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Ten Thousand Years Will Not Suffice  by Agape4Gondor 2 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 30 on 7/12/2010
The decree that they are not to speak of their mother again was poorly made, as is the evaluation of Faramir as "soft." Little does he know! Denethor is now addicted to the Palantir, and how much information that is twisted in its presentation is being fed to him deliberately? And now, Faramir follows his brother rather than his father. Interesting.

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 30 on 7/13/2006
Finally, Denethor gets around to explaining why he doesn't want Faramir to associate with Mithrandir. But he explained to the wrong son. This is something he should have told Faramir, and should have told him a long time ago. But, of course, he isn't really much of an explainer, and probably prefers to explain things to the son who won't ask him any inconvenient questions.

And even Denethor is beginning to see Finduilas as weak. Sigh. He'd really have been better off with Melanie Hamilton.

Now, as for this ending. . . Denethor, having dawdled up on the mountain with his sons, who are probably needed in the barracks, hears of an impending attack, rides hell for leather over the plains to the point where his horse breaks a leg (presumably Denethor manages to leap free just as it falls), euthanizes it, and then rides off on Faramir's horse stranding Faramir on the Pelennor? What a stupid thing to do. Denethor is an experienced enough soldier that he should know better than to do that. If he needs to get home, he should take Faramir's horse, but have Faramir ride behind Boromir. You Do Not Strand A Soldier.

Author Reply: Isn't it always the truth that it is easier to tell someone else your fears than the one who actually needs to hear it!

As for the ending - please note - the men are coming from Mindolluin. They have used the south gate to get into the Pelennor. They are riding very close to the city of Minas Tirith itself. I don't see any problem with leaving his son there - the family has even picknicked in that area before... so it is a matter of expediency. Boromir must be off to Osgiliath. Denethor is desperately needed in Minas Tirith. It is not a huge danger to leave Faramir there. IMHO - the Pelennor in this area - and further north on the way to the North Gate - are relatively safe in that they are within a stone's throw - so to speak - of the city itself. Also, Harlond is very close and that seems to have still been a safe harbour.

As for Denethor dawdling on the mountain - the ceremony needed to be completed. They were at least twelve hours away from the Great Gate. Another hour would make no difference. Gondor needed Boromir to complete the ceremony.

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