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Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Talk of War

Kaen looked at Gandalf and old Jack, and asked, "Do you think the world is at peace now?"

"Of course it i—"

Old Jack had just opened his mouth to reply with a firm yes, but the words caught in his throat. After all, they had just been attacked by Orcs earlier that very day.

Gandalf spoke instead. "It's been four hundred years since there was a full-scale war between the Free Peoples and the forces of Darkness."

Kaen didn't hesitate. "There's no such thing as a small or large war. There's no right or wrong, no true winner or loser. War only brings death."

Gandalf asked, "Then why would you choose to provoke it?"

Kaen answered calmly, "I'm not provoking war. I'm simply picking up a weapon."

A deep, thoughtful light flickered in Kaen's eyes as he continued, "War and peace are two sides of the same coin. They exist in tandem, like day and night. Inevitable. Unavoidable."

"You can't expect Orcs to suddenly grow crops under the moonlight and give up their raids. Nor can you expect Trolls to become vegetarians and nibble on leafy greens."

"Even among Men, there are the Free Peoples, the enslaved, the war-chariot tribes of the East, the Easterlings, the Haradrim… We war among our own kind—how much more so between the Light and the Dark?"

"War is inevitable. The only thing we can do is grasp the tools of war firmly in our hands and ensure that the initiative is ours."

His words left the two elders in a deep silence. After a long pause, they exchanged glances—and saw the same shock in each other's eyes.

What Kaen said held a brutal truth that hit especially hard for those who had lived long enough to see it firsthand.

From time immemorial, war between Light and Darkness had always followed the same pattern. No matter how many victories were claimed, the cost was always devastating.

Peace?

It was merely preparation for the next war.

"A rather… unique perspective," Gandalf murmured. He sighed. "Though I dislike admitting it, your words reflect what has indeed been true for centuries. We've simply refused to see it."

"You're a man of wisdom."

Old Jack nodded, his gaze turning distant with memory.

"My ancestors spoke of how, more than two thousand years ago, this land was once under the protection of the Dúnedain and the Kingdom of Arnor. Later, Arnor splintered into Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur."

"Centuries ago, those three realms fell, one after another, in their war against the mighty dark kingdom of Angmar. Since then, no human kingdom has stood in the western lands."

"The mighty Dúnedain, once a people of millions, are now but a scattered remnant of a few thousand. From a noble race of High Men, they've become wandering tribes."

"Peace has never lasted. War is the constant rhythm of this land. Even in the south, the Kingdom of Gondor must ever remain vigilant against the darkness rising from the East."

"…"

The room was thick with melancholy. The history of the land, with all its sorrows and ruins, weighed heavily on them.

At some point, Gandalf had lit his pipe, puffing quietly.

After a moment of silence, he turned to Kaen and asked, "You prepare for war. But to what end? What is your purpose?"

Their eyes locked, and Kaen felt as though thunder rolled through his mind, shaking his will to its core.

Gandalf, one of the guardians of Middle-earth, was testing him—not merely with words, but with power. This question wasn't just spoken aloud; it echoed within Kaen's soul, searching for the truth hidden deep inside.

Kaen's gaze remained steady, unshaken. "War and peace coexist. Better to meet fire with fire than sit and wait for the flames to consume you."

The moment the words left his lips, the storm in his mind vanished, and clarity returned.

"Hoo~"

Gandalf exhaled a ring of smoke and suddenly smiled. He turned to old Jack.

"I have dealt with many folk over long years—Hobbits, Dúnedain, Rohirrim, Sindar Elves, Noldor, Nandor… countless peoples."

"I have known many kings—some great, some mediocre, some blinded by their own vanity. I've advised many on whom they should follow. Today, I give you the same counsel."

"Kaen would make a fine lord. You heard what he said. If you are willing, take your people and follow him. He will give you a home."

The words struck like thunder—not just for old Jack, but even for Kaen himself.

He hadn't expected the famous Grey Wizard Gandalf to go so far as to help him gather followers. Was it all just because he had passed that trial?

Kaen didn't know that Gandalf, having lived for countless years, had seen more people than stars in the sky. He could see a man's nature in a single glance.

The test had merely been a precaution. Anyone whose soul could withstand such a trial and still remain firm in purpose—such a person had nothing left to prove to Gandalf.

Old Jack was just as stunned. As Gandalf had said, his ancestors had dealt with the wizard for generations. They held deep respect for this mysterious, powerful being.

And now the wizard himself had spoken these words—it was not something to be taken lightly.

Perhaps it was a prophecy.

Perhaps the young man before him truly would become a great king.

Old Jack hesitated. "Please… give me some time to think."

Kaen turned to Gandalf and said respectfully, "Old master, I deeply appreciate your endorsement."

Gandalf waved it off. "A man of worth needs no one's endorsement."

Kaen nodded slightly, then turned to old Jack. "I have no need to boast of my own excellence, nor would I force anyone to follow me. The choice is yours alone."

"However, I came here to recruit soldiers. I would appreciate it if you could help me spread the word. I offer fair pay—five silver coins a Month, with food and lodging included."

Old Jack nodded. "If the young folk are willing to follow you, then I will have no objection."

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