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My Sword Trembles - Book Three - 'My Sword' Series  by Agape4Gondor 3 Review(s)
TariReviewed Chapter: 31 on 7/21/2008
And therein lies the problem. Saruman has been counseling Theoden far too long. Does he have such a spell over Rohan that even Eomund does not see the fork in his silver tongue? I’m thinking it’s just a spell of the moment.

I’m certainly glad someone beside Indis is thinking straight and can feel the evil filling the room. It's amazing how some can resist his sickly sweet voice and yet others are captivated by it. Faramir is in great danger from Saruman. The poor little one has been through so much already and now this. It’s so sad that he must be parted once again from Indis.

Tari



Author Reply: Ragnhild's and Eomund's response is exactly as the footnote states... they spoke to make themselves seem wiser... I think they will both be very angry with themselves once Saruman leaves the room!!!!

I'm telling you, Tari, I almost yelled at the Muse when she said Faramir had to go to Dol Amroth... but she's right - can't have him fall into the wizard's wicked hands!

EdlynReviewed Chapter: 31 on 7/21/2008
Brrrrrrr. This was absolutely chilling, meldenya. I recognised what had happened with Ragnild and Eomund immediately. Of course, Saruman wants Faramir to come with him to Isengard! It would be so easy to either kill him or even better turn the boy into his puppet so Saruman could rule Gondor. Knowing what kind of corrupt being Saruman has become I would be willing to say that getting Denethor's children into his clutches was his original intent all along. Boromir's untimely death was just an unexpected benefit since Faramir (as the younger child) would be considered much more malleable to his intent.

I wonder why it is that the Rohirrim seem more suseptible to Saruman's "gift"? Perhaps it is because as a culture they are traditionally more open and honest--I hate to say naive--in their dealings than the more sophisticated culture of Gondor (which has had more than its fair share of internal and external corruption over the ages). In any case, That Istar has a lot to answer for!

The tension in this chapter was well developed and Indis' sorrow and distress are so palpable I want to wrap my arms around her shoulders and offer her reassurances that things will eventually be well. But despite her distress (she only got Faramir back and now must send him away again) she knows what must be done and refuses to put aside her duty to the kingdom. She is a redoubtable woman and Gondor is lucky to have her as Regent.

And she is lucky to have you as her bard.

Eru bless,

Edlyn

Author Reply: Oh my, Edlyn.... I never thought that the wizard had plans for Boromir - but you are right! Maybe you should be writing this... you always seem to 'see' plainer than I do... I'm grateful you think this bard is worthy.........

I do think the descendants of Numenor were 'sharper' than most men... a gift, perhaps, from the Elves and/or the Valar? And the Rohirrim do seem to be a wee bit naive... I think the Gondorians (those of purer blood) would have found it easier to fight Saruman's 'voice.'

As for Indis... bless her heart - she is sorely pressed, to have just lost her beloved husband, her big brother, her best friend, and Morwen - all at the same time - and then - horror of horrors - to watch her own nephew die and to be assailed constantly since then.... I don't know how the woman does it... but her bard will stay with her to the bitter end.

Bless you too!!!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 31 on 7/20/2008
Ah, yes, that poisonous voice! Not a pleasant thing to face, particularly when one realizes it has friends under its sway.

Author Reply: I'm pretty sure the Gondorians were - not immune - but not as susceptible as the Rohirrim.... but I really have nothing to base that on except for Faramir's statement that Gondor is starting to 'fall' and become more like the Rohirrim... In TTT I think....

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