900

Malantur entered the Throne Room. Ancalime was sitting at the throne. This was a big surprise to Malantur, and he stop halfway into the room.

Ancalime recognized her distant relative.

"Please enter Malantur. Here is nothing to be afraid of. We are after all family. What can I do for you?"

Malantur walked to Ancalime; "I seek the king!"

Ancalime answered; "I am sorry, then you have travelled to Armenelos in vain. He is not here!"

Malantur asked; "Where is he?"

Ancalime replied; "Apparently, news does not travel fast to the remotest parts of Orrostar. The King left Numenor for Middle Earth almost two years ago. The council has been informed, also the member from Orrostar. Mardur is inexperienced. He has only been a member of the council for three years; I will ask him to ensure that messages from the council will reach the people of Orrostar."

Malantur repeated "Inexperienced!" with a sarcastic voice.

Ancalime continued; "What can I do for you Malantur?"

"You? Nothing! I wanted to inform the king of the death of my father and discuss business with him. When will he return?" Malantur said.

Ancalime answered; "I am sorry for you lost. With regards to his homecoming it is difficult to say! But the council will know when he takes this seat again, and I will remind Mardur to inform you."

Malantur said; "I am sure you will find another place for yourself at that time!" He turned around without bowing.

Ancalime shouted after him; "Malantur, stop!"

Malantur did turn around, maybe he was curious, maybe where were something in Ancalimes commanding voice that made him obey.

Ancalime looked at him; "Do not oppose me, Malantur"; she said; "I am the King's Heir!"

Malantur made a short small laugh, and then he turned again and left the Throne Room.

Not long after Ancalime was called to the Queens quarter. She met her aunts outside.

"She asks for you;" Almiel said.

Ancalime went in. Almarian was in the bed with her husband at her side.

"Come to me;" Almarian said; "When I saw you mother the first time, her beauty astonished me. I never imagine her daughter to grow to become even more beautiful."

Ancalime cried, but Almarian said; "Do not cry Ancalime, you are strong, you have much to live for yet. I have been blessed with a long life. I wanted to see you one last time, now go and let me alone with your grandfather."

Ancalime ran outside and into the courtyard; she sat under Nimloth.

She looked at the flowers and her courage and self-confidence rose.

Less than an hour later Meneldur came to her. He sat down next to her. Ancalime knew that Almarian had passed away.

Meneldur said; "I will send message to your father in Middle Earth. I am sure he will return shortly."

Ancalime said; "I feel alone here without Almarian. After her burial, I will return to my mother in Emerie."

Meneldur said; "I trust you will wait until your father has returned! The council needs one of you present at its meetings."

"No grandfather! I will leave soon. There has been too much waiting for Anardil!" said Ancalime deliberately using his old name; "You can sit at your old throne and lead the meeting should your son not return at next Erukyerme. I believe you have waited for him before."

Meneldur looked at Ancalime; "Be careful Ancalime. I love you, grandchild, but politic is a difficult game. Malantur is very popular and people will be sympatric towards him after his father's death.

However, Ancalime had a mind of her own, and was not moved by her grandfather's words. She kept her own words and returned to Emerie when the winter was over.