Reviews of The Sell-Sword and the Prince

Saelind · 3 December 2023 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

I read this a few years ago and somehow never managed to comment; but re-read it again last night and it remains so delicious!!!! LOVE the perspective from Imrahil and his self-awareness as to his status in court (and out of it), and you convey the earth-shattering shift that comes from him having witnessed this exchange beautifully. The (rather one-sided) rivalry between Denethor and Thorongil is so well done, and god the poor guy's ribs :(. So very well done!

Rowanfair · 19 November 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

What an incredible strong piece! Can't wait to start reading the long tale...

Author's reply

Thank you so much! Cheers.

obsidianj · 7 November 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

This is a great scene. I had a bit of trouble in the beginning to figure out who was who. Was Denethor on the right or Thorongil? I guess Denethor was the one in the colorful clothing. At least that is what I gathered from Imrahil's thoughts. I love to see Imrahil witnessing the encounter and getting his thoughts on Thorongil.

Author's reply

Yes, Denethor was on the right in the colourful clothing; Thorongil on the left in the livery of the Citadel. I'm glad you liked Imrahil! He's a treat to write.

sian33 · 9 September 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

I love the atmosphere you create here and how you portray Ecthelion and Imrahil particularly. This story got one of my Teitho votes. congratulations on your placing.

Author's reply

Thank you so much! I'm thrilled you like it.

Larner · 19 August 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

Oh, but I do look forward to that, Canafinwe. Definitely quite the contrast between these two near-twins, one born to privilege and the other who rules himself and thus is fit to rule all. Did Denethor know of the cracked ribs? If so, I'd like to slap him myself!

Author's reply

Thank you! I'm glad you're eager. What a beautiful way to phrase the dynamic between the two! Thank you: I'll cherish that. As for what Denethor did and did not know... no spoilers either way!

robnrun · 18 August 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

This is an intriguing piece; it is so hard to realistically write Denethor as a hard but not evil man. I think you have here. I would be the way, love a snippet 'epilogue': Imrahil is one of the few who knew Thorongil when Aragorn returns, just what was that meeting like?

Author's reply

Thank you so much! I agree: it's a challenging balance because Denethor is so unyielding, and so unforgiving in a universe that values mercy above all else. I do actually intend to write that moment, when Imrahil realizes the King he has been following with such instant and unswerving loyalty is in fact the great Captain of his youth! I'm glad to know somebody would be interested in reading it.

someone · 18 August 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

Good story! I like the contrast between Denethor and Thorongil, but can't but feel sorry for Denethor. The nobody from nowhere comes and takes over Gondor, and has even the audacity to look exactly like the Steward's heir! I'm not quite sure I agree that he would resort to actually hitting, but then, perhaps he would. One of my favorite parts is the one where the king within Thorongil shows, when he is shows his disappointment with the tone though not the words.

Author's reply

Thank you so much! I know, right? He didn't ask to be second-best, especially not by such a minute margin. As for the blow, you're right: it's disproportionate to the conflict as witnessed by Imrahil. There's something else standing between them at the moment, more galling to Denethor than their usual rivalry. They are both soldiers, men of action who are used to using physical means to advance their agendas. I feel that this breaking point is fitting -- but of course I can't elucidate! I'm pleased you liked that moment where Thorongil chides his Steward-to-be. Thanks for the lovely feedback!

shirebound · 18 August 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

Beautifully written. it was impossible to say which one was the elder A very interesting observation of Imrahil's. How he must have marveled at how future events unfolded! It's wonderful to see this encounter from his POV.

Author's reply

Thank you! I want to write that moment of realization one day, when Imrahil recognizes in Elessar the young Captain he admired. I love Imrahil's character, and the courage and integrity he shows in the Book. It was a treat to write him so young.

Aranadhel · 18 August 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

Mae govannen, mellon. Ahhh you are full of surprises! Love this short story. I really like how you write about Aragorn in a different way. Off topic again lol! Yes! I would love to see more character development of Filiel and her sister Calmiel and the healer Ancalimon? Love love love it that you have these other Noldor elves to explore in Imladris besides the usual Elrond household, Erestor and Glorfindel. Can't wait to see you talk about the names of the cook, smith, stablehand, scout etc! Best of luck from Malaysia. :)

Author's reply

Thank you! I've been enjoying the chance to try different situations. Ah, Ancalimon! Now HE has a well-developed backstory. Someday, I promise!

Elentarri · 18 August 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

Lovely. Can't wait for the other story. Please don't leave a year+ hanging with updates though. That was cruel. ;) BTW - please include Gandalf in the next story. Pretty please?

Author's reply

Thank you so much! I certainly hope to be much more diligent with the updates; my health's improving, which should help. And fear not! Gandalf WILL be making a number of visits to Gondor over the course of Thorongil's service there. I've already got him bringing letters home in "Threads of Kinship", after all. ;-)

Lindelea · 17 August 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

Oh, my. Powerful scene. Are you writing film-verse, or book-verse, or a mix? Just curious. 'Do not take such a tone with me, sell-sword!' Denethor snarled. 'I remember how you came to us if no one else does: pastless, nameless, without home or kin or title. Posessing only a few ragged garments, a small purse of foreign coin and a letter bearing the seal of my father's dearest friend – as if you knew that of all things was most likely to secure you a place. I remember your days as a common soldier, you thankless viper of cold ambition. You may wear your triumphs like paste jewels in a strumpet's crown and woo my father with fine words and a fair smile, but you are naught but a vagabond of no birth and no consequence who has slithered into the high places by his wiles and yet can never belong there!' Ah, yes. Masterful summary. How much of this do we get to read about? (Or is some of it already published? I admit that I am not (yet) all that familiar with your writing, except for the Gollum story, which was my introduction to your craft. And well done. I am glad to hear there is more to come, and one of these days I hope to have a quiet day to look through previously published stories.) (Who is Echthelion's dearest friend?) (Oh, and Imrahil's summary of Thorongil's accomplishments is wonderful, and makes me want to know more.)

Author's reply

Absolutely, unequivocally, 100% Bookverse at all times! (Including, not infrequently, verses from the Book. ) Thank you for the lovely remarks! I'm planning to start the main story as soon as I'm finished LWW, and it will cover Thorongil's service in Gondor comprehensively. I hope it's enjoyable! I'm pleased you liked Denethor's account of Thorongil's ascent and Imrahil's litany of accomplishments: two very different ways of looking at the same service record. Ecthelion's dearest friend is Thengel, King of Rohan and father of Théoden. Thorongil served him before coming to Minas Tirith, and so bore a letter of introduction from him.

UTfrog · 17 August 2015 · Chapter 1: The Sell-Sword and the Prince

Enjoyed this on Teitho. Enjoyed it again just now. Keep writing whatever you wish. Thanks

Author's reply

Thank you so much! It wasn't easy to decide which to write first. In the end it seemed best to do it chronologically, and there are a couple of important things Thorongil does in Gondor which directly impact his time in Mordor. To be honest, the clothing was a factor, too. After spending most of LWW wearing rags and a blanket, Aragorn is going to be fun to dress! ;-)

Reviews (12)