Return to our Destiny.

9. Saruman the White

Gandalf rides swiftly and comes to a huge stone tower, set on a plain in the middle of a forest. Gandalf passes under a stone bridge and comes to the entrance of the tower. A tall figure cloaked in white descends the steps. "Smoke rises from the mountain of Doom. The hour grows late and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my counsel. For that is why you have come, is it not... my old friend?" "Saruman." Gandalf bows as he greets his friend. 

Gandalf and Saruman are walking through the Gardens of Isengard. "You are sure of this?" Saruman asks wanting to be sure, "Beyond any doubt." Gandalf says, "So, the Ring of Power has been found." Saruman muses and Gandalf nods. "All these long years it was in the Shire, under my very nose." says with a soft teasing but worried tone, "Yet you did not have the wit to see it. Your love of the halfling's leaf has clearly slowed your mind." Saruman insulted. 

"But we still have time. Time enough to counter Sauron if we act quickly." Gandalf states, "Time?! What time do you think we have?" Saruman snaps, Gandalf and Saruman take some wine and confer in Saruman's chamber, amidst ancient scrolls, books, numerous quills, and a few jars containing strange creatures. "Sauron has regained much of his former strength. He cannot yet take physical form, but his spirit has lost none of its potency." 

"Concealed within his fortress, the Lord of Mordor sees all — his gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh. You know of what I speak, Gandalf — a great Eye... lidless... wreathed in flame." Saruman says as he's watches Gandalf, "The Eye of Sauron." Gandalf is worried. "He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon he will summon an army great enough to launch an assault upon Middle-Earth." Saruman informs, with a tone of slight pride. 

"You know this? How?" Gandalf insists, "I have seen it." Saruman answers. 

***

Gandalf and Saruman enter another chamber. Upon a plinth sits an object covered in dark cloth. A large chair, like a throne, stands against a wall. "A Palantír is a dangerous tool, Saruman." "Why? Why should we fear to use it?" Saruman unveils the Palantír. It is a perfectly spherical ball, made of some sort of glass, with strange swirls in its depths. "They are not all accounted for, the lost Seeing Stones. We do not know who else may be watching!"

He covers the Palantír. The Eye of Sauron flashes briefly. Saruman seats himself upon his throne, "The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul." Saruman informs the gray wizard, "The Nine!" he gasps, "They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black." Saruman says with a knowing smirk. "They've reached the Shire?!" Gandalf is filled with worry now. 

"They will find the Ring... and kill the one who carries it." Saruman says cruelly, "Frodo!" Gandalf gasps as he heads towards the door but Saruman closes it with his mind and the other doors in turn. Trapped, Gandalf looks at Saruman. "You did not seriously think that a hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron? There are none who can." Saruman says but Gandalf doesn't speak. 

"Against the power of Mordor there can be no victory. We must join with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend." Saruman says hoping Gandalf would join him, "Tell me, 'friend', when did Saruman the wise abandon reason for madness?!" With a shout, Saruman points his staff at Gandalf, throwing him up and pinning him against the far wall, then drops him heavily to the floor.

Gandalf counters with his own staff, throwing Saruman onto his back. They battle back and forth. Saruman yanks Gandalf's staff from his hands, and he advances on Gandalf with both staffs. Gandalf spins helplessly just above the floor. "I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly. But you... have elected... the way of... pain!" Saruman sends Gandalf rising to the pinnacle of Orthanc.