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The Eagle on the Ramparts by Canafinwe	8 Review(s)
obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2015
That will be an interesting outing. Denethor has something in mind and I think Minardil is not too far off the mark that it looks like they are set up to fail. But if I remember right the extra flour on the first outing was added just so Denethor could get Jamon to bear the tent. But Thorongil is also right, a little extra precaution is never amiss.

Sneha	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/19/2015
Minardil is lovely! He is beginning to understand Thorongil's worth. Denethor comes off as very capable but always suspicious (I had to laugh when he was even suspicious of Jamon's betrothed!). But I have to applaud how consistent you are with the characterization, Aragorn still slips up now and then but he will learn. But my favorite line had to be "He could not imagine… he dared not imagine". There is such a wealth of painful longing in those words, of hoping despite all odds. In this you truly write like Tolkien. He wove her in so skillfully throughout the book that you always knew of Aragorn's devotion in very short but meaningful phrases! As always I look forward to your next chapter, interesting to see if Thorongil indeed fails! Author Reply: Thank you so much, as always! "Capable but suspicious" sums Denethor's character up quite well. As for younger Aragorn, those slips are a great deal of fun to write! He has a long way yet to go. I always loved the simple but telling allusions to Arwen that Tolkien gave us. What was a side effect of the way the story came together becomes such a beautiful, wistful portrayal of a love and a hope borne so patiently against all odds for long, weary years.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/18/2015
Oh, but Thorongil has led eoreds in Rohan and has learned to appreciate what goods may be needed by patrols and companies from his foster brothers and his grandfather's Men. He has a quick eye and a mind to match; and it will do Minardil well to quietly heed his advice as he has. Most interesting to see Denethor at work, indeed seeing if he can set Thorongil, at least, up to fail. And Thorongil would appreciate Echtelion's reasons for approving of Jamon's courtship of a daughter of the City. Author Reply: Why, yes! Yes, he has... I do wish Thorongil knew of Ecthelion's feelings on Jamon's proposed marriage. Denethor's opinion does not cast Gondor in a particularly favourable light.

Camp.6311	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/18/2015
"It will not feed two hundred long, but it will provide us some small buffer." Minardil's company numbers 100. Thorongil is concerned not only for his company, but for the other one as well. He is thinking of the whole, and not just about the advantage extra food could bring to his company. It speaks much of his character as well as for his experience in managing multiple units and companies of men. Author Reply: Very astute of you to notice! Indeed: Thorongil is keeping in mind that, war games aside, they are all united in purpose. His foresight and experience truly should benefit everyone.

DoggieGirl	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/18/2015
Interesting perspectives of Thorongil. One who trusts him and one who doesn't. Thorongil shows again why men love him. He takes his free time and spends it helping them and relieving their burdens when he can. And of course he helps out Jamon who Thorongil has learned was unfairly treated. I think Thorongil and Jamon have the beginning of a friendship here. If only Jamon could know that he had the approval of the "king" himself to make up for the fact of his so obvious disapproval in the Stewards heir's eyes. It was such a small detail, but the line about how Thorongil noticed how eager, thankful and happy Jamon's beloved was at the prospect of their upcoming marriage was a sad little reminder of Thorongil's own unfulfilled dreams about his beloved. At this point he couldn't even dare to imagine Arwen would ever being so happy, joyful, thankful at the prospect of marrying him. The thought is too painful for Aragorn to consider. I wonder why sneaky Denethor purposefully left the extra supplies. surely it would not have been something that a detail maniac such as Denethor would forget. Unfortunately for Thorongil's company, they are now pared with one of the citadel's finest companies just because of Denethor's concerns over Thorongil. As Minardil observes, it has all markings of a set up to fail. But Thorongil is just as smart as Denethor and is more than able to out whit him on a moch battle field as leader. But since he isn't a leader yet it will be interesting to see how Thorongil overcomes these obstacles. Minardil already respects him and almost views him as an equal with skill and knowledge not easily ignored despite being a lowly soldier. It will also be interesting to see if Thorongil's efforts with the men at practice fighting will have elevated them just little more to being able to take on a citadel guard's company. Their is definitely something underfoot and Denethor has plan to be sure. I know it sounds greedy, but please update soon. After this last chapter I am burning with curiosity to see what will unfold. Author Reply: Thank you, as always, for the lovely and detailed feedback. It would be lovely (and ironic!) if Jamon knew the truth, wouldn't it? I am so very, very glad that you picked up on and appreciated that little line about Thorongil's (apparently) unrequited love. It's such a painful thing. I do have to apologise for the longer wait this time: difficult week!

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/18/2015
Thorongil had a way of drawing out a man's best in a match There are few compliments higher than someone bringing out the best in those around him. Author Reply: Very true! Thank you as always.

Matt	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/18/2015
Nice chapter. Less-difficult! Denothor works well, even if he is being a bit of a racist. The scenes between Thorongil and his captain work very well, particularly the preparation via carrying a little extra food. Thanks for your hard work on this, looking forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: Thank you! I'm glad that Denethor's withdrawal from his knee-jerk aggression works well. As for the racism, well, at least it's canonical! It's great to know the Thorongil/Minardil scenes work. Cheers!

someone	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/18/2015
What I like most about this chapter is that it was almost completely from Denethor and Minardil's point of view. It is interesting what the new recruit looks like in the eyes of a lord and a common captain, and the differences between those views. Denethor catches subtler things, such as the way Thorongil looks at people and the way he moves. Minardil, on the other hand, doesn't see much below the surface, but he notices the way Thorongil interacts with people and most likely knows Thorongil's personality better. And yes, Thorongil definitely knows his place. The problem is that no one else in the whole Gondor knows. I like Minardil more and more. His analysis of the duel was interesting, and explains how it is possible to be happy after losing the fight. He should be able to face the Second Company, especially with the help of an undercover undermarshal/captain. Author Reply: I'm so glad the contrast of the points of view worked well! You've summed up the difference nicely, too. Denethor's thought about Thorongil knowing his place would doubtless amuse the good Guardsman to no end. How fantastic to know you like Minardil! Thank you.

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