I think Saruman knows it's all over. He's seen Isengard thrown down, and all he
can hope now is to try and manipulate Théoden in a small way. It's a last-ditch
effort at saving something from the whole sorry mess. I can't believe he
doesn't know Gandalf's returned as the White - rumours, or something in the
wind, must have brought him the news - but I think he's underestimating his old
friend.
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Eledhwen's website

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