Ransom by MP brennan
shirebound · 22 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King
did he truly forgive my father, who was even now in the process of betraying him? Of course he did. :) I love the way you're weaving these two stories together. It's marvelous.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the way the stories are coming together. -Brennan
Elentarri · 22 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King
Nooooo!! You can't leave cliffhangers like that. Please update very very soon. :)
Author's reply
I'm sorry! ;) Okay, no, I'm not sorry, but I am glad you want to see more! The next chapter will be up Thursday and then there's only two more after that one. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! -Brennan
UTfrog · 22 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH you have a genius for cliffhangers in two places no less. Excellent use of the Gondorian sword to identify the grown Hakim. I am anxious for the rest of that scene. You surprised me with the manacles. I did not think Azzim would chain Aragorn. Good job and I a, most anxious for Thursday. I did not know you were so young and a student. You make a fantastic writer so will are likely to be even better as a vet.
Author's reply
Thanks for the awesome review! Yeah, I guess I've outed myself. ;) I was still a teenager when I started posting back in '08 and I've chosen a path of Neverending Schoolwork. I'm glad you liked this chapter and especially glad that parts of it surprised you and caught your attention. I hope you enjoy the rest of this tale! -Brennan
Agape4Gondor · 18 April 2013 · Chapter 8: Risk, Reward, and Ruin
Daleek has really caused a wee problem. Yikes! I understand the need to save the poor kid, but holy Valar!!! I've got my fingers crossed for all concerned. I do so hope there's a way out that doesn't include selling Aragorn off! Good tension!
Author's reply
Yes, it's quite the pickle they've gotten themselves into. The next chap should be up in a few days. I hope you enjoy the ride! -Brennan
Linda Hoyland · 18 April 2013 · Chapter 8: Risk, Reward, and Ruin
I just love this story!This chapter had me holding my breath.Eagerly awaiting more.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! More in a couple of days, I promise. -Brennan
UTfrog · 17 April 2013 · Chapter 8: Risk, Reward, and Ruin
Magnificent chapter. I figured slavers would show up eventually. Your dialogue between all parties wonderfully captured the mess everyone is in. You also left us hanging in Gondor! Update quickly, please! As always, thanks for your hard work.
Author's reply
Thank you! There were a lot of pieces to this chapter, so I'm glad all the dialogue worked in the end--I was worried it might be kind of scattershot. I'll probably update on Monday (assuming I don't perish in the midterm of doom and death and DOOM). Hope you enjoy! -Brennan
shirebound · 17 April 2013 · Chapter 8: Risk, Reward, and Ruin
Oh dear, I'm getting nervous now. *bites nails*
Author's reply
Glad to hear it. >;) I kid. There are three chapters left and an epilogue, so I hope you enjoy the rest of this tale. Thanks for all your support so far! -Brennan
Mysterious Jedi · 15 April 2013 · Chapter 7: And See Each Other's Face
Thank you for this chapter. I majored in Biology in college, and I find all the medical details fascinating. I must say, though, if I were injured in such fashion I would much prefer a CT scan and anaesthesia!
Author's reply
Glad you liked it! I was a bio major myself, and now I'm in vet school. Working out all the medical details is how I justify writing fic when I really should be studying. ;) -Brennan
Larner · 15 April 2013 · Chapter 7: And See Each Other's Face
Well, when two healers collide, those who are wise pool their information and learn to cooperate, as Hakim's mother managed to do here. I appreciate Azzam's fears, but he accepted in the end that he had to rely on his captive's experience and expertise, and in the end that worked so well to the good for them all. I appreciate the impulse to see to it that Kalima get some training for personal protection as well so much advice! I can understand how she feels, but as a parent myself know why they insist she learn a bit of wisdom they'd tried vainly to pass on previously. Thanks so for this chapter! Love Aragorn's nonviolent manner of dealing with Azzam both when he was threatened and when the danger to Kalima was over.
Author's reply
Thank you for the lovely review! I put a lot of work into this chapter, so it's great to know you enjoyed the interplay of the characters. Azzam, in particular, was tough to write, so I'm very glad his motivations made sense to you. -Brennan
Larner · 15 April 2013 · Chapter 6: And Are We Yet Alive
I hope this proves Aragorn's ransom in the father's eyes. So, this is what motivated Hakim to become a healer himself? I think he will find his son's ransom will be considered paid, once he sees the new King of Gondor.
Author's reply
Indeed, this was kind of a defining moment for Hakim. I hope you enjoy the rest of this story! -Brennan
Larner · 15 April 2013 · Chapter 5: Dark Tales
Aragorn is learning what he needs to know of these people, and now realizes he probably inadvertently killed many slaves in leading the assault on the harbor in Umbar, something he needed to know and accept responsibility for. Alas for those deaths! But he still remains and perfects his basic noble self. Love the thought of the little girl and her flowers, and the memories she stirs in Hakim.
Author's reply
Thanks for the wonderful review! I'm glad you saw what was going on in that conversation about Umbar; it will definitely be on his mind from here on out. -Brennan
Celeth · 15 April 2013 · Chapter 7: And See Each Other's Face
There was so much tension there I was almost holding my breath. I am glad Aragorn is finally getting the respect he deserves from his captors. Truly they have nothing to his healing skills; aside from his native gift as a King of Gondor (the hands of the King, according to healer Ioreth), he also learned from the best of them, Elrond no less. Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
:) I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter and that the tension came through! I have a special fondness for healing scenes. I almost cut this chapter, thinking it might be too much after the previous one, but in the end I liked some of the interactions too much. It's good to hear that people are enjoying it. I hope you keep reading! -Brennan
UTfrog · 15 April 2013 · Chapter 7: And See Each Other's Face
Good chapter. I was wondering why Aragorn's government had not sent someone to gather names. I think you realistically portrayed that too many were buried/burned without identification. We knew Kali survived since her son is important to the story. I liked how Aragorn did use his abilities to save her. Eager for more, but very happy with your rapid updates. Thanks
Author's reply
Thank you! The frame story should move a bit faster from here on out. I hope you enjoy! -Brennan
Robbie · 14 April 2013 · Chapter 7: And See Each Other's Face
Hi MP brennan, Thank you for updating so fast. It lights up my day when I /should/ be studying for my exam next week... I just love this story. Your OCs and Aragorn are just so - real. I can see the scenes in my mind while reading, thats a rare thing for me. I wonder why Aragorn doesn't make more of an effort to learn Haradric, after all he could use it now and in the future.
Author's reply
Thank you! Haha, I'm currently cramming like a mad woman due to all the studying I put off while I was writing this. I'm happy to spread the procrastination around, so to speak. ;) I'm glad you're enjoying the OCs. To answer your question about Aragorn, he is putting in some effort to learn Haradric. You'll see him speak it a bit more in future chapters. I haven't included it much so far because (1) he doesn't get too many opportunities to practice since Azzam and Hakim speak Westron and (2) he's being kind of sneaky about it and not revealing how much he's picked up. I hope you enjoy the rest of this fic! -Brennan
iboneki · 14 April 2013 · Chapter 7: And See Each Other's Face
I adore watching "healer Aragorn" at work! And now I'm very curious about what the symbol by the name is...
Author's reply
Thank you! I kind of adore it too! ;) -Brennan
Linda Hoyland · 14 April 2013 · Chapter 7: And See Each Other's Face
Another great chapter!I love Aragorn as a healer.At least we know Aragorn is merciful to prisoners, but the characters don't.
Author's reply
Thank you! I had a lot of medical!geek fun with this chapter. -Brennan
shirebound · 14 April 2013 · Chapter 7: And See Each Other's Face
And then I smelled it again: that incredible freshness, like rain on the thirsty ground. That's the most perfect fragrance for a desert dweller to smell. Aragorn is truly a king among healers, risking everything for the sake of a patient.
Author's reply
Thank you for the lovely review! I hope you enjoy the rest of this tale. -Brennan
Agape4Gondor · 14 April 2013 · Chapter 6: And Are We Yet Alive
Wow! I like the mother. Not that I don't understand the father. The characters voices are perfect. Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying the OCs. -Brennan
Agape4Gondor · 14 April 2013 · Chapter 5: Dark Tales
Sad to see the poor boy growing up so quickly. Aragorn seems to be losing estel. Good story.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! Yes, Aragorn is having a tough time at the moment. He has a lot on his mind, to say the least. I hope you keep reading! -Brennan
rs · 13 April 2013 · Chapter 6: And Are We Yet Alive
"..he seemed almost feral in his intensity." -- What an awesome description of Aragorn in this moment! Something I would like to put on canvas (in my case...paper)! Awesome, awesome, awesome! Very vivid scenes...all of them! I'm actually watching this in my mind. Great job!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm so glad the imagery in these scenes is coming through. And if you ever actually put it on canvas, that would kind of make my life. ;) You know I love your artwork. I hope you enjoy the rest of this story! -Brennan
Larner · 13 April 2013 · Chapter 4: The Empty Men
A most likely scenario to have happened. Azzam is a decent man pushed to survive in an indecent environment, and Aragorn is doing the best he can to maintain the fragile peace that Azzam so wishes for. And I rejoice that the father Hakim realizes his brotherhood with the stranger Haradri, both grieving, fearful fathers merely wishing to ransom their sons.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for all your reviews. In this chapter, I'm particularly glad that you picked up on the dynamics between Aragorn and Azzam, since they shape so much of the plot. I hope you enjoy where this story goes. And happy belated birthday! -Brennan
Larner · 13 April 2013 · Chapter 3: A Shuttered Light
This is the wisdom I would expect to see in Elrond's fosterling, one who will not kill save when it is truly necessary.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad his response rang true for you. -Brennan
Larner · 13 April 2013 · Chapter 2: The Limits of Charity
Well, by apparent accident she did the precisely right thing. And now Aragorn is recovering and finding himself a servant to Hakim's family, whether or not either side wishes it. And who might ransom him, I wonder?
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn was very fortunate to recover. I intentionally kept the mother's precise thought process ambiguous, but there was no small amount of luck involved. And from here on out, things get . . . complicated. I hope you continue to enjoy this story! -Brennan
Larner · 13 April 2013 · Chapter 1: Old Customs, Old Fears
At least it's likely that Aragorn, having experienced the Black Breath himself, had a good feel for how it might be experienced by others. I can appreciate just why his parents are concerned yet did as they did. No one wants to kill a helpless individual when one's children are watching, after all. And in the end this will work to the good of this man's son, now that he's a prisoner of war.
Author's reply
Indeed. Given his strong reactions to the Nazgul in canon, I thought it likely that he had crossed paths with them, and perhaps even experienced the Black Breath himself. Thanks for reviewing! -Brennan
iboneki · 10 April 2013 · Chapter 6: And Are We Yet Alive
I think I'd probably faint if Aragorn spoke Sindarin to me, too ;) Still loving this.
Author's reply
Haha, wouldn't we all! Thanks for reading! -Brennan