Changing Perceptions
By Nerwen Calaelen
Chapter 8
Disclaimer: I don't own LotR. I (possibly) own the characters that I invented and the plot of the story, nothing else, so don't sue me!
A/N: Italics is the letter.
Rating: I've said PG-13, but I don't think it merits it at all at the moment, but there will be more violence if I continue and I was not really sure about the rating anyway.
Reply to reviewer: Blue Iris: Thank you for the review. I'm flattered! I always wonder in stories about the thoughts and motivations of characters, and so try to answer these questions in my writing.
Olrat bowed in front of the Emperor and waited for permission to speak.
"The army that matched west is no more. I believe the fifty men who returned with here will be the last to return, if not the first. Sauron has been defeated, and his armies are no more. Gondor has a king again."
"How did you survive when the rest of the army died?"
"I surrendered when it became obvious that we were defeated. The council of Gondor freed all of us on the condition that I swore an oath of friendship with Gondor."
"Who are you to commit us to such an alliance?"
"It was not an alliance, my lord. I swore in my name alone." \\ Near enough to the truth for now. I must pray that he does not ask me the wording of the oath, or I will be in even more trouble. \\
"However, it is treason to put another country before your own. Guards, remove him, throw him into a cell."
\\ I have gone from one prison to another. I fear that I have much less chance to escape from this one. I am to be punished by the Emperor and he is well known of being very inventive when it comes to punishments. It is ironic that I was treated much better by my supposed enemies that by my own Emperor. \\
***
Zagburz returned from the palace greatly disturbed by the reaction of the Emperor to the news,
\\ Does he expect us all to throw away our lives for him? I would have done the same in Olrat's position. He seems a very sensible young man, and a very good officer, but he will be executed for treason. Even though the soldiers he brought back are needed on the borders, all the time I hear how weak they are and yet I am in command of two thousand soldiers, who sit around here doing nothing productive. Then people question why they are becoming more and more disillusioned. I doubt that they would fight for the Emperor if they had any choice. And I must say that I do not blame them, the Emperor daily shows himself even more unfit to rule. \\
\\ My daughter will wish to know this news, as it tells of the fate of her betrothed. I hope she will not mourn excessively for him, but I know the news will sadden her. \\
Arraga entered the study where her father was pacing. She could tell that he was about to give her bad news and so prepared herself for the shock.
"The army in the west has been destroyed, so I presume Wurrush is dead. It was one of his brothers who brought the news back. He was imprisoned by the Emperor for treason as he had surrendered to Gondor and so been forced to swear an oath of friendship."
"That is hardly just. What was he supposed to do? Die for no good reason? Father, we must save him …"
"How? What could we do to change the Emperor's mind? He will not be swayed by pity or reasoning?"
"Then surely it is time to change the Emperor."
"That is treason and surely it would be impossible without a lot of bloodshed and planning."
"Not much, who would fight to protect him, especially if he was already dead? And if the new ruler offered the people food, I think they would be happy for the change. As for planning, why not plan tonight? After all, you have the command of the only troops in the city."
At that moment, a slave entered the room with a sealed message for Arraga from Razzuga.
We must act now. I will not let Olrat be killed. Do you think that your father will help us, as without his support we have very little chance of success? If so, get him to come to the palace at once. Whatever happens I intend to act tonight, but hope to have your father and Grimtrak to help.
"Father, Razzuga wishes you to come to the palace. She is planning a coup and needs your support." She deliberately did not mention Grimtrak, as his was an enemy of her father.
"If Razzuga is a part of this conspiracy then it may be possible for us to succeed."
***
The cell door open, Olrat glanced up,
"Razzuga. What are you doing here? I heard of your marriage …"
"Yes. I've come to free you. I will not let you die and we must act now for the sake of everyone. Surely you have seen enough since your return to convince you that we can not let Azklash continue as Emperor. Come, I have arranged for you to meet with some very important people to discuss this."
"Stop. This is treason. He is the Emperor, no matter what he does."
\\ She is right, but what can we do? Surely any action would lead to war, which would be even worse for everyone. However, this is probably the only chance I have to escape from this cell. \\
"You must come with me; I have got the leader of the city troops and one of the most important traders to meet with you. Surely this can not be so wrong if they are willing to be involved in it?"
"Very well. I will come with you to talk to them, but after than I will have to consider any further action carefully."
***
A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update, but I've been busy with exams. I hope to get another chapter posted over this weekend, as after Tuesday I'll not have any access to the internet for about two weeks as I'm going on holiday. After that I will have plenty of time to write, but limited internet access as I'll be at home. So review! The more reviews I get, the more motivated I'll be to try and get a chance to post.