Since Rings of Power 1st season has concluded, and the showrunners of this turkey have been sidelined, I've been thinking of other ways to script Middle Earth's Second Age, hewing a bit closer to lore. I figured I might as well write out some of what came to me, this week and post it someplace. Here's my take on Sauron's first meeting with Ar-Pharazôn, High King of Numenor--the Monty Python reference is intentional, BTW:
Scene:
Sauron and pre-Nazgul Khamul dismount horses and march to the top of a ridge with legions of orcs behind them. When they reach the top, overlooking the sea, they behold the vastness of Ar-Pharazôn’s Navy. The legions of orcs are taken aback at the sight, while Sauron and Khamul remain impassive.
SAURON
Khamul,…
KHAMUL
Yes, my lord.
SAURON
What is your honest assessment of our ability to repel this invading force?
Khamul continues to stare at the Numenorean Navy for a beat, then looks back at the shaky orc legions. Then back to Sauron.
KHAMUL
My lord, your abilities are great, but your legions are not yet of sufficient mettle to repel these forces before us.
Body still facing the invaders, Sauron turns his head to the orc legions, peering at them from the corner of his eye.
SAURON
Very well, then. You rabble can run back to Mordor.
LEAD ORC
…Run away?
SAURON
(gestures dismissively)
Go on. Off with you.
The orcs closest to Sauron and Khamul shout to the rest, RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY!!!, which carries through the ranks as they flee the field. Sauron then turns to Khamul, while loosening his sword belt.
SAURON
You, too, Khamul. See to the completion of the fortifications in Nurn. I want them at ready, when I get back.
KHAMUL
When shall that be, my lord?
SAURON
Whenever…Just know that it shall be.
Sauron hands his sword belt with the sword and his staff to Khamul.
SAURON
And take these back for safekeeping.
KHAMUL
Yes, my Lord.
With those items in hand, Khamul mounts his horse and rides off with Sauron’s horse following.
Sauron turns back to the coast and gazes at Ar-Pharazôn’s vast armada and the first landing craft, dropping from the larger ships and arriving on shore. First to set foot on the beach is Ar-Pharazôn, himself, drawing his sword to lead his men onward. Sauron cracks a wry smile.
SAURON
Ar-Pharazôn’s navy sends my army scurrying like mice.
To conquer mighty Numenor, let my tongue suffice.
Sauron heads down the berm toward Ar-Pharazôn’ forces, hands outstretched.
When Ar-Pharazôn catches sight of Sauron, he strides toward him aggressively, ready to strike the Dark Lord down. Sauron falls to his knees and bows his head.
SAURON
I yield to you, O great Ar-Pharazôn, High King of Numenor!
AR-PHARAZON
Where’s your army, thou presumptive “Lord of the Earth?”
SAURON
Fled the field at the sight of your vast, royal navy, sire. They are indeed far wiser than me.
Ar-Pharazôn lifts his sword.
AR-PHARAZON
And why, Abhorrent One, should I not remove that treacherous head of yours, right where you grovel?
Sauron looks up in earnestness.
SAURON
Your grace, I am unworthy to fall by any blade, let alone one so fine as wielded by so great a king as thee. I am indeed abhorrent, but a fool, a wretch, a knave—call me not, “Sauron, Lord of the Earth,” but Zigur, the slave. Do with me as you wish.
Sauron bows his head, again.
Ar-Pharazôn jabs his blade into the ground close to Sauron, brusquely lifting his submissive foe’s chin and making eye contact.
AR-PHARAZON
And what, then, shall I do with Zigur the slave?
Sauron gazes softly in Ar-Pharazôn’s eyes.
SAURON
Let me serve you…my king.
Long pause. Then Ar-Pharazôn bursts out laughing and lightly smacks Sauron on the cheek. Rising, Ar-Pharazôn summons a couple of nearby men and sheathes his sword.
AR-PHARAZON
Put him in the brig. I’ll decide his fate, when we return.
Sauron cracks a smile, again, as a couple of the king’s men bind his hands and lead him to a boat.
