Now that they have the items assembled and the riddle of Taradon’s Wager figured out, will the party perform the ritual? Saruman seems to think they should. To help them in their decision, Saruman sends out some prototype Uruk-hai with a Morgul Blade to chase them through the plains of Rohan.
The group is in Isengard. Saruman informs the party that Taradon built Orthanc back in the Second Age. He then grants permission to search through Orthanc’s catacombs to find the shield of Taradon and the last item of Taradon’s Wager.
The fellowship manages to defeat Taurmyrnoth with no visible lasting damage, and they limp their way into Isengard. There they seek the counsel of Saruman the White as Mt. Doom comes alive.