Deep within the Mirkwood.
Radagast the Brown might not have liked Saruman's condescending tone, but he was far too earnest to suspect the White Wizard's hidden, treacherous agenda. To Radagast, the safety of the forest was paramount, and he was simply relieved to finally have "professional" help.
"Fine, Saruman. I'll lead the way," Radagast agreed. "We must uncover the truth of this Necromancer once and for all."
"Naturally," Saruman replied, a triumphant smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Let us depart immediately."
The journey was swift. Radagast stood in his sled, his rabbits pulling him through the undergroh like a brown blur, while Saruman followed on his white horse.
In less than an hour, the emerald canopy of the forest gave way to the jagged, grey desolation surrounding Dol Guldur. Even under the midday sun, the fortress felt as though it existed in a perpetual eclipse.
"This place... it chills the very soul," Radagast whispered, a shiver running through his tattered robes.
Saruman chuckled softly. "Careful, Radagast. One might think your courage has withered with the leaves."
"..." Radagast ignored the jab. "Let's be quick. I want to be back in the green before nightfall."
They reached the base of the hill where the ruins sat. The terrain became too steep for the animals, forcing the two Wizards to continue on foot. True to form, Saruman gestured for Radagast to take the lead. After all, that is what cannon fodder is for.
The silence was absolute—a heavy, suffocating weight that seemed to swallow the sound of their boots on the stone. Saruman's eyes darted incessantly, his fingers gripping his staff, ready to teleport or bolt at the first sign of real danger.
They reached the long, narrow bridge connecting to the main keep. Radagast stopped, his face pale. "It was there, on the other side. I saw him. Even in the shadows, his malice was like a physical blow."
Radagast pointed his staff toward the dark archway of the main hall. Saruman felt his own heart hammer against his ribs, but he maintained his haughty facade. "There is no need for such trembling, Radagast. We are two of the Wise. Let us face him."
Radagast looked at Saruman's calm, composed face and felt a surge of reassurance. He is the White Wizard, after all, Radagast thought. His power is great.
"You're right," Radagast nodded. "But I am no warrior. You should lead the way, Saruman."
"??????"
The look in Saruman's eyes shifted instantly from arrogance to pure, unadulterated annoyance. Since when did this simpleton become so observant?
Trapped by his own image, Saruman had no choice but to step forward. "Your courage is truly a credit to our order, Radagast," he sneered. Radagast offered an awkward, embarrassed smile and followed him onto the bridge.
The Ambush
As they crossed the stone span, Saruman's mind was working at triple speed. He refused to be the one caught in the trap.
If something jumps out, I'll fall back immediately. And if it gets too close... I'll give Radagast a good shove to keep the enemy busy while I make my exit. He'll survive. Probably. I can explain it later as a 'tactical displacement.'
They reached the end of the bridge.
"Watch the statues!" Radagast hissed, pointing to the stone sentries lining the path. "The last time I was here, one was possessed by a spirit!"
Saruman nodded, raising his staff. He approached the nearest stone figure with agonizing slowness. It was silent. The whole courtyard felt as though time itself had stopped.
He reached the statue and tapped it lightly with his staff. Ttap—ttap.
The moment the wood hit the stone, Saruman threw himself backward with practiced agility, retreating behind the unsuspecting Radagast. The "Wizards' Lineup" was restored to his satisfaction.
Radagast blinked, confused by the sudden movement. But he didn't have time to ask questions.
A screeching wraith erupted from the stone, a shadow of cold steel and malice lunging at his throat!
"Saruman! It's the spirit!" Radagast cried out, frantically swinging his staff to ward off the ghost.
"There's more than one, you fool!" Saruman shouted back, remaining safely behind the Brown Wizard.
Two, then three more shadows materialized from the other statues, surrounding them.
"The Necromancer is here! We must destroy them!" Radagast wailed, barely holding his ground.
Saruman began waving his staff, his movements elaborate and impressive—though he was mostly just making light for show. His real attention was fixed on the archway. Is it him?
Suddenly, the shadows in the hall began to boil. A massive, swirling vortex of darkness surged forward, radiating a malice so ancient and potent that the air itself felt like it was freezing.
Saruman's theory was confirmed in a heartbeat. It IS Sauron!
He didn't wait for a formal introduction. He didn't wait for a duel.
"RUN!!!" Saruman bellowed.
Before Radagast could even process the word, Saruman unleashed a massive burst of white light. The spell wasn't aimed at the ghosts—it was a wide-area shockwave that blasted the wraiths back and, "incidentally," knocked Radagast ten feet away toward the bridge.
By the time Radagast scrambled to his feet, dazed and dizzy, he saw only the flapping white robes of Saruman already halfway across the bridge, running with a speed that would have made a professional athlete envious.
Radagast: "??????"
Sauron (manifesting in the shadows): "????"