The palace of Thalion', on the southern edge of Metraith, was long the favored residence of the Kings of Cardolan. Thorondur chose it as his capital upon the division of Arnor, and, when one of his lieutenants complained that the location was indefensible, Thorondur proclaimed that he would need no defenses. This boast did not long survive the first King of Cardolan—Thalion was captured and ransomed by Arthadan forces during the Twelve Years War. Since that defeat, the palace had fallen fourteen times and been looted five times, the last time during the insurrection in Feotar.After the Princes of Dol Tinare had been burnt out of their more secure keeps, they hoped to rebuild Thalion to its former glory.