Disclaimer – I do not own anything!
A/N -- This story is being revamped -- it is still AU--with a totally different plot but about the same as well. Enjoy!
The Crownless Shall Again Be King
Prologue
Ecthelion glowered at his Advisor - the man had become insufferable, not wanting to strengthen the realm against the threat of Mordor, which had always been too close for comfort. They were seated in the stewards study, the sun glinting on the white stone.
"Ramlin, I do not like what you are telling me," Ecthelion raised an eyebrow.
"My Lord - I just do not believe that such young men should be taken from their families."
"I am not taking them, I am encouraging them to join Gondor's army and bring honor to their home and families. Do you not want honor to be restored to Gondor?" Ecthelion asked sternly.
"My Lord, that is not at all what I am suggesting,"
"Than what is it that you are wanting me to concider, Ramlin?"
"I merely wish things preserved, my Lord," The man managed.
"Preserved, indeed!" Ecthelion grunted, pacing. "I believe that a strong army will be needed in the future. You are dismissed,"
Ecthelion said with a wave of his hand. Ramlin bowed and left.
Ramlin scowled as he stormed down the halls, his hard blue eyes snapping. He wasn't one to be thwarted!
He met two other advisors in the gardens.
"What news have you?" Annaloth looked positively murderous.
"Ecthelion won't listen,"
"He's supposed to serve in the Kings stead; he takes his oath very seriously," Laurdil shook his head, thumping his cane for emphasis.
"I understand; but Isildur's Heir! Can you not imagine it?"
"You don't really believe that, Ramlin, do you?" Annaloth asked with a snort.
"You don't know what I know," Ramlin glared.
"Now, now, gentlemen, let us not fight; Ramlin, please inform us," Laurdil said.
"I know for a fact that Isildur's Heir is alive, all we have to do is find him," Ramlin said with a smirk.
"Honestly, and here I believed you to be sane!" Annaloth rolled his eyes.
"Are you sure? I mean, he could be just any young man with Isildur's looks." Laurdil also questioned the sanity of his friend and fellow advisor.
"I am! He was seen in Bree, near the Elf-haven," Ramlin replied snappishly.
"And how do you know that Himril and his men were telling thetruth?"
"I don't, but they have never failed me," Ramlin replied with a smug look. Annaloth shook his head, it was true.
"Very well, send Himril out once more to Bree and have him find the man he reported; if he can make clear the identity of this man, then he is to bring the Heir to Gondor where we can deal with him personally," Laurdil said.
"Of course." Ramlin said.
"How will we make the Heir listen to us? He must be very stubborn," Annaloth couldn't help but ask his companions.
"We'll deal with that when the time comes," Ramlin smirked.
Thanks be to my beta Steelelf – who is THE best beta I have ever had! In fact, she is the ONLY beta I have ever had! Hannon le Mellon nin!