"With this ring," came a deep voice, and they turned to see Gandalf approaching them, his hands behind his back. He paced towards them thoughtfully. "With this ring, and when the darkest hour of your trial approaches, you will have the power to protect your dearest friends from mortal dangers." Gandalf stopped and stared at Lucy, and smiled kindly. "Do not fear! For though Saruman desires this ring for himself, I doubt he will ever be able to gain it now. And he has crafted for himself a ring, and now calls himself Saruman Ring-maker!" The Wizard sighed sadly. "It is a tragic thing when one who was once so great and so wise forsakes wisdom in the pursuit of some greater path." The Wizard shifted his glance to Aravis. "Pirate captain, are you prepared for this battle?"