A/N: This chapter went a little longer than I expected, so I split it up into two. This means I'm posting this one earlier than I expected. I'll try to get chapter 6 out by early December. Please take the time to review. Enjoy!
The 19th of Hithui, 3261 S.A.
First of all, I actually have some good news to write in here. Ar-Zimraphel is pregnant! This means that, when Ar-Pharazôn dies (and the lifespan has decreased in the last few years, so this could be at anytime), we will have an heir to replace him. Unless, of course, the child is a girl, in which case the highest Lord (which means the one with the longest time on the council) will inherit.
Sorry that I sound so callous about something so special as creating new life. I suppose years of being a Steward of Númenor have made me think of the political implications of something first. Still, it will be nice to have a royal child in the palace. We haven't had one since Ar-Zimraphel was a child.
Sauron and Tarkûl are obviously eliminated as being heirs, seeing as they just joined the Council last month. In fact, I believe that I have been a Lord the longest. It is a bizarre feeling, knowing that the gender of one child will decide if I might one day rule most of the world. I doubt I would make a very good leader. I simply don't have the magnetism for it. I would prefer to stay with my books and ledgers, perhaps setting someone else up as a puppet king.
However, there is some bad news associated with the pregnancy. Recently, people have begun claiming that Ar-Zimraphel's child is not Ar-Pharazôn's. They say their was not enough time between when the King returned to Númenor and when Ar-Zimraphel became pregnant. These people, who I believe are the spiritual descendants of the King's Men, instead say that Amandil is the new father. I have not had yet the time to confirm or deny these rumours through my research, though I instinctively doubt them.
We are having Council meetings more often these days, and Ar-Pharazôn is closely questioning us all on the subject of our loyalty towards him, after what happened with Gimilzimir. This means, of course, that I am seeing Sauron daily, something I wish to avoid in the future.
The weather is even worse than it was last year; in fact, it was worse than the weather at Angrenost. There are so many contradictory theories on this strange phenomenon, that it would be impossible for me to list them all here. The two leading ones are 1) The Valar are displeased with us or 2) Something happened recently to hugely influence the weather of our island. I suggest a 3rd theory, that our weather cycles between mild and extreme, citing some previous records, but was ignored.
One good thing I have to report is that the riots are stopping, now that Ar-Pharazôn (and 345,000 soldiers) have returned. Say what you will about his foreign policies, at least he's a very charismatic leader. Every week or so, he holds public meetings among the masses, and I hear he actually listens to some of their suggestions.
Most of those 345,000 soldiers were sent back to Endor. I believe Ar-Pharazôn is readying them to conquer one of the elves lands. There had been some mutterings against him after he didn't destroy Sauron and his armies like promised. He has that his next target is the relatively easy mark of Greenwood. Apparently, during his time as Admiral in Endor, Ar-Pharazôn discovered that, while just as well armed, Oropher's realm was not held in the highest regard by the Noldor, and would not be missed by them if it were removed from the map.
Arnuzîr
The 22nd of Narwain, 3262 S.A.
Sauron made his first decision as a Lord today. He proposed in the council that we grant an award to give to the chief veterans of the First and Second Umbar (which is the battles fought a few months ago are being officially called). He said that the award would be called "The Order of Endor". While this proposal seemed innocuous at first, Sauron later added to his proposal. He also said that the recipients of this award would be retired from the military (with full pensions!) and added to his personal retinue.
Perhaps I am merely jumping at shadows, but this proposal seems to be a way for Sauron to gain more control on our land. First of all, the proposal will take nearly 20,000 soldiers away from our military, further reducing its numbers. A year ago we had nearly 500,000 men in the military. Now we have only 360,000, and numbers are dropping now that we are no longer at war.
A second advantage Sauron gains from his law is that he know has an increased retinue, all of whom were former soldiers, if he ever attempts a takeover. Finally, by passing a law, Sauron has cemented his place as a Lord of Númenor.
I attempted to oppose Sauron's policy, but I was unable to convince the other council members that voting for the proposal would be a bad idea. Only Amandil truly distrusts Sauron, a feeling that appears to be mutual. All the other Lords seem to view Sauron as a kindred spirit, a greedy ambitious wretch, just like them (alright, perhaps that was a little harsh).
Even more troubling are the rumours that there are people worshipping Sauron, or at least seeing him as an emissary of a higher power. I do not like to believe rumours, especially not ones as troubling as these.
I over heard Sauron speaking with Ar-Pharazôn the other day. I wrote down all that I overheard before they finished their conversation.
"Surely you do not believe the lies of the Eldar," drawled Sauron.
"What lies?" said Ar-Pharazôn.
"The lies concerning the blessed land, of course."
"Those are lies?" said Ar-Pharazôn, now very puzzled. "I always understood that the reason we were not to go more than a day to the west of Númenor was because Valinor was the haven for the elves, and the Blessed Lands would give us no benefits. That's utter nonsense of course, but I always believed the part about the blessed lands."
"You were lied to. Would you like to hear the real reason behind the ban?"
"Most certainly!"
"The true reason is that Valinor is a deposit of many valuable natural resources. Wood, iron, copper, corn, cotton... gold. The Valar do not want you to settle Valinor because they fear you will find use for these resources. They hope to use them to supply the Eldar against your Kingdom."
"I...see" replied Ar-Pharazôn.
This conversation does not seem to suggest positive attitudes toward the Valar or Elves. I do not like Sauron's influence on Ar-Pharazôn.
Arnuzîr
The 21st of Urui, 3262 S.A.
Today, after being later than our healers had predicted, Ar-Zimraphel went into labor and, with no complications, gave birth to a healthy baby boy. She said she would name him Belzagar, after the first King to begin widely using the people's tongue. The Couriers had gone out on a special training session, and I was forced to be the one to deliver the news. I was pleased to see my King so happy, for he has been very sad and reticent recently.
I was not actually at the birth, for I am not one for such scenes (being near blood makes me sickens me, though (if I'm in great need) I will draw blood in battle). However, Amandil told me that the child is the right size and weight for a child of his timing. I hope I get to see him soon. I'm doubting, a little, the official story that Ar-Zimraphel was the person to name Belzagar (Calmacil in Sindarin), for it would be unlike her to name her child after man who began the trend the culminated in Ar-Pharazôn.
Having heard of the rumours about the father of his child, Ar-Pharazôn decided to give a speech to the masses in the central (and largest) city square, dubbed "Arlimë"* by the commoners. I have recorded it here.
"My fellow citizens of Númenor, I have brought you here to speak of a great thing: the birth of my son." Ar-Pharazôn's announcement was meet by great cheers, but also lots of muttering.
"Now," said Ar-Pharazôn. "It has come to my attention that a great many people have claimed that this child is not mine, and that it is in fact Amandil's. I will tell you now, that this is most untrue, and will show you further evidence by proclaiming Belzagar my legitimate heir".
Amandil then spoke. "I will confirm my King's story, I never slept with Ar-Zimraphel, nor is Belzagar my child. Indeed, my wife is with child, whom we will call Elendil, after the fourth King." I think most people believed him, but a few (mostly King's Men), still murmured
to themselves and their comrades. Now, perhaps it was just a trick of the mind, but I swore I saw Sauron smiling after Amandil spoke.
One more thing of note happened on that day. Sauron also spoke, to those that remained after Amandil's short speech. "People of Númenor, it is my belief that you have been blinded, and are being led like sheep by your shepherds, the Valar and the Eldar." The people muttered in agreement with Sauron.
"The Valar and their minions, the Quendi, have fed you lies. And you will know this to be true for it is I, Sauron, speaking to you. I, who was born before time and will outlive it. Who shaped the world with my voice. I lead the infinite armies of the God Melkor, and became his priest. I made the elves tremble in fear at the sound of my passing.
"I tell you that Valinor is no "blessed land". As a matter of fact, Valinor is much like this isle, save for it is greater in size and in resources. But the legend of a heaven in the West is not the worse lie they have given you. The worst is this: the myth of Eru."
Now the people began muttering again, this time against Sauron. How dare he blaspheme against Eru, Ilúvatar, the Allfather. The mutters turned into a roar, and then a scream.
SILENCE
At once the mob halted. Sauron began speaking again.
"Consider, what evidence have you that Eru exists. None, I tell you none. And the reason for this is that he, indeed, does not exist, save in legend. The true god is Melkor.
"Melkor, who shaped the universe and the world, against the Valar's wishes. Melkor, who fought off all fourteen Valar before letting himself be captured. Melkor is the real god, not Eru. And you know he existed because your ancestors told tales of their ancestors helping to banish him. And when Melkor returns from the void and sings the second Song, he will allow those who worshipped him to join."
With those last words, Sauron walked away. I do not think any were swayed by his words, though it is to soon to tell. The people of Númenor are smarter than that... I hope.
Arnuzîr
The Third of Urui, S.A. 3263 S.A. [It appears that this entry was written a day after the header date]
Throughout my life I have seen many strange things. It's large part of the job, especially since I handle most of the paperwork in the realm, I read about many strange crimes. There was this one case back in 3189... but I digress. As I was saying, nothing has shocked me (discounting Sauron) in decades, much less had me taken aback. Yesterday, however was an exception.
I was walking into the throne room to speak with Ar-Pharazôn privately. I wanted tell him I was worried about Sauron's continuous speeches against Eru. However, I would not get that chance.
Ar-Pharazôn was crying. The King of much of the known world was crying, sobbing away at his throne. "Your Majesty, what is the matter?"
Ar-Pharazôn looked at me, having just now noticed me. "Arnuzîr, my son is gone".
It took a few moments for me to realize what he said. "Gone?"
"Yes, gone! It was just passed sunset, and Miriel** had gone into the Family Wing to check on Belzagar and there was nothing but, but b-blood in the crib and and he..." Ar-Pharazôn's voice trailed of into more sobs. I backed out of the throne room, disregarding how much my King might need me.
I was tremendously shaken by what I had just seen and heard. With how swiftly things had been changing in Númenor, I had held on by observing two constants in life; the sturdiness of our leader and the strength of the Kingdom. Now, both had been shattered with one single blow.
Looking back on it, I think most of the Lords were incapacitated. Some, like me, saw the shakiness of Ar-Pharazôn's leadership, and were shocked by it. Others were shocked that such an atrocity had been committed. The only person unaffected by the tragedy, as usual, was Sauron. Indeed, yesterday, I would have believed it. But, now that I have had a day to reflect on things, I believe my earlier suspicions to be in error. Sauron simply had nothing to gain from Belzagar's death [scrawled in margins: 3/7/3303 I have found Sauron to be a strategist, unlikely to risk things to chance, though he does have a few blind spots].
The afternoon gave rise to a piece of news I had failed to consider when I first heard of the death. I was probably the first person to hear it, which was fitting. I was alerted when a Courier knocked on my door.
"Come inside" I said. She entered, delivering a letter, then left abruptly. The letter read as follows:
Dear Arnuzîr,
If you are reading this, then I had the foresight to write you a letter should tragedy befall Belzagar. If you are receiving this, then Belzagar is dead, or otherwise equally disabled (missing, catatonic, etc.) This means that you are now Heir to the Throne, Senior Lord of the Inner Council of Númenor, Reciever of the Sceptre of Kings, Son of the King (despite being older than me!), and Lord of Númenor.
Ar-Pharazôn, King of Númenor and Endor
I nearly fainted, I was so shocked. In all my despair, I had forgotten that I would become heir should Belzagar be unfit for rule.
There is one more event that happened yesterday; small as it was, it must be recorded. Sauron called together a last-minute, emergency council meeting without the King. He honoured me with the new position of Lord of Númenor (meaning my power was increased in the council), and then went on to propose a new idea. He suggested we have a church devoted with Melkor. Luckily, only the General and the Lords of Hyarrostar and Hyarnustar voted for it, so Sauron will have to try next meeting, which means he needs the support of the King.
I apologize that I had to write this entry a day late, unfortunately the stress of the day made it all but impossible.
Arnuzîr
The 15th of Urui, 3263 S.A.
We found Belzagar's body today. For a while, the more optimistic among us had briefly entertained the notion that he might be found, but those hopes seem unfounded. An interesting thing was discovered when we found him. Apparently he had been killed as soon as he was kidnapped, for his body had decayed. This is unusual, as it seems the killers didn't even consider asking for a ransom. Ar-Pharazôn is even more upset, now that he knows, without a doubt, that his child is dead. Which reminds me, I haven't seen Ar-Zimraphel in days. I wonder where she is?
Recently, security has been upgraded in Armenelos and the palace. The guards have been tripled, with several now stationed in each street and alley. Before entering the palace, visitors are inspected, and the guards have been trained in impostor/spy/assassin recognition and combat techniques.
I had a huge scare this afternoon. I walked into my rooms to take a short nap and I found Sauron reading through my journal. I demanded to know what he was doing. He put down my journal and informed me that he was part of the team trying to find out who killed Belzagar. He told my name had been cleared by the journal. I glared at him, forgetting momentarily my fear of him, and told him to get out. Luckily, he did not press the issue. Which reminds me, I need to get a new journal soon.
I am adjusting to my new role Lord of Númenor. Perhaps somewhat unsurprisingly, the duties are or overly taxing, given that they were intended to be a Prince's duties, to train him for Kingship. I, already use to hard work (I am a Steward after all!), find them quite easy. I still wish that Belzagar was alive to one day handle these duties. I think we all do.
It seems like these days we're looking more and more of our privacy. I don't mind, after all, I don't have anything to hide. However, it can be a hassle to deal with. I miss the days of Ar-Inziladûn.
We are having more and more council meetings now. Sauron keeps trying to push the same bits of legislature. Some laws, such as a law that gives a special branch of the military "The Inquisitors" the power to search people's homes without good cause. With each night, I feel that Ar-Pharazôn's resistance is weakening, that he will give into Sauron's "demands" soon. Is this because of his son?
Sauron has started to hold private meetings with Ar-Pharazôn each night. I worry sometimes about what they discuss, alone in Ar-Pharazôn's quarters. Once I heard them mention the "Ancient Darkness". I have no idea what this was, but it didn't sound good.
Arnuzîr
The Fourth of Gwirith, 3264 S.A.
I feel so proud of myself. Today I helped solve a major crime. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. It started when I asked to join the task force that was trying to find Belzagar's killer. I asked the leader of the group, Solitûr, if I would be allowed to join and my skills could be used. Sauron had been dropped from the task force after it was decided he was wasting his talents working with us. I haven't written about any of this in my journal because I was told it had to be kept a secret. However, I was allowed to record our meeting with Ar-Pharazôn.
We were alone in Ar-Pharazôn's secret office in the crypts. It was decided that Solitûr would speak for the group. In our group (not including Solitûr and myself) were Asrudal, the army representative, Terlos the logician, Hernun, our muscle, and Uzkrek, our former criminal who gave us good insight into other criminal minds.
Ar-Pharazôn looked exited, and (if such a thing is possible) vengeant.
"So you tell me you have found Belzagar's killer", Ar-Pharazôn said.
"Yes, Your Majesty"
"Who is it?" He asked eagerly.
"Please, let us tell our tale first". After receiving Ar-Pharazôn's approval, Solitûr continued. "We started by searching in the area where we found the body. We asked the locals if they had seen anything suspicious. We also used Arnuzîr's extensive knowledge of purchases made in the area to see if anything suspicious was going on economically. What we discovered was that someone was setting up an army.
"Asrudal got us a squadron of soldiers and, with a little help from Uzkrek, we located and destroyed the budding army. What we discovered there was a large number of soldiers, which wasn't very shocking. What was shocking, was that they were all elves."
"Elves?" interrupted Ar-Pharazôn.
"Yes, Moriquendi to be precise. We had discover who these Moriquendi were. So Arnuzîr used his contacts amongst Faithful and came up with the answer."
I stepped forward and spoke my part. " I discovered that these Moriquendi were the same that massacred our Army in Angrenost. I attempted to dig a little deeper and discover what the Moriquendi were doing, and discovered many interesting things. At the beginning of the Second Age, the Moriquendi sent out tens of thousands of operatives to fight the agents of the shadow. At some point, they decided we were agents of as well as the Orcs and dragons.
"It was force this reason that we were attacked and Belzagar was killed."
Ar-Pharazôn's face was cold. "Did you discover the location of the operatives?"
This time it was Terlos who replied. "Err, yes. They are um, located in the Hithaelgir and Calardhenon."
"Tell the General to take 150,000 men and clear them out."
"Do it!" Ar-Pharazôn roared.
I feel as though I accomplished something important, though I'm not sure what. Ar-Zimraphel seems to be recovering, though she is staying confined to her quarters. I hate those Bastards for murdering Belzagar.
[Added on with a different quill: The majority of the operatives, some 50,000 were successfully wiped out. This was an estimated 25% of the Moriquendi population. The long-term effects of the attack were that it caused the Moriquendi population to plummet and that it caused them to pull back their remaining operatives.]
Arnuzîr
The 14th of Ivanneth, 3270 S.A.***
Today represents the first loss in the battle between Ar-Pharazôn and Sauron. With Sauron talking to Ar-Pharazôn each night, it was only inevitable that this would finally happen. Ar-Pharazôn announced at the council meeting that he had decided to worship Melkor as the god of the universe, not Eru.
Immediately, a hubbub broke out about this. Chiefly protesting the King's decision were the Priest of Eru and Tarkûl. The Priest (whose name was Geonon), was of course loyal to Eru and saw Ar-Pharazôn's decision as heresy. Tarkûl, who worshipped Arda as a primal being, believed Melkor to be a devourer of all things living, and saw the King's decision as an awful one.
Amandil and I saw this decision as a descent towards Sauron's policies. However, it not a complete failure. At least there no official Church of Melkor, although Ar-Pharazôn's decision might be the first stone in an avalanche of darkness.
Ar-Pharazôn's long reaching quest to eradicate all elves has finally been begun. Today, we received news that our armies stationed in Endor had launched their attack on Lothlórien and Greenwood. Apparently, while both attacks were a colossal failure on our part, we were able to glean significant insight as to the defenses of the enemy. Lothlórien appears to be guarded by some magical enchantment, for when our men crossed into the Golden Wood, time seemed to stretch and shrink. We also discovered that the Quendi living in Greenwood mostly live on or around Amon Lanc.
Sauron was granted new governing powers today. I copied the document holding this information.
"As of 14/9/3270 Lord Sauron is to be given the following powers:
Freedom to preach on behalf of Melkor and to gain followers (Note that there is still no established church).
The power to appoint his own Lord in Endor, so long as he receives royal permission.
The ability to call upon the other council members to Council meetings, even when the King is in perfect health.
Seniority in the council second only to the Lord of Númenor, Arnuzîr
If receiving a 2/3 majority vote in the Inner Council, the ability to personally remove his manacles."
I do not like these new measures at all. Surprisingly enough, while they don't do much yet, they allow Sauron to potentially gain a lot of power. In keeping with my trend, I will end this entry by saying I fear for our future.
Arnuzîr
*Editor's Note: It is unknown what this translates to, if it indeed has any meaning.
**Editor's Note: It seems that, in his emotional breakdown, Ar-Pharazôn had recovered to his wife by her Sindarin name.
***Editor's Note: There was a large gap in entries between 3265 and 3270. I have been unable to ascertain the reason for this. I mourn the knowledge we have lost by those missing years. Already this journal is revising lots of what we knew of Númenor.