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Stirrings of Shadow  by Fiondil 5 Review(s)
Shoshana_RoseReviewed Chapter: 68 on 4/30/2009
By a funny coicidence, I'm currently doing research and writing about the pollution/impurity of lands (causes, means of purgation, and type(s) of pollution envisiaged in different texts from Ancient West Asia). After reading your description of the elaborate procedure of removing the cremated remains from the lands of Rohan, I wanted to run for my notepad, before remembering this is fiction. :) It still gives me a sense for how ubiquitous some of these beliefs are. Very interesting.

I thought this was a very interesting couple of chapters. I'm a little disturbed that Léodward has been playing with the children--I believe if I were Thengel I'd think twice about that. That he's mentally damaged would make me wary of him all the more, if he should ever prove unstable...

I thought for the most part that Thengel showed remarkable restraint and mercy, given all he'd personally lost. As I've said before, I really like your characterization of the King of Rohan. It's also quite nice how you're bringing all the plot threads together. Can't wait to read on.

Best,
Shoshi

Author Reply: Hi Shoshi. That's really interesting about your studies. And I can see you trying to sneak in the purgation practices of the Rohirrim into your paper. *lol*

You needn't worry too much about Léodward as he is under constant guard. Thengel's no fool, but at the moment the poor man is content to play and not cause trouble.

I'm glad you like my characterization of Thengel. He is an interesting person -- a Rohir who's lived the better part of his adult life in Gondor and has adopted their ways and worldviews so that he's more a stranger to his own people than they would like, yet he is capable and able to act the king the Rohirrim need, especially after Fengel.

This story (unfortunately) will be wrapping up soon and hopefully I will have tied up most of the loose plot threads by then, leaving one or two loose because we know what eventually happens when Théoden becomes king. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Shoshi. I really appreciate it.

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 68 on 4/28/2009
Excellent chapter. Though I hope Thengel put a guard on the bodies! Dead or not, I don't trust them! : )


Author Reply: Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you liked the chapter. I'm sure a guard was put on the bodies just as a precaution and to keep irate citizens from taking their revenge on the bodies by desecrating them.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 68 on 4/28/2009
It would appear that the elements themselves have little love for the Umbari necromancer! A terrible realization, that Sauron himself is part of the plot, if only to strengthen his network of perversion and hatred and distrust, working for the day when at last all falls to naught and under his control.

At least these two will not again trouble the world, save in memory.

Now, to clear up the final loose ends at Helm's Deep.

Author Reply: Yes, apparently Lord Manwë had a thing or two to say about it all, according to my beta. *grin* At least we know that Sauron (and Saruman) didn't succeed, though they came perilously close to it.

The next chapter will (hopefully) tie up most, if not all, the loose ends.

6336Reviewed Chapter: 68 on 4/28/2009
And the trials go ever on!
More please,
Lynda

Author Reply: Not entirely, though it probably feels like it to Thengel. *grin*

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 68 on 4/28/2009
I hope the rank-and-file Haradrim soldiers are happy that they will not be sent home – spending the rest of their lives rebuilding what was destroyed would be preferable to being sacrificed to Sauron. And it is not likely that Thengel will permit them to be abused, after all.

Guthláf and the necromancer are to be executed – as expected. And their bodies burnt – is that as a precaution, perhaps?

I was almost surprised at Thengel’s surprise at the crowds. I would expect that the people of Edoras wanted to know that the Necromancer and the worst of the traintors were properly dealt with. I do not think they are disappointed. And that necromancer will get that little chat with Námo… *grim smile*



Author Reply: Actually, I think if you go back and re-read the first part of the chapter, it says nothing about Thengel being surprised at the crowds, but rather that Gilhael didn't think there would be any considering the inclement weather. You notice that Thengel neither moves the trial inside Meduseld nor postpones it for a better day the way Denethor (and presumably Gilhael) was hoping.

The bodies being burnt is a precaution. Thengel doesn't want their evil polluting his lands.

At any rate, both Guthláf and the Umbari get that little chat with Námo, though I doubt either one of them will enjoy it. *grin*

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