Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Stirrings of Shadow  by Fiondil 3 Review(s)
Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 40 on 4/21/2008
I HATE when I miss these! I don't know how it happens... and this is one of my favoritests!

I smiled when Thengel reminded Aragorn that he was still in the king's service.. and Aragorn's little bow.

I was very glad that Ragnawulf told the king about his relative and the traitors. Very important - shows truly humility AND loyalty - both much needed in this hideous time.

Speaking of humility, along with dignity, I love Thengel's!!! In the scene where he finds the child and weeps - broke my heart!

I was truly afraid of the sight at the gate - I knew it would be unimaginable and horrid. And when Thengel says 'would have burst into flames' - oh my! The suffering - too terrible to think or endure. I'm sure there is not a man in his company who would look down upon those who had to go away for a moment and 'let go' of their suppers and their grief.

And don't the traitors know - YOU BURN ORCS NOT HUMANS!

So many dead that they had to make four pyres!

Bless them all!!! That they would be 'fighting over' who has the honor to stand watch.

Thengel - again - shows himself a mighty king. How hard it must have been for his people to see him slowly fail in later years!!!

*goes away to weep quietly*

Author Reply: Well, at least you found it in good time, Agape. *grin*

Thengel truly shines in this little chapter and shows how much the king he truly is, more so than his father ever was. According to Appendix A, Thengel died at the age of 75 and all it says is that he proved to be a good and wise king, nothing about failing in his later years. I suspect he was as vigorous at 75 as he was at 53, which is how old he is in this story.

This was not an easy chapter to write. In fact, for obvious reasons, it was much harder to write than the previous chapter and I kept the details to the absolute minimum. Unfortunately, war is never pretty and the innocents are always the first casualties.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 40 on 4/18/2008
Their ancestors did not follow Elros to Numenor, but did help fight against Morgoth. It was not for nothing the Mearas blessed them with their presence, I suspect.

Author Reply: I suspect you are right about that, Larner. The Rohirrim are indeed worthy and Thengel is the worthiest of them all.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 40 on 4/18/2008
Thengel is a truly great king here.Grim but compelling reading.

Author Reply: Thengel shows what a truly great king he is here in spite of the grimness of the situation. He truly shines.

Return to Chapter List