Early morning in Helm's Deep.
The morning light is faint.
A hazy mist enveloped the valley.
There is still the smell of blood in the air that has not completely dissipated.
When the first ray of golden sunrise appears in the east.
In front of the gate of Hornburg.
The five-man expedition of Morgan, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, as well as a small team of elite hussars led by Rohan representative Éomer, are bidding farewell to King Théoden of Rohan.
Although the distance from Helm's Deep Valley to Isengard is only nearly two days' journey, it is not too far.
But the relationship between Essinger and the Kingdom of Rohan is by no means a trivial matter.
What's more, Saruman's Isengard was only defeated this time, not completely finished.
The Rohan side had just experienced a bitter battle and a great battle, suffering heavy losses.
In fact, there are not many soldiers available to attack Isinger immediately.
Therefore, Théoden is constantly explaining something to Gandalf and Éomer.
Morgan stood aside and said nothing.
He knew in his heart that if there were no special changes, Essinger at this time might have been stolen by Treebeard, the Ent leader of Fangorn Forest, and other Ents.
However, no news came from Essinger.
Morgan naturally doesn't say much.
What's more, this trip to Essinger is a must.
"I know."
"I know how to handle it..."
Gandalf was a little helpless at King Théoden's cautious explanation.
Éomer naturally nodded repeatedly when faced with the instructions and tasks of Théoden, the king and uncle.
Morgan and Aragorn were standing aside and watching expressionlessly.
Gimli pulled Legolas behind him and kept mumbling something.
Finally, King Théoden finished explaining with a serious face.
Morgan, Gandalf's five-man expedition, Éomer, and a group of elite hussars got on their horses one after another.
The entire team, headed by Gandalf, began to move forward.
Morgan sat on the black horse Carrot, turned his head and glanced at Eowen in front of the gate of Horn Castle, turned around and drove Carrot under him to move forward quickly.
Originally, there should be King Théoden in the team heading to Isengard this time.
But he was injured, so he wouldn't think about it again.
As for Éowyn, this girl with a strong personality, beautiful appearance and strong heart naturally hopes to go to Isengard with her brothers Éomer and Morgan.
However, as the princess of Rohan, the king was also injured.
At times like this, Théoden cannot do without her care.
So she only revealed her idea to Morgan and didn't mention anything else at all.
Looking at the figure that was quickly going away.
Eowen suddenly felt a little disappointed in her heart.
Sensing the strange look in his niece's eyes, Théoden spoke softly: "He is a very charming man and a noble man."
Théoden said softly.
What happened between Éowyn and Morgan during this period of time.
As well as Éowyn's attitude towards Morgan, and Morgan's attitude towards Éowyn, as the king, he saw it all.
Eowyn's identity is precious.
If it weren't for Morgan, he wouldn't let any man get close to Eowen, whom he regarded as his daughter.
Because of this, he felt particularly sorry for this daughter who had suffered a lot since childhood.
It's rare to see her showing joy and laughter like never before during this period.
Théoden naturally understood why.
But...Morgan's identity information may not be clear to ordinary people.
As the king of Rohan, how could he not know this?
He actually wanted to keep Éowyn happy for a while.
However, the situation changed so quickly that he could only endure the pain and pierce her fantasy.
"but..."
Théoden continued to speak, but did not continue. He believed that Éowyn would understand.
"I know..."
Éowyn nodded immediately.
"Of course I know..."
Eowen nodded repeatedly and said: "I didn't think too much."
"Your Majesty, don't worry about me..."
Éowyn smiled and shook her head softly.
The expression of trying to hold on made Théoden even more distressed, and he couldn't help but sigh: "It's windy here, go back."
As King Théoden walked into the city gate with the support of Princess Éowyn and his attendants, the gate of Horn Keep closed again.
Morgan and Gandalf's team had already rushed out of the mouth of Helm's Deep on horseback.
They are moving quickly towards the vast wilderness ahead.
...
Essinger.
Below the huge and towering black Orthanc stone tower.
Inside the heavily damaged outer Iron Ring Square.
At this time, it has become a vast ocean.
After being submerged by the backflow of the river, Essinger's condition was extremely tragic.
There were all kinds of debris floating everywhere, as well as the most soaked corpses of orcs and orcs that were starting to turn white.
Not far away, several huge Ents were wandering around the Orthanc Stone Tower.
further away.
On the dilapidated circular wall road.
Two short figures were sitting on the wall, eating leisurely, chatting, and smoking. They looked relaxed and very comfortable.
These two are naturally Merry and Pippin, two young hobbits from Habbiton in the Shire.
Since two days ago.
They followed Treebeard, the Ent leader of Fangorn Forest, and a group of angry Ents to attack Isengard and win.
Then they were rewarded with a great reward: Saruman's cache of food.
In the food storage warehouse, there is food, wine, and tobacco that are very tempting to others.
It's of no use to the Ents.
They can't eat it either.
So, naturally, all those things were given to the two brave little hobbits by Treebeard.
And then.
The two of them were assigned a task by Treebeard.
That is to guard the only way to Essinger.
"This feels so good..."
Pippin put down the wine glass in his hand, held the cigarette rod in his mouth and blew out a big puff of smoke. He leaned against the rock behind him and narrowed his eyes slightly. He said comfortably: "I feel like I have returned to the tavern in my hometown."
"I know, Green Dragon Tavern."
Merry took a bite of the steak in his hand and nodded.
"Yes..."
"With ale in hand, feet up on the bench, listening to people around me telling jokes, it relieves the tiredness of the whole day..."
"call..."
"That feels so good."
Pippin spoke wistfully.
But Merry couldn't stand hearing it anymore, and he immediately asked: "That's true, but when have you been tired for a whole day?"
"Uh... also..."
"hey-hey..."
"Ha ha..."
"Ha ha ha ha..."
The two partners laughed happily.
At this time.
Meili, who has a relatively cautious personality, suddenly heard the slight sound of horse hooves coming from the forest ahead and stood up immediately.
"What's wrong?"
Pippin asked quickly, standing up as well.
"somebody is coming..."
Merry spoke immediately, looking nervously as he tried his best to look into the dense forest in front of him, trying to see who was coming.
Pippin had no intention of joking now.
Whoever appears here at this time may be an enemy or a friend.
It's even more likely that it's an enemy.
Because just a few days ago, the day before they and Treebeard attacked Isengard, they clearly saw an incredibly large orc army leaving Isengard.
At this time, it is not surprising that the Uruks have returned.
"Pippin, look at my gestures..."
"When I make a gesture, you immediately report to Treebeard and the others."
Meili looked at the chaotic sound of horse hooves that kept coming from the forest and said with a serious expression.
"I know Meri."
"Don't say anything depressing. You still don't know who is coming?"
Pippin pretended to be relaxed, but the two of them were not relaxed at this time.
Time passed slowly.
Finally, there appeared in the dense forest an old man riding a white horse, holding a staff, wearing a pure white robe and a charitable old man, and another tall and handsome man riding a black horse, wearing a green cloak and wearing a powerful dark red armor. When a human man.
Merry and Pippin's eyes widened immediately, and then they waved and shouted with extremely happy faces.
"here..."
"here..."
ten minutes later.
In front of the heavily damaged circular high wall.
"So, the Ents led by Treebeard defeated Saruman two days ago?"
After listening to Merry's words, Gandalf looked at the two hobbits and asked.
"Yes!"
"And we, we are also involved."
Pippin reminded him immediately.
"Okay, and you guys."
Gandalf nodded and then said: "Take me to Lord Treebeard."
"Okay, go this way."
Merry and Pippin were carried one by one by Morgan and placed on his and Aragorn's horses.
Then the large team walked into the circular square surrounded by Essinger.
"Ah, young Lord Gandalf."
"It's so nice of you to come..."
Ent Treebeard, who was huge in stature, had human-like facial features, and had human-like hands and feet, came towards us. He looked at the large group approaching and immediately spoke out.
"We defeated those Uruks and also controlled the forest rivers here."
"However, we cannot deal with this stone tower and the wizard who locked himself in the stone tower."
Treebeard's voice is slow and clear.
"Leave it to us, we're here for it."
Gandalf looked at Treebeard and nodded.
"But this stone tower is locked up. How are we going to deal with the wizard?"
At this time, Gimli, who was sitting behind Legolas, suddenly spoke.
"Don't worry, he'll show up."
"Perhaps, he is waiting for our arrival."
Morgan looked around and said.
Speaking of which, the black Orsanc stone tower in front of you is huge, majestic and very distinctive. It is really a very rare architectural wonder.
But for Morgan at this time, no matter how special these buildings were, they only allowed him to look at them a few more times.
But he just finished speaking.
"Who are you... Are you the human Morgan who obeyed Gandalf?"
A sudden sound came from above the tower.
Everyone immediately looked up and saw an old man wearing a white robe and holding a staff appearing on the top of the towering Orsanc stone tower above.
"Saruman..."
Looking at the white-robed wizard who suddenly appeared.
Morgan narrowed his eyes slightly, and many things related to Saruman in his memory flashed through his mind.
Not to mention anything else, the most annoying thing about this guy is not his strength, but his sarcastic and snake-like mouth.
"Just follow orders?"
"I don't think so..."
Morgan looked at the white-robed wizard above and replied coldly.
"Isn't King Théoden here?"
As if he didn't care about Morgan's words, Saruman looked at the people below and asked.
"It's just a matter of dealing with Saruman who has lost his minions. You don't need His Majesty to come in person, I can do it."
At this time, Éomer, who was standing aside, spoke loudly.
"Um...he sent you?"
"A superficial brat, a fool who can be easily led around by a simple trick."
Saruman looked at Éomer below and mocked unceremoniously.
The words fell.
Éomer's face instantly turned red.
Because he thought about being driven out of Rohan by Grima.
Because Saruman was right.
Éomer was instantly speechless.
Saruman continued to look at the next one and asked coldly: "So, Gandalf the Grey, why are you here?"
"You want the key to the Tower of Orthanc?"
"Or simply the key to Barad-dur (Balad-dur: also known as the "Black Tower", it is the giant tower where Mordor houses Sauron's "Evil Eye")?"
"Or add the crowns and crowns of the seven kings and the staffs of the five wizards?"
Saruman's mocking voice echoed throughout Isengard.
Below, Gandalf looked up unmoved and said: "Saruman, your betrayal has taken too many lives."
"Now, more lives are at risk."
"But you can save them..."
"Saruman, you must know what Modo will do next..."
"so..."
Saruman immediately interrupted Gandalf and said with a sneer: "Are you here to obtain information?"
"I do have something for you..."
"But it's not the intelligence, it's it!"
Saruman said as he reached out and took out a black crystal ball the size of an adult's hand, with fire inside.
In the crystal ball, a huge evil eye burning with flames flashed continuously.
The next moment, the picture in the crystal ball suddenly turned into an extremely tall and majestic snow peak.
Immediately afterwards, the next scene turned into a dense and endless huge army, but those armies were not orcs, but human warriors whose clothing and armor were completely different from those in the south and north of Middle-earth.
The scene continues.
The army quickly disappeared and turned into a vast, dense forest.
Then, a large number of fully-armored orcs ran quickly through the dense forest with weapons in hand.
Several images appear and disappear quickly.
Below, Morgan, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf, who all had good eyesight, looked at the rapidly changing scenes in the crystal ball with extremely serious expressions.
Because the towering snow-capped mountains that appear in the crystal ball are obviously Lonely Mountains.
The forest that appeared behind looked like Mirkwood to Legolas.
As for the dense human army and the large number of orc troops that appeared, it is very likely that they are the army attacking the Lonely Mountain and the Dark Forest.
Saruman looked down at him with an ugly expression, and everyone who was silent looked extremely satisfied.
It was not in vain that he asked the True Knowledge Crystal Ball to tell them some news that would only make them worried and frightened.
at this time.
Suddenly there was a chaotic sound of horse hoofbeats and neighing sounds from the edge of Essinger Circular Square.
Everyone in front of the Orthanc Stone Tower immediately turned their heads and saw a large group of figures wearing black robes and black hoods walking quickly in the direction of everyone.
