The Vision
Christina

A March 15 well before 2251, second age.
Originally posted to the Hennuth Annun list for the Ides of March challenge.
One should not ignore the visions of the Seer, especially a king who's destiny will forever be tied to the month of March.
I'm just playing in the history of Middle Earth.

The Seer bowed deeply as he entered the throne room. He'd not wanted to obey the summons that brought him to the palace. His own life was in jeopardy, he knew that--but so was the King's. The vision nearly knocked him to the ground.

He saw a mighty King whose heart longed for more. The King craved total and absolute power. He saw darkness and despair.

The King stared at him, before speaking, in a low deep voice. "I wish a seeing--and have been told you are the best. What do you see?"

The Seer took a deep breath. "Your Majesty, seeing cannot be summoned on command. It is a faithless gift." Anything but tell what he'd seen.

The King drew his sword. "I saw you as you entered. You had a vision. I am old, I want to know the nature of my death."

The Seer closed his eyes. "Beware of March," he whispered. "Your doom will come in March."

"Is that all you see?" The sword came closer to the Seer's throat.

He gasped at the feel of the point. "No man can kill you."

The King pulled the sword away, the Seer braved a quick glance up. There was a small, nasty, smile on the King's face.

At the same moment, the doors to the throne room were thrown open, and a courtier ran in. "Your Majesty, the messenger from the Lord Sauron has arrived."

The King sheathed his sword. "Finally. Have him enter."

The Seer stood and stealthily moved toward the wall, hoping to escape while the King was distracted. The fair messenger knelt before the King and extended a small box. The King took it.

The Seer was almost to the door. Once there, it would be easy to escape.

The King opened the box. "NOOOO." The Seer fell to his knees and clasped a hand over his mouth--everyone was now looking at him. His vision of what was around him clouded by his foresight.

The King fingered the Ring in the box then placed it on his finger. "A gift from my Lord Sauron. You do not approve?" Again the King's sword was out. He walked toward the Seer, blade extended.

The Seer trembled, words failing him. All he could see and think was the future of this man. "Don't take the Ring. sire. Send it back." Even as he spoke, he saw three things: the King fading and finding the power he sought, but never again his own master; a woman standing proud holding a sword over her head; and his own death. He grew cold; but would try and make one last attempt to prevent the future he saw. "Your majesty--that Ring will destroy you..."

The last thing he ever saw was the King's sword raised above his head.

***