1344

Romendacil had not been in Umbar since his youth. However, after finishing the construction of Argonath and seeing his great grandsons being born; he again travelled south. Although Gondor had not seen hostilities in two centuries, it had lost connection to the countries bordering its southern regions and Umbar had become more isolated. Also, Governor Aldyrch had died and the King wanted to find and a successor.

In Umbar, Romendacil met Castamir. his distant cousin. His son Valacar, has spoken against Castamir as governor, and the king had taken notice of that. Regardless, Romendacil wanted to meet Castamir and his children. The king knew of the murders of his mother and her family and wanted to make sure Castamir was in no need.

The king met the nobilities of Umbar and discussed how keep Umbar close to Gondor.

The people remembered the days of Tarannon and his brothers and knew the way to keep Umbar safe should enemies appear, were through the strength of its navy.

After the meetings, Castamir went to see Romendacil.

I hear my king is looking for a new governor of Umbar," Castamir said, "I trust you remember the deeds of my grandfather."

"I do, Castamir," the king answered, "and I hope that one day your name will be remembered for brave deeds, too."

Castamir understood the king did not consider him as a candidate for the position of Governor of Umbar.

"and who will my king give this important task too?" Castamir then asked.

"I have considered Hirgon. He is married to the daughter of the prince of Tolfalas, who was the brother of my mother. He is of noble Numenorean birth, descending from King Ostoher" the king answered.

Castamir remembered what he had learned in Osgiliath years ago.

"maybe the new governor will need to alert Osgiliath in case of danger. In Gondor, we have the means to do this. I recommend to my king that you give one of the Stones of Sight to Hirgon, to bring here to be used in that case. Vi can hide it here," Castamir said, "after all if descent from sister of the first great Romendacil, then his family has had their hands on a stone once before."

But the king answered, "I will not do that Castamir. Romendacil let his sisters use the stones for the sake of Gondor, because there were daughters of the king. Had Calimehtar been alive I might had given possession of a stone to him, but Hirgon is too distant a relative."

Castamir tried one more time, "I am closer to you, my king, you can trust me."

But Romendacil was determined, "there are no castle in Umbar similar to where the three stones are hidden, and the fourth says close to me in Osgiliath. My decision will not change."

The king stayed in Umbar and attended its defenses like the wall across the peninsula. The ditch in front of the wall preventing the great beasts of Harad to attack had not been maintained and had slowly been filled up. Romendacil ordered the people of Umbar to recreate it. It was not a popular decision among the people who had to work hard to make this possible.

The King had stayed in Umbar for a few months, when grave news came from Gondor. Vidumavi had died.

Romendacil wanted to quickly return, but it was more difficult than expected. Many of the captains stated that their ships could only be ready in weeks as their men was working on the defenses away from Umbar. However, to the king's surprise, Castamir said he could have a ship prepared within hours, manning it with his sons. The king then decided to travel with Castamir, and before the day ended, they had left the harbor heading north, with only a handful of men, and Castamir and his two sons.

The ship sailed fast towards the north. The king did not speak much during the voyage, though he commented in Castamirs use of sails during the night close to the shore.

"Careful, Castamir," the king said, "I am not in hurry to share the faith of my ancestor, Earnil."

"I have travelled this coastline many, sire. You will be safe on a ship commanded by me," Castamir said.

Castamir was right, the ship made it safely to Pelargir.

In Pelargir the king learned that not only had the wife of his son died, but his own wife was also sick in Osgiliath. Romendacil hurried to the capital and met his son at bed side of Elenwa.

Valacar said, "I want to take my wife back to Rhovanion were she was born. The Northmen bury their death in hills in the plains not in coffins of stone in the dark, but my that I see you sick mother, I feel I should remain here and send Vinitharya with home with his mother."

However, Elenwa said, "you should go with your wife and son. Take care of Eldacar and his family like I once took care of you. This is you first responsibility."

Hence, Valacar left with Eldacar and his two grandsons as well many of the Northmen, who had stayed in Gondor.

Only two weeks after their departure, Elenwa also died.

The news of the death of the queen reached Pelargir and Castamir and his sons as they prepared to leave for the south.

To his sons Castamir said, "It is strange, when wives die before mothers. It should not be so. The son of the king has left for his true home and will not even attend the funeral of his mother. I remember how sad I was when my mother died, but apparently the kings heir does not love his Numenorean mother as much as love his foreign wife."