In LOTR with Harry Potter Sign-In System!

Lake Evendim was surrounded by rolling hills on three sides, with only the eastern side being a plain where the lake waters flowed out eastward, then turned south, eventually reaching the sea.

Kael rode on the great eagle's back, positioned high above Lake Evendim, looking down at this region.

What met his eyes was a lakeside city ruin built on a hillside to the southeast of the lake.

The city was ancient and magnificent, constructed entirely of white marble. Though it had suffered the ravages of time and warfare, Kael could still distinguish traces of trade markets, residential areas, pools, gardens, royal palaces, and other artificial facilities from its still-standing ancient buildings and broken walls.

This was the capital of the once-lost kingdom of Arnor, Annúminas.

At the very center of Annúminas stood a magnificent round tower that soared high, almost level with the mountain peak, having stood for thousands of years.

That was the seat of royal power, the Chamber of Annúminas-Elendil.

Ancient kings of Arnor, even Elendil himself, had once conducted business here.

It was also where the Annúminas-stone was kept, along with the Amon Sûl stone atop Weathertop, two of the three palantíri of the northern kingdom.

Also housed there was the Sceptre of Annúminas, originally belonging to the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor, later becoming the symbol of Arnor's royal authority.

When Arnor split, both the Annúminas-stone and Sceptre were taken to Fornost, capital of Arthedain.

When Arthedain was finally destroyed by the Witch-king of Angmar, both the Annúminas-stone and Amon Sûl stone were taken by ship by Arthedain's last king, only to sink into the sea unfortunately.

Only the Sceptre of Annúminas was rescued when the Witch-king captured Fornost and entrusted to Elrond for safekeeping.

Kael had seen it in Rivendell, placed beside the broken sword Narsil.

To the east of the city lay the Way of Kings, the burial ground of Arnor's monarchs, including the tomb of Elendil, founder of Arnor.

Along with magnificent gates and towering walls.

Even after years of abandonment, this once-greatest northern human city still radiated ineffable beauty and historical weight.

Whether fortunate or unfortunate for this city, Annúminas was actively abandoned, so unlike other cities like Fornost, it never suffered destruction by the Witch-king of Angmar's armies.

Therefore, the city's main structures were completely preserved intact.

With proper restoration, this declining city might regain its former glory.

After admiring Annúminas's scenery, Kael patted the great eagle beneath him.

"Thorondor, descend."

He planned to land in Annúminas and check in first.

But as the great eagle approached the city, several figures appeared from corners below, raising bows with vigilant, wary expressions toward the eagle and Kael on its back.

Kael noticed them, seeing their tall stature, handsome appearance, and distinctive dark hair, immediately guessing their identity.

"Are you friends of the Dúnedain? I mean no harm." Kael's voice wasn't loud but reached the ears of those below clearly and accurately, as if speaking directly in their ears.

The people below had their pupils contract, knowing the visitor was extraordinary. They lowered their bows slightly but remained vigilant.

Especially seeing the great eagle's enormous body and giant wings stirring up fierce winds, they were greatly alarmed.

The great eagle flapped its wings and landed in what appeared to be a wide plaza area.

Kael jumped down from the eagle's back and walked toward the wary group with a friendly smile.

"You needn't be vigilant. I'm merely passing through and, seeing this magnificent ancient city, specifically came down to pay respects. Please forgive any disturbance!"

"Who are you?" The eldest among them, appearing to be in his forties or fifties, asked.

"I am Kael, residing at Weathertop." Kael introduced himself with a smile.

The Dúnedain showed surprise. "You are the black-robed wizard Kael? The dragon lord?"

"That should be me." Kael nodded with a smile.

Seeing this, the Dúnedain relaxed and put away their bows.

"I am Thalmir." The elder introduced himself and his companions. "These are Calen, Celepharn, Anfalas, and Findegil. We are all kinsmen guarding this place."

He probed tentatively. "May I ask where Wizard Kael is traveling? Why pass through here?"

Kael didn't mind the probing, somewhat surprised.

"I heard Annúminas had long been abandoned and uninhabited. I didn't expect people still guarding it. As for me, I'm traveling to the Grey Havens to visit the lord there. I'm also touring famous sites along the way, so I first visited Fornost in the North Downs, though unfortunately it's become ruins. I could only regretfully come to Annúminas to pay respects to the ancient city."

Thalmir was alarmed. "You went to Fornost? You didn't awaken the sleeping evil spirits there?"

Kael shook his head. "My luck wasn't great. I not only encountered evil spirits but also goblins and werewolves. Quite troublesome indeed."

The Dúnedain were shocked.

They naturally knew about Fornost's evil spirits, never approaching to avoid awakening them. They even spread rumors of Fornost being haunted to deter visitors.

They'd also heard of the goblins, scattered remnants left in the North Downs mountains after the Witch-king destroyed Arthedain and was defeated by the combined armies of men and elves.

Except for occasionally raiding travelers, they weren't threatening.

But they hadn't expected werewolves to exist in the North Downs!

The Dúnedain spent their lives fighting dark creatures to guard this lost kingdom's territory in northern Arnor, so they'd encountered werewolves before.

Werewolves' cunning and power were deeply ingrained. Orcs and wargs couldn't compare. They'd suffered heavy losses to werewolves before.

So hearing of werewolves' presence greatly alarmed Thalmir.

Seeing the Dúnedain's grave expressions, Kael smiled reassuringly. "But don't worry. I've eliminated all the evil spirits, goblins, and werewolves in the North Downs. It's no longer dangerous."

"You eliminated them all?!" The Dúnedain were shocked.

Kael explained casually. "It's not far from the Weather Hills, with plains between. If they moved south to invade Weathertop, there'd be no obstacles. To prevent future problems, I had to clear them all out."

The Dúnedain looked at each other.

The Dúnedain didn't all live together but were scattered throughout Eriador, communicating through letters and gathering only for major events like orc invasions.

So they'd long heard of Kael's fame and knew about his restoration of Amon Sûl tower and establishment of a castle and territory at Weathertop.

Strictly speaking, both the Amon Sûl tower and Weathertop belonged to the former kingdoms of Arnor and later Arthedain.

As descendants of the kingdom, the Dúnedain viewed this land as their homeland, so they'd guarded Eriador for generations, constantly fighting evil forces from spreading there.

Kael's establishment of territory at Weathertop should have caused conflict with the Dúnedain.

But strength determined status. Given Kael's current power and position, even the Dúnedain were unwilling to offend him, so they accepted his rule over Weathertop.

Now hearing Kael had eliminated all evil creatures in the North Downs, the Dúnedain finally gained some recognition of this black-robed wizard's strength.

While conversing with the Dúnedain, Kael secretly awaited the system's response.

But seeing no reaction, he asked. "I'm very curious about Annúminas. May I look around?"

The Dúnedain all looked to their eldest.

Elder Thalmir nodded. "That's fine. Let me guide Wizard Kael."

"Much obliged!"

Kael then toured this ancient city with Thalmir.

Passing through trade markets, residential areas, pools, gardens, and other places, Thalmir carefully recounted their history.

Seeing no system response, Kael wasn't anxious, instead touring everywhere under Thalmir's guidance and explanations.

They then came to the Way of Kings.

The Way of Kings was a road full of solemnity and mystery, lined with tombs of Arnor's monarchs.

The tombs were built with huge white stone blocks, designed simply yet beautifully, and carved with exquisite reliefs and runes recording each king's life and achievements.

The further inward, the more ancient the tomb owners.

Kael noticed that unlike other abandoned buildings, the Way of Kings was clean and tidy, clearly regularly maintained.

Following Thalmir to the road's end stood the largest tomb directly facing the path.

Before the tomb stood a tall royal statue holding the sword Narsil, gazing straight ahead with a majestic bearing.

"This is the resting place of Elendil the High King, founder of Arnor, our Dúnedain's greatest monarch."

Thalmir bowed reverently to the statue before introducing it to Kael.

Looking at the tomb and statue, Kael also bowed.

He admired Elendil, Arnor's founder, someone who could fight Sauron at his peak and, though ultimately sacrificing himself, temporarily freed Middle-earth from Sauron's great threat.

"Orchideous!"

Colorful flowers instantly bloomed at the statue's feet.

This was Kael's respect for this monarch.

Seeing this, Thalmir immediately felt favorably toward Kael.

Unfortunately, no system response came here either. After paying respects at Elendil's tomb, Kael left the Way of Kings to visit other places.

Finally, in the Chamber of Annúminas-Elendil, the palace at the city's highest point containing Elendil's throne, the system finally responded.

[Hogwarts Check-in System: Located at Annúminas - Chamber of Annúminas-Elendil, check in?]

Kael calmly thought: "Check in."