CHAPTER 10: THE VOICE OF SARUMAN

Gandalf, Théoden, Aragorn, Éomer, Gimli, Legolas, Merry, and Pippin approach Orthanc amid the wreckage of flooded Isengard. Gandalf summons Saruman, warning all to beware his voice. Saruman appears on the balcony, his tone soft and persuasive, first addressing Théoden with flattery and offers of peace and counsel.

Théoden hesitates under the spell, and the Riders waver, but Gimli breaks the mood, and Éomer denounces Saruman. Saruman rebukes them and renews his offer to Théoden. Théoden answers that peace will come only when Saruman and his works perish, condemning his treachery and atrocities. Saruman shows wrath, then turns to woo Gandalf, proposing private counsel and alliance above the understanding of “lesser folk.”

Gandalf laughs off the illusion, recalls Saruman’s past treachery, and urges him to come down and forsake both Mordor and his own schemes, surrendering the Key of Orthanc and his staff as pledges. Saruman, torn for a moment, refuses and tries to dismiss them. Gandalf compels him to return, declares himself Gandalf the White, and expels Saruman from the order and the Council; Saruman’s staff breaks in his hand.

Immediately a heavy, fiery-hearted crystal globe hurtles down, shattering rail and stair but remaining intact; Pippin retrieves it before Gandalf seizes and cloaks it, suspecting Wormtongue threw it. The Riders hail Théoden; Saruman’s aura is broken. Gandalf explains that Saruman’s voice has lost power, he spurned a fair choice, and now fears Mordor while still dreaming of mastery.

Outside the gate they meet Treebeard with Ents. Treebeard greets Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas, noting the Elf–Dwarf friendship, and bids the hobbits farewell with hopes for news of Entwives. Gandalf and Treebeard agree Saruman must be confined; Gandalf warns of deep tunnels. Treebeard vows to set a Watchwood, flood the underground ways, and keep Saruman trapped in Orthanc.