gay romance.
The historical atmosphere was incredibly well done and I immediately felt immersed in the 1896 Old West setting. I especially liked that Joss' speech patterns sounded very authentic for the time period and his background. If I were to judge this as being historical fiction, it would be fantastic. The story starts with Joss and Ox having been friends for years after getting to know each other when they happened to be working on the same ranch. Since then, they've travelled around together, finding work and taking care of each other with Joss being the extrovert while Ox is the introvert. Their dynamic first reminded me of John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men and this worried me because I had a lot of issues with that book. But it turns out that any comparisons between Ox and Lennie (from Steinbeck's book) are only surface deep. Anyway, Ox is a very quiet gentle giant and for that reason, Joss doesn't know much about his partner's history and the reveal of that history is what the story's main focus is.
I liked how there are small hints from the start that Ox comes from an upper class background, which Joss has picked up on over the years. The way Ox speaks, his mannerisms, his financial knowledge and his love for reading all connect to him having grown up in wealthy surroundings. I loved how this was contrasted with Joss, who grew up poor, was raised by a single mother and barely has any education. This class divide between them was beautifully balanced by Ox being the quiet one who is happy to let Joss take the lead when it comes to finding them work or getting them out of trouble. They've spent years teaching each other skills that their own lives had taught them in an exchange of knowledge that's designed to help both. For example, Ox taught Joss how to read while Joss taught Ox how to sew and fix tack. Their friendship was beautiful and I especially loved how it's obvious that these two boys deeply respect and care for each other, despite how opposite they are.
The main plotline in the story involves the boys randomly getting involved with somebody from Ox's past, which is how Joss learns more about his friend and solves some mysteries that have been in place for years, such as why Ox barely speaks, where the scarring on his back came from and how a seemingly simple ranchhand obtained the education he has. Ox's story was really interesting and I liked how the author revealed bits and pieces of it so Joss and readers put things together at the same time.
Unfortunately, the part of the story that wasn't well done was the romance.
Overall, I really enjoyed this as historical fiction and I'm going to check out the author's other work because I liked everything about the story except for the romance. I'll keep my fingers crossed that future books I try will have a more satisfying and complete romance plotline.
I really enjoyed the historical details in this short Western but unfortunately, the romance felt incomplete due to the short length. While it was really great historical gay fiction, I wasn't satisfied with it as a historical gay romance.
The historical atmosphere was incredibly well done and I immediately felt immersed in the 1896 Old West setting. I especially liked that Joss' speech patterns sounded very authentic for the time period and his background. If I were to judge this as being historical fiction, it would be fantastic. The story starts with Joss and Ox having been friends for years after getting to know each other when they happened to be working on the same ranch. Since then, they've travelled around together, finding work and taking care of each other with Joss being the extrovert while Ox is the introvert. Their dynamic first reminded me of John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men and this worried me because I had a lot of issues with that book. But it turns out that any comparisons between Ox and Lennie (from Steinbeck's book) are only surface deep. Anyway, Ox is a very quiet gentle giant and for that reason, Joss doesn't know much about his partner's history and the reveal of that history is what the story's main focus is.
I liked how there are small hints from the start that Ox comes from an upper class background, which Joss has picked up on over the years. The way Ox speaks, his mannerisms, his financial knowledge and his love for reading all connect to him having grown up in wealthy surroundings. I loved how this was contrasted with Joss, who grew up poor, was raised by a single mother and barely has any education. This class divide between them was beautifully balanced by Ox being the quiet one who is happy to let Joss take the lead when it comes to finding them work or getting them out of trouble. They've spent years teaching each other skills that their own lives had taught them in an exchange of knowledge that's designed to help both. For example, Ox taught Joss how to read while Joss taught Ox how to sew and fix tack. Their friendship was beautiful and I especially loved how it's obvious that these two boys deeply respect and care for each other, despite how opposite they are.
The main plotline in the story involves the boys randomly getting involved with somebody from Ox's past, which is how Joss learns more about his friend and solves some mysteries that have been in place for years, such as why Ox barely speaks, where the scarring on his back came from and how a seemingly simple ranchhand obtained the education he has. Ox's story was really interesting and I liked how the author revealed bits and pieces of it so Joss and readers put things together at the same time.
Unfortunately, the part of the story that wasn't well done was the romance.
Overall, I really enjoyed this as historical fiction and I'm going to check out the author's other work because I liked everything about the story except for the romance. I'll keep my fingers crossed that future books I try will have a more satisfying and complete romance plotline.
December 23, 2014
Oh yes, yes, yes.
Ok, so, we have an uncomplicated Western with a rather complicated Ox and a purdy smart Joss. And "giant lizard" bones (dinos!), with bad guys and horses and plain spoken desires.
It was a good choice to have Joss as the narrator, as opposed to Ox.
Joss doesn't have any big secrets and is rather open about his childhood situation. Even better, as time goes on and experiences add up, he decides for himself what feels right and what doesn't.
Ox definitely has a past. He's told Joss parts of it, while omitting others. It comes more into play when someone from Ox's past shows up, without knowing Ox would be there, and sets things in motion. This is probably the one part of the story that would have benefited from deeper detail.
The language is spot on and therefore delightful for someone who loves a well written Western like me.
The ending is just the beginning, as well as a coming full circle for these two people, especially Joss.
This is getting added to the "needs-a-sequel" shelf. I would definitely read more Joss and Ox's story. Well done.
Ok, so, we have an uncomplicated Western with a rather complicated Ox and a purdy smart Joss. And "giant lizard" bones (dinos!), with bad guys and horses and plain spoken desires.
It was a good choice to have Joss as the narrator, as opposed to Ox.
Joss doesn't have any big secrets and is rather open about his childhood situation. Even better, as time goes on and experiences add up, he decides for himself what feels right and what doesn't.
Ox definitely has a past. He's told Joss parts of it, while omitting others. It comes more into play when someone from Ox's past shows up, without knowing Ox would be there, and sets things in motion. This is probably the one part of the story that would have benefited from deeper detail.
The language is spot on and therefore delightful for someone who loves a well written Western like me.
The ending is just the beginning, as well as a coming full circle for these two people, especially Joss.
This is getting added to the "needs-a-sequel" shelf. I would definitely read more Joss and Ox's story. Well done.
April 20, 2014
Lucius Parhelion loves telling this story - the one where a gay man is living around the turn of the century. He's attracted to men in a time when that is far more unacceptable, hidden, and dangerous than now. He may not even realize he's gay, or not want to accept it, or he may think it dooms him to be alone forever. And then another man walks into his life. Or rides, or falls.
It's a great story, with the power to transmute deep pain to the gold of joy, recognition and love. And Parhelion creates characters unique and interesting enough that each installment is different, and well worth the read.
In this one, Joss has worked with his big, silent partner Ox, for years, as ranch-hands or whatever work they could find. He knows there's more to Ox than meets the eye. He's heard enough to realize that Ox has been educated, raised out east, and surely not born to be a cowboy. But he doesn't pry.
Joss has his own issues, but he's made peace with his life and lives within the bounds he has set, happy to have a friend, and work, and a good horse, and the occasional blow-job from a tavern girl. Then he and Ox meet up with an old acquaintance from Ox's former life back east. And some of his comfortable assumptions get turned around. He wants to protect his friend. And yet, he's curious. Very curious.
It's a great story, with the power to transmute deep pain to the gold of joy, recognition and love. And Parhelion creates characters unique and interesting enough that each installment is different, and well worth the read.
In this one, Joss has worked with his big, silent partner Ox, for years, as ranch-hands or whatever work they could find. He knows there's more to Ox than meets the eye. He's heard enough to realize that Ox has been educated, raised out east, and surely not born to be a cowboy. But he doesn't pry.
Joss has his own issues, but he's made peace with his life and lives within the bounds he has set, happy to have a friend, and work, and a good horse, and the occasional blow-job from a tavern girl. Then he and Ox meet up with an old acquaintance from Ox's former life back east. And some of his comfortable assumptions get turned around. He wants to protect his friend. And yet, he's curious. Very curious.
September 7, 2011
I'm so happy I've found this little gem. Aside from, at times, almost poetical writing it had fully believable protagonists, a keen sense of its New Mexico, Old West setting and a wonderful, dry humor shining through every sentence. On the outside, not much happens in this story. Ox and Joss are hired by an Eastern gentleman, Mr. Parr, to convoy him on his trip from a backwater wildwest railstation town to a remote ranch for a parcel of "Giant Lizard Bones". Still, the world of cowboy Joss and his notions about his friend and work partner Ox are turned upside down, and nothing is as it was before after the trip. I closed this book with a smile, wishing Joss and Ox the best of luck.
April 12, 2022
Read as part of Cowboy Up Anthology.
November 7, 2014
This may be a novella, but it is a fully fleshed out tale of two cowboys back in 1896. The author really gives a feel of the period with many small touches and phrases that make it seem as if you really were there.
Early on Joss explains that his friend Ox has "the book-learning," but Ox doesn't talk much. Joss' interpretations of Ox's various grunts was amusing, but also showed their two-year acquaintance had moved to a strong friendship. I especially enjoyed an early line: "Although he might have been elected the speaker of the two, Joss liked to believe that he fronted a republic."
The Easterner who hires them as an escort to safely transport some fossils knows Ox from the past, and is a catalyst for a deeper relationship between Joss and Ox. The mens' feelings fit in with the times and the slow development made the ending even better.
This is the first Lucius Parhelion tale I've read, but it won't be my last.
Early on Joss explains that his friend Ox has "the book-learning," but Ox doesn't talk much. Joss' interpretations of Ox's various grunts was amusing, but also showed their two-year acquaintance had moved to a strong friendship. I especially enjoyed an early line: "Although he might have been elected the speaker of the two, Joss liked to believe that he fronted a republic."
The Easterner who hires them as an escort to safely transport some fossils knows Ox from the past, and is a catalyst for a deeper relationship between Joss and Ox. The mens' feelings fit in with the times and the slow development made the ending even better.
This is the first Lucius Parhelion tale I've read, but it won't be my last.
July 1, 2011
I love all of the Lucius Parhelion books I've read, and I'm always thrilled to find a new story.
Lucius's style of writing is distinct and different to (from?) any other books I've read. Each story is similar in style - the writing is concise, straight to the point, often leaving it up to the reader to work out the backstory as we go along.
The books are a joy to read. I'm always left wanting more!
Lucius's style of writing is distinct and different to (from?) any other books I've read. Each story is similar in style - the writing is concise, straight to the point, often leaving it up to the reader to work out the backstory as we go along.
The books are a joy to read. I'm always left wanting more!
July 29, 2016
A story with a lot of emotional layers. When I finished this short story first thing I thought was - it sounded like a relationship out of convenience. This was my first, fast impression but thinking about the story a bit more and getting through all the layers I discovered a great story and a great love story perfectly fit into the time this tell takes place. surely worth to reread.
November 23, 2024
2nd read:
So brilliant.
I really love this novella.
___________
Original review:
Wow!
Absolutely fantastic. The setting, the characters, the writing, the story, the emotion, the pace, the smut, it's just perfect!
So brilliant.
I really love this novella.
___________
Original review:
Wow!
Absolutely fantastic. The setting, the characters, the writing, the story, the emotion, the pace, the smut, it's just perfect!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews