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Alcarin came to his wife. She was in bed holding their newborn child.

"Meet your son;" Firiel said.

Alcarin sat next to his wife.

"My firstborn son;" He said.

Firiel said; "I am so happy to deliver a son to my husband after two daughters. My father told me that all mothers of Numenor should produce at least one son to make up for our losses in war."

Alcarin was surprised over the statement of his wife. He said; "I do not have children to join wars. King Ancalimons son died in a war, I do not want the same for my son."

Firiel said; "I have lost many family members in Middle Earth. None of them expected to die. Nevertheless, they all went to Middle Earth to seek glory. In time it will be our son own choice whether to follow the path of Telemmaite or Malintale."

Alcarin did not answer at first. His wife words seemed to be a closing remark on a discussion that did not have to take place now. He looked at his son.

"If he becomes king;" Alcarin said.

The King called Alcarin to the Throne Room to congratulate him. However, the king noticed that Alcarin was in doubt and had something on his mind.

"I see you are troubled, son?" Telemmaite said.

Alcarin said; "When mother becomes Queen, I will enter the council. I fear she will have troubles with a divided council and a divided people. The Numenoreans in Middle Earth do not respect her; neither does part of the council."

Telemmaite said; "like your father in law?"

The King could see he was correct.

He said; "Our enemy has grown strong faster than us. I doubt we will be able to defeat him in Middle Earth. However, my time is limited now, and your mother will soon become ruler and you will enter the council. You yourself will have to decide which path you will follow. However know this; those who once took care of us will not help us anymore, and Numenor will have to win this fight alone."

Alcarin did not comment as his mother and father entered the Throne Room to congratulate him as well.

There were more people discussing the possibility of war in Middle Earth.

At Tol Morwen, Galadriel, Elrond and Gil-Galad came to see Cirdan.

Galadriel told the others about Saurons visit to Khazad-dûm.

She said; "he will seek the friendship of the dwarves. However, he will not get it. The longbeards will not be fooled, and the other tribes will be allied to them before any other race of Middle Earth."

Cirdan asked; "So the seven are safe?"

Galadriel answered; "as long as the longbeards rule Khazad-dûm."

Gil-Galad said; "it is not the dwarves that is the problem for a peaceful future of Middle Earth, it is the humans and especially the Numenoreans who resides there."

Elrond said; "it is in the faithful we must trust. I see my brother's spirit in their heart."

Galadriel said; "the faithful are only few. Those who call themselves the King's men outnumber them many times. They have forgotten the old alliances and will engage in war against anyone who comes in their way."

Gil-Galad said; "I know what will come and I have created alliances to stand against him. However, we still need the support of the faithful Numenoreans. I will appeal to then."

Elrond said; "and it will come, maybe not from the King, but from the line of Elros."

Far away in the country of Khand Akhorahil and Adunaphel taught a few Middle Men the language of Quenya and Numenoreans customs. These were the fallen Middle Men, which had sworn allegiance to Sauron, not because of they were drawn towards the darkness, but out of opportunity. Thus, the Nazgul knew they could never fully rely on their loyalty.