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The two travelers overlooked the vast plains of the eastern Middle Earth. It was evening and everything was dark, except for a spot in the distance, a thousand touches lit up the air.

"What is it?" Murazor said.

"The eastern tribes celebrate their victorious king;" Sauron answered.

Sauron continued; "The east has been in desolation since the last mighty king disappeared. Many has fought for power through the years. However, they were all too weak to maintain the power once they had it. Now for the first time in a thousand and five hundred years, one King have united the east."

"So he is stronger that the first King of the East? Murazor asked.

"Of course he is not;" Sauron said and grinned, "that is why we will destroy his rule. He will be better os serving the first king."

Sauron rode into the plains.

"You!" Murazor said; "You were the first King of the East."

He caught up with Sauron.

Khamûl was sitting on a large tribune. In front of the tribune was a long path leading to it. There hundreds of armed men stood on each side. Around were thousands of touches turning the night into what seemed to be daylight.

Spears with heads of defeated enemies were place alongside the path too.

Eastern lords arrived and walked up the path to honour the King. They all had presents, jewels, weapons or even slaves.

Khamûl sat emotionless. Occasionally he nodded as an acceptance of the gifts, and the lord below went and took position with the rest of the spectators. There were thousands in total.

Sauron and Murazor arrived as the others. The left their horses and walked up the path towards the tribune.

The spectators started to become silence as the two approached Khamul.

Murazor said to Sauron; "they recognizes my Numenorean clothes."

"Fear not;" Sauron said and continued.

He greeted Khamûl in the eastern language.

"I bring greetings and present to the King of the East. He is truly a great King; second only to the King of the Seapeople;" Sauron said.

The spectators saw this as an insult. They drew their weapons and waited for the reaction of their king.

"What did you say?" Murazor asked and Sauron repeated in Adunaic for him. Murazor was surprised a grab the handle of his sword.

Several soldiers took position in front of the tribune to protect their king.

Khamûl spoke; "One who speaks so boldly, surely have presents that matches his words, else he would had insulted me."

"I have," Sauron said and held his hand forward. One of the Nine were in his palm.

Khamul sat for a few second; then he stood up. He looked at the ring forty feet below. He started to walk down the stairs. As he approached, Murazor noticed how his eyes were more focused and concentrated on the ring in front of him.

Khamûl waived his hand and the soldiers in front of him stepped aside.

"What is this?" He said to Sauron with a low voice.

"This is the gift of eternal life for you to accept or reject;" Sauron explained.

Khamûl slowly reached out for the ring. He took it and put it on his finger.

Murazor could see the same change as he experienced a year ago. He knew that Khamul would accept Saurons offer.

Sauron looked Khamûl in his eyes; "Know that if you accept, you will be subject to me, but superior to all other humans."

Sauron turned around and started to walk. Murazor followed.

Khamûl looked around at his astonished people. He looked at his family, his wives and children and at the tribune one last time. Then he followed the two others.

His people looked at him in disbelief.

Khamûl took a horse and caught up with Sauron and Murazor. He did not speak. The three of them continued their journey.