David has done it again. Chapter 27 of "The Tribes" is even better than what has gone before. He sucks us into his story - we can see it, hear it, smell it, taste it. His ability to characterize "good" and "evil" is better than almost any writer I have read.

The Leader, Gull, and their minions demonstrate evil as something that is inside the individual and that lashes out at those around. Individuals may cooperate when it is in their best interests to do so. But, they may betray and attack each other just as easily. Evil may infect others, but it need not. Some are immune to its pull. Gull, even more than The Leader, has the power to infect others. As in many of the real new religions, an early follower eventually becomes the REAL power within the faith, stage-managing and interpreting the founder for the followers.

Good is portrayed as a concatenation of small acts of love and caring. It slowly and gradually builds into an ediface that, hopefully, can withstand the onslaught of evil. Good is a social construct in which each of us needs to play our part. Each act of caring, no matter how small, helps good to prevail.

I am especially pleased with the development of the character "Keith" in the story. David really has captured the essence of our very own Keith. I can see and hear him clearly in every sentence where he appears. I could easily visualize the initial encounter and subsequent development of the relationship between Keith and Jordy in Chapter 27. I expect it will become closer as Keith becomes Jordy's protector. I have helped the real Keith on a project to aid a child trapped in the social welfare system. I can attest that I would far rather be standing between a grizzly sow and her cubs than to ever step between Keith and one of his kids.

Now, if only David can find a real life "Sasha" for our Keith....