In addition, Gandalf finds that the Dark Lord has corrupted Saruman, who imprisons the Grey Wizard in his tower of Orthanc. Gandalf goes to Saruman the White in search of help, only to learn that the black riders are the Nazgûl, nine of the most terrifying servants of Sauron. He sends his gardener, Samwise Gamgee, with him and the pair are joined by their friends Merry and Pippin as they escape eastward, pursued by mysterious riders dressed in black. He returns to Hobbiton and immediately tells Frodo to take the corrupted jewelry out of the Shire. In the meantime, Gandalf discovers that Frodo's ring is actually the One Ring that Sauron forged.
