Reviews (271)

Kath · 6 January 2016 · Chapter 15: War Games

I am absolutely loving this story! You make Thorongil a wonderful hero and I feel for him at every slight he endures with such patience. I also hate Demethor with a passion, though maybe my opinion of him is going to have to change, based on this last paragraph! Your story is so well written and realistic, I feel I am back in Minas Tirith experiencing the life of a soldier. Can't wait for the next chapter. Thank you so much.

Camp6311 · 5 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

I suspected the burning pitch may mean orcs raiding for charcoal. Hopefully, the orcs stumbled onto the camp before the village. Minardil is learning a hard enough lesson as it is when he chose a hollow victory over the safety of his men. But what next?, it's so hard to wait, I have concerns over the direction Denethor's suspicious mind will take.

Cimarron's Girl · 4 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

This is another excellent piece! I was quite puzzled by the smell of the "aberration on the air" in the last chapter, so I'm pleased to see verification for Thorongil's suspicions. He must seem superhuman to the other men; he's never wrong, he is an exceptional warrior, and he can even light a fire when no others can. I already feel bad for Mindardil, though - I imagine that he is about to feel intense guilt for whatever happens in this battle, and I'm not sure what Denethor's judgement of him will be. Regardless, this is lovely to read, and the confusion of the misty battle is well-detailed. I'm so excited to read more! I hope 2016 is off to a good start for you! Cheers.

Matt · 3 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

Great job on this. I was curious to see whether you'd let them discover the enemy first or let the enemy make themselves apparent. Obviously the larger sequence of events is easily enough predicted but I'm curious to see how you put the details together. Thanks loads for your hard work on this and happy new year.

someone · 3 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

I fear that Denethor's regard for Minardil may end when he hears who actually is behind the Tenth's strategy. The aftermath of this battle might be akward, as Minardil will have to confess having ignored a warning (and Thorongil will have a chance to show off his skills at medical science). My own regard for the Denethor in this story is growing, as he acted at once, when the enemy came. It seems that Herion is not quite so fond of Thorongil as Minardil is (and with reason, Thorongil might be after his job, for all he knows). What I didn't quite get is why didn't Thorongil let the others see that the fabric helped to light the fire? Or were the others just distracted? Midhon won't have to complain of being useless after this day. I really liked his "rangy agility of an accomplished street thief" and Thorongil's fish-on-dry-land impression!

Eirinn Leigh · 1 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

Such an excellent present! Happy New Years!! Battle is pitched and Theangal has chance to prove his worth... if any survive. How exciting and what a cliffhanger!

Robnrun · 1 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

Cliffhanger with a vengeance! The smell of hot pitch (as lovely as it is) is a smell that has always made me uneasy, fire in the wrong place. You've used it and the fog nicely here. Scent and sound rather than sight.

Aromene · 1 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

I did not expect that! I thought it was some sort of village fire or whatnot, not orcs! Well done for keeping that a surprise. I hope they've got enough warning to drive the Enemy out and not have their men slaughtered. Good thing they were in battle already, perhaps! Though with blunt swords. Can't wait for the next chapter!

Sneha · 1 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

Can't wait to see what happens next! Denethor took charge as expected

shirebound · 1 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

Oh my goodness, what a cliffhanger!

Larner · 1 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

Oh, but it was indeed torches or boats, or at least the boats! At least Mindardil was warned, and the rest are well prepared now to deal with defense. And Denethor is taking on the duties of leadership he was raised to exercise. As for Thorongil, he, too has shown his own training well enough this day. Now, to see how they deal with the situation!

jgmsccc · 1 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

Just want to add my voice to those who are enjoying this story. Thank-you and Happy New Year

Aranadhel · 1 January 2016 · Chapter 16: In the Mists

Great update for the new year! Alas my dear friend I fear there are a few typos and spelling mistakes in this new chapter that needs correcting. I apologize for pointing this out.

Jon · 30 December 2015 · Chapter 15: War Games

Canafinwe, I have to say, I am quite taken with this story. You have skillfully taken on an interesting part of Tolkien's stories that was left wanting. Great character development, fine use of language, skillful setting and treatment of the stated though undefined friction between Denethor and Thorongil. My only disappoint is that I reached the end of what you have posted before it is finished! I EAGERLY wait to hear more. Truly, well done! I know writing is quite the task. I really do hope to see this story finished. Well done!

obsidianj · 25 December 2015 · Chapter 15: War Games

Denethor ever the suspicious one. Quite a contrast to Minardil. The smell of burning pitch makes me wonder. I hope these war games don't turn into something more serious.

Sneha · 21 December 2015 · Chapter 15: War Games

Such a contrast between Minardil and Denethor. Denethor distrusts the newcomer whereas Minardil honors and respects him. I was cheering for Aragorn when Denethor challenged him! I do kind of feel bad for Denethor as I know the Steward's love and respect will only increase with Denethor's dislike. I am so curious to know about the fire! Let me take this chance to wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year! I hope you have a wonderful year ahead with tons of time for writing! In reply to your last review, I do hope you will get the chance to write a piece on Arwen's first pregnancy!

someone · 21 December 2015 · Chapter 15: War Games

First of all, I don't think I've commented on the summary yet. I really like it, it's like the start of an old legend. And it suits your Aragorn. Also, I came across a mention of Isildur's son in the Unfinished Tales (was his name Elendur? I've forgotten) who Aragorn was said to resemble, and he was "majestic without pride" or something like that. In this story, it is easy to see the man that is already almost like that. Now for this chapter. The scene between Denethor and Thorongil showed everyone how much Denethor suspects him. I'm not sure Denethor knows what exactly he suspects, but it is clear that something is wrong. Was the blindfold meant to prevent everyone worrying about hitting the target, while they were learning the right technique? Minardil was quite surprised to know that Thorongil commanded twenty more men than he does. I'm now really looking forward to seeing him hear about Thorongil being an undermarshal! And hopefully, the forest is not burning and there is a nicer explanation for the smell. In case you won't update in the next few days, I hope you will have a peaceful Christmas!

Larner · 20 December 2015 · Chapter 15: War Games

Denethor suspects the natural leadership and advanced skills Thorongil demonstrates, while Mindardil rightly honors them. But the thought that perhaps enemies in Ithilien are preparing pitch for torches or Molotov cocktails of some kind concerns me as much as it does Thorongil. A most astute reader of the Men's hearts Thorongil proves, as demonstrated by his invitation to the other side to join in the Tenth's revels.

Aromene · 19 December 2015 · Chapter 15: War Games

Well, that was truly interesting timing! You must be a mind-reader. I just started up archery lessons today (I've been away from them a year) and then here's a chapter all about archery! I absolutely loved seeing Aragorn teaching the men. I wouldn't mind him as a teacher myself.

Matt · 19 December 2015 · Chapter 15: War Games

Doubtless others will let you know but the chapter is number 16 in the index not 15 as I think you intended. Other than this, a very good chapter during which Thorongil is at least a little uncloaked. Curious to know what the pitch-burning is, Orks in Ithilian? Thanks loads for your hard work on this, looking forward to future installments. Happy holidays.

shirebound · 19 December 2015 · Chapter 15: War Games

We rejoice. For we are Gondor’s guardians, and we are strong, and we are free. What are we simple men of the Tenth but your little brothers, learning from your hands how to better ourselves for the protection of this noble land? Wonderful. Your dialogue is really spot-on.

Camp6311 · 13 December 2015 · Chapter 14: Needful Work

Five to four 10th Company! No wonder spirits are high in the camp. I wonder what spirits are like in Second Company's camp? I liked the visit to the village too, and watching Aragorn begin to lay the foundations for his future as Gondor's ruler.

obsidianj · 13 December 2015 · Chapter 14: Needful Work

I think Thorongil is too generous. Denethor does not strike me as a man overly concerned about his sister. Yes, it concerns him on one level, but there is nothing he can do, so he dismisses it from his mind and focuses on things he can do like the battle games. The young healer paints a really snobbish society in Gondor. If you had the misfortune of the wrong ancestry, you are out of luck. In a time of war Gondor should educate whoever they can get and reward performance more than ancestry.

marycontrary · 9 December 2015 · Chapter 12: The High Ground

I was absolutely on pins and needles as the tenth company set up to defend their fortifications. I love a good story about teamwork. I like how you humanize the family of the Steward, but emphasize how much Denethor's prejudices limit his thoughts: he decides that a company is bad because it's the lowest number, so his judgments are wrong over and over when he tries to guess what will happen. Thank you for writing this story -- this is my favorite chapter so far, and I'm looking forward to reading more of it.

Larner · 9 December 2015 · Chapter 14: Needful Work

That Denethor is simply one who accepts but one way to see things done for common tasks and has a tendency to discipline those least deserving of his orders and strictures Thorongil is too noble to question, obviously. But I, too, have felt he had a good deal of respect for those who do needful work and would expect, even insist, on the visitors to the Citadel to treat the servants with the respect they deserved once he was King.