Twenty Four - Saruman's Secrets

“Keep up, Sam,” I said as Frodo and I walked ahead of him. The sun was just coming up and we had been walking all night, not that I’m complaining. 

“We have to be careful. Sauron has many spies. Birds, beasts, unnatural beings,” I said and looked back at Sam, who was still in shock. 

“We’ll only travel during the day and off of the roads, cutting through the country. It becomes more dangerous to travel as it gets darker, and the road is where we’ll be caught,” I explained. 

“And one last thing,” I stopped and he turned to me. “You have to leave the name of Baggins behind you,” I said and he nodded slowly.

“Ver,” He said. “Yeah?” I asked. “Who is Gandalf going to see?” Frodo asked. “Saruman, the head of his order,” I answered. “Sounds like you don’t like him,” Sam said as he caught up. 

“Something happened many years ago. There were signs of this happening. If he took these signs seriously... let's just say there are people who would still be alive,”

“What did he do?” Frodo asked. “Turned a blind eye,” 

~~~

“Frodo, Sam,” I whispered. Frodo looked at me from his spot in a tree and Sam looked up from the food. “Come with me,” I said. They got up and followed me through the woods. I stopped by the edge of the trail and we watched the wood-elves, who sang as they continued down the path. 

“Wood-elves,” Frodo smiled. “Yes, Frodo,” I whispered. “Where are they going?” Sam asked. “To the harbour beyond the White Towers, the Grey Havens,” I answered. “They’re leaving Middle-earth, never to return,” Frodo said and I nodded

“Do you know anyone that’s gone?” Frodo asked. “I do,” I nodded. “An Elf that lived in Mirkwood. Her name was Tauriel. After her love died in battle, she had nothing else here,” I continued. 

“Will you ever go?” Sam asked. “Maybe one day, years from now when I can sleep soundly,” I answered. 

‘If that time comes’ I thought

*Second POV*

“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 asked as Gandalf took off his hat. “Saruman,” Gandalf said, bowing his head.

~~~

“You are sure of this?” Saruman asked. “Beyond any doubt,” Gandalf assured him. “So the Ring of Power has been found,” Saruman said. 

“All these long years it was in the Shire. Under my very nose,” Gandalf said. “And yet you did not have the wits to see it. Your love of the halfling’s has slowed your mind,” Saruman chastised. 

“We still have time. Time enough to counter Sauron if we act quickly,” Gandalf pointed out. “Time? What time do you think we have?” Saruman asked. 

 The two wizards went up to the Tower.

“Sauron has regained much of his former strength. He will soon have physical form, 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 explained.

“The Eye of Sauron,” Gandalf whispered. 

“He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon, he’ll have summoned an army great enough to launch an assault upon Middle-earth,” Saruman went on. 

“You know this? How?” Gandalf asked. “I have seen it,” Saruman answered. 

They walked through to a room where a pedestal stood and a black cloth covered the palantir. “A palantir is a dangerous tool, Saruman,” Gandalf warned.

“Why? Why should we fear to use it?” Saruman removed the cloth, revealing a cloudy globe. “The lost seeing stones are not all accounted for. We do not know who else may be watching,” Gandalf covered the palantir back up. As he does, he sees a flash glimpse of Sauron's Eye.

“The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are already moving,” Saruman sat on his throne. “The Nine have left Minas Morgul,” Saruman continued. “The Nine?” Gandalf whispered.

“They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve disguised as riders in black,” Saruman explained. “They've reached the Shire?” Gandalf asked. “They will find the Ring and kill the one who carries it and anyone standing in their way,” Saruman said.

“Frodo,” Gandalf turned to leave but as he approached each door, they slam shut. “You did not seriously think that a Hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron. Against the power of Mordor there can be no victory. We must join him, Gandalf. We must join Sauron. It would be wise, my friend,” Saruman said.

 “Tell me, friend, when did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?” Gandalf asked. Saruman became enraged by his words and lifted his staff, throwing Gandalf against the wall, holding him against it off the ground. He let Gandalf drop to the ground as he walked around the pedestal. 

Gandalf lifted his staff and sent Saruman on his back to the floor. They fight using their staffs, flinging each other across the room in turn. 

Saruman turned Gandalf over and over. Gandalf lifted his staff and flung Saruman into one of the closed doors, which opened. 

Saruman got up, extending his hand, taking Gandalf's staff. He walked toward Gandalf using both staffs, turning Gandalf around and around in circles on the floor

“I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly. But you.. have elected.. the way of pain!” Saruman suddenly stops spinning Gandalf, who breathed heavily. 

“Shall I show you another secret of mine?” Saruman asked, stepping closer to him. “The palantir is not the only asset I have,” Saruman said as Gandalf sat up, looking at the mad wizard.

A Man walked into the room, someone who was thought to be dead. 

“It can’t be,” Gandalf whispered. “But it is,” Saruman said as he approached Gandalf, who was fixated on the man’s crystal eyes.

“Aleksander Tempest,”