Reviews (271)

obsidianj · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Tread With Care

So, Ecthelion has the feeling that something is familiar about the star Thorongil wears. Let's see how long it will take him to place it. But if Ecthelion knows the star Denethor surely also knows it. That might put Thorongil into an awkward position. But I don't think Thorongil will ever be on the good side of Denethor. Denethor might respect him for his skills, but he will always be suspicious and when he figures out what the star signifies..., but I'm getting ahead. Let's see how this story unfolds. I like the way you describe Ecthelion with his family, especially his dealings with his wife.

obsidianj · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Steward and the Stranger

Grrr, Denethor is getting on my nerves. His attitude towards his father and Thorongil is making me wonder why the people of Minas Tirith would follow him at all. Ecthelion might be a bit too trusting, but Denethor makes it sound as if Ecthelion is not right in his mind. Thengel counts for nothing in Denethor's eyes. I admire Ecthelion for his patience with his son.

obsidianj · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

Finally, Ecthelion got the letter. Another circumstance that will alienate Denethor and Thorongil if Denethor is in hot water for delaying the letter. Although Thorongil had nothing to do with it. The way you paint Denethor he is not above blaming Thorongil for his failure to deliver the letter on time. I like the meeting between Jamon and Thorongil. It seems as if these two could be great friends. But the more friendly they get the more Denethor will resent this. Sigh, I don't think Thorongil can do anything to get Denethor to like him. It is just on in his nature.

obsidianj · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

I love this chapter. Finally, Denethor shows some redeeming features *g*. Thorongil's new captain is also a likable fellow. It seems as if Thorongil's fortune's are looking up. I had to laugh at the quartemaster's grumbling that they never made something cheap for someone of Thorongil's stature.

obsidianj · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 3: Petty Indignities

Petty indignities indeed. The guards have way too much fun at the expense of Thorongil. I have the feeling morale within the troups is kind of low, when they have nothing better to do than gawking at the newcomer. To generate that much interest, new recruits coming because of Ecthelion's policy have to be pretty rare. If there would be new people every week the soldiers would loose interest. I'm not sure that letter will do Thorongil much good. It just seems to pick the interest of Denethor in a bad way. I come to dislike your Denethor heartily, but I like his secretary who is not afraid of him and tells him as it is.

Eirinn Leigh · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 12: The High Ground

Yay! a triumphant chapter for once! Will the good Captain reveal the source of his inspiration or (given that he would certainly do so as a matter of honor and integrity otherwise) accede to Thorongil's wishes to remain anonymous for the non?

Camp6311 · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 12: The High Ground

Three cheers for the tenth company! The disparity of the forces was offset by the highground (and overconfidence), but the trump card was the tactician in the middle. It was brilliant! Kudos too for Denethor and his war games planning, one challenge at a time incrementally increasing in difficulty. The man knows his stuff. He saw the trap before it was sprung, and is giving due credit to the captain of the winning company. But will Minardil confess as to who his tactician is, or will he soak up his Capitan-General's praises for himself?? Does Thorongil even want to be revealed as the strategist behind the victory, or would he rather put his young captain forward? Looking forward to finding out.

Aromene · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 12: The High Ground

I am so glad I was right! I'd feel sorry for Denethor, but anyone who engineers repeated victory in a game, deserves to be occasionally trounced by the usually defeated party. Can't wait to see what he says to Minardil. I'm sure that'll be an enlightening conversations, no doubt ending in Denethor being royally annoyed. Can't wait!

Matt · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 12: The High Ground

Another great chapter. I really like the tactics here, both the overall tactics and also Torongil's 'help' to his captain who can then claim credit for the victory. Good for the Captain, the company and (via favors from an honorable man), for Thorongil. Thanks loads for your hard work on this, looking forward to the next installment.

UTfrog · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 12: The High Ground

Yay for the Tenth Company! I knew there would be shocks for Denethor. Love Thorongil's advice as well. Great job

Celeth · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 12: The High Ground

I almost have it in my heart to pity the Second Company. They literally don't know what they are up against, and it's not just Captain Minardil's "nimble feet and fell sword-arm" either. It's that battle-tested strategist personally raised and trained by Elven warriors and commanders who were fighting the great Enemy since the First Age. I just hope Minardil doesn't reveal his ace too soon; its early days yet and I am hoping with Thorongil's counsel and help, the Citadel Guard will be soundly trumped by the Tenth Company. Everybody loves the underdog who gets to win. Especially the underdog who beats the Heir of the Steward's lapdog. Not that I have anything against the Citadel Guards, mind you. It's just that Denethor favors them too highly, to the detriment of the other men. Ohhh, I am so looking forward to the rest of the field exercises!

someone · 28 November 2015 · Chapter 12: The High Ground

I may have smiled through the entire second half of the chapter. It was funny to see Thorongil take charge, subtly, but I doubt that there is a man in the Tenth who doesn't know of the meeting in the tent. Smart to put the man from Rohan to fight against the only horseman (or wasn't that also planned?), and the captain in the most important position. I hope that Denethor thinks better of Minardil after this! Even if he hears that a good part of the plan came from the sell-sword. Also, it easier to meet the other company on a more level ground, so to speak, when everyone knows that the Tenth might also win. Minardil has now a couple of new pieces of the puzzle called Thorongil. Not only a good swordsman, but a strategist who knows how to speak like a storyteller, and a man with unbelievable optimism. This field exercise is going to be fun.

Larner · 27 November 2015 · Chapter 12: The High Ground

Anyone who has earned the praise of the King of Rohan has obviously shown his mettle in active battle, a fact Denethor apparently chose to forget--or ignore. That he would advise Minardil on how to proceed ought to have been seen as inevitable, considering Minardil is not opposed to Thorongil on principle as is Denethor. Excellent showing this day by the Tenth Company, and I suspect that all within the Company are feeling much vindicated! Well done, all! (All, of course, save Denethor himself, who must learn not to devalue others for baseless reasons.)

obsidianj · 27 November 2015 · Chapter 2: Detained

Does Ecthelion know how his guards treat people that come because of his edict? If they are all treated like this, it is small wonder that they don't get better warriors and leaders. Word gets around... I'm appalled at how small-minded Denethor is. I pictured him as a hard man, but not as prejudiced as this. If his thoughts about the guard are any indication, his men will follow him out of fear, but not because they love him.

Marianel · 27 November 2015 · Chapter 11: In the Field

Just like in a Long and weary way Estel is as kingly as ever even as a common soldier. I keep calling him Estel I know. Thats what he is- hope. In Tolkiens saga and in all his e he hides until the right moment as we all know. Must be tireing, but to me hes more Estel than anything even as king Elessar.Almost always kind and patient bordering on absurdity with all the wearysome tedious tasks hes ordered to do. And so awfully little sleep! Denethor is scary in this story and I sure hope he leaves the Easterling in peace or somehow realises its futile somehow.Your version of him is complicated and very interesting, keep it up.Denethor seem to know Estel is more than he seems. Indeed I look forward to more!

obsidianj · 27 November 2015 · Chapter 1: The Wanderer

Great start to a new story. I'm not sure I like this Denethor. I never got the feeling that he was this prejudiced. Denying the Easterling this marriage might bring about exactly what Denethor fears. Gondor is fighting a loosing war. Denethor would be the first to know that they need every soldier they can get. The way you paint Denethor, I have a hard time to see that he and Thorongil can be anything but adversaries. From the books I got they feeling that they got along well until Ecthelion started to shower Thorongil with more and more favors and put Thorongil's council before Denethor's.

Camp6311 · 23 November 2015 · Chapter 11: In the Field

Let the games begin! This is going to be fun! Not surprised Thorongil was assigned to carry water, but what a ploy to have your best man spying on the enemy's, make that opponent's, encampment under the guise of carrying water. I have a feeling Second Company is going to rue Denethor's choice of water boy. I was surprised at Denethor's unkind thoughts toward Minardil. While young and inexperienced, he is proving himself to be a very capable captain. I'm wondering if this whole reshuffling thing isn't Minardil's punishment for losing that sword match. Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving (if you celebrate Thanksgiving), and double wishes for good health and happy handses.

Matt · 23 November 2015 · Chapter 11: In the Field

Nice chapter, a lot of set-up but such is the way of things with chapters like this. Looking forward to what happens next. Thanks for your hard work on this.

Larner · 23 November 2015 · Chapter 11: In the Field

Denethor undervalues the Second Company, and should not do so with Thengel's honored Man amongst them and considering Minardil's own skills. He will learn. And Thorongil already is showing forth the wisdom that led to the honors he received in Rohan and that will earn Ecthelion's respect and love. I wait with anticipation to see how Thorongil will manage to upset Denethor's expectations! Wise for Thorongil to insist on seeing this as a contest rather than as a pretend war.

Aromene · 22 November 2015 · Chapter 11: In the Field

Can't even let them finish breakfast. Thanks Denethor. Oh, well, this will probably be a lot of fun. I have a feeling things aren't quite going to go the way he hopes. :)

Sneha · 22 November 2015 · Chapter 11: In the Field

Thorongil is fast winning a reputation for himself! "Greenest man" indeed, Denethor should have a ton of surprises coming up soon! It was nice to see him excited for once. I am looking forward to the battle of wills. I am curious how you will handle it though, Denethor does not strike me as someone who likes surprises or to be bested. Kudos to the descriptions, I could feel the cold, hear the horn ringing out and men scrambling to answer their Lord's call! I also like the names to come up with, they fit so well in the person and the story! I hope you won't think this as prying, but where are you from? Are you a professional writer? I would love to read something of your own if someday you write it. Each chapter has made me curious of the person who writes it! Thank you!

someone · 22 November 2015 · Chapter 11: In the Field

So, there is a reason beyond testing Thorongil to have the Tenth company to face the Second. It is nice to see Denethor happy and not plotting against anyone. What struck me is that these soldiers of the city have almost no experience in camping in the cold, and most likely none of them (except Thorongil) have ever really fought in battles. They just keep an eye on people on market days. It was about time that Denethor took them to practice outside the city. If the practice continues, it will be useful during the war and the march to the Black Gate. And again, the troublemakers and outsiders have to carry the water. I'm waiting to see if Thorongil's idea is right and they'll have to attack the other camp to get water. Having to walk several times each morning over some distance with over 50 kilograms of weight is hard, perhaps they could "capture" the stream and move camp closer at some point. I'm really feeling sorry for the small Easterling who had to carry the water. By the way, you mentioned a Sable Challenger in earlier chapters. Is it an official position for the best swordsman in the Guard of the Citadel, or is it just a nickname for some soldier?

UTfrog · 22 November 2015 · Chapter 11: In the Field

This is a great read! I fear many upsets are in store for Denethor!

Sneha · 19 November 2015 · Chapter 10: Come In, Go Forth

Minardil is lovely! He is beginning to understand Thorongil's worth. Denethor comes off as very capable but always suspicious (I had to laugh when he was even suspicious of Jamon's betrothed!). But I have to applaud how consistent you are with the characterization, Aragorn still slips up now and then but he will learn. But my favorite line had to be "He could not imagine… he dared not imagine". There is such a wealth of painful longing in those words, of hoping despite all odds. In this you truly write like Tolkien. He wove her in so skillfully throughout the book that you always knew of Aragorn's devotion in very short but meaningful phrases! As always I look forward to your next chapter, interesting to see if Thorongil indeed fails!

Larner · 18 November 2015 · Chapter 10: Come In, Go Forth

Oh, but Thorongil has led eoreds in Rohan and has learned to appreciate what goods may be needed by patrols and companies from his foster brothers and his grandfather's Men. He has a quick eye and a mind to match; and it will do Minardil well to quietly heed his advice as he has. Most interesting to see Denethor at work, indeed seeing if he can set Thorongil, at least, up to fail. And Thorongil would appreciate Echtelion's reasons for approving of Jamon's courtship of a daughter of the City.