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Chapter Two

He was nothing, a shell of his former self. He was once the greatest of wizards, a force of power to be reckoned with. He had everything, enough power to rule the world. Now, he had nothing. He was stripped of his power, his fortress of Isenguard a wasted ruin. His dark master was gone, defeated and he had nothing. All the promises of power, nothing. To think that he, Saruman, once the head of one of the most powerful ruling councils on Middle Earth reduced to a rambling old man.

He was half mad, driven nearly to insanity by his losses. His forces had been decimated by trees! Walking bark and wood! Ten thousand strong bested by a mere three hundred men and a few dozen elves? He had legions of orcs and creatures to do his bidding! How is it that he had been reduced to this! This was unacceptable. He was a man of power. He greedily craved it. He was mad with wanting it.

But his master was gone; his master had abandoned him. His master was gone and his once great army, dredged from the foul earth to serve his master was no more. Only scraps of dark power lay here now, not enough for him. No, he had to have more. More! He needed power. He craved power!

Saruman.

The former white wizard's head snapped up. His gaze darted around the dark room he had locked himself in. He crouched further into the corner he had huddled himself in.

Saruman.

Saruman snarled. Had he truly gone mad? No, this was the same method in which his master had spoken to him. But his master was gone, wasn't he? So what was this new voice?

Saruman, I can give you the power you seek.

Power? His interest was peaked. Yes, a new master. A new, dark master who would give him power.

Yes, power beyond your imaginings. Power to seek revenge, to rule as you see fit. Power to take your proper place in this world.

Yes. Power, revenge, he wanted all of it. In his hazy, mad-ridden mind he recognized the demon's words. Yes, Sauron had promised this too. Now he was mad, yes he was. Power? Wanted power. Needed power. Craved power. Had been promised power, but had not been given power. Would it give him power?

Yes, Saruman. Power beyond your wildest imaginings. You shall have power. All you must do is submit to me.

Submit? New master? Submit, have power.

Submit, and you will have power. Surrender, Saruman. Surrender to Dahak.

Yes, surrender…power…

Speak my name…surrender…

Then, the fog in his mind cleared. His senses were sharp and he felt power flood his veins. "Yes, I submit, Dahak."