Author's Note: Now we have another character that I really admire, and I hope you guys enjoy his interview. I gave the possibility of interviewing Tar-Míriel serious thought, but in the end, I decided that Amandil ended up answering a lot of the questions I would have asked the Queen, so I opted not to do her. Elendil will also, I think, give us some more Faithful insight, and he'll be coming in a little while. We are nearing the end! Be sure to leave me a review!

Amandil

Name(s): Amandil

Race: Men

Life: He was born at some time before S. A. 3119 in Númenor. He, like those of his bloodline, became Lord of Andúnië, protecting the interests and values of Faithful despite their persecution at the hands of the King's Men. In a desperate attempt to ask the Valar for aid and intervention, he set sail for Aman shortly before the Downfall. His fate remains unknown.

. . .

It is said that you were very close to Pharazôn in your youth. Could you describe what he was like when you were young? What were you like?

Pharazon was always very ambitious, but in his youth, he was attentive and eager for knowledge. He was never humble, but early on he did not exhibit much pride. I was very close to him, for we both relentlessly sought the end of Sauron's power, and each of us became renowned for our skill in battle.

At that age, I was less knowledgeable, but I still held to the views of my ancient forefathers, and in this matter Pharazôn and I always disagreed. Because we were at odds in philosophical matters, we did not speak of them, and while he did not possess the crown, it did not really matter. It was not until he became king that his views began to have negative effects.

What changed about him and why do you think this change occurred?

Well, I suppose the alterations to his character were really just the natural results of his ideas. His lack of concern for life, his lust for power and wealth, and his rejection of morals are all the logical conclusion of a worldview without a base. It just took him time to realize that, I guess.

If you don't mind, could you tell me what you personally felt during this gradual change for the worse in your friend?

[Thalion wishes to add in a bit of narrative here. She wants the reader to realize that Amandil really did love Pharazôn like a brother, and watching his friend succumb to evil was a nearly unbearable torture. His eyes misted over when Estel asked him this question, and he swallowed hard before answering. Some people think that real men don't cry or show emotion, but clearly such people have never met a real man, one who is honorable and loyal. Amandil was about as good as men come, and anyone who doubts it should try living in a land you love while it and all of its people transform into monsters before your eyes, sacrificing your children on altars and defiling all that is sacred and dear to you. Amandil is a hero, a role model for all who stand for what's right, and yet he still shed tears of pity and mercy for Pharazôn. Such an act deserves to be both admired and imitated. Do not dare to scoff.]

It was one of the worst things I have ever felt. I have seen more blood, more death, and more cruelty in my time than most men alive, but nothing was as painful as watching one I had once called brother descend into madness. Nothing I said or did made a difference. I would have preferred any torture to those days, those dreadful hours when I sat in council and heard him issue another order with its origins in Sauron's schemes. I never left the faith of my forefathers, but trust me when I tell you, my character and beliefs were sorely tested, and eventually refined, through such trials as with agonizing fire.

What were your political and social hopes during Ar-Pharazôn's reign?

Well, I really wanted to use my political leverage to keep the King's Men from oppressing the Faithful. I hoped that laws could be put in place to prevent such oppression, and I tried to rally all who would desired a stable form of equality to my cause. Such attempts proved ineffective because no one who reaps the benefits of oppression really desires its end, no matter what they profess to believe.

I also tried to use my close friendship with the king to display and explain the concerns of the Faithful to Pharazôn, but this also failed. His majesty would only say, "If you wish to keep my respect, do not speak of such things as annoy me" and then promptly change the subject. I really did use all of my effort, but his heart was hard, and his pride unyielding.

What did you do to combat the growing evil in Númenor, especially after Sauron came as a "hostage"?

As I said, I used my place in the government and in the people's eyes to try to promote good values and laws. Besides this, I also worked with individuals among the Faithful, starting up some systems that, to put it bluntly, were illegal. I managed to keep many people from going to unjust deaths by smuggling them either to distant parts of the nation or even to those ports of Middle Earth where the Faithful were not persecuted. This work was far more satisfying because unlike my labors in politics, these had visible fruits.

Why did Pharazôn dismiss you from his council?

Sauron knew that my influence was dangerous, as were my ideas, and I believe he was afraid that since I was close to the king, I might even change Pharazôn's mind. Therefore, the cunning Maia convinced the king that I had to be thrown out, for my own protection, of course. Since I had treasonous ideas, I would have to be charged if I continued. It was an argument of this sort that Pharazôn gave to me when I was dismissed. The reason is simply that my views were in Sauron's way.

What drove you to break the Ban?

I didn't want to. In fact, the irony is terrible: I, the one who believed most firmly that the Valar should be obeyed, ended up breaking the Ban before anyone else. But Númenor had gotten to a point where its Downfall was on the horizon, and unless the Valar intervened, I was certain that it would collapse into an evil darkness. The king was going to break the Ban and make war against the Valar, and I hoped that if I could get Manwë to come to the aid of the Faithful, then perhaps the disaster could be averted. Númenóreans needed a good dose of humility and admonishment, and I prayed that like my ancestor Eärendil, my plea could be heard and my prayer answered. It was in desperation that I acted, and I was willing to take on the punishment if it might save my people

What became of you? Did you reach Valinor?

I do not think I am now at liberty to disclose that information. All I will say is this: Númenor was not saved. She fell, all of her glory buried in the sea, but some of the Faithful survived, and that wind that drove them to Middle Earth was not an accident.

What'd ya think? Please review! Up next is someone I think y'all will enjoy, if you love Dark Lords that is…