Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli find the tracks of the hobbits and follow them into Fangorn Forest. Aragorn traces their progress, correctly deducing that both hobbits were carried off by an orc but then escaped and fled along the stream. When they reach the hill where Merry and Pippin met with Treebeard, Legolas spots an old man moving through the woods. Gimli believes that it is Saruman and tells Legolas to shoot at the man, but Legolas refuses to attack him dishonorably without warning.

The old man emerges from the woods and speaks to them, inviting them to sit with him and talk. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli find themselves paralyzed and unable to attack. When the old man sits, Gimli and Legolas attempt to strike, believing him to be Saruman, but the old man removes his grey cloak: He is Gandalf, although he now wears white instead of grey. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are amazed and ask Gandalf how he survived. Gandalf seems like he is only just remembering his old name and invites them to share their tale of how they both arrived there.

After hearing of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli’s quest to find the hobbits, Gandalf reveals good news.