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A Deck of Heroes  by Larner 7 Review(s)
KittyReviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/14/2009
Hadn't thought about Radagast in that guard function before, but you are right. Another reason why he didn't like this order to seek out Gandalf. Sometimes one has to wonder how Radagast felt when he learned he had been used to lead his brother into a trap.

Author Reply: I've always seen Radagast's primary duty to help restore natural balance, and particularly in the region where he chose to make his home. And that is an excellent thought to ponder. I may one day consider writing to that!

Aack! Another plotbunny bouncing about the place!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/12/2009
Just wanted you to know that I'm enjoying these very much. So far my favourites are the Faramir one and the Galadriel one.Sorry I'm very behind with reading and reviewing, but I do appreciate your stories.

Author Reply: I suspected you would like the one including Faramir and his father, and am so pleased you appreciate the ones involving Galadriel, too! And I so understand being behind--believe me!

VirtuellaReviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/12/2009
Yay for Radagast!

Author Reply: I agree! Hail to the honest Hermit!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/12/2009
This is going to be a nice set to save and read all together by the time you have finished Larner. Radagast as the hermit is a logical choice.

Author Reply: Am so glad you feel that way, Harrowcat. It's been most interesting trying to figure out who fits each card as it's posted. And I'm glad to have been able to include Radagast in there.

Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/11/2009
Completely unclear. I thought Aiwendil = Radagast, and it sounds like he wants to talk to himself?

Author Reply: Thanks for the catch, although when making such a basic correction there is no need to fear from an angry response, not at least from me. I do prefer that folk not do anonymous responses. And I do so appreciate those who offer such proper corrections. Thanks again so!

eilujReviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/11/2009
Sorry. I am confused. Too many “he’s” in the last paragraph:

"But, if Curunír desired to speak to Gandalf, he (1) supposed he (2) must go westward over the mountains. Perhaps he (3) could stop to speak with Aiwendil while he (4) was abroad...."

I understand that you are trying avoid using Radagast’s name.

Since the first paragraph is plainly from Radagast's point of view, (1) and (2) in the second paragraph also seem to refer to him (though technically the antecedent for both is "Gandalf").

But exactly who is it who might perhaps stop to speak with Aiwendil? The last two "he's" -- (1) and (2) -- have referred to Radagast, so my first assumption was that (3) is Radagast also -- until the mention of "Aiwendil” threw me for a loop. Radagast can speak with Aiwendil (i.e., himself) without leaving Rhosgobel, so (3) must be someone else. If (3) is supposed to be Gandalf, I think it would be better to use his name there.

The antecedent to (4) is technically Aiwendil. Well, both Radagast and Gandalf are "abroad," and I spose it doesn't really matter which of them (4) refers to, as long as we can be certain that (3) is Gandalf.


Admittedly, Saruman's logic in sending Radagast from Rhovanion to look for Gandalf *somewhere* in western Eregion (though really Gandalf might have been anywhere in western Middle-earth!) is a bit odd to begin with. Saruman being Saruman, ordering people around to do his (literally) dirty work, I guess. [If you haven’t read the later chapters of Canafinwe’s “The Valley Is Jolly,” they feature a really *poisonous* portrayal of Saruman at his pre-War of the Ring worst.]


Author Reply: Sorry, eiluj, I didn't make it too clear, did I? I do apologize! And I did manage to use the wrong proper name, too, didn't I? Gads! Am batting a thousand today! Did the proper correction of the name for the last responder, but hadn't read your note as yet. Will think on redoing this one, then. Yes, here the use of Radagast's name would help that second paragraph.

As for Saruman's reasons for sending Radagast, I must suppose it was his attempt to sow suspicion between his two surviving brother wizards. "Divide and conquer" has long proven an excellent strategy for taking power over others, after all. Now I MUST return to writing "Stirring Rings"--thinking of Saruman and all! Heh!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/11/2009
*grin* Somehow, I just *knew* that "The Hermit" would have to be Radagast-- I'm so glad you did not disappoint!

Author Reply: It would be either Radagast or Bilbo, I think; but in the end Radagast was the most logical individual. Thanks so, Dreamflower.

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