"Last night, did you hear any commotion from the White Mountains, like cheers or the wails of ghosts…?"
It was very late when Mike returned from the White Mountains last night, and Thengel and the others had already gone to sleep.
However, it seemed that the Prince of Lohan was not sleeping soundly due to his concern for the situation in Edoras.
Therefore, he heard some movements from the Ghost Army in the White Mountains.
"The Gondor Ghost Army has waited for over a thousand years and finally found hope, so they might have had a small 'celebration.' But don't worry, they have their own mission and will not affect our actions in any way." Mike did not hide the matter of the Ghost Army, revealing some details to Thengel.
Anyway, until they are summoned, the Gondor Ghost Army cannot leave the White Mountains.
Naturally, there is no talk of influence.
"There are really ghosts?…" Thengel was surprised for a moment but did not ask further.
His most urgent task now was to return to Edoras and save the entire Rohan from his father's hands.
Compared to matters of the living, irrelevant ghosts could only wait.
"What do you plan to do next? Why don't we incite some soldiers from the Rohan border and take them with us to Edoras to see my father…?" Thengel's return this time was to take the position of King of Gondor from his incompetent father.
Therefore, he proposed a feasible suggestion.
It should be known that although King Fengel was incompetent, he had gathered a large number of capable people around him to protect his safety.
In Thengel's view, launching a coup under such circumstances would not be easy.
"No need for such trouble, we'll just go directly to Edoras and deal with your father. I believe that for Gondor, the ministers will know how to choose between you and your father." Mike offered a clearer solution.
Between a current king who has lost the support of his people and a young and promising prince, any discerning person would know how to choose.
If those Rohan ministers and personal guards were still ignorant, Mike would personally make them understand the stakes.
In the following days, with Mike's guarantee, Thengel led the three hundred elite soldiers supported by the Regent of Gondor, bypassed the Rohan border guards, and headed straight for Edoras, the capital of Rohan.
Thanks to the current King Fengel's perverse actions, the military strength on the Rohan border had long been neglected, allowing Orc teams to enter and exit freely, so Mike's three-hundred-man surprise force naturally had a smooth journey.
"Raise the Prince's banner, let's go see the King of Rohan," Mike issued the order in front of the Edoras city gate.
After three days of long travel, they finally arrived at the capital city of Rohan.
As a Prince's banner was raised high, the guards at the Edoras city gate finally realized that the Prince had returned.
Seeing the Prince of Lohan and the three hundred well-equipped and ill-intentioned soldiers behind him, the guards realized something was wrong.
But no matter what the Prince of Lohan wanted to do, it was, after all, their "family matter."
Therefore, under the leadership of smart individuals, the Rohan Royal City guards wisely chose to protect themselves.
They watched, wide-eyed, as the Prince of Lohan and the contingent behind him entered the capital of Rohan.
"How dare you return without my summons? And what's with the Gondor soldiers behind you?…" In front of the Rohan capital palace, the current King Fengel, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, looked displeased as he blocked his son, Thengel.
A king who was solely devoted to pleasure naturally disliked his son giving orders, so King Fengel had a strong aversion to his son.
However, upon seeing the Gondor soldiers behind the other party, a deep look of apprehension appeared on his face.
After all, if the Regent of Gondor, who was far away in Gondor, intended to target him, King Fengel felt that his good days were probably coming to an end.
He knew his own situation…
King Fengel was well aware that with Rohan's current national strength, it was impossible to resist the Regent of Gondor's army.
"Father King, you're advanced in years. If you choose to abdicate now and yield to the worthy, I guarantee you will have a peaceful old age." Thengel looked at his father, whose body had been hollowed out by wine and women, and his resolve grew even stronger.
The current King Fengel of Rohan was actually only in his early forties, and though he should have been in his prime, his body had become extremely weak due to years of indulgence and pleasure.
His loose skin and full head of white hair made him look like a useless old man on the verge of death.
"Is this your intention, or the intention of the Regent of Gondor?" Power and wealth made the King of Rohan unwilling to let go.
With a fierce glint in his eyes, he even showed some kingly aura.
"For all the people of Rohan, please abdicate!" Prince Thengel bowed, not answering his father's question.
"So, this is your own intention…" King Fengel sneered, then suddenly roared, "How dare you! This is open rebellion. Guards!!! Seize him and throw him into the dungeon!"
Without the threat of the Regent of Gondor, the King of Rohan felt he was capable again.
In an instant, a dozen people stepped out from his personal guard.
Seeing the situation change, Mike gestured with his eyes to the three hundred elite soldiers from Gondor.
Immediately, three hundred longswords were drawn, hacking the dozen loyal guards into a bloody mess.
There was no quicker way to seek death than this.
The combat power difference between the two sides present was clearly huge, so why would anyone think the King's title would be more effective than the Prince's will?
"King of Rohan, do you remember me? You once sent someone to invite me, and now I have come." Mike also stepped forward at this moment, walking in front of the King of Rohan.
"You, you're that mysterious Healer from Gondor?" The King of Rohan naturally couldn't remember Mike as the Troll Slayer.
But according to legend, the mysterious Healer from Gondor, besides possessing miraculous healing power, had the most prominent feature of being incredibly handsome.
Connecting this with Mike standing with the three hundred Gondor soldiers, the King of Rohan managed to guess his identity.
"What did Thengel promise you to make you help him so much?" Although King Fengel of Rohan was incompetent, his discernment was not poor. He could tell that the three hundred elite Gondor soldiers present seemed to be obeying the Healer's command, so he promised, "As long as you defect to me, I can satisfy whatever you want. Beauties, money, power…"
"Even, I can share the power of the Rohan royal family with you…"
Well, in order to maintain his position and continue his pleasures, King Fengel of Gondor had already "gone mad."
Mike shook his head, ignoring the other party, and instead looked at the hundred-plus members of the King's personal guard who were still observing, saying, "King Fengel's perverse actions have caused the people of Rohan to suffer. Are you still going to continue aiding and abetting evil?"
"Lay down your weapons now and forsake evil for good. I believe Prince Thengel will treat you well afterward."
These personal guard members could be said to be the elites King Fengel had gathered from various parts of Rohan.
Mike also saw Andre in the crowd.
If these people were used properly, Rohan might soon emerge from its gloom.
"Thengel, are you really going to watch an outsider control the power of Rohan? This is outrageous…" Seeing that Mike was ignoring him and instead inciting rebellion among the King's personal guard, King Fengel began to reprimand his son.
After all, the reason Mike used to incite the personal guard was in the name of Prince Thengel.
It could be said that when people are forced, they can indeed unleash great potential.
The King of Rohan, who had always presented an image of incompetence, surprisingly became clear-headed at this moment.
At the same time, some Rohan ministers who had caught wind of the situation and came to watch the excitement also began to reprimand Prince Thengel.
For these ministers, an incompetent king had his advantages; at least, an incompetent king, besides focusing on pleasure, wouldn't interfere too broadly.
Accustomed to corruption, they clearly did not want Prince Thengel, who appeared to be a wise ruler, to take power.
"The rebels have jumped out; now it's up to you." After doing everything he needed to do, Mike stepped back, yielding the stage to Prince Thengel.
After all, the other party was the true successor of Rohan.
Things had reached this point, and it was time for the other party to finish it.
"I'm sorry, Father King, but for the people of Rohan, I have no choice." When Prince Thengel looked up again, his eyes were incredibly sharp. He then looked past the King of Rohan and at the King's personal guard, saying, "I know many of you joined the personal guard and aided evil against your will. Now, as long as you follow my call, I promise to forgive your past actions."
"Furthermore, for the sake of Rohan, those among you with ability will be given important positions later."
The successor of Rohan, or rather, the future King of Rohan, had spoken. Like Andre, the guard members who still cared about Rohan's future quickly laid down their weapons and bowed to Prince Thengel.
"Father King, please abdicate!"
Prince Thengel, holding the upper hand, looked at the King of Rohan again.
This time, his gaze was no longer gentle, and his tone became incredibly firm.
"Enough, enough, it seems I am truly old." King Fengel of Rohan was defeated by his son's sharp gaze. After a sigh, he accepted reality.
Then, Prince Thengel commanded the Gondor elite soldiers to arrest several Rohan ministers who had been particularly vocal and send them to prison.
…
The next day, after informing all the people of Rohan, Prince Thengel officially received the crown symbolizing Rohan's royal authority in the Edoras Grand Hall.
At the same time, the Rohan army also initiated reforms from that day, and capable generals were re-dispatched to the borders to resist the invasion of dark forces.
…
"Now that the situation in Rohan has just improved, are you sure you don't want to stay longer?" After only two people were left in the Royal Palace, Thengel asked Mike with genuine emotion.
More than half a month had passed since Thengel took over as King of Rohan, and under his forceful reforms, Rohan was developing in a good direction.
As for the old King Fengel, he had been placed under house arrest.
Also, due to Mike's contributions to Rohan, he was now given the title of Honorary Imperial Advisor of Rohan.
This title meant that Mike didn't need to do anything else for Rohan but could always enjoy rights second only to the King in Rohan.
This showed that Thengel was much more generous than the Regent of Gondor.
"My business here is done; I should go do my own things." Mike saw that Thengel intended to keep him, but still chose to refuse, while also encouraging him, "Believe in yourself, you will become a great king!"
Two days later, under the reluctant gazes of Thengel and his son Théoden, Mike left behind a dozen chests of treasures and departed Rohan alone, once again embarking on the journey to Lonely Mountain.
Meanwhile, after flying over the Misty Mountains on giant eagles, the Dwarf Adventure Squad, after a brief rest, finally reached the Black Forest, the last stop before Lonely Mountain.
This forest, cursed by demonic energy, is inhabited by the Sindar Elves, enemies of the Dwarves, and their king, Thranduil.
Before entering this twisted forest, Gandalf, the Gray Wizard, saw the mark of the dark forces, the Eye of Sauron, at the entrance.
This indicated that Sauron's dark army had crossed the Sindar Elves' northeastern defense line and entered the Misty Mountains from the north.
Coupled with the Orc Warg riders from Moria in the south, Sauron's army had simultaneously formed a sweeping advance on Middle-earth from both the south and north.
This discovery made Gandalf restless, so after cautioning the Adventure Squad to be careful once they entered the Black Forest, the wizard ventured alone to Dol Guldur, a fortress in the Misty Mountains, intending to investigate.
Dol Guldur, backed by the Misty Mountains to the west, is located in the center of Middle-earth and was once an important stronghold for dark creatures invading Middle-earth.
It could be said that if the dark forces were to reoccupy it, it would signify that the peace in the western part of Middle-earth would also be shattered.
As Gandalf and the Dwarf Adventure Squad split into two groups, Mike also took a boat down the Anduin River and arrived at Lothlórien.
This is home to the Nandor Elves, which is the territory of Queen Galadriel and her husband Celeborn.
Princess Arwen also resides here for many years.
"Halt! This is an important area for the Elves; unauthorized personnel are not permitted—"
When Mike arrived at the entrance of the Golden Forest, he was stopped by an Elven patrol squad.
The Golden Forest, where the Nandor Elves reside, is called the Golden Forest because it is home to a type of tree called Mallorn.
These trees grow tall, each typically between six and ten meters. Their bark is smooth and silvery-gray, and every autumn, their leaves turn golden yellow and never fall.
At the same time, many golden flowers bloom among the branches, looking like a fairyland from afar.
It is no less beautiful than the scenery in Rivendell.
It was now the transition between autumn and winter, the most beautiful season in the Golden Forest.
"I am the adventurer Mike, and I have met your Queen Galadriel before. I am only here this time to admire the beautiful scenery." After being stopped, Mike immediately stated his identity.
"So you're 'Troll Slayer' from the North. I heard that when you passed through Moria, you even eliminated that evil Balrog there..."
"Your news is outdated. I heard that Mr. Mike recently went to the Gondor Line of Defense, and because he resolved the hidden danger of the corpse puppet virus, he earned the praise of 'The Healer' there..."
"I didn't expect this legendary human hero to actually be so handsome..."
"..."
Because Queen Galadriel was in charge, the number of female Elven warriors in the Golden Forest was no less than that of male Elves.
And Mike was lucky; he happened to encounter a patrol squad composed of female Elves.
However, compared to male Elves, female Elves were more curious, and soon their conversation veered off to who knows where.
"Hmm, I wonder if I have the honor of visiting the Golden Forest?" Mike cleared his throat, drawing the female Elves' attention back.
If he let them continue chatting, it would be dark soon.
"Of course." The Elven squad leader, a female Elf with a hint of heroism in her attire, said with a smile, "It is our honor to host a human hero."
"Moreover, Princess Arwen mentioned you many times after she returned from Rivendell last time. She will be very happy if she knows you have come to the Golden Forest."
Subsequently, a group of beautiful female Elven warriors led Mike deeper into the Golden Forest.
Along the way, they enthusiastically inquired about his experiences in the Northern Highlands, Moria, and even the Gondor Line of Defense.
Of course, some female Elves also curiously asked about Mike's gossip with Princess Arwen.
Indeed, having a good reputation is advantageous everywhere, unlike Saruman, the White Wizard, who shamelessly went to help Gondor defend the fortress, only to be disliked.
Speaking of Saruman, Mike saw him after entering the Nandor Elven stronghold.
After being "expelled" from Gondor, the White Wizard came to Lothlórien. At this moment, he was strolling along a forest path by the stream, seemingly clearing his mind.
"Hello, Saruman, long time no see." Mike smiled and greeted the other party upon meeting an acquaintance.
The White Wizard also did not expect to see Mike here, especially the smile on his face, which he found very irritating.
So, as if he had seen something dirty, Saruman immediately turned and walked away.
Saruman had also heard about Mike's contributions on the Gondor Line of Defense. Since both belonged to the side of justice, the White Wizard naturally admired Mike's actions.
It was just that their auras clashed.
So, if he couldn't stand it, he could avoid it. Saruman chose to ignore him to avoid annoyance.
"How rude." Mike looked at the other party's embarrassed retreating figure and shrugged with a smile.
Honestly, teasing this poker face occasionally was quite interesting.
"I heard that the White Wizard's work in Gondor has not been going well recently, which might have affected his mood, hence this behavior. Please be more understanding..."
The female Elven captain, unaware of the existing conflict between Mike and the White Wizard, was still trying to make amends for the White Wizard's rudeness.
It must be said that the female Elves' personalities are indeed very kind.
"I don't think the White Wizard is anything special. Maybe he's jealous of Mr. Mike's good reputation in Gondor..."
"He always has a stern face, as if everyone owes him something..."
"..."
One's appearance determines how one is treated, and moreover, every female Elf is essentially a potential member of the 'looks-are-everything' club.
Coupled with Mike's various legendary experiences, many female Elves also spoke up for him, collectively criticizing the White Wizard's poor personality.
In this way, the group passed through the forest stream and reached the Nandor Elves' residential area.
The Nandor Elves are close to nature and have a special love for water. Therefore, their dwelling place not only has mountain streams but also a huge waterfall.
Mike also saw Princess Arwen here; she was still dressed in her blue gauze dress, playing in the pool by the waterfall.
"What a coincidence, you're here too." Mike also smiled and greeted the Princess.
"Mi-Mike..." Arwen, who was immersed in her own world, was startled by the sudden interruption. After recognizing who it was, she immediately put on airs and corrected him, "This is my home."
"Is that so? Then I won't disturb your playing in the water, you continue." Mike nodded and continued to walk with the female Elves towards the Elven residential area.
"What an annoying fellow..." Watching Mike's laughing and chatting departure with the female Elves, Princess Arwen couldn't help but grind her teeth.
Then she regretted her earlier lapse.
As evening arrived, since Queen Galadriel and her husband Celeborn were not in the Golden Forest, only Princess Arwen was responsible for hosting Mike.
Of course, at the other end of the table sat the perpetually stern-faced White Wizard Saruman.
"I heard you're going to compete with the Dwarves for the treasure of Lonely Mountain, is that true?" At the dinner table, the Princess seemed intentionally to forget the previous unpleasantness.
She spoke first, breaking the silence with Mike.
As for Saruman at the other end, he was completely transparent and could be ignored.
"What's wrong, can't I? Lonely Mountain is currently unclaimed territory; anyone can go if they wish." Mike replied while eating the Nandor Elven feast.
This time, the Princess didn't cause trouble, so besides some fresh vegetarian dishes, there were also many delicious meat dishes on the table.
Mike expressed his satisfaction.
"Are you that fond of treasure?" Feeling the sting in Mike's words, Princess Arwen's tone also became stiff.
In the eyes of the Elves, greed is also a sin.
Being accustomed to a life of detachment, they simply couldn't understand humanity's passion for money.
"It's alright, money isn't that important to me. I'm going to Lonely Mountain mainly to meet Smaug, the evil dragon." Mike said indifferently.
Smaug, as the last evil dragon in Middle-earth, has quite a reputation.
After dealing with him, Mike would definitely be able to collect a continuous stream of Power Of Faith.
Compared to improving his own strength, the treasures in Lonely Mountain held limited appeal for Mike.
"I knew it. How could a hero be lost to the temptation of money?" As if satisfied with Mike's answer, a hint of a smile unconsciously appeared on the Princess's face.
"..."
Thus, Mike stayed in Lothlórien for three days, enjoying good food and drink, and pleasant conversations with beautiful female Elves. Life couldn't have been more leisurely.
During this time, his relationship with Princess Arwen also eased, but when she saw Mike happily chatting with other female Elves, the Princess would still appear quite angry.
On this day, just as Mike was preparing to leave the Golden Forest and continue his journey to Lonely Mountain, Queen Galadriel and her husband Celeborn returned in a hurry from outside.
At the same time, they brought back bad news: Gandalf was in danger in Dol Guldur.
The couple had returned this time to ask Saruman, the White Wizard, to accompany them to Dol Guldur to rescue Gandalf.
However, what surprised the couple was seeing Mike here.
Mike's strength had already been recognized by everyone during the last White Council.
Therefore, when Queen Galadriel organized people to rescue Gandalf, she sincerely invited Mike as well.
"Go to Dol Guldur? No problem." Mike thought for a moment and then accepted the Elven Queen's invitation.
Currently, the Dwarf Adventure Squad should have just been rescued by the Sindar Elves in the Black Forest and then imprisoned by Thranduil.
Even if Mike went to Dol Guldur, he was confident that he could reach Lonely Mountain before the Dwarves escaped the Black Forest and headed there.