Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

The King's Justice  by maya_ar 3 Review(s)
Chathol-linnReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 7/15/2004
What a competent touch you have with the tone and style of this correspondence. High quality indeed. Each word counts; there is not an extraneous one to be found. And you don't overdo the archaic approach by over-using reverse sentence constructions and odd vocabulary ('naught' 'ere' 'mayhap' etc.) but rather accomplish it through a very formal tone. The only archaic word I noticed was 'bethink' and you used it perfectly. Your story telling technique catches the reader's interest by promising a development in a specified time -4 days in this case. Well crafted beginning! - Chathol-linn

Author Reply: Thank you! One of the most nervous-making things about writing this was kicking off with the letters: basically paragraphs of exposition in very formal language. With the invaluable input of my beta-readers, I did three revisions to the story, but still have doubts about whether the balance between archaic style and readability is maintained. It's wonderful to hear reassurance on that front- your words are much appreciated.
Cheers,
Maya

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 7/15/2004
I liked the contrasting tones of the two letters. I've always thought that the fate of Beregond was an interesting one. If there were true justice, of course, he would be rewarded, but those over him also have to maintain discipline for everyone else. So what to do?

Author Reply: Hi,

Thank you. I was working for a more "official" tone with the letter to Aragorn, while the one to Imrahil had to be more revealing while still formal in style. Yes, Beregond's case is a classic case of the conflict between law and justice, isn't it. That's what gave me the idea for the story.

cheers,
Maya

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 7/14/2004
You really approximate the style of quasi-medieval correspondance quite well. I can't help but feel that this is how Faramir's letters to his king and to his uncle would read.

The Warden of the Houses of Healing had quite a way with words - telling Faramir that Denethor wished himself cremated is a very creative, yet honest way of shielding Faramir from the horrible truth of Denethor's end.

Author Reply: Raksha,

Thanks again! That Warden - well, he didn't know the full truth, plus he didn't want to be the bearer of bad news, I guess. So I imagine he decided to let Mithrandir handle the whole thing.

cheers,
Maya

Return to Chapter List