Luke harbored some curiosity about the Ring of Power Saruman had forged. However, he was concerned that this ring, much like the One Ring, might corrupt hearts or cause other unforeseen problems, so he dared not touch it directly.
Without his staff and the Ring of Power, Saruman was like a tiger stripped of its teeth and claws, his threat significantly diminished.
Luke wished to dispatch Saruman immediately, but it was clear that Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond were unwilling to do so. They had been comrades-in-arms for millennia, sharing a certain bond with Saruman. Although Saruman had chosen to fall and conspire with Sauron, they held out hope that he might yet come back to the light, abandon darkness, and rejoin the fight against Sauron.
Of course, a more crucial factor was that Saruman, as the only wizard among the five who had voluntarily come to Middle-earth to assist the Free Peoples against Sauron and the dark forces, had made substantial contributions and held a significant position in Middle-earth. Gandalf believed they had no right to decide Saruman's fate; he needed to face judgment, and then the Valar would determine his destiny.
Luke did not press the matter, but to prevent Saruman's escape, he suggested that Saruman be bound with heavy restraints to prevent him from breaking free. This time, Gandalf, Elrond, and Galadriel did not object. Even without his staff and Ring of Power, Saruman remained a powerful wizard who required careful guarding.
So, Elrond cast a spell to lift Saruman from the river to the bank, then joined forces with Gandalf and Galadriel. Utilizing the combined power of the Three Elven Rings, they wove a triple, impenetrable magical cage around Saruman, trapping him within. Throughout this process, Saruman remained sullen and silent, offering no resistance. Everyone then prepared to transport Saruman back to Isengard.
But at that moment, Galadriel's expression turned solemn, her sharp eyes fixed on the distant East. Simultaneously, Gandalf, Elrond, and Saruman, still in his enchanted cage, all gazed eastward. Luke followed their collective gaze, observing that the far eastern sky was consumed by dark clouds, forming a colossal black curtain rapidly spreading towards them.
"Be alert!" Gandalf drew his sword, his face etched with grave vigilance. Elrond also gripped his elven sword, guarding Galadriel's side with a serious look in his eyes. The black cloud advanced swiftly, approaching with tremendous momentum, and soon reached the opposite bank of the river. And beneath these dark clouds, nine black and ferocious flying beasts, smaller than dragons, moved with silent menace.
They were wreathed in dark aura, exuding a terrifying, heart-pounding presence. At first glance, Luke mistook them for dragons, but upon closer inspection, he realized they were different. These flying beasts resembled flying dinosaurs, their enormous black wings like bat membranes. They were potent evil creatures bred by the dark lord Sauron—Fellbeasts.
Riding upon the backs of the Fellbeasts were the Nine Ringwraiths. Clad in dark armor, their aura had intensified further, and they wielded Morgul blades, radiating pure evil. As they attempted to cross the Ent River and approach Luke and his companions, Galadriel raised her hand and released a dazzling light, pushing back the dark clouds in the sky. The Nine Nazgûl and their Fellbeasts were forced to halt.
The Fellbeasts, fearing the light, grew restless, emitting shrill cries, circling anxiously in the sky. For a moment, with the Ent River as the boundary, one side was plunged into night, the other bathed in day. Galadriel's expression was majestic, and a light emanated from her body. Her voice boomed like spring thunder: "Nazgûl, servants of Sauron, this is not your domain. Return to your underworld!"
The Nine Nazgûl were visibly intimidated by Galadriel, yet they seemed bolstered by some hidden strength, unwilling to retreat. Instead, they confronted her from across the river. From the hollow, dark helmet of the Witch-king of Angmar, leader of the Nazgûl , issued an ancient, dark curse: "We only seek the White Wizard. Hand him over to us."
"Don't even think about it!" Gandalf scoffed, riding his flying broom, a sword in one hand and his staff in the other. "You shall not cross this river while I stand here!"
The Witch-king of Angmar sneered sarcastically, his voice resonating from the depths of hell: "Grey Wizard, you cannot stop us!"
"Is that so? I wish to see your basis for such claims," Elrond said grimly. As he chanted a spell, the Ent River surged, then suddenly rose, forming a towering wall of water that blocked their path. Luke also summoned a Patronus, sending it directly towards the Nazgûl. The owl Patronus extended its sharp talons, striking at the Nazgûl. Its divine and light-filled presence momentarily startled and panicked the Nazgûl.
But then, the Witch-king of Angmar, their leader, raised his left hand and unleashed pure dark magic, condensing it into a giant black bat that engaged Luke's Patronus. The black bat resembled a dark counterpart to Luke's Patronus, filled with pure evil and dark will, an antithesis to the Patronus's light and holiness. Luke was somewhat surprised. Was this an imitation of his Patronus magic? A dark Patronus?
However, Gandalf keenly observed the Nazgûl's situation. He looked at their fingers and reminded them, "They all wear Rings of Power!" Hearing Gandalf's words, they noticed that each Nazgûl wore a golden ring on his hand, set with gems and emitting a faint glow.
Only then did they realize why these Nazgûl had grown more powerful: they were wearing Rings of Power. Those were the Nine Rings of Men, among the Rings of Power forged by Celebrimbor. At that time, Sauron, using the alias Annatar, Lord of Gifts, had deceived the elves with his handsome appearance and extensive knowledge, teaching them the art of crafting magic rings. Under Sauron's guidance, Celebrimbor forged the Nine Rings of Men and the Seven Rings of Dwarves, and he also forged the Three Rings of Elves independently. The Nine Rings of Men and the Seven Rings of Dwarves were infused with Sauron's corrupting evil. The nine human kings who received the Nine Rings of Men were corrupted by Sauron's power and became the Nazgûl. Later, because Sauron had completely controlled the souls of the Nazgûl and no longer needed them to wear the rings for control, he reclaimed the rings.
Unexpectedly, they had now been redistributed to the Nazgûl. Though the power of the Nine Rings of Men was not as great as the Three Elven Rings, they were still potent Rings of Power. After the Nazgûl donned the rings, their strength more than doubled.
At this moment, an evil spiritual will emerged from the space pocket Elrond carried. Elrond was struck hard, his face changing, and he immediately threw the space pocket away. That space pocket was a gift from Luke to Elrond, designed for convenient storage. The next second, the space pocket appeared to be destroyed from within, instantly torn apart by space, and all its contents spilled out, including Saruman's Palantír.
The Palantír rolled before them. Inside the crystal ball, a massive red vertical eye pulsed, emitting a terrifying and corrupting spiritual will. It was Sauron! Everyone's expressions froze, and they instinctively recoiled in fear.
"Once more, I behold you, Elves and Wizards…"The Eye blazed with fire as it swept across them, halting at last upon Luke. His voice rolled forth, heavy as thunder, more perilous and enthralling than the serpent-tongue of Saruman.
"What gain lies in defying me? Your age wanes, children of starlight. The dominion of Men rises as yours crumbles. Lothlórien shall wither, its golden leaves falling into dust. Rivendell shall fade into silence, and your people shall dwindle until even memory abandons you. Forgotten… is this your fate of choice?"
"I have no need of your allegiance. Merely stand aside… and the slow death of your kind may be stayed. Hold your lands. Dwell in peace. Rekindle what remains of your fading glory. Resist me, and all shall be lost, swiftly, utterly. But yield, and the Elves may linger in Middle-earth, cloaked in their former splendor."
Galadriel and Elrond were strong-minded and did not allow Sauron's magical voice to sway their hearts. Galadriel stared into the Eye of Sauron in the crystal ball and stated coldly and firmly, "Sauron, servant of Morgoth, no matter how tempting your words, they are nothing but poison wrapped in honey. Do not even think of deceiving me!"
As she spoke, she actively moved towards the Palantír. A holy light emanated from her body, especially her long hair, mixed with gold and silver, which released the brilliance of the Two Trees of Valinor. Her eyes were like starlight, and she challenged Sauron across the crystal. The Eye of Sauron was dazzled by Galadriel's holy light and reluctantly vanished from the Crystal of Truth. Galadriel's light faded, and she swayed slightly, tiredly. Clearly, she had paid a heavy price in that aerial confrontation with Sauron.
"Lady Galadriel!" Elrond asked with concern. Galadriel smiled and shook her head, indicating she was fine. Then, with a determined look, she picked up the Palantír from the ground and sealed it with her own power to prevent Sauron from reappearing. But at the moment when everyone was distracted, the ground suddenly shook.
Before anyone could react, a colossal mouth filled with huge teeth emerged from the ground beneath their feet and lunged towards them. It was an Earthworm! And an incredibly gigantic one. Luke's face changed, and he quickly Apparated several times, pulling Galadriel and Elrond to safety.
Gandalf, riding his flying broom, also soared upwards, evading the Earthworm's attack. As for the dragon Smaug and the giant eagle Sulond, they reacted swiftly and flew into the sky.
Only Saruman, who was not moved in time, fell directly into the Earthworm's mouth. Swallowing him in one gulp, the Earthworm burrowed back into the ground, leaving behind a hole as vast as an abyss. Looking at the cavernous entrance, Luke and his companions felt heavy-hearted. Unexpectedly, Sauron had used a feint, attacking from the west after drawing their attention east. He had first used the Nine Nazgûl in the sky to distract them, then appeared in the Palantír himself, making them believe they faced a formidable enemy. The result was that the Earthworm quietly arrived beneath their feet and directly rescued Saruman.
Luke and the others naturally didn't believe that Saruman was dead simply because the Earthworm had swallowed him. After all, Sauron had traveled thousands of miles and sent the Nazgûl and Earthworms just to kill Saruman. They wished to pursue, but deep underground was the domain of Earthworms. The underground caves might have already collapsed; how could it be easy to catch up? They could only watch as Saruman was carried away by the Earthworms.
The Nine Nazgûl in the sky, seeing their mission accomplished, did not linger. They rode their Fellbeasts, turning and flying eastward towards Mordor. Seeing this, Luke and his companions did not pursue them, as it would be meaningless. As long as Sauron remained, these Nazgûl could be resurrected no matter how many times they were killed, making pursuit a complete waste of effort. The dark clouds in the sky also retreated as the Nazgûl departed, allowing light to return to the earth.
Saruman's rescue by Sauron left Luke and his companions in a state of profound worry. Sauron was already an incredibly formidable adversary; with Saruman now allied with him, the challenge escalated exponentially! Although previously exiled by Galadriel, Mordor had always remained Sauron's stronghold, a den of darkness teeming with dark creatures and corrupted humans—a place so utterly terrifying that even Gandalf had rarely dared to venture far.
The East had consistently fallen under Sauron's dominion and influence, with human tribes and nations like the Easterlings and Haradrim all bound to his will. Now, with Saruman, a powerful wizard adept at machinery, engineering, and the cultivation and transformation of creatures, joining forces, Sauron's power had grown even more potent.
Perhaps the only silver lining was that Luke had seized Saruman's staff and Ring of Power, stripping him of two formidable weapons. They had also captured Isengard ahead of schedule, thwarting Saruman and Sauron's plan to annex Rohan and Gondor from both flanks.
Just as Luke and Gandalf were preparing to depart for Isengard, the thunder of horse hooves echoed in the distance. Accompanied by rolling dust, an elite human army of thousands rode towards Luke and the others. However, intimidated by the dragon Smaug's immense size and power, the horses grew restless once within a certain proximity and dared not approach.
Only the leader, whose magnificent steed seemed exceptional, managed to bring its rider within a hundred meters of Luke and his companions, enduring the dragon's overwhelming aura. Gandalf, upon seeing the approaching men, his eyes lit up, and he advanced, greeting them like an old friend.
"Your Majesty Théoden, is all well?"
The man on horseback removed his helmet, revealing a majestic and weathered middle-aged face. His gaze first fell on the dragon, a trace of awe flashing in his eyes, then paused on Galadriel and Elrond, surprise flickering as he recognized their elven identity.
Simultaneously, he noticed Luke standing with the two elves. Had he not observed Luke's lack of pointed ears, he might have mistaken him for an elf. With a heart full of doubt and complexity, he fixed his eyes on Gandalf, who was walking towards him.
"Gandalf, what has transpired here?" he asked seriously, his eyes sweeping across the massive pit and the clearly flooded River Ent. "My soldiers reported spotting the enemy here. Why do I only see you?"
Gandalf looked solemn, sighed, and replied, "It is true that Saruman, the White Wizard of Isengard, has rebelled. Though he will not admit it, he has joined forces with Mordor and intends to invade Rohan and Gondor. We uncovered his plot and sought to capture him, but the forces of Mordor intervened and rescued him."
"What! Is this true?" Théoden was shocked and somewhat incredulous. Of course, he had heard of Saruman, the White Wizard of Isengard. He hadn't imagined this wizard would rebel and collude with Mordor.
Gandalf nodded. "Saruman has been rescued by Mordor. With his power, he will undoubtedly strengthen Mordor even further. I implore Your Majesty, Théoden, to remain vigilant and increase surveillance of the east, always guarding against Mordor's invasion. At the same time, I would ask Your Majesty Théoden to convey this news to the Steward of Gondor in the south, so that he, too, can prepare his defenses."
Théoden's expression suddenly became grave, as the safety of his kingdom was at stake. He nodded. "Thank you for your warning. I will deploy more troops to guard the borders along the Anduin River and strengthen our alliance with Gondor."
Gandalf smiled with relief. The Théoden before him was the sixteenth King of Rohan, having recently ascended the throne after King Thengel. Although nearly forty years old, he was still full of vigor and ambition, and he would not idly stand by while his kingdom was threatened. Gandalf then introduced the others to Théoden.
"This is the radiant Lady Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlórien." Following Gandalf's introduction, Galadriel inclined her head slightly with grace and dignity, offering a polite smile.
Théoden had never encountered such a beautiful and noble person. He was deeply awed, yet also felt a touch of inadequacy. Especially those bright, profound eyes, which seemed to possess the power to see into one's soul. He found himself unable to meet her gaze directly, fearing that some ignoble thought might be revealed. He quickly looked away, not daring to look at her again.
"This is Lord Elrond of Rivendell, the last haven west of the mountains." Elrond offered a gentle, polite nod. Though Théoden prided himself on his royal status, he dared not underestimate such figures.
Finally, Gandalf chuckled as he introduced Luke. "And this is the wizard Luke the Black, Lord of Amon Sul, Hogwarts, and Bree—and also the master of the dragon." Upon hearing this, Théoden looked at Luke with surprise. He hadn't expected this young wizard to be the dragon's master.
As the King of Rohan, he had naturally heard of the Battle of Five Armies that occurred in the Lonely Mountain to the north a few years prior, and he was familiar with the reputation of the Black Wizard. He had initially assumed the Black Wizard would be an elder, like other wizards, but was surprised to find him a young wizard capable of subduing a dragon.
Recognizing the stature of each individual, Théoden immediately invited everyone to visit his capital, Edoras. However, neither Galadriel nor Elrond were fond of diplomatic engagements, and they declined Théoden's invitation.
More importantly, they now had to deal with the aftermath of Saruman's actions. Thus, Luke and Gandalf also politely declined. To Théoden's regret, the group bid him farewell and departed aboard the giant dragon and eagle, leaving only Théoden and his Rohan soldiers watching them with awe.
Soon, they arrived at Isengard, Saruman's former lair. Located in the throat of land between Rohan and Gondor, at the southernmost end of the Misty Mountains, it nestled in a valley encircled by mountains. Its core was a fortress enclosed by a high circular wall, at the center of which stood a massive rock tower—the Tower of Orthanc.
Isengard's strategic significance was immense, as it commanded a vital passage connecting north and south. If occupied, it could threaten Rohan and contain Gondor. There was no longer any doubt about Saruman's purpose in choosing this site as his base.
Luke and his companions landed in Isengard's fortress, which was now under the control of the Ents. The Ents, with the help of the Huorns, had dismantled the high outer walls of the fortress and taken control of Saruman's forces. In his ambition, Saruman had not only secretly attempted to breed Orcs but had also recruited many humans to serve him.
These humans, men from the Rohirrim, Gondor, and Dunland, numbered nearly a thousand. But now they were prisoners of the tree-people, confined in cages woven from tree roots.
"Thank you for your assistance, Treebeard," Gandalf said to the Ent leader. Treebeard shook his head, his voice low and slow. "You are welcome. Saruman has already cut down the surrounding forests to smelt steel. We would not stand idly by." After handing Saruman's men over to Gandalf and his companions, the tree-people took the Huorns and returned to Fangorn Forest.
Entrusting Saruman's imprisoned men in their tree-root cages to Smaug's custody, Luke and his companions proceeded into the Tower of Orthanc. The Tower of Orthanc, built by the ancient Númenóreans, was legendary for its indestructibility. After centuries of continuous modification and reinforcement by Saruman, it had evolved into a wizard tower with both formidable offensive and defensive capabilities.
Observing the Tower of Orthanc, Luke couldn't help but express his admiration repeatedly. Saruman was truly the preeminent engineering expert in Middle-earth. He had transformed the entire tower into an exceptionally sturdy edifice. Various mysterious runes were engraved on its walls and floors.
The tower was imbued with numerous spells, functioning both as a fortress and a colossal magical amplifier. While within the tower, Saruman was virtually invincible. It was no wonder that even Gandalf and the others had lacked the confidence to breach the Tower of Orthanc with a combined assault.
Entering the tower, the ground floor housed cells, warehouses, and armories, while the middle floor contained Saruman's laboratory. The laboratory was filled with various test tubes, bottles, and other experimental equipment. Luke even observed crossbows, intricate machinery, and gunpowder developed by Saruman, which secretly amazed him.
Saruman was simply a scientific research fanatic. It was a pity he had chosen the wrong path; otherwise, had he continued on this trajectory, he might have significantly accelerated Middle-earth's historical progress.
When Luke saw Saruman's study, his eyes lit up. An entire floor had been converted into a study, its bookshelves crammed with an immeasurable number of books and scrolls, so densely packed they defied counting. Luke had never seen so many books except in the library in the hidden valley.
Although he yearned to explore it immediately, Luke first retrieved Saruman's staff and Ring of Power that he had confiscated earlier. Luke had no use for Saruman's staff and no intention of keeping it, so he offered it to Gandalf. Gandalf did not refuse.
Then, Luke carefully placed the Ring of Power on the table, refraining from touching it with his hands. After all, this was a Ring of Power forged by Saruman under Sauron's guidance. Who knew if it would be tainted by Sauron's power, like the Nine Rings of Men and the Seven Rings of Dwarves? To rashly touch it, or even be tempted to put it on, risked corrosion by its power, making regret too late. Gandalf, Elrond, and Galadriel concurred with Luke's caution.
They too observed the ring meticulously and vigilantly, checking for any hidden dangers. Because Luke had taken the ring from Saruman, everyone tacitly agreed it was Luke's trophy. However, they were also concerned that the ring might conceal Sauron's or Saruman's residual power. If Luke wore it unprepared and was affected, that would be the greatest loss. So, the three of them inspected the ring very carefully, using various detection methods and testing it repeatedly.
Even after failing to find anything amiss with the ring, Galadriel took the initiative to place it on her finger, experiencing its properties for herself. Finally, after Luke had waited anxiously for a long time, Galadriel smiled, removed the ring, and handed it to Luke. "Congratulations, the ring is harmless. Make good use of it!" Luke was delighted upon hearing this and eagerly placed the Ring of Power on his finger.
Upon donning the Ring of Power forged by Saruman, Luke instantly felt a profound shift. His eyes widened in surprise. This Ring of Power was distinct from the Three Elven Rings. It lacked the protective capabilities of Nenya, the healing properties of Vilya, or the inspiring wisdom of Narya. Instead, its sole function was to amplify the wearer's inherent abilities. The moment it slipped onto his finger, Luke felt his magical power, spiritual reserves, and other faculties increase severalfold.
He sensed an terrifying surge of strength, feeling capable of easily overcoming several versions of his former self. He could even cast magic without a wand or staff, and the power unleashed was far greater than any he could achieve with conventional implements! Luke was elated.
He had always envied Gandalf and his companions for possessing the Three Rings of the Elves, and he never imagined he would one day possess a Ring of Power himself. A slight regret lingered, however: while Saruman's ring rivaled the Elven Rings in raw power, it was ultimately a testament to Saruman's flawed craftsmanship.
In a true comparison, the Three Elven Rings remained superior. Saruman's Ring of Power simply enhanced one's own strength. The Three Rings, however, not only delayed the erosion of time and provided protection, healing, and inspiration, but were also intimately connected to the elements of air, water, and fire, allowing their bearers to command them. Yet, even with these distinctions, Luke was thoroughly satisfied.
Examining the golden ring, he noted the inscription in Sindarin on its inside: "Power is mine, might is endless."
It was clear Saruman had sought to emulate the One Ring, intending to create another such artifact. Unfortunately, Saruman had significantly overestimated his own abilities, producing a "beggar's version" of the One Ring, far inferior in true potency. Another issue was that Saruman had crafted the Ring of Power specifically for himself, without considering its usability by others.
Thus, while the ring allowed Luke to cast spells wandlessly and unleashed power many times greater than a wand or staff, each use placed a tremendous strain on Luke's body. After wearing it for a while, Luke had to remove it. He then used a Transfiguration spell to create a necklace, placed the ring upon it, and hung it around his neck.
At this moment, his Hogwarts Sign-in System prompted:
[Hogwarts Sign-in System: Locating Isengard - Orthanc Tower. Do you want to sign in?]
Luke's heart stirred.
"Sign in."
[Successful sign-in, congratulations on obtaining the method for breeding hybrid magical creatures!]
Hybrid magical creatures? Luke was surprised. He quickly reviewed the information and immediately recognized that the hybridization methods for these creatures were truly astonishing. This magical hybridization defied conventional biological principles, sidestepping any issues of reproductive isolation. For instance, Hagrid had successfully crossbred a manticore and a fire crab to create the Blast-Ended Skrewt: a creature resembling a giant, shell-less lobster whose tail could spray flames and explosives, a truly violent and dangerous beast.
Beyond this, the Hippogriff, found in Hogwarts' Forbidden Forest, was also a hybrid magical creature, a cross between a griffin and a horse. The Chimera, listed as the most dangerous and deadly monster by the Ministry of Magic, was another product of magical hybridization—possessing a lion's head, a goat's body, and a dragon's tail, incredibly powerful and perilous.
In "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by Newt Scamander, the Chimera is highlighted as being more dangerous than a Fire Dragon. Due to its extreme aggression and untamable nature, many wizards had perished attempting to subdue it, and ordinary wizards simply couldn't manage it.
Because creatures created through magical hybridization are often uncontrollable, either extremely weak or incredibly dangerous, possessing violent personalities that resist taming, the Ministry of Magic strictly prohibits wizards from engaging in biological hybridization. Luke had now obtained the method for hybridizing magical creatures, but for a moment, he couldn't conceive of a practical application. Would he breed some new hybrid beasts? Unable to immediately determine a use, he set the matter aside and refocused his attention.
With the Ring of Power dealt with, the group began discussing the fate of Orthanc Tower. The Tower of Orthanc, built by Saruman, was an exceptionally solid magical fortress. Had Saruman not been lured out, they would not have had the confidence to breach the tower even with their combined might. Now Saruman had fled, and Orthanc was masterless.
No one considered destroying the place. Not only was Orthanc Tower itself immensely valuable as an indestructible sanctuary, but Orthanc and the surrounding Isengard were strategically located near the pass between the Misty Mountains and the White Mountains. They formed a crucial transportation hub connecting the western Eriador region with Rohan, Gondor, and even Mordor.
It also controlled several vital routes, including the north-south highway and the path to the Plains of Rohan. It was undeniable that controlling Isengard meant controlling the gateway to the Eriador region. So, neither for its strategic location nor the impregnable fortress of Orthanc would they ever abandon Isengard.
However, both Elrond and Galadriel had their own elven territories to govern and could not take on this new responsibility, so they politely declined. Luke also smiled and suggested,
"Aside from you, Gandalf, the three of us have our own territories to manage. Since you, Gandalf, have no fixed abode yet, why don't you make your home here from now on? This way, you'll not only have your own territory, but you'll also be able to stay in contact with nearby Rohan and Gondor, and monitor the situation in Mordor." Elrond and Galadriel readily agreed. Elrond added, "More importantly, Saruman will surely not give up. He will undoubtedly attempt to reclaim Isengard, so there must be someone here capable of confronting him."
But despite their persuasion, Gandalf firmly shook his head. He chuckled, playfully refusing, "I'm not yet old enough to need to settle down and rest. I prefer to wander and see all manner of people and landscapes. Giving me a territory would only tie me down, which sounds dreadful!"
In truth, Gandalf always remembered his original purpose, believing his role was to guide the Free Peoples to save themselves, rather than to rule them directly. Thus, he roamed Middle-earth, much like his Elvish name, Mithrandir; he belonged to no fixed place but went wherever crisis called.
A permanent territory would become a constraint, preventing him from moving flexibly between various forces and coordinating actions. He didn't need physical bases to exert his power; rather, he united people's hearts to muster collective strength against evil. So, Gandalf was not tempted by Saruman's stronghold at all, but rather quite opposed to the idea.
Galadriel and Elrond, long-time friends of Gandalf, naturally understood his resolve and ceased trying to persuade him. Then the three exchanged glances and simultaneously turned their eyes to Luke. Luke was momentarily confused by their gazes, but he soon understood their unspoken meaning and quickly waved his hand in refusal.
"Don't look at me! I already have a territory on Weathertop, and it's a thousand miles from here. I can't manage it all!" He struggled even to oversee Hogsmeade and Bree at the foot of Weathertop, so how could he possibly find time for Saruman's stronghold? Wouldn't that simply be asking for more work?
Faced with Luke's evasive resistance, smiles flickered in the eyes of the three. Gandalf smiled and said, "Distance is no problem for you, Luke. You just need to set up a Floo Network here in Orthanc, and you can come anytime, right? Lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond are both unable to manage this place, and I must travel extensively and cannot stay. You are the only one truly capable of defending Isengard, so there's no need to refuse!"
But no matter what Gandalf said, Luke merely kept shaking his head. He only desired to manage the small area around Weathertop, not to travel thousands of miles and constantly be on guard against Saruman and Mordor. He suggested, "Gandalf, you know many people. Perhaps you could ask someone else to guard this place?"
Gandalf sighed and shook his head. "It's not that we don't want to find other capable people, but Isengard's location is unique. It's a transportation hub connecting East and West, and it cannot be lost. Once it falls into the hands of Saruman or Mordor, it could directly sever the connection between East and West, leaving Rohan and Gondor isolated and helpless. Not only would Rohan and Gondor be imperiled, but the army of Mordor could even march straight into Eriador, bringing disaster to the peoples of the West. Therefore, we need a reliable warden for this stronghold. Only by having someone trustworthy and capable of protecting it can we prevent hidden dangers." Elrond and Galadriel echoed his sentiment.
Then Gandalf played his trump card: "Luke, if you are willing to take over Isengard, all of Saruman's legacy will be handed over to you, especially the books and scrolls in the library. What do you say?" Elrond and Galadriel also smiled and nodded, agreeing with Gandalf's offer. Luke looked at Saruman's centuries-old collection of books and scrolls, and shamefully acknowledged his attraction.
"Deal!" Luke abandoned his struggle and hesitation, agreeing immediately. For such a vast collection of books, he set aside his conflict with Saruman. Anyway, he had already taken Saruman's staff and Ring of Power, establishing himself as an undying enemy. Occupying his territory now wouldn't pose any further problems! Seeing Luke agree, Gandalf and the other two smiled without surprise. In addition to Weathertop, Luke now possessed the territory of Isengard.
Luke then recalled the matter of the Black Barbarian Temple. He produced the magic circle diagram he had copied and presented it for the others to examine. Looking at the magic circle in the drawing, Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf all became solemn. "Luke, where did you obtain this magic circle?" Elrond asked.
Luke recounted the details of the Black Barbarian Temple. Hearing this, the three grew even more serious. Elrond said with a look of relief, "Fortunately, you destroyed the formation in time; otherwise, it would have led to something far more terrible!" Seeing their reactions, Luke also asked curiously, "Lord Elrond, do you know what that magic circle is?"
Elrond nodded, his expression filled with disgust. "This is an ancient and evil sacrificial magic circle, originating from the Drúedain who were once conquered by Morgoth. They madly worshipped Morgoth, offering their lives and blood as sacrifices to him. It wasn't until Morgoth's fall that these sacrificial magic circles gradually disappeared. I didn't expect one would still remain in Dunland."
Luke felt a surge of curiosity upon hearing this. "Since Morgoth has been defeated, this magic circle should be useless, right?"
Gandalf shook his head, his expression serious. "You also said he was only defeated. After the War of Wrath, Morgoth was captured, bound with the chains of Angainor, and banished to the void beyond the world. But in this world, there are still many of his believers and worshippers who attempt to empower Morgoth through sacrifices and other means, hoping he will break free and return."
Galadriel took the blueprint, her brow furrowed as she studied the evil formation. "There's an ancient prophecy that states Morgoth will eventually break free from his constraints and return to this world, igniting a war far more brutal than any before. I once thought it merely a rumor, but now it seems there were signs."
Finally, Gandalf broke the somber atmosphere, attempting a lighthearted tone. "Whether the prophecy is true or not, it's too distant a concern for now. Furthermore, Luke destroyed and erased the formation in time, so there's no need to worry about anyone exploiting it." Everyone committed this matter to memory, and Luke subsequently burned the drawing of the sacrificial magic circle.
Luke then cast a spell on the fireplace in Orthanc Tower, connecting it to the Floo Network. This would facilitate his travel between Weathertop and Isengard. Galadriel and Elrond declined Luke's invitation to stay, choosing to teleport back to Lothlórien and Rivendell through the newly connected fireplace. Only Luke and Gandalf remained.
Orthanc was a formidable fortress, meticulously constructed by Saruman and imbued with countless spells and mechanisms. These defenses could repel attacks from others, but they offered no protection against Saruman himself. Destroying them directly seemed wasteful, especially given the centuries Saruman had invested in their creation.
However, if left intact, these mechanisms could easily become weapons in Saruman's hands should he return. After some discussion, Luke and Gandalf decided to jointly modify Saruman's magical mechanisms, making them entirely their own to eliminate any lingering threats.
It took the two of them a full month to completely reconfigure Orthanc Tower for their own use. Luke even carved new runes onto the tower and cast various spells to further enhance its defenses. During this period, Luke also addressed the issue of Saruman's captured men. These human recruits of Saruman—mostly Dunlendings, with some Gondorians and Rohirrim—needed to be dealt with. The Rohirrim and Gondorians were easily managed, transferred directly to the soldiers of Rohan and Gondor stationed near the River Isen crossing.
The Dunlendings, however, presented a more complex problem. Living west of Isengard, separated only by a mountain, they had previously allied with Saruman, becoming part of his force against Rohan. Although Gandalf had attempted to reconcile the long-standing feud between the Dunlendings and Rohan, even trying to persuade King Théoden of Rohan to allow the Dunlendings to return to their ancestral lands, the conflict between the two sides was deeply entrenched.
The Dunlendings were the original inhabitants of the region around the River Isen and the western borders of Rohan, while the ancestors of Rohan had migrated there later, eventually being granted the land by Gondor. The Dunlendings believed the Rohirrim had encroached upon their traditional territories, leading to frequent clashes over pastures and farmland.
Ultimately, the Dunlendings were defeated by the Rohirrim and driven to what is now known as Dunland. As a result, both sides harbored a historical hatred. The Dunlendings continually sought to reclaim their land from Rohan, while the Rohirrim were naturally unwilling to relinquish it. Furthermore, Saruman had secretly exacerbated the conflict, further deepening the animosity.
Since Luke had taken control of Isengard, he naturally did not wish to have an unstable neighbor. If the Dunlendings continued to secretly collude with Saruman, it would pose a significant threat to Luke. After consulting with Gandalf, Luke decided to meet the leader of the Dunlendings. This served a dual purpose: to formally announce the change of ownership of Isengard, and to perform a sign-in in Dunland. He released the Dunlending prisoners, instructing them to inform their leader that he would personally visit Dunland in a month.
Thus, after the threat to Orthanc was completely resolved, Luke rode the dragon Smaug over the mountains and headed for Dunland on the other side. Dunland is located in the western part of the southernmost Misty Mountains. Its mountain slopes occupy a narrow area east of the North-South Road, north of the Isen River, and south of the Adorn River. The Dunlending people do not live in city-states or organized settlements but are scattered throughout the Dunland region, leading a nomadic life or cultivating small plots of land.
As Luke descended from the mountain on his dragon, the Dunlending people looked up at the colossal dragon with terror, believing the end of Dunland had come. But they were spared. The dragon merely flew at a low altitude over the treetops, circled the wild Dunland region, and then flew towards the leader of the Dunlending tribe. Luke's display was intentional, aimed at demonstrating to these warlike people that they respected power more than virtue. Only by showcasing awe-inspiring strength would they remain compliant and peaceful.
On a grassland near a forest in Dunland, a cluster of tents stood, the outermost perimeter encircled by wooden fences to deter wild beasts and enemies. This was the most densely populated area of the Dunlending people and the residence of their leader. As the giant dragon descended from the sky, the Dunlending people were horrified, snatching up their simple weapons, but unsure how to react.
They stared in terror at the enormous, fearsome dragon before them and the man on its back. The leader of the Dunlendings, residing in the largest tent, emerged upon hearing the commotion. But when he saw the giant dragon outside the gate, his pupils instantly constricted, and he almost involuntarily recoiled. They had only heard of dragons in their ancient legends, but seeing one firsthand, they felt it was even more terrifying than the myths.
Yet, as their leader, he suppressed his fear, gripped the large knife at his waist, and stepped forward. He positioned himself in front of his herdsmen and men, trying to ignore the dragon's fierce gaze. He looked at the man on the dragon's back and shouted, "I am Brog, the leader here. I wonder what the Dragon Lord seeks in Dunland?"
Luke instantly vanished from the dragon's back and reappeared before the leader the next second. "I am the black wizard, Luke. I already sent word with those Dunlending men. Chief Brog should know who I am, yes?" Brog was startled by Luke's sudden appearance, almost drawing his sword. But he immediately stifled the impulse, feeling both shock and relief. He looked at the young wizard before him, who was even taller than himself. Despite his shock, he maintained caution on his face and nodded. "Of course, you are the current master of Isengard, the Lord of Weathertop in the north, the Lord of Dragons, and the slayer of Orcs. Your name has spread throughout Middle-earth, even to Dunland."
Luke's lips curled into a slight smile, his eyes calm and indifferent. "Very good, since you know me, there's no need for me to elaborate. I am here simply to formally inform you that Saruman has colluded with Mordor and rebelled. He has now fled to Mordor, and I will be taking over Isengard. I heard you've allied with Saruman, so to avoid misunderstandings, I've come here in person to ascertain your intentions. Chief Brog, can you give me a definitive answer?"
Brog looked at Luke's half-smile and the giant dragon behind him, whose gaze was fixed on him, and a chill ran down his spine. He quickly explained, "This is all a misunderstanding! We had no idea Saruman had colluded with Mordor. We only cooperated with him because he promised to help us reclaim our homeland. Now that we know he has betrayed us, we naturally will not cooperate with him anymore!"
Luke did not express belief or disbelief. Instead, he nodded and said softly, "I hope it is as Chief Brog says. Otherwise, the next guest to arrive here will not be me, but my dragon." Smaug responded with a deafening roar directed at the Dunlendings, as if ready to unleash scorching dragonfire. Brog was so terrified he broke out in a cold sweat, repeatedly promising, "I absolutely won't!"
At this moment, the system also responded.
[Hogwarts Sign-in System: Locating Dunland, do you want to sign in?]
Luke's mouth curved upwards, and he silently said in his heart: "Sign in."
[Sign in successfully, congratulations on obtaining the talent for soul reading!]
In an instant, Luke felt his mind clear, as if a secret chamber of his body had been opened. His mental power involuntarily leaked out and spread in all directions. Then, the noisy voices around him flooded his mind, including the thoughts of countless Dunlending people, those of their leader Brog, and even Smaug's. These clamorous voices echoed continuously in his mind, as if dozens or hundreds of people were speaking loudly around him, making him frown and feel a little uncomfortable.
"Master?" Smaug seemed to sense something and looked at Luke in confusion. Luke shook his head, trying to gather his mental strength and ignore the overwhelming sounds. Under the influence of the Crown of Wisdom, Luke quickly, albeit reluctantly, adapted to this new ability, focusing all his attention and preventing the cacophony in his mind from affecting him.
Brog, the leader of the Dunlending people, saw Luke frowning and felt uneasy, but he still mustered the courage to speak. "Wizard Luke, we, the Dunlendings, originally lived in our ancestral lands, subsisting by herding, hunting, and farming. We always lived in peace and contentment. But the abominable Rohirrim invaded our traditional lands, and the cunning Gondorians unjustly gave our territory to the Rohirrim, leaving us homeless and forcing us to wander to Dunland."
"If you can help us reclaim our territory, we are willing to serve you as our Lord and pledge allegiance to you!" With his new talent for telepathy, Luke easily sensed the strong thoughts and emotions of Chief Brog. Just as he said, if Luke agreed, he would be wholeheartedly loyal. Even the surrounding Dunlending warriors were filled with expectation and desire.
Seeing this, Luke felt helpless. He did not wish to become entangled in the deep-seated feud between the Dunlending people and the Rohirrim. If one were to truly analyze it, the ancestors of the Rohirrim were indeed invaders. They occupied the traditional lands belonging to the Dunlendings and drove them from their homes. But in the centuries of conflict that followed, the Dunlendings had invaded Rohan many times, even taking advantage of Rohan's invasion by the Easterlings to mount a resurgence.
They had once captured Edoras, the Rohan capital, and killed a Rohan prince. Both sides were stained with each other's blood, and each held valid grievances. The Dunlendings viewed the Rohirrim as "robbers from the North," while the Rohirrim considered the Dunlendings barbaric and uncivilized. Ultimately, even Gandalf, who always advocated for peace, found it difficult to judge this conflict or devise a resolution.
Luke did not agree to the Dunlending people's conditions for surrender. He shook his head, stating, "I will not help you wage war against the Rohirrim." The Dunlending leader's face fell in disappointment. Rohan was far more powerful than their scattered tribes. Without the cooperation of a formidable figure like Luke, who commanded a dragon, how could they ever hope to reclaim the land they had yearned for generations?
"But if you are willing to let go of your hatred and pursue peace with the Rohirrim, Gandalf the Grey and I will do our utmost to persuade the King of Rohan to allow you to return to your homeland," Luke added. While he had no desire to involve himself in the long-standing conflict between the Dunlendings and the Rohirrim, he also did not wish to leave such a volatile situation unattended.
The Dunlendings had persistently sought to reclaim their ancestral lands. If they found no viable path to do so, they might grow desperate and choose to secretly collude with Saruman, or even Mordor, once more. It so happened that Gandalf had long championed peace between the Dunlendings and the Rohirrim, even personally visiting the Rohan capital to speak with the king. King Théoden, not an unyielding man, was open to reconciliation under Gandalf's persuasion. After all, facing constant harassment from the Dunlendings along their borders, resolving the issue of border unrest once and for all would be a great boon for Rohan.
Upon hearing Luke's words, the Dunlending leader felt a flicker of hope, though a sense of reluctance lingered. In their eyes, the Rohirrim were nothing but bandits who had stolen their land and deserved to be driven out. But he dared not voice such sentiments to Luke. After all, Luke's willingness to assist them at all was a significant concession. If they remained unsatisfied and made excessive demands, they risked offending the Dragon Lord. Luke instantly perceived the thoughts of the Dunlending leader but paid them no mind. He informed the Dunlendings that if they genuinely desired peace, he and Gandalf would arrange a meeting between the Dunlendings and the Rohirrim. There, both parties would discuss and agree upon a peace plan acceptable to all.
Afterward, Luke did not linger in Dunland. He turned, mounted his dragon, and returned to Isengard. Back in Orthanc, Luke entrusted the affairs of the Dunlending people to Gandalf. Gandalf was pleased to handle the matter. He had always desired peace between the Dunlendings and the Rohirrim, hoping they could unite against the escalating threat from Mordor in the East. So, he rode his broomstick to Edoras, the capital of Rohan, to persuade King Théoden to negotiate peace with the Dunlendings.
Luke, who remained behind, happened upon Saruman's methods and experiments in breeding Orcs while perusing the books and scrolls left by Saruman. The contents made Luke frown: Saruman had attempted to crossbreed Orcs with humans, and Trolls with Orcs, in an effort to create a stronger, sun-resistant war machine. Reviewing these notes, Luke recalled the hybridization and breeding method for magical creatures he had obtained during his previous sign-in.
The strategic importance of Isengard was immense. It controlled almost all the main routes leading west from Rohan and Gondor. If the pass were blocked, Rohan and Gondor would lose their lines of retreat and support, becoming isolated and vulnerable. Therefore, if Sauron's Mordor forces wished to invade Rohan or Gondor, their best course of action would be to first capture Isengard, severing the retreat for Rohan and Gondor, and then annex both kingdoms decisively.
Saruman, having lost his territory, would certainly not give up and might be secretly plotting to retake Isengard. Thus, with Isengard under the close scrutiny of various powers, Luke could not remain there indefinitely. The only solution was to leave someone to guard the stronghold and prevent it from being seized in his absence. Luke initially planned to have Smaug stay, but Smaug merely wished to slumber on his golden hoard. Seeing Smaug's reluctance to leave Weathertop, Luke did not press him. He then considered using the magical creature hybridization method to create a corps of guardians for Isengard.
To conduct these experiments, experimental subjects were necessary. Luke simply dispatched the giant eagle Sulond and the dragon Smaug to capture some beasts. Sulond returned with a lion and a warg. Smaug even captured a tall, pure white wild horse from the prairies of Rohan. This wild horse belonged to the Mearas breed, whose lineage could be traced back to the beginning of the world, originating from Nahar, the mount of Oromë, the Valar god of hunting. It was, in essence, a descendant of a divine horse. Therefore, unlike other ordinary horses, it was unafraid of Smaug's dragon aura and incredibly fast; it took Smaug some time to capture it. Under the resentful gazes of Sulond and Smaug, Luke drew a tube of blood from each of them.
Then Luke began his magical hybridization experiments. He first chose to attempt the hybridization of a giant eagle and a wild horse. The Hippogriff in the magical world was a hybrid of a griffin and a horse, but since griffins did not exist in this world, he used a giant eagle instead. So, he used magic to fuse the blood of the giant eagle and the blood of the wild horse, forming an embryo, which he then implanted into the wild horse's body. The wild horse, incidentally, was a mare. Although captured, the mare was fiercely wild and difficult to tame; it almost kicked Luke when he implanted the embryo. After completing the implantation, Luke allowed the mare to graze within a fenced area. Luke himself couldn't guarantee what kind of hybrid creature would be born.
Luke did not stop there and continued with other hybridization experiments. He fused dragon blood and wolf blood to form an embryo, which he implanted into the body of a captured female wolf and allowed it to develop. He hybridized dragon blood with lions, giant eagles with lions, and even returned to Weathertop to retrieve basilisk blood and giant octopus (Kraken) blood. He then hybridized lions, dragons, and basilisks; basilisks with giant octopuses; wargs, basilisks, giant octopuses, and dragons... Luke combined every creature he could think of, then specifically captured a group of female wolves from the Misty Mountains to serve as surrogate mothers. Having completed all this, Luke merely needed to wait.
Magical hybridization was not foolproof. As time passed, some hybrid embryos perished in the womb due to genetic confusion and conflict, and some even died along with the mother. Before these hybrid creatures were born, Gandalf returned from the capital of Rohan, having successfully persuaded King Théoden to negotiate with the Dunlending people. Thus, at the border of Rohan, at the crossing of the River Isen downstream from Isengard, Brog, the leader of the Dunlendings, and Théoden, the King of Rohan, met and negotiated for the first time.
In addition to the two witnesses, Luke and Gandalf, the attendees also included the Regent Prince representing Gondor. Both the King of Rohan and the Regent of Gondor expressed their respect for Luke, who had replaced Saruman as the Lord of Isengard. After all, Isengard's location was too pivotal; it controlled almost the entire transportation lifeline of the two countries' rear areas, making it impossible for them to ignore.
After half a month of intense negotiations, the two sides finally reached peace. The Dunlending leader promised not to harass the borders of Rohan anymore, and Rohan, in turn, promised not to expel the Dunlending people, designating the territory near the River Isen, which served as their border, as a place for the Dunlending people to live. But what everyone did not expect was that after peace was achieved, Brog, the leader of the Dunlendings, swore allegiance to Luke, requesting to become his vassal. Luke had not anticipated such a choice from the Dunlending leader.
With his ability to read minds and souls, he could clearly discern the thoughts of the Dunlending leader. Although peace had been made, the Dunlending leaders still harbored distrust towards Rohan and Gondor. To protect the Dunlending people from future oppression, relying on a powerful figure was a logical solution. And Luke, the Lord of Isengard, was undoubtedly the best choice. Between submitting to Rohan and Gondor, he chose loyalty to Luke.
Luke initially wished not to burden himself with additional responsibilities, so he refused the allegiance of the Dunlending people. But ultimately, after Gandalf's persuasion and the repeated entreaties of the Dunlending people, he had to accept their fealty. As for the King of Rohan and the Prince of Gondor, they raised no objections and were even pleased with the arrangement.
Just as the Dunlendings distrusted the men of Rohan and Gondor, the Rohirrim and Gondorians also distrusted the Dunlendings. They had already heard of the black-robed wizard Luke. If Luke could control these Dunlending people, they would feel more at ease. So, witnessed by Gandalf, the King of Rohan, and the Prince Regent of Gondor, Brog, the leader of the Dunlendings, half-knelt and swore allegiance to Luke, ready to obey his orders. Luke's identity expanded from merely the Lord of Weathertop to include two more territories: Isengard and Dunland.
In exchange for the allegiance of the Dunlending people, Luke permitted them to live near Isengard. Brog, the Dunlending leader, was delighted. The southern part of Isengard was a fertile grassland with open terrain and a warm climate, but Saruman had disliked being disturbed. Therefore, this area bordering Isengard and Rohan had remained uninhabited for a long time.
Now, with Luke's permission, Brog was naturally eager to lead his people to migrate there. Beyond showing kindness, Luke's decision also aimed for the Dunlending people to form a defensive perimeter outside Isengard, preventing outsiders from easily entering. As the Dunlendings and the Rohirrim achieved peace, the Dunlendings gradually migrated eastward from Dunland, settling in the Isen River basin on Rohan's western border, where they raised livestock and hunted. Brog, the leader of the Dunlendings, led a contingent of his people to station themselves on the grassland outside Isengard, living in traditional tents, forming the first line of defense for Isengard.
While the Dunlendings prospered, Luke in Isengard also welcomed the first wave of results from his magical hybridization experiments. The new species he had created by crossbreeding giant eagles and wild horses was now ready for birth. In Luke's expectant eyes, the mare finally gave birth to a foal with great difficulty, accompanied by a painful neigh. The foal was wrapped in the amniotic membrane and struggled within it. The mare, perhaps influenced by maternal instinct, instinctively licked the foal to help it break free from the amniotic membrane and clean its body. But after she finished licking the foal, she looked at her offspring with an expression of shock and suspicion.
It turned out that the foal had an eagle's head, a horse's body, and a pair of bare, fleshy wings on its back. The lower ends of its forelimbs were not horse hooves, but eagle talons. "A Hippogriff?" Luke exclaimed in surprise. He hadn't expected that hybridizing a giant eagle and a horse would produce a new species so similar to the Hippogriff in the magical world. The Hippogriff in the magical world, however, was a species that combined a griffin and a horse, which was distinctly different from the one he had just created.