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| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 13 Review(s) |
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| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 2/23/2006 |
| Still very enjoyable. I wish I had more time to read. I am so far behind and this is really a wonderful story. I am going to read another chapter before heading off to bed for the night. Can't leave it here! Author Reply: So glad you appreciate the King's justice, Grey Wonderer. Sleep well. | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/25/2005 |
| Oh, that was satisfying. I loved Aragorn mentioning Thorongil as if he wasn't himself. I almost pity the Umbari. Almost, but really not. ~TF Author Reply: Yes, that is fun that Aragorn isn't yet sharing he WAS Thorongil. And the Umbarians aren't terrifically sympathetic people, I fear. Too long allied with Sauron, or so I suspect. Thanks so much for the review. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/24/2005 |
| Wasnoir finally gets his audience with the king, By now I bet he wishs he never came. But the king did give him the information he was looking for, about what happen in the war, and about his ships. Now on to what happens with Angrapain. Author Reply: Yes, Wasnior finds out the information he'd wished for, but not necessarily in the manner in which he'd expected to get it. And they won't get their ships back. He'll soon have more reason to be glad to be leaving Gondor, I think. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/23/2005 |
| This chapter was such fun! I truly enjoyed the way Aragorn dealt with the Umbarians and spies! He made it very clear he knew the excuses for what they were concerning the reasons for the Umbarians to visit Gondor. Aragorn’s way to hear the witnesses separetely to prove the truth was skillful for they couldn’t doubt the evidence, couldn’t they? Not to mention the long list of crimes of their own people he gave them. Aragorn can be quite intimidating, and I wouldn’t be in the place of the spies and Umbarians! One can’t argue with Aragorn in this situation, even less if one knows so well he has every reason to be angry. The interrogation of the spies was equally interesting and well done, and I thought their punishment very appropriate. Aragorn made it quite clear he will not tolerate their betrayal, but most of them have the chance to redeem themselves and start a new life after the end of their punishment. He proved to be very just. As for your last reply: I am very sorry to hear you’ve stomach problems, too, and can only hope it is not as bad as Frodo’s and you’re getting better. If I could, I would send Aragorn to you to help you, but sadly that is not possible. And you’re right about the other reviews – it is entertaining and often interesting to read them all. I do it as often as I have the time and I’m sometimes amazed how many different parts of a chapter others note and comment about. It is sometimes a quite complex look at a story, particularly together with the replys of the authors. I’ve learned a lot this way – not only about the stories and the ideas of the authors, but about Tolkien and earlier customs and so on, too. That’s one of the reasons I love the SoA review/reply system so much! Author Reply: Aragorn is clearing out the backlog in the prison, putting folk on notice that denouncing neighbors just cuz isn't going to be tolerated, and is displaying his ability to get to the bottom of the matter with each one. Those attending are realizing this one has public trials, will get information from as many as possible, and metes out appropriate justice, with indeed the possibility of redemption in the end. And I agree about him being intimidating. He's been readying for this job for a long time, and is letting all see he can and will flex his mental as well as his physical muscle. Yes, have known stomach problems for years, but it's little enough in light of what others know. Appreciate the thought, believe me. And glad you, too, find the interchange between readers and authors here enjoyable and educational. I've learned a good deal, I know. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/23/2005 |
| Wasnior is nothing if not... gutsy or bold or else just plain stupid to stand there and ask to get his fleet back after Umbar was attacking Gondor! How anyone would have the nerve to do that is beyond me, but then I guess I don't have a mind like that. :) And trying to get by with saying they had come to give Aragorn their congratulations was funny too, dishonesty never pays off and then to have to stand there and be humilated. Lord Marcipor is not going to be real happy with him, but then he does end up sticking around later, so I guess he doesn't get real upset. I was glad to see Aragorn's justice for the spies. Of course, I knew he would be, but I felt so sorry for some of those people - the woman and the bookseller. I know you always have a choice, but it's sometimes so desperately hard to do the right thing when you are in the middle of a situation like that and I know that Aragorn can see through to their hearts and know the truth about them. Can't wait to see what happens to Angrapain! Happy Thanksgiving! Author Reply: Wasnior has been charged in part to find out what happened to their fleet and to try to regain at least some ships from it if possible. He has little enough to lose by not trying to demand the return of it, save his dignity. Trying to brazen the situation out when his country has done NONE of the actions usually taken when looking at a change in regime was stupid, but also, I suppose understandable; telling the truth at the end was, in the face of the King Elessar's knowledge of the nature of those of Umbar and his ability to read the hearts of those before him, both desperate and wise; and only such an action, I think, would motivate Aragorn to accept him in the end as a recurring envoy from Umbar. And I think Marcipor will be wise enough to accept this after the disastrous embassy he sends a few years later while Ruvemir son of Mardil is recovering from pneumonia in the Houses of Healing. As for those recruited as spies--I truly think Aragorn would take each on a case by case basis, realizing when coersion more than inner pride or hope for gain would be active, giving each a sentence of servitude and a chance to live a new life elsewhere where the shame of their actions in the past would be least likely to come back to haunt him or her save for those who were motivated solely by greed for money and/or power. The servant from Anorien, who was betraying his rightful lord and people, would be the one to earn a death sentence. And I don't think he'd take well to those who would denounce neighbors out of either spite, desire for gain or revenge, or as a result of overactive imaginations. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/23/2005 |
| Aragorn is just too clever for those who think they can outwit him ,they are in for a nasty surprise !Whoever would have thought there were so many spies in Gondor ?I will be very interested to see the punishment of the ringleaders. Author Reply: I would think each enemy nation would try to have spies present in Gondor, and probably a fair number of them in or near the capitol, Dol Amroth, and Osgiliath as well as the border with Rohan. It pays to try to keep abreast of what the opposition is doing, after all. That a number would be recruited from within the populace of Gondor while others would be outsiders brought in for the purpose seemed logical. Some would be wanted to watch policy and legislation and perhaps to help shape it; others to watch troop movements; still others to watch various lords seen as important or possibly corruptible. Those found by Denethor and now by Aragorn's own efforts are probably just the tip of the iceberg. But Aragorn has been taught by the best to question effectively, and in common with his new Steward easily sees to the heart of those facing him. It is part of what ends up making this pair so effective in their joint rule of Gondor, I think. | |
| Tigger | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/22/2005 |
| Things are about to get much worse for Wasnior and the Umbarian party. Great take on the early days of Aragorn's reign and how his mercy would go a long way towards showing the nobles of Gondor this would be a much different rule than that of Denethor's. Loved how he stripped Wasnior's defences one by one. And now it's Angrapain's turn in front of Aragorn. This isn't going to be good for him or for the rest of them from Umbar. Looking forward to the next chapter!! Author Reply: You are righte--the embassy from Umbar isn't going well for them, and is about to get worse. And they are going to then have to carry home Aragorn's proposed treaty to present to Marcipor and his Council, although that may be easier than having your pretences stripped away before those gathered in the Hall of Kings. Hope you appreciate the judgment meted out to those from Umbar who have flouted the rules and conventions. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/22/2005 |
| Larner! Is that supposed to be a cliff-hanger? Well, it is, or pretty near anyway. You are so good at matters of the royal court and judgement, and all business concerning politics! I wish I was. Frodo so obviously needs some kind of help. I can't quite put my finger on it...reassurance? But what reassurance can restore his sense of worth? I don't believe in too much self-esteem to the point of arrogance, but this is not good for his body or mind. He needs physical rest as well, and then a day away from it all...Oh! Maybe that's what I'll do now, give it to them. I can't wait to see Angrapain's trial! Namarie, and God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Yes, Frodo needs physical rest, and has actually had quite some time for it; but he also feels, for his own feelings of well-being, to appear competent and capable--a hard thing to do when you're feeling ill a good part of the time. And the physical weakness works against the self-esteem issue. Angrapain's trial is coming up next. Didn't want to put too much all into just one chapter. This one is one of the longer ones for this particular story. | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/22/2005 |
| Indeed through the grace of God was the Quest accomplished. Thank you for mentioning that. I ache for Frodo, poor, dear hobbit... Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: All ache for Frodo equally, including, I think, the Creator Himself. Glad you appreciate the acknowledgment. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/22/2005 |
| First, mea culpa! Caught red handed. So, just what is the penalty for gulping my reading ration yet again? I promise that I do come back and read more slowly and carefully but I don't review a chapter twice, (well not often anyway). *sheepish grin* And there I was thinking that I had caught clever Larner out! I ought to have known better. It is just that I get so excited by what I am reading and want to give you my first impressions before I get all shy about putting stuff 'out there' for other people to read. Truth be told I am rather glad that I can throw myself on your mercy rather than face the King's justice when he is in such a stern mood! Just and fair but not too many smiles in this chapter and even fewer, I fear, when Angrapain appears. A great King through all this though. Another question if I may? And please shoot me down in flames if I have missed something obvious. I know that we are near the beginning of Aragorn's reign but is the King going to have to hear and try every case or misdeamenor, big and small, in the realms? If so it is going to keep him pretty busy unless human nature is very law-abiding in Gondor. Am I right in thinking that the Stewards will be kept busy judging lesser crimes and petitions but with everyone having recourse to 'the King's justice'? Did Tolkien say anything on this? Or perhaps you and Lindelea, (and maybe others too,) could collaborate on the justice systems of ME!!?! See what I mean when I say you get my first reactions? If I were to re-read the above I would delete at least half of it as nonsense! And oh Frodo. Low self esteem can be very hard to live with even when you love the person very dearly indeed. It is so awful to feel so helpless in the face of, seeming, illogic. Much worse for the person going through the suffering I know and seeing the suffering you cause others when you can't put on a 'happy face' just adds to the burden you carry. Another vicious circle. Author Reply: First, the justice system; I would think most cases would be heard by the local lords first, and that the appeals would wind their way to the King's court. For matters of national security and the doings of guests to the realm and those who serve in the Citadel itself, as well as matters involving particularly higher lords of the realm, I believe the King's court would be where such matters would be heard. Does this seem reasonable? I had to go back and reread the chapter myself to make certain I had indeed shown them smoking on the balcony; I didn't think Aragorn, concerned as I've said he was for the lungs of Frodo, Sam, and Pippin, would smoke in a closed room where they will be in a few hours' time. And Frodo doesn't like the idea of being a burden himself, isn't accustomed to being dependent instead of the competent one all others have been used to consulting and looking to, and is frustrated by having everyone concerned about him. Plus, having been private in nature much of his life, and particularly since coming to Bag End, Frodo's not going to like having his physical and emotional health the major topic of conversation for the entire dual realm of Gondor and Arnor, and is going to do his best to try to make himself appear healthy as soon as he can. But, speaking from experience, watching someone who's always been highly competent and independent lose health and independence and feelings of self-worth is devastating. This isn't much easier on those who love Frodo than it is for Frodo himself. | |