Thanks for the review, Perp, and the mention, Hex. With the difficulties I had writing a story this month, that has exceeded my expectations.
There are many months when people say the standard has risen and risen, but I think it's particularly true this month. There were many excellent stories I had to leave off even my HM list. Particularly good were (* denotes shortlist)...
reiver33*
HareBrain*
Hex
Mith
odangutan
hopewrites
Aun Doorback
Culhwch
TDZ
Bob S Sr*
Perpetual Man
Teresa Edgerton
mosaix*
Despite the temptation to find out out just what sort of challenge reiver33 would set, I plumped for HareBrain by the width of a rivet on a toy ironclad.
(and kudos on the exceedingly clever title, which I only copped on to at the third read)