Larner
· 22 October 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
I was distracted several times when I tried to read this when it was posted, and it is a relief to read it at last. No, no mere guardsman did this, but one trained by the greatest healer of the Age. And I rejoice that the Master of the Halls recognizes this and wants to see Thorongil for himself.
Wonderful chapter! Poor Aragorn--bereft of the sword that came to him as his due by Denethor's pettiness, and deserving more than he's given by Denethor. And I am so proud of Midhon.
obsidianj
· 22 October 2016
· Chapter 21: No Mere Guardsman
Thanks for updating the story. I was fearing it would be left unfinished. But this new chapter was worth the wait. Thorongil cannot hide who he is. Circumstances are conspiring against him. I think Ecthelion might be the first to realize who or what he is. Denethor is too stubborn to entertain the notion, and he is not privy of all the puzzle pieces. Ecthelion as the Steward and not biased against Thorongil has more information earlier. Denethor I think will work it out eventually, but it will take him longer.
Loved Ecthelions intervention about the sword. Let's just hope that Denethor listens to his father and does not delay unduly on some pretext or other.
someone
· 21 October 2016
· Chapter 21: No Mere Guardsman
Thorongil is under scrutiny from so many different directions that it must feel suffocating. I wonder if he fully realizes how strange he seems to be, from Gondorian point of view...
I like the relationship between Ecthelion and Denethor. Official, but it is easy to see the love beneath. Denethor is proud and stubborn, but can change his mind when needed - or, when told to. At least, I hope that he will give the sword back, and we already know that there is going to be a wall around Pelennor.
Lovely little domestic scene between Denethor and his sisters. They are well matched, all of them intelligent and stubborn in their own ways.
Then, for my favorite part of this chapter, the meeting between healers. Thalahir is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in this story! A little cold, intelligent, but also a kind person who is a healer is just what Thorongil needs now. He might come to be almost what Elrond is to him, apart from coldness and slightly inferior skills in some areas. Well, perhaps not quite that close, but a friend nonetheless. It was entertaining to see Thorongil stunned at that lack of medical knowledge at the halls, and even more when he got the chance to show the technique with the pig, and his answer to the comment about herbs ("I will not, sir").
WindSinger
· 20 October 2016
· Chapter 21: No Mere Guardsman
Wow -- another chapter! YEAH! And I just love how our Elf raised, heir to the crown, manages to explain his level of expertise and knowledge without raising too many questions. Very nice!!!
shadowbride
· 20 October 2016
· Chapter 21: No Mere Guardsman
squeals with excitement; I`m so glad for an update. I`m not sure if I`ve left a review before for this story, but I will today and should more often (hangs head in shame).
I really love this story and feel the characterisation of Thoronogil and Denethor is spot on. There`s a good level of tension; in terms of Gondor`s position and in terms of our heros with Denethor.
I`ve read LORT so many times over the last 30 years and when I consider the level of skills Aragorn has in battle, in healing and in wisdom I frequently question how he could have kept his lineage hidden for the 20 or so years he lived in Gondor as a simple solder and captain. I think JRRT hints, in the Tale of Aragorn and Arwen, that Echthelin and Denethor had probably worked it out and that may have been another reason among many that he finally left. However, if I had been a resident of Gondor at the end of TTA I think I might have questioned how one man could be so good at everything!
anyway looking forward to the next update. I hope Denethor doesn't bite his tongue giving T his sword back.
Kath
· 20 October 2016
· Chapter 21: No Mere Guardsman
Another wonderful chapter. Thank you for giving it to us on Aragorn's (Viggo's) birthday!
How did Ecthelion produce Demethor? So glad he intervened over the sword.
Hope we don't have to wait so long for the next chapter. (Hope all is well with you!)
Many thanks.
Rowanfair
· 20 October 2016
· Chapter 21: No Mere Guardsman
First of all - thank you! I had not expected my prayers for more to be answered that fast.
Another patience challenging cliffhanger and bundling of all loose threads so far... you managed to rise expectations even higher with that one.
Somehow I can`t fight the impression we are to expect some major change within the coming chapters.
First - Thalahir will certainly report to his steward about that unusually skilled Guardsman. Glad you refrained from picturing Gondors mightiest healer as some arrogant "god in white". Instead he is willing to learn from his "superior in skill" despite the latters incomprehensible monstrous lack in status.
Second - for the first time Ecthelion insists in correction of his sons animosity towards Thorongil.
Third - Minardil prepares not only for close camaraderie with his "lowest" soldier, but for trusting utterly in that "captain in disguise"s advice.
Fourth - I sense trouble drawn up from direction Ithilien - stressing the need for another "great captain" as already announced by Thorongil.
Last but not least - Denethors Sister seems to steer towards some deepest need for the most skillful
healer in her fathers realm.
Most thrilling suspense guaranteed, as far as I´m concerned...
Many thanks and pray, do not make us wait that long again, please!
shirebound
· 20 October 2016
· Chapter 21: No Mere Guardsman
The steel of Westernesse tarnishes with time, just as baser alloys do,' he said. 'That sword shines with the careful labour of one who knew how to tend it.
Such a simple, yet perceptive observation. I like how Ecthelion cuts through complexity and emotion to the heart of matters.
UTfrog
· 20 October 2016
· Chapter 21: No Mere Guardsman
Excellent. I loved the summary of care for the wounded. The discussion between Ecthelion and Denethor was even better. Thank you so much for continuing this wonderful story
UTfrog
· 20 October 2016
· Chapter 21: No Mere Guardsman
Have not read new chapter yet, but wanted to say "so glad you are back" first. I have been worried about you. Hope things are doing better. Love
Rowanfair
· 14 October 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
I just reread the whole piece to the given point (XX) and it leaves me eager for more to come!
Is there any chance for another chapter or even some more in near future?
A wonderful tale! Providing deep insights in Minas Tirith´courtly etiquette and life in general at Gondor.
The characterization of Aragorn dealing with various obstacls is great as usual. I love the stuarts youngest child and the whole picture of his family life. :-)
Denethor seems a bit exaggerated in times... on the other hand, a behavior and character of that exact kind would be a comprehensible explanation of his later acting towards his own sons, Gandalf, his soldiers and even himself (LotR). Hopefully you will include the relationship between him and the mother of his children in later chapters, also.
The changes between scenery in military versus every day life are in good balance. I´d love some more common people and their way of life within the different levels of the White City on display.
Thanks for the pleasure of such a good reading so far...
Eagerly waiting for the tale to be continued!
Mere Yom
· 2 September 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
Just wanted you to know that some of your fans are quietly waiting... hoping... that you'll find time to post another chapter. Your Thorongil series may be the best on Stories of Arda. Whenever I visit this site, I do it hoping that another chapter has been finished. Is anything maybe in the pipeline?
vardasvapors
· 21 August 2016
· Chapter 5: Summoned
How is it that I have not read this story yet! I thought that I would stop at this point and give my impressions up to this point first rather than trying to say everything only after I have gotten through all the chapters.
I love the characterization of Ecthelion and Denethor. In just a few words, we get such clear, well-contoured pictures of these two men's personalities. I especially like the contrasts in Denethor's character: cold and hard, yet responsible and honorable, rude and pushy, yet loyal and with deep feelings of love, racist and classist, yet honestly caring and dedicated to his people's safety, insecure about seeing another person's success, yet having real respect when he sees real strength and talent. A very deft handling of this complex character.
I really like the contrast between Thorongil here and the Thorongil of The Devilry of Edoras (which I also must remember to review!) I am very glad I read the chronologically earlier story first, because it shows Aragorn's growth as a person and a soldier and therefore casts his unusual level of wisdom and skill, in arts both martial and politick, as the result of many years of difficult striving and humbling experiences, rather than something he just sort of magically has because he's special.
And oh, for this chapter, how do I love this line of Jamon's: "She is as patient as the day is long - which is to say, a little less in the wintertime when the world is cold -" :D Little details like the naturalism of the affection here really elevate your stoytelling.
(I unthinkingly posted this review on ff.net first, before remembering there is no unsigned-in review reply function there, which is always a good idea just in case the author wants to say something back.)
obsidianj
· 30 April 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
Oh, boy. Thorongil is digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole. He can't hide his skills, not when men's lives depend on it. But with every deed, his story looks more and more like a fabrication (which it is). Gaining the trust of Denethor with he preconceptions will be impossible as time goes on. How did Thorongil stay for 10 years in the city? Denethor will not be pleased when he finds out the newest deeds.
someone
· 30 April 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
The facade around Thorongil is crumbling. It is a wonder he managed to stay in Gondor for more than ten years without anyone (except possibly Denethor) suspecting anything, when the beginning is like this! I believe that Ecthelion will understand Thorongil's motives of not telling everything, at least better than Denethor. Well, I hope so.
There is now a small chance that Nelior will choose Thorongil to his company, as he needs desperately a lot of good men. Minardil wouldn't like that, though. And I would like to know whose side is Herion on, Minardil's or Denethor's.
It is really interesting how important the sword is to Thorongil. I understand that he has worked long on restoring it, but that nothing else (the implications of namelessness, the spite some seem to have for him, the amount of work he had to do while camping...) rankles him as much as losing the sword to Denethor? Perhaps it is just the situation and abuse of position from Denethor's side that is the problem. Or that the sword was just really nice. It would be interesting to know what another soldier would have made of the situation and if it is only Thorongil's knowledge of how people in power should behave that allowed him to understand how wrong it was.
I'm nearly chuckling at the thought of Thorongil's "soldier uncle" as a "battlefield butcher". That will be awkward to explain! Thalahir doesn't seem to be the type that will accept any dissembling.
WindSinger
· 29 April 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
Another wonderful chapter! Oh my -- how is Thorngil going to get out of this mess? Especially given Dethnor's way of looking at all that doesn't go his way, meet his expectations, or does not acknowledge his superiority. Love your writing style and, again, your characterizations. Spot on! I can just immerse myself in each chapter, only jarring back to reality with the last word. I almost wish I found this after it was all posted so I could read it without stop (which I will do when it is completed), but I can't wait to see what will transpire in each chapter. Thank you again for sharing!!!!
WindSinger
Larner
· 29 April 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
Oh, indeed no mere Guardsman! I am glad that the healer is willing to follow Midhon's suggestions, as it will be better for Thorongil in the end. And Minardil is able to overpower his aide's copying of Denethor's spite toward the new guardsman. Good! Good!
Kath
· 29 April 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
Another wonderful chapter!
Your work is so detailed and utterly credible. I just wish you could write more quickly!!!!
But don't rush, because every chapter is well worth the wait.
Thank you!
UTfrog
· 28 April 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
Another terrific chapter, though you added two cliff hangers. Now we have to wait for the discussion about the sword and to learn what the doctors make of the "mere guardsman." Thank you so much
In your follow ups to your outstanding work, A Long and Weary Way, could you consider adding Minardil meeting his King?
UTfrog
· 28 April 2016
· Chapter 19: Sober Homecoming
Somehow I never sent my thanks for this chapter. It is so very well written and so heartbreaking. Thank you so much.
Aranadhel
· 28 April 2016
· Chapter 20: Payment and Price
Lovely to wait and read the updates... :) Merci, mon cherie.
Aranadhel
Lyana
· 18 April 2016
· Chapter 19: Sober Homecoming
Well, you've done it again - completely drawn me into one of your stories! Read all of the chapters so far at a gulp. :-) I am thoroughly enjoying your character portrayals. Thank you!
WindSinger
· 16 April 2016
· Chapter 19: Sober Homecoming
Oh my! This is just SO good! It is a major treat when I find a new chapter of The Eagle on the Ramparts. Your characterizations are so well done. There are no false steps, nothing to jerk me out of the web you weave. I savor every line, every chapter, and then go back and re-read it just so I can make it last a bit longer. Thank you so much for sharing!
obsidianj
· 16 April 2016
· Chapter 19: Sober Homecoming
What a sad chapter. The aftermath of battle is never bright for the people wounded, but you made it abundantly clear how much the aftermath costs the people in charge and the wounded. The battle is over, but the captain cannot just walk away and sleep it over. The same for the healers. Their battle goes on. I especially liked the last sentence, when finally fatigue overcame Minardil and Thorongil and "The stub of one lonely candle sputtered and went out." Such a fitting end to this chapter.
Larner
· 15 April 2016
· Chapter 19: Sober Homecoming
A terrible yet worthy labor, this. I grieve that all cost Minardil and Thorongil each so much, and I do pray that the Numenorean sword is returned to the soldier that has given so much to see its condition restored. And I hope both Durion and Mallor return to themselves.