BELLAKAR AND THE KINSTRIFE

(TA 1432-1446)

Since the days of King Narmacil of Gondor, the glory and prosperity that the
Tumakveh had reaped under the Ship-kings had come to depend on the Captain of Ships
in Pelargir. Like his son and grandson after him, Calimehtar used his position to
foster Gondor's maritime interests and allies in the South. The political rift born
in 1240 by Narmacil's separation of Gondor's naval and land forces was never
healed, however, and instead produced a civil war: the Kin-strife. The Tumakveh
took no part in this conflict, but they were not indifferent to its outcome.

In 1250 (two years after his great victory over the Easterlings that won him the
sobriquet Rmendacil) Minalcar, nephew of King Narmacil and now Karma-kundo (Regent
of the Realm), sent his son Valacar as an ambassador to the court of Vidugavia, his
Northman ally in Rhovanion. Valacar's mission was to strengthen ties between his
father and the Northmen as a counterbalance to the Captain of Ships' solicitations
among the powers of the South. Valacar went far beyond his father's intentions,
sealing Vidugavia's friendship by marrying his daughter, Vidumavi.

Rmendacil "gave his consent to the marriage. He could not forbid it or refuse to
recognize it without earning the enmity of Vidugavia. Indeed all the Northmen would
have been angered, and those in his service would have been no longer to be trusted
(HoMe XII.260)." All the same, it was a bold move on the Karma-kundo's part,
demonstrating how far he was willing to escalate his rivalry with Calimehtar his
brother. As yet there was no criticism of the union in Gondor, though it was a
novelty for a member of the royal house (and one who was destined to wear the
Winged Crown and bear sons to succeed him) to wed one of lesser and alien race.

The propaganda value of this act became a weapon in the hands of Rmendacil's
critics when, after he himself had become king, his son's wife died of old age,
leaving him vulnerable to the charge of weakening the blood of Anrion's line in
the service of political expediency. This became the rallying cry of Pelargir
during the reign of Valacar, who endeavored to weaken the Captain of Ships' power
in Lebennin by supplanting local governing and military authorities with Northmen
loyal to the crown. This provoked rioting and popular unrest throughout Gondor's
seaward provinces.

The King of Bellakar at this time was ruhil the Virtuous, son of Urshuzr (who
perished in the First Tulwang Campaign thirty-three years earlier). ruhil had
succeeded his grandfather, Sakalthr, to the Tumakveh throne in 1422 at the age of
34, just two years before the last benighted attempt of the Thn an-Khrlkh to
capture Tulwang. Since that time, ruhil had enjoyed nearly a decade of peaceful
rule.

Like all Tumakveh rulers in recent memory, ruhil was well informed of developments
in Gondor due to the regular movement of merchants and other northern travelers
through Bellakarian waters (in addition to the normal round of diplomatic
exchanges). The escalation of tensions between the Gondorian king and the Captain
of Ships in the last years of Valacar's reign caused ruhil to take a more active
interest in events in the North. If civil war were to break out in Gondor between
Bellakar's patrons and a monarchy that was increasingly cold-shouldered towards
Gondor's maritime allies, the outcome could have serious ramifications - either
positive or negative - for Bellakar's hegemony in the South.

When Valacar died in 1432, Castamir, the Captain of Ships, banded together with
other members of the royal house to demand the abdication of Valacar's half-
Northman son, Eldacar (hoping thereby to seize the kingship for the descendants of
Calimehtar): "'Vinitharya is his right name,' they said. 'Let him go back to the
land where it belongs!' (HoMe XII.261)." But Eldacar was defiant; the confederates
who opposed him responded by gathering an army and marching against him.

So began the Kin-strife. Hostilities commenced in spring of the following year and
concluded with the expulsion of Eldacar from Osgiliath late in 1437. Eldacar and
his remaining supporters fled into exile in Rhovanion, and before the end of the
year the victorious confederates proclaimed Castamir the 22nd King of Gondor. Many
in Bellakar breathed a sigh of relief at this news. With the Winged Crown borne
upon the brow of Calimehtar's grandson, the Tumakveh's hard-won alliance with the
Ship-kings would remain strong and secure. A delegation led by the Asapthubth of
Korlea was sent to Gondor the next year to confirm this.

As the years passed, however, it gradually came to the notice of the Bellakarni
that Castamir's victory had not been complete. Although well loved by the people of
the coasts and of Pelargir and Umbar, Castamir's harsh treatment of Eldacar's
former supporters succeeded only in further alienating the northern reaches of his
realm. By 1443, discontent had found inroads even in the King's home province of
Lebennin.

Most of these rabble-rousers were rounded up by Castamir's mercenaries, with the

help of his secret police, the Cornaran. A few made a rather narrow escape on a
swift vessel owned by Caldir, a nobleman from Belfalas (one of the ringleaders of
the disturbance), but their egress was espied by the Cornaran and the king's
coastal patrol ships were dispatched to hunt them down. Before Castamir's men could
capture the fugitives, however, they came across another vessel, a Bellakarian
merchant ship whose captain, Azrubl, offered to take them under his protection.
Grateful for this unlooked-for kindness, the desperate men entrusted their lives to
Azrubl, abandoning Caldir's ship to the waves.

Faithful to his word, Azrubl concealed the Gondorians in his ship's hold, so that
when Castamir's naval patrol boarded him to search for the stowaways they found no
one. When the danger was past, the fugitives asked Azrubl why he had offered to
save them (anticipating that he would demand payment). The merchant answered: "The
price of your lives is that you must accompany me to a far country and unburden
your grief to a stranger."

For several years now Azrubl had been one of King ruhil's chief sources of
intelligence on Gondorian affairs. He often sojourned in Pelargir during the storm
season and was concerned that the Tumakveh be accurately informed about the
(eroding) stability of Castamir's reign. Who better to testify to this than its
chief instigators?
To their great surprise, a month later Caldir and his companions found themselves
standing before the Tumakveh king in Nllond. ruhil bade them speak candidly to
him of the strength of the resistance against Castamir, and of Eldacar's chances of
winning back the throne. Then Caldir spoke at length of the oppressiveness of
Castamir's rule, and of the spread of dissidence, and of their hopes for their true
King's return. But of Eldacar himself Caldir of Belfalas would reveal nothing,
either because in truth he knew nothing certain, or because he was sworn to an oath
of secrecy, as were many of Eldacar's loyalists.

"But why do you question us, Tumakveh King?" asked Caldir. "Do you purpose now to
hand us over to your mighty ally as proof of your faith with him, or do you merely
hope to appear wise and benevolent against the day of Eldacar's return?"

The other Gondorian fugitives were taken aback by the frankness of Caldir's
challenge and feared that his words would anger the King, but ruhil answered with
equal candor: "A wise king will seek knowledge of all that passes in the realm of
Gondor, whether in war or in peace. As for Castamir, there has been friendship
between the Tumakveh and the House of Calimehtar for two hundred years. The Captain
of Ships has always remembered our alliance with Gondor while its kings became
forgetful. But we did not make Castamir your king, nor have we ever perpetrated
upon a Gondorian the things you say Castamir has done. As for Eldacar, we know him
not. But if the Elendili choose him as their king, we shall not speak against it.
The Winged Crown of Anrion is not for the Tumakveh to give or to take away from
any man, just as it is not the place of the sons of Anrion to judge who among the
Tumakveh should rule in Bellakar. But if ever you behold this Eldacar for whom you
hope, you shall say this to him: 'By the Tumakveh alone are Gondor's sea-lanes
defended against the Shadow in the South. If you would preserve your realm, forget
not the swords of the Bellakarni.'"

Then the king turned to Azrubl: "We thank you for being ever watchful of our
interests. If you would earn still more gratitude, we pray you return our allies to
their homeland, if they will, so that they might continue their struggle. And if
you or any of my subjects sojourning in the North should see fit to act on their
behalf, they may do so."

Looking back at this policy from the tumultuous time that would follow after, many
called ruhil's words courageous. Others regarded them as a betrayal of the
Tumakveh Clan's honor. But whatever judgment hindsight might pass, this much was
undeniable: the King's response to Caldir embraced all of the contradictions and
uncertainties that would plague Bellakar in the years to come.

IN UMBAR'S SHADOW
(TA 1446-1540)

Rumors began to circulate in the autumn of 1446 that the exiled Eldacar was
gathering a great host in Rhovanion to liberate Gondor from his rival's clutches.
To counter the threat of such an invasion, Castamir ordered the mobilization of the
garrisons of Minas Anor and Minas Ithil against everyone in Calenardhon or Anrien
who had shown sympathy to the exiled king.

But this policy required a large military force - greater than he controlled among
his supporters, Southron or Gondorian mercenaries, and soldiers. And so many of
Castamir's lieutenants departed on missions to recruit new soldiers in the nations
from Near Harad to Bellakar. This campaign worked very well, especially in Umbar,
as that city had benefited most from his benevolence. In Bellakar, Castamir sent an
embassy led by Lord Duranil, Warden of Tolfalas, the older son of Elentinw.

The embassy arrived in rzyan on the last days of Sumat 1446, where it was
received by the local asapthubth, Kadurzr. The envoys were treated as royal
guests, and after the usual ceremonies, were brought to King ruhil to request
Bellakarian help against Eldacar. ruhil, who had seen the sympathy of his people
towards Castamir, was nonetheless well informed of the Usurper's brutal rule by
agents in Gondor, and was outraged in the same way as the merchant Azrbel. To
Duranil's request, ruhil replied, "When Tedjin and Sorijans were harrying our
realm, my ancestors without doubt had wished for outside help, to liberate
themselves from this danger, but no army came to help us. We suffered under foreign
rule, until a Bellakarian and Bozishnara army came to liberate all of this country
a century later. Now you come to us to request our assistance. For more than two
centuries, peace has reigned in Bellakar, and I shall not be the king who brings
that peace to an end. I will not, however, restrain my people from lending you aid.
Any of them who wish to help you is free to do so."

And so the embassy returned to Pelargir. In order to prevent Duranil's embassy from
generating controversy among his people, no official record was made of ruhil's
reply. Only his friends and closest advisors were apprised of it (and were ordered
to reveal nothing to the Invocate). Castamir's call for help (relayed by Umbarean
or Bellakarian merchants) was well received in the coastal cities of Nark-zadan
and Hazaj Tollin, which sent contingents in support of the Gondorian king. Others,
like the merchant Azrbel, chose instead to support Eldacar's allies. The scale of
support for either contender was minimal, however, due to the vast distance
involved. The vast majority of Bellakar's people had no reason to leave their
comfortable existence to fight and die in a foreign civil war a thousand miles from
home. Neutrality (or inertia) prevailed.

Castamir was unable to prevent the capture of Minas Anor, retain the allegiance of
Dor-en-Ernil, or avoid defeat at the Crossing of Erui. Eldacar killed Castamir at
Erui, and the surviving confederates fled to Pelargir, and thence to Harondor and
Umbar, taking with them all the naval forces of Gondor.

With the return of the exiled king, peace was reinstated in Gondor, but no official
relationships were re-established with Bellakar. Relations between Bellakar and
Umbar remained cordial, because of the support some Bellakarni gave to Castamir in
the Civil War. Bellakar became an important trade partner for Umbar, with exchanges
to regions as far away as the Seven Lands or Eriador. ruhil maintained Bellakar as
a strictly politically neutral state, refusing to become involved in a war against
Gondor or Umbar.

As a result, many Bellakarian cities (especially Hazaj Tollin, rzyan and Korlea)
became very influential trade centers. Northern merchants came particularly from
Tharbad and Sudri, taking great interest in the events of the region. The
Northerners brought herbs, weaponry and leather items, and traded for fine cloths,
beer and wine (which the kings and the nobility of Arthedain had a great
appreciation for). Southern merchants arrived mainly from Khradn and Zimrathni,
both of which signed several trade agreements with the Tumakveh in 1478 and in
1487, but political alliance with northern powers was no longer a necessary
precondition for Bellakar's prosperity.

In 1483, ruhil died and was succeeded by his son Blkhr Aruyati, who kept intact
the policies of his father. The new king even increased the trade with Eriador and
with the South by instituting the great merchant fairs in rzyan and Korlea in
1488 (22 - 29 Mizir). This created a more extensive exchange of knowledge with the
distant realm of Arthedain, and Bellakarian trading companies subsequently began
sending expeditions to Tharbad as a result of this exchange.

In the meantime, the quarrelling factions and conspirators among the Council of
Captains in Umbar and the violent devastation and pillaging of the Gondorian coast
(like the raids against Tolfalas, Lebennin or northern Harondor), slowly increased
the distrust of Umbar among the Bellakaran, while the privileged trade with
Eriador continued. Even so, attacks on Bellakarian shipping by Umbarean privateers
began to increase. Only Umbar's obsession with the reclamation of Gondor allowed
the majority of Bellakar's northern trade to reach port. As the political situation
deteriorated, trade began to suffer.

The restoration of political privilege to Pelargir (which boded well for southern
merchant trade), and the reorganization of the Gondorian fleet in TA 1498 convinced
King Blkhr to make a discreet overture to Gondor as a friend and an ally. The
Tumakveh had at his disposal a stronger navy and a very efficient army, thanks to
the riches flowing in from the trade with Tharbad and the South (though the primacy
of Umbar's navy remained unchallenged). Zimrbal, son of Kadurzr (asapthubth of
rzyan), was secretly sent to Osgiliath in TA 1515 to discuss an unofficial
alliance, just after a devastating Umbarean raid along the coasts of Lebennin.
Zimrbal was aided in this task by Gondorians whose families had been saved by
courageous Bellakarian merchants during the Kin-strife, and by those who had not
forgotten the old friendship with the Bellakarni. Zimrbal was so convincing that
he obtained an audience with the King's Court. Such an audience would probably have
had no success with Eldacar, who remembered Bellakar's neutrality and resented it.
With King Aldamir, however, the audience concluded successfully.
The relationship between the two realms remained limited and difficult, however,
and resulted in only sporadic trade. Information about Umbarean activities was
exchanged, warning Gondor of likely raids and informing Aldamir of its internal
politics. On the other hand, relations between Bellakar and Umbar continued to
worsen, and some Corsairs began to interest themselves in Mardruak coasts (much as
the Sorija had in the past). Most of the confederates, however, remained more
interested in reclaiming Gondor for the sons of Castamir than in extending their
dominion southwards. Bellakar was, at best, a distraction. Trade with Gondor and
Tharbad continued to decline.

When Aldamir was lost in battle contesting Harondor with Castamir's surviving
descendants, the new king of Gondor, Vinyarion, fully affirmed the friendship with
Bellakar. When Bellakarian interests were threatened, many Gondorians would often
throw their support behind their southern friends, and in this way began to repay
the courageous acts of Bellakarian sympathizers during the Kin-strife. For its
part, Bellakar outwardly remained carefully neutral, fearing reprisal from Umbar's
mighty fleet.

THE SAPHTN ORDER

(TA 1490-1550)

During these years, Tulwang was protected against Thn an-Khrlkh assaults by a
strong Bellakarni army, along with a large Sorijan fleet. All attempted attacks,
however fierce, were doomed to failure this was the case in a 1478 campaign and
another in 1501. In 1507, Akhrahil sent five members of the Slayers (two Black
Nmenreans coming from Dshera and three Haradrim from Srayn) to search for
potential allies and seek out weaknesses in the realm. Akhrahil chose Balakkhd,
the former Warlord of the Thn an-Khrlkh and the son of Dulgu (Caja the Snake) to
command the Slayer mission.

As the failed assaults demonstrated, war against Tulwang was useless, and could
only weaken the Thn-an-Khrlkh. But Balakkhd knew his opponents well, and
arrived with the other Slayers in rzyan on 24 Mizir 1512 (during the great
merchant festival), disguised as merchants of Khradn. There, they learned much
more about their opponents, visiting Bellakar often in the following years. They
often returned to Ny Chennaccatt to take counsel with their Lord, and to report the
situation in Bellakar.

It took Balakkhd ten years to obtain the post of Advisor, assisting the
asapthubth of rzyan in his work (and ten additional years to gain the
asapthubth's position). In the same year, on Najam 1522, he founded a charity
organization named the Sapthn dedicated to all the poor of the realm, whether they
were Bellakaze, Tedjin, Qarsag or Sorijan. Officially they would help the poor
(with some of the treasures of the mines near Ny Chennacatt). Unofficially, placed
at important positions in the cities, the fleet, or the royal court, they would
seek information even seemingly innocent information, and gather new members to
increase the power of the organization.

The true secrets of the Sapthn were not revealed to most members. Only those of
trust (being well tested in the past) knew the organization's true nature.
Progressively, during the peaceful reign of Belkhr, the organization increased in
number, eventually even including some important personalities of the realm (who
were for the most part unaware of the truth). Reports were completed detailing all
of the important personages in the realm members of the merchant companies, those
in the King's court, and important cities and villages were all scrutinized. Their
goal: to find people who could be corrupted in order to gain power and position
through them, and to discover who might be staunch supporters of the King and of
the Tulwang protectorate.

The births of Imruzr in 1501 and rkhr in 1504 were the events that the Sapthn
had been waiting for. Spies in Nllond reported in 1540 of the developing
relationship between the two brothers. The first (Imruzr) was like his father -
brave, skilled at arms, and fully prepared to assume the tasks of king, while
rkhr was jealous of his brother, spending his time with women and his coterie of
questionable 'friends.' He was, however, very generous in his manner, and donated
much to the poor. One of his friends was a ranking member of the Sapthn. This
friend knew much of the inner workings of the Tumakveh clan, and most importantly
that rkhr hated his brother out of jealousy. His attitude, not suitable for a
Tumakveh, was remarked upon by his grandfather, who chastised his grandson saying,
"You must not continue your life as you do! It is not appropriate for a Tumakveh.
You should take your brother as an example!"

The conflict between the two brothers was not outwardly apparent during Belkhr's
life, and they agreed on occasion to work for the realm together as they both loved
their grandfather very much. The old monarch, knowing the problem and with the
counsel of Balakkhd (the new asapthubth of rzyan), tried to reconcile the
brothers by giving important responsibilities to rkhr in Mardruak, as a prince
ruler. The aging monarch Belkhr Aruyati hoped that the two quarreling heirs would
end their squabbling when forced to take responsibility for governing the realm. He
had outlived all of his children and all other family members who had held his
trust, and he despaired of controlling rkhr and Imruzr, the adult sons of his
daughter Inzilban.

This was soon to prove a grave mistake, but the old King didn't live to see the
consequences of his acts. On 8 Darat 1550, with the King's death, his older
grandson Imruzr was crowned the new King in Nllond, with rkhr remaining as
ruler in Mardruak, holding a strong friendship with many cities and the strong
support of the Mardruak population. During the preceding years, Sapthn numbers had
swelled with those who were distrustful of a Gondorian alliance (which had been
supported by the old King). The organization became very influential in Mardruak
and Felayja (except in Bellazen), and from Nllond to Umbar. Many villages and
some cities (such as Nark-zadan) were entirely in the hands of Sapthn members.

This was the beginning of the Civil War in Bellakar, as the Sapthn succeeded in
persuading rkhr that he was better suited than his brother to the throne of
Bellakar. Three months after Belkhr's death, rkhr rebelled against his brother,
declaring Mardruak a separate realm. This precipitated the events of the Civil War,
and was to shape the political landscape of the region for years to come.

THE SECESSION WAR

(TA 1551-1554)

rkhr declared the secession of Northern Bellakar with the coming of the new year
on 1 Dahlat 1551, and declared himself the rightful King of Bellakar in place of
his brother Imruzr. Assisted by Balakkhd (his father's advisor, who became the
new asapthubth of Nark-zadan and the principal advisor to the king), he removed
every man who was faithful to his brother, and replaced them with his own at
crucial posts in the government and army. Hazaj Tollin was chosen as the new
capital of the realm. The army was reorganized in anticipation of an upcoming war
with the South. But the new King, Imruzr II, decided not to initiate hostilities,
wishing to find a peaceful solution by waiting. The change of rule in Mardruak and
half of Felayja was accepted by the populace largely with indifference, and there
was very little unrest against the new ruler.

News came to Nllond of this usurpation in late Narwain. King Imruzr II reacted
by sending the young asapthubth of Korlea, Sakalthr (a distant cousin of the
Tumakveh line) to Hazaj Tollin to order his rebellious brother to end his
secession. Sakalthr was received coldly in Hazaj Tollin, and his mediation was
completely unsuccessful. rkhr sent the diplomat back to Nllond saying, "Tell
my brother that I am not his dog, and take no orders from him. Tell him to
relinquish the throne, or I will make war on his people."

The preparation for war began immediately in both camps. Military activity was
limited, however, to the Batan-an-Sakal line, as both rulers wished to find
powerful allies against each other. Balakkhd was secretly sent to Umbar to create
an alliance (ending the neutral policy of his great-grandfather ruhil) in order to
gain the powerful assistance of the Corsair fleet.

In Umbar the Council of Captains was dominated by Castamat, the Admiral of the
Ethir Fleet, and the architect of raids against Lebennin and Harondor from his base
at Gobel Mirlond. Knowing very little of rkhr, the Council was at first
skeptical. Balakkhd requested, in name of his king rkhr, the military
assistance of Umbar against the South Kingdom. "And when the upcoming war in
Bellakar is won and the realm is reunited, you will have a strong and trusted ally
against Gondor, and every successor of King rkhr will provide you aid against
our common foe."

Having Bellakar as an ally was an excellent reason for Umbar to become involved,
but the Council of Captains debated for six months, carefully considering the two
claimants, before replying favorably to rkhr. "But be aware, Great King of
Bellakar - our foe is for now only your brother in Southern Bellakar, as a truce
has been made with Gondor. We are reluctant to break that truce, but still we wait
for the glad day when we shall reclaim our home."

Imruzr II replied by requesting assistance of Gondor on Manjaz 1551. He sent his

daughter and only child, young Blkali, overland to the court of King Vinyarion,
daring the dangers of the Dune Sea and of Urdwan raiders (some in the pay of his
brother). He sought both military aid and the protection of his daughter in Gondor.
She arrived six months later in Osgiliath, and was promptly received by Prince
Minardil, ruling Gondor in place of his father who was leading a campaign in
Harondor at the time.

Gondor was currently facing the renewal of a Southron alliance, led by an erstwhile
ally of Gondor - the Cosrah. To counter the threat, Vinyarion granted a twenty-year
truce to Umbar and stripped manpower from frontiers as far as Eriador to battle the
armies of Temer Cosrah in the rocky valley of the Lesser Grave River in Chelkar. He
won in that battle the title Hyarmendacil II, "The Second Southern Victor", and
returned to Osgiliath on 10 Cerveth 1552, where Princess Blkali was waiting.

"Your ally is in grave turmoil", said the young princess, "An usurper is in power
in Northern Bellakar, and he is about to sign an alliance with Umbar. He will then
surely start a war against my father and our people." In the King's Court, none
were immune to the impassioned pleas of Blkali, and Prince Anardil, the second son
of Vinyarion, was moved more than any. He instantly fell in love with this princess
of a far land.

The truce with Umbar, however, prevented any direct action. "While we appreciate
the difficult situation Bellakar is in," said the King, "we cannot engage in a war
which might throw us into conflict with Umbar. You are yourself welcome to remain
with us here until the conflict is resolved." Blkali was disappointed by this
response, but was not surprised. Anardil was disappointed as well, and begged his
father to reconsider, to no avail. In fact, King Vinyarion was sure that Umbarean
spies had infiltrated his court, and was convinced that any official action would
drive Umbar to open war with Gondor a situation Vinyarion desperately wished to
avoid. He was not insensitive to the princess's pleas, but for political reasons he
was forced to reject any official involvement.

Despite her disappointment, Blkali decided to remain in Osgiliath. There was a

chance, perhaps, that there were some in Gondor who would hear her plea and offer
their help to her father, especially among the merchant companies that had
interests in Bellakar. Then, on 22 Cerveth 1552, the princess was called to meet
once again with the King Vinyarion, this time under cover of night and in a shroud
of secrecy. Prince Anardil was also present, and King Vinyarion authorized him to
begin recruiting for a small secret fleet to aid King Imruzr II of Bellakar. The
squadron was to be commanded by Prince Anardil himself at his own request. Many in
Gondor would support this expedition, just as the Bellakarni had aided Eldacar
during the Kin-Strife. The expedition was strictly unofficial, and the Gondorian
military was not directly involved.

In the meantime, Balakkhd officially signed a mutual assistance treaty with Umbar
on 22 Kuralid 1552, enabling the small Northern fleet to seize control of the sea-
lanes between Mardruak and Felayja. Gondorean spies reported this to Vinyarion, who
realized the complications for the secret expedition to reach Southern Bellakar.
Nevertheless, Vinyarion, listening to the pleas of his son Anardil, allowed the
plan to go forward, but kept the expedition from sailing until they could slip
undetected through Umbarean and Northern Bellakarian waters.

Anardil was forced to wait until the next year, when a commercial fleet from the
Seven Lands arrived. They reported that the sea was rough, and that most of the
Umbarean and Northern Bellakarian patrols had been withdrawn to wait out the stormy
season. Seizing this opportunity, the expedition (comprised of 30 small warships)
left Pelargir on the night of 15 Girithron 1553 disguised as a Thn Hazad merchant
fleet. Directly commanded by Prince Anardil, the squadron sailed for rzyan using
roughly the same route as Zagarthr had during the War of the Last Alliance.
Anardil was cautious traveling through the seas controlled by Umbar. The squadron
was preceded by a few small scout ships, which steered the Gondorians through
several Umbarean patrols who were out despite the season.

Once they reached the seas off of Mardruak, Anardil was forced to attack one of
rkhr's patrols. Disguised as pirates, the Gondorians destroyed the patrol,
capturing two ships, sinking three, and allowing two to escape. The crews of the
captured ships were left on an island, and Anardil fled southward. The expedition
arrived in rzyan in 12 Kuralid 1554, under Gondorian colors. The civil war had
been raging full-scale for two months.

The city was besieged by the Northern Bellakarian fleet (accompanied by a small
Umbarean contingent), which was commanded by the asapthubth of Nark-Zadan -
Balakkhd. As the city considered surrender, Anardil fell upon the enemy fleet,
crushing the invaders. The defenders took heart, and ten days later they counter-
attacked, pouring out of the city and driving their enemies from the walls. Those
of rkhr's men that survived surrendered, except one group that attempted to
flee. To a man they were cut down, and the body of the asapthubth Balakkhd was
discovered among them.

This disaster reached the ears of Akhrahil a few months later, and he charged
Pharuztamar, another warlord of his Thn an-Khrlkh army, and the emissary of
Balakkhd to his lord in Ny Chennacatt, to take command of the Sapthn in
replacement of Balakkhd. Pharuztamar was ordered to support King rkhr against
his brother.

During the siege of rzyan, King rkhr was leading an army of 20,000 into the
Felayja hills, burning every farming village and razing important cities (like Kas
Torath on 10 Mizir). Informed by his scouts of the incursion, King Imruzr II took
command of the Army and marched to stop his brother in 28 Mizir near the city of
Saraj.

This was the beginning of the Battle of the Felayjan Hills, an indecisive battle
that lasted sporadically for two months, until the arrival of rzyan soldiers and
Gondorian marines (commanded by Prince Anardil). The newcomers tipped the scales in
favor of the Southerners and helped to drive rkhr northward out of the hills.
The pretender escaped, however, with much of his army intact. After the battle,
Prince Anardil was presented to the Tumakveh King.

"The courage of your forefather Zagarthr during the Last Alliance, as well as the
courage of ruhil's men during our Kin-Strife, are not forgotten in Gondor, and I
am glad to be here to repay the debt that Gondor owes to Bellakar. I am Prince
Anardil, son of King Vinyarion." He unsheathed his sword, presented it to the King,
and said, "My sword is yours, Tumakveh Imruzr."

Everybody, including Imruzr II, was greatly impressed by the courage and prowess
of the young Elendili, who would less than fifty years later become the surprising
new King of a reunified Bellakar.

UMBAR INTERVENES

(TA 1555-1559)

After his defeat at the Felayjan Hill Battle, rkhr returned to Hazaj Tollin
beaten but unbowed. He was not yet ready to accept defeat. A reorganization of his
realm was in order, and real military support (instead of just supplies and a small
support fleet) needed to be cajoled out of Umbar. His spies in Southern Bellakar
soon reported that his enemies had a powerful new ally Gondor, in the person of
Prince Anardil. On 22 Ishat 1555, rkhr sent his son Nlzagar (with Balakkhd's
replacement, Pharuztamar) to negotiate with the Umbareans.

The council of Captains learned very soon of Gondor's intervention in the rzyan
siege and the Felayjan Hill Battle, and upon Nlzagar's request, they re-
established firm control of the sea-lanes from Umbar to Felayja in order to prevent
further Gondorian intervention. When it became apparent that this was an expedition
of opportunism, and had no official backing, the Council decided to leave Gondor
alone for a time, and further their plans in Bellakar. With the renewed blockade of
the northbound sea-lanes to Gondor, Anardil had no way to return home, and no way
to let his father know how the campaign had gone. He consequently remained in
Bellakar with his ships and men (and with Blkali), continuing to fight.

rkhr was to pay a high price for Umbarean support. In exchange for active sea
patrols and the involvement of the Umbarean Battle Fleet in Mardruak, the Council
of Captains demanded both that the new asapthubth of Nark-zadan (since Balakkhd
was slain) be appointed by Umbar, and that Umbareans should have the freedom to
settle in whatever numbers they wished in Mardruak. If the conditions were not met,
not only would rkhr not receive substantial military assistance, Umbar would
withdraw completely from the conflict.

Nlzagar reported the conditions to his father, who reluctantly accepted them. On
12 Tamun 1555, Abrzagar of Umbar (a relative of Castamat's family) became the
new asapthubth of Nark-zadan, and with him came many Umbarean settlers.

Three months later, the Corsairs began a campaign against Southern Felayja and
Bellazen. They were supported by the full Northern Bellakarian Fleet (which now had
Umbarean officers distributed throughout its ships). The campaign was a great
success, resulting in the pillage and razing of several coastal cities including
Saraj, Tarkhesh, and Sulaj Dar.
To confront this new danger, King Imruzr II requested that Prince Anardil command
the garrison of rzyan, and to stop at any price the Corsairs' raids. This was
the first time that a Gondorian had ever been asked to take command of a
Bellakarni city, and he was well received due to his reputation for saving the
city in the previous year.

This Corsairs' campaign lasted two years (with occasional land war in the villages
of Felayja between Hazaj Tollin and Saraj), and was indecisive, because of the
skill and the energy of Prince Anardil who was able to secure the Felayjan coasts.
He was aided in part by the orders of King rkhr, whose real goal was the taking
of Nllond many resources that could have been poured into this campaign were
withheld in anticipation of this larger campaign. But the raids drastically
weakened the manpower and resources of the Southern realm, in spite of the courage
of Prince Anardil's men.

All the while, rkhr gathered his strength in secret in Hazaj Tollin, preparing
for the masterstroke against Nllond. And soon King rkhr saw his opportunity
to attack. By maintaining strong raids in Felayja and Bellazen, he could led a
strong army to Nllond and take the city before the eventual counter-attack of
Prince Anardil's host. Beginning with small probing raids, rkhr gauged the
strength of his enemies. When Southern Bellakar became unable to respond to these
raids, the Pretender judged the time to be right.

The offensive against Nllond began on 12 Kuralid 1558. The raids on the coast
and the interior became more intense, in order to drain more and more resources
from the defenses of the capitol, while a powerful army, commanded by King rkhr
himself, set out for Nllond to "liberate" the city from his brother. Imruzr's
scouts, however, marked the movement of this large army immediately, and sent word
to the King of the peril at hand. Preparations for a siege were immediately began,
and messages were sent to Prince Anardil and to the Lords of the Katredala. The
rulers of Bozisha-dar immediately assembled an army of 2000 picked Visi to
strengthen Nllond, and 200 Gusar clansmen to support Anardil in Bellazen

rkhr met little resistance in his march through the heart of Bellakar, and the
siege of Nllond began on 27 Kuralid 1558. A herald for the Pretender announced
that, "If Imruzr II will abdicate his false claim to the throne of Bellakar, and
give himself over as an abased prisoner to his brother the rightful heir, and if
the citizens of Nllond recognize rkhr as your rightful King, the war will
end." The demand was, of course, promptly refused, and rkhr swore to tear the
city to the ground.

As the first battle began, Imruzr addressed his captains: "Remember the courage of
Eruzagar the Warmaker and of Arphazan! Our upcoming victory is dedicated to their
memories. Recall the words of King Arphazan 'never will Nllond fall again,' -
and most especially not to a Usurper!" he added vehemently. Strengthened by his
words, the defenders fought bravely, and slew many Northern Bellakarni while
suffering few losses themselves. Two months passed, and the defenders held while
rkhr's army repeatedly threw itself against the walls. Anardil was kept informed
of the situation in Nllond, but could do nothing the Umbareans has reopened
their coastward campaign with furious abandon. Finally, on 12 Sumat 1558, the
reinforcements from the Katredala arrived.

Another two months passed before the siege could be broken. With the help of the
Gusar, Anardil was able to drive the Umbareans from the coasts. His small squadron
of warships harried the remains of the Umbarean expedition northward, then turned
back near Hazaj Tollin. Meanwhile, the joined forces of the defenders of Nllond
within, and the Katredala's Visi without, eventually destroyed rkhr's hopes of
taking the city. The invaders were forced to retreat back toward Mardruak again.
Unknown to rkhr, however, Anardil's small army composed of his remaining
Gondorian marines, The garrison of rzyan, and the Gusar clansmen made a forced
march to the north of Urd an-Abar, while the defenders of Nllond and the Visi
chased the fugitive invaders. By the time rkhr arrived near Ayal Coyren, Anardil
was already entrenched. All three armies met on the field of battle on 29 Dahlat
1559 in what came to be known as the Ayal Coyren Massacre. It took only four days
for the invaders to be destroyed, and Imruzr himself slew his brother rkhr on
the field of battle as Anardil stood by his side. Indeed, it is said that Anardil
saved the life of the Bellakarian King, who was wounded badly in the final fight.

The King was then conducted in safety to Nllond, while the army under the
command of Anardil secured the Felayja Plain. On 12 Ishat 1559, Anardil came to
Nllond, and asked to see the King privately. In that meeting he asked Imruzr
for the hand of Blkali in marriage.

"You have my blessing, Prince of Gondor," said the King. "I cannot imagine a more
suitable match for my daughter." Prince Anardil married Blkali that very day in
secret, and renounced any claim to the throne of Gondor, planning never to return
to his homeland. He pledged to remain loyal to King Imruzr II, and returned to
rzyan to rule in the name of the King.

THE NORTHERN USURPER

(TA 1559-1563)

Learning of the defeat of his father in Nllond, Nlzagar (in command of a

reserve army in Felayja) ordered a retreat to Mardruak in Hazaj Tollin. During his
journey he learned of a "coup d'tat" conducted by a distant Tumakveh cousin,
Thnuzir. Thnuzir had been heir to the asapthubth of Nark-zadan, but the
Umbareans had taken advantage of the unexpected and the unexplained death of
Pharuztamar in 12 Dahlat 1559 to influence events in Nykkea and in Nark-zadan. The
Saphtn order was to play a minor role during the remaining years of the Divided
Realms of Bellakar. The Southern Realm could await Nlzagar's vengeance, as he was
forced to first wrest power in Mardruak from Thnuzir. The usurper would prove a
major obstacle to Nlzagar's ambitions.

Nlzagar sent a few loyal spies to all the cities of Mardruak, hoping to gather
support against the Usurper amongst both the population and the nobility. This
attempt met with very little success, as the population saw no real distinction
between the rule of Thnuzir and that of Nlzagar, son of rkhr. The other
purpose of the spies was to feed the Usurper's court lies about the defeat of
Nllond: rumors were spread concerning not only the death of rkhr, but of both
his sons: Nlzagar and Kadurphazgn. Meanwhile, Nlzagar moved his army secretly
to Auz Hulja.

Those who profited from that instability in the North were the Umbareans, not the
Southerners, who were rebuilding their realm's defenses (specifically those of
Nllond and rzyan) against future Northern aggression and in the hopes of the
re-conquest of the North. Under the rule of Thnuzir, Umbareans infiltrated all
levels of Bellakaran society, and a true commercial exchange (policed by the
Umbarean merchant houses) began to flourish. Thnuzir was encouraged by Abrzagar
(the asapthubth of Nark-zadan), whose friendship with the usurper was of public
notoriety.

Nlzagar secretly waited several months in Auz Hulja, slowly rebuilding his army's
strength. Nlzagar took soon control of Auz Hulja, creating a third Bellakarian
kingdom, by a strategy of subterfuge and assassination. He replaced unfriendly
governors and army officers, never very numerous in the region, who had been
appointed by the Usurper. Of course, this "third realm" was technically subject to
the Usurper's will, but in reality the new lords awaited only an opportunity to
rally to Nlzagar's banner and complete the open conquest of Mardruak and to
effect the death of the Usurper.

This opportunity presented itself within two years, when a restrengthened army
commanded by both Nlzagar and his brother was deemed ready for combat. Mardruak
was at peace, and Thnuzir had no reason to fear an attack from the South. Spies
had long reported that the southern realm was rebuilding its strength, and had no
will to invade the North, at least for the moment. On 22 Ishat 1562, an army led by
Nlzagar's brother and disguised in Thnuzir's symbols, invaded Hazaj Tollin by
surprise from the South. After brief and relatively bloodless siege of three days,
Kadurphazgn took full control of the garrison. Unfortunately, their hopes of
taking the Usurper alive were thwarted when he escaped towards Nark-zadan and his
ally Abrzagar.

Within a year, almost all of Mardruak was again under the control of the rightful
king (at least to Northern eyes). Zimrnzil was the first city to be recovered, in
12 Mizir 1562; then Sarnak Hor in 24 Darat 1562, Nykkea in 12 Najam 1563; Saz Nejja
on 29 Manjaz 1563. Only the city of Nark-zadan, ruled by Abrzagar of Umbar, still
held out against Nlzagar.

Nark-zadan would prove far more difficult to take. If the city were attacked,
Umbar would be displeased, and might even come to the aid of the embattled Northern
forces. On the other hand, Nark-zadan was a traditional part of Mardruak, and the
city would have to be re-integrated into the Northern Bellakarian realm if
Nlzagar's task was to be complete. Hoping to avoid Umbarean intervention and its
costly ramifications, Nlzagar sent a few diplomatic envoys to meet with Abrzagar
and discuss the conditions Nark-zadan surrender on 12 Vetrashu 1563.

One main condition was the surrender of Thnuzir the Usurper. As the asapthubth
had no political reason to protect the Usurper, Abrzagar exchanged Thnuzir and
swore allegiance to the North in exchange for the right to continue Mardruak's
trade with Umbar and the royal acknowledgement of himself and his descendents as
rulers of Nark-zadan. When the treaty was accepted, Abrzagar handed Thnuzir over
to Nlzagar as promised on 17 Vetrashu 1563. Thnuzir, as the price of his felony,
was promptly executed in Hazaj Tollin two days later. All of his relatives who
could be linked to the usurpation followed him into the traitor's grave. Five days
after Thnuzir's execution, Mardruak was again unified. Nlzagar could now look
towards the South, just as his father had before him. The executions which marked
Nlzagar's return to power clearly showed his hatred towards any who would
challenge his power, and was to presage the Stalemate of Terror in the South.

THE STALEMATE OF TERROR

(TA 1564-1570)

Northern revenge came unexpectedly with the assassination of King Imruzr II in

Nllond by a Sorijan spy, during the r'n Aval (12 - 20 Manjaz 1564), the Day
of Revival that Zimrbal had instituted at the beginning of the Tumakveh dynasty.
Belkli and Anardil were in rzyan when they learned of the disastrous event (18
Manjaz 1564) two days after the assassination; Sakalthr was in Korlea when the
news reached him.

Sakalthr returned to Nllond and, after conferring with Queen Blkali concerning
his father's funeral, convoked a special session of the Invocate Council for
Vetrashu the fifteenth. Sakalthr was unaware of her marriage to Anardil and hoped
to name an heir to the Tumakveh throne by finding a husband for Blkali. With Queen
Belkli approval, Sakalthr became the Regent of the Realm on 22 Manjaz.

Dozens of potential husbands presented themselves for marriage to Queen Blkali,

and many among them were of Tumakveh blood. The Regent saw them all, including
Gimilbl, the only son of the Northern King. None of them showed the qualities of a
Tumakveh, and without the Queen's knowledge, he decided that no one would have the
throne. He himself was the best qualified to protect the realm, until a true
descendant of the Tumakveh arrived.

Nevertheless, the Invocate Council remained in session, attended by Queen Blkali

and Prince Anardil. For Sakalthr, Prince Anardil's presence was a shock, as he
hadn't seen fit to invite the foreigner. Addressing the Invocate Council, he spoke
of the dignity of the Tumakveh. Pointing to the gathered claimants, Sakalthr
cried: "Do you really wish to have as King a puppet of Umbar, like the false king
of the North? Or a king like Atanatar II of Gondor, whose only purpose is pleasure
and whose realm wastes away under his luxurious hand? Choose one of these
lordlings, and you shall have such a King as that!"

These words surprised many in the Council, and after a very long debate controlled
by Sakalthr, the Council agreed to nominate none of the claimants to the throne.
Given the number of his personal supporters in the Council (both genuine and
"bought"), Sakalthr was confirmed as Regent; he was in appearance the second most
important ruler in the realm, and in reality the first (given that the Queen
completely trusted him). In his political tactics, Sakalthr was truly descended
from Zimrbal Ironhand, who created of the Tumakveh monarchy through cunning and
strength. But the Regent never sought to crown himself as the new king of Bellakar,
though it was not beyond his capacity to do so. He had no desire to be compared
with the unworthy and usurping kings of Northern Bellakar.

This unexpected turn of events disturbed the Northern King, Nlzagar, who had
thought to gain sovereignty in all Bellakar through his son Gimilbl. Just a few
months after the Council, on 15 Vatrul 1564, Nlzagar ordered his spies into
Southern Bellakar to destabilize the Queen's regime. This was the beginning of a
dangerous stalemate between the two realms.

The Regent, Queen Blkali and Prince Anardil were major targets for assassination,
but there were other targets, like asapthubths, generals commanding the Army and
even powerful and influential merchants. Two years were necessary to fully
establish the Stalemate of Terror, as the assassins needed to establish themselves
in the South. Assassination attempts against Queen Blkali (22 Tamun 1564) and
Prince Anardil (13 Manjaz 1565) in Nllond heralded the beginning of the
Stalemate. The Queen and the Prince were seriously wounded, but not killed. Others
(like some of the Tumakveh claimants) did not survive, and many Southerners
perished during the Terror Stalemate.

Nlzagar did not achieve his desired instability, as the land was controlled by
the iron hand of Sakalthr the Regent. In 23 Tamun 1565 (while the Queen was
recovering in Korlea from her wounds, Prince Anardil at her side), the Regent
reestablished the secret society known as the Free Sharks. Their objective was to
seek any information that might help keep the realm stabilized, and to act against
the North. All the agents received their orders from the Regent, not the Queen, who
was not even aware of their revival.

Sakalthr progressively came to know every secret of all the influential leaders of
the South, enabling him to better control them. This worked very well, and limited
the number of lords willing or able to turn traitor. He was also able to propagate
false rumors, which led to the exposure of many of the northern assassins. But
unlike Castamir, he always sought the happiness of his people. In 12 Mizir 1566, he
learned of the secret marriage between the Queen and Prince Anardil. He had always
harbored a bitter hatred for the Dnedain of Gondor and Umbar, between whom he made
little distinction, and blaming them for most of the ills that had befallen
Bellakar since the 10th century Tedjin Wars. Enraged, Sakalthr still chose not to
reproach the Queen, keeping the information to himself.

The Free Sharks were also responsible for the security of the Queen. However, on
one occasion, their protection failed. On 22 Ishat 1566, the Queen was again badly
wounded by an assassination attempt that nearly succeeded. When the Regent learned
the disastrous news, he exploded in rage and wrath against those Sharks who were
not even able to protect their Queen.

Leaving to his lieutenants the reorganization of the army and the upgrades to the
strongholds of Southern Bellakar with which he was engaged, he immediately traveled
to Nllond. He went directly to the Queen's chamber, without waiting to be
announced. He surprised the Queen, who was with Prince Anardil. Not pausing to
acknowledge their relationship, Sakalthr spoke: "The situation is not under
control, my Queen, and I must take precautions to save your life. The Free Sharks
were not able to protect you. I fear there was a traitor among them. In the near
future, perhaps these assassins will succeed, as they did with the assassination of
the asapthubth of rzyan two weeks ago, and many others. You must flee Bellakar,
wait for the end of this conflict. The only safe land is Gondor. Prince Anardil,
return to your own country with our Queen."

The Queen was unwilling to leave Bellakar, but the will of Sakalthr was strong.
The Queen left her native country from rzyan on 28 Ishat 1566, accompanied by
Prince Anardil. Many Bellakaran approved of this departure, hoping that the Queen
would soon return. The Queen arrived safely in Osgiliath, after a long and
roundabout voyage. The Regent assumed all power in name of the Queen, and avoided
being deposed, though many Tumakveh claimants tried to remove him. He moved
ruthlessly against such attempts, showing no pity for the aspirants as he condemned
them to death.

The end of the stalemate was the prime objective of the Regent, although
reunification was in the back of his mind. Four years were needed to stabilize the
Southern realm, and to resist the Corsair assaults. Despite their failure to
protect the Queen, the Free Sharks were instrumental in the preservation of the
realm. When a Free Shark managed to assassinate Nlzagar by direct order of the
Regent on 22 Tamun 1570, the Stalemate was over and a period of Northern
instability began.

The southern kingdom then enjoyed stability and prosperity, with the return of the
merchants from distant Arnor and the Seven Lands. The merchant festivals and all
the religious days, neglected during the Stalemate, were fully reestablished. By
1580, it was Sakalthr's turn to pursue the reunification of Bellakar.

THE INSTABILITY IN THE NORTH

(TA 1570-1599)

In the thirty years following the assassination of Nlzagar, the northern throne
became a dangerous seat notorious for dislodging those who dared claim it. More
than ten lords followed one after the other; some reigned only a few days, others
never even made it into the king lists. The Invocate never listed all of the Kings
who ruled Northern Bellakar, for in some years there were two to three rulers at a
time. No king, even of Tumakveh blood, was acceptable in the eyes of Regent
Sakalthr: "They are a collection of nasty tyrants, beholden more and more to
Umbar's will." From Kadurphazgn the Glorious (who sought only pleasure) to
Karabzr (who named his horse to the rank of asapthubth) to rzir (who was
convinced that he was Zimrbal, resurrected from the dead), Northern Bellakar had
its share of incompetent rulers. Others were better kings: Diruzir, who tried to
make peace with the South and reestablish his own authority over the North,
attempted to win a measure of independence from Umbar. Except during Diruzir's
reign (12 Tamun 1593 - 26 Kuralid 1595), conflict still existed with the South. The
real authority was in Umbar, not Hazaj Tollin, and slowly control of Northern
Bellakar fell solely to the Council of the Captains. The Bellakaran northern king
was a puppet with no real power.

When Diruzir came to the throne after assassinating Karabzr, he launched

audacious reforms of the army and the royal administration. He rebuilt cities and
made alliances with powers other than Umbar. For the first time, real discussion
took place with Regent Sakalthr concerning the possibility of reunification after
Diruzir's death. These discussions remained unfinished when Diruzir was poisoned
by his cousin, who immediately succeeded to the throne. However, the audacious
reforms Diruzir instituted survived in principle, and were to be taken up again by
the last Northern Kings of Bellakar, Arzagar II and Narakhn. In the meantime, the
reunification project led by Regent Sakalthr fell by the wayside, much to his
despair.

Diruzir's cousin was replaced ten months later at the end of 1596 by another
tyrant. Ollug Utarb was of Tedjin Qarsag ascent, and did not belong to the Tumakveh
line. His reign was a reign of terror. He quickly effected power through his
devoted guards, and colonized Northern Bellakar with many people from distant
Khand. Mysteriously, it was not uncommon for him to disappear for several days at a
time, officially to hunt and meditate in the desert; in reality, he was collecting
his orders from the servants of Queen Adnaphel.

During one of Ollug's retreats a true revolt occurred, caused initially by a

prolonged famine in Ishat 1597. The usurper's guards did not manage to contain the
crowd, despite the anticipated return of the usurper to the capital. Ollug himself
had fallen into the hands of a Free Shark agent, sent by Regent Sakalthr to end
the tyranny in the North and their unbearable alliance with Umbar. The abbot of the
Monastery of the True Faith took advantage of the disorder to advance his candidate
to the throne of northern Bellakar. This was a thin young man of rather timid
appearance: Arzagar II, descended from the junior branch of king Arphazn through
the third son of King Belkhr Aruyati. He united the North under his rule, and for
the first time reunification was discussed by the divided kingdoms.

Sakalthr probably intended to unite Arzagar II and Belkli, despite her marriage
with Anardil, in order to achieve the reunification; but this project again fell
apart when Arzagar II was assassinated (26 Dahlat 1599) in Hazaj Tollin. Soon
after, his twin brother Narakhn, who may have ordered the assassination, succeeded
Arzagar II. Narakhn ended the negotiations, and declared that the reunification
should be achieved through war, not peace. This political reversal was a serious
setback for the aging Regent, who despaired again at another failed attempt at
reunification.

THE RETURN OF THE QUEEN

(TA 1599)

For years rumors had occasionally surfaced in Bellakar concerning Belkli and her
five children, but Sakalthr had always managed to suppress them. While no one had
any regular contact with Gondor, she had secretly informed some of her female
relatives in Bellakar. Sakalthr, when he found out, was once again enraged.
However, he made a pretense of concern for Belkli and advised her to stay in
Gondor until her children were grown. With the unexpected death of Arzagar II,
desperate to complete the unification of the realms, he publicly announced the
continued exile of Belkli and her children. As they were of direct descent from
the great heroes of the Tumakveh line, they gained popular support as possible
leaders of a renewed kingdom. It also helped that they had been out of the country
all their lives and had no local enemies in a political system now rife with
corruption and hatred.
The situation was desperate, as Northern Bellakar under the rule of King Narakhn
was slipping under Umbarean domination to an even greater degree. The Regent
Sakalthr sent his own son Izinduzr, who assisted his father in his task of
controlling Southern Bellakar and who shared his opinions of the Dnedain of Gondor
and Umbar, to Gondor (Najam 1599) in order to prepare the return of Queen Belkli
to her own land. He was received in Osgiliath by Prince Anardil (Ishat 1599), who
learned of the disastrous situation in Bellakar and the desperate need for Belkli
to return to the land of her childhood.

After thirty years of marriage to Anardil, Belkli was noticeably aging while he
was not. This was not unusual in the royal court of Gondor, but Belkli became
depressed and reclusive. Anardil, who still loved her deeply, could do little to
ease the burden of the Gift of Men. Seeing no way to make her final decades of life
happy ones apart from returning with her in Bellakar, he took counsel with his
father Vinyarion. Anardil then proposed to the amazed Bellakaran princess to
return with her to Bellakar, and also to establish a permanent alliance between the
two realms.

Several months of preparation were needed for the departure to Bellakar. In 22

Mizir 1599, Anardil, Belkli, her family, a chest of Gondorian gold, and a company
of Gondorian guardsmen arrived in rzyan despite desperate Umbarean and North
Bellakaran attempts to intercept them. Welcomed by the Southern Bellakaran, the
Queen was escorted by great crowds to Nllond. There the Regent, who had
organized an official coronation for the Queen, received her.

Three days later, Belkli was crowned Queen of Gondor (12 Kuralid 1599). The Regent
now confirmed publicly the marriage of Belkli to Anardil, prince of Gondor, and
agreed to the alliance treaty between Gondor and Bellakar. The Southern population
was astonished by this declaration, but there was no formal opposition as Gondor
had come to be popularly seen as a trustworthy ally. Anardil, after signing the
Treaty of Perpetual Grace and Counsel, renounced to his rights as a Prince of
Gondor and took an Adunic name, Khruzr: "Today I renounce forever every claim
for me and all my descendants to the realm of Gondor, whatever might be decreed for
Gondor. Minardil my brother and all his descendants will be kings of Gondor, while
my descendants are destined to become Kings of Bellakar, and there will be a true
and lasting peace forever between these two realms. I do not renounce to my Adni
heritage, as Bellakar is forever the ally of Gondor."

THE NEW TUMAKVEH KING

(TA 1599-1610)

The nomination of Khruzr as king of southern Bellakar was a great shock in

Southern Middle Earth. If the Gondorians reacted well, Anbalukkhr and Umbar did
not share the feeling. Narakhn, the Northern King, reacted first by strengthening
his links with Umbar. Paradoxically, the shifting political scene strengthened both
Bellakaran thrones. For three years the two enemy realms tried to destabilize the
each other, and build powerful alliances. Umbar decided to intervene in the
conflict, blocking ships coming from the north that might offer military help to
the Southern kingdom. This blockade proved largely effective, but some ships
managed to pass through (mainly those of a Bellakarni company, the Narkuzri,
established in Pelargir) with arms and warriors from Gondor in support of Southern
Bellakar.

Khruzr had many difficulties governing his adopted realm, even with the forced
but effective support of the Regent, as many of his subjects were reluctant to obey
a "Stranger King". The agents of Narakhn in the South exploited this situation,
where they incited the people to defiance and rebellion against a King with no real
Tumakveh ancestry. "How could you support a Queen who deserted her own land, and a
King who has no link with the Great Tumakveh dynasty, and who is from the line of
Elendil? Narakhn is the only choice we have for our great realm. Narakhn will be
able to give you great rewards, and is ready to incorporate you in his army at the
highest ranks." The refrain was echoed at every level. The only hope for Khruzr
was to convene the Invocate Assembly in Nllond. All the important families of
the Assembly were ordered to attend on 22 Mizir 1603. This was the last hope for
unity in the southern kingdom, which would otherwise face certain defeat by the
North.

The Northern authorities were aware of this event, and sent agents to kill Khruzr
and his "treasonous" wife. This assassination attempt was avoided at the last
minute, through the acts of some courageous members of the Narkuzri Company. The
actual assassin, arrested before he could kill the king, was also part of this
company, clearly establishing that even in the South many preferred the rule of
Narakhn. Despite this, the Stranger King attempted to mobilize his realm against
the Northern menace. He further made a surprising announcement declaring that he
was a true descendent of Belphazan II of Bellakar on his mother's side, several
generations removed through a daughter, Cervaban. In the 12th century she had
married a Dnadan governor of Harondor after quarreling with her father and fleeing
to Near Harad. She had two sons, and the first, in turn, had fled from his father
as a child and returned, after many adventures, to become his grandfather's heir
and reigned as King Sakalkhd. The second son was the ancestor of Prince Anardil;
only Imruzr II had known of this.

This revelation gave the King majority support in the Invocate Council, and in the
following months with the population of all Bellakar. Most of the Bitha were
impressed by the strong will of their new King, even if he was a Stranger. If he
was simultaneously the true heir of Tumakveh line, and also a link with Gondor,
this was no more than most of the great kings of the past had claimed. If they were
suspicious before, for the most part they became loyal followers of the King, and
they subsequently acted many times to save their King's life against assassins.

The South with no real difficulties gradually reconquered the Northern Kingdom. In
1603, the asapthubth of Korlea, Sakalthr, came to pay homage to King Khruzr.
Nllond was again the new capital of the kingdom. The alliance with Gondor was
fully affirmed, and the peaceful Northern relationship with Umbar ended. Narakhn
was allowed to live but was exiled to the True Faith Monastery, where he died
thirty-three years later. Khruzr became the sovereign of all Bellakar in Kuralid
1603, after having escaping ten attempts of murder and presiding over a
destabilized realm for five years.

In the meantime, the Corsair captains of Umbar learned of the new alliance between
Gondor and Bellakar, and decided "as a sanction" to land attacks against Mardruak
and Felayja lands. These attacks were unsuccessful as Khruzr, a true descendant
of the Ship Kings, was fully aware of the naval tactics of Corsairs. Commanded by
clever captains, the navy of Bellakar won several victories at sea against Corsair
squadrons. These victories were, for the Bellakaran, "a justification" that their
new King was their rightful King, even if weather and enemy blunders had played a
large part in them.

The Corsair's encroachments continued until early 1610, when a series of victories
at sea against Corsair squadrons allowed Bellakar to negotiate an "Understanding"
with Umbar. With strong Gondorian support, Khruzr also negotiated diplomatic and
mercantile ties with a dozen realms from the lands south of Harad, including
Khradn and Zimrathni. Full-scale trade was established within southern Endor.

THE ESTRANGEMENT OF GONDOR AND THE GREAT PLAGUE

(TA 1610-1640)

Copyright Eric Dubourg 2001

Edited by Joe Mandala for The Guild Companion

Though he became King of Bellakar, Khruzr did not forget his home. For twenty
years he maintained a strong relationship with Minardil, with frequent diplomatic
and mercantile expeditions between Nllond and Osgiliath. These twenty years saw
a rebuilding of the realm, and the slow re-growth of international trade. In 1623,
Belkli died. The King mourned her deeply, and built a magnificent memorial in her
honor. The entire nation of Bellakar felt the loss of this gentle and generous
Queen.

An alliance of Haruze lords in Pezarsan in 1633 resulted in the liberation of

Lurmsakn from Variag domination. The invading barbarians then returned to Khand,
greatly weakened. This enabled trade to resume across the Dune Sea. Bellakar had
not traded across this route since the Golden Age of the Tumakveh, which had ended
nearly 1000 years earlier. The rise of an evil empire in Chey, led by the children
of Adnaphel had kept trade with the far interior closed. Strong trade relations
were established with the western nations of Ormal Bay, the new Chyan Empire, and
with Anarik. Trade was more profitable to the south with Ormal Bay than with
Gondor, and Anarik became an important trade partner, acting as a portal to the
entire panoply of goods Ormal Bay had to offer. Decades of peace followed
(interrupted only by the Great Plague), which were dedicated to the rebuilding of
the realm, whose infrastructure had been devastated by the Civil War.

As communications with Gondor became more rare, Khruzr was made aware in late
1633 that the Corsairs of Umbar were preparing for a major offensive aimed at
retaking much of Harondor. A few weeks later, the fleet that had assembled in Umbar
instead struck the coasts of Gondor in a massive raid. In the ensuing battles,
Pelargir was badly damaged and Minardil was slain.

The architects of this raid were Angamait and Sangahyando, the great-grandsons of
Castamir. Their father Castamait gained grudging admission to the Council of
Captains due to his brilliant military successes, including a campaign along the
Mardruak coasts. When he died in TA 1621, his sons were able to secure seats on the
council due to the great influence of their father. The success of the Great Raid
was unqualified, and the brothers were granted the greatest prize in Umbar - joint
leadership of the Council of Captains.

Rumors of the attack soon arrived in Bellakar. Merchants rescuing Gondorian sailors
adrift at sea told tales of the raid. Soon spies in Umbar reported more details.
The road to Gondor was cut, to the great despair of the King. Khruzr feared a
similar attack on his adopted homeland, and immediately laid plans to defend his
realm, which was eminently vulnerable to such a large-scale assault.

In Ishat 1634, a great shipbuilding began in rzyan, Tarkhesh and Nark-zadan.

Though he had no hope of outfighting Umbar in open war on the waves, Khruzr
endeavored to build his fleet up to protect Bellakar. Many fortresses were built on
coastward islands (including Old Vulture Island) to help defend the coasts of
Mardruak and Felayja. These hastily constructed fortifications were soon forced to
prove themselves, as Umbar began raiding Bellakar in early 1635. Though the raids
mainly fell on settlements facing Belfalas Bay, Mardruak was also attacked. These
raids marked the beginning of the periodic warfare which was to rage in the region
for the next two centuries.

Two years later, in 1636, the Great Plague swept through Near Harad and Bellakar,
slaying one fifth of the population. In addition, earthquakes destroyed the Old
Tedjin cave city of Zimrnzil (rebuilt one century before the Second Sorijan wars).
The coastal city of Hazaj Tollin was heavily damaged by the resultant tidal wave.
Khruzr survived the plague, as did three of his children. He immediately began
recovery efforts. He sent many soldiers, healers, and advisors to all the cities of
the Realm. The royal family donated heavily to the reconstruction effort, and the
King himself went down into the capital city to heal his people. His actions during
this time earned Khruzr the undying love of his adopted people, and the "Stranger
King" became one of the most beloved rulers Bellakar had ever known. It is said
that even a Tumakveh prince appeared out of the past, the people would support
Khruzr as their rightful King.

Even the Cuind of Auz Azunan and the reclusive Honnin took part in healing the sick
and rebuilding the kingdom. A crusade of sorts was declared against the Plague, and
because of the strong leadership of Khruzr, Bellakar suffered less than it could
have. Some murmured that Bellakar was being punished because of the evils committed
during the Civil War. Most simply tried to continue their lives as they could.

In two years, the Plague was subdued. Emerging from the sickness with renewed
vigor, Khruzr ordered the rebuilding of Hazaj Tollin and the continued
fortification of the Mardruak coast. Though Umbar's raids had all but ceased during
the plague, he knew they would resume as soon as the Corsairs had the ability. Even
as weakened as they had been by the plague, Umbar's fleet had seized (under
Sangahyando's son) the north bank of Ethir Harnen. Khruzr knew time was pressing.
By 1640, the realm was strengthening, and trade was again being restored with
Khradn, Ormal Bay, and Tulwang. Contact with Gondor was still sporadic - Umbar
still held the Bay of Belfalas.

SANGARUNYA AND ZIMBR

(TA 1610-1641)

Copyright Eric Dubourg 2001

Edited by Joe Mandala for The Guild Companion

The actions of the Sapthn order during the Civil War were successful enough to
prevent Bellakar from protecting Tulwang in any way. But Balakkhd's failed
assaults here did not result in his beheading - he was instead given the chance to
create the Sapthn Order and redeem himself. In the south, the Army of the Southern
Dragon began again to coalesce, and the Sapthn were given minor tasks in Dshera
and Anbalukkhr, and were tasked to recruit for the new Army.

Though the Sapthn during the reign of King Khruzr did not enjoy the influence
they had under Narakhn, some important families were still attracted to the Order
(which by this time had begun to lose its fair-seeming guise). Some of these same
families joined the Creed of Men in Umbar, and the two evil organizations became
closely linked.

Among these men were Zimraphazn, a man from Narakhn's family, who hated the
Gondorians with an unhealthy passion. He was responsible for many attempts on King
Khruzr's life in a futile attempt to reestablish his family to the throne of
Bellakar. After the last attempt (12 Mizir 1610), he fled to Umbar and joined the
Creed of Men. He was accompanied by Sazariel, the daughter of Abrzagar (who had
been the Umbarean asapthubth of Nark-zadan). In Umbar they joined Ranculir (an
Advocate for the Creed of Men and the youngest brother of Sangahyando). Zimraphazn
and Sazariel were soon thereafter married.

This group endeavored to subvert the Council of Captains, constantly favoring

actions against the reunified kingdom of Bellakar (following the direction of the
High Priest of the Creed). They were largely unsuccessful, as the Creed of Men was
not as influential as it had been before Umbar's defeat in 1050. Rumors began to
spread of a dark cult still surviving in Umbar and Northern Bellakar. The sources
of these rumors were traitors to the Sapthn, who renounced the order and swore
fealty either to the Council in Umbar or the Bellakarian King. Around 1623, the
Council of Captains began to actively pursue the rumors, employing nearly every
tool they could to root out such evil influences.

The Creed of Men was consequently in danger, and Gastmorgath (the leader of the
Creed), allowed the Council to 'discover' a dark temple in Umbar (though not the
main Temple, The Lair of the Dark). The compromised temple was overseen by the High
Priest, Ranculir. Gastmorgath suspected Ranculir of treachery, and so allowed him
to be captured and tried. This betrayal of his own allowed Gastmorgath to save the
Creed from extinction, and insured his continuing leadership of the cult until he
was assassinated by his own second-in-command, Morarthdur, seventeen years later.

Both the Free Sharks (which were kept in place by Khruzr after his accession) and
the Umbarean militia found many secret places of the Sapthn Order and the Creed of
Men after only three months of research. The "secondary" temple was destroyed and
its inhabitants killed except for a few of them who managed to escape to the east
and south. Zimraphazn, son of the Usurper Narakhn, the High Priest (Ranculir) and
many others were taken into captivity. Zimraphazn was turned over to Bellakar as a
sign of good will, and Ranculir was executed soon afterwards.

The fallen Tumakveh prince was held in captivity for one month in Nllond, until
the arrival of his father, who was briefly allowed to return from exile for the
trial. He was informed of all his son's actions against the realm, and condemned
them all, saying, "The man who is here is no longer my son, but a pawn of the Dark
Enemy. Do with him what you will - kill him or exile him. I do not think him worthy
of my name." The next morning, Zimraphazn was executed, and Narakhn returned into
exile.

Sazariel managed to flee the purges in Umbar with her two young sons. The elder,
Zimbr, had been born in Darat 1617, and the younger, Sangarunya, born in Dahlat
1622. The small and broken family fled to Bozisha Dar, where the two boys began
their training. Sazariel raised them to be loyal to her dead husband's Lord and
Master, Mulkhr.

In Ishat 1626, Sazariel contracted a fever, and fearing her death she revealed to
Zimbr his ancestry as a Tumakveh prince, and son of the 'wrongly deposed' King
Narakhn. This was a shock to the young man, who had been raised to believe he was
an Umbarean. He immediately departed for Bellakar to seek his inheritance, already
plotting to reveal himself as the true heir of the Tumakveh.

In Bellakar, he learned that Khruzr has deposed his grandfather and was known as
the "Stranger King." He also learned that his grandfather had been exiled to the
Monastery of True Faith. He could learn nothing of his father, however. It was as
if Zimraphazn had never existed. He searched for years for news of his father, and
learned nothing more than whispered rumors. He attempted an unsuccessful rebellion
against Khruzr, but found no real support among the people of even northern
Bellakar. His only supporters were aging remnants of the alliance his grandfather
had forged. He consequently left Bellakar a bitter man, with the firm intention of
returning as King one day, and imposing his 'true' religion - the worship of
Mulkhr.

Zimbr then traveled to the distant south. He visited Tulwang, Anbalukkhr, the
Seven Lands and even Mmakan, finally joining the Army of the Southern Dragon in
Ishat 1633. He demonstrated his competence as a warrior and tactician during minor
actions Dshera and Anbalukkhr (in Zajantak, on the northern slopes of the Yellow
Mountains between Chennacatt and Curinshiban). He was noticed by Akhrahil, who
summoned him to Ny Chennacatt in Kuralid 1641, the very day that the Warlord Tartas
Izain was condemned to death for his loss of Srayn to clan Msra. Akhrahil made
him Warlord of the Thon an-Khrlkh, and his first action as Warlord was to perform
the execution of Tartas Izain. Zimbr was given the task of conquering Tulwang and
Anbalukkhr, and was warned that betrayal or failure would result in the same fate
as Tartas Izain.

About this same time, Sazariel (who had survived her fever) and Sangarunya left
Bozisha-Dar. Upon leaving, Sangarunya instigated a fight with a young Haradan
warrior named Pon Ivic, who would one day become a member of the Council of Regents
in Bozisha-Dar. The pair traveled to Ny Chennacatt, where Sangarunya joined and
rose quickly in the ranks of the North Wind. He was soon, and surprisingly, made
Warlord of the North Wind. The order was given to Zimbr directly from Akhrahil
to make the promotion. Sangarunya's subsequent victories in Tulwang and Anbalukkhr
would later prove his swift ascension in rank justified.

THE INVASION OF TULWANG

(TA 1641-1648)

Before Akhrahil left for Mordor at his Master's bidding, he required Zimbr to
conquer Tulwang. Consequently, the Warlord sent many spies into Tulwang to evaluate
the strength of their defenses. He planned to measure the reported strengths
against the newly reformed Army of the Southern Dragon, trained by Sangarunya and
Bartolad, an Nmenorian from Sakal an-Khr. In Mizir 1643, Zimbr launched a
series of short raids into Tulwang, further testing the strength of that realm. He
held back the main body of his army, well out of reach of counter-attacking
Sorijani.

These raids had two objectives; first, to spread fear among the populace, and
second to cut land-bound supply routes into Tulwang. This tactic worked very well,
in spite of Sorijan counter-offensives and the intermittent support of Bellakar. As
the situation in Tulwang became desperate for the defenders, messengers at the
Bellakarni fortress on the Ajdak River were prepared to send for the aid of
Bellakar.

Before the call for help could leave for Bellakar, though, Sangarunya executed the
first phase of the invasion. The Army of the Southern Dragon had learned from its
earlier failures, and the new leadership recognized that in order to take and hold
Tulwang, three objectives would have to be taken. These included the two main
centers of population, Norjadar and Khorsj, and the Bellakarian fortress on the
river Ajdak. Sangarunya, with a strong regiment composed of Mumk companies, heavy
infantry, and light cavalry struck toward the fort on the Ajdak. Bellakaze scouts
warned of the approach of this force, and the messengers to Bellakar were
immediately sent out. Most of the messengers were captured by Sangarunya's light
cavalry, but one escaped by night and reached Bellakar to warn the King of the
developing situation and ask for help.
"My King, Tulwang is under attack of the Thn an-Khrlkh. The people there are in
need of powerful allies. Tumakveh Kings have never failed to aid them in the past -
will you send help?"
"I will not be the first king to ignore the pleas of his subjects. A strong force
will be sent to defend Tulwang, as has been done before," replied Khruzr.

Khruzr was extremely concerned with the situation in Tulwang, and sent an
expeditionary force of 3,000 men in support, commanded by his second son Abruzir.
This was the largest force he could muster on short notice, as Umbarean pirates
continued to threaten the coast. Not to be left out of the regional defense, the
Katredala of Bozisha-dar dispatched 200 picked Visi and 2,000 Gusar clansmen to
join the expedition. The allies arrived in Khorsj on the 26th day of Vatrul, 1645.

While Sangarunya prosecuted the war along the River Ajdak, Zimbr's first target
for conquest was Khorsj. He wished to enter the city as a conqueror bearing the
symbols of the Tumakveh, and to use the city as a staging area for the conquest of
Bellakar. Abruzir, however, was a tenacious general, and bore the qualities of
both the Tumakveh and the Elendili. Though Zimbr initially took Khorsj, a year
of battle, retreat, and counter-attack eventually wore the Army of the Southern
Dragon down, and Khorsj was liberated in Darat 1646. One year after this hard-won
victory, Abruzir dealt Zimbr's host a humiliating defeat near Kanjar in Northern
Tulwang in Vatrul 1647. Zimbr was nearly killed in the battle, but was saved by
his Guard and taken from the field. Zimbr was forced to leave the entire cape of
Bishra in the hands of his most hated enemy's son. He fled to Fult to recover, and
awaited news of Sangarunya's campaign against the Fortress on the Ajdak.

Sangarunya's primary objective was the Bellakarian fort. After taking the fort, he
would have access to Tulwang's interior, including the important cities of Norjadar
and Qanath. After seven months of siege, in Najam 1646, the fort finally fell and
the defenders were slaughtered. The road into the south of Tulwang was now open to
the Army of the Southern Dragon. The young commander rebuilt the fort as best he
could, and left a garrison to defend his supply route. He then conducted a deadly
campaign against the Tulwan coastal cities from the south. With reinforcements
from Bartolad, Warlord of the South Wind, Sangarunya was able to sustain a long and
bloody campaign while Zimbr recovered in Fult and received reinforcements of his
own. In Sumat 1647, however, Gettaniyan tribesman stormed and took the fort on the
River Ajdak.

At the end of the year 1647, only Norjadar and a few minor Sorijan ports remained
defensible. In the last failed siege of Norjadar, the city had been partially
burned, and the Army of the Southern Dragon did not withdraw as it had done in the
past. The coming year would certainly see a major offensive against the last
remaining interior city of Tulwang, and the Sorijans made hasty preparations. They
rebuilt their walls as well as they could, and deployed their dwindling forces.
When spring came, they would be as prepared as they could be, but they feared that
their strength would not be enough. Without massive reinforcements from Bellakar
(or elsewhere), the Sorijans held out little hope of victory.