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Genghis Cohen posted:I'll be honest, I can't exactly remember how the story moves on from this bit. But in a sense the heroes can go back now and report success - the cauldron is beyond Arawn's grasp, with powers which I really don't think he could recover it from again. Not sure if this is spoilers (it might come up in a bit, can't remember), but even if the story doesn't say it leaving the Black Cauldron in the hands of three beings who cheerfully handed said Cauldron to Arawn in the first place is not terribly "secure". Even if Arawn's credit is no longer good with these three, what stops them from handing it to somebody else who's a bastard? I think it's entirely logical to decide it won't be safe until the good guys have it and destroy it, period. Granted, Taran could probably have ducked out to actually discuss this with Dalben/Gwydion/etc. in reasonable safety, but, well, Taran - not so good with not jumping in right then after all.
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# ? Aug 1, 2023 04:39 |
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# ? Jun 3, 2024 22:30 |
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Chapter 13: The Planquote:THE DOOR SLAMMED SHUT behind them and once again the companions found themselves outside the cottage. Dun dun dunnn.... quote:IN THE SHED the companions tried to sleep, knowing the night to come would be one of hard and dangerous labor. Fflewddur and Gurgi dozed briefly; Eilonwy huddled in her cloak with some straw piled around her. Taran was too restless and uneasy even to close his eyes. He sat silently, in his hands a long coil of rope he had taken from what little gear remained to the companions. They had decided to sling the cauldron between the two horses and make their way from the Marshes into the safe shelter of the forest, where they would destroy the Crochan. No sign of life came from the cottage. At nightfall, however, a candle suddenly glowed in the window. Taran rose quietly and moved stealthily out of the shed. Clinging to the shadows, he made his way to the low building and peered in. For a moment he stood there, amazed, unable to move. Then he turned and raced back to the others as quickly as he could. The party does not, in fact, even lift.
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# ? Aug 2, 2023 18:43 |
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Chapter 14: The Pricequote:ORDDU, BLINKING SLEEPILY and looking more disheveled than ever, stepped inside the chicken roost. Behind her followed the other two enchantresses, also in flapping night robes, their hair unbound and falling about their shoulders in a mass of snarls and tangles. They had again taken the shapes of crones, in no way resembling the maidens Taran had spied through the window. Orddu raised a sputtering candle above her head and peered at the companions. Good news, everyone! quote:"You'll let us take it?" cried Taran. "After all you've done?" The Weird Sisters certainly are shrewd negotiators. Makes you wonder what they made Arawn pay for borrowing the cauldron.
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# ? Aug 5, 2023 18:40 |
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Probably gave them a minion's soul or something. "Yeah, sure, take it, I don't care." That's why the Creeper from the Disney movie's not in the books, Arawn hacked that little poo poo straight into the cauldron first chance he got.
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# ? Aug 5, 2023 20:11 |
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Chapter 15: The Black Cauldron Title drop! quote:FAREWELL, MY OWLETS," Orddu said, turning toward the cottage. "Unfortunate you couldn't strike a bargain with us. But that, too, is the way things are. Flutter home to your nest, and give all our love to little Dallben." And so we learn the truth of the Black Cauldron; and a bitter truth it is. quote:"When Orddu and her friends say farewell," remarked the bard, "they mean it. I doubt we shall see them again." He brightened. "And that's the most cheerful piece of news I've had this morning." And we have come to the part where Taran has learned another lesson. That with great power comes great responsibility - but not necessarily great happiness.
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# ? Aug 9, 2023 15:49 |
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Chapter 16: The Riverquote:HIS NIGHT'S SLEEP refreshed Taran but little and hardly blunted the edge of his weariness. Nevertheless, at dawn he roused the companions and with much effort they began roping the Crochan to Lluagor and Melynlas. When they finished, Taran glanced around him uneasily. I like the implication here that the Cochran isn't just used for evil but actively exudes evil around it - or at least misfortune. quote:SLOWLY, STRUGGLING under the cruel weight, the companions brought the Crochan to the riverbank. While Gurgi, leading the horses, cautiously set one foot, then the other, into the stream, Taran and the bard shouldered the sling. Eilonwy followed beside them to steady the swaying cauldron. The icy water slashed at Taran's legs like a knife. He dug his heels into the river bed, seeking a firmer foothold. He plunged deeper; behind him, the straining, grunting Fflewddur did his best to avoid dropping his end of the sling. The chill of the river took Taran's breath away. His head spun, the branches nearly slipped from his numb fingers. For one moment of terror he felt himself falling. His foot found a rock and he braced himself on it. The vines creaked and tensed as the weight of the cauldron shifted. The companions were in midstream now and the water rose only to their waists. Taran raised his streaming face. The opposite bank was not far; the ground appeared smoother, the forest not as dense. Friend or foe? Guess we'll find out next chapter.
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# ? Aug 12, 2023 20:04 |
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What a cliffhanger!
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# ? Aug 26, 2023 23:20 |
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Darthemed posted:What a cliffhanger! God, and I thought Let's Plays were cursed, but this is like 3 different Let's Reads at least now where the OP has either just disappeared or actually died. Scary poo poo.
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# ? Aug 28, 2023 17:29 |
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OP valiantly sacrificed themselves by jumping into the Crochan.
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# ? Aug 28, 2023 20:06 |
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If we go a month without Wahad returning, I might be able to pick up posting the Chronicles. Here's hoping they've just been inconvenienced for a couple of weeks, though.
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# ? Aug 28, 2023 20:30 |
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Sorry everyone. I should note I'm not, in fact, dead, or ill or anything of the sort, but real life did get in the way a bit. Chapters return on Wednesday.
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# ? Aug 28, 2023 21:21 |
That's really good to hear, seriously, in this day and age.
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# ? Aug 28, 2023 21:23 |
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Wahad posted:Sorry everyone. I should note I'm not, in fact, dead, or ill or anything of the sort, but real life did get in the way a bit. Chapters return on Wednesday. silvergoose posted:That's really good to hear, seriously, in this day and age. Yeah, by all means take your time, please. It's just good to hear that you're okay and doing well
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# ? Aug 28, 2023 21:25 |
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nine-gear crow posted:Yeah, by all means take your time, please. It's just good to hear that you're okay and doing well
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# ? Aug 28, 2023 21:25 |
also I probably should have checked the activity level of the thread before alerting all of the forums to it in the monthly announcement
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# ? Aug 29, 2023 05:39 |
Bilirubin posted:also I probably should have checked the activity level of the thread before alerting all of the forums to it in the monthly announcement But! I think its a really cool thread and lots of folks now know to check in on it as you update it when its convenient! Its not a job, there is no pressure here, so take your time
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# ? Aug 29, 2023 05:43 |
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We're back! And to make up for lost time, two chapters today. Chapter 17: The Choice quote:IT WAS ELLIDYR. With Islimach following, he strode to the riverbank. Dry mud caked his tawny hair and grimed his face. His cheeks and hands had been cruelly slashed; his bloodstained jacket was half ripped from his shoulders, and he wore no cloak. Dark-ringed, his eyes glittered feverishly. Ellidyr halted before the speechless companions, threw back his head, and glanced scornfully at them. And here we come to Ellidyr's raison d'etre. He's always lost before. He was the youngest son, so he would only ever be prince. His family has lost everything material so all he has left is his honor, his name and his horse. He needs this win. Badly. quote:"Do you think," Taran said, "I care nothing for mine?" So. It's foe, after all. Chapter 18: The Loss quote:IT WAS NIGHT when Taran came to his senses. He found himself propped against a log, a cloak wrapped around him. His head throbbed; his body ached. Eilonwy was bending over him anxiously. Taran blinked his eyes and tried to sit up. For some moments his memory held only a mingling of sights and sounds, of rushing water, a stone, a shout; his head still whirled. A yellow light shone in his eyes. He realized, as his mind gradually cleared, that the girl had lit the golden sphere and had set it on the log. Beside him, a small fire blazed. Crouched next to it, the bard and Gurgi fed twigs to the flames. Hen-Wen's a pretty honorable pig, it's true. quote:THE COMPANIONS PASSED the night in the forest and next morning turned southward across gentler land. They saw neither Huntsmen nor gwythaints, and they made little attempt at concealment; for, as the bard had said, the forces of Arawn sought the Crochan and not a pitiful band of stragglers. Unburdened, they moved more easily, though without Lluagor and Melynlas their pace on foot was slow and painful. Taran trudged silently, his head bowed against the bitter wind. Dead leaves drove against his face, but he paid them no heed, filled as he was with the distress of his own thoughts. Hey, we did it gang! Morgant's here to save the day! quote:Morgant's warriors took up the rest of the companions and they galloped swiftly into the wood. The war lord had made camp in a wide clearing, well protected by trees, its approach guarded by a deep ravine, and the tents had been blended in with a line of underbrush. Taran saw Lluagor and Melynlas tethered among the steeds of the warriors; a little apart, Islimach pawed the ground nervously and pulled at her halter. Near the center of the clearing Taran caught his breath at the sight of the Black Crochan, which now had been removed from its sling. Though two of Morgant's warriors stood by it with drawn swords, Taran could not shake off the sense of fear and foreboding that hung like a dark mist about the cauldron. Oh.
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# ? Aug 30, 2023 16:51 |
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Yeah, so how's that "Well he looks so handsome and refined so he MUST be a good person!" thing working out for you now, Taran?
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# ? Aug 30, 2023 17:11 |
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Glad to see more chapters (and to get confirmation that you’re alive and well). I remember this part of the book hitting me hard as a kid - seeing Taran make choices that are difficult but as right as he can stuck with me for years and years.
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# ? Aug 30, 2023 19:02 |
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Morgant you absolute knob.
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# ? Aug 30, 2023 22:48 |
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Coca Koala posted:Glad to see more chapters (and to get confirmation that you’re alive and well).
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# ? Aug 31, 2023 02:12 |
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Chapter 19: The War Lordquote:BEFORE THE STARTLED TARAN could draw his blade, a guard seized him and quickly lashed his arms behind his back. The bard, too, was seized. Screaming and kicking, Eilonwy fought vainly. For an instant Gurgi broke loose from his captors and flung himself toward King Morgant. But a warrior struck him brutally to the ground, leaped astride the limp figure, and trussed him tightly. The gang's in trouble now, folks. quote:The bard, who had been silent this while, heaved a sorrowful sigh. "In the Marshes of Morva," he said, "if I had only known, I should have asked Orddu to change me into a toad. At the time I didn't care for the idea. As I think of it now, it's a happier life than being a Cauldron warrior. At least there would have been dew circles to dance in." And where would they run, indeed? It's not like Morgant has a whole army at his disposal, or anything. quote:With much difficulty, the tightly bound companions struggled closer and sought to undo each other's thongs. The knots refused to yield, slipped from their numb fingers, and only bit more deeply into their flesh. Again and again the companions returned to their labors until they lay breathless and exhausted. Even Eilonwy no longer had the strength to speak. They rested a while, hoping to gain new energy, but the night moved as a heavy, tormented dream and the moments they passed in fitful drowsing did nothing to restore them, nor did they dare lose too much precious time; morning, Taran knew, would come swiftly. The cold, gray trickle of dawn had already begun to seep into the tent. Well, at least Ellidyr's come aorund.
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# ? Sep 2, 2023 15:44 |
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Chapter 20: The Final Price.quote:ELLIDYR!" TARAN CRIED. "Have you strength enough to break your bonds and free the rest of us?" Ellidyr rolled on his side and strained desperately against the tight cords. The bard and Taran tried to aid him, but at last Ellidyr fell back, exhausted and gasping with the pain of his efforts. Well, at long last, Ellidyr and Islimach can rest. They only had eachother in life - and they couldn't go on without the other. quote:IN THE CLEARING the bodies of King Morgant and Ellidyr lay side by side, and the remainder of King Smoit's horsemen rode in a slow, mournful circle around them. Alone and apart, Gwydion leaned heavily on the black sword Dyrnwyn, his shaggy head bent, his weathered face filled with sorrow. Taran drew near and stood silently. He's a good bird. quote:AFTER THEY HAD RAISED the barrows, Gwystyl left to resume his guard at the way post; the companions, King Smoit, and his riders departed from the clearing and turned their horses toward the River Avren. High overhead, their wings darkening the sky, flight after flight of gwythaints retreated toward Annuvin. Of the Huntsmen there was no sign; and Gwydion believed that Arawn, learning of the Crochan's destruction, had summoned them to return.The companions rode not in triumphant joy but slowly and thoughtfully. The heart of King Smoit, too, was heavy, for he had suffered the loss of many warriors. With Kaw perched on his shoulder, Taran rode beside Gwydion at the head of the column as it wound through hills rich with autumn's colors. For a long while Taran did not speak. And so we come to the end of Book 2! Quite a heavy hit with everything that's gone on. What do you think? Saturday, we'll move on to Book 3 - The Castle of Llyr.
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# ? Sep 6, 2023 18:21 |
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God, these books really do go from climax to "The End" at lightspeed, don't they? Llyr's a fun book, it's basically "the gang goes on vacation and solves a mystery". Like a big book-long Scooby Doo episode in a lot of ways.
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# ? Sep 6, 2023 20:35 |
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My library didn't have the castle of lyr, so I just had to infer what happened from the next book, I'll be interested in seeing it first hand. The ending is a bit predictable (and fair enough) but it does a good job of making it effecting even so and the talks about the morality and honor of everyone are pretty good for a young audience. I really did expect a chapter with Dalben talking to Taran at the end though.
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# ? Sep 6, 2023 20:57 |
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Many thanks again for posting, it was a great read. Looking forward to the Castle of Llyr!
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# ? Sep 6, 2023 21:38 |
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I loved loved loved these as a kid. Reading them now, the dialogue seems so stilted and forced? But maybe it's intentional, kind of harkens back to legends and myths, how heroes and gods talk in the Iliad and such. I do remember book 3 being my least favorite of the series, it'll be interesting to see if that's still the case. Huge thanks to Wahad for the posts. It's so easy to drop out after awhile on a big thankless project like this. Hope you know that you're appreciated!
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# ? Sep 6, 2023 21:42 |
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Thank you for the posting, Wahad. The sorrow of these books certainly hits harder as an adult than as a kid, when I was much more focused on the adventure and supernatural stuff. Looking forward to the next book, which features likely my favorite character in the series.
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# ? Sep 7, 2023 02:50 |
sweet! This is the book that I actually read in this series, and I remember nothing about it so being reminded will be nice
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# ? Sep 7, 2023 05:37 |
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This was one of my favorite series when I was growing up and I was worried it wouldn’t hold up when going through it again as an adult. Happy I turned out to be wrong! Book 3 is the weakest in the series IMO, but it certainly has its moments.
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# ? Sep 7, 2023 06:00 |
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Wow, I am consistently reminded that what I remember from reading these as a child, is the actual plot. I definitely didn't consciously absorb most of the lessons Taran is explicitly told about trusting in yourself, doing the right thing, etc etc
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# ? Sep 8, 2023 12:09 |
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Book 3: The Castle of Llyr. Published in 1966, the third book in the series is often seen (including by some of the commenters here) as the weakest book in the series. Perhaps rightfully so! It's not quite as hard-hitting as the Black Cauldron, or as poignant as the fourth book, Taran Wanderer. Even Alexander himself describes this (though in not so unflattering terms) in his author's note: Author's Note posted:The Castle of Llyr is, in a sense, more romantic than the preceding chronicles--- Taran is noticeably aware of his feelings toward Eilonwy. And it is sometimes more comic--- for example, the utter despair of the companions in trying to cope with the well-meaning but hapless Prince Rhun. The mood, perhaps, is bittersweet rather than grandly heroic. Regardless, we're on with the show! I quite like certain parts and characters in Book 3, and I hope you will too. Chapter 1: Prince Rhun quote:EILONWY OF THE red-gold hair, the Princess Eilonwy Daughter of Angharad Daughter of Regat of the Royal House of Llyr, was leaving Caer Dallben. Dallben himself had so ordered it; and though Taran's heart was suddenly and strangely heavy, he knew there was no gainsaying the oldenchanter's words. On the spring morning set for Eilonwy's departure, Taran saddled the horses and led them from the stable. The Princess, looking desperately cheerful, had wrapped her few belongings in a small bundle slung from her shoulder. At her neck hung a fine chain and crescent moon of silver; on her finger she wore a ring of ancient craftsmanship; and in the fold of her cloak she carried another of her most prized possessions: the golden sphere that shone at her command with a light brighter than a flaming torch. Dallben, whose face was more careworn than usual and whose back was bowed as though under a heavy burden, embraced the girl at the cottage door. The premise of the book, very succinctly introduced; Eilonwy has princess duties to attend to - and Taran's feelings are getting in the way of letting her go graciously. quote:PAST MIDDAY THEY TURNED their horses to the west, where the hills began a long slope downward into the Avren valley. At the last ridge Kaw hopped from Taran's shoulder and flapped aloft, croaking with excitement. Taran urged Melynlas over the rise. Below, the great river swung into view, wider here than he had ever seen it. Sunlight flecked the water in the sheltered curve of the harbor. A long, slender craft bobbed at the shore. Taran could make out figures aboard, hauling on ropes to raise a square, white sail. Eilonwy and Gurgi had also ridden forward. Taran's heart leaped; and to all the companions the sight of the harbor and the waiting vessel was like a sea wind driving sorrow before it. Eilonwy began chattering gaily, and Gurgi waved his arms so wildly he nearly tumbled from the saddle. Prince Rhun. Decidedly a much more bumbling comic relief than Fflewddur ever was, but well, his heart's in the right place. quote:Coll embraced Eilonwy. "When we see you again," he told her, "I doubt we shall recognize you. You shall be a fine Princess." Despite all their adventures, sea-faring doesn't suit Taran or the rest of the gang very well. But we're off to the Isle of Mona! Who's excited?
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# ? Sep 9, 2023 19:50 |
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Here's to Prince Rhun, able to unravel Taran's character development into utter cattiness.
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# ? Sep 9, 2023 20:10 |
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Llyr has the unfortunate distinction of being the middle entry of the series with all that implies. You need it for the lull it provides between The Black Cauldron and Taran Wanderer and big chunks of The High King don't make sense with out, but yeah it was very much my least favorite of the five or just the one I think of the least when I reminisce about the series, and I stand by my description of it earlier as just a long vacation mystery episode if the books were a cartoon: fun but frictionless.
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# ? Sep 9, 2023 20:46 |
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Darthemed posted:Here's to Prince Rhun, able to unravel Taran's character development into utter cattiness. Which of course makes his later fate downright heart-rending when it happened; although that book had a LOT of that going on he definitely stood out for me.
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# ? Sep 13, 2023 07:45 |
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Two chapters this week again, coz life got in the way again. Chapter 2: Dinas Rhydnant quote:THE DAYS THAT FOLLOWED put Taran in better spirits. The companions grew used to the motion of the ship; the air was clear, sharp, and salt-laden, and Taran could taste the briny spray on his lips. While Prince Rhun, from atop his platform, shouted commands which the crew, as usual, did not heed, the companions were glad to pass the time by lending a hand at the tasks aboard. The work, as Coll had foretold, eased Taran's heart. Yet there came moments when he suddenly recalled the purpose of the voyage and wished it would never end. The gang's back together! Meanwhile, we can immediately see where Rhun gets...all of himself from, with the introduction of his parents. quote:"Well, well, well!" said the bard. "And high time it is! I've been waiting for you. I thought you'd never get here." Dun dun dunn.... Chapter 3: The Shoemaker quote:TARAN PALED. His head still whirled at seeing the Prince of Don in the guise of a shoemaker, and Gwydion's words left him all the more confused. "Our lives in danger?" he asked hurriedly. "Does Arawn of Annuvin seek us as far as Dinas Rhydnant?" Achren's alive! Surprise, everyone. But thus, we have the stakes of this book. The evil sorceress is planning something, and Eilonwy's in the middle of it. quote:In the high-ceilinged Great Hall, with its flagstones that seemed to cover a space as large as the orchard at Caer Dallben, Taran caught sight of Eilonwy amid a group of court ladies. Some, of Eilonwy's age, were listening delightedly to the Princess; the rest, all of whom looked much like Queen Teieria, were frowning or whispering behind their hands. Magg, standing near the Queen's throne, watched impassively. And, as always, Taran says exactly the wrong things.
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# ? Sep 17, 2023 09:48 |
There’s a lot of - IMO good - moral instruction in these books. Don’t judge people as evil or good. Make promises carefully and don’t break them. Don’t be a controlling dickhead.
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# ? Sep 17, 2023 14:38 |
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Chapter 4: Shadowsquote:THE FEAST THAT EVENING was surely the merriest the castle had ever seen. Kaw, perched on the back of Taran's chair, bobbed up and down and looked as if the banquet had been arranged entirely in his honor. King Rhuddlum beamed with good spirits; the talk and laughter of the guests rang through the Great Hall. Behind the long table, crowded with Queen Teleria's ladies of the court, Magg flitted back and forth, snapping his fingers and whispering commands to servitors bearing endless dishes of food and flagons of drink. For Taran it was a waking nightmare; he sat silent and uneasy, his repast untouched. It's also afoot! quote:"But the signal," Taran began. I think Rhun's bumbling fool thing getting in the way of Taran at critical moments like this does a lot to lessen this book's impact. It's just kind of...annoying?
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# ? Sep 20, 2023 19:18 |
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Wahad posted:I think Rhun's bumbling fool thing getting in the way of Taran at critical moments like this does a lot to lessen this book's impact. It's just kind of...annoying? Perhaps there is some sort of lesson about tolerating others and seeing the good in them? If so, it's unintentionally making the opposite point: some people are liabilities, and although you shouldn't be mean to them, they are best left out of important tasks. Mind you, Taran himself fills that role to Gwydion, at least until it all comes good in the end.
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# ? Sep 21, 2023 11:26 |
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# ? Jun 3, 2024 22:30 |
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Chapter 5: The Oathquote:"WHERE IS EILONWY?" Taran cried, as King Rhuddlum and Queen Teleria stared at him in astonishment. "Where is Magg? He's made off with her! Sire, I beg you. Turn out your guard. Help me find them. Eilonwy is in danger of her life!" Despite his feelings, Taran at least never fails to do the right thing. quote:As the searching parties galloped out the gates, Taran lifted Kaw from his shoulder. "Can you find her? Seek her carefully, my friend," he murmured, while the crow cocked his head and looked at Taran with shrewd eyes. Taran flung his arm upward. Kaw launched himself into the air and sped aloft. Wings beating, the crow circled overhead, drove higher against the sky, then disappeared from sight. The benefit of having an older guy like Fflewddur around, is that he has the benefit of perspective and experience; when he's not boasting, that is. quote:TURNING NORTHWARD along the lower slopes of the Hills of Parys, the searching party broke into smaller bands, each quartering its own ground. The warriors, widely separated, moved in long, wavering lines, often out of each other's sight, painstakingly scouting every possible hiding place. Yet, as the morning wore away and noontide passed, they found no trace of the Chief Steward or Eilonwy. The island can't be that big, right?
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# ? Sep 23, 2023 08:43 |