Linda Hoyland · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
This gets more exciting with every chapter.
Author's reply
Oh no, Linda, now I have to top each chapter! Everyone is going to pass out from the angst!
Shadows of a Nameless Fear by Budgielover
Reviews (316)
Ariel · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
My dear, there is no such thing as too much angst! At least not for me, though I have been told I can take a level of it that would kill normal humans. Hehehehe. Again, a wonderful chapter! Oh, but they mustn't take Pip too far! He's the only one who could find Frodo! And it must be quick or else they will be too late to save him! Eeee! Oh, I DO love this story! More! More!
Author's reply
'kill normal humans' *snort* Thank you for the reassurance - I will remember it as I work on Chapter Ten. There is no such thing as too much angst. There is no such thing as too much angst. Oh, poor hobbits!
Elemmírë · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Well, a burning house should be plenty enough signal to those searching, I would think. Run, Aragorn, run! Geez, poor Frodo is going to need the combined healing talents of Aragorn and Elrond by the time you're through with him. *grins* Can't wait! I, too, enjoyed Sam's deterination at helping to find Frodo ... along with Gimli's literal interpretation of the King's orders. It never hurts to follow some rules exactly to the letter. Leftover orcs, my goodness! This is getting to be quite interesting and full of surprises, Budgie. What are the chances the next chapter is complete and ready to go?
Author's reply
Hello, Elemmírë! Yes, I am going to owe poor Frodo several soft, cuddly stories after this. And Pippin, too. And Merry and Sam. Chapter Ten should be up shortly - it is thunderstorm season here and I faithfully unplug my computer each time - so far every day! Really cuts into the writing time. But (barring thunderstorms) the next chapter should be up this week.
cookiefleck · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Loved Sam's determination. Good story, thank you!
Author's reply
Greetings, Cookiefleck! Thank you for commenting, and thank you for the praise. Thank you!
girlofring · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
You are just too mean! Leaving poor Frodo in a fire, and coughing up blood and...I just can't stand it anymore. You need someone to Frodo in a hurry! Who knows what other devious plans you have in store for him. And poor Pippin. Having to be touched by those filthy Orcs again. I hope Legolas can smell them a mile away!
Author's reply
Girlofring, I've been called 'mean,' 'evil,' 'wicked,' and am loving it. (You know what I mean!) It means our readers are emotionally involved in the story. As for what other 'devious plans' I have in store for our beloved hobbits ... heh heh heh.
AspenJules · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
My GOODNESS, Budgie!! I don't know who to be more worried for - Pippin or Frodo!! Although I've no doubt that Frodo would rather roast alive than be captured by orcs, I *know* he wouldn't rather roast alive while Pippin is captured and tortured by orcs in his stead! Hopefully the fire will signal searchers soon enough. You wouldn't scorch Frodo, would you? Really? Burns are one of my nightmares... I'm with Lindelea... the words of the sedan bearer about losing his father and his sons, but now his grandsons have hope thanks to the ringbearers brought tears to my eyes as well. Perhaps it will help Sam understand why the men have such a desire to show honor and gratitude to them. And way to go Gimli!! I thought maybe he would carry Sam on his back but this way is even better. *Smiles briefly with a tense face* Don't make us wait too long... Frodo hasn't got much time, OR Pippin! (Secret ways out? Oh my!) *Hopes angry elves Elladan and Elrohir find Pippin before the orcs get him out of the city and see that non-missing finger*
Author's reply
AspenJules, I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. You are absolutely right - Frodo would rather burn alive than see harm come to Pippin. Thank you for commenting on the sedan chair bearer's remark to Sam ... I thought that little conversation was very important to the tone of the story. It is an angst story, yes, but hopefully not a meaningless angst story.
Pearl Took · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Well, Budgie, I hadn't been reading this before but the description of chapter eight sounded interesting . . . this is good and I'm sorry I haven't been reading it. I'm looking forward to the rest :)
Author's reply
This is probably the darkest fic I've written, Pearl, but I promise it will have lots of comfort to make up for the hurt. I wanted to venture more strongly into the angst genre - like every other genre, it requires learning by doing. The story isn't quite ready to veer back into 'comfort' territory yet, though. Just keep telling yourself, "happy ending, happy ending..." :)
Andrea · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
“I had looked forward to that sport, Ring-bearer. I intend to have it. It will be sport indeed to see how long you last, before you become food.” Oh my God!!! The Orcs seem to have temporarily forgotten about the finger. But how long? And what will happen then to Pippin? And Frodo! He can't get out of that inferno by himself. Hurry, Strider, Pippin prayed. Find him! Find him! Yes, hurry, Strider! Someone has to find them - and quickly. I'm not so sure, who's in greater danger, Frodo or Pippin.
Author's reply
Andrea my dear, I just have to tell you how much I appreciate your reviews. You always seem so involved in the story and so eager for the next installment. Thank you for being such an encouraging, enthusiasic reader!
Elwen · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Sam and Gimli make a good team. But what about poor Frodo? You've had me on the edge of my seat for ages here!
Author's reply
Frodo in the next chapter, Elwen, I promise. As you have no doubt guessed, his absence in this chapter was intentional and committed with malice aforethought. heh heh heh
harrowcat · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Oh, wow, I'm speechless! You are adding wists on turns and mayhem on complication aren't you? And we are ooving it.
Author's reply
Harrowcat, what wonderful phrasing! 'Twists on turns and mayhem on complication' - brilliant! I'm so glad you are loving this fic - sometimes highly complex plots turn people off. And violence. And angst ... all the things we love. Hum. People who don't like angst must be dull, indeed!
Dreamflower · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Oh, gosh! Oh! Poor Merry! Poor Sam! Poor Pippin! Poor Frodo! Frodo is in dire peril--and Pippin not much less! But perhaps the fire will signal the searchers! I'm sure they'll *find* Frodo before he roasts--but what cost to Pippin when the Orcs *do* get a look at that finger! Oh golly!
Author's reply
Dreamflower, your list of 'Poors' made me laugh. You are right, though. Hey, I've decided that writing 'angst' is fun! *wanders off to dream up horrible scenarios for the next chapter*
Lindelea · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Yikes! “We will not stand by while another we love is taken and tortured,” Elrohir said grimly. Elladan nodded in agreement, his face both angry and sad. A powerful moment. The man, talking to Sam about his losses, and his new hope for the future for his grandsons, brought tears to my eyes. And then... Orcs! Brave Pippin! O my, Frodo is in a fix, if I'm reading this right he's in danger of roasting alive! And Pippin, taken by Orcs for sport and food... one of the most horrid plot themes I can think of! Hope you update soon.
Author's reply
Lindelea, thank you for commenting on Elrohir's remark - I wasn't sure many people would pick up on that. (I knew you would, and a couple others, but maybe not newer members of the fandom.) Thank you, too, for telling me the sedan chair bearer's remark to Sam stirred your emotions - it did mine when writing it. The people of Gondor must have been so emotionally exhausted and hopeless that the King's return was literally the dawn of a new world for them. *sigh* What a marvelous masterpiece the Professor gifted us.
Scarlett_Loves_Hobbit_Angst · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
I Loved this update! So exciting! Hope it isn't too long before until your next update. I am looking forward to more Frodo blood, and angst!(sorry! I am WAY too evil):) Keep up the great work. _Scarlett_
Author's reply
Scarlett, you don't have to apologize for loving angst! We are right there with you. Your earlier comment about feeling guilty for wanting Frodo to suffer made me laugh - we love hurt as long as there is (and will be) plenty of comfort. Thank you for telling me how much you are enjoying the story.
Lotrgirl1415 · 12 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
Geez I couldnt get on stories of arda for like 3 days cuz it wouldnt open....And I see you've updated my dear, and i have read your update. OMG! Frodo's condition sounds so serious!Coughing up blood and nose bleeds?GASP!!!*evil smile of angsty glee* I love you. lol ^-^ Yet he is already hurt my angsty side craves more hurtys for Frodo so you can make him all better in the end. (or close enough to all better as humanly( or hobbitly) possible.^-^) Pippin acting as Frodo!!?!? Holy Crap. But if the captures know that he(Frodo)was bleeding then how will Pippin be able to convince them he is the Ringbearer if he isn't bleeding? Or is that part of your plot?hmmm *ponders possibilities* Hopefully I didnt just have a big brain fart and say something completely off about your story in this review. Anyhoodles *bows to you* I'm not worthy!lol Great Update! And Thank you for it! xoxoxoxoxoxoo ~Katie
Author's reply
Katie, I think you will find your question on how Pip would be able to convince the kidnappers he was Frodo answered in Chapter Nine - after being set up in this chapter. I had anticipated that question and I am so tickled someone did pick up on it. Clever Katie!
Linda Hoyland · 12 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
This is very exciting !Poor Frodo, he needs to get to Aragorn quickly. Pippin is just so brave !I eagerly await more.
Author's reply
Hi, Linda! Chapter Nine took a lot of tweaking, but Pippin is very brave and I think you will like it. Thank you for enjoying the fic!
GIRLOFRING · 10 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
IT IS GETTING MIGHTY ANGSTY! BAD MEN, VERY BAD MEN TO HURT FRODO. VERY BRAVE PIPPIN TO GET TAKEN INSTEAD OF HIS COUSIN. CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE UPDATES. I HOPE THEY ARE SOON.
Author's reply
Hello, Girlofring! Yes, you are right, this story is a major angst-fest. I felt it was time to write something less in the straight action/adventure genre (but still having A/A, of course) so thought I'd give angst a shot. Amazing - the more you pile it on, the more people seem to love it. I'm learning a lot.
Grumpy · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
That was good thinking Pippin, pretending to be Frodo. But you still need to get away and help Frodo.
Author's reply
There is that minor glinch, Grumpy. We are getting to the 'getting away and helping Frodo' part, but not just yet. Musn't make it too easy now, must we? heh heh heh
Andrea · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
OMG!!! Each cliffhanger is better than the previous! Those creatures are Orcs, aren't they? If they haven't seen Frodo before, Pippin's plan might work. But what will they do to him? I better stop imagining ... Your Pippin is wonderful - and very brave! Please don't hurt him too much! Frodo is already seriously hurt, I fear. Let's hope the rescuers are near! As always, great work, Budgielover :)
Author's reply
Andrea, as the next chapter has been published revealing the new bad guys as orcs, I can say YES - you are right. Clever Andrea! I will try to keep your request for Pippin in mind, but things are going to get very bad for him, I'm afraid. Thank you for enjoying the fic!
quendria · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
**gasps**...orcs!!.....Pippin!!!.....what a marvelous twist budgielover! Great chapter!!..........Q
Author's reply
Hello, Quendria! Thank you for your breathless review - you managed to convey your emotions quite excellently! ;D I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter, and the story.
shirebound · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
No no no, thought Pippin. You can’t have him Pippin is just a marvel. But please rescue Frodo soon! He needs help and TLC. *paces and frets*
Author's reply
Wow, I am going to owe Frodo a lot of comfort, aren't I? And now Pippin. I guess hobbits will just have to be cuddled and fed and wrapped in blankets to their (and your) hearts' content. But -er- not just yet.
Bodkin · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
Well - Pippin's being very brave and self-sacrificial. Either that or he has a cunning plan... But whatever happens, the rescuers had better get to Frodo pretty quickly - he does not seem in a good way and really doesn't need to drown in his own blood. (Fingers crossed for the cunning plan. I don't think these captors will be any improvement on the first. Although Shunt did reduce the number of bad guys for Pippin to evade.)
Author's reply
Bodkin my friend, I have to tell you I think Pippin is winging it. Bad, bad move, and about to get worse... :D Thank you for your review!
GamgeeFest · 8 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
Oh Pippin. I do love the guy. I hope he has some plan or scheme up his sleeves and that he isn't just going into this blind. I'm also worried about Frodo being left there alone for too long. Broken ribs and spitting up blood aren't really a good thing. I love Pippin pretending to be a cat, and then deciding not to feel guilty about knocking the guy out because the guy threw a rock at the 'cat'. Frodo's delusional memory about Bilbo at the beginning was heartbreaking. I have my theories on who these three new thugs are. I'll wait and see if I'm right.
Author's reply
GamgeeFest, thank you so much for remarking on Frodo's confusion at the start of the chapter. I felt that was really important, though I couldn't tell you why. And I'll bet your theories on the new baddies are right. Thank you for sticking with the fic!
Elemmírë · 8 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
You do realize you are the Master of Cliffhangers, don't you? Poor Frodo! Poor Pippin! I had a feeling Pippin was going to do that. The problem is, he his Frodo so well, how is anyone else going to find him? And Frodo needs to be found very soon, if his injury is what I think it is. If it ideed is what I am thinking, then I'm _very_ interested to see how you go about treating it. Please post more soon!!
Author's reply
*grins evilly* I have rather gained that reputation, Elemmírë, and have to confess I am proud of it. Every writer needs a niche, and mine seems to be driving readers batty. Well, turnabout is fair play - I've waited breathlessly for other LotRs updates! (And we'll see if you're right about Frodo's injury.)
storyfish · 8 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
OMG, am so addicted to this story now. I'm now equally worried about Frodo and Pippin! If Pip's captured, how will Merry and the others find Frodo??? And Frodo sounds really seriously injured--coughing up blood can't be a good thing. I definitely like how Pip's putting everything on the line to save Frodo. (Imitating a stray cat made me grin--I can just imagine that.) But otherwise.... Augh! Augh! The suspense is killing me! ;-)
Author's reply
Storyfish, to be told a reader is 'addicted' to a story is such great encouragement! Thank you for being so generous with your encouragement and praise both.
harrowcat · 8 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
OOOOOH!!!!!!!!!!! Budgielover! You wicked, evil, ......xxxx....! Blood, injuries, blood and now TWO hobbits in danger from even more dangerous men(?) Don't keep us hanging too long, PLEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeASE
Author's reply
Harrowcat, for a short review, you managed to pack an astonishing amount of emotion into it! (I'm curious as the what the 'xxxx' means but probably don't want to know.) I'm so glad you are enjoying the fic!