In front Sauron knelt Khamul and Akeno.
The second-in-command of the Nazguls had accomplished the task of bringing the Witch-King back from Angmar with great success.
Sauron: Khamul, since you came back to this world you have completed your missions one after another with great dedication, as such I will grant you a reward.
Khamul: It is useless my lord, to see the fulfillment of your plans and more than enough joy.
Sauron with a smirk: My dear servant, do you forget that I know each of your doubts and each of your desires, you can hide nothing from me.
The nazgul second lieutenant flinched. He neither feared nor respected a person as much as his master.
Sauron: Don't worry I know where your loyalty lies, you will surely be delighted to hear that I have found your descendants.
Khamul was more than shocked to hear this news. Many Ages have passed since his mortal life, he had already given up the idea that his blood still flows in this world.
Sauron: It's surprising, but it seems that your descendants have succeeded in rebuilding a kingdom in the last 200 years. This nation is on the continent of Ishgar and is called the Pergrande Kingdom. Although you are rewarded by being able to find your descendants, I also entrust you with the task of submitting to my authority. You can take two of your brothers with you, but I only give you seven days to complete this mission!
Khamul: I humbly thank you for this award and honor, my lord. I give you my word that the eastern lands will once again lead a cult in your name.
The specter stood up to hurry out of the room, feeling more energized than he had ever felt before. During all this conversation, Akeno remained kneeling, waiting for his master to turn his gaze towards her to be allowed to speak.
Sauron: My herald, do you know why I allowed you to observe this conversation?
Akeno: Sorry, I don't know.
Sauron: Two reasons. First of all, I wanted you to take an example of the behavior to adopt towards your subordinates. These will take advantage of the slightest of your weaknesses to have the chance to take your place, you must show them why they must fear you and respect you to prevent ideas of betrayal from coming to their mind.
The thunder priestess took her master's teachings to heart. His time in Uzugakure taught him how cruel and vicious his lord's servants, especially the Uruks, can be even to their fellows.
Sauron: Thereafter, as soon as Khamul returns, Angmar and all the Nazguls will accompany you to accomplish a mission of great importance, the one that brought you to my side.
Akeno: So the time has come?
Sauron: Indeed, war is upon us, the usurper and the White Council will ravage the elemental nations in a war they believe will be decisive, but they are only a march to the arena which will see my army face the Valars. For the next few months, as we let them play their games, we'll put in place a plan to invade the High Heavens.
As Sauron's herald held his head down, she felt her master's spectral hand lift her chin. With just one look, he could see all the hesitation hiding in her eyes.
Akeno: Master, I...
Sauron almost whispering: You doubt you can take the responsibility of freeing the fragments of my soul thus leading the world into a conflict involving the fate of Arda, do you?
Akeno looked away, but she knew hiding something from the Dark lord was futile.
Sauron: Don't worry I know how vicious my methods are. Although I admit to striving for supreme power, my end goal is far greater than possessing a mere throne.
Hesitant Akeno: What do you mean?
Sauron slightly amused: I promise you that one day you will understand, just know that if my ambitions were to lead to the destruction of Arda, Eru Ilúvatar would have removed me from this world long ago.
Akeno's fears diminished. Anyway, her master was the only one who could bring her mother back to the world of the living, she had betrayed her best friend to see this happen, she didn't want to stop now.
Akeno: My lord, I would like to retire to reflect on your teachings.
Sauron: Right, tomorrow morning go to Angmar to find out the details of the mission and prepare for it.
As Akeno exited his master's chambers, Sauron turned his attention back to the coffin in the corner of the room and its occupant, a red haired young woman.
Sauron thought: Melkor was right in the end, only war and an iron fist can bring unity to this world.