Gandalf and Saruman stride through Orthanc toward a stone plinth on which a sphere like shape is draped with a cloth...
GANDALF:
A palantir is a dangerous tool, Saruman.
Saruman lifts the cloth to reveal the Palantir.
SARUMAN:
Why? Why should we fear to use it?
GANDALF:
They are not all accounted for, the lost seeing-stones...we do not know who else may be watching. Gandalf throws the cloth back over the Palantir.
FLASH IMAGE:
A FIERY EYE!
Saruman sits upon his throne.
(CONTINUED) 37.
SARUMAN:
The hour is later than you think.
Sauron's forces are already moving...the Nine have left Minas Morgul.
GANDALF:
(shocked) The nine!
SARUMAN:
They crossed the river Isen in Midsummer's eve, disguised as riders in black.
GANDALF:
(alarmed) They have reached the Shire? Saruman shrugs...
SARUMAN:
They will find the ring...and kill the one who carries it.
Gandalf backs away and turns to run to the door...horrified as the doors suddenly slam shut.
SARUMAN (CONT'D) You did not seriously think a Hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron?
There are none who can.
Gandalf slowly turns to Saruman...a look of dawning horror.
SARUMAN (CONT'D) Against the power of Mordor, there can be no victory. We must join with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend.
GANDALF:
(deadly) Tell me, friend, when did Saruman the wise abandon reason for madness?
At that moment:
Gandalf is suddenly blasted across the room!
He slams against the wall...pinned there by some unseen force. With sudden effort, Gandalf wrenches himself off the wall and swings his staff on Saruman...blasting him off his feet! Gandalf and Saruman battle, powerful blasts throwing them across the room. SARUMAN SCREAMS, EYES BLAZING!
Gandalf's staff is suddenly wrenched from his grasp...it flies across the chamber into Saruman's hand! Gandalf is flung to the floor.