The Mordorien - LOTR/Aragorn Fanfic

V. The Corsairs of Umbar

It was the beginning of a new week and I've been making progress with Ecthelion. I've also become more civil with Thorongil, but he was always hesitant to be seen talking with me.
Nonetheless I've got up this morning and got dressed. I tightly laced my boots and surrounded myself with my cloak. I raised my hood and twisted my rings straight on my fingers. I took a second to look at the Ring, that hummed with power on my finger and kissed it, before walking out of my room. The guards were up and about the castle, patrolling the halls like they always do. They kept their eyes to themselves and I made my way down the corridors with my heels being the only noise coming from me. I walked outside of the castle and followed along my normal path. The skies were empty with no clouds out today as I glanced across the city streets beneath me. It wasn't until I turned the corner that I saw the smoke coming from Mount Doom, behind the dark mountains. There was more darkness than normal, and I felt a sudden shift inside of me. There was then a large thundering boom that spilled into the valley of Gondor and I halted to a stop. It was getting worse. Sauron was getting more powerful. That meant it was time for action.

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"I think it's time we talk about the city on Gondor's coast. The Corsairs." I told Ecthelion.
"Now why should I worry about those pirates when I got Sauron knocking on my door?" Ecthelion shouted.
"Because those pirates will be working with Sauron soon enough!" I raised my voice back to match his, to show a sense of importance. "If we leave the pirates alive, the Corsairs of Umbar will be a great threat for the Southern Fiefs."
I looked around at Thorongil and some military generals then back at Ecthelion, but no one said a word.
"All I'm saying is that is Sauron waged war upon us tomorrow, we'd be hit from all sides. Dealing with the pirates keeps Sauron's enemies in front of us. That is our best chance." I said.
"My scouts have been keeping an eye of their fleet. The Corsairs are making their way to Umbar. A couples days is my guess until they reach the inland." A general said.
"Pirates are filthy. They fight like dogs." Another general said.
"They got nothing to live for, those scum, that's why." A captain said.
The room was silent as the men were thinking about the issue with the Corsairs. I wanted to plead with them, make them listen, but I knew they wouldn't listen to me. I grimaced my face at the thought and crossed my arms.
"How many men can we spare?" I then heard Thorongil ask.
I looked towards his and slightly uncrossed my arms to holding them. The military generals looked at each other and said a few words, and then one spoke.
"I can spare a hundred men, but no more then that. I'm having enough trouble keeping their morale high with Sauron as it is. And now this talk of pirates?!" The general said.
"A hundred good men is all I need." Thorongil said and then looked at Ecthelion. "I will take them. It's only a days journey, we take care of the pirates, and be right back to deal with Sauron."
"What if Sauron pulls a move when you're gone. I need all the men I can muster!" Ecthelion said.
Thorongil put his hands on his sides and bowed his head, then reluctantly spoke. "The Mordorien was right. We deal with the pirates now, and we can face Sauron head on. Nothing else after that point."
I couldn't help but hold my hands together, crossing my fingers tightly to stop myself from clapping. Finally, someone finally listened to me, believed in me. I finally felt like I was beginning to be someone worth listening to.
"Alright..." Ecthelion mumbled and bowed his head in thought for a moment. "Take the men to the Corsairs and rid me of this problem. Make it quick, I want to hear no more of this."
"It will be done. Gather the men." Thorongil said and pointed at the guards.
"Excuse me." I called out, unclasping my fingers and raising my pointer. "This was my idea, only fair I get to go too."
"I said I don't want to hear any more of this business. Let it be." Ecthelion said and slumped in his small throne.
"I will not let it be." I said and then took a step forward, and an ominous void began to fill the room.
Everyone froze and the room seemed to flicker with light. I took my step back and the light returned to normal, and I stared deep into Ecthelion's eyes.
"I will not. I will go..." I stated and paused.
Ecthelion stared back at me and a long moment passed between us. He then scoffed and cleared his throat. He waved a few fingers at me, and I knew he caved it. Without another word I turned around and walked out of the Hall of the Kings. Guards were running about outside, gathering their things for our quest. I peered through the crowd and saw Thorongil talking to a group of soldiers before sending them off, and then he caught my eye. I saw a spark between our glance before I pulled my hood across my face, and I took my leave through the crowd. There was no time for formalities right now, for we had work to do.