Would you have been suspicious?

[Tirned Tinnu]

I've enjoyed reading this thread tremenously! The comments on "ofermod" are indeed illuminating.

But I shall make a comment on the original question posed:
Why did Saruman decline a meeting, and why did the council not act?

Saruman told the council to wait, and watch.
His reason was to gain himself time to search The Gladden Fields and The River Anduin (for the Ring.) He knew that he was close, and did not desire that Sauron know of his meddling.

Why Saruman as the leader? The position was offered to Gandalf, who refused it. He was too busy. it was also offered to Galadriel, who refused it also. She and Gandalf thought Saruman, with his extensive knowlege of Sauron and the Rings, would be of more help and better leadership than they.

In the end, in hindsight, it was a terrible mistake. but then, who knew of his ownership of the Palantir? None. They just assumed he knew somuch because he was Saruman, the highest ranking Istari in the lands...

[ September 06, 2002: Message edited by: Tirned Tinnu ]