Chapter Two
Anariel rode straight to the tower of Isengard from the gate. She jumped off her horse and hurried up the stairs into the tower itself. She did not stop or slow her pace until she reached Saruman's study. Once there, she halted and knocked.
An ill tempered voice asked from within, "What is it?"
She silently opened the door and stepped inside. As always, every available surface was crowded with arcane books and scrolls. On the far side of the room, seated facing away from her was the very istari she had come to see.
"Mae govannen, Curumo," she said gently.
"Ilmare?" the white haired man exclaimed. He swiftly stood and turned to look at her.
"What are you doing here?" he asked. Both his voice and his face betrayed the utmost shock.
"A better question would be what has gotten into your head? What has happened to you, my friend? Why have you abandoned the cause you were once so intent upon maintaining?"
"Think of the power I'll gain by being on his side! Join him, Ilmare! We could gain the power together and destroy the dark powers!" the seemingly old man said stepping toward her.
"And then what? You'll rule Middle Earth yourself?" Anariel demanded.
"We could rule side by side if you join him!"
"No. He would just take me as his master once tried to!" Anariel exclaimed.
"We could rule Middle Earth as it was meant to be ruled!" Saruman said, stepping forward again with his hand offered to her.
"No, Curumo. I thought you were a good man. What has he done to you?" she asked in horror.
"He gave me power! I have even become more powerful than your precious Olorin! Than even you!" Saruman exclaimed, raising his staff.
"Don't you dare say that!" she said, raising her hand. She flattened her palm toward him, ending him flying into the far wall. She held him there while walking steadily forward.
Saruman lifted his staff and pointed it at her. Anariel laughed and said, "Don't be foolish. That pitiful stick of yours won't save you." She raised her other hand and quickly send his staff flying away.
"Keep this in mind next time you wish to challenge me," she said coldly.
Anariel turned quickly on her heel and left, letting him drop to the floor as she did.
oooooooooo
A figure clad all in grey riding a white horse rode into Imladris. A blue, felt hat topped his head, and a silver scarf was wrapped around his neck. He handed his magnificent horse off to a groom before turning toward the large wooden house that was the Last Homely House west of the Sea.
He did not stop until he had reached Elrond's study. This matter was far too serious for any tarrying. He stepped into the doorway and said, "Lord Elrond."
"Gandalf!" the elf exclaimed. He turned, expecting to see two figures in the doorway. When only one met his eyes, he asked seriously, "Where is Ilmare?"
"She isn't here?" Gandalf asked.
"Aragorn must have been too late, then," Elrond said, despair twinging his voice.
"She might have gone to see Saruman," Gandalf said after a few seconds of thought.
"What?" the elf asked, not sure what he meant.
"You know her. She would not give up on him so easily. She probably went to Isengard," Gandalf said, looking out the window.
"What of the Ring?" the Elf Lord asked.
"It's on its way here, but the Nine are following," Gandalf said.
"I'll send out scouts," Elrond said, hurrying away to do so.