Chapter 66
Sauron's soul slowly but steadily regrouped in the dark furnace of Mordor. Although he could no longer condense the handsome appearance of "Annatar" that had bewitched Celebrimbor and the people of Númenor, and could only exist as a terrifying will shrouded in shadows and flames, his minions became more rampant with the revival of their master, and the orc raiding parties began to frequently harass the newly opened borders of Gondor and Arnor.
Sauron was extremely shrewd. He knew full well that the Elven alliance was close and could not be easily shaken. He avoided the Elves' attack and directed the main thrust of his initial expansion and harassment precisely at his most hated targets: the descendants of the Númenor bloodline, Gondor and Arnor. These two newly formed kingdoms founded by the Faithful. He feared their growth and must constantly weaken, deplete, and sow chaos before they could truly become powerful.
The Black Númenóreans of Umbar, along with their leaders Fuinur and Hrumer, became Sauron's most powerful accomplices and vanguards. Their hatred for Gondor and Arnor was no less than Sauron's own. When Sauron's will once again loomed over Middle-earth, they eagerly renewed their fealty. They used their knowledge of Númenórean seamanship and tactics, as well as their knowledge of the newly established coastal and border strongholds of Gondor and Arnor, to launch precise and vicious attacks.
Gondor's southern coastline was hardest hit. Umbar's Black Fleets haunted Gondorian fishing boats, pillaged coastal villages, and burned newly built watchtowers. They even disguised themselves as pirates or bandits, attacking isolated caravans and patrols to sow panic. Arnor in the north was not immune. Orc raiders infiltrating from the Misty Mountains, sometimes aided by Black Númenórean guides and intelligence, became even more cunning and deadly. Elendil and Isildur were overwhelmed, and the nascent kingdom was under immense military and security pressure.
The disturbances of darkness have not prevented the growth and cooperation of the light faction. In the Woodland Kingdom, the fruits of Celebrimbor's years of dedicated teaching are bearing rich fruit.
Batch after batch of Silvan Elf craftsmen, trained in the finest Noldor blacksmithing techniques at Forlindon, returned to their lush homeland, laden with knowledge, finely crafted weapons and armor, and laden with honor and gratitude to their mentors. Prince Thranduil personally inspected their work in the royal court's armory. Rows of brand-new spears, swords, sturdy scale armor, and composite longbows gleamed in the sunlight, neatly laid out. These weapons were not only exquisitely crafted but also specifically designed to combat the minions of darkness.
"Good, very good." Thranduil picked up a longbow with a beautiful curve and a strong bow arm, pulled it to its full extent, feeling the surging power, his eyes flashing with satisfaction and pride.
Over the years, through the frequent exchanges of craftsmen, the mutual exchange of materials, and the active mediation and guidance of Celeborn, the wise and diplomatic Prince of Sindar, the ice between Oropher, King of Greenwood Greater, and Gil-galad, High King of the Noldor, is melting at a visible speed.
While Oropher still retained the pride of the Sindar, he was no longer the aloof and arrogant king who once held a deep grudge against the Noldor. He witnessed firsthand the Noldor's resolve in resisting the darkness and, through messengers and Celeborn, held numerous in-depth discussions with Gil-galad. He increasingly agreed with Gil-galad's judgment that Sauron's dormancy was merely a facade, his ambitions unquenched, and the threat to all free beings in Middle-earth ever present. Peace was merely the calm before the storm.
When Meereen once again took time off from the busy affairs of Gondor and came to visit Greenwood the Great, he keenly felt this change. The smell of the forest was still fresh, but the atmosphere in the royal court had a bit more solemnity and a sense of preparation for war.
In the great tree hall, Meereen tells King Oropher and Prince Thranduil in detail the nuisances suffered by Gondor and Arnor, and Sauron's apparent strategy against the kingdoms of Men.
"Sauron is accumulating strength," Meereen said solemnly. "He uses the Black Númenóreans and their minions to constantly harass Gondor and Arnor. This is a test, and also a depletion. He fears the potential of these two new kingdoms, and even more so their alliance with the elves. But he will never be satisfied with this. Once he deems the time ripe, or if the human kingdoms are weakened to a certain extent, his armies will inevitably turn against all forces of light, including the Green Forest."
Oropher sat upright on the throne, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrests, his eyes sharp as an eagle. He did not immediately respond to Meereen's words, but turned to his son: "Thranduil, how are our warriors equipped? Have we slacked off in our training?"
Thranduil immediately stood up, his posture as straight as a pine tree: "Thanks to the teachings of Master Celebrimbor and the efforts of our craftsmen, new weapons and armor are being continuously equipped to the troops. The warriors train day and night, and have become proficient in archery, fighting, and stealth in the woods." His voice was full of confidence and strength.
Oropher nodded slightly, a subtle flicker of approval in his eyes. He then returned his gaze to Meereen. "Thank you for your warning. I share Gil-galad's concerns. Sauron's ambition is like a poison ivy in the depths of the forest. If its roots are not removed, it will spread throughout the woods. The Woodland Kingdom will not sit idly by while darkness grows." He paused, his voice firmer. "Please tell Gil-galad that the warriors of Greenwood the Great are ready to answer the Alliance's call."
A huge weight lifted off Meereen's heart. He saluted solemnly to King Oropher and Prince Thranduil. "Your foresight and determination are a blessing to the Light. I will carry out your promise. May the stars guide us until the darkness dissipates."
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