Author: Karina "Galadriel"

Chaper: 7

(Time passed since last episode: a few days)

"That does it! We are leaving Orthanc!" Saruman growled. He was becoming mad. First ents attacked Isengard, then his enormous Uruk army was defeated, then Gandalf simply had to come to the tower to rub it in, and to top it off, Grima almost hit him with the palantir!

Needless to say, Grima felt angry and miserable as well. Saruman had a new reason to curse and scold Grima. Saruman was cursing a storm because Grima threw the palantir of all things. They both knew that Sauron would not be pleased at all.

As for Katherine, she disappeared into the shadows, watching everything with her dark eyes widened in shock. She knew what would happen if anyone got their hands on the palantir, but she never knew how much Saruman needed it. Now, she had witnessed Saruman's full wrath, and she didn't like it. She found out, after Saruman's outburst, she would not be able to surpass him in either strength or authority.

Grima stirred in his little corner. "But, my Lord," he squeaked. "Where will we go? More importantly, how will we leave the tower?"
Saruman turned to him, his eyes burning. Grima shrank down and cowered in his corner.

"We'll find a way." Saruman said slowly between gritted teeth. "We'll get out of here, if it's the last thing I do!" he finished, his voice risen to a yell. Katherine flinched. So did Grima. "Do you doubt that we will get out of here?" Saruman shouted, picking Grima up by the front of his black robe. Grima's eyes were filled with terror, and his breathing was constricted. Saruman shook him. "DO YOU?" he scolded, bringing Grima's terrified face to his own red seething one. Grima could feel tears about to form in his eyes.

Katherine couldn't take it anymore. It hurt her to see Grima being abused in this way. She stepped out of the shadows. "The floods will die down!" she said, approaching Saruman.

Saruman spun around, dropping Grima on the ground. Grima started couching and rubbing his neck. Katherine struggled to keep from crying at the sight of Grima.

"It will be safe to leave eventually." She continued, trying to show authority and power in front of Saruman. She found it difficult, looking into Saruman's fiery eyes and angry frown. Katherine had never in her whole life been afraid, so this was a new experience.

"Do you think I will be able to wait that long?" Saruman asked, his voice dangerously gentle and soft. He advanced on Katherine, and she found herself backing up. She cleared her throat, trying to gain more control of the conversation.

"Why? Are you impatient?" she asked, standing her ground again. This one stand gave her more courage. "It's been quite a few days since your little chat with the new White Wizard. Why can't you stay in the tower a little longer? You know that he might be out there." Grima's eyes widened when he hread this. Katherine had gone too far.

Saruman boiled over. He took one step forward and struck her across the face, tearing a part of her hood and cheek with his clawlike nails. Katherine gasped, but bit her lower lip to prevent herself from wailing. Grima was overwhelmed with shock. He sat as still as a statue as Saruman wiped the blood from his nails on his robe.

"Why don't you stay in the shadows where you belong?" she sneered, glaring at Katherine. Katherine put a hand to the scratch on her cheek. She bared her teeth and a growl escaped her throat, but she kept her eyes closed as she made her way to the shadows. Saruman relaxed after she was out of sight.

"Well then, I guess we're all stuck in this tower until something comes up." Grima's shocked expression changed into a look of pure hatred. Saruman struck Katherine. He actually stuck her!

Grima was not about to forgive him for that.