Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
The King's Garden
"His Majesty, the King," Lord Casmir announced.
Everyone, including Queen Amie, either bowed or curtsied when their liege walked into the garden.
The Lords and Ladies of the North also did obedience to Prince Imrahil.
"Your Grace," Prince Imrahil said and bowed to the Queen of the North.
"Your Highness," she replied with a bright smile.
King Adair introduced Prince Imrahil to the Lords and Ladies he's never met, including his mother. The Prince also met Prince Doran, Princess Ana, Prince Alexander and the children of the Lords and Ladies of the North.
After the introductions the children were taken away to have lunch elsewhere.
Prince Imrahil sat on the King Adair's left during lunch.
After lunch the Prince had a lengthy conversation with Lord Mir.
xxx
I wonder why his Majesty wants to see me? Lord Huor asked himself while he was being escorted to the King's conference room after he arrived with Prince Amrothos.
When Lord Huor was shown into the conference room he was surprised to see Prince Imrahil sitting at the table, but remembered his place and bowed to the King and the Prince. He looked at the other man in the room and thought he looked familiar.
"Hello Huor," the man said after Lord Huor sat next to Prince Imrahil.
Lord Huor's mouth hung open when he finally recognized the man. "Adan?" he asked surprised.
"Yes it's me," he answered.
"How did you get here?" Huor asked still surprised.
"I was abducted years ago and brought to an island close to these lands after I refused to pay my brother's debts," he answered.
Lord Huor nodded his head. "I was the one who sent you that letter all those years ago," he told Adan.
"Why?" Adan asked looking at his old friend.
"To warn you about your brother and the company he was keeping. I knew your brother was heavily in debt to Lady Rian and others, and he couldn't pay those debts," Huor answered.
"Tell me everything you know about Lady Rian, Lord Huor," Prince Imrahil said.
"Lady Rian's mother was a whore and her daughter followed her into the same trade. But Lady Rian was smarter and more beautiful than her mother. She and her lady friends cater only to the Noblemen and the wealthy men of Gondor. Rumor has it she's not above blackmail, murder and has a black heart. When Lord Adan went missing she married Lord Delmar shortly thereafter and moved into his family home with her new husband."
"How many Noblemen knew about Lord Delmar's debts?" the Prince turned and asked Lord Huor.
"All the Noblemen in South Gondor your Highness," he answered.
"Not all of them Lord Huor," Prince Imrahil said.
King Adair knew the Prince was talking about himself and his family.
"Why was my son living on the estate my father left my brother and not in his home?" Adan asked Huor.
"Lord Delmar told me he had the title to those lands," he answered.
"Why was Lord Mercer told to leave that estate after his wife died, Lord Huor?" the Prince asked.
"Lord Delmar told Lord Mercer they had to leave because that home and estate also belonged to him. After they moved into one of the worker's cottages Lady Rian set up her business in that home your Highness," he answered.
"She and my brother got rich while my son and granddaughter lived in poverty and became poor Nobles. They were degraded, humiliated and became the laughingstock of the Gondorian Nobility," Lord Adan said in an angry tone.
"Lord Uri never cared about your granddaughter's station in life Lord Adan. He fell in love with Lindra when he first saw her and wanted to marry her. My Lord thinks your granddaughter is the most beautiful woman in the world," King Adair told him.
"I can see he loves her very much your Majesty," he said.
"Lord Galir, who was also in a great deal of debt, married your brother's daughter," Huor told Adan.
"How were his debts paid off?" Adan asked looking at Huor.
"When he married your niece his debts were paid," Huor answered.
"Let me guess, no one else would marry Lady Rian's daughter," Adan said.
xxx
Lord's Huor, Adan and Mercer had dinner with Lord Uri and Lady Lindra that evening and they took turns holding Lord Dimitri.
xxx
"All the dirty secrets of the Gondorian Nobility came to light your Highness," King Adair said to Prince Imrahil during dinner that evening.
The King and Prince were the only two in the King's private dining room.
"Abduction, murder and blackmail," the Prince replied in disgust.
"Everyone in the North knows Nobles are not perfect and they're like everyone else, except they have a title and privileges others don't have," the King told him. "They're no secrets in any Noble Household because the servants know everything and they all gossip. When I was growing up I knew everything that went on in my Lord's household and so did Lord Uri. Lord Uri's mother..."
Prince Imrahil thought about King Adair's and Lord Uri's fathers and how they took advantage of young servant girls.
"I wonder why Lady Rian didn't have Lord Adan killed?" the King asked.
"Lord Delmar knew without that title he had no claim to that estate and whoever had the title could claim the estate – and I'm sure he looked for it everywhere your Majesty," the Prince answered.
"Except in his nephew's bedroom," the King said.
xxx
"Hello brother, why are you here?" Amrothos asked Erchirion when he walked into his brother's suite of rooms.
"King Adair invited me so I can visit with father while he's here," he answered. "Lord Casmir told me the King has invited us to ride with him and father before lunch."
The Princesses knew that was a command from the King.
xxx
King Adair and the Princesses of Dol Amroth rode around the castle grounds that morning. They stopped and watched the King and Lord's children training with their Masters. But they observed from a place where they couldn't be seen.
Before lunch Prince Erchirion was introduced to the King's children and Prince Amrothos also met Prince Alexander.
"Winter will be upon us soon," King Adair told the Princesses after lunch in his Garden looking up at the sky.
The Princesses also looked up in the sky and suddenly felt a slight chill in the air.
xxx
The villagers outside the castle grounds were surprised to see their King riding through the village a few days later. He stopped and said hello to many of them and introduced them to the Princesses of Dol Amroth.
Everyone stopped eating when the King and his Party walked into one of the village eating establishments that afternoon for lunch and there was silence in the room. But then they remembered who just entered and everyone did obedience to their liege.
The Proprietor greeted his liege with a bow and also his guests after the King introduced them. Then he showed them to a table away from the other guests at the other end of the room.
"Do you do this often your Majesty?" Prince Imrahil asked.
"Yes your Highness," he answered. "I like getting out of the castle and being with my people, but they don't know when or where I'll show up. When I returned from the South there were petitions waiting for me from a few councils of the village elders on the South Island. A few months later I arrived without warning, and needless to say they were surprised to see me. I met with them and they told me the problems they were having and I settled them. While I was there I also traveled to every village on the South Island and met all the councils of the village elders and my people. A King can't learn anything sitting in his castle, but has to go where the people are to solve their problems. This is what the people in the North expect and I'm also teaching my children the same thing."
King Adair is very wise, Prince Imrahil thought.
xxx
The night before the Princesses of Dol Amroth and Lord's Adan and Huor were to leave for Gondor, King Adair held a grand feast for them in the King's Hall. The village elders, merchants and other prominent citizens were invited and a grand time was had by all.
xxx
"I wish you well Lord Adan and my offer still stands," King Adair said to him the next morning in the Throne Room.
"Thank you your Majesty," he replied with a nod.
The Princesses of Dol Amroth and the Lords of Gondor then bowed to the King of the North and were escorted out of the Throne Room.
xxx
While Lord Adan was riding South to the harbour in a carriage with Lord Huor, he looked out the window at the lands and people. He smiled when he saw them wave at the Princesses, the Swan Knights and the King's Royal Guards riding by and something tugged at his heart. These are wonderful people, he thought.
xxx
Minis Tirith
When Lord's Adan and Huor arrived they were taken to their rooms before their meeting with their King.
After they bathed and changed they were taken to King Elessar's Office. When they entered they bowed to their liege and Prince Imrahil.
King Elessar told each were to sit. "Welcome home Lord Adan," King Elessar said with a smile.
"Thank you your Majesty," he replied with a nod.
"Tell me what happened my Lords," King Elessar said.
Lord's Adan and Huor told King Elessar everything. After they finished telling their stories Lord Adan handed the report and title to King Elessar.
King Elessar read the report and then handed it back to Lord Adan. Then he looked at the title. "I'm going to keep the title to your estate until the trial," King Elessar told Lord Adan.
"Of course your Majesty," he said.
"I don't want anyone to know that you've returned to Gondor Lord Adan. Therefore, I've decided that you'll stay here until the trial," King Elessar told him.
"Yes your Majesty," he said.
"You'll also stay in Minis Tirith before the trial to keep Lord Adan company Lord Huor," King Elessar said.
Lord Huor gave a nod to his liege.
xxx
"This is much worse than we thought my friend," King Elessar said to Imrahil. "The entire Nobility of South Gondor knew why Lord Mercer and Lady Lindra were in the predicament they were in – and Lord Delmar stole everything from his brother and left his nephew destitute."
"The Nobility of South Gondor didn't know what happened to Lord Adan, but I believe they suspected foul play when Lord Adan never returned. They all know what Lady Rian is capable of, and that was a big incentive for them to keep their mouths shut, least it happened to them," the Prince replied.
"I want Lord Delmar and Lady Rian arrested and brought to Minas Tirith for trial," King Elessar said to Prince Imrahil and signed a Royal Decree a day later.
A Messenger was also sent to the North.
xxx
Lord Huor brought Lord Adan more clothes, shoes and boots and told his friend not to worry about paying him back.
They spent their days talking about their great grandson and their family in the North; and what Lord Adan plans are after everything is settled.
Lord Adan also told his friend about his life on the island in the North.
xxx
For weeks Lord Adan's home was watched along with the smaller home on his estate. The watchers took note of who came and went at both homes.
xxx
Prince Imrahil studied the reports he received from his watchers and noticed Lady Rian never went home to Lord Delmar on certain days, but stayed at the smaller home on the estate. Busy nights, he thought.
xxx
When Lord Delmar and his staff went to bed he nor they saw the Swan Knights move into position a few hours later. The Swan Knights surrounded the barn and all the buildings on the large estate.
"Who are you?" a man asked when he opened the door with candles shining in another's man's face.
"I"m Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth," the tall man answered walking into the foyer.
The man bowed to the Prince and saw many Swan Knights enter the foyer behind him.
"Is Lord Delmar asleep?" the Prince asked the man.
"Yes your Highness," he answered.
Take me to his bed chamber," the Prince said.
The man did as he was told and saw the Prince unsheathe his mighty sword as they walked up the grand staircase and wondered what his Lord has done. The servant quietly opened the door when they reached Lord Delmar's bed chamber.
A Swan Knight took the candle holder from the servant and whispered to him to leave.
The servant bowed and quietly went down the stairs.
"Lord Delmar," the Prince said loudly when he approached his bed.
The Swan Knight holding the candle holder was on the other side of the bed.
When Lord Delmar opened his eyes he messed himself when he felt a sword at his neck.
"I'm Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth and you're under arrest by order of King Elessar," the Prince told him.
Lord Delmar passed out.
"Make sure he cleans himself before he's taken to Dol Amroth," the Prince said to one of the Swan Knights.
The Swan Knight bowed to his Prince.
Many of the staff awoke after they heard the commotion in their Lord's home. They were shocked and dismayed when they saw their Lord being taken out of his home by the Swan Knights.
The Head Servant of the Household was told to get dressed, pack some clothes for Lord Delmar and himself and to accompany his Lord.
xxx
The stable hands were surprised when they saw Swan Knights entered the stable and saw one Swan Knight question the Stable Master. However, none of them knew other Swan Knights surrounded the stable and others surrounded the property.
xxx
After hearing a knock at the door a male servant was shocked to see Swan Knights enter the home with their swords drawn. Some surrounded the Salon while others went upstairs to the bedrooms and found Lords and others in compromising positions.
"Where is Lady Rian?" the man with the look of authority asked the servant who opened the door.
"This way," he answered.
xxx
"Who are you?" the woman asked standing up from her chair when a tall man walked into her office.
"I am Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth," he answered.
The servant outside the door gasped.
The woman bowed to the Prince.
"You're under arrest Lady Rian by order of King Elessar," he told her. She's a hard one, the Prince thought after seeing her demeanor.
A Swan Knight escorted her out of her office.
"Close the door," Prince Imrahil said to the servant.
The servant bowed to the Prince and did as he was told.
xxx
"My Lords and gentlemen," the Prince said looking at each and every one of them after he returned to the Salon.
Everyone cast their eyes down and didn't look at their Prince.
"Lady Rian has been arrested by order of King Elessar and this business is now closed. I suggest that all of you return to your homes," Imrahil said to them.
The Lords and others bowed to their Prince and hurriedly left the property.
"After you pack your things my Knights will escort you off this property and you're never to return to this home," the Prince told the whores in various states of dress and then turned on his heel and left.
xxx
"Lady Rian is a dangerous woman," King Elessar said after reading her ledgers.
"She's also a very rich one," Prince Imrahil replied.
"Not for long my friend," the King said.
King Elessar met with Lord's Adan and Huor and told them how the trial was going to proceed.
xxx
Lord Galir and his wife were summoned to Minas Tirith by order of the King.
They took a ship from the Pelargir and sailed to Osgiliath.
xxx
The Throne Room – Minas Tirith
Lord Galir and Lady Haleth bowed to King Elessar when they were escorted into the Throne Room and then were told where to stand.
"Bring in the prisoners," King Elessar said.
Lady Haleth cried out when she saw her mother and father.
Lord Galir stared in wide-eyed surprise. They both look haggard, he thought.
Prince Faramir stood up and read the charges against Lord Delmar and Lady Rian.
There were murmurs and gasps in the Throne Room.
"I call Lord Adan," Faramir said.
I should have had him killed, Lady Rian though when she saw Lord Adan.
Lord Delmar's mouth fell open with stunned disbelief when he saw his brother.
King Elessar studied Lady Rian. He saw a glimpse of her once great beauty; however, he thought she didn't age well due to the life she'd lead. He saw her face harden with malice when she saw Lord Adan. She's evil, he thought.
Lord Adan bowed to his liege, the King of Gondor.
"Tell me what happened to you Lord Adan," King Elessar said.
Lord Adan told his story.
Soft murmurs in the room.
"How were you found Lord Adan?" the King asked.
"When Princess Ana of the North, King Adair's daughter, met my son Lord Mercer she said water to him," he answered.
"Thank you Lord Adan," the King said.
Lord Adan bowed to his King and walked over and stood next to Prince Imrahil.
"Princess Ana is a seer-witch and she was 4 years old when she said water to Lord Mercer. King Adair's mother and Madam Elan, King Adair's cousin are also seer-witches," the King told the audience. King Elessar told them some of the different gifts seer-witches possess. "King Adair didn't know his daughter was a seer-witch until she said water to Lord Mercer and it was Madam Elan who explained to her King that Princess Ana's gift as a seer-witch is proximity. Lord Adan was found on an island in the North that some of the Northmen colonized over a 100 years ago which is part of King Adair's Kingdom. That island is also close to the lands where King Adair lives. King Adair sent me a letter telling me what Princess Ana said to Lord Mercer and it was Madam Elan who surmised that Lord Adan was on an island somewhere in the Belegaer sea. I then ordered a search for Lord Adan on every island in the South, but he was not found. I then sent a letter to King Adair asking him to search the islands in the North, where Lord Adan was found. Now you know Lord Delmar and Lady Rian that it was a 4 year Princess with special gifts who solved the mystery of Lord Adan's disappearance." "What do you have to say for yourself Lord Delmar?"
"Nothing my King," he answered in a whisper bowing to his liege.
"Call Lord Huor, Prince Faramir," King Elessar said.
Prince Faramir called the next witness.
Lord Huor bowed to his liege when he entered the Throne Room, and on the King's Command he told his story.
"Do you have the title to that estate Lord Delmar?" King Elessar asked.
"No my King," he answered.
"Do you know where the title to the estate is Lord Delmar?" the King asked.
"No," he answered.
"Lord Adan tell your brother where you hid the title to the estate," King Elessar said.
Lord Adan turned and faced his brother. "I hid the title and the report from my advisors in a trunk which I put in my son's bedroom with a letter telling him it was my legacy to him. However, there was only one key that could open the trunk which I carried with me at all times. I had the key with me when I was abducted brother."
"Lord Mercer took the trunk his father left him wherever he went and took it with him to the North. Lord Mercer always had the title to the estate which you stole from your brother and his son Lord Delmar," King Elessar said picking up the title from his lap. "Lord Adan retrieved the title and brought it back to Gondor. I told him I would keep the title to those lands until after the trial."
Lady Haleth realized to her surprise that the estate never belonged to her.
"Call the next witness Prince Faramir," his liege told him.
"I call Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth," Faramir said.
Prince Imrahil also bowed to his King and told his story. "...and it was your Majesty who put me in charge of this matter."
xxx
"Lord Delmar and Lady Rian step forward," the King said.
They did as their King commanded.
"What do you have to say in the your defense Lord Delmar?" the King asked.
"Nothing your Majesty," he answered hanging his head.
"What do you have to say in your defense Lady Rian?" King Elessar asked.
"Your Majesty has no evidence we did anything wrong," she answered.
"On the contrary Lady Rian. After you were arrested Prince Imrahil searched your office and found your ledgers. We both know the crimes you've committed," King Elessar told her.
Lady Rian stood defiant.
"I will now pronounce your punishments," King Elessar said. "Lord Delmar, I hereby strip you of your title as a Lord of Gondor. Lady Rian, I also strip you of your title as a Lady of Gondor."
King Elessar nodded to Prince Imrahil.
Prince Imrahil walked up to the steps of the Throne with two other men and the three bowed to King Elessar.
"State your names," the King said to the two men with Prince Imrahil.
"I'm Lord Caldor of the North, King Adair's Master of Ships and this is Lord Karol of the North, the Lord of the Northern Lands. Lord Karol does not speak Westron your Majesty," Lord Caldor replied.
King Elessar nodded his head. "I hereby sentence you Delmar to be exiled to the Northern Lands of King Adair's Kingdom. Madam Rian you will also be exiled to the Northern Lands at the top of the world; and both of you will be guarded by Lord Karol's men and neither of you will return to Gondor."
Lord Caldor translated for Lord Karol.
When Lord Karol turned and looked at Madam Rian her steel resolve finally cracked when she saw the look in his eyes and took a step back and felt fear for the first time in her life.
Lord Karol did what even he nor his liege could do, Prince Imrahil thought. The Prince knew then that Lord Karol is a hard man and will show no mercy to anyone.
Lady Haleth wept and knew she'll never see her parents again.
"Get your hands off me," Madam Rian said with a sneer to her husband when he tried to comfort her.
Delmar meekly did what he was told.
"Take the prisoners away," King Elessar said.
The Guards of the Citadel escorted the couple out of the Throne Room.
Lord Galir and Lady Haleth step forward," King Elessar told them.
The Lord and Lady did as commanded and bowed to their King.
"Both of you and your two sons will be treated as outcasts the same way Lord Mercer and Lady Lindra were. You and your family will also be scorned and ridiculed like they were, due to no fault of your own," their liege told them. "You may go."
Lord Galir and Lady Haleth bowed again to their King before they were escorted out of the Throne Room.