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The Farmer's Son  by Lindelea 4 Review(s)
EverlightReviewed Chapter: 24 on 3/8/2014
Hmmm...he's getting closer. It seems others around him are seeing the picture a bit more clearly than he is. I'm not sure which is or will be worse for him, sensing the danger without a clear picture or a clear picture with his son in the middle of it all. Glad I'm not in his position.

Author Reply: I think it's easier for him to discount danger to himself -- thus others see the danger to him more clearly than he does himself. He's more likely to respond to what he perceives as danger to the land and people he's appointed to guard, or watch over.

Very perceptive. Thanks!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 24 on 3/4/2014
Good and evil are too often at odds, and so he, the Thain, is warned. And too bad Frodo won't be at Crickhollow either to accept his letter or to reply! At least the others are aware that he needs someone close at hand both to relay orders and to see to his protection. They sense that the authority of the Thain will be needed to help protect all who can be protected.

Author Reply: Yes, the hobbits surrounding him seem to have been alerted to the danger that he only dreamed about, and are determined to protect him. It seems as if Someone might be watching over him...

Thanks.

Garnet TookReviewed Chapter: 24 on 3/3/2014
I'm feeling so nervous for poor Paladin and his trying to figure out the real picture here, not to mention what's going to happen when he here's that Pippin has disappeared and is presumed to be dead. Then there's the matter of what happens when he hear about the black riders. Of course, I'm thinking that's what's gotten to Ferdi and...oh crud, I can't think of the other one's name. Anyway, really looking forward to the next chapter.

Author Reply: So nice to hear from you! I know what you mean about him hearing about Pippin -- it's the kind of thing that takes the heart right out of a person. But JRRT himself said something about "deep in the heart of a hobbit is a core of courage" or something to that effect. I can't remember where that quote might be...

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 24 on 3/3/2014
Still a few pieces shy of the full picture. But it's not going to be a very pretty picture when he finally gets it.

Author Reply: No, you're right. *sigh*

Sheesh, I want to skip over the next few days and be at the 30th, just so the final pieces can fall into place, at least, enough of the puzzle that Paladin can see his way more clearly and begin to move forward in a definitive way.

Poor hobbit. He's only been Thain for about three years, as I figured out last week (and thank you very much for your help! Math is so not my strong point...), and he's about to find out that Thain is so much more than simply a ceremonial title or nod to the distant (to a hobbit) past...

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