The Hill of Guard, also known as Amontirith, is a hill at the easternmost end of the White Mountains. The capital of Gondor, Minas Tirith, is built on this mountain.
The fountain square where the withered white tree is located is in front of the white tower on the highest floor of the seven-story stone city.
October of the year 2941 of the Third Era.
The argument that took place on the Guard Mountain was very similar to the argument between Fëanor and his half-brother Fingolfin on Mount Tuna; it was also like the argument between Arpharazon, the last king of the Númenóreans, who was instigated by Sauron. Bewitched, a version of rebellion against the gods.
Facing Turka and Gandalf's questioning, Ecthelion said angrily and uneasily: "Perhaps the Silver King is unparalleled in power and the wizard is powerful! But isn't this the royal city of Gondor? Human beings may not be as good as in the legend. The heroes and wise men are prominent, but if they want to use their powerful power to subdue the people of White City, then I know that the legendary silver king and the great wizard will regard us as enemies!"
This was almost a vicious remark that provoked the relationship between the two parties, and the people and nobles of Gondor present felt intense uneasiness at the same time. The silver-white king and the gray-robed wizard also fell silent.
Both sides were taken aback by Ecthelion's strengths.
As Ecthelian spoke, the shadow of Mount Mindoruin became longer, and a terrible darkness enveloped many people present.
Only the Númenóreans who were loyal to the king in Umbar secretly rejoiced. Hiding among the crowd, they watched with malice and envy as Ecthelion pushed Gondor to a tragic fate.
"Son of Turgon II, Ecthelion." Gandalf spoke: "The words you said will push this city of kings to an unspeakable fate, because isn't it what you said with certainty? Is the evil act of murdering your father the responsibility of the wizard? And I just ask for a public confrontation. Is it true that the hardships and troubles that the wizard has solved for the successive kings of Gondor and the people here are not enough to obtain such a fair and reasonable request?"
Turka also said: "I have no intention of antagonizing humans, but I can only deeply regret if Gondor feels that it no longer needs to maintain its alliance with the north."
The speeches of the wizard and the silver king greatly shocked the humans present. Many people began to be afraid, afraid of losing or even offending two such powerful allies at the same time.
But at the same time, some people feel that the arrogance of the wizard and the silver king has hurt the feelings of the people of White City, because as Exelian said, this place should be their royal city, and the wizard and the silver king should maintain the minimum respect.
Especially Ecthelion, the former human hero whose sanity was eroded by lust for power and some dark power became angry and ashamed, because he felt that the wizard and the Silver King were basically challenging his authority.
And today was supposed to be the momentous moment when he ascended the throne and became king!
At that time, Ecthelion's body and mind were completely controlled by Sauron who was hiding in the dark corner. His eyes were filled with blazing jealousy and anger, and his expression became terrifying.
Everyone became extremely nervous.
At this moment, a voice intervened, it was Adrasil, the son of Prince Doamroth.
"I can prove that Mithrandir could not have been the murderer of the regent that night! Because he was almost always with me that night." The Swan Knight couldn't bear the treatment of his allies for many years, and the power of light and hope prevailed. Despite the fear and anxiety in his heart, he stood up and spoke out.
This was what Ecthelion and Sauron behind him did not expect. Ecthelion looked at his old friend with anger, confusion, resentment, and murderous intent, holding the hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist. Veins bursting.
The minions of Sauron and Ecthelion were also disturbed by the sudden change. Angameti II hid in the crowd insidiously, whispering with some people.
When the old prince saw his son suddenly jumping out, he was extremely anxious, but he did not show it, but deliberately said: "I have something to say, please listen to me! I don't think we should decide who is the murderer so hastily. Because both the reputation of Lord Mithrandir and the new testimony indicate that there is a conspiracy in this matter! Maybe we can put this matter on hold and hold the new king's coronation ceremony first. My lord, what do you think?" he said to Ecthelion.
This almost scratched Ecthelion's weak spot.
His desire for the power of Gondor has reached an uncontrollable level. Although there is a voice in his heart that has been persuading and bewitching him, telling him not to let go of the wizard and his companions so easily, his remaining sanity cannot Know clearly: If the Silver King stands on the wizard's side, he will be powerless to stop it!
Moreover, Ecthelion was deeply aware of the Silver King's abilities, and he did not dare to confront him. He was afraid that the heinous crimes he had committed would be discovered. So Ecthelion released the hilt of the sword from his waist, turned around and walked into the royal court with a livid face.
Ecthelion's attitude relieved many people. They did not want to antagonize the Silver King and the wizard, but they did not want to lose their dignity. Now that the king decided to put this matter aside for the time being, most of the nobles immediately followed Ecthelion and left, leaving very few people behind.
But soon, even these few people left.
Only Prince Doamroth and his son were left.
"I am very grateful to you for speaking up, but it is no longer suitable for you to stay here for a long time." Gandalf gave the old prince a deep look and said: "The changes in Ecthelion make me uneasy. This goes beyond the scope of being stubborn. Behind the scenes, The Black Hand has not shown up yet! Let's go, Adrasil, ride on your fast horse and leave the royal city! I'm worried that the new king and his minions will not let go of the Amroth family. It is not wise to stay here. .”
Adrasil was anxious. Naturally, he stood up and spoke out in the hope that the wizard and the Silver King could dissuade Ecthelion, but he didn't expect the situation to develop into such a difficult situation. "grown ups!"
But the old prince took his son without saying a word, turned around and left.
Turka frowned slightly and commented: "A qualified politician."
"I thought I could lead out the mastermind behind the scenes." The wizard stood in front of the royal court of the last city of hope for mankind, looking at the withered white tree and the nervous, angry, or uneasy people of Gondor around him, and sighed. He took a breath and said: "But now it seems that Gondor is destined to suffer such a disaster!"
Turka thought for a while and realized that he came at the wrong time, and sighed: "Fate flies like a shuttle, who can avoid it?"
The two stood quietly in front of the royal court of the last city of hope for mankind, silent.
Smaug yawned on the side, looking bored.
September 30, 2941 of the Third Era.
Turgon II, the twenty-fourth regent of Gondor, was assassinated in his palace.
October 4th.
The battle that later generations called the "Battle of the Five Armies" broke out. Elves, dwarves, humans, and wolves (skin-changers) are all involved. During this battle, Turka Aracano rode the dragon Smaug back eastward at the critical moment. Bolger died in the battle, the orc army was almost wiped out, and the dwarves returned to their old home under the lonely mountain.
October 5th.
Ecthelion, the son of Turgon II and later known as "The Fallen", broke Gondor's thousands of years of humanistic customs and became king! The royal power of Gondor was thus transferred from the line of Isildur and Anarian to the line of House Hurin!
On this day, the alliance between Gondor and the North was officially broken, and mankind entered a dark age.
