Saruman the White

Gandalf comes to Saruman and is betrayed

Gandalf:

rides to Isengard

Saruman:

Smoke rises from the mountain of Doom. The hour grows late, and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my council. For that is why you have come, is it not, my old friend?

Gandalf:

Saruman.

­­Gandalf and Saruman walking outside Isengard.­­

Saruman:

You are sure of this?

Gandalf:

Beyond any doubt.

Saruman:

So the One Ring has been found.

Gandalf:

All these long years it was in the Shire, right under my nose.

Saruman:

And you had not the wit to see it. Your love of the Halflings' leaf has clearly slowed your mind.

Gandalf:

We still have time, time to counter Sauron, if we act quickly.

Saruman:

Time? What time do you think we have?

inside Isengard:

Saruman:

Sauron has regained much of his former strength. He cannot yet take physical form, but his spirit has lost none of its potency. Concealed in his fortress he sees all. His gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh. You know of what I speak. A great eye, lidless, wreathed in flame.

Gandalf:

The Eye of Sauron.

Saruman:

He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon he will have assembled an army large enough to assault Middle-earth.

Gandalf:

You know this? How?

Saruman:

I have seen it.

­­They enter another room, where a stone sphere lies covered.­­

Gandalf:

A Palantir is a dangerous tool.

Saruman:

(uncovers the stone) Why? Why should we fear to use it?

Gandalf:

They are not all accounted for, the lost seeing stones. You do not know who else may be watching! (as he re-covers the stone, he sees the eye)

Saruman:

The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.

Gandalf:

The Nine?

Saruman:

They crossed the river Isen on midsummer's eve, disguised as riders in black.

Gandalf:

They have reached the Shire!

Saruman:

They will find the Ring, and kill the one who carries it.

Gandalf:

Frodo! (tries to leave, but the doors slam, one by one)

Saruman:

You did not truly think that a hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron? There are none who can. Against the power of Mordor there can be no victory. We must join him, Gandalf. Join with Sauron. It would be wise, old friend.

Gandalf:

Tell me, friend, when did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?

­­They fight, Gandalf loses his staff and is captured.­­

Saruman:

I offered you the choice of aiding me willingly, but you have elected the way of pain!

Gandalf:

rises toward the roof of Isengard