Marching Towards Annuminas: The Trial of Halfaeron

20/11/23 – The Trial of Halfaeron

Belenir sat at the table, flanked by three of his most trusted; Lords Minaiadan and Thandanar, and the Lady Aelwynna. Murmurs stirred amongst onlookers, of the favour being against Halfaeron, for the rest of the jury, in one way or another, owed loyalty to Belenir. 

He outlined the charges against the Ranger Halfaeron, for assaulting the Mariner Achillenor, before asking his bailiff, the Bree-Lander Erric to bring him forth. Those who looked on were appalled at the Ranger’s shambled appearance. Dirt clung to his skin and clothing and his hair had become matted. The clatter of chains echoed through Tinnudir’s keep as Erric guided the prisoner along.

Minaiadan outlined the use of Númenorian Law for the trial. “The Laws of Númenor serve as the basis upon which Arnor and Gondor stand,” he declared, “as was compiled by the sons of Elendil, Anarion and Isildur.” Pluton Madragor, a mercenary who witnessed what happened upon Barad Tharsír, where the Corsairs made their camp, was the first to speak. He described the many dead Rangers that had been killed by the Umbarim, and the burning of the Corsair ships at the hands of Achillenor, and his capture of one of their officers. Pluton spoke of how, after being warned of what would happen were he to harm the prisoner, Achillenor killed him, which caused Halfaeron to attack him whilst his back was turned. He believed it was wrong for Achillenor to take the matter into his own hands, but equally commented on Halfaeron’s actions being just the same.

Therdis, a fellow Ranger to Halfaeron, was the next to speak. She told of Achillenor’s dishonourable nature, how he put his sword to the throats of prisoner. She warned him of this unacceptable behaviour but had no interest in changing his tone. She recounted that Halfaeron has said “If you do not stop, I will make you… by any means necessary,” believing that Achillenor had no intent of yielding or relenting from his path. She further scorned the Order, specifically Belenir, for his treatment of Halfaeron, fracturing their still fledgeling alliance. Anarlossë, another Dunedan, relaying a sentiment shared at the War Council some weeks prior, that “the Angmarim and their allies would be granted the opportunity to surrender”, stating that Achillenor’s executions stood contrary to this. She noted the Mariner’s provocation of the Northern Dúnedain and even members of the Order, recalling him assaulting and humiliating Thandanar with no repercussions. The Lord solemnly agreed as he wrote the minutes of the trial.

She too scorns the bias of the trial against the Rangers, to which Belenir calls for silence. Belenir procalaims that Halfaeron was trusted and went against orders. Despite this, he reaffirms that the order and their allies must stay united if they are to succeed. Murmurs amongst the watching crowd stir, as if there are those who see through the Lord-Commander’s hypocrisy.

Halfaeron states that he acted to prevent Achillenor from doing more harm to the Northern Dúnedain’s name and reputation. “We Rangers swore an oath,” he said, “to our Chieftain… our King. One of loyalty, one of duty. Had I not acted, I would be complicit in Achillenor’s wrongdoing.” 
Thandanar spoke to the court of a matter of relevance. “It is said that Achillenor had on him the seal of House Beleganor, your family,” he proclaimed to Belenir, “He addressed you as if thou were his father.” Belenir believed these claims as preposterous, for his son, Annord, was killed during the Siege of Minas Tirith during the war.

The Court concludes that Halfaeron is to swear oaths of service to the Order of the Hand of Númenor. Thandanar believes this act of mercy, might help Halfaeron in seeking redemption. Mutterings stir as the Court is dismissed. Many spoke of the unfairness of placing a Ranger against three Gondorians and an estranged kinsman from Esteldín. Others believed that the Hand, despite being tasked by King Elessar had no right to hold judicial matters in an official capacity, and that this “trial” was merely a show of power, disfavouring the Order amongst the Dúnedain of Tinnudir. 
 

Belenir approached Halfaeron and offered a formal hug. "I humbly request your forgiveness for subjecting you to a trial, dear brother. It was a necessary measure to quell the tensions between the Gondorians and Dunedain. I was compelled to uphold appearances, yet we are both aware that there were alternative ways for you to address the situation. Please understand that the imposed punishment is not overly severe and shall only endure until the conclusion of the impending battle." 

A guard approached, Tinnudir. Harzim, the Corsair Captain, had arrived alone with a white flag. He spoke on behalf of Angmar and wished to hold peace negotiations with the order, shold Belenir turn himself over to the Angmarim. Despite the overwhelming voice not to, Belenir gives in. Harzim is taken to Tinnudir’s dungeon, placed under heavy guard, and deprived of his weapons.