return

1376 the return of the king
‘In Gondor also one king only followed Eärnil. It may be that
if the crown and the sceptre had been united, then the kingship
would have been maintained and much evil averted. But Eärnil
was a wise man, and not arrogant, even if, as to most men in
Gondor, the realm in Arthedain seemed a small thing, for all the
lineage of its lords.
‘He sent messages to Arvedui announcing that he received the
crown of Gondor, according to the laws and the needs of the
South-kingdom, ‘‘but I do not forget the royalty of Arnor, nor
deny our kinship, nor wish that the realms of Elendil should be
estranged. I will send to your aid when you have need, so far as
I am able.’’
‘It was, however, long before Eärnil felt himself sufficiently
secure to do as he promised. King Araphant continued with
dwindling strength to hold off the assaults of Angmar, and
Arvedui when he succeeded did likewise; but at last in the
autumn of 1973 messages came to Gondor that Arthedain was
in great straits, and that the Witch-king was preparing a last
stroke against it. Then Eärnil sent his son Eärnur north with a
fleet, as swiftly as he could, and with as great strength as he
could spare. Too late. Before Eärnur reached the havens of
Lindon, the Witch-king had conquered Arthedain and Arvedui
had perished.
‘But when Eärnur came to the Grey Havens there was joy
and great wonder among both Elves and Men. So great in
draught and so many were his ships that they could scarcely
find harbourage, though both the Harlond and the Forlond also
were filled; and from them descended an army of power, with
munition and provision for a war of great kings. Or so it seemed
to the people of the North, though this was but a small sendingforce
of the whole might of Gondor. Most of all, the horses
were praised, for many of them came from the Vales of Anduin
and with them were riders tall and fair, and proud princes of
Rhovanion.
‘Then Círdan summoned all who would come to him, from
Lindon or Arnor, and when all was ready the host crossed the
Lune and marched north to challenge the Witch-king of Angmar.
He was now dwelling, it is said, in Fornost, which he had filled
with evil folk, usurping the house and rule of the kings. In his