The King Returns (1)
[ Optional Music to listen while reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roMWEeV2P4U ]
Two figures walked in the lavishly and majestically decorated hallways of the Castle. They were Mila and Arthas. The two were approaching the main hall of the castle from where sounds of argument could be heard.
Arthas wore comfortable and elegant looking black clothes and with Frostmourne on his side, it created the aura of a carefree swordsman. The clothes were modern-looking, being composed of very good materials and in the shape of a T-shirt and a pair of pants. They had silver and gold designs that went very good with the black and added to his charm and made him appear like Royalty as true to his status.
Mila, the head maid of the palace, wore maid clothes suspiciously similar to the ones on Earth.
Arthas raised his hand and the two came to a stop near the giant door of the main hall. Arthas leaned on the wall and began eavesdropping with a frown. Mila silently stood beside him, in clear discomfort, and yet she didn't voice it.
"This can't go on... The King has abandoned us! Gandalf, we need help! Lordaeron can't stop Sauron's advances if this goes on. You must make way to Rohan and Gondor, seek an alliance." Came the smooth and elvish voice of Eiliandir, the lord of Silvermoon.
A sigh could be heard as Gandalf responded, his voice quite low due to the distance but Arthas picked it up perfectly, "Don't make haste my friend. The King is very much sane and I doubt he would ever abandon something he created after such long hardships. Never has Arthas ever disappointed my trust, he is an honorable man. He is a hero and a King. We must wait and discuss these matters with him.".
Eiliandir, who had his long elegant hair let loose to fall on his shoulders all the way to his back, swiped away some strands of hair out of his face, and sat down on a chair. His tone filled with exasperation, "Do you think I have not discussed these with him? He won't listen! I think there are 2 possible answers to his behavior, Either he knows the future so he has no worries or he does not care for us anymore! Since the first option seems improbable, the question answers itself!".
Arthas silently chuckled and walked in the hall with a smile. "If it isn't my least favorite lord. Eiliandir, How is life?"
The hall had a round table and many chairs surrounding it, the table was massive and made of the hardest woods, the map of Middle-Earth carved on it. More than 30 chairs surrounded the table. Gandalf and Eiliandir both sat near the door, their faces seemed surprised as they stood up and paid their respects with bowing slightly.
Silence befell the place as Eiliandir nervously looked at Arthas. Gandalf broke the silence, "Arthas, finally you join us. Grave matters are at hand, I am afraid that they must be dealt with by your hand. We need your wisdom and power.".
Arthas's smile deepened, "To be called wise by Gandalf the grey is a great honor.". He turned towards Eiliandir and his face turned slightly cold, "I have not abandoned Lordaeron, One doesn't abandon their home and property, now do they? Gather the council and summon the lords, I will meet you in the Throne room. If anyone remains absent, they will be punished. I will be there in 2 hours.".
Eiliandir turned pale as he hurriedly left the hall, his hands and teeth clenched but yet his heart began beating rapidly in excitement. 'I am finally free of paperwork, The King is back!' he thought with jubilation. He was the one that mostly took care of Lordaeron when Arthas was leading a hedonistic life.
Gandalf glanced at Eiliandir's fleeing form, "Not to intrude but isn't that a little...". Arthas nonchalantly pulled a chair and sat on it, "If you treat people with too much kindness they will push you to test your limits and eventually clash with you. I must be like this otherwise they will get cocky. Now, tell me. Why did you come?".
Gandalf nodded and sat on his previous seat, "Sauron is moving, I have always kept an eye on Mordor and recently I noticed Sauron increasing his army. He has acknowledged the threat of Lordaeron and is planning to destroy it. A new war is coming...".
Arthas's smile had vanished when Gandalf had begun talking, A frown marred his face. "You have seen Camelot, the southern defense, and my knights and paladins. Is it serious enough that they won't be able to hold them off?"
Gandalf nodded grimly as he drank the refreshment brought by Mila, "I am afraid it is! He is amassing tens of thousands of Orcs, building war chariots, and gathering creatures of Darkness on his side. My sources say he has found a way to negotiate with Balrogs! They are incredibly powerful and it is terrible news if they join him. Even one is very dangerous! If he manages to get several few on his side, we are doomed. Not many Balrogs remain alive but the exact number is not known. We are not Prepared...". Gandalf looked deeply at Arthas, awaiting a response.
Arthas nodded as he drank and after a while replied calmly, "I see, Sauron feels threat due to Lordaeron so he has resorted to desperate measures in order to win. This is good news!".
Gandalf became confused, "How is it good news?!". Arthas's eyes turned sharp, "Think, If he sees us as a threat, it means we can hurt him! This proves we are strong enough to beat him if he wages a war, now, leave the coming war to me, if there is a war that is. Lordaeron will stand firm and unshakable.".
Gandalf nodded, "I see, however, the kingdom is in quite a mess! It is perfectly fine on the surface but many internal conflicts and waves are crashing against the pillar of Lordaeron. How do you plan on dealing with it?".
Arthas stood up and began walking away, "If you are curious, just come to the Throne room with me. I will deal with everything today, I have kept an eye on my dear kingdom from afar, its time to clean up some pests.". Gandalf's eyebrows rose then he stood up and began following him. before they left the main hall, Arthas stopped suddenly, "By the way, Adress my as your majesty in Public...".
The atmosphere turned Awkward.
Eron Calendar year 59.