The Road to Isengard - No one seems to be sure where the strange trees came from, but all are joyful the battle was won. Gandalfconvinces Théoden and his allies to ride to Isengard, and, not knowing exactly what to expect, they agree. Nearing Isengard, the mysteries intensify: they are surprised to see some Ents, which no one but Gandalf even knew existed, and when they come to the River Isen, it has mysteriously slowed to a trickle.

That night, they feel a rustling darkness moving around them, and in the morning, the strange trees are gone. They continue on to Isengard, noticing as the River Isen resumes its normal flow. Arriving at Orthanc, the tower in which Saruman lives, they see two small figures napping and smoking amidst a great deal of destruction. These small figures turn out to be Merry and Pippin, who have been given instructions to greet them.

Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn are overjoyed to see the two hobbits. Gandalf and Théoden meet with Treebeard.