Saruman

A minute passed. Suddenly, another voice sounded, soft and melodious. There was an indescribable charm about him. Those who heard that voice rarely remembered the words themselves, and if they did, they were surprised, because there was no power in those words. But the voice was enjoyable. Everything he said seemed wise, and he wanted to agree with everything. Any other voice seemed hoarse in comparison, any other speech seemed unreasonable; and if someone dared to object, anger would flare up in the hearts of the fascinated listeners. The mere sound of that voice was enough to become his slave, and this sorcery lived in the listeners, even when they were already far away. The voice kept whispering, ordering, and they obeyed. No one could listen to him without excitement, no one could resist his charms. Only the firmest will and the most determined thought could resist.

"What's the matter?" "What is it?" the voice asked meekly. "Why are you disturbing my peace?" Won't you leave me day or night? There was a gentle reproach in that tone from a soft heart grieved by an undeserved insult.

Everyone looked up in amazement. I couldn't hear anyone coming out. But the inhabitant of the tower was already standing on the balcony, looking down at them: an old man in a loose cloak, the color of which changed with every movement. The face is oblong, the forehead is high, the eyes are deep and dark, completely impenetrable, but the gaze is benevolent and somewhat tired. His hair and beard are gray, with dark streaks at the temples.

'He looks like him,' whispered Gimli, 'but he's different.'

–Come here," the mellifluous voice continued. - I know Gandalf too well and I do not hope that he has come for help and advice. But you, Theoden the Mighty, King of Rohan, worthy son of Tengel the Illustrious! Why didn't you come to me earlier, why didn't you come as a friend? I wanted to see you, the most powerful of the rulers of the West, to warn you against the evil and unreasonable advice of others. But it's not too late now. I am ready to forget the wrongs inflicted on me by the warriors of Rohan, because I want to save you from death on the wrong path you have chosen. Because only I can save you.

Theoden wanted to say something, but didn't dare. He looked at Saruman, then at Gandalf, and it was obvious that he was hesitating. But Gandalf did not move, as if waiting for a sign he alone knew. The riders whispered to each other, approving of Saruman's words, but then they fell silent and listened as if fascinated. It seemed to them that Gandalf had never spoken so well to their ruler, on the contrary, he was always rude and arrogant. A great fear crept into their hearts like a shadow: It was as if they had witnessed firsthand the death of Rohan, to which Gandalf pushed them, while Saruman opened the way to salvation.

Suddenly Gimli broke the silence.

"This sorcerer turns everything upside down," he grumbled, putting his hand on the handle of the axe. - In Orthanc language, help is death, and salvation is murder. But we didn't come here as petitioners.

– Quiet! Saruman cut him off, a red light flashed in his eyes."I am not talking to you, Gimli, son of Gloin. You're a stranger, you shouldn't meddle in the affairs of this country! His voice warmed up again. - But I will not blame you for your, of course, very valiant deeds. Just please let me talk to the King, my old neighbor and friend... once.

He turned to Theoden again with a sweet speech, offering advice and help, promising to forgive mutual insults and go hand in hand into a bright future.

"Tell me, Theoden, don't you want peace between us?" "What is it?" he asked.

The old ruler was silent. It was obvious how anger and doubt were fighting in him. Yomer spoke instead.

"Listen to me, my lord! "What is it?" he exclaimed. "That's the danger we've been warned against. Did we win the victory only to be ensnared by an old liar who oozes honey with a snake's tongue? If the dogs had chased the wolf, he would have spoken to them that way. What kind of help are we talking about? The villain is trying to escape the reckoning, that's all! But are you really going to negotiate with this traitor and murderer? Will you really forget Theodred, the fresh burial mound at the Fords, the grave of Hama in Helm's Hollow?

"If anyone has a poisonous tongue, it's you!" Saruman said with anger, which everyone could hear now. "To each his own, Yeomer, son of Yeomund! Your business is bravery in battle. So kill those whom your lord commands, but do not interfere in matters that are beyond your understanding. If someday you are destined to become a ruler, you will understand that Saruman's friendship and Orthanc's power are not neglected because of childhood grievances. You won the battle, but not the war, and you won it with help you can't count on twice. Next time, the Shadow of the Forest may appear at your own door: she is moody, devoid of reason and does not like people.

I am speaking to you again, Lord of Rohan! Think about it, can you call me a murderer if brave warriors die in battle? I didn't want war. You started it. And if I am a murderer, then the rulers of the Yorla clan are like that, because they fought many wars and defeated many enemies. And then they made peace. Think about it, Theoden the Mighty, will there be peace and friendship between us? Only you can decide that.

"We want peace," Theoden said slowly and hoarsely after a long silence. The horsemen cheered at these words. "Yes, we will have peace," the king repeated firmly, "when neither you, nor your deeds, nor the deeds of your Dark Lord, to whom you wanted to betray us, will be gone. You are a liar, Saruman, a liar and a seducer! You hold out your hand to me, and I see the cold and sharp claw of Mordor on it. Even if you were ten times wiser, you have no right to interfere in Rohan's affairs and covet his wealth. You're thinking about them now! You say you didn't want a war? And who burned the villages? Who killed the children? Who mocked the corpses? When you're strung up on your balcony to the delight of the crows, that's when I'll make peace with Orthanc! Not before. I'm not as big as my ancestors, but I won't lick anyone's hands. That's my answer. I'm afraid your voice has lost its charm.

The riders looked at Theoden like people who had been suddenly woken up. The harsh and harsh cawing of the old raven sounded like the ruler's voice after Saruman's speeches. But Saruman was beside himself with rage; leaning over the balcony railing, he devoured Theoden with eyes burning with anger. He looked like a snake about to bite.

"The gallows and the crows!" "Stop it!" he hissed. And everyone was startled to hear how suddenly his voice changed. "You old fool! Your palace is a den of robbers and drunkards! They had avoided the gallows for too long. But the noose is already close, inescapable and ruthless. You'll have to hang out in it! He regained his composure, and his voice changed again. "I don't know why I'm talking to you, horse shepherd! I don't need you or your riders, they're just running fast. I offered you power that you didn't deserve by virtue or intelligence, and you answered me with abuse. So be it! Go back to your stable!

But you, Gandalf! The voice began to flow with sweet music again. "You're upsetting me." I'm ashamed to see you in such company. You are as proud as you are wise, you are almost all-seeing. So even now, won't you follow my advice?

Gandalf stirred and looked up.

– Do you have anything to add to what you said on our last date? - he asked. - Or maybe you want to take back some words?

Saruman paused, puzzled.

"Take it back?" "What is it?" he repeated. - I wished you well, but you didn't listen to me. Besides, you don't need other people's advice with your wisdom. Maybe you misunderstood me last time? Maybe I overreacted a little? Forgive me, as I forgive your insolent and unreasonable companions. You and I both belong to an ancient Order, the highest in this world. Our friendship will only benefit us both. Let's try to understand each other and forget about the rest of the low-born for a while. Let them wait for our decisions. Let's think together about things that are important to everyone, including them. Come up to my place, we'll discuss everything together, we'll definitely come to a reasonable decision.

Saruman put such force into this last appeal that none of the listeners could remain indifferent. Now the impression was completely different. They had heard the gentle king's affectionate rebuke of a misguided but beloved vassal. However, they themselves had been kicked out the door, and now they were only muffling words that were not intended for them. Like ill-mannered children or negligent servants, they listened to the incomprehensible speeches of their elders and did not know how these words would affect their own fate. These two were of a completely different breed-exalted and wise. They will certainly form an alliance with each other. Gandalf will now go up to the tower to discuss matters beyond their comprehension. The door will close, and they will remain outside, waiting for the decision of the great ones. Even Theoden had a thought: "He's going to cheat on us, he's going to go there, and then we're dead!"

But Gandalf laughed, and the confusion vanished without a trace.

–Saruman! "What is it?" he exclaimed. The magician's voice wasn't as melodious, but it seemed to fill the entire valley. - You chose the wrong field! You should become a court jester and mimic the dignitaries. You see, and they'll throw a crust... they can, however, treat you with a whip," the magician laughed offensively, and then continued in his usual voice. "You're saying we need to understand each other?" I quite understand you, but you don't understand me anymore. I haven't forgotten anything. The last time I saw you, I was your prisoner, and you were your jailer in the service of Mordor, and you were just about to send me there. No, I'm not going to come up to you.: whoever escaped through the roof will not enter the door. Now listen to me, Saruman! Listen for the last time! Won't you come down to me? Your hopes for the might of Isengard have not been fulfilled. No matter how other disappointments may befall you. So wouldn't it be wiser to give up dubious hopes for more worthy ones? Think about it, Saruman!

A shadow crossed Saruman's face. He turned as pale as a corpse. For a moment, he couldn't control himself, and everyone saw how his doubts were tormenting him, how he couldn't decide whether to leave his shelter or stay in it. Saruman hesitated, and everyone held their breath. Then he spoke, his voice now icy and harsh. Pride and hatred got the better of him.

"Get off?" For me? "What is it?" he asked mockingly. "Would an unarmed man come down to talk to robbers on his doorstep?" I can hear everything well from here. I'm not stupid enough, Gandalf the Grey, to trust you. There are no forest demons in sight, but I know where they are hiding at your command.

– Traitors are always distrustful, - Gandalf waved his hand wearily, - but you needlessly fear for your life, you are in no danger. Understand, I want to save you, and this is your last chance. You're free to leave Orthanc if you want to.

– It's good to hear! Saruman snorted derisively. - Very similar to Gandalf the Grey: so condescending, so generous. I have no doubt that you like Orthanc and my departure would be desirable for you. But why should I leave? What do you mean by the word "free"? Surely you have conditions?

"Well, you have a lot of reasons to leave," Gandalf replied. "Look around you. You will not find your servants, they are exterminated or scattered, you have made your neighbors your enemies, you have deceived or tried to deceive your new master. If his Eye turns here, it will be angry. So, when I say "free," it means freedom: freedom to go wherever you want, yes, Saruman, even to Mordor, if that's what you like. But first you have to give me the key to Orthanc and the wand. I promise to keep them and give them back to you when you earn them again.

Saruman's face was contorted with rage, and red fire lit up in his eyes. He laughed angrily.

– Yes, of course, you will return them to me! But first you'll need the keys to Barad Dur, the crowns of the Seven Kings, and the wands of the Five Magicians. Well, you don't really want that much, and you can probably manage without my help. I don't have time. If you want to negotiate with me, leave and come back sober. And please, no thugs and no runts clinging to your hem. Goodbye! He turned around and was about to leave the balcony.

"Come back, Saruman," Gandalf called softly but imperiously.

To everyone's amazement, Saruman slowly, as if against his will, turned around, leaning against the balcony railing. His face was haggard and aged, and his fingers gripped the black rod like claws.

"I have not let you go yet," Gandalf continued sternly."You are stupid, Saruman, and worthy of pity. You could still turn away from evil and madness, you could be useful. But you persist. Well, that's your right. But I warn you, it won't be easy for you to get out. You will not come out until a hand from the East reaches out and grabs you! The magician's voice, now powerful and menacing, boomed. "Saruman! Open your eyes! I am no longer Gandalf the Grey, whom you betrayed. I am Gandalf the White, returned from the Darkness. And you, you have become colorless, and by my authority I exclude you from the Council and from the Order!

He raised his hand and spoke slowly, in a cold and clear voice.:

"Saruman, I'm breaking your rod!"

The wand in Saruman's hand broke with a bang, and the fragments fell at Gandalf's feet.

Show list of all tags ru en by authors
Uploading to the server: 2026.07.26. Server type: Jino.
Files: 171 185; folders: 6 003; tags: 1 603 + 1 976
Like the project? Become an investor.
Order installation of a website on your local network.

banner 88х31 placement. dragonsoft9@gmail.com

Art Gallery "Heart of Chaos" - Cor Chaosis