Marching Towards Annuminas: Corsair Clashes and Dueling fates

11/11 Corsair Clashes and Dueling fates

In the ancient stronghold of Tinnudir, a crucial assembly of The Order and the council of war convened to deliberate on the forthcoming Battle of Annuminas. In preceding sessions, Grand Master Thandanar proposed a strategy of dividing and conquering, aiming to disrupt the corsairs and prevent their alliance with the Angmarim forces. Captain Belenir, contributing to the strategy, advised the incineration of the enemy's ships, entrusting the execution of this plan to Achillenor and his naval fleet. However, Achillenor was conspicuously absent from the meeting. In his stead, his emissary Plutonas attended, bearing a sealed missive intended solely for Captain Belenir. Upon Plutonas' arrival, he promptly delivered the letter to Belenir, asserting that it contained private instructions from Achillenor. The relationship between Achillenor and Belenir was notably strained, with Achillenor openly expressing disdain for the Captain and repeatedly defying his orders, particularly regarding dueling. To Belenir's astonishment, upon opening the letter, he discovered not instructions, but a painting depicting Achillenor in a state of undress on the shores of Evendim. Disregarding the contents, Belenir discarded the letter. At that moment, Achillenor made a dramatic entrance into the hall, exuding arrogance. Captain Belenir, undeterred by the interruption, informed Achillenor of his leadership role in the upcoming attack and proceeded to focus on his mission.

With an air of confidence, Achillenor rallied the company and led them toward the ruins located behind King's Crossing, where the corsairs were believed to be stationed. As the group neared King's Crossing, they were met with a grim scene. The local garrison of rangers, known for their bravery and skill, had been viciously attacked. The aftermath was stark, with the bodies of fallen rangers strewn across the area. A thorough examination revealed that the Gondorian army had been expecting a shipment of crucial supplies. However, it became evident that these corsairs had intercepted the delivery, seizing all the goods for themselves. Stricken with sorrow and fueled by a desire for retribution, the company advanced, intent on locating and confronting the corsairs responsible for this massacre. Their journey soon brought them within sight of a camp. In the near distance, they observed four ships, unmistakably Umbarian, anchored by the shoreline. The sight further steeled their resolve to seek justice for their fallen comrades.

After dismounting and stealthily positioning themselves in the tall grass, Achillenor devised a strategic plan to create a diversion by setting the enemy ships on fire. Padrasul, demonstrating her archery prowess, silently eliminated three corsair guards. Achillenor quickly subdued the remaining guard and ignited the ships, sending the corsair camp into disarray. The corsairs, caught off guard and in a state of inebriation, scrambled to sound the alarm. The chaos attracted a group of twenty corsairs who discovered Achillenor's company and charged into battle. A fierce combat ensued, with Achillenor's group fighting valiantly, showcasing their combat skills and determination. Halfaeron particularly distinguished himself with his martial prowess. During the clash, Achillenor heroically intervened to protect Lady Aelwynna from a direct attack. As they fought, the company swiftly infiltrated the fort, only to discover that a relatively small contingent of corsairs had been left to guard the ships. It became evident that the majority of the corsair forces had likely joined the Angmarim at Annuminas. Despite being outnumbered, Achillenor's company managed to defeat half of their enemies. Sensing defeat, the remaining corsairs attempted to flee. However, driven by a desire for justice, the company pursued them relentlessly, successfully overcoming several more adversaries in their pursuit.

In the core of the camp, the company apprehended a Corsair captain and three of his men who promptly surrendered. Achillenor, seeking crucial information about Harzim, interrogated them but to no avail. Frustrated and adhering to his ruthless principles, Achillenor resolved to execute the captain, much to the vehement objections of his comrades. Despite their protests, he was unyielding and executed all four captives. This action incited Halfaeron to challenge Achillenor to a duel, a confrontation that was both intense and bloody. Halfaeron managed to inflict a severe wound on Achillenor, a cut that extended from his chest to his stomach. The duel was on the verge of a fatal end for Achillenor when Aelwynna intervened, halting Halfaeron's final strike.

Despite sustaining her own injuries, Aelwynna promptly administered first aid to Achillenor, ensuring his survival until they could return to Tinnudir. Back at their stronghold, as Aelwynna treated Achillenor, a startling discovery emerged: Achillenor possessed a necklace with the insignia of House Belegannor, leading him to utter a cryptic apology to his father. Captain Belenir, upon learning of the duel, was incensed, particularly as he had strictly forbidden such actions. He ordered Halfaeron's imprisonment and a forthcoming trial to thoroughly investigate the incident. This decree met resistance, as Minaiadan pointed out that Gondorian law did not govern these lands. Nonetheless, Halfaeron, ever honorable, accepted his fate without contest.

Belenir, accompanied by his soldier Erric, escorted Halfaeron to confinement. He expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that Halfaeron, known for his wisdom and counsel, should have controlled his emotions. They agreed to keep the matter from the king and proceed with a trial to examine the situation. Assuring Halfaeron of fair treatment and instructing Erric to not treat him as a criminal, Belenir was left to grapple with the complexity of the situation. His primary concern was maintaining unity within the army, particularly with the impending war, and he hoped to find a resolution that would not fracture their forces.