Saruman and betrayal

[Saurreg]

Originally Posted by Kuruharan

Hmmm...I think it might depend on when Saruman's treachery was discovered.

Say, for example, that somehow Saruman was exposed years before Sauron wanted to move. Would Sauron attempt to rescue Saruman?

That would depend on how strong Sauron was at that time and also what was Saruman's worth to him also. If Sauron moved unprepared and was defeated by the Gondorians in the first few engagements, it might not derail his plans but would certainly retard them. However when it comes to resources, Sauron had the potential the fair out-stripped Gondor, so no permanent damage might have come to it.

So that leaves the question on how Sauron was going to come to the assistance of Saruman. Obviously bashing his way from Mordor to Isen was really out of the question and defeats the purpose of creating two fronts.