A Rider without sight cannot gallop across the plains, or watch the sun sink into reds and purples over the White Mountains. A blind Rider cannot stand watch over the herds, guarding the lame and ill, driving away the orcs and wolves; he cannot throw a spear nor aim an arrow nor whirl a sling. A Rider who cannot see cannot fight alongside the ( Read more... )

Sometimes I think, what if I'd been a few years older? I daydream of riding by my father's side, of turning away the orc blade that cut him down from the saddle.

Sometimes I think, what if I'd held my temper a few hours longer? I daydream of fording the Isen with my own men at my side, rallying to my cousin's aid in the nick of time and bringing ( Read more... )

To be a warrior? Most assuredly so. The blood of Eorl flows hot in my veins -- as long as there are enemies to be fought and my people to defend, I will be there with horse and spear. There is no alternative, and no other life I would care to lead ( Read more... )

I was young, once. And there is still blond amidst my grey. Not so with the High King of Gondor -- Aragorn looks no different than when he first rose up out of the grass to hail my men and myself, sixty years ago and more ( Read more... )