୨⎯ Chapter 19⎯୧
"Saruman"

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

AS WE travelled through the dense forest, an air of unease settled over our company. Seated behind Legolas on his steed, I felt a chill run down my spine as the looming trees cast ominous shadows, their eerie shapes intensifying the sense of foreboding that gripped us all.

Beside us, Aine clung tightly to Khellan, her grip betraying her apprehension as she surveyed our darkened surroundings. "These woods unnerve me," I murmured to Legolas, my voice barely audible above the rustling leaves.

Legolas nodded solemnly, his keen eyes scanning the tangled undergrowth. "They harbor ancient magic, both enchanting and unsettling," he replied, his tone cautious.

Suddenly, Aine tensed, a startled gasp escaping her lips as she detected a faint noise behind us. Our companions' initial amusement at her reaction quickly faded beneath my reproachful glare, a silent admonishment for their lack of empathy.

As we pressed onward, the forest seemed to awaken, its murmurs growing into an ominous rumble. Éomer, Théoden, Gandalf, Aragorn, and Gimli rode ahead, their determined expressions a stark contrast to the encroaching shadows.

Upon approaching the crumbled gates of Isengard, a surge of excitement coursed through me at the sight of our companions perched atop the ruins. The Hobbits, recognizable even from a distance, erupted in jubilant calls upon spotting us.

"Welcome, my Lords... to Isengard!" Merry's voice carried on the wind, brimming with pride and elation.

Unable to contain my joy, I exclaimed, "It's them!" My voice rang out across the field, prompting cheerful responses from our friends.

Aine, observing the scene with curiosity, noticed the Hobbits' peculiar features. "I had forgotten about their feet," she murmured to Khellan, her voice laced with bewilderment.

Suppressing a chuckle, I turned to Aine, unable to resist a gentle tease. "Perhaps you should seek their advice on foot care," I jested, a playful glint in my eye.

As we neared Orthanc, Treebeard's deep, rumbling voice greeted us. "Young master Gandalf, I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master, but there's a Wizard to manage here, locked in his tower."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, the gravity of our situation becoming all too apparent. Aragorn's voice cut through the tension, demanding Saruman show himself.

Despite Gimli's suggestion for a more direct approach, Gandalf emphasized the necessity of capturing Saruman alive. Before we could delve deeper into this strategy, Saruman's voice echoed from above as he emerged atop the tower.

The ensuing exchange between Saruman, Théoden, and Gandalf was tense, filled with accusations and veiled threats. When Saruman produced the Palantír, revealing his knowledge of the enemy's plans, the atmosphere grew even more charged.

Frustrated by Saruman's taunts, I urged Legolas to silence him with an arrow, but Gandalf intervened. "Oh, come now, Gandalf," I protested, "if he can't shoot him, at least allow me to restrain him with my vines."

The situation escalated as Saruman attacked Gandalf with a fireball, which was swiftly dispelled. In a surprising turn of events, Gríma Wormtongue appeared, leading to a tense standoff that ended in tragedy as Gríma attacked Saruman before being struck down by Legolas's arrow.

As Saruman fell from the tower, impaled on a spike of the great wheel below, a collective gasp of horror rippled through our group. The gruesome sight left us momentarily stunned into silence.

Gandalf's voice broke through the heavy atmosphere, urging us to spread word of the enemy's movements to all corners of Middle-Earth. As Saruman's body disappeared beneath the water's surface, Treebeard approached, offering a solemn observation about nature reclaiming the land.

Seeking solace from the grim scene, I turned to Legolas, finding reassurance in his steady presence. Our moment of reflection was interrupted by Pippin's impulsive actions, promptly halted by Aragorn's sharp command.

With renewed resolve, we set forth for Edoras, bracing ourselves for the challenges that lay ahead on our journey. The weight of our recent confrontation with Saruman hung heavily upon us, a stark reminder of the perilous path we tread in our quest to save Middle-Earth.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃