[Mithadan]

Mithadan walked into Tule's cabin. He pushed aside some parchments and sat on a chair, with an annoyed look on his face. "We have a problem," he said.

The Elf smiled gently. "We have many problems," he answered lightly. "What is yours?"

"Our plan for summoning the Telerin ships is flawed," replied the Man. "You have suggested that I gain access to a palantir for this purpose. While that might be difficult at the best of times, it is impossible as planned."

The Elf's brow furrowed. "Why is that?"

"Because at the time Ar-Pharazon's fleet is assembling, the King's Men were sent to round up those loyal to the Valar such as Amandil and his sons. Well, by that time Amandil was gone, but to evade capture they boarded seven ships and left the island, waiting off the Eastern coast for the results of the attack on Valinor."

"Yes?" responded the Elf.

"They took their most valuable possessions with them. All of them. The Palantiri were among them. At the time we will be attempting to rescue the Hobbits, the Palantiri will not be on Numenor!"