towers

the voice of saruman 761
than those that you wear now. A modest plan. Hardly one in
which my help is needed! I have other things to do. Do not
be a fool. If you wish to treat with me, while you have a
chance, go away, and come back when you are sober! And
leave behind these cut-throats and small rag-tag that dangle
at your tail! Good day!’ He turned and left the balcony.
‘Come back, Saruman!’ said Gandalf in a commanding
voice. To the amazement of the others, Saruman turned
again, and as if dragged against his will, he came slowly back
to the iron rail, leaning on it, breathing hard. His face was
lined and shrunken. His hand clutched his heavy black staff
like a claw.
‘I did not give you leave to go,’ said Gandalf sternly. ‘I
have not finished. You have become a fool, Saruman, and
yet pitiable. You might still have turned away from folly
and evil, and have been of service. But you choose to stay
and gnaw the ends of your old plots. Stay then! But I warn
you, you will not easily come out again. Not unless the dark
hands of the East stretch out to take you. Saruman!’ he cried,
and his voice grew in power and authority. ‘Behold, I am not
Gandalf the Grey, whom you betrayed. I am Gandalf the
White, who has returned from death. You have no colour
now, and I cast you from the order and from the Council.’
He raised his hand, and spoke slowly in a clear cold voice.
‘Saruman, your staff is broken.’ There was a crack, and the
staff split asunder in Saruman’s hand, and the head of it
fell down at Gandalf ’s feet. ‘Go!’ said Gandalf. With a cry
Saruman fell back and crawled away. At that moment a heavy
shining thing came hurtling down from above. It glanced off
the iron rail, even as Saruman left it, and passing close to
Gandalf ’s head, it smote the stair on which he stood. The
rail rang and snapped. The stair cracked and splintered in
glittering sparks. But the ball was unharmed: it rolled on
down the steps, a globe of crystal, dark, but glowing with a
heart of fire. As it bounded away towards a pool Pippin ran
after it and picked it up.
‘The murderous rogue!’ cried Éomer. But Gandalf was