Hai Took
· 26 May 2004
· Chapter 36: Trial by Jury
I really thought that Ulrich would get off! I wasn't quite pleased when Ferdi stood to speak for Ulrich, very fine of him. Freddy giving his testimony and still speaking kindly of Ulrich was remarkable. I'm looking forward to finding out what happense next!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing!
The chapter has undergone some changes, in case you're interested.
I agree with you, hobbits are remarkable creatures! I often think on Frodo's pity towards Gollum and his mercy towards Saruman...
Connie
· 26 May 2004
· Chapter 36: Trial by Jury
I am so proud of Ferdi for speaking in Ulrich's defense. He really is coming around to new ways of thinking, but he will always be mistrustful of Men until they prove themselves.
I'm disappointed that the jury decided to go ahead with the sentence of hanging. It does seem a bit excessive considering he never was directly involved in the taking of a life. Yes, he was an accessory. Yes, he did knowingly allow things to happen. But he did only what he was ordered to. He deserves punishment because he could have exercised his free will and tried to undo the damage he had been party to, but he didn't. Let the punishment fit the crime. I think Ferdi had a good idea; treat the Man the way he allowed the hobbits to be treated, but only for the period of time equal to the longest time anyone was held in the lockholes. Just a thought.
Thanks for including this as part of the story.
Connie.
Author's reply
You're welcome, Connie. As I said before, this was written as background, and only part of it was supposed to appear in the finished work. But my editor decided to include the exhaustive details for the benefit of those who hadn't read "A Small and Passing Thing" or "The Rebel".
Plus, she ran across a notation that Elessar actually ruled from the North and only visited the South, so she is thinking of how to reflect that (if need be), in this story and others already written. It makes me tired just to think of it, so I'm afraid I'm not being much help at the moment.
I think Ferdi's idea had merit, although the Men of Gondor are not uncivilised enough to treat a prisoner the way the hobbits in the Lockholes were treated...
The chapter has undergone significant revision. If you have time to read it over again, let me know what you think of the changes.
Thanks for reviewing!
FantasyFan
· 26 May 2004
· Chapter 36: Trial by Jury
First, I am tickled pink! You used the name for Budgie's daughter that I suggested! Even though it's not an important thing, I'm very flattered to be included in one of your stories.
Second, I have to apologize for being missing lately. I have had a sick brother and not much time, though he is out of the hospital now and things should be getting better.
The inner thoughts of Freddy are interesting here. He brings up the old debate about how much to tell, and Freddy agrees with Merry that some things are best left unsaid - yet it was Freddy who wrote the story of the Lockholes in detail for Sam. Did he have an agreement with Sam that the tale should be kept private, or did he simply think that Sam could handle the horror? Or did he write it as catharsis, and has since changed his mind? I can understand Merry feeling the need to tell Melly some of the story - those close to Freddy did need to understand what happened to him, to best help him; and I also think it would not be fair for Melly to commit herself unawares, though really that should have been a matter for Freddy rather than Merry to deal with. Merry has always been a little bossy though, and I can see him sticking his nose in where it didn't strictly belong.
I don't think Ferdi is going to let Ulrich go peacefully in the dawn. He's stubborn enough to force the issue, despite king and judges and the whole town of very large people. They may think that they know Tooks, from dealing with Pippin, but they haven't really encountered a Took until they've encountered Ferdi. We shall see.
This goes back a chapter, but I am horrified by the thought of the mad ruffian who stalks the hobbits. Now he's responsible for instigating the fire too, and he has more disguises? The terror always lurking, seen only in glimpses and never releasing the threat - this is the stuff of nightmares! You are giving Stephen King a run for his money in this story.
Author's reply
Yes, I have been planning to use that lovely name for some time. I do so appreciate your reviews, it was nice to name a character after your suggestion.
Sorry to hear your brother was in the hospital, and glad to hear he's out. Will hope with you for better days.
I think that Freddy's writing of his tale was partly for Sam's benefit, because it is, in large part, the story of Frodo's having to leave the Shire, and partly as catharsis, as you said. It was really between him and Samwise; I don't think he anticipated his wife ever hearing the full tale since he removed to the South not long after sending the completed work to Sam.
"They haven't really encountered a Took until they've encountered Ferdi." chortle!
My editor have heavily revised this chapter. (Twice, actually. The computer ate the first revision after more than an hour's work.) If you have the time I'd appreciate your thoughts. Does it read better? Does it answer any lingering questions you might have had?
Stephen King. :::shudder::: I stopped reading his works long ago. They gave me nightmares. Yikes.
Author Reply: I meant "my editor and I have heavily revised". don't know if the computer ate more words, or if I'm just tired. Going back to real life now, lunch break is over!
Hai Took
· 25 May 2004
· Chapter 35: Time and Talk
I really hate to see Ulrich die, I mean he has turned over and new leaf and never killed anyone, man or hobbit! That should count as something! Ferdi has been wonderful to him even knowing what happened in the Lockholes! I'm looking forward to finding out how things progress!
Bluegrass Elf
· 25 May 2004
· Chapter 35: Time and Talk
No!!! I'll protect you Ulrich!
Author's reply
Sure seems as if he needs *somebody* to stand up for him! I'll pass your good words on to Ferdi, and he'll pass them on, I'm sure, being the only one with visiting privileges at the moment... (besides the King, and he's not visiting. Poor Elessar.)
Connie
· 25 May 2004
· Chapter 35: Time and Talk
So, we're coming to it at last. Ulrich's moment of truth. Somehow I don't think he'll hang for his crime. I don't think the hobbits will stand for that. They suffered greatly because of his deeds, but they would never want anyone to die for their crimes.
Hope we get to see some of the trial. I'm curious as to who some of the jurors might be, and who the witnesses will be, too.
Connie.
Author's reply
You may get your wish of seeing much of the trial. It doesn't seem to want to fade into the background...
...and as I am waiting some medical advice for the next chapter of "StarFire" I will probably keep writing on "Rain" instead, so you'll see it sooner than later, perhaps.
As it is, the hobbits cannot save him going through conventional channels.
Would you like a spoiler hint, or do you enjoy hanging by your fingernails?
Hai Took
· 25 May 2004
· Chapter 34: The Lockholes of Gondor
Oh dear, someone is going around killing people and eating them! I hope that they are caught and soon! I don't know how the hobbits can go about in any sort of comfort knowing there is a madman dressed as someone else waiting for a good moment to bring them down! I'm glad Ferdi is still going to see Ulrich, he says much of his character! Looking forward to more!!
Meldewen Ilce
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 34: The Lockholes of Gondor
Ok, I think I am beginning to see what Pippin is up to as far as Ferdi is concerned...
You know I really don't want to see Ulrich hanged for his part - I honestly don't believe the man deserves it because while it was wrong for him to have been a guard of the Lockholes - he cannot entirely be held responsible for what he did as he fell victim to the poison of Saruman's voice...
Oh yes, I don't want to see this man die as I believe he has truly changed!
Connie
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 34: The Lockholes of Gondor
Well, when Ferdi comes around to an idea, he certainly goes all the way with it. A few chapters ago I'd never have imagined him doing anything for a "ruffian", and now here he is taking food to the prison for him.
I have to admire the hobbits for their strong convictions about crime and punishment.
Scary to think that Pilgrim could be right there among them. I hope Aragorn's subtle way of identifying guards works. I also hope they catch that madman soon. He'll stick at nothing to get what he wants. I'm still just a tad worried about the general safety of the hobbits, even in the heart of Minas Tirith.
Connie.
Bodkin
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 34: The Lockholes of Gondor
Ferdi is my hero. Such a gentlehobbit. I hope the hobbits manage to find some way of saving Ulrich. I wonder exactly what Freddy will have to say.
The Pilgrim is a nasty piece of work, but he's better in Gondor than backtracking to the Shire and threatening the hobbits there.
Good story. More soon!
Bluegrass Elf
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 34: The Lockholes of Gondor
How neat! Ferdi and Ulrich are friends!
Mysterious Jedi
· 23 May 2004
· Chapter 33: Hangings
Starting Yuletide early: reminds me of my mother.
I love the story, but I'm rather confused as to how they can hang the criminal after the hobbits had already released every man that asked for mercy (or am I mistaken?)
Author's reply
Good question. Think of the timeline. They released the Men captured in the Battle of Bywater, true, but that was before they saw the conditions in the Lockholes.
They escorted ruffians out of the Shire for the next few weeks, but it is possible that none of these were Lockholes guards, whom I figure "got" while the going was good.
The King's edict later banned all Men from the Shire. Though Tolkien didn't say what the punishment would be, in my stories the penalty is death, if caught by the King's men (whereas the hobbits are more likely to escort a man to the borders and tell him never to come back, seeing as how they don't really care for killing). This was a necessary plot point in "At the End of His Rope".
As a plot point in this story, I'm postulating that the King might have issued a sort of "warrant" for Men who hanged or tortured hobbits during the time of the Troubles. Perhaps it's a stretch, but it moves the plot along and makes Ulrich's identity change more understandable.
Hope this clears up your question, and doesn't sound like too much of a stretch.
Connie
· 23 May 2004
· Chapter 33: Hangings
Nice look at what's happening with Goldi and Farry. I really like them.
Wonder whats up with the sudden haste to get to Minas Tirith. I think Pilgrim's involved, but you're keeping us in suspense.
Ferdi came around to a new way of thinking. Pippin is probably very pleased.
Thanks.
Connie.
Author's reply
It is nice to have something to relieve the angst, especially after writing the "background" of what happened to the missing guardsman. Don't know yet if I'll use that material or not, it's as bad as Ferdi and Merry's ordeal.
Yes, I'm sure Pippin is pleased to see Ferdi's closed mind opening again, even though he was probably fit to be tied that his littlest children got so close to the ruffian...
Lyta Padfoot
· 23 May 2004
· Chapter 33: Hangings
Things approach in this chapter: Ulrich's judgement and Yule (and parenthood!) for Goldi and Farry. The poor guardsman, I suspect the Pilgrim is back like the bad penny he is.
Author's reply
Yes, "hangings" are hanging over our heads... joyful and otherwise. And then there's the nebulous but very real threat looming. Things ought to break loose soon. Thanks for commenting!
Lyta Padfoot
· 22 May 2004
· Chapter 32: Make New Friends
Ulrich has given Ferdi some food for thought. It should be interesting to see what happened to the guardsman. You've created an interesting situation bu having events filtered through Ulrich's rather restrained perspective.
Author's reply
Lots to chew on, that's for sure! I don't know if I will tell what happened to the guardsman, it was horrible, but perhaps it will come out in testimony or conversation. Don't know yet.
Thanks for reviewing!
Mysterious Jedi
· 22 May 2004
· Chapter 32: Make New Friends
A relatively non-angsty chapter? *faints* (Of course whatever you write turns out good, whether angsty or not)
Author's reply
Thanks! (Relatively non-angsty? A disappearance, and Ulrich contemplating his fate? I have knots in my stomach! --I suppose you're right, when I think back on some of the other chapters in this story, both past and future!)
Connie
· 22 May 2004
· Chapter 32: Make New Friends
I was beginning to get worried. There hadn't been a new chapter of this one in quite a while, for you that is, and I was worried that you had hit a sticking place. Glad to see an update.
Ferdi seems to revised his opinion of Ulrich quite a bit, and I think that was just what Pippin had had in mind when he made Ferdi start taking dinner to the man.
Sounds like the Pilgrim might be back if people are disappearing. Not godd.
Thanks for the update.
Connie.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! (and I am especially heartfelt in saying it today)
As a matter of fact, I'm in that phase when every word comes with difficulty, and the writing does not flow, and reviews are especially encouraging, maybe even necessary to the completion of new chapters. I think if my dh hadn't given me the morning free with no little ones around, there would be no new chapter for some days yet.
Yes, you were right in your estimation of Pippin's plan. It is not healthy for a hobbit to harbour blind prejudice. (or anyone, for that matter)
You might be right about the disappearance, too. Time will tell.
Thanks again.
Bodkin
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 31: Ulrich's Tale
Poor Ulrich. Of course, when you come to think about it, it is only logical that Saruman's voice would be used to manipulate his own men just as much as his enemies. If he could make the hobbits starve to death in their own homes, he could certainly make relatively decent men into super-nasty ruffians.
Author's reply
Yes, his Voice was all that was left to him, as Gandalf said. His heart was not changed, though, and so he continued to use his gifts for evil rather than good. Thanks for reviewing!
Hai
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 31: Ulrich's Tale
What is Pippin up to? I might have some idea, we'll have to see. It was good for Merry and Ferdi to listen to Ulrich's story I think. I find myself feeling worse and worse for Ulrich or Reinadan what ever he is going to go by. Looking forward to more! Thank you!
Author's reply
Hopefully you'll have a better idea after reading the chapter entitled "Make New Friends". I'm feeling sorry for Ulrich/Reinadan myself, and his family as well.
Connie
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 31: Ulrich's Tale
Oh yes, I'd say that Pippin's little plan is working out quite nicely. I was pleasantly surprised to see Merry involved. But I suppose he is doing a lot of emotional rebuilding of his own and dealing with this former ruffian could go a long way toward helping him, too.
Very nice chapter.
Connie.
Author's reply
Yes, Ferdi's mind is slowly being changed. Merry is helping Pippin with his plan, though he initially had his reservations and his own baggage to deal with. Still, once he decided to jump in, he jumped in with both feet, boots and all.
Bluegrass Elf
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 31: Ulrich's Tale
Nasty old Saruman. I wish he wasn't all ready dead. Then I could kill him myself.
Author's reply
I hear Peter Jackson killed him in five or six different ways, so you're in good company. (Then he left out Saruman's death from the movie completely! Leaving room for a sequel perhaps? "The return of Saruman")
Thanks for commenting!
Lyta Padfoot
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 31: Ulrich's Tale
I am ordinarily not one sympathetic to those who have changed their lives without addressing their past sins, but Ulrich has proved the acception. You've made me sympathize with a ruffian! Take a bow - that requires skill.
Bluegrass Elf
· 17 May 2004
· Chapter 30: Ruffians, All
What's wrong with Merry?
Author's reply
Merry knows what Pippin's about, and he's not sure it's the best idea, but he's going along with it for the nonce.
Thanks for the comment!
Connie
· 16 May 2004
· Chapter 30: Ruffians, All
I think I know what Pippin's up to, and I think it may work. I also think he's going to use the memory-lapse thing as long as he can possibly get away with it. He sure can be devious.
Thanks.
Connie.
Author's reply
O I hope you're right about it working! Be sure to tell me if you guessed right about his plan when all comes clear.
And yes, he excels at being devious.
Thanks for reviewing!
Meldewen Ilce
· 16 May 2004
· Chapter 30: Ruffians, All
Okay, what exactly is Pippin up to?
I do not understand why he insists that Ferdi be the one to take Ulrich his food at night...
And poor Ferdi - I wish he could release some of his bitterness because it ultimately not hurting anyone but himself!
Anyway, great chapter and I anxiously await more!
Author's reply
Hopefully it will all come clear in the next few chapters.
Thanks for commenting!