[Child of the 7th Age]

Harad/Umbar

There was palpable tension in the room as Urken and Fuinur waited for the answer to the priest's question. Al-Gareth turned his head away, reluctant to reveal more information, yet painfully aware that he needed friends and allies if he was to accomplish what he had set out to do.

"Perhaps, I should be clearer," Urken intoned. "Our audience with Elessar is tomorrow. If there are urgent things to be said, that is the time when all must be revealed."

Abruptly, Urken stood up and placed his hand on al-Gareth's shoulder. "You have spent your whole life hiding secrets. You have suffered and seen your country fall under an evil spell. The habit of secrecy is not easy to break. Believe me, I know. But there comes a time when a man must stand and open his mouth, or else he will fail."

Still, al-Gareth hesitated, uncertain what he should do.

Then Urken, the proud warrior priest of Umbar, walked before al-Gareth and fell to his knees. His palms were extended upward, the great sword of Numenor extending between his two hands. He spoke with great solemnity, "It is told in the ancient texts how the peoples of Harad, Umbar, and Nurn will turn to each other in friendship and alliance, and their might will be acknowledged by many, even the kingdom of Gondor. I believe that time has come. Yet no alliance is possible until Nurn is cleansed and lies under the rule of a just king, he who was prophesied in the lay. That time, too, I believe, is now."

"Al-gareth, I acknowledge you as sovereign lord of Nurn, and pledge my wealth and honor to that goal. And my guild will support you to that end, down to the last warrior-priest." He extended his sword towards the man and placed it within his lap.

Fuinur sat in amazement, saying nothing and only watching.

The man of Nurn responded to Urken in a clear voice, "I will take your allegiance and support as my own, and the guild which you represent." He kissed the sword and replaced it in the priest's hands.

"And this," said Urken, pointing towards Fuinur, "is one whom you must meet. He has proven a loyal and sturdy friend. I have placed him in difficult situation after difficult situation, with little explanation as to what was happening. Yet his support for me has never wavered.

"Fuinur, I apologize for my secret ways. Yet I felt I could do no other. Al-Gareth, I commend King Fuinur to you, and would have the three of us discuss what must happen on the morrow when we meet with Elessar."

The men put their heads together, and were soon deep in conversation.