I reforged the glory of the magic ring in Middle-earth

Chapter 172 The Regent of Gondor

Led by Gondorian officers, Thanes and his party encountered few obstacles beyond routine checks and were quickly led to the outside of the Regent's palace.

Dehel was politely stopped by the Gondorian guards outside the hall, and he readily dismounted and handed the reins to them.

When the Gondorian guard led Dehel's mount to Tanes and intended to lead Torret to the stables, Torret avoided him with a hint of disdain, leaving the guard embarrassed.

After Melina dismounted, Tanes said gently to the guards, "Oh, don't worry about my mount; it's not like any other horse."

After he finished speaking, he blew the whistle again, and to the astonishment of the guards, Torret turned into a ball of golden particles and disappeared before them, then showed great respect to Tanes.

"Don't worry about it too much, it's just a little trick of a wizard," Tanes said with a wave of his hand and a smile.

Just then, a Gondor officer strode over, said a few words to the guard, and then looked at the three of them: "The King of the Sheriff has heard that the Lord of the Golden Tree has brought details about Mordor and is waiting for you inside."

Tanes nodded, took out a warm stone that shone with a warm golden light from his spatial backpack, and handed it over: "Thank you for your help along the way. This is a warm stone. It will take effect if you place it next to the person who needs treatment. It might be of some help to your son's condition."

A flicker of excitement crossed the officer's eyes, but his manners allowed him to control himself and avoid losing his composure. Instead, he respectfully thanked Tanes, saying, "No, I only did what I was supposed to do. It is I who should thank you for your kindness and generosity."

He then carefully took the warm stone with both hands and placed it inside the breastplate in his robes, before solemnly inviting, "Please."

The Gondor officer led Tanes and his companions to the second doorway inside the hall, then took his leave. The guard at the second doorway stepped forward, about to say something, when a loud voice came from inside: "There's no need to check if they're carrying weapons. Tanes is Gandalf's friend and, like him, a powerful wizard. You won't find out what he's up to."

The guards immediately stopped and stepped back to their original positions, opening the gate for Tanes and his men.

Above the lintel, the emblems of successive regents and the long-faded royal crests intertwine and entwine, telling the story of the succession of power in the interplay of light and shadow.

Upon entering the palace, the light suddenly became bright, and its vastness reminded Tanes of the palaces built by the dwarves, with domes hanging high above the light, allowing one to clearly see every pattern meticulously carved by the master craftsmen.

Supporting this enormous space are rows of colossal pillars that require several people to encircle. The pillars are not smooth, but rather roughly carved with reliefs of the founding kings and legendary heroes of Gondor.

Those majestic faces and scenes of battle seemed to come alive in the light, as if history itself was whispering.

The throne itself is carved from a single piece of dark, black jade-like stone, perched atop several wide stone steps.

It is huge, heavy, with cold, hard lines, and a straight backrest like the spine of a sword.

However, the seat that should have belonged to the king was now empty, covered only with a layer of dark velvet that symbolized the power of the regency.

This huge empty space, like a silent wound, hangs over the solemnity of the entire hall.

The Regent's actual seat was on the right side of the steps below the throne, a simple, unadorned wooden chair that could only accommodate one person.

Exelian II, the Regent of Gondor, was a smiling middle-aged man, though the years and power had etched lines on his face, giving him an air of authority. He opened his arms to welcome Tanes and his companions as they entered: "I have long heard of the Lord of the Golden Tree's handsome appearance, and Gandalf has described you to me as well, but only by seeing you in person can one understand how inadequate words are; they simply cannot capture your likeness. If I had a daughter, I would certainly give her to you in marriage."

Is this how you start by praising someone?

Tanes was somewhat surprised by the praise he received, while Melina behind him couldn't help but smile after hearing Exelian II's words.

However, when Melina heard the last sentence, the smile on her lips disappeared.

Instead, Tanes sensed a faint killing intent emanating from Melina behind him.

The regent clapped his hands, and the male attendants standing on either side immediately brought out a stone table that was just big enough for four people to sit on, as well as four chairs that looked very expensive and were inlaid with various jewels.

After the servants finished their tasks, the maids methodically carried trays and placed fresh dishes, wine, and fruits on them.

Exelian II clapped his hands again, and the servants and maids all respectfully retreated from the palace in response to his applause. The doors closed, and the palace suddenly became quiet except for the breathing of the four of them.

It was Exelian II who broke the silence, sitting down and inviting the three of them to sit down: "Sit down, I like to eat something while we talk, it helps me think."

Tanes and Melina felt no qualms and, being guests, readily took their seats.

Instead, it was Dehel who nervously knelt on one knee to thank Exelian II before taking his seat with trepidation.

Exelian II noticed Dehel's nervousness, picked up a glass of wine, and smiled gently at him: "Don't be nervous, I recognize you, son of Talion. Your father fought against the enemies of Mordor at the Black Gate, buying Gondor much breathing room. I remember his merits."

He then changed the subject, downed the amber liquid in his glass, and looked at Tanes, asking, "I just don't understand why the lord of the Golden Tree would suddenly come to Gondor with him?"

Tanes made no attempt at pleasantries, stating succinctly, "Sauron has appeared in Mordor, and I'd like to know Gondor's next move."

"Dang Cang——"

The golden goblet slipped from Exelian II's hand and fell onto the stone table with a crisp sound. The wine spilled onto his magnificent attire, making Exelian II realize what was happening and causing him to frown.

"I lost my temper."

Exelian II spoke calmly, then clapped his hands again.

Hearing the applause, the maid outside bowed again and respectfully entered with the changed clothes, quickly helping Exelian II change his attire.

The servants simply brought in a new stone table, replacing the old one, and quickly filled it with delicious food again.

(End of this chapter)