Part 13
 

Gimli finally made his way through the crowd to where Gandalf, Willow, Aragorn and Legolas stood.

"Forty-two, Legolas! How did you do?"

Willow giggled and Aragorn just smiled and shook his head at the antics of the two friends.

Legolas pretended to be defeated, "Alas, I only got forty-one."

Haldir had heard the exchange and came to join the group, "It doesn't seem to be your day, Legolas. Twice you have lost a bet."

Legolas smiled and turned to wink at Willow, "True, but I think our female mage cheated in our bet."

Willow gave her friend a mock frown, "Not so. It's not my fault you weren't specific in our bet. Next time you'll learn to get all the details in what the bet entails."

Legolas laughed. It was good to laugh after such a battle. He turned to Gandalf. "Where to now?"

"Isengard I think. Though not for long, our way lies eastward toward Gondor.

Aragorn looked around at the tired but happy Rohirrm, "Do we have enough for an assault on Saruman?"

"We'll have enough for talk as we go not to fight. Those that wish to join us may do so."

Theoden and Eomer overheard their conversation. "If you will wait until morning Eomer and I will join you. I will send men into every Vale announcing our victory and to recruit people to meet with us in Gondor."

Gandalf looked at his friends and saw how tired they looked. Even Willow, though she would never admit it, would be drained from her use of magick.

"We shall rest tonight and begin our journey at first light."

~~~~

The next morning they broke camp with Eowyn and Haldir going with those that were to meet them later.

After a few days ride the travelers reached the wall of Orthanc. The ring around the tower was filled with water yet the dark tower stood tall against the sky.

Everyone sat on their horses and marveled that it appeared Saruman was defeated. Theoden took in his surroundings and noticed a pile of debris near the archway. On the pile it looked like two figures, two very small figures.

One of them had curling brown hair and he leapt up when he saw Theoden approach, "Welcome, my lord to Isengard. We are doorwardens. I am Meriadoc and my companion is Peregrin. The Lord Saruman is within but he is otherwise engaged. Doubtless he would be here to welcome such honorable guests."

Gandalf hid a smile as he said, "Doubtless he would."

Merry's eyes grew wide when he recognized Gandalf.

"GANDALF!"

Pippin heard Merry's cry and came to join them.

Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were all hugged enthusiastically by the two Hobbits.

Willow watched the joyful reunion from off to the side. Aragorn returned and took her hand, "Come meet our friends."

Merry and Pippin saw the care that Aragorn was showing the petite red head. They nudged each other in their sides while trying to make themselves presentable.

"Merry, Pippin I would like for you to meet Willow."

"Willow this is Meriadoc and Peregrin of the Shire."

Willow smiled and gave a small curtsy. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard lovely stories about your home and I would love to travel there one day."

Merry and Pippin both beamed and blushed at the kind words of Willow.

"Oh you will love the Shire. Have you never traveled outside of Rohan before?"

"I've only just traveled to Rohan. I'm not from around here and I haven't been able to see much of this land."

Pippin nodded sagely, "Ah, you're on a quest like us."

Willow laughed, "You could say that."    

Legoals asked, "Tell us how you came to escape the Orc and be here at Isengard."

Merry and Pippin told them of meeting Treebeard the Ent and the Council of Trees and how they persuaded the Ents to join in the war against Saruman and Sauron. They told of how the Ents released the dams and the water returned to its rightful place.

"Sounds like you had an adventure of your own." Gimli said.

Gandalf came to join them, "I need to make one last visit to Saruman before we go."

"You're not going without us." Willow said.

Gandald smiled, "No my dear. I didn't think I could."

Theoden, Eomer, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas and Willow all followed Gandalf to the entrance to the tower. Gandalf beat on the door with his staff, "Saruman!"

A voice from above said, "Gandalf the Grey."

"I have the power to protect you, Saruman. You can leave Orthanc, free – if you choose."

Saruman sneered, "That sounds so very much like Gandalf. So patronizing and so very kind. I have no doubt that you would find my departure convenient but I think I will stay."

"You are a fool. I cast you from the Order of the Council." Gandalf raises his staff and speaks in a clear voice, "Saruman, your staff is broken!"

There was a loud crack and Saruman's staff broke and fell on the ground. "It is the end. Let us go."

"Do you think that is the last of Saruman?" Willow asked.

"His power is no more but I doubt that is the last that we'll see of him."

They returned to where the Hobbits were. "We are leaving Isengard and continuing our journey. Would you join us?"

"Yes!"

Gandalf took Pippin and Aragorn took Merry behind them on their horses.

Pippin leaned into Gandalf and asked, "So where are we goin'?"

"We go east to Gondor."

"We'll take a break for second breakfast, right?"

Gandalf's laughter floated up to Willow and Aragorn who were riding side by side.

"What's second breakfast?"

Merry looked scandalized, "You've never heard of it?"

Willow shook her head no and Aragorn tried to warn her not to continue.

"Well there's breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner and supper."

Willow just looked at Merry wide eyed. "You eat ALL that?"

Merry smile and nodded, "Sure."

"Where do you put it? You're so small."

Merry looked at her quizzically, "We don't put it anywhere. We eat it."

Willow laughed, "My mistake."

Aragorn winked at her and kneed his horse into a trot.