[Arien]

Acacia left the Inn and hurriedly walked down the street. She would need to contact the corsairs who were still loyal to Jythralo and still believed in his cause. She hoped it would not be too hard, but some were not as faithful to him as herself or Jurex. The first place to go would be Russ’, it was the closest and he too could spread word to his men. Strangely she had been visiting him quite a lot recently.

She turned the corner into the alley and knocked softly when she came to the door. The usual clicks were heard and the door opened. Russ stood in the doorway, a bottle in his hand. Acacia sighed and moved out of the way as he made to embrace her. He fell from the door onto the ground.

“Ouch, why dya move?” He said nursing his back with one had and taking a mouthful from the bottle.

“Because Russ, you are drunk.” She moved around so their faces met, she shook her head, her face was stern but a smile started to play on her mouth as she watched him struggle to get up.

“I am?” He said reaching up for help.

“Yes you are….” She said pulling him up to his feet.

“Oh,” he staggered and leaned against the doorframe. “I knew that!”

“Of course you did,” Acacia replied impatiently, “Look is there anyone sober I can talk to? No wait forget it. I’ll tell you and if you dare forget,” she said stepping closer, “or mess it up I swear…”

“You’ll kill me?” He laughed.

Acacia rolled her eyes and laughed, “No…..but you never know. I’ve been told I have quite a temper sometimes.”

“You’re telling me….” Russ said taking another drink. At this Acacia grabbed the bottle from his hand, contents spilled out onto the pavement and over her dress. Russ looked disappointed as he tried to reach for the bottle. Acacia pulled it away from his grasp. This was certainly the most inconvenient time for this to happen. Hopefully he would still be able to understand what she was saying.

“Just listen,” she said looking up, he was still eying the bottle and so she hid it behind her back. His eyes lingered on the spot where it had been and the he drew his gaze up. “Gather as many corsairs as you can, those who served under Jythralo before. Spread word that he is in need of some…. assistance. There will be a meeting at The Wreck Inn tonight. Jurex will be there. Tell as many as you can.” She handed the bottle back to Russ, “Tell them that they will receive a lot for their service.” She turned her back and looked down the path, “ They will receive Umbar.” She turned back to Russ who nodded.

“I understand,” he paused and then saluted her with his right hand. Acacia shook her head and turned away from him. That was the west side of Umbar taken care of. Russ wouldn’t let her down; she would trust him with her life, even if he were in that state. Acacia hurried to her estate to collect a horse. Riding would be faster, time was of the essence and there was not to be wasted by walking on foot across the city. She also stopped by and told Blaine to meet her at Bassington’s estate at six.

Although her maid was confused Acacia assured her it would all be clear soon. Blaine did not doubt her mistress.

Acacia stopped by everyone she had known that had served for Jythralo before. Most were keen to see what their assistance could do, and some were all too happy to help. Although she had to struggle with some, they seemed to have given up on regaining Umbar and on Jythralo.

“Why should I help Doran?!? Its an outrage…… what has he done for me lately? There is not point Acacia, he has turned to Gondor, he no longer believes in Umbar.” He shouted hotly.

“That’s what you think Gerard, but you are wrong.” She replied calmly.

“Wrong am I? Why is he on the council then? You are blinded.” He said moving across the room. The man slumped down in his chair.

“Have you forgotten that I too am on the council.”

“Well, no….but….but…did you pass all of those rules? Acacia, I trust you its just….” He stopped and sighed.

“Look you want Umbar back do you not?” He nodded. “Then do not be as stupid as those we oppose and fall for Jythralo’s disguise! Come and join us. Fight for what is right.”

It took most of the day to persuade those whose trust in Jythralo had faded. But she was satisfied with herself at the end of it. Some of them she had not seen in a great deal of time. But they remembered her and they still held her in high regard. And most importantly they believed in what she had said, and they followed her instructions. Now it was time to acquire some keys.

++++++++++++++++

It was sunset when Blaine met her outside Councillor Bassington’s Estate. Bassington was probably the Councillor that Acacia detested most; he was too arrogant for her liking and he always seemed to think he could have his way with her. He was about two years older than her, and although fairly handsome his personality definitely squashed his chances with any self-respecting woman. Well that was Acacia’s opinion. This was probably why Acacia had carefully selected his estate, and also Bassington took care of the Gondorian armed forces in Umbar. Killing two birds with one stone.

“You know what to do?” Acacia said turning to her maid.

“Yes,” she replied.

“And you are sure they are there?”

“I am.” Acacia smiled at her momentarily and the two made their way to the front entrance.

“Councillor Ratan,” Acacia nodded to the doorman, “Councillor Bassington received your note and he awaits you inside his office.”

“Thank you. Oh and may I trouble you one more time? May my maid use the wash room?”

“Oh yes of course.” He smiled politely and pointed down to the kitchens. Blaine blushed, a twinkle in her eye told Acacia that she was ready.

“When you return Blaine wait here.” She nodded and hurried off.

Acacia turned and headed to Bassington’s office, which was situated across the large hall. She knocked on the door and this was answered by the murmur of enter. Slowly she pushed the door open and crossed the threshold into a large study. Its ceilings were high and on the walls hung paintings of royal ships and various Gondorian soldiers.

“And what brings you here?” Said the man who had just risen from a chair by the blazing fire.

“I have come to collect some documents Bassington.” Her eyes darted around the room; they finally fell on his desk. A cluster of keys were hung behind it, they were keys to the officers barracks.

“Oh, and I thought you had come to see me.”

“You thought wrongly.”

“A bit harsh?” He said moving closer to her. She stepped away, her fists clenched stubbornly.

“The documents if you please.”

“Ok, ok.” He shook his head and headed out of his office.

“Fool.” She whispered. She walked quickly over to the rack of keys and selected a bronzed one. This one was for the southern barracks and a silver one. This one was for the Western Barracks. Hastily she shoved them into a pocket the folds of her dress and returned to where she had previously stood.

“Here,” said Bassigton as he re-entered the room. He handed Acacia the documents and walked back to his chair.

“Your maid waits for you outside. I hope to see you soon Acacia.” He said softly.

“As do I Bassington.” She replied sarcastically, she curtsied and walked from the room. The documents were then handed to Blaine and they left the Estate.

“Did you get it?” Acacia asked eagerly as they left. Blaine held up a large key on a piece of string.

“For the back way.”

“Excellent, thank you. Now hurry home and take the documents with you.” The maid nodded, handed Acacia the key and left. Now she made her way to The Wreck Inn. It was and Inn deep in the Corsair area of the city. It was unknown to the Gondorians as it was somewhat of an underground tavern, but it was popular among Corsairs. She entered the dingy door; it was not marked by any sign or picture, just a tiny carved inscription of “Wreck” on the door. She made her way down the wooden steps, she could her low voices and the smell of ale and smoke loitered in the stale air.

She entered the main bar and spotted Jurex in the corner.

“Done?” He said looking up to her.

“Yes,” She said joining him. She placed the three keys on the table. “Southern barracks, Western and Bassington’s Estate…the back door.”

“Well done. And the people.”

“All done. A few were reluctant but they will come, I am sure of it. The western side is taken care of, Russ did that.” Jurex nodded.

“Good. And now we wait for them.”