jgmsccc · 24 October 2014 · Chapter 9: The Hands of the King
Thank you. I enjoyed this. I think Tolkien would have appreciated your take on the Sword in the Stone
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I'm honoured you think that.
The Sword in the Tree. by Linda Hoyland
jgmsccc · 24 October 2014 · Chapter 9: The Hands of the King
Thank you. I enjoyed this. I think Tolkien would have appreciated your take on the Sword in the Stone
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I'm honoured you think that.
shirebound · 22 October 2014 · Chapter 9: The Hands of the King
What a wonderful idea for Faramir to inherit Gandalf's blade. So much healing and friendship and wisdom... your stories always end in such a soothing way.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm delighted that you enjoyed my story and the idea of Faramir being given Gandalf's sword.
Larner · 22 October 2014 · Chapter 9: The Hands of the King
Oh, I am certain that Gandalf is grinning with delight and satisfaction, and he has undoubtedly shared the news with at least Frodo. And Aragorn and Faramir both have good reason to rejoice in what they have seen accomplished here in Rohan during their visit. A warm story with good endings for all save the wargs.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review . I'm delighted that you enjoyed my story. I'm sure Gandalf will have told Frodo. Aragorn and Faramir have done much good in Rohan.
galathil · 10 March 2014 · Chapter 8: Who never felt a wound.
Hi Linda. The wound is very painful,but then Faramir is use to it,poor thing. Thank goodness for our two kings.Loved the ending when all three fell asleep. Any way I must say, you defiantly know how to keep me on the edge of my seat. I really can't wait for next chapter. I have read some of my other reviews just lately and that seems to be my favourite saying.However its true I can't wait for the next chapter and get a bit sad when the story ends. Who knows I might write one of own someday,that will put every body to sleep. LOL Galathil
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you are enjoying my story. There are two or three more chapters left. I tend to devote myself mostly to short stories nowadays but see them all as part of a whole.Hope you will write a story one day.
Lindelea · 9 March 2014 · Chapter 1: The Summons
Ah, what fun! I just managed enough time this morning to take in the first chapter. I can't help but chuckle -- I love all the little details you include to bring realness to the scene, the byplay between Faramir and Aragorn, and Aragorn and Arwen, the "baby competition" that I seem to remember among our young married friends when we were young marrieds -- though they'd never have put it as bluntly as Arwen! (I must remind myself that she wasn't born yesterday.) The references to Estel's healing, as well as capture and injury, must have something to do with the earlier stories mentioned in your author's note. I think so far this one is standing alone very well, but I do feel the curiosity stir, and will have to try and remember to look out those two stories later. With all the competition for the computer around here, it's difficult to get time for reading (much less writing, yikes, but I'm managing again somehow after a long drought). Because of this, I read SoA mostly on my phone, which makes reviewing difficult. It also makes finding older stories an annoying process, much more involved than clicking on something on the front page! Therefore, if you see but a brief review from me, a sort of "Kilroy was here" -- it's not because I didn't find lots to delight, it's simply because I'm sparing you the autocorrect feature on my phone...
Robbie · 8 March 2014 · Chapter 8: Who never felt a wound.
Yay, a new one! I have been waiting for this. It's just like Faramir to think of what his father would say - but at least now he can laugh, even if it's not all unconcerned. I like the picture of Eomer watching over his two friends. Inside a big part of him is a softie, too.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you are enjoying this. Yes, Eomer does have a soft heart!
Larner · 8 March 2014 · Chapter 8: Who never felt a wound.
I do hope that Faramir doesn't find himself in delerium while his fellows sleep!
Author's reply
I hope so too!
Larner · 9 November 2013 · Chapter 7: It was for you
Sometimes modesty of Faramir's degree is counterproductive, and in this case even dangerous. At least he is in the best of hands, and I rejoice that Glamdring has a new and so worthy master!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for reviewing. Faramir is in the best of hands as is the sword.
demeter d · 5 October 2013 · Chapter 6: Ein Schwert verhiess mir der Vater
I am glad that you have not given up on this tale. I can understand why it has taken a while. You have several other stories in process. "My father promised me a sword, I would find it in my greatest need." As always, your opening quotes are perfect. Of course, Faramir would go to the defense of the women and children. I enjoyed the description of the child and the kitten. Both were terrified of the warg, but both were also not quite smart enough to stay away from it. Although, I have no doubt that the kitten could have run fast enough to escape into some tiny little corner out of the warg's reach. "My Father..." Gandalf had no children, that we know of. But of the ones in Middle Earth whom he taught and advised, Elrond and other elf lords, Gerontius Took, Bilbo, Frodo, Aragorn and other heirs of Elendil, there was only one whose actual father accused him of being more loyal to Gandalf than to him. And, while in Henneth Annun with Faramir, Sam Gamgee said he sensed something wizard-like about him. My vote is still that it was Gandalf, and the sword would look familiar to both Faramir and Aragorn because it is Glamdring! That still leaves the mystery of how did Gandalf know? That could make a story by itself. As a parting note, I very much like the verse. It is perfect for Faramir.
Robbie · 1 October 2013 · Chapter 6: Ein Schwert verhiess mir der Vater
great idea. Faramir would never have tried to pull the sword out on his own. I really have to ask with Eomer who would plant the sword like this. Did the one know it was for Faramir? Most knowledgable men would know at least of him after the war... Can't wait for the new chapter. Just hope Faramir is right in judging his wound. Although, he has a bad record...
Larner · 1 October 2013 · Chapter 6: Ein Schwert verhiess mir der Vater
Aha! Sufficient the Jewel indeed! But why it was left here remains the question. I hope the King can realize soon how wounded Faramir is, though. And it will be good to have the riddles as to why this sword here and whence it came answered.
Raksha The Demon · 3 May 2013 · Chapter 5: Zeig' deiner Schärfe schneidenden Zahn (Show your sharpness, cutting edge)
Well, you just know that Aragorn and Faramir can't go to Rohan without encountering trouble! I'd say that a warg infestation was definitely trouble. The plot is thickening by the minute. Hurry up and post the next chapter!
Lady Bluejay · 28 April 2013 · Chapter 5: Zeig' deiner Schärfe schneidenden Zahn (Show your sharpness, cutting edge)
Didn't you just know that three guards would not be enough -LoL. Good story - I am a sucker for anything well written with Eomer in it. LBJ
demeter d · 27 April 2013 · Chapter 5: Zeig' deiner Schärfe schneidenden Zahn (Show your sharpness, cutting edge)
"Three guards will be more than enough for a journey in daylight." Sure, unless something serious happens! Righ now, I think bows and spears would be as much or more use than swords. I like the notion just expressed in the review that perhaps someone may now pull it out with intention to join the fight against the Wargs. So Tolkien was inspired by tales of Odin's wanderings. And, the sword looks "familiar" to Aragorn. My vote is on Gandalf leaving Glamdring in that tree. The lady's account of the look on his face makes me think so too. But the question remains, "Why?" I will be watching for what happens next! Notions of men and women's "place" and roles certainly have changed over the centuries. When my first child was born in 1979, my husband was in the delivery room. Afterwards, he called his parents with the news. My big, burly, World War Two, U.S. Navy veteran father-in-law said that "Boy, I would not have had the guts to do that!" Times have changed!
Larner · 26 April 2013 · Chapter 5: Zeig' deiner Schärfe schneidenden Zahn (Show your sharpness, cutting edge)
A good thought to see it sold and the money so distributed. And Faramir refuses to even try? But I suspect that in this moment of crisis the disposition of the sword shall be made plain as someone seeks to take it to use in protecting others.
galathil · 18 January 2013 · Chapter 4: The kinsmen sat in the room here
Hi Linda:would the man in grey be a certain wizard that we know and love so well? I hope Aragorn,Faramir and the Golden Hall survive Éomer,s worry. Lets hope Lothiriel gives birth soon. Love the story,can't wait for the next chapter.LOL Galathil
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.You are good at guessing!I'm so pleased that you are enjoying my story.
Lady Bluejay · 17 January 2013 · Chapter 4: The kinsmen sat in the room here
I read the chapter before the quote and of course was reminded of one of our most famous legends - The Sword in the Stone. LBJ
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I think a lot of legends revolve round swords in trees or stones.
Larner · 15 January 2013 · Chapter 4: The kinsmen sat in the room here
In the original it was Odin himself who left the sword in the tree, as I remember it. But who in Middle Earth might have done so? Gandalf or Saruman, or a Maia sent by Manwe or Orome, perhaps? Poor Eomer. Good strategy to distract him and keep him busy!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.Your guesses are on the right track and I read somewhere that Tolkien was influenced by the story of Odin as wanderer. Eomer will certainly find plenty of distraction.
MusicDreamer7 · 19 December 2012 · Chapter 3: To allot to every man his due
It's been a long time! You've written soooooo many stories since the last time I read your work. I think A Time to Reap was the last one I read. You are still one of the best writers I've ever found when it comes to LOTR fanfiction. I'm loving this so far and cannot wait for more!
Author's reply
It is so good to hear from you again! You were my first reader back in 2004 if I recall rightly.Thank you so much for your kind words and I'm delighted you are enjoying this story. I think "Carefully Taught" is maybe the best of the stories you have missed.
Larner · 30 November 2012 · Chapter 3: To allot to every man his due
The court seems typical, and I don't blame Aragorn for becoming bored. Now, to learn what this situation has to do with a sword in a tree!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I think Aragorn did well not to nod off! The story is very loosely based on the "Volsung Saga".
Raksha The Demon · 29 November 2012 · Chapter 3: To allot to every man his due
The story is well underway here, with the introduction of the mysterious sword. And Eomer is well-drawn as a king who dispenses fair judgment. We don't get that many stories of King Elessar in Rohan; and this one is coming out quite well.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you are enjoying the story as I rarely write about Eomer though I like him.
Larner · 28 September 2012 · Chapter 2: Beat all your Feathers
A warm welcome, in spite of the chilliness of the chamber. And love the renewed camaraderie between them. A pillow fight between King and Steward is NOT to be missed! (One note--remember, Eomer wasn't there for the wedding of the King and Arwen. At the feast to welcome the Rohirrim back to Gondor when they came to fetch Theoden home for his burial, perhaps?)
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm delighted you enjoyed the pillow fight. A big thank you for pointing out my mistate. I did indeed mean the welcome feast and have fixed it now.
Raksha The Demon · 19 September 2012 · Chapter 1: The Summons
So our heroes are off on another road trip, this time to Rohan! What trouble could they get into on a state visit of sorts to attend the birth of the King and Queen of Rohan's first child? Plenty, I'm sure! Good first chapter, as usual.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.You must have a crystal ball as trouble does indeed lie ahead!
harrowcat · 16 September 2012 · Chapter 1: The Summons
to think he rode through the Ring War unscathed, only to fall victim to a toy pony!" LOL! And Aragorn riding off with piles of baby clothes on his saddle bow had me giggling.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased this made you smile.
Larner · 15 September 2012 · Chapter 1: The Summons
Ah, but best laid plans and all that. I doubt they will travel light at all! And it will be a fine son for Eomer and his bride!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. Aragorn and Faramir's best laid plans do tend to go awry!