August 22nd
They come to Isengard; they take leave of the King of the West at sunset.
August 28th
They overtake Saruman; Saruman turns towards the Shire.
From Helm’s Deep the company headed towards Isengard, and here they saw how the Ents tore down rock and stone to make a garden filled with orchards and trees. This place has been christened by the Ents, Treegarth of Orthanc. It was here that Treebeard let the compant know that he set Saruman free, feeling as though he could do no more harm.
Ganald disagreed but did not dwell on this new information, what’s done was done and it was time to press on. Aragorn was given the keys of Orthanc and he gave the surrounding land to the Ents, so long as they protect the tower and not let anyone enter without his knowing.
If you remember, Legolas and Gimli had a debate between the wonder and beauty of the Glittering Caves and Fangorn Forest. After parting words from Treebeard the Fellowship begins their split when Legolas and Gimli depart for Fangorn Forest. The remaining members of the company made their way to the Gap of Rohan where Aragorn and his knights departed.
“With that they parted, and it was then the time of sunset; and when after a while they turned and looked back, they saw the King of the West sitting upon his horse with his knights about him; and the falling Sun shone upon them and made all their harness to gleam like red gold, and the white mantle of Aragorn was turned to a flame. Then Aragorn took the green stone and held it up, and there came a green fire from his hand.”
The company departed the King, past through the Gap of Rohan, through the borders of Dunland, and as they were journeying through soods near the Misty Mountains, they ran into a beggar.
The “beggar” turned out to be Saruman and while Gandalf and Galadriel offered him a chance to make up for is actions he scorned them. Saruman wanted neither their pity nor their mercy, he wanted power, and since they had none to offer him he hated them. Dragging Gríma behind him Saruman passed the Hobbits, they, like Gandalf and Galadriel, pitied him. Merry even gave him what was left of his pipe weed I hopes to ease his malcontent, but it did not work. Determined to leave with what diginity he had left Saruman spat ominous words of the Shire and turned his back on the company. Gríma followed behind.
Thank you so much for your time, we’re incredibly sorry we missed August 22nd’s post, it was a very important moment. Remember, all that is gold does not glitter.
– The Wandering One
Of Blades and Kings 