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| In the Hands of the Enemy by meckinock | 7 Review(s) |
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| lindahoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/20/2005 |
| This was a great chapter.It was a stroke of genius to start from the baddies viewpoint and then switch to Aragorn's.How noble the man is to care so much about his horse ! THen you made me wince describing his pain and I dared hope he would somehow escape but it seems his brave fight was in vain. Sorry I have been so long getting to this but my own stories are demanding at present,but I am enjoying it and will read more. Author Reply: Thanks for reviewing. I know how hard it is, believe me! He'd better take care of that horse - it's Halbarad's! | |
| Orophins Dottir | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/12/2004 |
| Umm, do we sense a bit of a problem for our boy Aragorn here? I am very curious about this young one. He seems not so trustworthy and yet. . .Elf is confused *as usual say her fellow elves* and will keep her eyes open. Even when she sleeps. *Oh, you know about that. Worth a shot. Thought I could get points for elven dedication to duty.* Like your descriptive abilities: "High above them, at the edge of the bluff, the third member of their party sat huddled against a tree, a smallish mound of a human enveloped in a brown cloak, his arms wrapped around his knees. His position provided a perfect vantage point to observe the approach of the trail, but offered little protection from the incessant wind. Hours of watching and waiting in the cold rain had told on his thin frame. He pulled his cloak more tightly around him and leaned over the cliff face to peer down upon the cowled heads of his companions. They were arguing, though the sound of rushing water obscured all sounds of their voices. " Very nice indeed. Elf has a bone to pick with you. WE are not the only ones who name our weapons. Hast thou forgotten thy King Arthur and his sword "Excalibur"? So, there! Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/28/2003 |
| A number of things struck me in this chapter. The first was about the horse - I never thought of the care and risks one took in having a horse along. I had given thought to this on the Quest, as to why the nine set out on foot - but your explanation really brought home to me why those who needed to move with stealth did not bring beasts of burden. I had only considered the benefits prior to this. The second big thing that hit me (not as hard as whatever hit Strider though) was how he could be ambushed and I think his skills are shown to character in that he takes down both of those men. They really did not know who they were up against. But apparently the boy brings him down with a well thrown rock. From Tolkien's world, that is the strength of a hobbit or of small hands accomplishing by unexpected means a task that the strong may be bested at. It's also a bit like David and Goliath - except in that case David was the good guy. So, our dear, tired, cold, wet ranger is getting some rest. I don't think it is quite what he had hoped for! Author Reply: The horse-angst theme is a gratuitous indulgence of mine which evolved from a couple of different directions - First (from my personal experience) - any piece of property you are entrusted with is something you have to worry about breaking or losing - you have to weigh the benefits of having it with the headaches inherent in its safekeeping. Second, from my own interpretation of Aragorn's character, he worries much more about the safety and well-being of the people/creatures entrusted to his care than to his own well-being - and how the heck do you hide a 2,000 pound horse, anyway? As far as the ambush goes, it made me a bit uncomfortable also to allow him to be ambushed by a couple of common highwaymen, but I hope his exhaustion and distraction mitigate my compromise of his character! LOL about him finally getting some rest! | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/28/2003 |
| Such well done characters. Even though we only knew of the three outlaws for a few minutes, you were able to bring their personalities to life. Of course, I'd be grumbling, too, if I had to sit out in the cold rain for hours. You drew us a great picture. The boy is interesting. I look forward to finding out more about him.? He may have served his purpose, but he was probably the least likely to have brought down a ranger. That gives him a certain finesse. Aragorn's concerns about his horse were interesting. I suppose, having never been through the wilderness on a horse, I had not given any thought to care for an animal on such a trip. Very interesting. Since this horse is such a trooper, I hope he's not hurt by the fall. All this putting them down after a broken leg is bit too much for me. I understand why...I just don't have to like it. Get that horse up and give him a rubdown! Well...Aragorn,too. Looking forward to more. Karen Author Reply: I'm glad you found my ruffians interesting! I almost felt bad about killing them - they were just trying to get through the day like the rest of us! The boy does indeed have a lot of finesse, and he is far from through exerting it. Aragorn would not dare let anything happen to this horse -it's Halbarad's, after all (also see my comments to Nilmandra) Thanks for continuing to review - I am a really awful reviewer myself and I am in awe of those of you who are so good at it! | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/28/2003 |
| Oh no. So close and yet so far. I knew that boy would be trouble. I had never thought of the problems of caring for horses while in dangerous situations. This was very interesting. Author Reply: I'm so flattered at receving reviews so soon after posting this chapter! - I really hope that the story will continue to merit your interest. The boy is a LOT of trouble. See my comments to Nilmandra et al about the horse issue. Anything you have with you is something you have to worry about... | |
| bumper | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/28/2003 |
| hi there just wanted to tell you how much i like your story, have not read chapter 3 yet, just got it, but loved the first two chapters. It, is very good, as it is raining here and seems to have been for ages, i feel for Strider having to go back out in it. looking forward to this chapter and more Author Reply: Bumper, Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm so glad you like the story so far - my intention is for readers to find it fun - anything beyond that is gravy, as we say! There is something about bad weather that appeals to me - I am currently living in the Midwest where we have had nice weather all fall and it's a real impediment to my creative process! | |
| fliewatuet | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/28/2003 |
| Ouch, that must hae been a rather painful encounter with the rope, the rockface and the stone thrown from above. And poor Aragorn seems to have neither rested nor warm and dry. I do so not envy him in this situation. But at the beginning of the chapter I already feared that you villains would be so bored that they'd mess up the whole bussines. Though I can't say that I am really glad that they succeeded, but it sure added to the tension of that chapter. Author Reply: Do you think I'm laying it on too thick? That may be so - I thought it would take a lot to get Aragorn to the point where he would be vulnerable to the psychological manipulation to come... The villains are pretty typical, I think. Most bad guys are not that different from the rest of us, just waiting for Friday. Thanks for reviewing - I appreciate your insight! | |