That last scene had me laughing so hard! Really great story - some parts intensely creepy and others adorable. Love the Caleb/Dean relationship. John was seriously scary in this one...considering using own child as bait for a psychopath?! wow.

"mean-spirited reviews (like calling my work contrite and unoriginal)"

First of all, anybody who calls your work "contrite" is to be ignored completely. Your work is NOT 'SORRY' (since that's what the word means) for anything it's ever done. Like, say, making me stay up all hours to find out how the thing ends, and being so freaking awesome that the lost sleep is worth it.

As for 'unoriginal', see Point A. You were the first author I put in my favorites and I do a happy dance every time I see your name on a story. The ONLY thing that keeps me from going to your bio and reading them straight through is that I would do exactly that, and I need my job. And some sleep. And to feed the cats (they whine).

Mean anon reviewers are big freaking cowards. And their mothers obviously dressed them funny, to make them so bitter.

Write more. Write faster. Write more faster.

Concrit content. "Chauffeur" was spelled wrong in "In the Company of Dragons." Also, it sounds odd to me that Joshua has a Mylar holster (I pictured a Happy Birthday balloon), but I may just be woefully ignorant.

M'dear, I'm envious of your writing skills, and envious of the time you have to commit and of your fellow writing buddies equally obsessed.
Your stories are utterly awesome, your characterizations excellent, and I adore the unique and well developed brotherhood characters you and your friends have created. I've just begun to read through your stories (maybe have read 15?) and have yet to expand into the rest of the Hunter's Tomb writers but it will be a sad day when I've caught up with everything you've written, as bad as the lull between seasons of the Boys. This is the first review I've posted, but so far this story is my favorite. I often read your stuff offline and forget to post reviews when I get back online. Be assured, I love most of what I have read!
I've one tiny nit that bothers me--purely an artistic thing. You love to use "rake" and while it's appropriate, sometimes I wish you'd use a simpler "ran his fingers through his hair." But that's merely a personal preference of mine. Please keep up the superb work. You are my SN fix inbetween shows!

Loved this story, and it's predecessor, In the Company of Dragons. Adore young Winchesters. The brotherhood is inspired.

Hey there! Prepare yourself for a LONG review for there are a lot of things I would like to say about your story and - before you start to worry - it's ALL good! :D

First of all, your whole idea about The Brotherhood and the Scholar, Knight and Protector are just AWESOME! I was checking out some Supernatural-fanfics since I, naturally, love Supernatural and Sam and Dean, and time and time again I found mentions of The Brotherhood, Ridley C. James and Caleb and I was just at a loss and kept thinking "Who the heck is Caleb!?" I mean, I've seen all the episodes of Supernatural and I couldn't remember ever hearing any mention of a Caleb. That's when I searched for it on google and came across The Hunter's Tomb website and everything became clear to me. And I loved it. I loved it so damn (excuse my language) much!

I started reading your stories, yours and Tidia's, and they're just great! I mean, they're better than great; they're brilliant! Needless to say, my new mission in life is to read all the Brotherhood stories you and Tidia have written, so that's probably what I'll be spending the rest of my summer holiday doing. And I promise to review each and every one of them so prepare yourself to be hearing from me a lot in the future. ;)

And now, on to On the Wings of a Phoenix. I've already read In the Company of Dragons (haven't reviewed that one yet but will) and was happy to see On the Wings of a Phoenix picking upp right where the prequel left off. It had lots of humour, suspense and a **-up, crazy son of a ** trying to mess with Deuce (love the nickname, btw). Yeah, like he'd get away with that! The ** got what was coming to him and Sam finally returned to where he belongs.

Again, excuse my language. Your story just had me so captivated and I found myself saying out loud (when Peter shot Caleb and grabbed Dean from the house) "You hurt him and I'll kill you myself." I assure you, I'm not delusional. I know it's just a story. But it's so amazingly written, I almost forget it's not for real. Let me tell you, it'll be a shock when the third season of Supernatural is aired and Caleb won't be in it. Going to miss him with the boys... :(

So... Just rambling here, aren't I? Sorry. :) Will end this by telling you: You are great, you write amazingly well and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Catch you later, okay? Take care!

I just realized that I never read this chapter! I love it though, awesome job! I love this story, and this chapter was adorable.

Okay, very silly on my part, it is now 4.20am but I wanted to finish this story. I love the vivid AU world you have created around these characters, and I am not usually a fan of anything other than cannon. Simply wonderful.

A great ending for a great story.
I have recently been introduced to The Brotherhood by way of a video made by Tara, and I am immensely enjoying reading this AU. From what I’ve read so far, the characters are rich and the thought that you put into them shows. I greatly enjoy the relationship that Caleb and Dean have, and how sweet and innocent Sammy is. I also must thank you and Tidia (you are the two main writers if I understand correctly) for setting up the website, ‘The Hunters Tomb’. I was happy to discover an order to the stories and am devouring them one by one. Keep up the excellent work and I will continue to read.

Oh my god, I was crackin' up at the last line. John all embarrassed, and Sammy... Oh, with the sex question. So adorable. Someone oughta tell him.

Oh my god! Mac was totally hilarious in this chapter! I've never seen him so... well, un-Mac-ish. Poor guy. And hey, what's the deal with Esme? Did Mac really have a thing for Josh's mom?

First - I feel your pain about anonymous comments that are not constructive criticism at all, rather mean jabs at your skill as a writer. I think it is cowardly because, as you said yourself, it leaves one feeling a bit helpless because you cannot defend yourself to that reviewer. Just know that you have hundreds of readers who love your work for every one that doesn't.

I would like to address this idea that you don't like Sam or portray him differently or as less likable in your stories because I think that's completely crazy! No offense to those that do feel this way, but I just don't see it.

Particularly in this story I have found Sam to be absolutely charming! I want to pull him into my arms and snuggle with him, clean up after his messy baths, and read him good-night stories. I think it's extremely obvious why everyone in the story feels such a loss when Connor takes Sammy away. As others have pointed out most of the character's lives revolve around their affection for Sam and their need to protect him.

I can't make anyone see my point of view, but I wanted to let you know that I think you are doing a fabulous job with all of the characters in The Brotherhood AU universe. Now-I need to find out what happens with this sick bastard who has accosted Dean! I'm on the edge of my seat.

oh...my god. once again I've been out of the fandom for a while, and this was a TERRIFIC welcome back. simply amazing. you always leave me speechless, now included...all I can do is repeat myself: this is amazing, your writing is UNBELIEVABLY amazing and incredibly inspiring.

and I have to add...I finally went to the Hunter's Tomb website and I LOVE that you used Victor Webster for Caleb. brings back Mutant X memories...hee. perfect choice.

as always, so so very very very much love.

Another wonderful story. Your writing style is enjoyable to read and makes it ease to picture the actions and emotions your stories convey. You provide great depth to your characters and those of the show. I love reading the details you add such as the dinner table conversations.

I love the Brotherhood universe that you have created, enjoying all the stories that you have posted and look forward to many more, especially To The Victor Goes The Spoils after that snapshot.

YAY for the happy ending!! I love the ending with all of them at the dinner table...and poor Sammy asking what Sex is!! HAHAHAHAHA

I can't wait to read you next story!

Wonderful ending to a completely amazing story. The final humourous scene was just perfect - beautifully tying back to chapter 1 of Dragons. This really was a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking tale. Loved Caleb's concern for surrogate little bro. Loved Joshua showing some genuine concern, but then he always manages to say something completely insensitive immediately after to ruin the effect - perfect!
It was also great to see Bobby rub connor's nose in it by pointing out how things would have turned out if he had taken Dean as well.

I am so looking forward to the next story, and to you picking up on the stuff revealed in Tidia's current fic. Also hope your other current Wip will soon be updated - but hey no pressure lol!!
Again thank you for hours of reading pleasure. I have now printed the whole thing out and intend to begin reading again from the beginning of Dragons.
Best wishes
Rhesa