July 10th
Gandalf imprisoned in Orthanc.
Unknown to Gandalf, Saruman had been working towards finding the Ring for many years. The first recording of his interest in the Ring begins in the year 2851. Gandalf discovered that the master of Dol Guldur was, in fact, Sauron and he urged the White Council to attack before his strength grew even more. Saruman, the head of the White Council, overruled Gandalf and began searching for the Ring near the Gladden Fields. He had hoped that if Sauron were still at large the Ring would reveal itself.
When we first meet Saruman in The Lord of the Rings he had become completely enamored with finding the One Ring. He feigned loyalty to Sauron, offering his help to the Dark Lord receiveing resources and knowledge in return. Saruman’s loyalty, however, was extended only to himself, he never wished to fully be Sauron’s disciple but to find them Ring and overthrow Sauron. This is the plan he laid before Gandalf, to use the Ring together and defeat the Dark Lord.
Gandalf sensing the sinister nature behind Saruman’s “plan” retorted with sound logic.
“only one hand at a time can wield the One, and you know that well, so do not trouble to say we! But I would not give it, nay, I would not give even news of it to you, now that I learn your mind. You were head of the Council, but you have unmasked yourself at last. Well, the choices are, it seems, to submit to Sauron, or to yourself. I will take neither. Have you others to offer?”
Saruman then imprisoned Gandalf on the pinnacle of Orthanc, this was the “third choice.”
Thank you for your time, and remember, the old that is strong does not wither.
– The Wandering One
Of Blades and Kings 