News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 15 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Inkling | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 3/30/2007 |
| A nice chapter! I especially liked this phrase: suddenly Madog went still with memory Every prison should have a Warden like Madog. I suspect that Angrapain would not have fared as well if imprisoned in his own land. Author Reply: Oh, I agree about there being a need for Madog in more prisons, one reason I truly like "The Green Mile," for the idea that both warden and guards in that prison were truly humane individuals. I suspect in his own land, had a sufficiently powerful individual find himself or a family member being importuned by Angrapain the fool would have died most inventively. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 1/15/2006 |
| I love the warden. I enjoyed the pride he took in his job and his efforts to be fair. His words about some of his charges being innocent were refreshing. So many in his position are written as harden by it all but I like this much better. Author Reply: Oh, how did I miss this, GW? And am so very glad you appreciate Madog. This is how warders ought to be, after all--not hardened creeps with no humanity left, or those simply out to impose their own power just because they can. Thanks for the note. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 11/21/2005 |
| I loved seeing a peek inside the prison and meeting the warden. I suppose it was partially because of your other stories it made it extra interesting to me. I hadn't thought about the fact that many of the men in the south would still be alive because they have Dunedain blood and so would, of course, remember Aragorn from when he was there before. Sometimes I just forget about the really obvious things... it just had never struck me before for some reason, I just sort of thought that the ones that were alive and remembered him had been really young at the time and now were very old. But these men are still actively serving Gondor because they are Dunedain and live longer than most men - so I'm glad that you had Aragorn mention it! :) It was sad to see that Denethor had been so influenced by the Palantir that it had even affected the way he treated his prisoners and justice, though I suppose it shouldn't surprise me. It would have affected everything in his life. But Madog will be pleased that Aragorn is nothing like Denethor and that true justice will prevail - even if his methods seem different at times. Like speaking other languages in front of prisoners or Aragorn being Stider, etc. :) Nicely done! Author Reply: I doubt the Southern Dunedain would have approached 170, but suspect they'd easily pass 100, and so would serve longer than average Men, so I tried to incorporate that into the story. Yes, we do tend at times to forget some obvious facts, and am glad my awareness of some have pleased others as those I've seen in some stories have pleased me. The deterioration of Denethor's integrity had probably been going on for a time as he became more fearful for the safety of his land, although he hadn't yet lost it completely. But I believe that for service in the prisons those who held the greater integrity of the followers of Elendil would have been preferred traditionally as officers, and here would have come to the fore. And Aragorn would use any honorable tool at hand, I think, to keep those who were potentially enemies from learning much of the details of the realm as well as to keep them off balance so that they will be more likely to answer when he at last questions them. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 11/20/2005 |
| Denethor's last years - not good. I know he was under a lot of pressure, but it does sound as if he had lost the principles of his youth. Still, Madog can rest assured - Aragorn is both fair and honest. And, where possible, merciful. Not that Agrapain is terribly worthy of mercy - but then his compatriots are likely to see to that. And another person recognises Thorongil. Before long, a surprisingly large number of people will have caught on. Author Reply: I suspect Denethor's integrity had been eroded away in the last few years before outright war, and tried to use this as a proper comparison to the new regime. It will be a time before Umbar will have a crack at Angrapain, I think you will soon note. Aragorn will see justice served in his own fashion, which will serve to make Angrapain a proper example for what he has done and attempted. I think that there would be gradual recognition of Aragorn by many over the first few years of his office, and it's fun to examine how this would happen. And I myself love the idea of Aragorn swearing each to secrecy. It would add to the fun, I think. And, after all, I have Ruvemir figuring it out almost five years later in The King's Commission and then keeping his own score. Thanks so much for the feedback. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 11/20/2005 |
| What a great look at what the prison is like, I like Madog the warden of the place. Wonder where he first met Captain Thorongil. Angrapain seems to have gotten himself into a lot of trouble, both with the king, and with his own people. I love it when Aragorn can tell when someone is not telling him the truth. Author Reply: I suspect that on occasion the Lord Captain Thorongil was called upon to escort prisoners to the prison of the Citadel, and that the two of them met then, or perhaps at a party somewhere in the city. And glad you like the glimpse we get of the place and its ways. As for Angrapain--he blew it rather badly this time. Gandalf had warned Pippin it wasn't wise to try to lie to Denethor--how much more true, then, would this be of Aragorn? Glad you appreciate that. | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 11/20/2005 |
| Well, good. I think the fair but solemn treatment the Umbari is getting is more stressful to him that being treated badly. He's in the hands of justce now and I'm sure that's ominous to him, quite apart from the fact that he's screwed it up for his delegation. Good. ~TF Author Reply: Oh, yes, Angrapain has blown it royally, and the Umbaris--those that aren't caught in other things--are being expelled. First, however, they will get their audience and see justice ordered for those who have broken the laws of Gondor. They are going to be lucky to get away at all, I think they'll decide. Glad you appreciate that the treatment is fair and solemn, and undoubtedly in great contrast to what he'd have been likely to endure at home. Thanks for the comments. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 11/20/2005 |
| Well, someone will visit true and honest justice on him as long as he stays safe in the prison until he gets to the hall of judgement. I am beginning to hope that he sees the light and repents properly - however that will not prevent proper consequences and penace being imposed upon him. As for arbitary orders I can't imagine Aragorn giving a single one of them in his adult life. Rather trained out of him by his esteemed elven brothers I suspect. I mean, he can't even get away with getting his sword back after a less than correct statement of intent! :) Oh and I loved the recognition scene. How many is that now? I am beginning to lose count. It must have been both saddening and reassuring for the Warder to hear about Boromir. Interesting too, to see how Denethor had begun to corrupt the prison and justice system. Glad to see that Aragorn doesn't have as much reform to do here as in other places, e.g. the Council Chamber! Author Reply: Angrapain--repent? He'll admit what he's done only because he's been caught; but repent? I doubt he understands the concept as yet. His trial will be thorough and his sentence just, if partially harsh. Aragorn is just and full of integrity, but also capable of being quite devious. Glad you enjoyed the interchange over the sword. Haven't kept track of the recognition scenes, but suspect they'll go on for some years yet (but you already know that, having read The King's Commission and Lesser Ring--heh!) And I agree--Aragorn has less cleanup to do in the prison than he does elsewhere. So glad you approve so far! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 11/20/2005 |
| Uh oh. I don't like what Madog knows about the last time of the rule of Denethor! Prisoners executed without proper reason? That's a shame for Gondor. I'm upset! I can understand Madog's doubts about the visit of the King, but it didn't last long. Anyone who knew Thorongil will trust Aragorn ;-) You did a wonderful job with this part, his doubts in the beginning, the gradual relief and in the end the recognition and the bravery to ask his King if he is the son of Thorongil! Once again Aragorn's question method has proven very useful, hasn't it? I can't wait to know a bit more about what Angrapain has revealed! Author Reply: Madog is reassured that justice will again be the rule of the day with those kept in the prison of the Citadel, and I'm glad such as he has gained its governorship. And that he'd recognize Thorongil in the King would come, I think. Glad you approve. As for what Angrapain has revealed, that will shortly be made obvious. Thanks for the comments. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 11/19/2005 |
| I am not surprised Denethor became increasingly erratic with who he arrested.I enjoyed seeing Aragorn's approach and the scene with the Guard. Many thanks for your much appreciated review.We both like to link all our stories together ! Author Reply: No, I'm not surprised, either. Times of war and impending war tend to increase feeling of paranoia, after all. And am so glad you like the interactions within the prison. It's fun to make our worlds hang together, isn't it? Lindelea and Baylor taught me how. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 32 on 11/19/2005 |
| I'm very anxious to see this trial. I'm surprised at my ability to pity this most offensive individual, now that the initial anger has died down. What is to become of him? God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Angrapain's fate will be both merciful and extraordinarily painful, both physically and emotionally, but I HOPE very appropriate for him. Trial will come in another couple days--don't have time to post now--Sundays are my short days at home with my weird schedule. | |