Game In Middle Earth - Chapter 31.

Duihir knew he could no longer hesitate and he began to explain what had happened.

“A few months ago, a human leader of the northern tribes managed to unify all the tribes that surround the coast of the bay of Forochel, in the cold north. At first we should not worry about it, but a couple of weeks ago, your brother had received a letter from a tribe friend of the area, the Lossoth tribe, in which they asked for help.” – Duihir made a slight pause to breathe and he continued.

“Your brother, of course, summoned as many men as he could defend the Lossoth tribe. He managed to gather almost all the warriors from the camp in the region of Arthedain, around a hundred, but when we arrived at the Lossoth tribe, it was too late, the leader of the north had already conquered it.” – Here, Duihir almost choked to remember his mind at that moment. – “It was horrible. Due to the resistance of the tribe, they began to devastate the village, they enslaved its settlers and raped the women.”

Duihir stopped again to observe how Aldarion was reacting to the story, but the latter simply ordered him to continue.

“We were all furious to see the scene before us, and your brother too. He ordered the men to prepare for an assault.”

“The enemy troops, who were looting the tribe, were few at that time. The bulk of the army had not arrived yet. Your brother thought that if we made a surprise attack, we would succeed and we could rescue the people of the Lossoth tribe.” – Duihir inspired and his next words sounded like repentance.

“We made a big mistake, because the enemy was waiting for us. When we launched the attack, the enemy was ready and in position. We could not even withdraw because the enemy reinforcements had already arriving.” – It was getting harder and harder for Duihir to keep talking, but this did not stop him.

“Seeing that the battle was lost and that only the death awaited us, your brother and a group of veterans managed to open a way for our men to retreat, but at the cost of their sacrifice. He ordered us and two other veterans to retire along with the remaining sixty men.” – Duihir finished speaking.

Aldarion was furious, but his face did not show it. Only his hands, that he was in the form of fists that he was squeezing, indicated it.

“He died as he always had wanted, right? Like a warrior…” – On the one hand, he was angry for losing his brother, but on the other hand, his way of dying seemed absurd. His brother had to have retired when he realized that the tribe had already succumbed.

“Your brother has been the best warrior I have ever known.” – Duihir told him.

“And yet he sent our people to die!” – The last comment ended up getting rid of Aldarion and he could not help shouting at him.

Duihir was annoy with Aldarion’s reply, but did not dare to answer him. Duihir knew well that Aldarion was right, but the admiration as a warrior and leader, which he felt for Aravorn, made him annoy.

Aldarion realized that his rage was useless, so he took several deep breaths until he relaxed and started talking.

“What happened to the rest of the men? And the camp?” – Aldarion realized that the dunedain group consisted of about thirty men led by Duihir.

“The troops of the enemy pursued us towards the south, but they ended up settling in the ruins of Fornost. Knowing that our people were in danger, as soon as we arrived at the camp in Esteldin, as captain in command, I ordered the other two veterans to keep half the forces, to set up camp and go to Lake Nenuial to the west. They would be safer there.” – Aldarion nodded, showing that he agreed with Duihir’s decision.

“Later, I gathered the thirty remaining men and I went here to inform him and…” – When Duihir reached the last part, he stopped. He did not know how to express himself. – “My lord, you are the last in the successor line. I know you do not want to carry this burden, but… you are our legitimate leader. Our Captain!”

Aldarion was a little stunned while he thought about what was happening. – ‘These last events are happening a little fast. I would have liked to be able to travel a little more, to be able to make myself stronger and later, I would try to take over the leadership of the Dunedain of the North.’

“It’s okay. I had wanted to live free, but I can not leave my people suffering while I go on adventures around the world.” – Aldarion accepted his destiny.

At that moment, Duihir and the company of thirty dunedain knelt and shouted in unison. – “Our Captain!”

Cirdan, who was watching the whole scene, observed that, at that moment, Aldarion seemed different. Aldarion gave off an aura similar to that to a king and showed great determination in his eyes.

It was at that precise moment, that Cirdan realized that he had not been wrong with Aldarion and the fate he had before him.

“Clap!” – Cirdan clapped his hands to draw the attention of everyone present. – “Now that you know about this, I would like you to listen to the request of the dwarves of Belegost. You can talk Barab.”

The dwarf named Barab, who had been upset at first because they were not paying attention to him, had calmed down already. He had realized that Cirdan had chosen that order because his problem and the men’s were related.

Barab stepped forward, distinguishing himself from his group and began to speak. – “Today, I came here on behalf of my people to beg you for help. My kingdom is facing the attack of an army of the northern tribes.”

“If I am not mistaken, it could be directed by the same human leader that Mr. Duihir was talking about, young man.” – He said, addressing Aldarion.

“I also think the same.” Cirdan exposed his thoughts and continued. – “Besides, I also believe that we should not underestimate that leader. I think there is something behind him. Something powerful…”

Barab, after listening to him, he began to have hope for the success of his mission. – “So?”