1075

In the land of Mordor, the spies arrived with stones they have transported all the way from Tharbad. Among them was the variag upon whom many stones had fallen.

An orc went into the mountain and presented a stone to the shadow residing there.

The orc stated; "The seapoeple bring these stones to Tharbad in the thousands-"

"Throw it into the fire", the shadow said.

The orc threw a large piece into the lava. Had it been a normal stone it would have sunk, but this stone resurfaced and the lava could not destroy it.

The shadow said; "Tell the variags that I will reward them for any stone like this they bring to the construction of Lugburz. They can use the beast of horn and ivory from Nurn to transport the stones here."

At Erukyerme Tar-Aldarion stood at the top of the stairs leading to the King House, as his father had done before him. The sun was shining but it was a windy day.

Ancalime stood next to him, and as her father had done: she also stood alone without her spouse next to her.

Aldarion stepped forward and raised his hands. In his hand, he held the scepter of Numenor

"People of Numenor, I salute you!" He shouted.

"I present to you, your Queen!"

Ancalime stepped forward to her father.

"She is Tar-Ancalime"

The people cheered and then began to repeat the name of the queen.

Aldarion turned towards his daughter with a smile; he handed her the scepter.

Ancalime started to walk to the top of Meneltarma. Her son Anarion joined her at the bottom of the stairs and walked with her towards the summit.

After the ceremony, the council met. The members all welcomed Ancalime as their queen and ruler.

Ancalime gave a speech to the council. She ended by stating; "The aide we provide to Middle Earth will be for the humans and for those alone. Numenor needs no magic from Middle Earth, but Middle Earth needs the help from us. I am thankful for the help Isildil of Andustar and Telume of Forostar have already provided and expect help from you others soon, so the construction here will continue."

Veryon said nothing, but he was very aware that the Queen was not referring to Hallatan nor Soronto.

After the meeting, Ancalime called Hallatan to the Throne Room.

Ancalime stated; "You have served this council faithfully for a long period, father-in-law! I had expected you to give up your seat at the meeting!"

Hallatan answered; "I have asked Hallacar to take the seat. However, he does not want to travel to the capital. I have also though about Nessanie, or one of her children especially her daughter.

. As you know she has represented Mittalmar on a few occasions under your father, where I myself could not attend."

Ancalime looked angry when she heard that option.

Hallatan continued; "Perhaps also someone from the family of my sister Irilde."

Ancalime said; "Or someone else, it is up to you Hallatan!"

Hallatan asked; "Was I called to answer this alone?"

Ancalime said; "No! I want you to rule during Erulaitale, Hallatan. Will you do that?"

Hallatan was surprised; "What about your son or father! I trust they will be better candidates for this job"

Ancalime answered; "My father has left for Falasse. He wants to visit his sisters and their families. Anarion is too young!"

Hallatan stated; "You were much young than Anarion, when you ruled on behalf of your father."

Ancalime was angry; "It is my will that you will rule under Erulaitale, will you follow this will?

Hallatan bowed; "Of course my lady!"

In night, Anarion came to the Queens Quarter. He said; "I heard you plan to leave for Hyarastorni. I want to follow you."

Ancalime stated; "No son! I want you to stay here with your grandfather Hallatan. He will teach you what will be expected of you as a ruler of Numenor."

Anarion said; "It is my wish to travel to Hyarastorni to see my father!"

One of the maids stepped forward; "My prince, you should listen to your mother. Stay with us here, please!"

Most of the maids in the room smiled. They would welcome the company of Anarion without his mother.

Ancalime looked around in the room; "I expect my servants to accompany me to Hyarastorni. Those who will not must leave the service of the Queen!"

Ancalime left the capital fast, but the rumour of her leaving and who she was accompanied by travelled even faster.

Ancalime was surprised when she and her maids arrived at Hyarastorni. The house of Hallatan was decorated with flowers, and music filled the air.

In the courtyard, Hallacar received the Queen. Young men from Hyarastorni surrounded him.

Hallacar stated; "We welcome the Queen of Numenor and her maids. Tonight we will have a party for all of you!"

Ancalime was furious; "You do not come to the capital, so I have come to you to decide the future of our land here! The sheep have more land than they need, but I want to breed horses here."

Hallacar answered; "I had hoped the Queen would participate in the feast. But as you wish let us discuss what is on your mind, and join the feast later."

That night while music filled the air, Ancalime and Hallacar had an intense argument to what should happen to the land of Hyarastorni. They did not agree, so the night came, and Ancalime was tires by the long journey. Hallacar pretended only to have a single room adequate to host the queen, beside his own, and the queen would have to accept this.

Ancalime would lay in the room, alone, having accomplished nothing, and listen to a party, involving the young men from Hyarastorni and her maids for whom she had advocated celibacy.