Shoshana_Rose
· 12 April 2007
· Chapter 7: Dúnælfenedale
This is my new favorite chapter. You clearly had a great time writing the dry wit of Erkenbard and the subtle (and not so subtle) sarcasm of the elves. This chapter had all the elements which made me want to stand up and cheer.
Great triumph for Aragorn as he grows up just a *bit* more. He is learning the dignity of Men, and actively supporting it, even to the Firstborn whom he respects with special fervor. I especially enjoyed his admonition to Thandir: "Rude they may be, but they are still Eruhîn and worthy of your respect." A timely lesson for us to take into our own "real-Earth" interactions as well, I think!
I wonder what the Queen's motivatons are, truly. If she is truly concerned about Rohan, she must see that Thengel is a better king than was his father! What would she do if she *could* "control" Thengel? How would she govern differently? And why does she think she could pull Fréawine's strings? I love that you've given her enough of a buildup and constructed this wall of mystery about her so that the reader is so actively engaged in asking these types of questions.
I wonder also what the story is behind Erkenbard's relationship with Thengel. That kind of camaraderie usually has a powerful story behind it. Erkenbard's irreverence is intriguing, especially given that Thengel has not been king in Rohan for terribly long and that he was in Gondor for many years prior. When did Erkenbard get the chance to know Thengel so well?
I adore the way you occasionally reference the "stars in Aragorn's eyes" which elves and Maia cfan see, while people tend to get a sense of without truly understanding. It is a nice motif or trope, which is useful and ties together those times when Aragorn steps beyond himself and realizes some of his own potential. Very clever.
This story is the first thing I check for on Thursdays, now. Keep on truckin'!
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn is beginning to mature a bit more and taking ownership of his heritage as Isildur's Heir. Thandir and the other Imladris elves only remember him as a child trailing after Elladan and Elrohir and they're not used to dealing with him as an adult (a situation many to which many of us can no doubt relate when friends or relatives who have not seen you in quite a while treat you as they remember you being, not as you are today).
Your questions concerning Erkenbard and Thengel's relationship are quite good and while I don't know any details yet (many of my OCs show up but refuse to tell me anything about themselves at first, preferring to be mysterious until they trust me enough to open up) I do know that Erkenbard was one of Thengel's friends (albeit somewhat younger), joining in on the "blinding" Fréawine ruse and helping him to leave Rohan for Gondor. They have maintained their friendship even over long distance and I think Erkenbard may have visited Thengel for a time, which is how he knows something of Sindarin and why Thengel trusts him enough to make him his spymaster. Perhaps, as this tale progresses, we'll get more backstory out of him.
Éolind is, of course, *not* concerned about Rohan, only about power and how to wield it for herself. She is like many rulers and those who wish to be: seeing only how they can control the power, whether directly or indirectly. There are some people who enjoy "pulling the strings" from behind the scenes. It gives them a great sense of control to see others, especially those who are in positions of power, dancing to their tune, however capricious it may be. It's almost a sexual high for them. I suspect that Éolind was the "power behind the power" as Fengel's dutiful wife and Thengel knows this and wants nothing to do with it or her.
You might even check for this story late on Wednesdays (your time) because it is indeed Thursday (for me here in China) when I post the story even though back in the States it's still only Wednesday evening.
Telpethoron
· 12 April 2007
· Chapter 7: Dúnælfenedale
So THAT'S how Aragorn first met Haldir of Lothlorien! To me, Haldir is one of those 'unappreciated' characters in LOTR...especially since we saw so little of him in the film version.
The queen sounds like someone I would not like to run afoul of - plotting treason and having no qualms about doing so. Thengel is right to keep her on as short a leash as possible, though I can understand Erkenbard's reasons for letting her have her 'freedom'. If he followed Thengel's orders the letter and kept the queen locked up, she would probably have become very suspicious, and less likely to reveal her plans.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the story thus far - looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Well, I have to agree with you there about Haldir being one of those 'unappreciate' characters in LOTR. Glorfindel is another, which is why my opus magnum is about him. *grin*
The queen is definitely a nasty bitch and she doesn't get any nicer.
I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much. I will be posting a new chapter once a week so you won't have too long a wait between updates. Thanks for reviewing.
Larner
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 7: Dúnælfenedale
A wonderful ruse. And to find the Elves there in reality was just too perfect! Heh! Excellent. And love that they honored Aragorn as Isildur's heir.
Author's reply
Yest, it was a perfect piece of serendipity to find elves actually there to help them out and Thandir especially would recognize Aragorn as Isildur's Heir and give him his due.
lwarren
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 7: Dúnælfenedale
Oooooh yeah! Way cool, Fiondil! Aragorn is calm and in control (and in full plotting mode) and I loved seeing Thandir again! Haldir, too, bless his little pointed ears! :-) Lovely chapter - take that, evil queen mother hag! Now, what are those crafty elves up to?
Linda
Author's reply
Glad you liked this chapter Linda. Thanks. I was a bit surprised when Thandir showed up among the other elves, along with Haldir, but it was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed writing about them again. I'm rather fond of Thandir myself; he's a lot of fun to write.
Ainu Laire
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 7: Dúnælfenedale
I meant to review before you put up the latest chapter, but I forgot that you lived in China and that it is already Thursday there :) Speaking of China, may I ask in which part of China you live in? I just went to China in February on an adoption trip. My parents adopted a young girl from Hunan province, though we went also to Beijing and Guangzhou. I had an absolutely fabulous time. The Great Wall was amazing... and the driving! The driving was so bad! My dad and I were nearly run over by a bus when we were in the middle of the crosswalk. But I had a good time.
My idea? *blinks* Oh, I remember that! I had no idea that you would actually follow up and make a story out of it! You have no idea just how happy that makes me- while I have many favorite stories and authors, yours is probably the most practical and realistic out of all of them. You manage to throw in a bunch of action and adventure without overdoing it, and manage to stick within canonical bounds. It makes my Tolkien-purist side and my sadistic-fangirl side coincide very peacefully with one another. *grin*
Err, enough silliness on my part. The last chapter- chapter 6- was fascinating. I loved the myth about Grimhild and Fengel. I doubt that much of it is true, especially the part about the elf, but it was really great.
Now, about this chapter... I *love* Erkenbard. He is such a character. I burst out laughing when he said "A rather clever forgery, don’t you think? I do so enjoy my work." I can imagine him saying that with a very smug voice. But I do love him. I hope we will get to see more of him; perhaps after all this business is done, he can stay in Edoras and amuse us some more. *g*
I love how Aragorn keeps on making references to these Ainur, and how Widfara thinks he's a little bit off of his rocker. Interesting that, while many men in the First Age knew about the Ainur in the West and whatnot, not so many men know about them now. I am pretty sure that Bema is supposed to be Orome... I wonder if the Rohirrim know more about him, and that he is only one of the Valar? Hum.
I am going off on a tangent. Back to the story. I cannot imagine any mother- or father, for that matter- being so cruel to their child, though I know that there are people like that. Eolind really makes me sick. What a witch. I do hope she gets what she deserves in the end. I do wonder about Freawine, though. Does she just mean that he is weak, or does he crave power and wish to userp Thengel? That would not be well.
Ah, Haldir! I suppose this is the communal elf-scouting trip? Elves from Rivendell, Lorien, and Mirkwood, I would assume. I wonder what they're doing in the middle of Rohan.
I loved Aragorn's idea. It's hilarious. I have a feeling that Thrandir also found it amusing... I wonder what the other elves thought about it, or if they were insulted that some uppity mortal would try and imitate one of them ;) But yes, Thrandir certainly can play the part of an elf better, hum? *grin*
LOL! I loved the scene in front of the spring. It really didn't help that, during the whole scene, I had the image of the giant from The Princess Bride, being pushed forward in a wheelbarrow and his deep, dark voice proclaiming death. *snickers* I did love the broad smile at the end, though. I felt like clapping for the magnificent performance ;)
And I love the air of power Aragorn carries, even among the firstborn. He is truly not one to be messed with, even at the age of 26. But I wonder, what in the world is he doing wearing Barahir? Is he confident enough that no one in Rohan will recognize it (or no one foolish enough to try and steal it)? I wonder if Thengel or Morwen would, especially since they both lived in Gondor for a long time. Even so, he better take it off before he goes into Gondor because it would certainly be recognized there by someone, and it would do no good to reveal his identity... not just yet. Silly Aragorn.
Well, I look very much forward to next Thursday (or Wednesday afternoon for me). Cannot wait to see what tales are exchanged, and what happens to Eohild.
Laire
Author's reply
I sometimes would wait until it was late Thursday afternoon for me before posting (there's a 13-hour difference between me and the East Coast of America) but you're right. Why should I have to wait when it's already Thursday for me? As for where in China I live: I live in the city of Manzhouli which is in Inner Mongolia Province. If you take a look at a map of China and find the area where China, Russia and Mongolia meet, you will find Manzhouli. The Russian border is less than ten miles from here and Mongolia is an hour's drive away. The heart of Siberia (the city of Chita) is a grueling six hour drive over impossible and more or less nonexistent roads. Many Russians from there come across the border to shop, drink vodka by the barrelful and dance the night away at the various restaurants and bars that cater to them. And then there are the Mongolians and Boryiats...
And the driving is bad everywhere in China! These people have no concept of "rules of the road", yet amazingly, there's no road rage here. Probably, as one of the other English teachers pointed out, because *everyone* is a lousy driver, so no one gets upset over someone ele's stupidity. *LOL*
Anyway, back to Middle-earth as I write from the Middle Kingdom.... I had a lot of fun with this chapter, as I think you can tell, and tried to show the otherness of the elves, especially Thandir's interactions with Aragorn as well as with the conspirators.
Aragorn is (at age 26) just young enough to be arrogant enough about some things and the Ring of Barahir is one of them. I'm sure he'll wise up eventually and hide the ring before going on to Gondor. Either that or his older cousin Gilhael will straighten him out there. At any rate, we see him maturing at this point and taking upon himself the mantle of power that is his birthright as Isildur's Heir and the elves recognize this, however reluctantly.
Larner
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Bones of Prophecy
A horrid folk legend to have risen. And I find myself wondering if there might be elves lingering about that dale. If any might find them, it is Thorongil.
Author's reply
As to that, you'll need to read the next chapter!
Telpethoron
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 1: Arrival in Edoras
Being as fond of history as I am, I find myself thoroughly enjoying this tale from the start. I've always wondered - as I'm sure others have - about Aragorn's backstory...his life as Thorongil, his early years in Rivendell, and so forth.
I hope to be caught up with this story either tonight or early tomorrow - I hate to leave a good bit of fiction unfinished, so to speak.
Congratulations on an excellent first chapter, and I look forward to reading the rest!
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying this story so far. Being fond of history myself, it's fun to write about a culture near and dear to my heart (Anglo-Saxon), but giving it a Middle-earth twist as well. And I've always been curious about those "missing" years of Aragorn's life as Thorongil as well. Hence, this story.
Idril Celebrindal
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 7: Dúnælfenedale
I have enjoyed this story, I like this chapter the best so far. Punishment was the favorite. Can't wait to read more.
Idril
Author's reply
Thanks, Idril. I'm glad you are enjoying this story. This particular chapter (and the Punishment chapter as well) was fun to write, especially the part with Thandir threatening the conspirators. *grin* Playing with elves is more fun than any human should be allowed to have. *lol*
SurgicalSteel
· 8 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Bones of Prophecy
That was a suitably gruesome tale, indeed!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it, though. *grin*
viggomaniac
· 7 April 2007
· Chapter 1: Arrival in Edoras
Just read through your first six chapters in the last 45 minutes. Excellent beginning and a wonderfully realistic solution to the 'problem' of Thorongil's background. It all seems so very 'Olde World' in style and I am enjoying it very much. Will try to review more as I have time. Am I to surmise that not all will be smooth sailing?
Author's reply
Six chapters in 45 minutes! Even I can't read that fast! *lol* The style of writing is deliberate and you are correct that not all will be smooth sailing (when has it ever been?). I'm glad you enjoyed these chapters and found them realistic. I will be updating every week on Thursdays.
Raksha The Demon
· 6 April 2007
· Chapter 2: Running the Gauntlet
Interesting that Aragorn and Gilhael incorporate Aragorn's fostering at Imladris into the fictional version of Thorongil's life - it makes sense, gives Aragorn less information that he has to keep secret, but I wonder if it would set off some alarm bells in certain heads in Minas Tirith when he eventually goes there, since there might be a record of Isildur's heirs, at least Valandil, being fostered in Imladris.
Wonderful description of the gauntlet, and Aragorn's display of skill. Of course he should explain things to his horse first!
Author's reply
Usually, the best way to hide one's identity is out in the open. Also, it is easier to remember details if your new identity incorporates something of your old identity. You're not as likely to be caught out that way. Probably by the time Aragorn goes to Gondor his identity as "Thorongil of Rohan" will be firmly established, and any reference to Imladris not paid too much attention to, since the Gondorians have had no contact with the elves in a very long time.
I'm glad you liked the gauntlet. I was hard pressed at first to come up with a suitable test of skill that would be something the Rohirrim would do.
Raksha The Demon
· 6 April 2007
· Chapter 5: Change of Plans
Fascinating story about Thengel and Freawine - thankfully Thengel was able to save the child - it does strengthen Thengel's reason for leaving the Mark until his evil father was dead. One does have the impression that Thengel, for all his kindness, is quite a formidable fellow and not one you'd want as an enemy.
It must have been odd for Aragorn to come back, some sixty years later, and find those he remembered as children either grown old or dead.
Author's reply
I decided to explore reasons why Thengel left Rohan as soon as he could and this tale just sort of told itself, and indeed, for all his kindness, Thengel is not someone you would want as an enemy as subsequent chapters will show.
I'm sure that Aragorn became resigned, if not used to, the idea that non-Dúnedain friends would grow old and die long before he did, though he probably didn't like it. Sort of gives you an idea of how elves must feel towards any mortal friends they might have and why most elves don't have any.
Raksha The Demon
· 6 April 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
A wonderful, heart-warming chapter - what a novel, yet well-chosen 'punishment' for Aragorn! I loved Aragorn's having to sit on the floor because his legs were too long for the kiddie-bench, and the children's resulting glee.
Nice touch with the kids developing a friendship with their older schoolmate.
Thengel seems very much the wise and just king mentioned by Tolkien.
Author's reply
Well, as Thengel says, the punishment should always fit the crime, so it makes sense that Thengel would "banish" Aragorn to a schoolroom to learn Rohirric. This solution to what could have been a nasty situation (can you imagine what Aragorn's brothers would have done to Rohan had they ever found out that Estel had been flogged for a stupid error?) shows Thengel's wisdom and sense of justice as Tolkien describes him.
Raksha The Demon
· 6 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Pitfalls of Ignorance
Poor Aragorn, thinking he was praising the Mearas; and, by such a minor slip, insulting them! He's very, very lucky that Thengel is a just man as well as fluent in Westron.
I stand in awe of your linguistic abilities, to be able to credibly present the consequences of a slight error in an archaic language - Tolkien would be proud!
Author's reply
It took me some time to find two words in Old English that looked and even sounded alike but had completely opposite meanings, especially two words that could conceivably be used to describe the Mearas. Thank you for the compliment. I am by no means an expert in Old English though I do enjoy playing with it.
Calenlass
· 6 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Bones of Prophecy
That was an interesting tale--quite a bit a superstition seems to exist in Rohan.
But I l like the way it fits into canon. :-)
~Calenlass
Author's reply
I do try to stay within canon even when I have to "make things up". *grin* Rohan is a less sophisticated culture than that of Gondor or even of the Northern Dúnedain, so it stands to reason they would have some superstitions, as we call would call them, that might not exist in Minas Tirith. Thengel's long sojourn in Gondor, I think, will help begin the process of bringing the Rohirrim forward culture-wise, a process that continues with Théoden and then with Éomer.
Edlyn
· 6 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Bones of Prophecy
Greetings!
Another lovely chapter, my friend. I was held enthralled through the telling of the tale, just as Aragorn was, and was just as appalled as he at the actions of its protagonist.
Human beings have a deep need for explanations, don't they? So much so that we'll modify events in our minds to have them explain things we don't understand. No, I'm not going to get started on a hobby-horse here, though my memories of cultural anthropology class are sticking their heads up inquisitively and are more than ready to give their two cents on the phenomenom. But that is something for another time.
The tale of Grimhild (and what a perfectly appropriate name, given her supposed actions) reminded me of reading both "Beowulf" and Michael Crichton's "Eaters of the Dead" and the film "The 13th Warrior" which was based upon it, what with the bone woman, the "magic" and curse, and so forth. But still it is a tale that of Middle-Earth.
I look forward to seeing the next chapter and finally meeting Thengel's mother. She sounds...interesting.
May you live blessed,
Edlyn
Author's reply
I have, of course, read "Beowulf" and I saw (and liked) "The 13th Warrior", though I don't think I consciously was thinking of either when I wrote this chapter. The story was really based on all the original dark fairy tales that the Brothers Grimm collected but were eventually sugarcoated for the nursery. The original version of "Cinderella" is really quite horrific. And I wanted to try my hand at producing a folk tale that was clearly from Middle-earth rather than a transplanted tale from our own time and place. Hopefully, I succeeded. I suppose my own memories of cultural anthropology class helped shape this chapter as well. *grin*
Bodkin
· 6 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Bones of Prophecy
I wonder if there is any truth to the tale. Aragorn might well be more prepared than most to give it some credit - being rather more closely acquainted with fell elf-lords - but it is true that legends develop to fit political circumstances.
I wonder what QE the QM is up to. No good, I daresay. She seems a rather Eleanor of Aquitaine-ish Queen Mother - not one to trust any further than you could throw her.
Interesting dynamics in Aldburg - pretty well everyone is spying on pretty well everyone else. And I like the Martin Luther King-esque hopes for future harmony between different peoples.
Author's reply
As to the truth or untruth of the tale... who can rightly say? My beta-mom pointed out that the elf-lord's speech sounded suspiciously similar to Lord Námo's when he spoke the doom against Fëanor at the time he was exiled. Some racial memory passed down among the Edain from their Noldorin overlords? Who knows. And of course legends always develop to fit political (and social) circumstances.
Éolind is a rather Eleanor of Aquitain-ish QM, isn't she? I hadn't thought of her in quite that light. Thank you for pointing that out to me. More grist for the creative mill. *grin*
And of course, the Martin Luther King-esque hopes for future harmony do play out in the end, though sixty-odd years must pass before that begins to happen. Sadly neither Thengel nor Théoden live to see it.
Linda Hoyland
· 5 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Bones of Prophecy
A chilling and gripping chapter, Grimhild, is a good choice of name for the wicked Queen.
Author's reply
One of those "Grimm" fairy tales that never made it into "The Purple Fairy Book". *lol* I think names should fit the character (or is it the other way around?)
obsidianj
· 5 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Bones of Prophecy
That was a cruel tale even if it was not true the way it was told. But elements of it were true. I'm curious as how the elflord came into the story and if there really was an elflord who it might have been.
If Aragorn is so much taller than anyone else, he will stick out even more than just with his hair color. I guess he has to hide his doings in plain sight.
Author's reply
Most of the original "Grimm" fairy tales were very cruel, but were watered down for the nursery until the stories got sugarcoated. You should read the original "Cinderella" — talk about chilling!
Aragorn can't hide his height, of course, so he has to "hide" in other ways.
Rhyselle
· 5 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Bones of Prophecy
Ohhh, very creepy story, even if it is not true.
I like how you point out Aragorn's height--as a direct descendant of the Numenorean kings, he would be taller than almost anyone else... although the films rather masked that fact.
This was an interesting chapter, and I'm looking forward to seeing just what is going on in regards to Thengel's mother--you know, when I typed that, my brain said "Grendel's mother" *shudder* And I haven't read Beowulf for about two years... I guess it what the scary story that triggered that!
Well done!
Author's reply
Grimhild's Tale is a nod towards all the old English folk tales and fairy tales (the real ones that Tolkien talks about, not the sugarcoated-fit-only-for-the-nursery-types) that always have an element of creepiness to them. The sort of tale we love to tell (and listen to) around a campfire. Beowulf is probably the oldest of such tales extent in any form of the English language.
Ainu Laire
· 31 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Change of Plans
Oh, what a delight! I enjoyed your last tale so very much, and I did not know you were doing a sequel! I absolutely love reading tales about Aragorn's time as Thorongil. I love your use of languages, and how so obviously well you know your history. I find it interesting that Aragorn did not go alone, yet that certainly seems very plausible, despite the fact that no other author has tried it. I wonder if his cousin shall accompany him to Gondor, as well?
I do like your characterization of how Thorongil gets along so well with the children, and I like Thengel as well: stern, but loving and with a sense of humor. I am very interested in seeing how their relationship builds.
And such a complex, interesting family history! I do wonder how this trip will turn out, and it shall be interesting to see what Thorongil overhears. I have a feeling that you have something waiting up your sleeve.
I wait eagerly for an update!
Author's reply
I'm glad you found this story, Ainu Laire. It was, after all, your idea! *lol* I hope as the story progresses that you will find the various characterizations plausible. It's very hard to make even canon characters come alive when Tolkien wrote so little about them. I'm glad that you like Thengel. I like him too. This story will be updated every Thursday (Thursday is Throngil day!), so keep your eyes open. And I look forward to reading your reactions to later chapters. Thanks for reviewing.
obsidianj
· 30 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Change of Plans
What a chilling tale. I have heard of this method of blinding once before in a book by Jules Verne (I can't tell you the English title, I know the title in German only). Brave Thengel to stand up to his father even if in secret. If his father had found out...
So, Thengel already found some uses for Aragorn, although not what Aragorn expected. But it is another learning experience which will help him in his further endeavours.
Author's reply
Yes, a rather chilling tale, but not uncommon in our own history, and obviously Jules Verne knew about it as well. Thengel was very brave to do what he did and young Fréawine was even braver to trust his older cousin to see him through the ordeal.
obsidianj
· 30 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
What a suitable punishment. I don't think that a flogging after the beating Aragorn sustained would benefit the Rohirrim nearly the same. It might have smoothed some ruffled feathers, but having Aragorn speak decent Rohirric would help them much more. Wise King Thengel.
I had to laugh at the picture of Aragorn trying to sit on the school benches. I went back to my school after years and tried to sit in one of the chairs. My knees were beside my ears and it was very uncomfortable. I think Aragorn's solution to sit on the floor was probably for the best.
Author's reply
No, a flogging really wouldn't have done anything constructive. Thengel obviously learned much in the court of the Ruling Steward Turgon during his sojourn in Gondor all those years. And the image of Aragorn having to sit on the floor because the bench was too small is one of my favorite images. I, too, have gone back to my primary school and wondered how I ever managed to sit in those little chairs. *lol*
Bodkin
· 30 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Change of Plans
A hostile mother. Difficult. Very difficult. Medieval kings tended to deal with the problem by sticking said mother into a nunnery - but Thengel doesn't have that option.
The 'blinding' incident - more than enough to indicate the good guys and the bad and tell us all we need to know about the qualities of Thengel and his father.
I'm sure Aragorn will make an excellent - and intelligent - 'uncomprehending' ear for the benefit of the King of the Mark. Interesting developments.
Author's reply
Yes, hostile mothers are very difficult especially when they have just enough of their own power base to make things difficult. Thengel's only other option would be complete banishment, but he would need iron-clad proof that his mother is plotting against him, which he doesn't really have at this point.
Unfortunately, such incidents as Fréawine's 'blinding' occurred too many times in our own sordid history that writing about it here was not a reality stretch for me. Fengel's character, and the supposed origin of his 'evil', is further explored in the next chapter, but you'll have to wait for it. *grin*
Shoshana_Rose
· 29 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Change of Plans
Ah, the thick is plottening quite nicely! You have done an excellent job of outlining the political situation without overcomplicating the issues either by excessive details or an excess of players. We can see that politics are nuanced and delicate, but you've avoided bogging the plot down with minutae or quadruple-layered intrigue. A fine balance! I cannot wait to see your characterization of Thengel's mother. A woman who is seemingly so loyal to her homeland that she would deny her own son's claim to the throne. Rohirric women are so strong; gotta love 'em. I'm on the edge of my proverbial seat with this one.
Author's reply
I was never a poli-sci major, so I don't know how to complicate things too much *grin*. I'm glad that you think I've done an excellent job of outlining the political situation. More difficult was making the situation believeable given what little information we are actually given concerning Fengel and his times. We will be meeting Éolind fairly soon and you can tell me then what you think of her.