The days were cold and windy. Weariness overcame Ithildin and often she found herself unable to think clearly. She had on only a light tunic over her dress and nothing more, for the weather had been very pleasant until she journeyed to the Ford of Isen. The land was not pleasant to look at it, for it seemed as if an evil hand had touched it and all about her were things dead and dying. The Misty Mountains loomed like great, terrible barriers to her right. The land was not flat, but rolled up and down and tired her greatly.
So it was that when she reached the gates of Isengard, she was surprised at how lush and beautiful the country within looked. Green was the grass as far as the eye could see. Mighty were the trees and though they were naked from the winter frost, they were splendid to behold. The air had been chilly, but when she crossed into Isengard, it was warm and fragrant with the scent of flowers. Paths were cleared for travelers, though she could not see a soul. Far off in the distance loomed a large, dark tower. At its tip were four great arcs that curved in. A great staircase wound itself around the tower and there was a high balcony. The steps to this tower were many and the doors were dark. None of the afternoon sunlight seemed to touch this dark tower, yet Ithildin felt compelled to go to it. Perhaps this was where Saruman the White dwelt.
Scarcely, had she taken a step towards it when the mithril stone began to grow heavy. At first, she did not notice it, but when the tower was less than a hundred feet from her, she began to feel a light weight on her neck. She undid the necklace and held it in front of her, examining the stone. It glowed with a silver light in the afternoon sun, yet its change in weight could not be ignored. Ithildin hesitated. She recalled Galadriel's words, but at the same time, she knew she could not leave Isengard without having her questions answered. She was torn.
At that moment, the doors to the tower opened and out stepped a man. Tall he was, and majestic looking for his robes were a brilliant white. His beard was white as well, long and flowing as was his hair. He carried a staff in the shape of the tower and in it glowed a light. Ithildin stared at him, fascinated, for this must surely be the great Saruman. The wizard saw her as well, and beckoned for her to come. Ithildin forgot about the heavy mithril stone, put it in her bag and walked slowly over to the great tower.
It seemed that the wizard spoke to her in her mind. His voice was soothing and calm, almost musical. Ithildin felt her initial apprehension fade away.
'Welcome, Lady of Mindon Enedh. You have journeyed far to meet me and your questions will not go unanswered. Come now, and enter the great tower of Orthanc. There, you may rest and learn much about yourself.'
Ithildin reached the steps of the great tower. Saruman descended and came to her side. Without another word, he took her arm lightly and brought her into the tower. The doors closed behind them with an ominous sound that echoed throughout the corridors of the tower. Inside, the halls were dim and lit only with sunlight that drifted from windows high above. Saruman led her down many passages that twisted and turned so that she became quite confused after a while. Finally, she was brought inside a room with many books and scrolls.
"This is my study, where much of my knowledge is found," said the wizard, speaking for the first time. "I will pour you something to drink and then you may ask me what you wish. Grima has told me of your peril and I will help you if I can."
Ithildin accepted the drink gratefully, for she had had little too drink since leaving the Ford. The liquid was warm and smelled of flowers and filled her with renewed strength. "I do indeed have many questions that need answering. But first, I want to know why I was not greeted by messengers at the Ford of Isen."
Saruman sighed. "That is news that disturbs me as well. I waited long for your arrival and when you did not come when I expected, I grew worried. I do not know what happened. I can only predict that the creatures who sought for you in Edoras found the messengers before you did."
"Who are these creatures that seek me?" asked Ithildin, desperately.
Saruman looked at her and his face was drawn and tense. "I will tell you," he said.