Only after the servants had withdrawn completely did Ecthelion II speak again, his voice carrying the weight of command. "Sauron's appearance in Mordor... did you witness this personally?"
Though his question seemed directed at everyone present, his authoritative gaze focused squarely on Dirhael, studying the young ranger's every expression.
Dirhael, who had been nervous since first meeting the Steward, grew even more tense under that penetrating scrutiny. He instinctively glanced toward Tarnes for reassurance before answering. "Yes, both my father and I saw him with our own eyes. Lord Tarnes here personally confronted Sauron himself and managed to escape from his pursuit."
What do you mean "escaped"? That was a tactical retreat, and Sauron didn't even bother chasing me. He didn't even send the Nazgûl after us; he just commanded some Orcs to give pursuit.
Tarnes rolled his eyes internally and raised an eyebrow at Dirhael's choice of words, making the young man think he'd said something terribly wrong.
However, Ecthelion II seemed quite satisfied with the ranger's testimony. Noticing Tarnes's raised eyebrow, he chuckled warmly. "Young people don't always choose their words with precision. I'm certain someone possessing the Lord of the Golden Tree's renowned abilities wouldn't be quite as Dirhael described."
He set that matter aside with a dismissive gesture before growing serious once more. "But since you all personally witnessed Sauron's return, this intelligence is of paramount importance to Gondor's survival. I must immediately summon the kings of various human nations, along with representatives of the Elves and Dwarves, to inform them of this dire development."
Tarnes frowned slightly. Though the Steward had spoken at length, he still hadn't actually answered the original question about Gondor's specific plans.
"So Gondor's current strategy is merely to summon the various rulers for discussion about how to respond to Sauron's threat?" Tarnes pressed.
Ecthelion II smiled and shook his head. "Of course not. I'll deploy additional soldiers to patrol the areas surrounding Minas Tirith, protecting our people's safety and preventing Orcs from infiltrating out of Mordor undetected. Additionally, Gondor will provide the Black Gate with increased material support, ensuring those brave rangers can maintain their defense without concern for supplies."
He gestured graciously toward the elaborate spread of delicacies and wine arranged on the stone table. "Now, let us enjoy these fine foods together. Lord Tarnes has traveled from distant lands. Surely you haven't yet experienced the pleasures of authentic Gondorian cuisine."
With that declaration, Ecthelion II selected a cluster of plump purple grapes, plucked the fruit, and placed it in his mouth, nodding with obvious satisfaction at the taste.
That's it?
Tarnes stared at the Steward, who had simply begun dining as if the conversation were concluded, feeling somewhat stunned by the casual dismissal.
Dirhael clearly wanted to voice his concerns as well, but seeing the Steward's single-minded focus on his meal, he didn't dare interrupt with his own thoughts.
Ecthelion II noticed Tarnes's expression and used a red velvet napkin from the table to wipe food residue from his lips before asking with apparent curiosity. "Why aren't you eating? Don't these delicacies suit your refined tastes?"
Tarnes's frown deepened slightly. "Besides those measures you mentioned, does Gondor have no other concrete plans, Your Lordship?"
Ecthelion II replied with matter-of-fact certainty. "What I've outlined represents Gondor's maximum possible support under current circumstances."
Tarnes glanced at Dirhael, who was clearly struggling with whether to speak his mind, then sighed inwardly before addressing the Steward directly. "But I believe what Talion and his rangers need most desperately isn't additional supplies, but actual soldiers to help maintain their defensive positions. I've personally visited the Black Gate. It's vast beyond comprehension. Even before Sauron's appearance, those rangers could barely maintain their defensive line. Now that Sauron has returned, Orc attack frequency will certainly increase far beyond what Talion and his men can possibly withstand."
Hearing Tarnes's assessment, Dirhael nodded vigorously, his expression filled with anxious agreement.
Ecthelion II remained silent for a long moment before responding with the same calm demeanor. "I understand your meaning perfectly, Lord Tarnes. But as I stated clearly, Gondor will provide the Black Gate with adequate supplies and materials. Beyond that level of assistance, Gondor simply cannot offer more support."
Disappointment flickered across Dirhael's face at these words, though he quickly concealed it upon remembering the man's exalted position.
As for Tarnes, he didn't grow angry upon hearing the Steward's limitations but instead asked with equal composure. "May I ask why this is the case? I believe someone capable of serving as Gondor's Steward surely possesses the wisdom to see the Black Gate's desperate situation clearly, yet you still make this decision. You must have compelling reasons that justify such restraint."
The Steward regarded Tarnes with genuine surprise. "I'm amazed you haven't lost your temper. Gandalf described you as a man of decisive action who prefers doing to talking. I expected you to be the impatient type who might react... poorly to such limitations."
Tarnes shrugged with casual indifference. "Anger accomplishes nothing productive, Your Lordship. And I'm quite certain Gandalf didn't mention that before I take action, I always think carefully and weigh all possible consequences. I'm here to solve problems, not to create new ones by threatening you."
The Steward smiled at hearing this diplomatic response.
Then Tarnes continued with a slight grin. "Unless threatening you could somehow solve Talion's current crisis or eliminate the dangers posed by Sauron's return."
Ecthelion II's smile vanished from his face instantly, his expression shifting as smoothly as water flowing downhill.
Seeing this reaction, Tarnes smiled in return. "Just a small jest, Your Lordship. I remain deeply grateful that you so generously granted the Enedwaith region to the Golden Tree. I could never consider betraying Gondor or your personal trust in such matters."
Ecthelion II managed a somewhat forced smile before changing the subject entirely. "The reason Gondor can only provide material support is straightforward. Our military forces are already engaged in resisting Mordor's threats elsewhere along our borders and simply cannot spare additional personnel to reinforce the Black Gate's defenses."
The Steward then looked directly at Dirhael, and in that moment he briefly allowed the diplomatic mask to slip from his features, speaking to the ranger's son with genuine regret. "I know your father and his kinsmen have paid terrible prices defending the Black Gate on Gondor's behalf, and for that sacrifice I am truly sorry. But what I've outlined represents everything within my power to offer."
Just as Dirhael felt overwhelmed by the weight of Ecthelion II's apologetic words, Tarnes suddenly interjected with renewed energy.
"If the issue is simply a shortage of available personnel, perhaps I have a viable solution to propose. However, I would need Gondor to provide the Golden Tree with adequate supplies and material support, similar to what you've promised the Black Gate."
Ecthelion II's brow furrowed with obvious skepticism. He wasn't ignorant of the Golden Tree territory's current situation. The population there probably didn't even amount to one-third of Minas Tirith's citizens.
Though he is a wizard of considerable power, he mused silently. Perhaps he possesses some miraculous sorcery that can overcome such overwhelming numerical disadvantages?
The Steward chose not to voice his doubts immediately but instead regarded Tarnes with silent expectation, waiting for him to elaborate on this mysterious solution.
Tarnes quickly calculated the plan's feasibility in his mind before addressing the Steward with confidence. "I would need at most two months to implement this solution."
Ecthelion II nodded readily, his expression brightening with cautious optimism. "That timing works perfectly. It happens that I also require approximately that much time to summon the various kings and arrange the necessary diplomatic meetings."