I've really been looking foreword to this chapter, and for youguysto read it. :) Enjoy chapter 10. :)
Chapter 10: Betrayal in Isengard
The group thought they'd never stop walking, but it finally happened. Even Frodo was weary from such a long travel. They were all just ready for a good supper and a good rest.
They were in another forest that was a tad bit larger than the one the Ghost crew found in Hobbiton. They found a nice large tree where they could make camp for the night. Rex helped Sam get a fire going, while the others placed down all their
things
and sat down on the grass.
Frodo took out a pipe and smoked it, leaning back against the tree. As soon as the fire was nice and hot, Sam started taking out pots, pans, and food. Zeb and Ezra were very happy to find that the hobbit brought sausages. Hera, not seeing much else to
/do, volunteered to help Sam with the cooking.
Everybody else just leaned themselves against the tree and closed their eyes. The day's journey had finally caught up to all of them, especially the hobbits. Frodo hopped up to anopen area on the tree and laiddown, smoking his pipe and staring
at the sky as birds flew by.
The food was starting to smell really good, and it was making everybody ratherhungry. Unfortunatly, they had a little while longer to wait till it was ready.
Hera glanced at them, "You know, we do have maluruns in one of those packs, if you're hungry."
Frodo lifted his head, "Maluruns? What are those?"
"It's a fruit," Ezra replied, as he grabbed one and tossed it up to the hobbit,"Try it. It's actually pretty good, especially when it's fresh."
Frodo looked at it curiously before taking a small bite. To his surprise, he found it to taste amazing! It tasted even better than the apples grown in Hobbiton. The hobbit ended up eating the whole thing, and then threw the core to some nearby bushes.
Ezra just smiled up at him as he took a bite of his own malurun fruit. If there was one thing to enjoy until dinner was ready, it'd be this.
As it was getting closer to evening, the night started to feel a bit cooler. Frodo offered the crew some blankets to keep them warm, to which they gladly accepted. Sleeping in the forest wasn't as pleasant as sleeping in Bag End, but at least there was
/nothing out here trying to kill them.
When dinner was getting close to being ready, Frodo suddenly lifted up his head yet again, as if he was listening to something. He stayed still for a couple minutes, and then a bright smile came to his face.
"Sam!" he said excitedly.
Sam looked up at him, and then suddenly turned his head towards a far off part of the forest. He heard something too. The crew of the Ghost listened as well, slightly confused. However, they suddenly realized that the hobbits were right. They
heard
a faint noise in the distance. It sounded like people singing a slow soothing song.
"What is that?" Sabine asked.
Frodo had a wide smile on his face as he replied. "Wood elves!"
Immediately, Sam, who was very fascinated with elves, got up and began running quietly to the source of the singing. Frodo hopped off the tree and beckoned the crew to follow him before running after his friend.
Rex stood up, "Okay, I've got to see this for myself." He ran after the hobbits.
The rest of the crew looked at each other for a second, and then slowly got up and pursued the others. Unfortunatly, their tiredness had taken over their speed so they weren't as fast. The closer they got, the louder and more beautiful the singing became.
They found Frodo and Sam crouched behind a log, watching what Ezra could only describe as the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Low and behold, the young Jedi finally knew that elves existed. There were a ton of them, walking in a straight line along
/the forest's road. What was curious though was that the elves almost looked human, except for having pointy ears and being clothed in bright gleaming robes.
Rex, Kanan, Hera, Sabine, and Zeb looked as fascinated. They had thisstrange warm feeling in their hearts as they watched these beings walk through the forest, singing in some sort of tongue. Chopper, on the other hand, just acted like himself and
/grumbled.
"They're going to the harbor beyond the white towers," Frodo explained to them, "To the Grey Havens."
Sabine looked at him, "The Grey Havens?"
"Otherscall it the Undying Lands," Frodo replied.
Sam nodded, "They're leaving Middle Earth."
"Never to return," Frodo added.
Ezra was taken aback by that. These folk were never returning? Why would they do that? The padawan didn't quite get it. Who'd want to leave such a beautiful place like this?! It was a shame that he just saw these elves, and now they'd be gone from the
/world. Sam seemed to have similar thoughts.
"I don't know why," the hobbit muttered, "It makes me sad."
Ezra nodded in agreement. He could not deny that he had this desirein his heart thathe could make these elves stay. But he knew that would never be possible.
They passed by too soon, and the crew of the Ghost and the hobbits wished they could've seen more ofthem. However, be that as it may, they had anice hot dinner waiting for them so they returned to camp. Zeb and Ezra immediately dug into
the sausages. Frodo and Sam tried more of the malurun fruit, to which they had grown very fond of.
By the time they had all finished eating, it was dusk, so they decided to turn in for the night. Sam unloaded a ton of mats and blankets. Unfortunatly, the whole group found the ground to not be as comfortable as the beds in Bag End.
"Everywhere I lye, theirs a dirty root sticking into my back," Sam grumbled as he moved around.
Zeb agreed with him, as he too was squirming around on his mat.
Frodo, trying to make the best of it, replied, "Just shut your eyes and imagine you're back in your own bed, with a soft mattress and a lovely feathered pillow."
Zeb scoffed, "Yeah, a lot good that does-"
Ezra elbowed the Lasat in the side, telling him to shut up. Zeb just elbowed him back and turned on his side, closing his eyes.
Sam tried to do what Frodo suggested, but as the seconds went by, he found thatit wasn't doing him much good. It was kind of impossible to imagine roots being a soft mattress. He actually found himself starting to agree with Zeb.
"It's not working, Mr. Frodo," Sam replied, "I'm never gonna be able to sleep out here."
Frodo smiled to himself. "Me neither Sam."
The Ghost crew knew that they'd definitely not get much sleep out here. However, when it was getting deeper into the night, a majority of them fell asleep. Except for Ezra. Once he was certain that everybody was sleeping, he slowly got up and
decided
to walk around the forest.
The padawan failed to notice though, that Kanan was laying on his side, watching him with a concerned look on his face.
Time was not on Gandalf's side. He knew perfectly well that the enemy had sent some sort of force to the Shire to retrieve the ring. If they were lucky, they could stop Sauron before he got his hands on it. However, Gandalf knew he'd need help. That's
/why he travelled past the Gap of Rohan towards Isengard. There was onlyone person who'd definitely know how to counter the Dark Lord of Mordor.
Riding with great speed, Gandalf could see the tall black tower of Orthanc in the distance. As he last through a small forest, he came upon the great gates of Isengard. Immediately, the gates were opened so the wizard could pass through. But as soon as
/he had passed, he looked back to see the gates immediately shut again.
For some reason, a flash of fear came over Gandalf, but he immediately brushed it off, thinking it nothing. He was among friends here in Isengard. He stopped his horse in front of the tower and hopped off, removing his pointy hat.
A few seconds later, a door from within the tower opened. Decending down the stairs was Saruman the White. The wisest wizard of the order. The head of the White Council. And Gandalf's leader and close friend. Saruman held a black staff in his hand. The
/top of it resembled the structure of the tower of Orthanc. The White wizard had a long grayish white beard with long white hair.
His eyes looked even wiser than Gandalf's. For like the Grey wizard, he had seen many things. That's why the White Council had trusted him to figure out a way to stop Sauron. He knew every detail about the Dark Lord, as well as his most trusted servants.
Saruman rose a brow as he decended down the stairs, "Smoke rises from the Mountain of Doom, the hour grows late, and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard, seeking my council. For that is why you have come, is it not?" He came up to Gandalf and gave him
/a warm welcoming smile. "My old friend."
Gandalf bowed his head low in respect, "Saruman."
Saruman pointed his hand towards one of the gardens of Isengard, inviting his friend to walk with him. He knew perfectly well that the Grey wizard had travelled far with urgent news.
As the White wizard led the way, Gandalf glanced up at the tower of Orthanc. For some reason, he had this strange feeling that they were being watched. He didn't know why he felt this, but it was disturbing nonetheless. It was almost as if he was being
/stared down by piercing eyes. Gandalf decided to shake off the feeling and tell Saruman of his news.
Slowly, the two wizards walked through the garden. Saruman listened silently as Gandalf told him of his findings. The White wizard's eyes were wide with complete shock when his friend told him some specific details. He looked almost bewildered when Gandalf
/had finished.
"You are sure of this?" Saruman asked.
Gandalf nodded, "Beyond any doubt."
Saruman looked up ahead in deep thought. "So the Ring of Power has been found," he exclaimed.
"All these long years, it was in the Shire," Gandalfmused with a smirk, "under my very nose."
Saruman frowned, "Yet you did not have the wits to see it." He looked at the Grey wizard with a disappointed look, "Your love for the Halflings leafhas clearly slowed your mind."
Gandalf nodded understandingly. He was never fond of Saruman's view of the hobbits. The White wizard tended to always ask him why he cared for them so much. Gandalf, of course, responded that sometimes it takes something far greater than some greatpower
/to keep the darkness at bay. He had found that it was the small things, like everyday deeds of ordinary folk. Despite this, he had a great respect for the head of his order.
"But we still have time," Gandalf replied confidentially, "Time enough to counter Sauron, if we act quickly."
Saruman stopped in his tracks and eyed his friend curiously. "Time? What time do you think we have?"
Gandalf was confused, not getting what he was driving at. Saruman then asked him to follow him into the tower. As they walked, the White wizard explained that he had discovered many things regarding the Dark Lord. This interested Gandalf, and he was curious
/to see what his friend had found.
As they were nearing the tower, Gandalf got the strange feeling of someone watching him again. He half wondered if there was someone within Orthanc, waiting for them. He doubted it though.
Saruman led him into a large dimly lit study and sat on a chair in front of a table. On said table, were various books. The wizard grabbed one book and opened it. Gandalf noticed an illustration on one of the pages. He recognized it all too well. He had
/seen it in Rivendell several times. It was a painting of the Battle of the Last Alliance. Specifically, it was a picture of Isildor's showdown with Sauron. Gandalf could make out the One Ring on the Dark Lord's finger.
"Sauron has regained much of his former strength," Saruman explained, "He cannot yettake 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."
Gandalf was standing next to the table, leaning his head against his staff. He was deep in thought as the White wizard was saying these words.
Saruman leaned his arms against the table and tilted his head. "You know of what I speak, Gandalf. A great eye. Lidless, wreathed in flame."
Indeed, Gandalf knew what he was talking about. He had seen it before, in person, 60 years ago. He could still remember the sound of the chanting as it had gotten closer and closer to him.
"The Eye of Sauron," Gandalf muttered.
Saruman nodded, "He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon, he will have summoned an army great enough to launch and assault upon Middle Earth."
Gandalf rose a confused brow, "You know this...how?"
Saruman glanced towards an open room beyond a large pair of doors. There was around stone table sitting in the middle of said room. On top of the table, was a mysterious object covered by a grey cloth.
A small smile came to Saruman's face. "I have seen it."
Both wizards entered the larger room. Immediately, Gandalf could tell what the object was. A palantir! They were once used long ago by the Dark Lord. Sauron had communicated with his servants through these small, dark mattered balls.
Gandalf looked at Saruman in shock, "A palantir is a dangerous tool, Saruman!"
"Why?" Saruman demanded, "Why should we fear to use it?" He then removed the cloth, revealing the small ball.
Gandalf quickly seized the cloth from the White wizard's hand, "They are not all accounted for. We do not know who else may be watching!" He then put the cloth back over the palantir, but once doing so, a quick and sudden flash of the Great Eye appeared
/in front of him, but then faded.
Saruman had walked up to a large black throne and sat himself down in it. It was just then when Gandalf all of a sudden realized that they weren't alone in the room. Standing next to the White wizard's throne was a lone figure. This figure was wearing
/grey metal armor, and his face was covered by a grey mask that curiously looked similar to an Orc helmet.
Come to think of it, the whole entire armor this figure was wearing looked similar to that of an orc's. However, Gandalf could tell that this figure was no Orc. They were a thick and fatter species. This person, though, was shaped like a man. Gandalf
/had no idea who this mysterious figure was,for it was impossible to see anything behind the mask.
Saruman spoke again, "The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are already moving." He then pointed to the figure next to him, "My associate here has informed me that the Nine have left Minus Morgal."
Gandalf's eyes went wide with horror, "The Nine?!"
Saruman continued, looking strangely unconcerned, "They crossed the river Isen on MidSummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black."
"They've reached the Shire!" Gandalf exclaimed.
This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all!
"They will find the ring," Saruman replied, "and kill the one who carries it."
No. Gandalf immediately realized the danger. His friends back in the Shire were walking into a trap!
"Frodo," the Grey wizard muttered.
He then quickly turned to exit one of the doors. However, when he had reached the door, he suddenly found it close itself shut and seal itself. Gandalf glanced back and realized with confusion that Saruman had done it. Not knowing what was going on, he
/moved to exit another door, but Saruman closed it with his powers too. Gandalf went to another door, and it was closed. And another, closed. And the last one, which was immediately closed. What was going on?!
Saruman tilted his head and scoffed, "You did not seriously think that a hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron? There are none who can."
The lone figure next to the throne began to walk around behind Gandalf, still keeping his eyes fixed on the wizard. Gandalf looked up all of a sudden and stared at Saruman. Was he saying what he thought he was saying?!
Saruman shook his head sadly, "Against the power of Mordor, there can be no victory."
It was at this moment that Gandalf realized a horrifying truth. Saruman didn't learn about Sauron just by knowledge. He got the knowledge from the Dark Lord himself! Which meant-. No. It couldn't be true. Saruman said it aloud for him.
"We must join with him, Gandalf," he said, "We must join with Sauron."
Gandalf clutched his staff, staring at the White wizard with what could be described as complete shock and disgust. He had betrayed them! Saruman had betrayed all of Middle Earth!
Saruman stood up and stared sternly at the Grey wizard, "It would be wise, my friend."
Gandalf glared at him and finally spoke, "Tell me, 'friend', when did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?!"
Suddenly, a furious glare came into Saruman's eyes. An anger that Gandalf had never seen before in his life! Before the Grey wizard knew it, Saruman jerked up his staff, making him fly upwards and be pressed harshly against the wall.
Gandalf couldn't move and watched as the White wizard circled around the stone table, keeping his staff pointed straight at him. He had to brakefree. Fortunately, Saruman lowered his staff, which resulted with Gandalf falling face down onto the
cold hard ground. That gave him enough time to jerk his staff forward, and send Saruman flying backwards against his throne. He hopped back up quickly, a huge scratch across his face.
Saruman then jerked his staff to the left, which sent Gandalf crashing into a nearby table. The Grey wizard yelled out in pain, and then sent his staff to the right, sending the White wizard to crash against the wall.
Unfortunatly, Saruman gained the upperhand and sent his staff left and right several times, making Gandalf hit the floor, the wall, the throne, the round stone table, and then against a locked door.
Gandalf felt extreme pain all over. However, he knew he couldn't lose this fight. Despite his superior being even more powerful than him, he had to figure out someway to overpower him. Gandalf stood up, and made a great swing with his staff, intending
/to send Saruman crashing through the door.
However, the Grey wizard suddenly found that he couldn't move his staff to complete the swing. Come to think of it...he couldn't move at all! Gandalf looked around, confused at what was going on, but then he realized what it was. The mysterious figure
/was standing behind the wizard, his hand held up as if he was holdingGandalf's staff in midair.
Then, with a quick move of his hand, the mysterious figure forced the wizard's staff out of his hand. Saruman immediately picked up the staff as he watched. The figure then moved his hand to the left, making Gandalf crash face first into the wall. He
/then moved his hand to the right, making him hit the other wall.
Then, the figure lifted Gandalf higher upinto the air, and then abruptly slammed his hand down, making him crash against the floor Grey wizard could barely move, and he looked up at the figure in shock. What kind of being could do
something impossible?!
Just then, the figure lifted his hand again, this time making into into a near fist. Immediately, Gandalf clutched his throat, choking to death. He could feel himself being lifted up into the air as he was gasping for breath. It was like the figure was
/choking him without even touching him.
Saruman walked up next to Gandalf, looking up at him with complete amusement.
He snarled, "I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly, but you have elected the way of pain!"
He then looked over at the figure and pointed up towards the tower. He nodded and then lifted Gandalf upwards. The wizard found himself going up andspinning faster and faster, until suddenly, he hit the top of the tower and he knew no more.
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