Chapter 14 Chapter 10 The Voice of Saruman

A group of people passed through a passage that was almost ruined, and stood on a pile of stones, looking at Orthanc Tower and the countless windows on it.There is still an evil spirit hanging around the entire tower.The stagnant water has almost completely subsided now, but as far as the eye can see, there are still many puddles still filled with water, with all kinds of wreckage floating on them.It is true that the whole plain inside has been dried, but The ground was still covered with mud, revealing many black holes, and pillars crumbling like drunks could be seen everywhere.On the edge of this huge broken bowl, there are many slopes and hills that have been completely changed in terrain, as if after a huge storm.After that, it was the emerald valleys chosen by the Treant invasion.They could see that there were many knights walking cautiously from the north on the wasteland, and they were gradually approaching the direction of Orthanc Tower.

"That's Gandalf, and Theoden and his men!" said Legolas. "Let us go and join them!" "Walk carefully!" Merry said, "If you're not careful, you might fall into the cave." They reluctantly followed the wrecked road to Orthanc Tower, unable to move quickly because the rocks on the ground were broken and covered with mud.Seeing them approaching, the knights stopped in the shadow of the rock, and waited for them to join them, and Gandalf rode forward to greet them. "Well, Treebeard and I just talked about some interesting things and made some plans," he said, "We also had a good rest, and now we have to continue the mission, and you have all rested too Have you eaten with me?"

"Yes," Merry said, "however, we were talking and talking, but we still don't think it's hard enough to deal with Saruman." "Really?" said Gandalf, "I don't think so. I have one last task to do before I leave: I must visit Saruman. It may be dangerous, or even futile, but It still has to be done. Anyone who wants to can come with me. But please be careful! And don't let up! This is not the time to take it easy." "I'm going," said Gimli, "I want to meet him and see if he really looks like you." "How will you tell, Mr. Dwarf?" asked Gandalf. "Saruman may look like me to you, if he thinks it necessary. After all this time, have you not been able to understand him?" Is he evil? Well, maybe we'll find out in due time, and he won't dare to show himself in front of so many people. However, I've convinced all the Ents to stay out of his sight, and maybe we can let him go come out."

"Where is the danger?" asked Pippin, puzzled. "Will he shoot us with arrows? Or throw flames out of the windows? Or can he cast spells on us from a distance?" "The last one is the most likely, if you approach carelessly," said Gandalf, "but we cannot fathom what he can and will do. A cornered beast is the most dangerous, Sara. Luman also possesses many powers that you can't even guess—watch out for his voice!" The group of people finally arrived under the Orthanc Tower. The entire tower was pitch-black, and the rocks were shiny, as if they were damp.The rock here has many sharp edges, as if it had just been chiseled by an axe.The only signs of damage to Orthanc Tower from the eruption of the treant's rage were a few cracks and a few fragments near the base of the tower.

On the east side of the tower, where the two great rocks meet, there is a great door; this is quite high from the ground, and above the door is a closed window overlooking a balcony closed with iron bars.There are twenty-seven broad stone steps leading to the gate, carved out of the same type of black rock.This is the only entrance to the tower, and the many windows on it look like many small eyes on the horns of animals from a distance. Gandalf and the king both dismounted before the stairs. "I will come first," said Gandalf, "I have been in Orthank and know the dangers here."

"I will go too," said the king, "I am old enough to fear any danger, and I wish to speak to my enemies who have tormented me so long. Come with me, lest my old legs Disappointing." "That's it!" said Gandalf. "Aragorn should come with me. The others are waiting at the landing. If anything happens, they will see it well, I believe." "No!" said Gimli, "Legolas and I want to go together. We represent our races, and we will follow you." "Come then!" said Gandalf When he was done he climbed the stairs, Theoden walking beside him.

The knights of Rohan sat anxiously on their horses, surrounded the steps, and looked at the tower with worried eyes, fearing that the king would be in danger.Merry and Pippin sat on the landing, feeling underappreciated and not quite safe. "It's almost half a mile through the mud all the way from the door!" muttered Pippin. "I wish I could sneak back to the guard's room! What are we doing here? We don't need us." Gandalf stood at the door of Orthanc, and knocked on the door with his staff, and there came a hollow sound. "Saruman, Saruman!" he shouted in a very majestic voice, "Saruman come out!"

There was no response for a while.Finally, the window over the door opened, but no one could be seen inside. "Who is it?" said a voice. "What do you want?" Theoden was taken aback. "I've heard that voice," he said, "I curse every day I hear it." "Speaking Grima, since you have become Saruman's errand, go and find him!" said Gandalf, "Don't waste our time!" The window was closed, and they waited quietly. Suddenly, another deep and beautiful voice spoke. Every word of it was as charming as music. There is no doubt that someone else listened to this voice. Maybe something happened later. They can't remember; even if they understand, they can only be in a daze, because they have almost lost all strength.Most of the time they just remember being happy to hear that voice, as long as what he said must be extremely wise and extremely reasonable, their inner desires forced them to agree immediately to appear smart.When others spoke, the latter's voice was hoarse and rough by comparison; and if others dared to criticize Saruman's voice, they could not help feeling angry.For some the effect lasted only while Saruman spoke, and when he spoke to others they smiled, as men see through the tricks of a magician.For most people, just hearing that voice once is enough to make them lose themselves. For those who are conquered by this voice, no matter where they go, the gentle voice will always follow them, non-stop. Whispering, murmuring incessantly... No one can escape the influence of this voice. As long as the owner of the voice can control the voice, it takes a very strong willpower to just refuse the order given by the voice. do it.

"How is it?" the voice asked a very polite question. "Why do you disturb my rest? Don't you want to let me go day and night?" The voice sounded like a kind-hearted person who felt sad because of being harassed for no reason. Everyone looked up in surprise, because they didn't hear anyone approaching; then, they realized that there was a figure standing on the balcony looking down at them.It was an old man wearing a heavy cloak. It was difficult for onlookers to tell what color the cloak was, because its color would change constantly.He has a long face, a full forehead, and a pair of extremely unpredictable deep black eyes, but from his eyes, it can be seen that he seems to have been treated and encountered extremely unfortunately, and he is also a little tired.His beard and hair are all white, but there are still black hairs around his lips and temples.

"It looks similar, but it's different," Gimli muttered. "But you are all here after all," said the soft voice, "I know at least two of them. I know Gandalf too well for him to come here for help or confusion. But you are different." Now, Hussar King Theoden, judging from your wise demeanor and intelligent appearance, you are still a great king who can not disgrace the royal family of Io. Oh, son of the great Sejal! Why didn't you Come as a friend? I really want to meet you and witness the most powerful monarch in the west, especially in these few years, I want to save you from the evil gossip and misunderstanding Come out! Is it too late? Even though I have been hurt so badly, and the people of Rohan have done their best, I still want to save you from the inevitable Escape from the doomsday. Don’t continue to be stubborn, only I can help you.”

Theoden opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but he couldn't utter a single word.He looked up at Saruman's face and those deep black eyes, and then at Gandalf beside him, he seemed to hesitate for a while.Gandalf did not move at all, but stood silently, as if some actor was quietly waiting for his chance to perform.At first the hussars were agitated, praising Saruman's words loudly, but then fell silent like ordinary enchanted people.In their eyes, Gandalf had never spoken to the king with such respect and wisdom. Gandalf's attitude towards the king was really arrogant and disrespectful.A shadow crossed their hearts, and they were worried about the great danger in the future. Perhaps the Hussars were going to perish under the leadership of Gandalf, and Saruman provided a way of redemption, allowing them to bask in the light of hope in the arms of.The atmosphere is getting heavier── It was Gimli the dwarf who broke the silence, "What this wizard said is all lies!" he growled, holding the ax at his waist. "In Orthank's language, assistance means destruction, and redemption means slaughter. Anyone can see that we are not here to kowtow to you." "Don't get excited!" said Saruman, and at that moment his voice seemed to falter, and there was a fleeting gleam in his eyes. "Gimli, son of Gloin, I'm not talking to you," he said. "Your homeland is far away, and of course you don't care about the unrest here. But you didn't want to be involved in the crisis here. So I don't blame you for your role in this war; in fact, I admire your courage. But, I beg you, please let me and the King of Rohan, my good neighbor, and Talk to old friends." "King Theoden, what do you think? Are you willing to reconcile with me and accept the benefits of the knowledge I have accumulated over the years? Can we join hands to fight against evil, let the goodwill of both sides bloom flowers of peace, and give A better future for this land?" Theoden still didn't answer, and no one could tell whether he was holding back his anger or wavering.Eomer spoke. "My lord, please listen to me!" he said. "At last we realize the dangers that were warned about before. We have fought bloody battles and won. Why should we stand here and let a smooth old liar talk? Trapped Of course the living prey wants to beg for mercy from the hunter. What kind of help can he give you? The only thing he wants is to escape from this crisis. How can you give in to this murderer who betrayed his companions? Don’t forget the hope who died at the ferry. Yod and Hamma's Tomb in Helm's Deep!" "Evil venomous worm, if we were to discuss glib, I am afraid that Your Excellency would be the best of the bunch," said Saruman, his anger now evident to all. "But don't be like this, Eomer!" He changed into a soft voice again: "Everyone must play their part, and your responsibility is to dance with the spear and sword, and you have received great honor. Please Obey the king's orders and slash those opponents who are considered enemies. Politics is a complicated matter that you cannot understand. Perhaps, when you inherit the throne in the future, you may know that the king must choose his friends carefully. Saruman's friendship and The power of Orthanc Tower is a treasure that cannot be underestimated, no matter how many misunderstandings and conflicts there are between us. You won a battle, but not the whole war, and the key to your victory this time is the next time Not again. Maybe next time this dark forest will appear before your door, aimless, irrational, and unfriendly to man. But, O King of Rohan, is it because brave warriors begged Ren Deren, sacrifice on the battlefield, I have to bear the crime of murderer name?If you declare war unilaterally, people will die because of it even if I don't want to.If this is considered a murderer, wouldn't Io's royal family have bloody hands; haven't they killed countless enemies and conquered many opponents in the past five hundred years?However, they also signed peace treaties with many opponents later, and everything was just a matter of politics.Theoden, can the war between us be turned into friendship?After all, it is our responsibility. " "We can live in peace from now on," Theoden finally answered reluctantly, inarticulately.Several hussars cheered loudly.Theoden raised a hand and said. "We can live in peace," he said with a tinge of fear, "after you and all your schemes and efforts have been destroyed, after all that your evil lord has given you has been leveled, we can have peace Saruman, you are a liar, you are a viper, you stretch out the hand of friendship, and I see the claws of Mordor behind you. You cold-blooded beast! Even if you declare war on me for justice, How do you explain the blackened earth and the dead bodies of children? Besides, even if you are ten times wiser than me, it doesn't mean you are qualified to seize the country for your own benefit! Your subordinates killed Hama, and trampled and destroyed his body. I will only let you go when you are hung out of the window to be ravaged by vultures. I really insulted the Iol family. Need to bow to you. Give up, your deceitful voice has lost its charm!" The hussars looked at Theoden with waking dreams, and their master's voice sounded hoarse and rude after Saruman's music.Dazed with rage for a moment, Saruman leaned against the rail as if to strike Theoden with his staff.Many people suddenly saw a scene of poisonous snakes attacking people. "Vulture!" he hissed, and everyone shuddered at the sudden change. "Bastards! What are the royal family of Io? They're nothing but a band of horse-riding bandits living in straw huts, drinking filthy water, mixing children with brutes! You yourselves have been left alone for too long. The gallows has faded Get closer, tighten slowly, and finally strangle you all!" His voice changed again, as if he was slowly suppressing his anger. "I don't know why I wasted my time on you, Ma Wang Theoden, I don't need you and your clowns at all, you run fast and rush slowly. I gave you a reward beyond your status long ago , but you refused. For your own good, I proposed it again, but instead you met with evil words. Forget it, forget it, go back to your thatched hut!" "But, Gandalf! I am most sorry for you, ashamed of you. How can you bear such a companion? Gandalf, you are at least a dignified and proud character, with a noble heart and vision. Have you now, Are you still unwilling to listen to my advice?" Gandalf moved, and looked up. "Is there anything you did not say when we last met?" he asked. "Anyway, do you have anything to take back?" Saruman was stunned for a moment. "Take it back?" He seemed a little confused. "Take it back? I'm doing this for your own good, but you don't appreciate it. You are too arrogant, you don't listen to outsiders' advice, you just go your own way. However, you still make mistakes occasionally and misunderstand my intentions. In the last meeting I'm afraid I was too impatient and lost my patience. I really regret it, because I didn't mean any harm to you. Even if you bring this group of ignorant and violent people to visit me now, I still won't blame you. Why? Aren't we all the oldest race, the best creatures in Middle-earth? Our friendship can bring many benefits to everyone. Together we can create a better future and save This disordered world. Let us open our hearts and ignore the interference of these inferior creatures! Let them wait for our decision! Because, I am willing to let go of the past and accept you again, will you listen to me? You Would you like to come up?" Saruman spent almost all his strength in this last fight, and all the onlookers around him were moved, but this time the effect was completely unaffected—what they heard was a king kindly scolding a man who occasionally made mistakes but was still deeply hurt. Dear Prime Minister, but they are locked out, listening to a door that will not be opened to them, like naughty children eavesdropping on the conversation between parents, wondering what the impact will be.These two were indeed an unearthly pair, and they should have been allies, and Gandalf should have gone into the Tower, and in the chambers of Orthanc they had discussed matters beyond the comprehension of mortals.The door will be closed, and they will obediently wait outside the door, waiting for the assigned work or punishment.Even in Theoden's mind, the thought took root like mold, and he began to suspect: "He's going to betray us, he's going to abandon us and walk away." Then, Gandalf smiled heartily, and all these hallucinations disappeared in an instant. "Saruman, Saruman!" said Gandalf, laughing, "Saruman, you have chosen the wrong trade. You should be the king's jester, and imitate his counsellor, believing that you can deceive Get something to live on. Ha, you're doing that to me!" He paused, and gasped, "Understand each other? I'm afraid I'm beyond your comprehension. As for you, Saruman, I know you too well. Now, I will remember your statement, your argument clearly. When I saw you last time, you were a jailer under the command of Mordor. I would have been sent there. Fortunately, the guest escaped through the roof. Go out, he will be more careful next time he goes in through the gate. But, I don't think I will go up. Saruman, listen to me one last time! Are you willing to come down? Essinger is stronger than you imagined Weaker. Wouldn't it be better to leave here? Maybe help the other side instead? Saruman, think about it! Will you come down?" A shadow passed across Saruman's face, and then it went deathly white.Before he had time to hide, all the onlookers saw the fear and worry under his mask, and dared not leave this place they thought was safe.He hesitated for a moment, and everyone also held their breath.Then he spoke, his voice was cold and shrill, he had already been conquered by pride and hatred. "Will I come down?" He imitated what the other said. "Will unarmed people open the door and negotiate with robbers? I can hear what you have to say from here. I'm not stupid, and I don't believe you, either. Gandalf. They are not where I can see them, but I know that the wooden fiends are always at your word." "A cunning man must be suspicious himself," replied Gandalf wearily, "but you need not fear for your life. If you really knew me, you would know that I did not mean to kill you nor to hurt you , only I can protect you. I give you one last chance, and you are free to leave Orthank if you choose." "That sounds good!" said Saruman scornfully. "It does sound like Gandalf the Grey: so tolerant, so considerate. I know you'll like Orthanc Tower, and of course I can. It would be better for you to leave here. But why should I leave? What is your so-called "freedom"? I think there should be conditions?" "The reasons for leaving, you should see clearly for yourself," replied Gandalf; "you can think of others. Your servants are all wiped out, your neighbors have turned against you, and you are trying to betray your new master. When The next time his eyes turn here, they will be blood red eyes filled with anger. But when I say 'freedom', I mean 'freedom'; Be free to go where you want, even Mordor. But you must first give me the key of Orthanc Tower and your staff. This is a pledge of your goodwill , and will return it to you later.” Saruman's face was contorted with rage, and a red light shone in his eyes.He laughed wildly and said, "Later!" he yelled, his voice turning into a growl, "Later! Yeah, I think it's after you get the key to Barad-doh too! And the Crown of the Seven Kings , the Staff of the Five Witches, and a title that is far greater than it is now. This is really a humble project. It doesn’t need my help at all! I have other things to do, don’t be stupid! If you If you want to seize the opportunity to deal with me, come after you wake up! Take these followers around! Goodbye!" He turned and left the balcony. "Come back, Saruman!" said Gandalf in a very commanding voice.Everyone was very surprised to find that Saruman actually turned his head, as if being dragged back by force.He leaned against the railing and looked out, panting.His face was wrinkled, his cheeks sunken, and the hands that held the cane became as hideous as claws. "I haven't let you go yet," said Gandalf sternly. "I haven't finished. Saruman, you have become an ignorant man to be pitied. You still have a chance to change your ways, but you decide Stay, remorse for your mistake. Stay then! But I warn you, it will not be so easy for you to come out, unless the evil hand of the East comes to catch you. Saruman!" His voice Become more stern and majestic: "Look clearly, I am no longer Gandalf the Gray who was betrayed by you. I am Gandalf the White who has been resurrected from the dead. You have no color now, and I am here to deprive you of the wizard status and qualifications to participate in the parliament!" He raised his hand high and said loudly, "Saruman, your staff will break..." With a click, the staff in Saruman's hand broke in two, and the head of the staff fell at Gandalf's feet. "Go!" said Gandalf.Saruman screamed, and the wolf backed away choking.At that moment a heavy shiny object fell from the tower, and it struck the iron railing, nearly hitting Gandalf on the head, and denting a place near the floor on which he stood.The railing slammed and fell, but the ball was unharmed, and it kept rolling down the stairs.It was a black crystal ball with a center that seemed to be on fire, and Pippin ran to pick it up before it rolled out of the stairs. "Damn it!" cried Eomer, but Gandalf was unmoved. "No, it wasn't Saruman's throw," he said, "and it wasn't his behest either, I guess, it was thrown from one of the upper windows, an unaimed parting from Mr. Gift. " "It may have been misplaced, but that was because he did not know whether he hated you or Saruman more," said Aragorn. "Perhaps so," said Gandalf. "These two fellows will not be very comfortable. They will be suspicious of each other and attack each other. It is quite a punishment, if the tongue can come out of Orthanc alive." Even if he earns it. Come, boy, let me take it! I didn't tell you to do it," when Gandalf saw that Pippin seemed to be carrying something heavy. When going up the stairs, I immediately turned around and yelled.He came down the steps, took the black ball hastily from the hobbit, and wrapped it carefully in his cloak. "Leave it to me," he said. "This is not something Saruman would throw away lightly." "He might have something else to throw, though," Gimli said. "If we're done debating, it's best to get out of their range first!" "It is all said and done," said Gandalf, "and let us go." The crowd turned, preparing to leave Orthanc Tower.The hussars cheered the king and saluted Gandalf.Saruman's spell had been lifted, and they clearly saw him coming obediently, and leaving obediently with his tail in his arms. "Well, it's all over," said Gandalf, "and I must now hurry to Treebeard and tell him what has happened." "Should he have guessed it?" Merry said. "Could it be any other way?" "Improbable indeed," replied Gandalf, "but not entirely hopeless, and I have reasons to try, some out of sympathy, some not. First, Saruman must learn the power of his own voice Has been weakened, he can't play the role of tyrant and advisor at the same time. When the plan matures, he just fell into the trap, trying to take down each enemy in front of him. Then, I gave him one last fairly fair Chance, ask him to abandon Mordor and his own projects, and to make up for it by assisting us. Of course he knew our needs, and he could have given us considerable help, but he chose to stand by and hide in Orsan In Keta, he is unwilling to serve, only willing to command. He can only live under the terrifying shadow of Mordor now, but he still dreams of taking advantage of the momentum. How stupid! If the evil forces in the East spread to Isengard, He'll be eaten alive. We can't destroy Orthanc Tower from the outside, but who knows what Saruman can do inside? " "What if Saruman does not submit? What will you do to him?" asked Pippin. "Me? Do nothing!" said Gandalf. "I will do nothing to him at all. I don't want to overpower anyone. What will happen to him? I don't know. I regret that there are so many good things." Trapped in the Tower of Decay, luckily it's not too bad for us though. Destiny is such a funny thing! Hatred often hurts itself instead. Even if we do break into Orthanc Tower, I'm afraid we won't Find something more precious than the treasure that Qiaoyan just dropped." A scream that was suddenly cut off came from the upper window. "So Saruman seems to think so," said Gandalf. "Let us go!" The group turned back to the ruined gate.They hadn't passed the arch when Treebeard and a few other Treants stepped out of the shadows.Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas looked at them in amazement. "These are my three companions, Treebeard," said Gandalf. "I have spoken to them, but you have not seen them." He introduced the three one by one. The old tree man looked at everyone carefully and talked to everyone.At last he said to Legolas, "You have come all the way from Mirkwood, my dear Elf? There was once a great forest there!" "It still is," said Legolas, "but not so big that we would tire of the new trees. I longed to see the Fangorn Forest, and I walked within its borders before, and almost didn't want to leave." Treebeard's eyes lit up with satisfaction. "I hope you get what you want soon!" he said. "I will, if I have the honor," said Legolas; "I have bet my friends that, if all goes well, we will visit Fangorn Forest with your permission." "Any elf that comes with you is welcome!" said Treebeard. "I don't mean elves by friends," Legolas said. "I mean Gimli, the dwarf." Gimli bowed deeply, but his ax fell to the ground with an unfortunate thud. . "Hum, um! Ah," Treebeard looked at him hesitantly. "A dwarf with an axe! Hum! I have a crush on elves, but you're asking too much. What a rare relationship between you!" "Rarely, perhaps," said Legolas, "but I would not go into Fangorn Forest alone as long as Gimli lived. His ax was not for wood, but for goblin necks. O Fangorn, lord of the Fangorn Forest, who cut forty-two Orcs in the field!" "Phew! That's good!" said Treehug. "That's much better! Well, well, it hasn't happened yet, and we don't need to worry about it. But we must part first. Gandalf says you are dark." He was about to leave before, and the king of hussars was also in a hurry to go home. " "Yes, we must go now," said Gandalf; "I am sorry to have to take your Porters with us, and I hope you will be all right without them." "Should be all right," said Treewool, "but I'll miss them. We've become friends in such a short time that I almost think I've grown younger and rushed again. Don't blame me though, they are The first new thing I've seen in ages. I won't forget them, I've put their names in the list and the Ents will remember them. The earth gave birth to a tree man whose lifespan was as long as the mountains, Roaming about, gulping water; Harpy children are hungry like hunters, The little guy who loves to laugh! As long as our leaves are renewed, we are still friends.Goodbye!If you hear anything in that fair Shire, let me know!You know what I mean, the trace of the tree wife.If you can, you'd better come by yourself. " "We will," said Merry and Pippin in unison, and they turned hastily.Treebeard looked at them, was silent for a moment, and shook his head thoughtfully.Then, turning to Gandalf, he said: "So Saruman will not leave Lo? I do not think he will either, for his heart is as dark as that of wicked Huln. But if I be defeated, all the trees will be Destroy it, as long as there is a small hole to hide in, I don’t want to come out.” "Yes," said Gandalf, "but you have no plan to use the tree to conquer the world and enslave all creatures. That's it, let's let Saruman heal the pain and weave hatred here snare. He holds the key to Orthanc Tower. Don't let him escape." "Absolutely not! Just leave it to our tree man," said Treebeard, "Saruman would never have stepped out of the tower without my consent. The tree man will watch him carefully." "Excellent!" said Gandalf, "that's exactly what I hope, and I can save one worry. You must be careful, though. The water has receded, and the number of guards may not be sufficient to keep the tower tight. I Think that there may be deep tunnels under Orthanc Tower, Saruman may want to use those tunnels to leave quietly. If you want, I beg you to lead the water in again until Isengard becomes a lake, or Until you find the water outlet. After you have flooded all the underground tunnels and blocked the outlets, Saruman will be willing to hide upstairs obediently and watch the scenery outside the window." "Give these to the Ents!" said the Treebeard. "We will search the whole valley carefully, examine every stone, and there will be many trees coming back to live here, old trees, wild trees. We will put They are called forests of observation. Even if it’s just a squirrel passing by, I’ll know it. Leave it to the treants! Even after seventy or seven hundred years, we won’t relax.”