December 8 - 17 cunning corsairs
4. Getting Ideas - by Gwynnyd
As the conference progressed, Yando studied the man seated across the table. After reading the reports from the sixteen previous meetings where Denethor had been Gondor's representative, Yando knew that Umbar's policy of sending a different ambassador to every negotiation both annoyed Denethor and took a disproportionate share of the resources of Gondor's spies as Denethor sought to gain advantage by discovering whom he would be facing.
"Unfortunately, ships from Umbar have been seen raiding Gondor's coast," Denethor asserted.
Assuming a concerned expression, Yando leaned forward to give an impression of sympathy. "Pirates. It is indeed hard when pirates raid freely. Umbar also suffers much from these attacks."
The man on Denethor's left, who had been introduced as Captain Thorongil, spoke abruptly. "I saw the ships. They were identical to those that brought you here."
"Stolen." Yando shook his head sorrowfully. "Umbar has had many losses from these pirates. As you have. But what can be done?"
Yando tried his best to look bland but concerned as he carefully watched how this sally was received. He doubted if this strategy would fool the Gondorians, but if they accepted his coming suggestion of a joint pirate patrol, Umbar might learn much.
"Unfortunately, ships from Umbar have been seen raiding Gondor's coast," Denethor asserted.
Assuming a concerned expression, Yando leaned forward to give an impression of sympathy. "Pirates. It is indeed hard when pirates raid freely. Umbar also suffers much from these attacks."
The man on Denethor's left, who had been introduced as Captain Thorongil, spoke abruptly. "I saw the ships. They were identical to those that brought you here."
"Stolen." Yando shook his head sorrowfully. "Umbar has had many losses from these pirates. As you have. But what can be done?"
Yando tried his best to look bland but concerned as he carefully watched how this sally was received. He doubted if this strategy would fool the Gondorians, but if they accepted his coming suggestion of a joint pirate patrol, Umbar might learn much.
This is a work of fan fiction, written because the author has an abiding love for the works of J R R Tolkien. The characters, settings, places, and languages used in this work are the property of the Tolkien Estate, Tolkien Enterprises, and possibly New Line Cinema, except for certain original characters who belong to the author of the said work. The author will not receive any money or other remuneration for presenting the work on this archive site. The work is the intellectual property of the author, is available solely for the enjoyment of Henneth Annûn Story Archive readers, and may not be copied or redistributed by any means without the explicit written consent of the author.
