Tari
· 15 August 2011
· Chapter 1: A Letter to the King's Majesty
I'm afraid I only read the first couple of paragraphs from the previous chapter. The rest was a bit too gruesome for me. This, however, is starting to hold my interest. It is good that Aragorn is now in charge. Being who he is, the three lads stand a good chance of being aquitted. Aragorn will investigate this matter himself rather than rely on what others think.
Author's reply
I know--that's why that chapter in particular is flagged. Although it will be necessary for Aragorn to send someone else to do the actual investigation, but it WILL be someone who will be be both competent and whose judgment he will trust. Thanks so, Tark.
Szepilona10
· 15 August 2011
· Chapter 9: And What Is Truth?
I wonder why Benargil is uncomfortable with Sindarin? I think that Wendthor has the makings of a fine lord and "this cursed deputation" (they aren't really, but I suppose Enelmir sees it that way) will help him mature. Is Enelmir against justice being served or is he just unwilling to admit that he was probably wrong? Good chapter!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Why he's uncomfortable will be revealed eventually. And, yes, I suspect that when it's his time to follow his father Wendthor will make an exemplary lord for Anwar. As for Enelmir--well, he has, shall we say, issues? Heh!
Thanks so!
6336
· 15 August 2011
· Chapter 9: And What Is Truth?
When feeling run high, a change of vebue is always a good idea.
It seems the good people of Destrier were in a hurry to put this buisness to rest, not that you can blame them, but to pervert justice on the way is not good.
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, a change of venue could well help--if the "news" hadn't spread all the way to Anwar already. And I certainly agree about the perversion of justice not being good. Now--to see things set right at last.
Szepilona10
· 13 August 2011
· Chapter 8: The Reading Continues
Oh dear! The trial is getting worse and worse! I'm with Berevrion; I would also have preferred meat to fish after that! Not that I don't like fish, but it's too fluffy (or light, as normal people would probably describe it) sometimes!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Yes, there are difficulties they must deal with, and too many questions to try to answer. Now they will need to go the source and do some investigation. Thanks, Szepilona.
6336
· 13 August 2011
· Chapter 8: The Reading Continues
Why is it that some people, having made up their minds as to the guilt or inocence of some one, will go out of their way to prove it?
If this is how the investgation and trial of those young men you are interested in has been handled no wonder you are so concerned.
I am sitting here shaking my head over some of the obvious mistakes and assumptions that have been made and wondering how these people can be allowed in postions of power, but then the people who have put them in those postions are as muddled headed as they are!
This is turning into a very compelling story and I have yet to read the first chapter!
Lynda
Author's reply
I know, Lynda. And this is what happened in 1993, basically. They couldn't be certain who actually killed the children, and assumed that what they saw was due to satanic interest.
I'm so glad you are finding this compelling, and I hope that you continue to find it so. And the first chapter isn't the easiest to deal with, I know.
Szepilona10
· 12 August 2011
· Chapter 7: The Investigation Begins
So it is Faradir! It's kind of disturbing that they convicted Danárion and the other boys on what seems to be circumstantial (and maybe even fabricated) evidence. Interesting chapter!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Yes, I had to include Faradir here. And there's no question that the evidence was indeed most circumstantial and in part fabricated as well.
Thanks so!
6336
· 10 August 2011
· Chapter 6: Revelations of the North
O.Kay, now let me get this straight:- Two years ago Benergal disposed of a copy of the Book of Shadows on the trash heap at the back of the house and two years ago Anarion was seen digging through the trash for 'treasures', never occured to any body that, just maybe, he found the copy of the Book of Shadows there?
Seems to me sombody failed at elementary math!
Looks like I will have to go ahead and read the first chaoter after all, I was trying to avoid it. Just what does the constable have against Anarion?
Lynda
Author's reply
Just what this guy has against Danárion will be revealed eventually. And, yes, Berevrion is the first one to put it together just how the boy came across his copy of this book. Seems silly looking back on it, of course.
The first chapter I've done my best to be as non-graphic as possible, but I admit it's not necessarily an easy one to get through. So glad this has caught your attention!
Szepilona10
· 10 August 2011
· Chapter 6: Revelations of the North
So one of the mysteries has a lead and Benargil is remembering Thorongil! I wonder if Berevrion's family has had any information on the ending of the war? Waiting for word would be the worst part! Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
One question is answered, and it's such a prosaic one! Yes, Benargil is remembering Thorongil.
I, too, wonder how much those in the North knew of why their menfolk were gone so long. I may look at that someday!
Szepilona10
· 9 August 2011
· Chapter 5: Lord Benargil's House
What a *lovely* diner conversation! It reminds me of something that my 11-year-old brother would probably say!
I'm glad to see that Harolfileg is trying to adapt. It would be kinda difficult to live your entire life looking down on mortals and then having to work with them as equals...not that the mortals are inferior, but they lack the yeni of experience that Harolfileg has.
Anyway, I enjoyed meeting Benargil and his household and I sense there are some very interesting chapters coming up! Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
PS: Now that I looked it up I am quite certain that I was using incompetent in the wrong sense. It's not quite the word I was looking for, but I have yet to find the right one...
Author's reply
Oh, yes, most uncomfortable, I'm certain! And I do think you're right about Harolfileg.
Thanks so, Szepilona!
Szepilona10
· 8 August 2011
· Chapter 4: Deputation Mounted
Poor Frodo. I hate it when my older sisters tell stories of my younger days, which unfortunately happens quite often. :( It's so embarrassing!
So the group leaves tomorrow? Is Faradir the one who's attending on Berevrion?
Anorgil should be an interesting character to watch... Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
It's going to be a most fascinating--and frustrating--time for all of them. And I suspect you will be pleased as to who serves as Guard of Honor for Berevrion. And he will be very much part of the action!
Szepilona10
· 6 August 2011
· Chapter 3: Legal Scribe, Healer and Surgeon
The poor ranger! Bariol seems competent enough, though anyone Aragorn appoints would be...unless their incompetency was to be a part of their job, which would then make them competent for the job (I just confused myself, or maybe I'm using 'competent' wrong...anyway) Bariol should be quite good for the job. Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
I don't think incompetency is usually good for anyone trying to keep a job, although some must be able to appear that way on occasion in order to properly carry out their jobs!
And I do feel sorry for this unnamed soul.
Szepilona10
· 6 August 2011
· Chapter 2: A Deputation Formed
Interesting chapter. The deception and the lies are horrible. Berevrion and the others had better get to the bottom of this! Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
I agree, Szepilona. And there is even more deception to be uncovered.
I have based a good number of the details on the real WM3 case, so don't be surprised if some of the twists appear particularly strange or bizarre. After all, truth is often far stranger than fiction!
Szepilona10
· 5 August 2011
· Chapter 1: A Letter to the King's Majesty
Good story! The poor mother! Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Plus you'll get to see lots of Berevrion and Faradir in this one, Szepilona--plenty of Northern Dúnedain action in this one! And, yes, the poor mother--in more ways than one, you'll learn!
Matt
· 4 August 2011
· Chapter 1: A Letter to the King's Majesty
I'm interested to see where you take this story. I've read your fiction on and off for many years, some back East and now here and although i think your ideas of Aragorn's reign are overromanticized I do like your characters and plots. this one seems particularly filled with possibility and I do appreciate your work.
thanks in advance for the next chapter of this story.
Author's reply
Thanks, Matt. I suspect it's fairly easy to romanticize Aragorn's reign, considering he's about the epitome of courtly nobility and ended up marrying the epitome of maidenly restraint in the person of Arwen. At least I do attempt to give her some gumption and initiative.
Most of this story is done. I'm finishing up chapter 23 now, and I hope there will only be one chapter, perhaps a very brief epilogue, and the author's notes to post after this one. I'll be posting it here I hope a chapter a day, so you'll have plenty of chance to keep up on it.
And it is based on reality, although the reality is a good deal more frustrating than even Berevrion faces in this story. Eighteen years after Steve, Christopher, and Michael died there are still serious questions as to who truly killed them and a good deal of international censure for the law enforcement and legal personnel who have dealt with the case to date. And three men have spent all of their young adult years in prison for a crime that never happened as it has been represented in court.
Elflingimp
· 4 August 2011
· Chapter 1: A Letter to the King's Majesty
More please! I am waiting on the edge of my seat. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
I'll be posting it a chapter a day, so there will be plenty more to read and fairly soon, I promise! And there are a good deal of people all over the world right now impatiently awaiting December 5, 2011, hoping that it will finally mark a change in court attitudes.
harrowcat
· 4 August 2011
· Chapter 0: Prelude: Evil at Day's End
A really good start to this Larner and it promises to be a machine hugging story in it,s own right. If it causes more people to be aware of the case then so much the better! Avidly waiting for more.
BTW. I am nearly through rereading 'tenant' as far as it goes..........
Shadow is causing, mostly, happy mayhem. He would send you a woof but his voice hasn't broken yet.
Author's reply
Thanks so, Harrowcat. This one is almost done--am working on the final trial before Aragorn himself now, so there's but this chapter and the epilogue, I think, to finish, and then the Author's Notes to post. So it, at least, will be complete in a decent period of time. And, yes, I do so hope it will bring a good deal of attention to the real case. But I've been wanting to explore the dynamics of how this horrible miscarriage of justice could even begin to happen.
I intend to finish "Or Perchance" first as soon as I finish this one, and then work on "Tenant" and "Stirring Rings" once more. Hopefully I'll actually get all of them done eventually! And love to Shadow and your folks. Just lost my tortoiseshell kitty to a tumor, so am a bit shaken at the moment, and definitely in mourning.
Fantasia
· 3 August 2011
· Chapter 0: Prelude: Evil at Day's End
Larner, I confess that I knew nothing about the case. I just googled and what a complicated case. It seems sometime hard to believe that our justice system can be wrong sometimes. What is amazing to me is that you need the 12 juros to agree in the verdict for a criminal case and they all 12 went for guilty. Now I will follow the apparent new hiring in December.
Great start, I will follow this story avidly, it promises to be a classic.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, Fantasia--a very complicated case, and one that speaks to how easily prejudices and an atmosphere of lurid imagination can poison an entire region.
Actually, in the real case there were two trials, one for Jessie Miskelley and the other a joint trial for Jason Baldwin and Damien Echols, who was believed to be the ringleader. In the second trial the prosecutors brought in a good deal of questionable "evidence" that was not shown to have any relevance to the crime at all, and that appears to have been produced basically to impress the jury with its scariness more than anything else; and although the prosecutors had been told that, no, the children had not been sexually assaulted, they still not only intimated it had happened anyway, but the doctor who did the autopsies refused to refute them on the witness stand, although more recently he has definitely stated that of course it never happened and he insists he cannot imagine why anyone would dream that it had happened at all.
It will be interesting to see what comes of the hearings in December.