Marching Towards Annuminas : The Red Feast

23/09 The Red Feast :
Harzim's motives remained shrouded in ambiguity... what could possibly drive the corsairs of Umbar to contemplate an accord with the hand? as the day designed for this purported banquet dawned, the order convened in earnest deliberation concerning the corsair's intentions. A segment of its membership expressed vehement dissent towards Hunhir's resolution to parley with the corsairs. Nevertheless, Hunhir, prioritizing diplomacy over conflict, resolved to give audience to their propositions. Hunhir's choice to enter into parley was met with considerable displeasure from the Order. However, he emphasize the importance of upholding the conventions of diplomacy, asserting " If we falter in our commitment to honor and civility, we risk becoming that which we abhor." His compelling argument prevailed. The order, albeit reluctantly, allined with his directive. They were not to venture unaccompanied. Hunhir selected a contingent of Rangers to accompany them, amongst whom was his own kin, Palandir. Upon reaching the mountain's base, where Stoneheight stood sentinal above, Hunhir companied by his own rangers, embarked on a reconnaissance of the vacinity, ensuring no ambsuh lay in wait. He instructed The Hand to advance assuring them the rangers would not linger far behind.

As The Hand approached, the tantalizing aroma of roasting meats and the harmonious sounds of music and laughter wafted toward them from Stoneheight. The city's gates opened to reveal Harzim, flanked by his Corsairs, extending a seemingly hospitable greeting. His smile, though, bore an unsettling undertone, and as he beckoned them into the city, he was quick to emphasize that their gathering was one of diplomacy, not conflict. Within, a lavish banquet had been laid out. Kegs of ale and wine stood ready, and Harzim raised a goblet in toast to the prospect of accord between their factions. But then, with an air of sudden urgency, he retreated further into the city, instructing his Corsairs and Fajr to await his return, for he had a "gift" to prepare. This unexpected move heightened the sense of unease among The Hand's members. They exchanged wary glances, debating among themselves the true motives of the Corsairs and the wisdom of placing trust in such a precarious situation. Abruptly, the familiar figure of Hunhir, accompanied by his rangers and Palandir, emerged from the shadows. Their return was timely, providing a temporary reprieve from the mounting tension. “The surroundings have been scoured, and they’re clear of adversaries,” Hunhir relayed, a hint of optimism in his voice. "It seems the Corsairs genuinely intend to discuss the accord." His words, combined with the thorough sweep he and his rangers had conducted of the city's higher reaches, imbued The Hand with a sense of cautious relief. With a renewed sense of purpose and the hope that peaceful negotiations could indeed be possible, they collectively decided to delve deeper into Stoneheight. The city's innermost sanctums awaited, and with them, the potential for a historic agreement. 

Fajr led them deeper into the heart of the inner city. There, in the midst of the festive setting, a harrowing sight awaited them: a female ranger, her wrists bound in iron shackles, was chained to a wooden block. Her face was a mixture of defiance and exhaustion. Hunhir's eyes widened in shock, and he took an involuntary step forward. "What is the meaning of this, Fajr?" His voice held a deadly edge.
Fajr smiled cruelly. "Consider her your 'gift', Lord Hunhir." The underlying threat in Fajr's words was unmistakable. Before Hunhir could react, Fajr lunged forward, blade in hand, slashing Hunhir's throat. The hall exploded into chaos. Adunai, seeing an opportunity amidst the turmoil, betrayed his own by driving a dagger into Harzim's side. Gurgling, with blood streaming from the grievous wound, Hunhir managed a final command, "Retreat! Samidas, find Belenir. Safeguard the order." His voice was barely above a whisper, but carried the weight of his authority. The Hand, in sheer disbelief at the treachery they had witnessed, rallied
and began their desperate escape, their minds filled with thoughts of revenge.

Upon entering Esteldin's gates, Belenir was greeted by the sight of Aglaror, his trusted mercenary and informant. Their history ran deep, with many a covert operation conducted under the shared banner of trust and mutual benefit. Whenever Belenir required intel on any matter, he would entrust Aglaror to retrieve it. After the trial in Bree, Belenir had tasked him with keeping a close eye on the activities of the enigmatic group, The Kindred of Coins. However, unbeknownst to Belenir, Aglaror's loyalties had recently been divided. The Kindred of Coins, with their deep pockets and persuasive powers, had managed to sway Aglaror, turning him into a double agent. But a sense of obligation or perhaps remnants of their once staunch alliance made Aglaror reveal a portion of the truth to Belenir. "The corsairs are not to be trifled with," Aglaror warned, his voice laced with genuine concern. "They are far more dangerous than you can imagine." Recognizing the gravity of the situation and understanding that his kinship might be in peril, Belenir swiftly made his way towards Stoneheight, fueled by determination and the hope to protect those dear to him. The weight of betrayal hung in the air, but the immediate concern was the safety of his comrades.

As the gates of Stoneheight loomed ahead, the sense of foreboding grew stronger. The city, usually a testament to strength and unity, felt different, its atmosphere fraught with tension. Just as Belenir was trying to gauge the situation, he felt a sharp pain in his side. Turning around, he saw Aglaror, his face an inscrutable mask, pulling a bloodied blade from Belenir's side. "A pity it had to end this way," Aglaror whispered, before vanishing into the maze-like alleys of Stoneheight. The situation outside was dire. The retreating members of the Hand had reached the gates, weary and disoriented. Among them was Samidas, who upon seeing Belenir, faltering and blood-soaked, felt a pang of despair. But this was no time for grief; immediate action was needed. "Help Belenir back to Esteldin!" Samidas shouted, rallying those around him. Several members moved quickly, lifting Belenir and making haste towards their sanctuary in Esteldin. The weight of treachery was heavy, but the promise of safety and hope spurred them on, each step a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit.

Upon arriving at the Esteldin camp, Karaion was immediately thrust into a maelstrom of suspicion and turmoil. Amidst the chaos, Belenir assigned him a daunting task: to unearth a traitor within the Hand of Numenor's ranks. The group was reeling from the revelation of a potential traitor, with trust in tatters. Karaion's investigation was swift. A vigilant ranger identified a suspicious mark of black speech ink on Aelwynna, turning the group's mistrust towards her. A confrontation between Samidas and Aelwynna was quickly diffused by Karaion, who decided to privately interrogate her. In the seclusion of his tent, Karaion delved into Aelwynna's past, discovering her time of captivity under Saruman's influence. By day's end, it was clear: Aelwynna was innocent. To mend the fractured trust, Karaion delivered a poignant speech on unity and even recruited one of Aledoras' rangers, gradually restoring faith in Aelwynna until Belenir could heal.