Reviews (322)

Raksha The Demon · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 6: A Gift Returned

Wonderful speech by Halbarad about what life will be like when the King returns - a wistful yet visionary quality to it; one has the sense that Hal really is living, and will die, for it.

Raksha The Demon · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 1: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

I love the relationship, and the dialogue, between Halbarad and Aragorn here; their long friendship and familiarity comes through humorously and honestly. And that's a great story about the Bree-wife, the jealous husband, and the goat named Buttercup!

Dot · 13 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

These Dunlendings are utter nutters. Although, I am trying to remember that it’s their culture and they seem to believe in this honour killing and have their own principles, even if they seem odd to us. Still, the nutter explanation will do me just fine for now. I love Halbarad in the opening scene. Now, he has honour. And what he’s facing goes against every grain of that so he fights back. Aragorn was probably brought up to use diplomacy but Halbarad is just outraged. I like how he isn’t afraid to let Aragorn know that he doesn’t agree at all with the plan that his captain seems to be making up as he goes along. Things aren’t looking good for these two. At the moment they’re like Hansel and Gretel in the gingerbread house. “Believe me when I tell you I have sneaked out of far worse places than a camp full of armed Dunlendings.” Hmm. I think I can see where Aragorn might be a tad overconfident… Dugaric seems clever. He also seems like a man of his word – but possibly clever enough to know what to say so that his word is still kept. And he’s sized up Aragorn and seen his physical weaknesses. Let’s hope that leads to underestimation by Dugaric. Interesting, though, that Aragorn felt he should tell him his purpose. Of course, Dugaric knows now that there’s more going on here than saving the girl, and that there’s this “inheritance” at stake. It’s fascinating to see the cultural differences – and their treatment of women is one of the greatest differences. Everything seems to come back to this idea of honour for them. But it doesn’t seem to Dugaric to be beyond the realm of possibility that a woman of their people would marry an outsider. It seems to me less likely, though, that a woman would be able to spend time with an outsider before marriage – to just have a relationship with him. Except for the widows and orphans, of course. Hmm. I wonder what are the chances that this “son” of Arathorn’s was actually a Dunlending orphan. I really need to go back and re-read the earlier chapters! “A bit of land, and a title.” *snort* Understatement of the Age! Still, isn’t it amazing to think how little it means to some when it’s what the Dunedain carry in their hearts? And you know, it didn’t really occur to me until now about the line of accession – that if there were another son of Arathorn, Aragorn would have to hope that he didn’t have any sons. Not that I think Aragorn will have this problem, but it’s interesting – and very scary for Aragorn. So, it sounds like Halbarad is having a ball. Six hours of riding in silence with three burly Dunlendings is just what a guy needs. It could be handy for them to be so indiscreet in comparison with the stealth of Aragorn and Halbarad. What Halbarad really needs now is a bunch of Karani to appear so he can duck off while the rest of them fight. I had to laugh at him thinking about Aragorn’s warning as his mouth gets the better of him. No diplomacy for our Halbarad. But then, diplomacy would probably confuse the yokels. “You’re worth more to me alive. In fact, you just did me a favor.” *sits up* What does he mean by that? Why don’t I like the sound of this?? And in the meantime Aragorn is having a sleepover with the boys. I kind of like Telgar. He might have spilled the beans on Dugaric’s son too if not for that other guy. Spiked miruvor, huh? Clever. But he hadn’t counted on the chieftain hanging around outside the latrine. And Dugaric is no fool. Now how is Aragorn going to get out of this? And how’s Hurin getting on? Great chapter as always. I’m thoroughly enjoying this – it’s all so exciting! Just don’t let Aragorn leave Daisy behind….

perelleth · 9 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

Well well well, now we are at an interesting point, both enmessed, though in sightly different degrees.. at least Aragorn has a roof upon his head... Halbarad was hilarious, remembering Aragorn's isntructions at the same time he let his tongue got loose. And Aragorn's search becomes even more entangled, now that the leader knows there is something vauable at stake. He was right that soon everyone would remember a northman as a father if they knew.. and now I'm wondering how you are going to extricate them from this situation... not to mention poor Hurin, caught between protecting the girl and trying to come up with something to keep his father and his chieftain alive... What a cliffhanger, Meckinock!. And Dugaric is such an interesting character!

perelleth · 9 August 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

Oh my! This was a tense if amusing chapter!THe back aching fox and the silent tracker of the swollen knee do play their role despite their old age! that was very amusing in a grim way! And I loved Halbarad's mixed reactions at discovering Hurin. pride and fear, both understandable. And of course, the cultural misunderstanding about "honor" Thankfully, they thought of hiding the girl first, and now they will surely have to run for it...The situation looks grim, and the heros are not in their best shape, but this makes it all more interesting! .

RS · 3 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

I love the fact while Halbarad is mouthing off he's hearing Aragorn's words to behave himself at the same time! Or better yet, he doesn't heed to his own warnings before his mouth opens! I guess his tongue is way too quick. The wise-cracks just keep pouring out of his mouth! Which is why I love the guy! But unfortunately he'll be waking up with an egg on his skull and a huge headache! I think Aragorn has met his match when it comes to being sly and slick. Dugaric seems to know every move that Aragorn makes. How are our heros going to get out of this predicament? I'm sure they'll find a way! This chapter was worth the wait.

grumpy · 3 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

My, my and just who is ging to rescue who. Halbarad seems to be out for the count right now. Aragorn needs to come out for another plan to escape, how about a large fire. Amazing the contrast between the Dunadan woman and how the ones in the Dunlending camp are treated. Keep wishing that Dugaric's wife would rise up and use a frying pan on the dude. Still no sight of Aragorn's (brother?) Just what is Aragorn going to do if he finds the guy. Don't supose he has, 100 cows and 5 virgins to buy the guy off, stuffed in his pack. Maybe a IOU would do.

lwarren · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

Well, I am so glad that Halbarad followed orders and controlled his temper/mouth! *g* Ouch! That had to hurt! And Aragorn - apparently Dugaric is not as 'simple' as he had hoped! This is not panning out like Aragorn had planned - wonder if Hurin is going to have to rescue both of the older guys (or maybe the girl's betrothed will make a timely appearance, or the cavalry will show up...come on, mekinock, inquiring minds want to know...) *g*! I loved all the descriptions of the village Aragorn is spending time in - Dugaric's wife, Dugaric himself, and the two in the barracks (drunk on miruvor! *snort*)as well as the three that are riding with Halbarad! Great chapter - although our heroes are left in rather a tight spot! Linda

Nilmandra · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

Well these two are certainly landed in a picle. Halbarad managed to get himself knocked out and Aragorn has a personal rangersitter watching over him. It will be interesting to watch them try to get out of this. I like the use of cultural differences here. One can assign any number of odd behaviors as being simply a cultural practice. The differences in how they treat women are most notable - they don't even consider them of their people, they are simply someone to cook, clean and bear children. Very pathetic, and all too often true. How each perceives honor is equally interesing - the title that means all to the Dunedain is of no value to the Dunlenders. Don't leave Halbarad unconscious for too long!

liz · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

I literally "squeed" when I saw this was updated. Way to leave them both in trouble, geez! Is Hurin going to have to put in double duty, here? I figured Halbarad wouldn't heed Aragorn's advice about his temper, and I also knew Aragorn was toast when he said how easy it would be to sneak out. Now what!! Wonderful chapter as always. I hope you get them out of said jams, soon.

daw the minstrel · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

Wow. You left them both in trouble. How mean of you. You're surely not going to make Hurin rescue them both? One of the things I liked about the chapter was the different thinking we encountered when we switched POVs. Halbarad thinks of these guys as "yokel," which made me laugh. Aragorn, on the other hand, sees his bunkmates as "two very thinly whiskered owls," which also made me laugh. Aragorn doesn't seem to be making much progress on his hunt for his older half-brother. Maybe Dugaric knows more than he lets on?

Bodkin · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

Oh. Dear. Me. Perhaps Dugaric isn't as dim a Dunlending as the Dunedain would desire. Aragorn clearly isn't going to find it that easy to sneak out. Maybe the Rohirric wife isn't as compliant as her husband expects and will lend a hand. On the other hand, if she's been in Dugaric's hands since she was 13, she's doubtless learned that not being a real person is some kind of security. Not much, probably, but the best there is. And Halbarad is going to have a headache. Provoking the Hulk probably wasn't the best plan - but I don't think Plug ever had much intention of dealing honourably with his 'guide'. I have my fingers crossed that Hurin isn't going to be quite as sensible as his elders hoped and that he and Yenne might be able to rescue Halbarad. Or that Dugaric's son might turn up and turn out to have some good pig-headed Rohirric traits about him that include not butchering the girl he wants to marry. Because, after all, both Aragorn and Halbarad have a date on the Pelennor they have to make - so they have to survive. (Which is no end of a relief!) Most exciting. And nerve-wracking.

Linda Hoyland · 1 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

Well are our heroes are in deep trouble now.You fooled me that ARagorn would escape until the last moment there and poor Halbarad !This is a truly gripping tale.You have me on the edge of my seat eagerly awaiting more.

Ellie · 1 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

This is a very interesting and intriguing tale. Gets more intense with each chapter. I wonder how Aragorn will get out of this one.

perelleth · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Whoa! This is so entangled! I was shocked when Aragorn found the letters, not knowing what he might have read, but then, when he tells Halbarad! That surely was a shock for him, and thankfully he was wise wnough to share his worry with his friend! I really liked Aragorn´s worry that he could not live another man´s life, and particularly not the life that might await him... and his determination to go to the end, even if unearthing what he fears he is unearthing would be such a shock for all involved from Gondor to Arnor, not to mention ELrond and Arwen! NO wonder he´s so appalled. Now, I´m most impressed by your descriptions. I particularly liked the chapter where Halbarad leaves Rivendell. THe landscape is perfectly detailed and I can very well see the bony earth, the contrast between the vegetation and all, but when he gets the course of the small river to reach the hidden way to their settlement! boy that was great! It was as if entering the time tunnel into some forgotten middle age village...or the still alive remnants of such places in the mountain, less favoured areas throughout Europe.. PErfect, at least in my experience! I could even feel the smells! The hoarse but caring Rangers are so convincing, again they remind me of enduring farmers, economic with words yet overgenerous with their hearts. Eirien is such a wonderful match for Halbarad, and I realy liked to see that he was a grandfather! And then again, the description when they found the bodies! Boy, you are so convincing and direct, cutting to the bone of the situation with a shot of words that at times leaves me reeling when I finally stop and read back and see all that has been said in such a powerful economic way. I bow to you. To the point that I´m enjoying this enough to save that -for now- last chapter for next occasion, when it has some company... And do not think that I´m nudging you or something... take this as a command! Seriously, great job in a gripping what if! and wondrous characterization and description. I´m so hooked!

perelleth · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 6: A Gift Returned

Oh, I have to leave it here, but this single chapter is a jewel! From dinner to singing to parting, the conversations flow smoothly, with not one unnecesary word, with fluent transitions and visual vividness. I'm awed!. And then I had to wipe out tears to be able to get to the end of Elladan's improvisation! My! That was great! I couldn't have come up with that in a million years! Hilarious, punctuated by Elrond's suffering tolerance and Glorfindel's outrage.. LOLOL, I'm still chuckling. Also like how you manage to convey the deep difference between Elves and Men. Too often the twins are shown like mindless thoughtless dim witted youngsters, and with a flicker of an eye here we see what lies underneath that levity and lightness of heart that many authors mistake for youthful recklessnes. And of course, Halbarad's economic line of thought eexpressed it better than many words:"the fact that Elrohir had sat in this very Hall and shared a glass with Valandil himself," And then the subtle difference between Elrond and Elrohir rounds the effect nicely. And allt through the discerning eye of our grumpy ranger. Wondrous till the end, when he manages to show Dudo the reality of the world outside Rivendell. Although this is the line that really made me smile:“Those who are destined to straddle two worlds might as well partake of the best of both. Of course. Where would be the fun if we didn't? Congratulations, Ranger. These stories are simply perfect. I just wished I could catch at least half of Ray dog's jokes too! :-)

The Karenator · 1 July 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

A low growl rumbled in the dog’s throat, his lip quivering to reveal sharp canines that flashed in the light like ivory blades. The horse barely cast him a glance. “Keep it down, shorty. I’m trying to think.” “You could put ribbons in your tail and still not be anything but a hayseed hacking out a third rate review that Flicka wouldn’t read.” The dog sat down and coolly ran his eyes over the big black stallion. “It’s my job to bust the ranger’s chops. I don’t take kindly to having my turf dug up by lacquered, pretty-boy hooves.” “I’m afraid you have no choice,” Dolroval said, not bothering to even cast a look in the dog’s direction. “The queen has requested my aid.” He looked at the dog then. “You do not want to upset her majesty.” The dog knew better than to ignore the woman with the food scoop. Her orneriness could cause him a lot of trouble if she wanted. The last thing he wanted to do was bow and scrap before his first bowl of kibble had settled. He liked it even less when a dandy horse had command of the keyboard. “Tell you what, elf-ride, you do what you say the queen wants. I’ll just take a little siesta over here until her greatness gets around to telling me. Then we’ll see who her pet is.” Ray’s Dog grinned, his teeth gleaming like a razor-sharp picket fence. “Me and the queen, we’ve been together a long time. You,” he said, “you’re just an accident, a rogue character that got too big for his harness.” Dolroval snorted and kept typing. “Pathetic little bum sniffer,” he muttered. The smile fell off the dog’s face like a Wham remake from the charts. “Look here, there’s no need to get your oat bag in a twist. Facts are just facts. I’m the dog. You’re not. Pretty simple concept. Even a tube of glue could put two and two together.” Ray’s Dog jumped up on the sofa, did a couple of turns, then stretched out to catch the breeze from the overhead fan. “Be sure to clean the blood up when her furiousness gets through with you. I hate getting my fur all sticky.” Dolroval snickered and continued to type. ****** The rangers, both less than hale, wiggled around the hill like two worms on a hot sidewalk. Their fist mistake occurred when they foolishly left their highly intelligent horses in a spot where the only members of this rescue team with a lick of sense could be of little assistance. The horses--firm believers in allowing the less clever to learn their own lessons--waited patiently for the rangers to come crawling back, begging for their aid. Fortunately, the horses were near enough to keep their ears tuned for trouble. Johnny Halbarad--often called ‘the PI’ by less scholarly sources--pointed out the lovely young lady held by the odiferous men of base criminality. Aragorn, a man with more names than a herd of pintos, had defied Halbarad’s instructions to do the smart thing and remain with the brilliant steeds, and joined Halbarad in watching the poor girl caught in the beer-swilling rabble’s web. There would be nothing simple about this operation, one conceived to free the young lady and eliminate the riffraff, but the two rangers, one of aching back and the other of swollen knee, agreed a nap would be in order prior to breaking a sweat. As luck would have it, complications far outnumbered the order of ‘the plan’. One could only hope for horse sense, but Halbarad’s youngest colt took it upon himself to barricade himself behind a swath of leaves and challenge the inebriated ruffians with threats of the Seventh Cavalry; imaginary reinforcements, it must be noted. The rangers’ thoughts of a nice snooze fell apart like Mr. Ed’s logic. That left them with little more guidance that to ask themselves the obvious question: What would Daisy do? Apparently, by their reckoning, she would blunder into the midst of an armed gang with more weapons than gray matter--though such thoughts about Daisy would be considered not only rude but bordering on blasphemy. But then, she hasn’t been quite the same since the unpleasant episode at the bridge. Pity, really. It’s considered quite the bad manners to speak of ‘the incident’. By the sheer dumb luck afforded to drunks and small children, the rangers managed to reduce the kidnapping, murdering scoundrels to sacks of dead manure. The girl was saved, but only because Aragorn (of many names) got so overexcited he lopped the head off one of the criminals in one fell swoop--an impressive act considering he still nursed an injured hand barely healed from his last encounter with undesirable elements. Some people do not ever seem to learn. The only sensible member of this swat team turned out to be the young colt, a delightful young man with enough sense to invite the horses to join them for counsel. An opinion was quickly rendered and the party—plus the lovely young maiden who seemed less than excited to be parading about in a torn frock—determined that a rapid exit from the locale would be most wise. Unfortunately, the destination left much to be desired. There was not one single accommodation suited for horses of such stature as those accompanying the rangers. In fact, the town of Tharbad only consisted of a name, a smattering of crumbling rock foundations, and few termite-eaten timbers protruding from the ground like weary hitching posts. Hardly a holiday resort. The young colt—a boy who turned out to be quite useful as well as bright--shown brilliantly as a connoisseur of range cuisine, a purveyor of delicious dumplings, smothered with hearty stew and garnished with delicate sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme. No one thought to provide the faithful steeds with more than what they were able to forage from dried weeds and tough grasses long gone to seed. Oh, how the wise often suffer to provide guidance to the young. However, the torment was only beginning when suffering at the hands of the foolish. The rangers, not fully in control of their faculties after such a scrumptious meal, rode roughshod into the midst of a dangerous enemy bent on the barbarous institution of keeping cows. Not one single horse was noted in their paddocks. In fact, the enclosures were nothing more than pens. If the absence of equine sense was not enough, there were chickens squawking and pecking about the dirt yard they obviously considered a proper square. These were a people in dire need of a few good mares to teach basic hygiene. To further illustrate their lack of enlightenment, the strange people with cows, did not take kindly to the arrival of the mounted rangers who were towing in their wake the poor girl now wearing the unsuitable clothing of a man. How terribly tragic this lovely young lass should be a foal of such a backward culture. She was a bit on the silent side, but the horses had noted she was most respectful of their wisdom, leaving her fate entirely in their hands, showing this by repeating the phrase: “It does not matter.” This girl exhibited great potential. Pity, it was not observed by her thickheaded kin. If any of the rangers had bothered to inquire, the mounts could have told them that anyone who kept cows and chickens, for Eru’s sake, would not be the sort to concern themselves with silly little details like the girl had been terrorized by Freddy Kruger, and her family treated to a chainsaw massacre. Of course not. These men (and the fact that men were in charge was quite telling about this backward culture) had the audacity to pretend relief at the girl’s return only to propose turning her into cow food. And humans wonder why cows go mad. Fortunately, the ranger’s colt--the bright young chef--had been left behind to take counsel with the horses and to provide a rear guard. The rangers, now having imprudently blundered into a village with all the sagacity of the Hatfields and McCoys, could only hope the fast thinking horses would be able to extract them from this intolerable debacle. Their hope--indeed, the hope of all civilized beings--lay in the hooves of the erudite horses waiting with the delightfully intelligent boy on a hilltop, concealed in a most delicious variety of honeysuckle and young tender poplar trees, the leaves of which go particularly well with a dry red grape grown in the southern regions of Dorwinion. The sea air adds a nice crispness to the body of the grape that lends itself to being the perfect accompaniment to fresh greens, and provides just a hint of a bouquet reminiscent of summer flowers--a delightful combination when on patrol with a bevy of imbeciles. Unfortunately, no grapes clustered about the immediate area just waiting to be admired. Instead, the horses would simply have to save the day without the needed refreshment that comes from the fruit of the vine. Oh dear, what would these children of Eru do without a good horse? Child of Eru comment: Loved this chapter. Of course, I’m Hurin’s biggest fan, and I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see his cooking skills. Thanks. That really made my day. Everything about this chapter was wonderful. It was full of excitement and terrific details that made the characters and the landscape come alive. The rangers have gotten themselves into a mess I’m not sure a horse could get them out of. Hopefully Hurin follows orders. Aragorn must have worried that something like this was going to happen for him to issue Hurin such an order. I’m sure in his travels, Aragorn has seen it all. He was a smart cookie to cover all his bases. I can’t wait to see what happens next. As always, an absolutely wonderful chapter! Gosh it was good.

perelleth · 30 June 2006 · Chapter 5: Clearing the Way

I had to stop here for lack of time, but I have been mulling on it for the whole week. It is actually wondrous. I like how the sentences seem to flow (no doubt it takes time and dedicate polishing but it comes out as effortless and natural and... boy, do I like Halbarad's intelligent, self-deprecating, sarcastic and compassionate sense of humour?) And I'm also smitten by Gandalf. I get angry at movie Gandalf most of the times, and yours reminds me of what I think he would be, an old man, full of wisdom, and with a heavy task: influencing people, without having actual authority, (although he might feel he could force them with a knock of his wand!! Now, resiting that temptation was hard!. And still he has managed to do that, and he manages to argue Aragorn's case before Elrond, and the half Elf would suffer him to do so, and he is also ready to cut Aragorn's leg, in a perfect show of deep trust in the Music... and he feels his own weariness and doubts the sanity of his mission in "such" equipment... These Maiar are actually the understated, undervalued heroes, it comes out so clearly here! :-) The river crossing... to put it mildly, was thrilling! I am amazed at your descriptions, at how nature, and all senses are called in for a short sentence or an action scene. We can feel the cold, the water's strength, their tiredness and even their bruises, while led at fast pace to ruin first, and to safety later! And I particularly liked this last chapter, from the mock name (Saddlebags indeed!) to poor Halbarad's premonition. HIs conversation with ELrond was very comforting, I found, despite the grim subject. They understand and admire each other and I liked that, for all his misgivings of the "elven spa," Halbarad is respected there and he seems to know it, for Elrond talks to him as if to someone he respects and Halbarad seems quite at ease, despite the situation. And the last conversation between father and son.. stepping around the subject, discussing philosphy to reach their point! Elrond's admission that his brother's legacy was far greater than his really blew me away! I have seen that in ffic very rarely,yet it is such truth, and one that took these powerful and wise elves three ages to understand! Elrond is even greater for understanding it and admitting it, and you the Chieftain of fanfic writers por so intelligently letting it show at this point of their lives. Wondrous.

obsidianj · 29 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

I love this story. You paint such a vivid picture of the landscape and the people. Your characters come to life and I love the relationship you develop between Halbarad and Aragorn. I hope you update soon, so that I can see how Aragorn will solve the riddle of his father and whether he can save the girl.

Estelcontar · 27 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

What a gripping chapter. I really, really liked the way Aragorn and Halbarad worked together. "Under ordinary circumstances, a pair of Dúnedain could easily defeat a half-dozen men such as these, especially if one of them was Aragorn;" As I liked how with a few words you reminded us how deadly Aragorn can be. You showed us a born leader, capable of acessing a situation, the risks, and coming up with the most viable plan. As Aragorn had to be to survive 89 years of fighting Sauron under disguise, tramping around all over Middle-earth under his various aliases, and leading the Dúnedain of Arnor in their fight against such heavy odds. But he's stubborn too, isn't he? crawling around with a game knee, wielding a his heavy sword with a bad hand, etc, etc.. What would he do without Halbarad? They complement each other rather nicely, I think. I can't wait for the next chapter to see what Aragorn will come up with. Hopefully, we won't have to wait long.

Dot · 27 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

Except a fox’s lower back would probably not be aching quite so much after an hour of slinking, he reckoned. […] There was a rustling in the leaves behind Halbarad, and a series of muffled grunts. Oh dear. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Not exactly shining examples of Rangerness, these two, are they? Still, they do have a fair old bash off the bad guys ;-) I liked the conversation between the two of them as they try to decide what to do. They’re not superheroes – they genuinely need to weigh up the odds and decide whether to take a risk or leave it and they wonder how they’ll manage when Aragorn isn’t at full strength and they don’t have appropriate weapons. I thought it was very interesting too how Halbarad’s experience is so different to Aragorn’s. I had never thought of it like that! But it makes sense. And what a horrible sight they came across in that camp. That poor girl. I thought one of the worst moments was when Malek, the brute, sliced her dress open. And it must have been hell for Aragorn and Halbarad to watch what he was doing to her. Garstic has such an unfortunate name. My brain keeps calling him Gastric. And oh my God, it’s Húrin!! And he’s all alone and completely bluffing about having them surrounded. He’s so brave. Halbarad did a marvellous job in restraining himself and letting his son do what he had to! In fact, he and Aragorn both manage to turn back into the skilful Rangers that they are once they have to. The whole scene was horribly tense. I just love how Halbarad treats Húrin – he offers him comfort, treats him as the man he is becoming and manages to let him go even while remembering the sensitive, gentle boy he was and still is inside. His pride is very clear – as is his love and that desire to protect him mixed with regret that he can’t. This line brought a lump to my throat: But now, he must help him to be a Ranger; to brutally ration his feelings just as he did his water and food and arrows, saving them for a place of safety. It really gives us such a poignant insight into the life that they lead. He looked down at the headless body of Garstic. I’m a little confused with all these people, but should that be Halig? I’m grinning at Húrin’s cooking skills. He obviously kept his word and picked up a few tips since his first patrol :-) I thought it was a lovely touch that they let Yenne sleep inside the shed while they slept outside. Húrin is very good with her. My heart went out to her when she said that it didn’t matter where she was taken – it seemed so hopeless and broken – but I never for a second guessed what might lie ahead of her. I thought you did a great job with the imagery of the Dunlending village – it felt very real. “The girl must die,” Dugaric said. ‘It is a matter of honor." Hang on, what did he just say?? Oh lord. Now how are Halbarad and the gang going to get out of this one? It sounds like Aragorn has some sort of a plan… right? Excellent chapter, Meckinock. It was shocking and tense and thoroughly engrossing. I hope you’re planning on taking some holidays from work so that we get to find out what happens soon ;-)

grumpy · 27 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

Ah brave, young Hurin, he is his father's son, and his mother's, because he can cook. I liked the moment when Halbarad took Hurin in his arms to reassure him, and found out that the lad is taller then him. I also like Halbarad's mothering of Aragorn's hand. All in all a very great chapter, I enjoyed every bit of it. Aragorn and Halbarad seen to be in a bit of a problem. Can you believe those men want to kill the girl.(of course you can, you wrote it) As if she has not been thru enough already. Men!

Linda Hoyland · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

The poor girl, I wonder if young Hurin could reach out to her to help? I know such customs still sadly prevail in some places. I love the way you have Halbarad waver at killing in cold blood,poor Aragorn has seen too much in his long life. Do you mean "gammy" here "and not nursing a game knee." I always eagerly await your updates,the story is exciting and the characters are spot on.

RS · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

Yes! My two favorite Rangers are back!! One with a lower backache and the other making a lot of noise due to his injured knee and arm! The opening of this chapter just made me laugh--picturing these two! You sure know how to write creepy and evil. That poor girl. That whole scene freaked me out. Awesome job making me sweat bullets at the arrival of Hurin and getting out of that situation. I love the relationship between father and son. Very touching. I love the compliment Aragorn gave, "He's a very brave young man, with a heart of gold. I can easily believe he is your son but for the inexplicable quality of his cooking." Burst out laughing. I love their smartass remarks towards each other. "It doesn't matter." Very ominous words from Yenne. No wonder! "The girl must die."???!!! Great! Halbarad was right. This was a bad idea. I love the gesture of kneading the bridge of his nose. Let's see how they get out of this. I'm sure Aragorn already has a plan by his comment "..let's hope your son knows how to follow orders." Please hurry with the next update!

fliewatuet · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

Yay, an update! The story is taking one interesting turn after the other. First, they encounter a pack of Dunlending trouble makers, and then they run into trouble right within Dunlending territory, which is not a particularly brilliant idea of Aragorn, but I must admit that he has little choice unless he wants to abandon the poor girl to certain death. But it won't help him in his personal affairs either. May I hug Húrin, just for a little bit? Halbarad must be really proud of him, though I have the vague impression that he does not give his son enough credit. But that's probably a father's prerogative. Anyway. To take up with three armed Dunlendings, killing one in ambush and trying to trick the others into giving up? Not bad for one so young! Though it was good fortune that Aragorn and Halbarad where already lying in wait :-) Did I already mention that I really like your portrayal of Halbarad? I think I might have mentioned it once or twice ;-) Compared to him, Aragorn truly seems like cold-blooded bastard. I like it that Halbarad is squicked by the sight of murdered people and that he has qualms of killing men - even if they are by no way innocents - in their sleep. It also fits quite nicely with my picture of Aragorn that he does not share Halbarad's hesitation in that respect. Though I do wonder if he is just an excellent actor (which he must be, to some point, given the many names and disguises under which he has lived) or if his experiences have hardened him so. So, you can see, I enjoyed your latest chapter a lot (and it certainly has given me much food for thought) and now I wonder how they will manage to get away from the Dunlendings with their skins intact :-)