Gwin and crew have finally arrived at Isengard. Those of you who have played the game will see some familiar dialogue here; I made some changes so it isn't exactly the same. Plus, Candaith is there instead of just Gwin and Lothrandir, which shakes everything up even more! Hope you like it!

Chapter 109

Once we passed through the gates, the rangers and I were forced out of the cart and made to walk the rest of the way to the Tower. Chains were added to our rope bindings, and we were pulled along roughly. Orcs and Uruks laughed cruelly at us as we passed, shouting foul things in both Westron and Black Speech. Galthrod and the other Black Numenorians strode along with us, and he had a chilling smile on his olive-toned face. I had never been to Umbar, and had no idea what the people looked like who lived there. I had to admit I was curious, but had been too uncomfortable to ask during the ride to Isengard.

The walk seemed to take forever, and Lothrandir was flagging. I gasped as he stumbled and fell to the ground. Candaith tried to go to him, but was roughly pulled forward, and Lothrandir struggled to stand.

"Move your feet, ranger!" one of the Uruk-hai shouted, and Lothrandir finally found his footing, leaning forward as he tried to catch his breath.

"I…I am…" the ranger stuttered, trembling with exhaustion and pain. He looked towards me and said, "I cannot…go on like this…Gwin…what…can we…?" His voice was gravely, and I realized how thirsty I was.

"I do not know," I replied sadly. There was nothing we could do but keep moving. However, it seemed Lothrandir might not be able to walk much longer.

At least, that's what I thought, until he suddenly stood tall. His eyes shone with pride, and it was as if he found some hidden reserve of strength. "I am Lothrandir of the Dunedain. I have walked among the frozen wastes of the North and survived." He set his gaze on Galthrod, who flinched at the intensity of it. "I do not fear this place." He started walking forward with a purpose, and Candaith and I followed suit, as best we could. I felt a little hope at his words, and it raised my spirits.

After what felt like an Age, we neared the entrance to the tower, and we were met with a very large Uruk-hai named Morflak. His intelligent, yellow eyes appraised us. "These are the captives?" He raised an eyebrow and looked unimpressed. "Scrawny things."

"This is who the Master requested," Galthrod drawled. "Although one extra ranger came along."

Morflak grinned, "More prisoners to keep busy then." He then faced me, "The Old Man will want to see you directly, I think."

"Me?" I asked dumbly.

"Are you stupid, she-elf?" Morflak barked. "That's what I just said." He motioned to some other Uruks. "Take the other two down to the caves. Get them…settled in to their new homes."

My eyes widened as they met the alarmed ones of Candaith and Lothrandir, before they were roughly escorted away from me.

"Be careful, meleth nin." Candaith's 'voice' was shaky and full of fear.

"I refuse to give him what he wants." I would not bow down to Saruman, nor give away our purpose. I had survived torture before, was trained in resisting it while being in the Guard…I could do this.

"Saruman is a master of deception," Candaith insisted. "He will not be easily fooled, or resisted." I felt a dull ache in my back, and realized Candaith must have been shoved forward roughly. "I am fine, do not worry for me, Gwin."

"I will always worry," I sighed.

"Be careful." This was the last I heard from him for quite some time, because once I arrived in the entrance to the Throne Room, I found that a familiar barrier flew up in my soul between Candaith and I. However, I could tell it was not quite the same, for there were clues that perhaps Candaith had thrown it up himself. I focused and tried to reinforce it, even though I didn't really know what I was doing. It seemed strong enough…but Saruman was an Istari, and if he wanted to break it down, I doubted he would have trouble doing so. Hopefully he would have no interest in it.

I was ashamed at how I was shaking as I stood there, waiting to be admitted like some important guest to his halls. Morflak and Galthrod were beside me, and I felt some grim amusement at the Numenorian's fidgeting. He seemed a little nervous, and I wondered at it. Morflak just looked bored.

The doors opened of their own accord, and Morflak shoved me forward. "Go on in she-elf."

I caught myself before I fell, and glared at the Uruk. However, I was shocked when the bindings on my hands fell away like magic, as no one had physically removed them. Galthrod tucked my hand under his arm, and we made our way down the long hallway towards the throne. I wanted to pull my arm away, but he had an iron grip on it, and I sighed in frustration.

Sooner than I would have liked, we were before Saruman, and I appraised him for only a moment before averting my eyes. He was dressed in a robe that looked white on first glance, but I heard that it shimmered with many colors. Galthrod finally let go of me and backed away gracefully, murmuring, "My lord, I bring the Elleth Gwinthilnel, as you requested."

"Thank you Galthrod, you have done well," Saruman replied softly. "Please leave us."

"My lord," he said, bowing and striding back the way we came.

There was silence for a moment, and it seemed to stretch. Just before it felt like something would snap, the wizard spoke, "We have much to discuss, Gwinthilnel of the Elves. I am Saruman the Wise, and I know much that might surprise you, but still there are mysteries." He paused. "I need your help."

If Gwilhum's voice was beguiling, it was a pale shadow of Saruman's. It drew me in immediately, and I couldn't help but raise my eyes to meet his. They were black as coal, and shimmering with wisdom…and something else.

"Together, we can learn much that might otherwise be hidden. There is much we can accomplish," he said pleasantly. The power of Saruman's voice was seductive, and persuasive, and I found myself nodding in agreement. Maybe we could do much good together? "We can help each other, Gwinthilnel."

I opened my mouth to start speaking, but something made me pause. Saruman was the enemy, right? I frowned, and gave him a questioning look.

His tone of voice became a little steelier, but a benign smile was in place. "Your own endeavor has ended in defeat, has it not?" Could he know of our errand? "Perhaps I can help you achieve your aims. I am wise, and learned of many things."

"Yes, I know you are," I said faintly, a dreamy quality to my voice that alarmed me.

Saruman moved a little closer to me, his tone one of a comforting grandfather, "You have ridden a long road, child." I nodded dumbly. "What have you to show for it? The lives of friends, lost. Pain and heartache, gained. I know of what you experienced and survived; it is commendable what you have overcome." I stared at him, and I became lost in his eyes. "I can provide you and your companions safe passage out of my tower, if you give me the information I seek."

"Information on what?" I asked weakly, unable to move or tear my eyes away.

"On your current journey," he replied airily. "You ride to the aid of one who calls for you. What is his name?"

Aragorn's name was on the tip of my tongue, but I managed to stop myself from saying it at the last moment. "I…I cannot say."

"Oh, I think you can," Saruman replied, a little darkness injected into his silky-smooth tone. "How about this: where do you travel to?"

"South," I answered before I could stop myself, and my eyes widened. I hadn't given much away with that, but I knew it would be difficult to keep up any sort of resistance as time went on.

"South? Hmm…that is very vague, Gwinthilnel," he scolded gently. "To Gondor?" He narrowed his eyes in thought. "Why do the Sons of Elrond Halfelven travel to the Paths of the Dead?" I was breathing heavily, and I tasted the metallic tang of blood as I bit my tongue. I surmised he knew less of our aims than I had first thought, with the exception of where the twins were headed. Why did he know this, and did he not then suspect the rest of our party would travel with them? I recalled from what felt like ages ago that Saruman had spoken with Nar's voice a warning to the twins about traveling on the Paths of the Dead. This was all very confusing, and Saruman's trickery made it even more so. "Where would a company of the Dunedain be heading in such a force? What would cause them to leave their paltry homes in the North?" His voice was rising in volume. "Whom do they serve?"

"Th-their Chieftain," I gasped, furious at myself for letting it slip.

"Who is their Chieftain?" Saruman pushed, moving so close to me that I could feel his long hair brushing my face. I felt a familiar squeezing in my head. Horrifyingly familiar…

The dream in Ost Guruth, where the whole cursed darkness began, replayed in my mind.

Whatever had been chasing me had found me at last, and was dragging me across the unforgiving rocky ground by my hair. "Please let me go…I'll do anything…" I begged, feeling ashamed of my weakness.

The cloaked figure stopped, "Anything?" it whispered silkily.

I hesitated, but felt a force compelling me to gasp, "Anything."

It crouched down and pulled me closer, and I finally saw the creature's face. It looked as if it could have been an Elf once, but there were horrible scars across his face which ruined any semblance of being one. His eyes were full of malice, and glowed red in the darkness. "Tell me what you know about the halfling."

I felt drawn into his gaze, and opened my mouth to reveal all I knew, but closed it and clenching my teeth tightly with all my willpower. It was very difficult. I knew my gaze was weak but I refused to look away. His eyes flashed with fire and he grabbed my throat with one black, clawed hand. "You will answer me, or face the consequences."

I scrabbled at my throat fought desperately to get him to release me, but managed to croak, "Never."

He squeezed tighter, and growled, "So be it."

The Uruk appeared, and I cried as he came closer, a fell light in his yellow eyes. "Let's have some fun, shall we?"

"Kill me, please just kill me!" I screamed, writhing against the tree and trying to escape. I felt like I was being burned alive.

The cloaked figure whispered in my ear, "Tell me what I need to know and I will grant your wish." His voice was so smooth and persuasive.

The desire to tell him everything was overwhelming, but I bit my tongue hard and the coppery taste of blood filled my mouth. "N-No…I…you cannot make me…just let me die!"

He grew even angrier and I felt his hands clamp tightly on my head. I almost passed out at the intensity of the pain and pressure in my skull, but it seemed he wouldn't let me escape the terrors of this dream. I tried to think of something that would keep him from the knowledge he so desperately wanted, but the fear and agony was so great that it seemed impossible. An eye of fire filled my vision, and horror filled me as I recognized it. Could the figure be Sauron himself?

My eyes, which I realized were tightly closed, flashed open and I fell to the ground as I gasped for air. I froze, noticing how Saruman's attention was no longer directly on me, but on the swirling tendrils of darkness drifting through the air. Horrified, I tried to run from them, but found I could only crawl pitifully along the floor.

"How interesting…" Saruman murmured. "I see evidence of Sauron in this darkness," The wizard paused in thought. "He must have placed a curse on you. I admire your ability to resist its effects. Only a powerful Elf would be able to do so for so long." I refused to admit I had help. Perhaps if he thought I was more powerful than I was, he would think me a threat to be wary of.

He turned his attention back to me, looking unimpressed at my presence on the floor, "If you must know, I do not truly need your cooperation. I learned all I needed from that dwarf Nar in Enedwaith. He was quite himself when I killed him. Another life lost, because of you." He spoke with such nonchalance, and it infuriated me. "The dream you just remembered…I could see it too. Tell me what you know of the Ring, and the one who carries it." I flinched at the power of his voice, and felt compelled to answer. The darkness was still floating in the air, but it made no motion to encircle me, at least not yet. "Gandalf knew something of it, and you knew Gandalf before he died." He crouched down next to me, and I was trembling in fear and exhaustion. "What do you know of the halfling who carries it!"

A strange, keening sound came out of my mouth, before I croaked, "I do not know…I cannot tell you!" I didn't actually know where Frodo was, so I was telling at least a half truth. "Please…let me go."

"I can grant you whatever you wish, if you would just give me what I ask!" He was angry now, and it gave me a grim sort of satisfaction to see it. "Reward beyond measure!"

"I…" I began, trying to breathe. "I…seek no…reward." I had dragged myself over to a pillar, and with great difficulty, managed to pull myself up to my feet. "I cannot help you." My eyes widened as I noticed the tendrils of darkness float over to a pedestal, where something was covered with a dark cloak. The darkness then seemed to be absorbed by it. What could it be?

Saruman stared at me, trying to determine what to do next. After what felt like an Age of me trying not to collapse, and the wizard's piercing gaze on me, he sighed and called out to someone behind me. "Gun Ain, come forth."

"I am here, my Lord," a soft voice answered. My jaw dropped as I beheld who it was.

Gwin tried her best, but Saruman is very powerful. She accidentally let slip a few bits of information, but hopefully not enough to be useful to Saruman. However, doing so might have spared her life, for if he believes she really does have important knowledge, he perhaps will keep her alive so he can try again to retrieve it from her.

Sorry (not sorry) about the cliff-hanger! It was difficult to write the confrontation with Saruman. The game gives you a little bit of the back-and-forth dialogue, but I added quite a bit of my own to make it more interesting and increase the length of the confrontation. I hope it came across well in Saruman's characteristic silky-smooth tone!

Thanks for reading!