harrowcat · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
OOOOOOoooooohhhhhhh! *shivers in anticipation*
Author's reply
Wheee, I'll do my best to keep it exciting! :)
Holding Back the Flood by shirebound
Reviews (394)
Cairistiona · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Very intriguing beginning! Reading the thoughts and intents of a wraith is more than a bit creepy, and you've written this very believably. It's definitely shiver-inducing! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm so glad this seems plausible. Eeeee, shivers! :)
Grey Wonderer · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Great beginning. Very nicely done from the dark side of things. This is one determined villian and I think everyone may be in for some trouble very soon. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you, GW. He certainly is determined, but so are the 'frail mortals' of which he's so dismissive. :()
Tithenaru · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Fantastic start, can't wait for the rest. Tithenaru
Author's reply
Thank you! :)
Periantari · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
ooo chilling and intriguing start! What if one Ringwraith didn't disperse and go back south? Intriguing AU and i look forward to reading more! Love the start!
Author's reply
Thank you, Peri An. "What if" indeed! How kind of the Professor to allow us to wonder about all these things.
cookiefleck · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
You're off to a great start! I shall amuse myself worrying for Sam (oh, yes, and the others - she added dutifully) until you post again. Good job of establishing the POV and creating a feeling of lurking menace. And you've even "humanized" him a bit, too, thereby creating a more complex character (similar to Gollum, IMO, we can also "sympathize" a little with his situation). Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Fluffdom any more. Hee. For now, anyway...
Author's reply
Dear Sam is safe for one more chapter, I think! Thank you so much. I really appreciate knowing that the wraith seems believable. Goodness, it's very scary out here without much fluff to hang onto (until I sneak it back in, of course). :)
Larner · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
And although neither truly living nor dead, malice, ambition, and envy still rules him. Alas he should make of the stalactites more Morgul blades! Most interesting premise, Shirebound!
Author's reply
Thank you very much. It's been fascinating trying to get this figured out.
lbilover · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Wow, what a fascinating premise. You did brilliantly getting inside the Wraith's mind and showing us the other side's POV in all its chilling, terrible logic. I'm really looking forward to seeing how you continue the story.
Author's reply
It definitely is 'logic', albeit from a mind warped by servitude and arrogance. Whew, what a challenge to write. Thank you! :)
Lily · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
It's been so long since I read any of your stories. I forgot how great they were. And I honestly admire you for writing the Nazgul's POV - something I have not yet dared and might never do. Excellent beginning!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. This certainly wasn't an easy POV for a G-rated soul like myself!
GamgeeFest · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Oh, this is soooo good! *bounces* I love the wraith's POV. Interesting to see things from his viewpoint - what if his spell had not been strong enough? Seeing it only from the Fellowship's POV, we know that Frodo's determination and strength of will and plain hobbit toughness helped him to resist the blade for so long. But that the spell was not strong enough is a good explanation also, and I think combined can give a more thorough answer than we get from the book alone. Intriguing! I don't like this plan of his. Nope, not at all. I can see this is going to be angsty! Don't scare yourself writing this, hon. *sends hobbits to comfort you* This is off to a great start.
Author's reply
It was most likely Frodo's own strength that kept him going while that shard was inside him, but how could the wraith-sorceror even consider such an impossible notion? To him, hobbits are merely fragile children. It really is fascinating and chilling to try to see things from his POV. Thank you! The hobbits and I will take all the comfort we can get. :)
Lily Frost · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Ooh... this is interesting. Don't think I've ever seen anyone attempt a 'what if' after the ring wraiths are separated. Please continue, I'm excited to see what happens.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. It's a challenge to imagine new scenarios. The Professor was very kind to leave us so many 'what if' gaps to fill. :)
Elflingimp · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Shirebound what an imagination you have! This is great, I'll be waiting for more! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you, Imp! :)
Andrea · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Wow! What an interesting beginning! I have thought of the wraiths as war-lords, but it is absolutely possible that one of them might have been a sorcerer. And the Ring of Power intensified his spells so that he was able to sent them even through massive stone. Very plausible! Now I'm a little worried about what might happen to Frodo (and others). But knowing you I'm looking forward to much healing and comfort :)
Author's reply
When I read that quote by Tolkien that begins the chapter, I started wondering just how different the wraiths all were, and if they had different strengths and ideas about how to accomplish their goal. There will be MUCH healing and comfort. Thank you for reading, and for the trust!
Lindelea · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
...and, of course, hoping for glimpses of Merry and Pippin...
Author's reply
They're on their way! They both join the story in chapter 2.
Lindelea · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Oooo, chilling...
Author's reply
Eeeee, chilling! Of course (being me), I already can't wait to get to the comfort that follows any drama that might ensure.
6336 · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Ooo! Scary! But plausible, I can see one of the wriaths remaining behind. Even if they did find all the horses who is to say they all went back to Mordor? More please, as soon as the wrists allow, Lynda
Author's reply
I'm just thrilled that this seems plausible. Yes, who's to say they all went back to Mordor together, after being scattered by the river? What fun to speculate.
FantasyFan · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
This is a very scary beginning. And so possible - why else would all those patrols have been sent out, searching for so long, if it had not been a distinct possiblilty that one of the wraiths might have stayed in the vicinity! I also am intrigued by the notion that each of the rings of Men might also have a certain affinity, as the Elven rings each did. Or for that matter, as the Istari each had their own affinity and powers. Middle-earth does seem to be a place where things are divided up. And I also wonder who else besides Frodo might be in danger, once the cavern is discovered, and what role Aragorn is to play. As always, I'm looking forward to another of your well-written and captivating stories.
Author's reply
That's exactly it! Why wouldn't each ring -- and bearer -- have its own focus or strength? I'm so glad this scenario feels possible, and even likely. Thank you so much. And... Aragorn makes his appearance in the very next chapter. :)
Garnet Took · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Very interesting beginning. Now I understand your lj comment about having to think like a wraith. Very creepy, and you did it very well. This has my curiosity peaked. I'm wondering that if his plan works, who else instead of Frodo, or in addition to him, might be in the path of those falling stalagtights. I don't think I spellled that right but I'm not motivated enough to go look it up. Sorry.:)
Author's reply
Thank you very much. It's extremely chilling to get into a wraith's head, and try to understand what actions he would consider logical and "right".
inzilbeth · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
I'm so glad you're writing again. This is wonderful and so chillingly feasible. Oh the poor hobbits, you just know they're going to wander into that cave sooner or later. Hurry back Aragorn! And soon!
Author's reply
I'm soooo happy to be writing again. I've been working out the premise of this story for months, and I'm all a-fire with ideas and excitement. Yay, I'm glad it seems feasible. Thank you so much. And... Aragorn is on his way!