Note: Deviation in plot is mine, all characters and settings belong to Tolkien

Chapter 1: A Fool’s Realization

“Saruman,” said Gandalf, “will you not come down? Your life will be spared.”

“Well,” said Saruman, pondering, “if I were to do this and accompany you would I be accepted? Would my life be spared? I cannot see how anyone would spare my life after everything that has occurred, which was all by my hand.”

“So,” said Gandalf, surprised at this, yet his face remain unchanged “you are saying that you are responsible for everything that has occurred in Rohan, all the lives that were lost? If you are not fooling us and truly want to assist us in the rest of this war, then your life will be spared by everyone here.”

“I shall consider joining you,” said Saruman, “I gather you speak for everyone.”

For a while it seemed no one would speak, they were all pondering what was being said. Most of all Aragorn, since he knew Gondor was in dire need. If he is truly sincere, his assistance would be helpful toward Gondor. I know Rohan has been greatly afflicted by his actions yet now the focus is on Gondor.

“I am willing to overlook what has occurred,” spoke Aragorn, “although I doubt my views reflect those of Théoden. Even though Rohan has been dealt a mighty blow, it is nothing like what Gondor has suffered, is still suffering. Gondor stands on the brink.”

After he had spoken, all eyes turned to Théoden, expecting him to speak. Théoden sat there and pondered everything Saruman had said. After a long while, he brought himself to speak. “Well Saruman,” he said, sighing heavily, “great destruction has been wrought upon my kingdom and many lives of soldiers and civilians alike have been lost. This is hard for me to overlook yet I realize that in time Rohan will heal from such atrocities. I also realize that you assisted Rohan in the days of my ancestors when Rohan was weak. I would like to think you would want to assist us again and shoulder the burden we carry.”

“That I did,” said Saruman, “I will carry your grieves and will not forget what has happened. I look upon the situation and now know I was foolish.”

“No one would argue that,” said Gandalf, “it seems that you have come to your senses, my friend. Certainly you do not have the same views that you posed at our last meeting. I will not question your decisions since time is growing short.”

“There is another matter that needs to be discussed,” said Saruman, “there is one in my services still. He does not feel that he would be welcome in Rohan, nor does he feel at ease here. You know of whom I speak.”

“I know good and well,” said Théoden, “his name is Gríma Wormtongue and I curse the day he ever set foot into my hall.”

“That may well be,” said Saruman, “yet he was of my doing, that is he carried out my plans. Since Rohan was his home at one time, I was wondering what you would do with him.”

“He will return to Edoras with me,” said Théoden, “and he shall be held prisoner. Gríma is still considered a traitor and these deeds cannot go unpunished. He shall be dealt with.”

“I hope not too harshly,” said Saruman, “since he is the product of my scheme.”

“No,” said Théoden, “but his punishment will be just.”

“How would you like to handle this,” asked Saruman, “should I bring him or would you want to do it yourself?”

“I would like to keep him in my sight at all times,” said Théoden, “lest he escape. If you do not mind, I shall have a couple of my men meet you down here at the stairwell and you can escort them in.”

He exited the balcony and climbed down to the entrance of Orthanc, on the way down he gathered up the palantír and a sword he had made long ago, and returned to the entrance. Once he had appeared again, Théoden motioned for a couple of his men to meet him. Saruman escorted them to where Gríma was. They bound his hands, brought him back out and set Gríma upon a horse behind one of Théoden’s men. As Gríma passed by Saruman, he glared icily at him, it seemed he could have stabbed Saruman with his eyes alone. Saruman gazed at him solemnly.

“How could you,” Gríma cried, “how could you? After all I have done for you!”

“You must go back to Rohan,” said Saruman, “it is the only way.”

“Gríma,” said Théoden, “you will be tried for your crimes. Now let us return to Edoras as quickly as possible.”

They set off except for Legolas and Gimli, Aragorn, Gandalf and the Hobbits. The Hobbits surprisingly had remained quiet throughout the proceedings, only because Gandalf shot them glances. Gimli had too only because Legolas had shot him glances.

“Gandalf,” said Saruman handing something over wrapped in cloth, “take this. I think you will find it useful and will use it wisely. Some who travel with you should not use it.”

Gandalf took it and unwrapped it, revealing the palantír. That is how Sauron took him. Ah, it all makes sense now. The events that aspired were not entirely of his making; he was just performing Sauron’s will. He was Sauron’s puppet. No telling what he suffered from this. Yes, I shall keep watch on it. I would not want anyone to fall into Sauron’s grasp. I believe, however, that Aragorn can look into it when the time is ripe. “Well, I am glad you have given this to me,” he said finally, “I shall follow your instructions. Now, my company and I must leave for Rohan. You can join us if you like or make straight for Minas Tirith.”

“I believe I shall go straight to Minas Tirith,” said Saruman, “I do not think I would be welcomed in Rohan.”

“True,” said Gandalf, “you are probably right. Well, me must leave. We will meet again in Minas Tirith.” He took off and the rest of the Fellowship followed.

After they had left, he went back into Orthanc and gathered some things, and changed into a white robe, although he felt he should not be the white wizard now. He put on a light grey cloak over his robes. Once he saw to everything, he mounted his horse, which had belonged to Gríma at one time, and rode to Minas Tirith.