LICKIN BUSH IN'04 "WHERE WINGS TAKE DREAMS"

What we see here is a pattern of cherry picking intelligence reports to fit the desired goal of Gandalf, Aragorn and Elrond. Some of the intelligence reports are more shadowy than Mirkwood.

---Gimli, son of Gloin, Co-Chairman

The Council Report found that no credible evidence exists to conclude Saruman was working in concert with Sauron. In fact, evidence was obtained indicating that Saruman rebuffed overtures from Mordorian Ambassadors just months before the War of the Ring.  Saruman is now under house arrest in Rohan and scheduled to go on trial early next year.

No links to Sauron

The report placed the majority of blame on Gandalf, a wandering conjuror not known to have any real credentials in any field. "It appears," said Gimli, "that Gandalf convinced Aragorn that by attacking Saruman, Aragorn might be able to regain the throne of Gondor. The intelligence used to justify the war was gathered by the Rangers, Aragorn's own men. These exiles have been plotting to overthrow Mordor for years. They thought the road to Gondor's throne lay through Orthanc."

 

The report could not have come at a worse time for the Free Peoples. The occupation of Orthanc has become mired in ethnic and tribal squabbling among Rohan, Ents and Dunlanders. Just yesterday, an Ent exploded seriously wounding seven people and causing over one hundred people to suffer splinters.

 

Gandalf acknowledges that there were problems with the intelligence, but does not regret the decision to go to war. "Saruman was a danger to his neighbors, he had used magic against his own people, and was capable of re-constituting his Rings of Power programs. And he was breeding half-men half-orc people."

 

The Council was appointed late last year after it was discovered that the ring discovered by Mr. Bilbo Baggins was not "the one ring".

 

In related news, next week the Council of Elrond will deliberate on a law banning Hobbit marriages.