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TRANSCRIPT
THETWOTOWERS
BEINGTHESECONDPARTOF
THELORDOFTHERINGS
BY
J.R.R.TOLKIEN
TheTwoTowersisthesecondpartofJ.R.R.Tolkien’sepicadventureTheLordoftheRings,abeautifullywrittenmasterpiecewhichisamongthegreatestworksofimaginativefictionofthetwentiethcentury.‘Forwidthofimagination’saidthenovelistRichardHughes,‘italmostbeggarsparallel,anditisnearlyasremarkableforits
vividnessandnarrativeskillwhichcarriesthereaderonenthralledforpageafterpage.’
C.S.Lewiswrote:‘Noimaginaryworldhasbeenprojectedwhichisatoncemultifariousandsotruetoitsowninnerlaws;nonesoseeminglyobjective,sodisinfectedfromthetaintofanauthor’smerelyindividualpsychology;nonesorelevant
totheactualhumansituationyetfreefromallegory.Andwhatfineshadingthereisinthevariationsofstyletomeetthealmostendlessdiversityofscenesandcharacters–comic,homely,epic,monstrous,ordiabolic.’
‘Itistimeless,’saidNaomiMitchison,‘andwillgoonandon.’
Thisisthesecondpartofathree-bookpaperback
editionwhichreproducesthecompleteauthoritativetextofTheLordoftheRings,togetherwiththeoriginalmapsdrawnbyChristopherTolkien.TheAppendicesandafullyrevisedandexpandedIndexareincludedinTheReturnoftheKing.
ThreeRingsfortheElven-kingsunderthesky,SevenfortheDwarf-lordsintheirhallsofstone,
NineforMortalMendoomedtodie,OnefortheDarkLordonhisdarkthrone
IntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.OneRingtorulethemall,OneRingtofindthem,OneRingtobringthemall
andinthedarknessbindthem
IntheLandofMordorwheretheShadowslie.
SYNOPSIS
ThisisthesecondpartofTheLordoftheRings.
Thefirstpart,TheFellowshipoftheRing,toldhowGandalftheGreydiscoveredthattheringpossessedbyFrodotheHobbitwasinfacttheOneRing,rulerofalltheRingsofPower.Itrecountedtheflight
ofFrodoandhiscompanionsfromthequietShireoftheirhome,pursuedbytheterroroftheBlackRidersofMordor,untilatlast,withtheaidofAragorntheRangerofEriador,theycamethroughdesperateperilstothehouseofElrondinRivendell.
TherewasheldthegreatCouncilofElrond,atwhichitwasdecidedtoattemptthedestructionoftheRing,and
FrodowasappointedtheRing-bearer.TheCompanionsoftheRingwerethenchosen,whoweretoaidhiminhisquest:tocomeifhecouldtotheMountainofFireinMordor,thelandoftheEnemyhimself,wherealonetheRingcouldbeunmade.InthisfellowshipwereAragornandBoromirsonoftheLordofGondor,representingMen;Legolas
sonoftheElven-kingofMirkwood,fortheElves;GimlisonofGlóinoftheLonelyMountain,fortheDwarves;FrodowithhisservantSamwise,andhistwoyoungkinsmenMeriadocandPeregrin,fortheHobbits;andGandalftheGrey.
TheCompanionsjourneyedinsecretfarfromRivendellintheNorth,untilbaffledintheirattemptto
crossthehighpassofCaradhrasinwinter,theywereledbyGandalfthroughthehiddengateandenteredthevastMinesofMoria,seekingawaybeneaththemountains.ThereGandalf,inbattlewithadreadfulspiritoftheunderworld,fellintoadarkabyss.ButAragorn,nowrevealedasthehiddenheiroftheancientKingsoftheWest,ledtheCompanyon
fromtheEastGateofMoria,throughtheElvishlandofLórien,anddownthegreatRiverAnduin,untiltheycametotheFallsofRauros.Alreadytheyhadbecomeawarethattheirjourneywaswatchedbyspies,andthatthecreatureGollum,whooncehadpossessedtheRingandstilllustedforit,wasfollowingtheirtrail.
Itnowbecamenecessary
forthemtodecidewhethertheyshouldturneasttoMordor;orgoonwithBoromirtotheaidofMinasTirith,chiefcityofGondor,inthecomingwar;orshoulddivide.WhenitbecameclearthattheRing-bearerwasresolvedtocontinuehishopelessjourneytothelandoftheEnemy,BoromirattemptedtoseizetheRingbyforce.Thefirstpartended
withthefallofBoromirtothelureoftheRing;withtheescapeanddisappearanceofFrodoandhisservantSamwise;andthescatteringoftheremainderoftheFellowshipbyasuddenattackoforc-soldiers,someintheserviceoftheDarkLordofMordor,someofthetraitorSarumanofIsengard.TheQuestoftheRing-bearerseemedalreadyovertakenby
disaster.Thissecondpart,TheTwo
Towers,nowtellshoweachofthemembersoftheFellowshipoftheRingfared,afterthebreakingoftheirfellowship,untilthecomingofthegreatDarknessandtheoutbreakoftheWaroftheRing,whichistoberecountedinthethirdandlastpart.
Contents
COVERPAGETITLEPAGESYNOPSIS
BOOKTHREE
CHAPTER1:THEDEPARTUREOFBOROMIRCHAPTER2:THE
RIDERSOFROHANCHAPTER3:THEURUK-HAICHAPTER4:TREEBEARDCHAPTER5:THEWHITERIDERCHAPTER6:THEKINGOFTHEGOLDENHALLCHAPTER7:HELM’SDEEPCHAPTER8:THEROAD
TOISENGARDCHAPTER9:FLOTSAMANDJETSAMCHAPTER10:THEVOICEOFSARUMANCHAPTER11:THEPALANTÍR
BOOKFOUR
CHAPTER1:THETAMINGOFSMÉAGOLCHAPTER2:THE
PASSAGEOFTHEMARSHESCHAPTER3:THEBLACKGATEISCLOSEDCHAPTER4:OFHERBSANDSTEWEDRABBITCHAPTER5:THEWINDOWONTHEWESTCHAPTER6:THEFORBIDDENPOOL
CHAPTER7:JOURNEYTOTHECROSS-ROADSCHAPTER8:THESTAIRSOFCIRITHUNGOLCHAPTER9:SHELOB’SLAIRCHAPTER10:THECHOICESOFMASTERSAMWISEMAPSWORKSBYJ.R.R.
TOLKIENCOPYRIGHTABOUTTHEPUBLISHER
BOOKTHREE
Chapter1
THEDEPARTUREOFBOROMIR
Aragornspedonupthehill.Everynowandagainhebenttotheground.Hobbitsgolight,andtheirfootprintsarenoteasyevenforaRangertoread,butnotfarfromthetop
aspringcrossedthepath,andinthewetearthhesawwhathewasseeking.
‘Ireadthesignsaright,’hesaidtohimself.‘Frodorantothehill-top.Iwonderwhathesawthere?Buthereturnedbythesameway,andwentdownthehillagain.’
Aragornhesitated.Hedesiredtogotothehighseathimself,hopingtoseetheresomethingthatwouldguide
himinhisperplexities;buttimewaspressing.Suddenlyheleapedforward,andrantothesummit,acrossthegreatflag-stones,andupthesteps.Thensittinginthehighseathelookedout.Butthesunseemeddarkened,andtheworlddimandremote.HeturnedfromtheNorthbackagaintoNorth,andsawnothingsavethedistanthills,unlessitwerethatfaraway
hecouldseeagainagreatbirdlikeaneaglehighintheair,descendingslowlyinwidecirclesdowntowardstheearth.
Evenashegazedhisquickearscaughtsoundsinthewoodlandsbelow,onthewestsideoftheRiver.Hestiffened.Therewerecries,andamongthem,tohishorror,hecoulddistinguishtheharshvoicesofOrcs.
Thensuddenlywithadeep-throatedcallagreathornblew,andtheblastsofitsmotethehillsandechoedinthehollows,risinginamightyshoutabovetheroaringofthefalls.
‘ThehornofBoromir!’hecried.‘Heisinneed!’Hesprangdownthestepsandaway,leapingdownthepath.‘Alas!Anillfateisonmethisday,andallthatIdogoes
amiss.WhereisSam?’Asheranthecriescame
louder,butfainternowanddesperatelythehornwasblowing.FierceandshrillrosetheyellsoftheOrcs,andsuddenlythehorn-callsceased.Aragornraceddownthelastslope,butbeforehecouldreachthehill’sfoot,thesoundsdiedaway;andasheturnedtotheleftandrantowardsthemtheyretreated,
untilatlasthecouldhearthemnomore.DrawinghisbrightswordandcryingElendil!Elendil!hecrashedthroughthetrees.
Amile,maybe,fromParthGaleninalittlegladenotfarfromthelakehefoundBoromir.Hewassittingwithhisbacktoagreattree,asifhewasresting.ButAragorn
sawthathewaspiercedwithmanyblack-featheredarrows;hisswordwasstillinhishand,butitwasbrokennearthehilt;hishornclovenintwowasathisside.ManyOrcslayslain,piledallabouthimandathisfeet.
Aragornkneltbesidehim.Boromiropenedhiseyesandstrovetospeak.Atlastslowwordscame.‘ItriedtotaketheRingfromFrodo,’he
said.‘Iamsorry.Ihavepaid.’Hisglancestrayedtohisfallenenemies;twentyatleastlaythere.‘Theyhavegone:theHalflings:theOrcshavetakenthem.Ithinktheyarenotdead.Orcsboundthem.’Hepausedandhiseyesclosedwearily.Afteramomenthespokeagain.
‘Farewell,Aragorn!GotoMinasTirithandsavemypeople!Ihavefailed.’
‘No!’saidAragorn,takinghishandandkissinghisbrow.‘Youhaveconquered.Fewhavegainedsuchavictory.Beatpeace!MinasTirithshallnotfall!’
Boromirsmiled.‘Whichwaydidtheygo?
WasFrodothere?’saidAragorn.ButBoromirdidnotspeakagain.
‘Alas!’saidAragorn.‘Thuspassestheheirof
Denethor,LordoftheTowerofGuard!Thisisabitterend.NowtheCompanyisallinruin.ItisIthathavefailed.VainwasGandalf’strustinme.WhatshallIdonow?BoromirhaslaiditonmetogotoMinasTirith,andmyheartdesiresit;butwherearetheRingandtheBearer?HowshallIfindthemandsavetheQuestfromdisaster?’
Hekneltforawhile,bentwithweeping,stillclaspingBoromir’shand.SoitwasthatLegolasandGimlifoundhim.Theycamefromthewesternslopesofthehill,silently,creepingthroughthetreesasiftheywerehunting.Gimlihadhisaxeinhand,andLegolashislongknife:allhisarrowswerespent.Whentheycameintothegladetheyhaltedin
amazement;andthentheystoodamomentwithheadsbowedingrief,foritseemedtothemplainwhathadhappened.
‘Alas!’saidLegolas,comingtoAragorn’sside.‘WehavehuntedandslainmanyOrcsinthewoods,butweshouldhavebeenofmoreusehere.Wecamewhenweheardthehorn–buttoolate,itseems.Ifearyouhave
takendeadlyhurt.’‘Boromirisdead,’said
Aragorn.‘Iamunscathed,forIwasnotherewithhim.Hefelldefendingthehobbits,whileIwasawayuponthehill.’
‘Thehobbits!’criedGimli.‘Wherearetheythen?WhereisFrodo?’
‘Idonotknow,’answeredAragornwearily.‘BeforehediedBoromirtoldmethatthe
Orcshadboundthem;hedidnotthinkthattheyweredead.IsenthimtofollowMerryandPippin;butIdidnotaskhimifFrodoorSamwerewithhim:notuntilitwastoolate.AllthatIhavedonetodayhasgoneamiss.Whatistobedonenow?’
‘Firstwemusttendthefallen,’saidLegolas.‘Wecannotleavehimlyinglikecarrionamongthesefoul
Orcs.’‘Butwemustbeswift,’
saidGimli.‘Hewouldnotwishustolinger.WemustfollowtheOrcs,ifthereishopethatanyofourCompanyarelivingprisoners.’
‘ButwedonotknowwhethertheRing-beareriswiththemornot,’saidAragorn.‘Arewetoabandonhim?Mustwenotseekhim
first?Anevilchoiceisnowbeforeus!’
‘Thenletusdofirstwhatwemustdo,’saidLegolas.‘Wehavenotthetimeorthetoolstoburyourcomradefitly,ortoraiseamoundoverhim.Acairnwemightbuild.’
‘Thelabourwouldbehardandlong:therearenostonesthatwecouldusenearerthanthewater-side,’saidGimli.
‘Thenletuslayhimina
boatwithhisweapons,andtheweaponsofhisvanquishedfoes,’saidAragorn.‘WewillsendhimtotheFallsofRaurosandgivehimtoAnduin.TheRiverofGondorwilltakecareatleastthatnoevilcreaturedishonourshisbones.’
Quicklytheysearchedthe
bodiesoftheOrcs,gatheringtheirswordsandclovenhelmsandshieldsintoaheap.
‘See!’criedAragorn.‘Herewefindtokens!’Hepickedoutfromthepileofgrimweaponstwoknives,leaf-bladed,damaskedingoldandred;andsearchingfurtherhefoundalsothesheaths,black,setwithsmallredgems.‘Noorc-toolsthese!’hesaid.‘Theywereborneby
thehobbits.DoubtlesstheOrcsdespoiledthem,butfearedtokeeptheknives,knowingthemforwhattheyare:workofWesternesse,woundaboutwithspellsforthebaneofMordor.Well,now,iftheystilllive,ourfriendsareweaponless.Iwilltakethesethings,hopingagainsthope,togivethemback.’
‘AndI,’saidLegolas,
‘willtakeallthearrowsthatIcanfind,formyquiverisempty.’HesearchedinthepileandonthegroundaboutandfoundnotafewthatwereundamagedandlongerintheshaftthansucharrowsastheOrcswereaccustomedtouse.Helookedatthemclosely.
AndAragornlookedontheslain,andhesaid:‘HereliemanythatarenotfolkofMordor.Somearefromthe
North,fromtheMistyMountains,ifIknowanythingofOrcsandtheirkinds.Andhereareothersstrangetome.TheirgearisnotafterthemannerofOrcsatall!’
Therewerefourgoblin-soldiersofgreaterstature,swart,slant-eyed,withthicklegsandlargehands.Theywerearmedwithshortbroad-bladedswords,notwiththe
curvedscimitarsusualwithOrcs;andtheyhadbowsofyew,inlengthandshapelikethebowsofMen.Upontheirshieldstheyboreastrangedevice:asmallwhitehandinthecentreofablackfield;onthefrontoftheirironhelmswassetanS-rune,wroughtofsomewhitemetal.
‘Ihavenotseenthesetokensbefore,’saidAragorn.‘Whatdotheymean?’
‘SisforSauron,’saidGimli.‘Thatiseasytoread.’
‘Nay!’saidLegolas.‘Saurondoesnotusetheelf-runes.’
‘Neitherdoesheusehisrightname,norpermitittobespeltorspoken,’saidAragorn.‘Andhedoesnotusewhite.TheOrcsintheserviceofBarad-dûrusethesignoftheRedEye.’Hestoodforamomentin
thought.‘SisforSaruman,Iguess,’hesaidatlength.‘ThereisevilafootinIsengard,andtheWestisnolongersafe.ItisasGandalffeared:bysomemeansthetraitorSarumanhashadnewsofourjourney.ItislikelytoothatheknowsofGandalf’sfall.PursuersfromMoriamayhaveescapedthevigilanceofLórien,ortheymayhaveavoidedthatland
andcometoIsengardbyotherpaths.Orcstravelfast.ButSarumanhasmanywaysoflearningnews.Doyourememberthebirds?’
‘Well,wehavenotimetoponderriddles,’saidGimli.‘LetusbearBoromiraway!’
‘Butafterthatwemustguesstheriddles,ifwearetochooseourcourserightly,’answeredAragorn.
‘Maybethereisnoright
choice,’saidGimli.
TakinghisaxetheDwarfnowcutseveralbranches.Thesetheylashedtogetherwithbowstrings,andspreadtheircloaksupontheframe.Uponthisroughbiertheycarriedthebodyoftheircompaniontotheshore,togetherwithsuchtrophiesofhislastbattleastheychoseto
sendforthwithhim.Itwasonlyashortway,yettheyfounditnoeasytask,forBoromirwasamanbothtallandstrong.
Atthewater-sideAragornremained,watchingthebier,whileLegolasandGimlihastenedbackonfoottoParthGalen.Itwasamileormore,anditwassometimebeforetheycameback,paddlingtwoboatsswiftly
alongtheshore.‘Thereisastrangetaleto
tell!’saidLegolas.‘Thereareonlytwoboatsuponthebank.Wecouldfindnotraceoftheother.’
‘HaveOrcsbeenthere?’askedAragorn.
‘Wesawnosignsofthem,’answeredGimli.‘AndOrcswouldhavetakenordestroyedalltheboats,andthebaggageaswell.’
‘Iwilllookatthegroundwhenwecomethere,’saidAragorn.
NowtheylaidBoromirinthemiddleoftheboatthatwastobearhimaway.Thegreyhoodandelven-cloaktheyfoldedandplacedbeneathhishead.Theycombedhislongdarkhairandarrayedituponhis
shoulders.ThegoldenbeltofLóriengleamedabouthiswaist.Hishelmtheysetbesidehim,andacrosshislaptheylaidtheclovenhornandthehiltandshardsofhissword;beneathhisfeettheyputtheswordsofhisenemies.Thenfasteningtheprowtothesternoftheotherboat,theydrewhimoutintothewater.Theyrowedsadlyalongtheshore,andturning
intotheswift-runningchanneltheypassedthegreenswardofParthGalen.ThesteepsidesofTolBrandirwereglowing:itwasnowmid-afternoon.AstheywentsouththefumeofRaurosroseandshimmeredbeforethem,ahazeofgold.Therushandthunderofthefallsshookthewindlessair.
Sorrowfullytheycastloosethefuneralboat:there
Boromirlay,restful,peaceful,glidinguponthebosomoftheflowingwater.Thestreamtookhimwhiletheyheldtheirownboatbackwiththeirpaddles.Hefloatedbythem,andslowlyhisboatdeparted,waningtoadarkspotagainstthegoldenlight;andthensuddenlyitvanished.Raurosroaredonunchanging.TheRiverhadtakenBoromirsonofDenethor,andhewasnot
seenagaininMinasTirith,standingasheusedtostandupontheWhiteTowerinthemorning.ButinGondorinafter-daysitlongwassaidthattheelven-boatrodethefallsandthefoamingpool,andborehimdownthroughOsgiliath,andpastthemanymouthsofAnduin,outintotheGreatSeaatnightunderthestars.
Forawhilethethreecompanionsremainedsilent,gazingafterhim.ThenAragornspoke.‘TheywilllookforhimfromtheWhiteTower,’hesaid,‘buthewillnotreturnfrommountainorfromsea.’Thenslowlyhebegantosing:
ThroughRohanoverfenandfieldwherethelonggrassgrows
TheWestWindcomeswalking,andaboutthewallsitgoes.
‘WhatnewsfromtheWest,Owanderingwind,doyoubringtometonight?
HaveyouseenBoromirtheTallbymoonorbystarlight?’
‘Isawhimrideoversevenstreams,overwaterswideandgrey;
Isawhimwalkinemptylands,untilhepassedaway
IntotheshadowsoftheNorth.Isawhimthennomore.
TheNorthWindmayhaveheardthehornofthesonofDenethor.’
‘OBoromir!FromthehighwallswestwardIlookedafar,
Butyoucamenotfromthe
emptylandswherenomenare.’
ThenLegolassang:
FromthemouthsoftheSeatheSouthWindflies,fromthesandhillsandthestones;
Thewailingofthegullsitbears,andatthegateitmoans.‘Whatnews
fromtheSouth,Osighingwind,doyoubringtomeateve?
WherenowisBoromirtheFair?HetarriesandIgrieve.’
‘Asknotofmewherehedothdwell–somanybonestherelie
Onthewhiteshoresandthedarkshoresunderthestormysky;
Somanyhavepassed
downAnduintofindtheflowingSea.
AskoftheNorthWindnewsofthemtheNorthWindsendstome!’
‘OBoromir!Beyondthegatetheseawardroadrunssouth,
Butyoucamenotwiththewailinggullsfromthegreysea’smouth.’
ThenAragornsangagain:
FromtheGateofKingstheNorthWindrides,andpasttheroaringfalls;
Andclearandcoldaboutthetoweritsloudhorncalls.
‘WhatnewsfromtheNorth,Omightywind,doyoubringtometoday?
WhatnewsofBoromirtheBold?Forheislong
away.’‘BeneathAmonHenIheardhiscry.Theremanyfoeshefought.
Hisclovenshield,hisbrokensword,theytothewaterbrought.
Hisheadsoproud,hisfacesofair,hislimbstheylaidto
rest;AndRauros,goldenRauros-falls,borehim
uponitsbreast.’‘OBoromir!TheTowerofGuardshallevernorthwardgaze
ToRauros,goldenRauros-falls,untiltheendofdays.’
Sotheyended.ThentheyturnedtheirboatanddroveitwithallthespeedtheycouldagainstthestreambacktoParthGalen.
‘YoulefttheEastWindtome,’saidGimli,‘butIwillsaynaughtofit.’
‘Thatisasitshouldbe,’saidAragorn.‘InMinasTiriththeyenduretheEastWind,buttheydonotaskitfortidings.ButnowBoromirhastakenhisroad,andwemustmakehastetochooseourown.’
Hesurveyedthegreenlawn,quicklybutthoroughly,
stoopingoftentotheearth.‘NoOrcshavebeenonthisground,’hesaid.‘Otherwisenothingcanbemadeoutforcertain.Allourfootprintsarehere,crossingandre-crossing.IcannottellwhetheranyofthehobbitshavecomebacksincethesearchforFrodobegan.’Hereturnedtothebank,closetowheretherillfromthespringtrickledoutintotheRiver.‘Thereare
someclearprintshere,’hesaid.‘Ahobbitwadedoutintothewaterandback;butIcannotsayhowlongago.’
‘Howthendoyoureadthisriddle?’askedGimli.
Aragorndidnotansweratonce,butwentbacktothecamping-placeandlookedatthebaggage.‘Twopacksaremissing,’hesaid,‘andoneiscertainlySam’s:itwasratherlargeandheavy.Thisthenis
theanswer:Frodohasgonebyboat,andhisservanthasgonewithhim.Frodomusthavereturnedwhilewewereallaway.ImetSamgoingupthehillandtoldhimtofollowme;butplainlyhedidnotdoso.Heguessedhismaster’smindandcamebackherebeforeFrodohadgone.HedidnotfinditeasytoleaveSambehind!’
‘Butwhyshouldheleave
usbehind,andwithoutaword?’saidGimli.‘Thatwasastrangedeed!’
‘Andabravedeed,’saidAragorn.‘Samwasright,Ithink.FrododidnotwishtoleadanyfriendtodeathwithhiminMordor.Butheknewthathemustgohimself.Somethinghappenedafterheleftusthatovercamehisfearanddoubt.’
‘MaybehuntingOrcs
cameonhimandhefled,’saidLegolas.
‘Hefled,certainly,’saidAragorn,‘butnot,Ithink,fromOrcs.’WhathethoughtwasthecauseofFrodo’ssuddenresolveandflightAragorndidnotsay.ThelastwordsofBoromirhelongkeptsecret.
‘Well,somuchatleastisnowclear,’saidLegolas:‘Frodoisnolongeronthis
sideoftheRiver:onlyhecanhavetakentheboat.AndSamiswithhim;onlyhewouldhavetakenhispack.’
‘Ourchoicethen,’saidGimli,‘iseithertotaketheremainingboatandfollowFrodo,orelsetofollowtheOrcsonfoot.Thereislittlehopeeitherway.Wehavealreadylostprecioushours.’
‘Letmethink!’saidAragorn.‘AndnowmayI
makearightchoice,andchangetheevilfateofthisunhappyday!’Hestoodsilentforamoment.‘IwillfollowtheOrcs,’hesaidatlast.‘IwouldhaveguidedFrodotoMordorandgonewithhimtotheend;butifIseekhimnowinthewilderness,Imustabandonthecaptivestotormentanddeath.Myheartspeaksclearlyatlast:thefateoftheBearerisinmyhands
nolonger.TheCompanyhasplayeditspart.Yetwethatremaincannotforsakeourcompanionswhilewehavestrengthleft.Come!Wewillgonow.Leaveallthatcanbesparedbehind!Wewillpressonbydayanddark!’
Theydrewupthelastboatandcarriedittothetrees.Theylaidbeneathit
suchoftheirgoodsastheydidnotneedandcouldnotcarryaway.ThentheyleftParthGalen.TheafternoonwasfadingastheycamebacktothegladewhereBoromirhadfallen.TheretheypickedupthetrailoftheOrcs.Itneededlittleskilltofind.
‘Nootherfolkmakesuchatrampling,’saidLegolas.‘Itseemstheirdelighttoslashandbeatdowngrowing
thingsthatarenotevenintheirway.’
‘Buttheygowithagreatspeedforallthat,’saidAragorn,‘andtheydonottire.Andlaterwemayhavetosearchforourpathinhardbarelands.’
‘Well,afterthem!’saidGimli.‘Dwarvestoocangoswiftly,andtheydonottiresoonerthanOrcs.Butitwillbealongchase:theyhavea
longstart.’‘Yes,’saidAragorn,‘we
shallallneedtheenduranceofDwarves.Butcome!Withhopeorwithouthopewewillfollowthetrailofourenemies.Andwoetothem,ifweprovetheswifter!WewillmakesuchachaseasshallbeaccountedamarvelamongtheThreeKindreds:Elves,Dwarves,andMen.ForththeThreeHunters!’
Likeadeerhesprangaway.Throughthetreeshesped.Onandonheledthem,tirelessandswift,nowthathismindwasatlastmadeup.Thewoodsaboutthelaketheyleftbehind.Longslopestheyclimbed,dark,hard-edgedagainsttheskyalreadyredwithsunset.Duskcame.Theypassedaway,greyshadowsinastonyland.
Chapter2
THERIDERSOFROHAN
Duskdeepened.Mistlaybehindthemamongthetreesbelow,andbroodedonthepalemarginsoftheAnduin,buttheskywasclear.Starscameout.Thewaxingmoon
wasridingintheWest,andtheshadowsoftherockswereblack.Theyhadcometothefeetofstonyhills,andtheirpacewasslower,forthetrailwasnolongereasytofollow.HerethehighlandsoftheEmynMuilranfromNorthtoSouthintwolongtumbledridges.Thewesternsideofeachridgewassteepanddifficult,buttheeastwardslopesweregentler,furrowed
withmanygulliesandnarrowravines.Allnightthethreecompanionsscrambledinthisbonyland,climbingtothecrestofthefirstandtallestridge,anddownagainintothedarknessofadeepwindingvalleyontheotherside.
Thereinthestillcoolhourbeforedawntheyrestedforabriefspace.Themoonhadlonggonedownbeforethem,
thestarsglitteredabovethem;thefirstlightofdayhadnotyetcomeoverthedarkhillsbehind.ForthemomentAragornwasataloss:theorc-trailhaddescendedintothevalley,butthereithadvanished.
‘Whichwaywouldtheyturn,doyouthink?’saidLegolas.‘NorthwardtotakeastraighterroadtoIsengard,orFangorn,ifthatistheiraimas
youguess?OrsouthwardtostriketheEntwash?’
‘Theywillnotmakefortheriver,whatevermarktheyaimat,’saidAragorn.‘AndunlessthereismuchamissinRohanandthepowerofSarumanisgreatlyincreased,theywilltaketheshortestwaythattheycanfindoverthefieldsoftheRohirrim.Letussearchnorthwards!’
Thedaleranlikeastonytroughbetweentheridgedhills,andatricklingstreamflowedamongthebouldersatthebottom.Aclifffrownedupontheirright;totheirleftrosegreyslopes,dimandshadowyinthelatenight.Theywentonforamileormorenorthwards.Aragornwassearching,benttowardstheground,amongthefoldsandgulliesleadingupintothe
westernridge.Legolaswassomewayahead.SuddenlytheElfgaveacryandtheotherscamerunningtowardshim.
‘Wehavealreadyovertakensomeofthosethatwearehunting,’hesaid.‘Look!’Hepointed,andtheysawthatwhattheyhadatfirsttakentobeboulderslyingatthefootoftheslopewerehuddledbodies.Fivedead
Orcslaythere.Theyhadbeenhewnwithmanycruelstrokes,andtwohadbeenbeheaded.Thegroundwaswetwiththeirdarkblood.
‘Hereisanotherriddle!’saidGimli.‘Butitneedsthelightofday,andforthatwecannotwait.’
‘Yethoweveryoureadit,itseemsnotunhopeful,’saidLegolas.‘EnemiesoftheOrcsarelikelytobeour
friends.Doanyfolkdwellinthesehills?’
‘No,’saidAragorn.‘TheRohirrimseldomcomehere,anditisfarfromMinasTirith.ItmightbethatsomecompanyofMenwerehuntinghereforreasonsthatwedonotknow.YetIthinknot.’
‘Whatdoyouthink?’saidGimli.
‘Ithinkthattheenemy
broughthisownenemywithhim,’answeredAragorn.‘TheseareNorthernOrcsfromfaraway.AmongtheslainarenoneofthegreatOrcswiththestrangebadges.Therewasaquarrel,Iguess:itisnouncommonthingwiththesefoulfolk.Maybetherewassomedisputeabouttheroad.’
‘Oraboutthecaptives,’saidGimli.‘Letushopethat
they,too,didnotmeettheirendhere.’
Aragornsearchedthegroundinawidecircle,butnoothertracesofthefightcouldbefound.Theywenton.Alreadytheeastwardskywasturningpale;thestarswerefading,andagreylightwasslowlygrowing.Alittlefurthernorththeycametoa
foldinwhichatinystream,fallingandwinding,hadcutastonypathdownintothevalley.Initsomebushesgrew,andtherewerepatchesofgrassuponitssides.
‘Atlast!’saidAragorn.‘Herearethetracksthatweseek!Upthiswater-channel:thisisthewaythattheOrcswentaftertheirdebate.’
Swiftlynowthepursuersturnedandfollowedthenew
path.Asiffreshfromanight’sresttheysprangfromstonetostone.Atlasttheyreachedthecrestofthegreyhill,andasuddenbreezeblewintheirhairandstirredtheircloaks:thechillwindofdawn.
TurningbacktheysawacrosstheRiverthefarhillskindled.Dayleapedintothesky.Theredrimofthesunroseovertheshouldersofthe
darkland.BeforethemintheWesttheworldlaystill,formlessandgrey;butevenastheylooked,theshadowsofnightmelted,thecoloursofthewakingearthreturned:greenflowedoverthewidemeadsofRohan;thewhitemistsshimmeredinthewater-vales;andfarofftotheleft,thirtyleaguesormore,blueandpurplestoodtheWhiteMountains,risinginto
peaksofjet,tippedwithglimmeringsnows,flushedwiththeroseofmorning.
‘Gondor!Gondor!’criedAragorn.‘WouldthatIlookedonyouagaininhappierhour!Notyetdoesmyroadliesouthwardtoyourbrightstreams.
Gondor!Gondor,betweentheMountainsandtheSea!
WestWindblewthere;thelightupontheSilverTree
FelllikebrightrainingardensoftheKingsofold.
Oproudwalls!Whitetowers!Owingédcrownandthroneofgold!
OGondor,Gondor!ShallMenbeholdtheSilverTree
OrWestWindblowagainbetweentheMountainsandtheSea?
Nowletusgo!’hesaid,drawinghiseyesawayfromtheSouth,andlookingoutwestandnorthtothewaythathemusttread.
Theridgeuponwhichthecompanionsstoodwentdown
steeplybeforetheirfeet.Belowittwentyfathomsormore,therewasawideandruggedshelfwhichendedsuddenlyinthebrinkofasheercliff:theEastWallofRohan.SoendedtheEmynMuil,andthegreenplainsoftheRohirrimstretchedawaybeforethemtotheedgeofsight.
‘Look!’criedLegolas,pointingupintothepalesky
abovethem.‘Thereistheeagleagain!Heisveryhigh.Heseemstobeflyingnowaway,fromthislandbacktotheNorth.Heisgoingwithgreatspeed.Look!’
‘No,notevenmyeyescanseehim,mygoodLegolas,’saidAragorn.‘Hemustbefaraloftindeed.Iwonderwhatishiserrand,ifheisthesamebirdthatIhaveseenbefore.Butlook!Icanseesomething
nearerathandandmoreurgent;thereissomethingmovingovertheplain!’
‘Manythings,’saidLegolas.‘Itisagreatcompanyonfoot;butIcannotsaymore,norseewhatkindoffolktheymaybe.Theyaremanyleaguesaway:twelve,Iguess;buttheflatnessoftheplainishardtomeasure.’
‘Ithink,nonetheless,thatwenolongerneedanytrailto
telluswhichwaytogo,’saidGimli.‘Letusfindapathdowntothefieldsasquickasmaybe.’
‘IdoubtifyouwillfindapathquickerthantheonethattheOrcschose,’saidAragorn.
Theyfollowedtheirenemiesnowbytheclearlightofday.ItseemedthattheOrcshadpressedonwithallpossiblespeed.Everynow
andagainthepursuersfoundthingsthathadbeendroppedorcastaway:food-bags,therindsandcrustsofhardgreybread,atornblackcloak,aheavyiron-nailedshoebrokenonthestones.Thetrailledthemnorthalongthetopoftheescarpment,andatlengththeycametoadeepcleftcarvedintherockbyastreamthatsplashednoisilydown.Inthenarrowravinea
roughpathdescendedlikeasteepstairintotheplain.
AtthebottomtheycamewithastrangesuddennessonthegrassofRohan.ItswelledlikeagreenseauptotheveryfootoftheEmynMuil.Thefallingstreamvanishedintoadeepgrowthofcressesandwater-plants,andtheycouldhearittinklingawayingreentunnels,downlonggentleslopestowardsthefensof
EntwashValefaraway.Theyseemedtohaveleftwinterclingingtothehillsbehind.Heretheairwassofterandwarmer,andfaintlyscented,asifspringwasalreadystirringandthesapwasflowingagaininherbandleaf.Legolastookadeepbreath,likeonethatdrinksagreatdraughtafterlongthirstinbarrenplaces.
‘Ah!thegreensmell!’he
said.‘Itisbetterthanmuchsleep.Letusrun!’
‘Lightfeetmayrunswiftlyhere,’saidAragorn.‘Moreswiftly,maybe,thaniron-shodOrcs.Nowwehaveachancetolessentheirlead!’
Theywentinsinglefile,runninglikehoundsonastrongscent,andaneagerlightwasintheireyes.Nearly
duewestthebroadswathofthemarchingOrcstrampeditsuglyslot;thesweetgrassofRohanhadbeenbruisedandblackenedastheypassed.PresentlyAragorngaveacryandturnedaside.
‘Stay!’heshouted.‘Donotfollowmeyet!’Heranquicklytotheright,awayfromthemaintrail;forhehadseenfootprintsthatwentthatway,branchingofffrom
theothers,themarksofsmallunshodfeet.These,however,didnotgofarbeforetheywerecrossedbyorc-prints,alsocomingoutfromthemaintrailbehindandinfront,andthentheycurvedsharplybackagainandwerelostinthetrampling.AtthefurthestpointAragornstoopedandpickedupsomethingfromthegrass;thenheranback.
‘Yes,’hesaid,‘theyare
quiteplain:ahobbit’sfootprints.Pippin’s,Ithink.Heissmallerthantheothers.Andlookatthis!’Heheldupathingthatglitteredinthesunlight.Itlookedlikethenew-openedleafofabeech-tree,fairandstrangeinthattreelessplain.
‘Thebroochofanelven-cloak!’criedLegolasandGimlitogether.
‘Notidlydotheleavesof
Lórienfall,’saidAragorn.‘Thisdidnotdropbychance:itwascastawayasatokentoanythatmightfollow.IthinkPippinranawayfromthetrailforthatpurpose.’
‘Thenheatleastwasalive,’saidGimli.‘Andhehadtheuseofhiswits,andofhislegstoo.Thatisheartening.Wedonotpursueinvain.’
‘Letushopethathedid
notpaytoodearlyforhisboldness,’saidLegolas.‘Come!Letusgoon!Thethoughtofthosemerryyoungfolkdrivenlikecattleburnsmyheart.’
Thesunclimbedtothenoonandthenrodeslowlydownthesky.LightcloudscameupoutoftheseainthedistantSouthandwereblown
awayuponthebreeze.Thesunsank.ShadowsrosebehindandreachedoutlongarmsfromtheEast.Stillthehuntersheldon.OnedaynowhadpassedsinceBoromirfell,andtheOrcswereyetfarahead.Nolongercouldanysightofthembeseeninthelevelplains.
AsnightshadewasclosingaboutthemAragornhalted.Onlytwiceintheday’smarch
hadtheyrestedforabriefwhile,andtwelveleaguesnowlaybetweenthemandtheeasternwallwheretheyhadstoodatdawn.
‘Wehavecomeatlasttoahardchoice,’hesaid.‘Shallwerestbynight,orshallwegoonwhileourwillandstrengthhold?’
‘Unlessourenemiesrestalso,theywillleaveusfarbehind,ifwestaytosleep,’
saidLegolas.‘SurelyevenOrcsmust
pauseonthemarch?’saidGimli.
‘SeldomwillOrcsjourneyintheopenunderthesun,yetthesehavedoneso,’saidLegolas.‘Certainlytheywillnotrestbynight.’
‘Butifwewalkbynight,wecannotfollowtheirtrail,’saidGimli.
‘Thetrailisstraight,and
turnsneitherrightnorleft,asfarasmyeyescansee,’saidLegolas.
‘Maybe,Icouldleadyouatguessinthedarknessandholdtotheline,’saidAragorn;‘butifwestrayed,ortheyturnedaside,thenwhenlightcametheremightbelongdelaybeforethetrailwasfoundagain.’
‘Andthereisthisalso,’saidGimli:‘onlybydaycan
weseeifanytracksleadaway.Ifaprisonershouldescape,orifoneshouldbecarriedoff,eastward,say,totheGreatRiver,towardsMordor,wemightpassthesignsandneverknowit.’
‘Thatistrue,’saidAragorn.‘ButifIreadthesignsbackyonderrightly,theOrcsoftheWhiteHandprevailed,andthewholecompanyisnowboundfor
Isengard.Theirpresentcoursebearsmeout.’
‘Yetitwouldberashtobesureoftheircounsels,’saidGimli.‘Andwhatofescape?Inthedarkweshouldhavepassedthesignsthatledyoutothebrooch.’
‘TheOrcswillbedoublyontheirguardsincethen,andtheprisonersevenwearier,’saidLegolas.‘Therewillbenoescapeagain,ifwedonot
contriveit.Howthatistobedonecannotbeguessed,butfirstwemustovertakethem.’
‘AndyetevenI,Dwarfofmanyjourneys,andnottheleasthardyofmyfolk,cannotrunallthewaytoIsengardwithoutanypause,’saidGimli.‘Myheartburnsmetoo,andIwouldhavestartedsooner;butnowImustrestalittletorunthebetter.Andifwerest,thentheblindnightis
thetimetodoso.’‘Isaidthatitwasahard
choice,’saidAragorn.‘Howshallweendthisdebate?’
‘Youareourguide,’saidGimli,‘andyouareskilledinthechase.Youshallchoose.’
‘Myheartbidsmegoon,’saidLegolas.‘Butwemustholdtogether.Iwillfollowyourcounsel.’
‘Yougivethechoicetoanillchooser,’saidAragorn.
‘SincewepassedthroughtheArgonathmychoiceshavegoneamiss.’Hefellsilent,gazingnorthandwestintothegatheringnightforalongwhile.
‘Wewillnotwalkinthedark,’hesaidatlength.‘Theperilofmissingthetrailorsignsofothercomingandgoingseemstomethegreater.IftheMoongaveenoughlight,wewoulduseit,
butalas!hesetsearlyandisyetyoungandpale.’
‘Andtonightheisshroudedanyway,’Gimlimurmured.‘WouldthattheLadyhadgivenusalight,suchagiftasshegavetoFrodo!’
‘Itwillbemoreneededwhereitisbestowed,’saidAragorn.‘WithhimliesthetrueQuest.Oursisbutasmallmatterinthegreat
deedsofthistime.Avainpursuitfromitsbeginning,maybe,whichnochoiceofminecanmarormend.Well,Ihavechosen.Soletususethetimeasbestwemay!’
Hecasthimselfonthegroundandfellatonceintosleep,forhehadnotsleptsincetheirnightundertheshadowofTolBrandir.
Beforedawnwasintheskyhewokeandrose.Gimliwasstilldeepinslumber,butLegolaswasstanding,gazingnorthwardsintothedarkness,thoughtfulandsilentasayoungtreeinawindlessnight.
‘Theyarefarfaraway,’hesaidsadly,turningtoAragorn.‘Iknowinmyheartthattheyhavenotrestedthisnight.Onlyaneaglecould
overtakethemnow.’‘Nonethelesswewillstill
followaswemay,’saidAragorn.StoopingherousedtheDwarf.‘Come!Wemustgo,’hesaid.‘Thescentisgrowingcold.’
‘Butitisstilldark,’saidGimli.‘EvenLegolasonahill-topcouldnotseethemtilltheSunisup.’
‘Ifeartheyhavepassedbeyondmysightfromhillor
plain,undermoonorsun,’saidLegolas.
‘Wheresightfailstheearthmaybringusrumour,’saidAragorn.‘Thelandmustgroanundertheirhatedfeet.’Hestretchedhimselfuponthegroundwithhisearpressedagainsttheturf.Helaytheremotionless,forsolongatimethatGimliwonderedifhehadswoonedorfallenasleepagain.Dawncame
glimmering,andslowlyagreylightgrewaboutthem.Atlastherose,andnowhisfriendscouldseehisface:itwaspaleanddrawn,andhislookwastroubled.
‘Therumouroftheearthisdimandconfused,’hesaid.‘Nothingwalksuponitformanymilesaboutus.Faintandfararethefeetofourenemies.Butloudarethehoofsofthehorses.Itcomes
tomymindthatIheardthem,evenasIlayonthegroundinsleep,andtheytroubledmydreams:horsesgalloping,passingintheWest.Butnowtheyaredrawingeverfurtherfromus,ridingnorthward.Iwonderwhatishappeninginthisland!’
‘Letusgo!’saidLegolas.
Sothethirddayoftheir
pursuitbegan.Duringallitslonghoursofcloudandfitfulsuntheyhardlypaused,nowstriding,nowrunning,asifnowearinesscouldquenchthefirethatburnedthem.Theyseldomspoke.Overthewidesolitudetheypassedandtheirelven-cloaksfadedagainstthebackgroundofthegrey-greenfields;eveninthecoolsunlightofmid-dayfewbutElvisheyeswouldhave
markedthem,untiltheywerecloseathand.OftenintheirheartstheythankedtheLadyofLórienforthegiftoflembas,fortheycouldeatofitandfindnewstrengthevenastheyran.
Alldaythetrackoftheirenemiesledstraighton,goingnorth-westwithoutabreakorturn.Asonceagainthedayworetoitsendtheycametolongtreelessslopes,where
thelandrose,swellinguptowardsalineoflowhumpbackeddownsahead.Theorc-trailgrewfainterasitbentnorthtowardsthem,forthegroundbecameharderandthegrassshorter.FarawaytothelefttheriverEntwashwound,asilverthreadinagreenfloor.Nomovingthingcouldbeseen.OftenAragornwonderedthattheysawnosignofbeastor
man.ThedwellingsoftheRohirrimwereforthemostpartmanyleaguesawaytotheSouth,underthewoodedeavesoftheWhiteMountains,nowhiddeninmistandcloud;yettheHorse-lordshadformerlykeptmanyherdsandstudsintheEastemnet,thiseasterlyregionoftheirrealm,andtheretheherdsmenhadwanderedmuch,livingin
campandtent,eveninwinter-time.Butnowallthelandwasempty,andtherewasasilencethatdidnotseemtobethequietofpeace.
Atdusktheyhaltedagain.NowtwicetwelveleaguestheyhadpassedovertheplainsofRohanandthewalloftheEmynMuilwaslostintheshadowsoftheEast.The
youngmoonwasglimmeringinamistysky,butitgavesmalllight,andthestarswereveiled.
‘NowdoImostgrudgeatimeofrestoranyhaltinourchase,’saidLegolas.‘TheOrcshaverunbeforeus,asiftheverywhipsofSauronwerebehindthem.Ifeartheyhavealreadyreachedtheforestandthedarkhills,andevennowarepassingintothe
shadowsofthetrees.’Gimligroundhisteeth.
‘Thisisabitterendtoourhopeandtoallourtoil!’hesaid.
‘Tohope,maybe,butnottotoil,’saidAragorn.‘Weshallnotturnbackhere.YetIamweary.’HegazedbackalongthewaythattheyhadcometowardsthenightgatheringintheEast.‘Thereissomethingstrangeatwork
inthisland.Idistrustthesilence.IdistrusteventhepaleMoon.Thestarsarefaint;andIamwearyasIhaveseldombeenbefore,wearyasnoRangershouldbewithacleartrailtofollow.Thereissomewillthatlendsspeedtoourfoesandsetsanunseenbarrierbeforeus:awearinessthatisintheheartmorethaninthelimb.’
‘Truly!’saidLegolas.
‘ThatIhaveknownsincefirstwecamedownfromtheEmynMuil.Forthewillisnotbehindusbutbeforeus.’HepointedawayoverthelandofRohanintothedarklingWestunderthesicklemoon.
‘Saruman!’mutteredAragorn.‘Butheshallnotturnusback!Haltwemustoncemore;for,see!eventheMoonisfallingintogathering
cloud.Butnorthliesourroadbetweendownandfenwhendayreturns.’
AsbeforeLegolaswasfirstafoot,ifindeedhehadeverslept.‘Awake!Awake!’hecried.‘Itisareddawn.Strangethingsawaitusbytheeavesoftheforest.Goodorevil,Idonotknow;butwearecalled.Awake!’
Theotherssprangup,andalmostatoncetheysetoffagain.Slowlythedownsdrewnear.Itwasstillanhourbeforenoonwhentheyreachedthem:greenslopesrisingtobareridgesthatraninalinestraighttowardstheNorth.Attheirfeetthegroundwasdryandtheturfshort,butalongstripofsunkenland,sometenmileswide,laybetweenthemand
theriverwanderingdeepindimthicketsofreedandrush.JusttotheWestofthesouthernmostslopetherewasagreatring,wheretheturfhadbeentornandbeatenbymanytramplingfeet.Fromittheorc-trailranoutagain,turningnorthalongthedryskirtsofthehills.Aragornhaltedandexaminedthetracksclosely.
‘Theyrestedhereawhile,’
hesaid,‘buteventheoutwardtrailisalreadyold.Ifearthatyourheartspoketruly,Legolas:itisthricetwelvehours,Iguess,sincetheOrcsstoodwherewenowstand.Iftheyheldtotheirpace,thenatsundownyesterdaytheywouldreachthebordersofFangorn.’
‘Icanseenothingawaynorthorwestbutgrassdwindlingintomist,’said
Gimli.‘Couldweseetheforest,ifweclimbedthehills?’
‘Itisstillfaraway,’saidAragorn.‘IfIrememberrightly,thesedownsruneightleaguesormoretothenorth,andthennorth-westtotheissuingoftheEntwashthereliesstillawideland,anotherfifteenleaguesitmaybe.’
‘Well,letusgoon,’saidGimli.‘Mylegsmustforget
themiles.Theywouldbemorewilling,ifmyheartwerelessheavy.’
Thesunwassinkingwhenatlasttheydrewneartotheendofthelineofdowns.Formanyhourstheyhadmarchedwithoutrest.Theyweregoingslowlynow,andGimli’sbackwasbent.Stone-hardaretheDwarvesin
labourorjourney,butthisendlesschasebegantotellonhim,asallhopefailedinhisheart.Aragornwalkedbehindhim,grimandsilent,stoopingnowandagaintoscansomeprintormarkupontheground.OnlyLegolasstillsteppedaslightlyasever,hisfeethardlyseemingtopressthegrass,leavingnofootprintsashepassed;butinthewaybreadoftheElveshe
foundallthesustenancethatheneeded,andhecouldsleep,ifsleepitcouldbecalledbyMen,restinghismindinthestrangepathsofElvishdreams,evenashewalkedopen-eyedinthelightofthisworld.
‘Letusgoupontothisgreenhill!’hesaid.Wearilytheyfollowedhim,climbingthelongslope,untiltheycameoutuponthetop.Itwas
aroundhillsmoothandbare,standingbyitself,themostnortherlyofthedowns.Thesunsankandtheshadowsofeveningfelllikeacurtain.Theywerealoneinagreyformlessworldwithoutmarkormeasure.Onlyfarawaynorth-westtherewasadeeperdarknessagainstthedyinglight:theMountainsofMistandtheforestattheirfeet.
‘Nothingcanweseeto
guideushere,’saidGimli.‘Well,nowwemusthaltagainandwearthenightaway.Itisgrowingcold!’
‘Thewindisnorthfromthesnows,’saidAragorn.
‘AnderemorningitwillbeintheEast,’saidLegolas.‘Butrest,ifyoumust.Yetdonotcastallhopeaway.Tomorrowisunknown.RedeoftisfoundattherisingoftheSun.’
‘Threesunsalreadyhaverisenonourchaseandbroughtnocounsel,’saidGimli.
Thenightgrewevercolder.AragornandGimlisleptfitfully,andwhenevertheyawoketheysawLegolasstandingbesidethem,orwalkingtoandfro,singingsoftlytohimselfinhisown
tongue,andashesangthewhitestarsopenedinthehardblackvaultabove.Sothenightpassed.Togethertheywatchedthedawngrowslowlyinthesky,nowbareandcloudless,untilatlastthesunrisecame.Itwaspaleandclear.ThewindwasintheEastandallthemistshadrolledaway;widelandslaybleakabouttheminthebitterlight.
AheadandeastwardtheysawthewindyuplandsoftheWoldofRohanthattheyhadalreadyglimpsedmanydaysagofromtheGreatRiver.North-westwardstalkedthedarkforestofFangorn;stilltenleaguesawaystooditsshadowyeaves,anditsfurtherslopesfadedintothedistantblue.Beyondthereglimmeredfaraway,asiffloatingonagreycloud,the
whiteheadoftallMethedras,thelastpeakoftheMistyMountains.OutoftheforesttheEntwashflowedtomeetthem,itsstreamnowswiftandnarrow,anditsbanksdeep-cloven.Theorc-trailturnedfromthedownstowardsit.
Followingwithhiskeeneyesthetrailtotheriver,andthentheriverbacktowardstheforest,Aragornsawa
shadowonthedistantgreen,adarkswift-movingblur.Hecasthimselfuponthegroundandlistenedagainintently.ButLegolasstoodbesidehim,shadinghisbrightelven-eyeswithhislongslenderhand,andhesawnotashadow,norablur,butthesmallfiguresofhorsemen,manyhorsemen,andtheglintofmorningonthetipsoftheirspearswaslikethetwinkleof
minutestarsbeyondtheedgeofmortalsight.Farbehindthemadarksmokeroseinthincurlingthreads.
Therewasasilenceintheemptyfields,andGimlicouldheartheairmovinginthegrass.
‘Riders!’criedAragorn,springingtohisfeet.‘Manyridersonswiftsteedsarecomingtowardsus!’
‘Yes,’saidLegolas,‘there
areonehundredandfive.Yellowistheirhair,andbrightaretheirspears.Theirleaderisverytall.’
Aragornsmiled.‘KeenaretheeyesoftheElves,’hesaid.
‘Nay!Theridersarelittlemorethanfiveleaguesdistant,’saidLegolas.
‘Fiveleaguesorone,’saidGimli,‘wecannotescapetheminthisbareland.Shall
wewaitforthemhereorgoonourway?’
‘Wewillwait,’saidAragorn.‘Iamweary,andourhunthasfailed.Oratleastotherswerebeforeus;forthesehorse-menareridingbackdowntheorc-trail.Wemaygetnewsfromthem.’
‘Orspears,’saidGimli.‘Therearethreeempty
saddles,butIseenohobbits,’saidLegolas.
‘Ididnotsaythatweshouldheargoodnews,’saidAragorn.‘Butevilorgoodwewillawaitithere.’
Thethreecompanionsnowleftthehill-top,wheretheymightbeaneasymarkagainstthepalesky,andtheywalkedslowlydownthenorthwardslope.Alittleabovethehill’sfoottheyhalted,andwrappingtheircloaksaboutthem,theysat
huddledtogetheruponthefadedgrass.Thetimepassedslowlyandheavily.Thewindwasthinandsearching.Gimliwasuneasy.
‘Whatdoyouknowofthesehorsemen,Aragorn?’hesaid.‘Dowesitherewaitingforsuddendeath?’
‘Ihavebeenamongthem,’answeredAragorn.‘Theyareproudandwilful,buttheyaretrue-hearted,generousin
thoughtanddeed;boldbutnotcruel;wisebutunlearned,writingnobooksbutsingingmanysongs,afterthemannerofthechildrenofMenbeforetheDarkYears.ButIdonotknowwhathashappenedhereoflate,norinwhatmindtheRohirrimmaynowbebetweenthetraitorSarumanandthethreatofSauron.Theyhavelongbeenthefriendsofthepeopleof
Gondor,thoughtheyarenotakintothem.ItwasinforgottenyearslongagothatEorltheYoungbroughtthemoutoftheNorth,andtheirkinshipisratherwiththeBardingsofDale,andwiththeBeorningsoftheWood,amongwhommaystillbeseenmanymentallandfair,asaretheRidersofRohan.AtleasttheywillnotlovetheOrcs.’
‘ButGandalfspokeofarumourthattheypaytributetoMordor,’saidGimli.
‘IbelieveitnomorethandidBoromir,’answeredAragorn.‘Youwillsoonlearnthetruth,’saidLegolas.‘Alreadytheyapproach.’
AtlengthevenGimlicouldhearthedistantbeatofgallopinghoofs.The
horsemen,followingthetrail,hadturnedfromtheriver,andweredrawingnearthedowns.Theywereridinglikethewind.
Nowthecriesofclearstrongvoicescameringingoverthefields.Suddenlytheysweptupwithanoiselikethunder,andtheforemosthorsemanswerved,passingbythefootofthehill,andleadingthehostback
southwardalongthewesternskirtsofthedowns.Afterhimtheyrode:alonglineofmail-cladmen,swift,shining,fellandfairtolookupon.
Theirhorseswereofgreatstature,strongandclean-limbed;theirgreycoatsglistened,theirlongtailsflowedinthewind,theirmaneswerebraidedontheirproudnecks.TheMenthatrodethemmatchedthem
well:tallandlong-limbed;theirhair,flaxen-pale,flowedundertheirlighthelms,andstreamedinlongbraidsbehindthem;theirfacesweresternandkeen.Intheirhandsweretallspearsofash,paintedshieldswereslungattheirbacks,longswordswereattheirbelts,theirburnishedshirtsofmailhungdownupontheirknees.
Inpairstheygallopedby,
andthougheverynowandthenoneroseinhisstirrupsandgazedaheadandtoeitherside,theyappearednottoperceivethethreestrangerssittingsilentlyandwatchingthem.ThehosthadalmostpassedwhensuddenlyAragornstoodup,andcalledinaloudvoice:
‘WhatnewsfromtheNorth,RidersofRohan?’
Withastonishingspeedandskilltheycheckedtheirsteeds,wheeled,andcamecharginground.Soonthethreecompanionsfoundthemselvesinaringofhorsemenmovinginarunningcircle,upthehill-slopebehindthemanddown,roundandroundthem,anddrawingeverinwards.Aragornstoodsilent,andtheothertwosatwithoutmoving,
wonderingwhatwaythingswouldturn.
Withoutawordorcry,suddenly,theRidershalted.Athicketofspearswerepointedtowardsthestrangers;andsomeofthehorsemenhadbowsinhand,andtheirarrowswerealreadyfittedtothestring.Thenonerodeforward,atallman,tallerthanalltherest;fromhishelmasacrestawhite
horsetailflowed.HeadvanceduntilthepointofhisspearwaswithinafootofAragorn’sbreast.Aragorndidnotstir.
‘Whoareyou,andwhatareyoudoinginthisland?’saidtheRider,usingtheCommonSpeechoftheWest,inmannerandtoneliketothespeechofBoromir,ManofGondor.
‘IamcalledStrider,’
answeredAragorn.‘IcameoutoftheNorth.IamhuntingOrcs.’
TheRiderleapedfromhishorse.Givinghisspeartoanotherwhorodeupanddismountedathisside,hedrewhisswordandstoodfacetofacewithAragorn,surveyinghimkeenly,andnotwithoutwonder.Atlengthhespokeagain.
‘AtfirstIthoughtthatyou
yourselveswereOrcs,’hesaid;‘butnowIseethatitisnotso.IndeedyouknowlittleofOrcs,ifyougohuntingtheminthisfashion.Theywereswiftandwell-armed,andtheyweremany.Youwouldhavechangedfromhunterstoprey,ifeveryouhadovertakenthem.Butthereissomethingstrangeaboutyou,Strider.’Hebenthisclearbrighteyesagainupon
theRanger.‘ThatisnonameforaManthatyougive.Andstrangetooisyourraiment.Haveyousprungoutofthegrass?Howdidyouescapeoursight?AreyouElvishfolk?’
‘No,’saidAragorn.‘OneonlyofusisanElf,LegolasfromtheWoodlandRealmindistantMirkwood.ButwehavepassedthroughLothlórien,andthegiftsand
favouroftheLadygowithus.’
TheRiderlookedatthemwithrenewedwonder,buthiseyeshardened.‘ThenthereisaLadyintheGoldenWood,asoldtalestell!’hesaid.‘Fewescapehernets,theysay.Thesearestrangedays!Butifyouhaveherfavour,thenyoualsoarenet-weaversandsorcerers,maybe.’Heturnedacoldglancesuddenly
uponLegolasandGimli.‘Whydoyounotspeak,silentones?’hedemanded.
Gimliroseandplantedhisfeetfirmlyapart:hishandgrippedthehandleofhisaxe,andhisdarkeyesflashed.‘Givemeyourname,horse-master,andIwillgiveyoumine,andmorebesides,’hesaid.
‘Asforthat,’saidtheRider,staringdownatthe
Dwarf,‘thestrangershoulddeclarehimselffirst.YetIamnamedÉomersonofÉomund,andamcalledtheThirdMarshalofRiddermark.’
‘ThenÉomersonofÉomund,ThirdMarshalofRiddermark,letGimlitheDwarfGlóin’ssonwarnyouagainstfoolishwords.Youspeakevilofthatwhichisfairbeyondthereachofyour
thought,andonlylittlewitcanexcuseyou.’
Éomer’seyesblazed,andtheMenofRohanmurmuredangrily,andclosedin,advancingtheirspears.‘Iwouldcutoffyourhead,beardandall,MasterDwarf,ifitstoodbutalittlehigherfromtheground,’saidÉomer.
‘Hestandsnotalone,’saidLegolas,bendinghisbowand
fittinganarrowwithhandsthatmovedquickerthansight.‘Youwoulddiebeforeyourstrokefell.’
Éomerraisedhissword,andthingsmighthavegoneill,butAragornsprangbetweenthem,andraisedhishand.‘Yourpardon,Éomer!’hecried.‘Whenyouknowmoreyouwillunderstandwhyyouhaveangeredmycompanions.Weintendno
eviltoRohan,nortoanyofitsfolk,neithertomannortohorse.Willyounothearourtalebeforeyoustrike?’
‘Iwill,’saidÉomerloweringhisblade.‘ButwanderersintheRiddermarkwouldbewisetobelesshaughtyinthesedaysofdoubt.Firsttellmeyourrightname.’
‘Firsttellmewhomyouserve,’saidAragorn.‘Are
youfriendorfoeofSauron,theDarkLordofMordor?’
‘IserveonlytheLordoftheMark,ThéodenKingsonofThengel,’answeredÉomer.‘WedonotservethePoweroftheBlackLandfaraway,butneitherareweyetatopenwarwithhim;andifyouarefleeingfromhim,thenyouhadbestleavethisland.Thereistroublenowonallourborders,andweare
threatened;butwedesireonlytobefree,andtoliveaswehavelived,keepingourown,andservingnoforeignlord,goodorevil.Wewelcomedguestskindlyinthebetterdays,butinthesetimestheunbiddenstrangerfindsusswiftandhard.Come!Whoareyou?Whomdoyouserve?AtwhosecommanddoyouhuntOrcsinourland?’
‘Iservenoman,’said
Aragorn;‘buttheservantsofSauronIpursueintowhateverlandtheymaygo.TherearefewamongmortalMenwhoknowmoreofOrcs;andIdonothunttheminthisfashionoutofchoice.TheOrcswhomwepursuedtookcaptivetwoofmyfriends.Insuchneedamanthathasnohorsewillgoonfoot,andhewillnotaskforleavetofollowthetrail.Norwillhe
counttheheadsoftheenemysavewithasword.Iamnotweaponless.’
Aragornthrewbackhiscloak.Theelven-sheathglitteredashegraspedit,andthebrightbladeofAndúrilshonelikeasuddenflameashesweptitout.‘Elendil!’hecried.‘IamAragornsonofArathorn,andamcalledElessar,theElfstone,Dúnadan,theheirofIsildur
Elendil’ssonofGondor.HereistheSwordthatwasBrokenandisforgedagain!Willyouaidmeorthwartme?Chooseswiftly!’
GimliandLegolaslookedattheircompanioninamazement,fortheyhadnotseenhiminthismoodbefore.HeseemedtohavegrowninstaturewhileÉomerhadshrunk;andinhislivingfacetheycaughtabriefvisionof
thepowerandmajestyofthekingsofstone.ForamomentitseemedtotheeyesofLegolasthatawhiteflameflickeredonthebrowsofAragornlikeashiningcrown.
Éomersteppedbackandalookofawewasinhisface.Hecastdownhisproudeyes.‘Theseareindeedstrangedays,’hemuttered.‘Dreamsandlegendsspringtolifeoutofthegrass.
‘Tellme,lord,’hesaid,‘whatbringsyouhere?Andwhatwasthemeaningofthedarkwords?LonghasBoromirsonofDenethorbeengoneseekingananswer,andthehorsethatwelenthimcamebackriderless.WhatdoomdoyoubringoutoftheNorth?’
‘Thedoomofchoice,’saidAragorn.‘YoumaysaythistoThéodensonof
Thengel:openwarliesbeforehim,withSauronoragainsthim.Nonemaylivenowastheyhavelived,andfewshallkeepwhattheycalltheirown.Butofthesegreatmatterswewillspeaklater.Ifchanceallows,Iwillcomemyselftotheking.NowIamingreatneed,andIaskforhelp,oratleastfortidings.Youheardthatwearepursuinganorc-hostthatcarriedoffour
friends.Whatcanyoutellus?’
‘Thatyouneednotpursuethemfurther,’saidÉomer.‘TheOrcsaredestroyed.’
‘Andourfriends?’‘WefoundnonebutOrcs.’‘Butthatisstrange
indeed,’saidAragorn.‘Didyousearchtheslain?Weretherenobodiesotherthanthoseoforc-kind?
Theywouldbesmall,only
childrentoyoureyes,unshodbutcladingrey.’
‘Therewerenodwarvesnorchildren,’saidÉomer.‘Wecountedalltheslainanddespoiledthem,andthenwepiledthecarcasesandburnedthem,asisourcustom.Theashesaresmokingstill.’
‘Wedonotspeakofdwarvesorchildren,’saidGimli.‘Ourfriendswerehobbits.’
‘Hobbits?’saidÉomer.‘Andwhatmaytheybe?Itisastrangename.’
‘Astrangenameforastrangefolk,’saidGimli.‘Butthesewereverydeartous.ItseemsthatyouhaveheardinRohanofthewordsthattroubledMinasTirith.TheyspokeoftheHalfling.ThesehobbitsareHalflings.’
‘Halflings!’laughedtheRiderthatstoodbeside
Éomer.‘Halflings!Buttheyareonlyalittlepeopleinoldsongsandchildren’stalesoutoftheNorth.Dowewalkinlegendsoronthegreenearthinthedaylight?’
‘Amanmaydoboth,’saidAragorn.‘Fornotwebutthosewhocomeafterwillmakethelegendsofourtime.Thegreenearth,sayyou?Thatisamightymatteroflegend,thoughyoutreadit
underthelightofday!’‘Timeispressing,’said
theRider,notheedingAragorn.‘Wemusthastensouth,lord.Letusleavethesewildfolktotheirfancies.Orletusbindthemandtakethemtotheking.’
‘Peace,Éothain!’saidÉomerinhisowntongue.‘Leavemeawhile.Telltheéoredtoassembleonthepath,andmakereadytoride
totheEntwade.’
MutteringÉothainretired,andspoketotheothers.SoontheydrewoffandleftÉomeralonewiththethreecompanions.
‘Allthatyousayisstrange,Aragorn,’hesaid.‘Yetyouspeakthetruth,thatisplain:theMenoftheMarkdonotlie,andthereforethey
arenoteasilydeceived.Butyouhavenottoldall.Willyounotnowspeakmorefullyofyourerrand,sothatImayjudgewhattodo?’
‘IsetoutfromImladris,asitisnamedintherhyme,manyweeksago,’answeredAragorn.‘WithmewentBoromirofMinasTirith.MyerrandwastogotothatcitywiththesonofDenethor,toaidhisfolkintheirwar
againstSauron.ButtheCompanythatIjourneyedwithhadotherbusiness.OfthatIcannotspeaknow.GandalftheGreywasourleader.’
‘Gandalf!’Éomerexclaimed.‘GandalfGreyhameisknownintheMark;buthisname,Iwarnyou,isnolongerapasswordtotheking’sfavour.Hehasbeenaguestinthelandmany
timesinthememoryofmen,comingashewill,afteraseason,oraftermanyyears.Heisevertheheraldofstrangeevents:abringerofevil,somenowsay.
‘Indeedsincehislastcominginthesummerallthingshavegoneamiss.AtthattimeourtroublewithSarumanbegan.UntilthenwecountedSarumanourfriend,butGandalfcamethen
andwarnedusthatsuddenwarwaspreparinginIsengard.HesaidthathehimselfhadbeenaprisonerinOrthancandhadhardlyescaped,andhebeggedforhelp.ButThéodenwouldnotlistentohim,andhewentaway.SpeaknotthenameofGandalfloudlyinThéoden’sears!Heiswroth.ForGandalftookthehorsethatiscalledShadowfax,themost
preciousofalltheking’ssteeds,chiefoftheMearas,whichonlytheLordoftheMarkmayride.ForthesireoftheirracewasthegreathorseofEorlthatknewthespeechofMen.SevennightsagoShadowfaxreturned;buttheking’sangerisnotless,fornowthehorseiswildandwillletnomanhandlehim.’
‘ThenShadowfaxhasfoundhiswayalonefromthe
farNorth,’saidAragorn;‘foritwastherethatheandGandalfparted.Butalas!Gandalfwillridenolonger.HefellintodarknessintheMinesofMoriaandcomesnotagain.’
‘Thatisheavytidings,’saidÉomer.‘Atleasttome,andtomany;thoughnottoall,asyoumayfind,ifyoucometotheking.’
‘Itistidingsmore
grievousthananyinthislandcanunderstand,thoughitmaytouchthemsorelyeretheyearismucholder,’saidAragorn.‘Butwhenthegreatfall,thelessmustlead.MypartithasbeentoguideourCompanyonthelongroadfromMoria.ThroughLórienwecame–ofwhichitwerewellthatyoushouldlearnthetruthereyouspeakofitagain–andthencedowntheleaguesoftheGreat
RivertothefallsofRauros.ThereBoromirwasslainbythesameOrcswhomyoudestroyed.’
‘Yournewsisallofwoe!’criedÉomerindismay.‘GreatharmisthisdeathtoMinasTirith,andtousall.Thatwasaworthyman!Allspokehispraise.HecameseldomtotheMark,forhewaseverinthewarsontheEast-borders;butIhaveseen
him.MoreliketotheswiftsonsofEorlthantothegraveMenofGondorheseemedtome,andlikelytoproveagreatcaptainofhispeoplewhenhistimecame.ButwehavehadnowordofthisgriefoutofGondor.Whendidhefall?’
‘Itisnowthefourthdaysincehewasslain,’answeredAragorn;‘andsincetheeveningofthatdaywehave
journeyedfromtheshadowofTolBrandir.’
‘Onfoot?’criedÉomer.‘Yes,evenasyouseeus.’Widewondercameinto
Éomer’seyes.‘Strideristoopooraname,sonofArathorn,’hesaid.‘WingfootInameyou.Thisdeedofthethreefriendsshouldbesunginmanyahall.Fortyleaguesandfiveyouhavemeasurederethefourthdayisended!
HardyistheraceofElendil!‘Butnow,lord,what
wouldyouhavemedo!ImustreturninhastetoThéoden.Ispokewarilybeforemymen.ItistruethatwearenotyetatopenwarwiththeBlackLand,andtherearesome,closetotheking’sear,thatspeakcravencounsels;butwariscoming.WeshallnotforsakeouroldalliancewithGondor,and
whiletheyfightweshallaidthem:sosayIandallwhoholdwithme.TheEast-markismycharge,thewardoftheThirdMarshal,andIhaveremovedallourherdsandherdfolk,withdrawingthembeyondEntwash,andleavingnoneherebutguardsandswiftscouts.’
‘ThenyoudonotpaytributetoSauron?’saidGimli.
‘Wedonotandweneverhave,’saidÉomerwithaflashofhiseyes;‘thoughitcomestomyearsthatthatliehasbeentold.SomeyearsagotheLordoftheBlackLandwishedtopurchasehorsesofusatgreatprice,butwerefusedhim,forheputsbeaststoeviluse.ThenhesentplunderingOrcs,andtheycarryoffwhattheycan,choosingalwaystheblack
horses:fewofthesearenowleft.ForthatreasonourfeudwiththeOrcsisbitter.
‘ButatthistimeourchiefconcerniswithSaruman.Hehasclaimedlordshipoverallthisland,andtherehasbeenwarbetweenusformanymonths.HehastakenOrcsintohisservice,andWolf-riders,andevilMen,andhehasclosedtheGapagainstus,sothatwearelikelytobe
besetbotheastandwest.‘Itisilldealingwithsuch
afoe:heisawizardbothcunninganddwimmer-crafty,havingmanyguises.Hewalkshereandthere,theysay,asanoldmanhoodedandcloaked,veryliketoGandalf,asmanynowrecall.Hisspiesslipthrougheverynet,andhisbirdsofillomenareabroadinthesky.Idonotknowhowitwillallend,and
myheartmisgivesme;foritseemstomethathisfriendsdonotalldwellinIsengard.Butifyoucometotheking’shouse,youshallseeforyourself.Willyounotcome?DoIhopeinvainthatyouhavebeensenttomeforahelpindoubtandneed?’
‘IwillcomewhenImay,’saidAragorn.
‘Comenow!’saidÉomer.‘TheHeirofElendilwouldbe
astrengthindeedtotheSonsofEorlinthiseviltide.ThereisbattleevennowupontheWestemnet,andIfearthatitmaygoillforus.
‘IndeedinthisridingnorthIwentwithouttheking’sleave,forinmyabsencehishouseisleftwithlittleguard.Butscoutswarnedmeoftheorc-hostcomingdownoutoftheEastWallfournightsago,and
amongthemtheyreportedthatsomeborethewhitebadgesofSaruman.SosuspectingwhatImostfear,aleaguebetweenOrthancandtheDarkTower,Iledforthmyéored,menofmyownhousehold;andweovertooktheOrcsatnightfalltwodaysago,neartothebordersoftheEntwood.Therewesurroundedthem,andgavebattleyesterdayatdawn.
FifteenofmymenIlost,andtwelvehorsesalas!FortheOrcsweregreaterinnumberthanwecountedon.Othersjoinedthem,comingoutoftheEastacrosstheGreatRiver:theirtrailisplaintoseealittlenorthofthisspot.Andothers,too,cameoutoftheforest.GreatOrcs,whoalsoboretheWhiteHandofIsengard:thatkindisstrongerandmorefellthanallothers.
‘Nonethelessweputanendtothem.Butwehavebeentoolongaway.Weareneededsouthandwest.Willyounotcome?Therearesparehorsesasyousee.ThereisworkfortheSwordtodo.Yes,andwecouldfindauseforGimli’saxeandthebowofLegolas,iftheywillpardonmyrashwordsconcerningtheLadyoftheWood.Ispokeonlyasdoall
meninmyland,andIwouldgladlylearnbetter.’
‘Ithankyouforyourfairwords,’saidAragorn,‘andmyheartdesirestocomewithyou;butIcannotdesertmyfriendswhilehoperemains.’
‘Hopedoesnotremain,’saidÉomer.‘YouwillnotfindyourfriendsontheNorth-borders.’
‘Yetmyfriendsarenotbehind.Wefoundaclear
tokennotfarfromtheEastWallthatoneatleastofthemwasstillalivethere.Butbetweenthewallandthedownswehavefoundnoothertraceofthem,andnotrailhasturnedaside,thiswayorthat,unlessmyskillhaswhollyleftme.’
‘Thenwhatdoyouthinkhasbecomeofthem?’
‘Idonotknow.Theymayhavebeenslainandburned
amongtheOrcs;butthatyouwillsaycannotbe,andIdonotfearit.Icanonlythinkthattheywerecarriedoffintotheforestbeforethebattle,evenbeforeyouencircledyourfoes,maybe.Canyouswearthatnoneescapedyournetinsuchaway?’
‘IwouldswearthatnoOrcescapedafterwesightedthem,’saidÉomer.‘Wereachedtheforest-eaves
beforethem,andifafterthatanylivingthingbrokethroughourring,thenitwasnoOrcandhadsomeElvishpower.’
‘Ourfriendswereattiredevenasweare,’saidAragorn;‘andyoupassedusbyunderthefulllightofday.’
‘Ihadforgottenthat,’saidÉomer.‘Itishardtobesureofanythingamongsomanymarvels.Theworldisall
grownstrange.ElfandDwarfincompanywalkinourdailyfields;andfolkspeakwiththeLadyoftheWoodandyetlive;andtheSwordcomesbacktowarthatwasbrokeninthelongageserethefathersofourfathersrodeintotheMark!Howshallamanjudgewhattodoinsuchtimes?’
‘Asheeverhasjudged,’saidAragorn.‘Goodandill
havenotchangedsinceyesteryear;noraretheyonethingamongElvesandDwarvesandanotheramongMen.Itisaman’sparttodiscernthem,asmuchintheGoldenWoodasinhisownhouse.’
‘Trueindeed,’saidÉomer.‘ButIdonotdoubtyou,northedeedwhichmyheartwoulddo.YetIamnotfreetodoallasIwould.Itis
againstourlawtoletstrangerswanderatwillinourland,untilthekinghimselfshallgivethemleave,andmorestrictisthecommandinthesedaysofperil.Ihavebeggedyoutocomebackwillinglywithme,andyouwillnot.LothamItobeginabattleofonehundredagainstthree.’
‘Idonotthinkyourlawwasmadeforsuchachance,’
saidAragorn.‘NorindeedamIastranger;forIhavebeeninthislandbefore,morethanonce,andriddenwiththehostoftheRohirrim,thoughunderothernameandinotherguise.YouIhavenotseenbefore,foryouareyoung,butIhavespokenwithÉomundyourfather,andwithThéodensonofThengel.Neverinformerdayswouldanyhighlordofthisland
haveconstrainedamantoabandonsuchaquestasmine.Mydutyatleastisclear,togoon.Comenow,sonofÉomund,thechoicemustbemadeatlast.Aidus,orattheworstletusgofree.Orseektocarryoutyourlaw.Ifyoudosotherewillbefewertoreturntoyourwarortoyourking.’
Éomerwassilentforamoment,thenhespoke.‘We
bothhaveneedofhaste,’hesaid.‘Mycompanychafestobeaway,andeveryhourlessensyourhope.Thisismychoice.Youmaygo;andwhatismore,Iwilllendyouhorses.ThisonlyIask:whenyourquestisachieved,orisprovedvain,returnwiththehorsesovertheEntwadetoMeduseld,thehighhouseinEdoraswhereThéodennowsits.Thusyoushallproveto
himthatIhavenotmisjudged.InthisIplacemyself,andmaybemyverylife,inthekeepingofyourgoodfaith.Donotfail.’
‘Iwillnot,’saidAragorn.
Therewasgreatwonder,andmanydarkanddoubtfulglances,amonghismen,whenÉomergaveordersthatthesparehorsesweretobe
lenttothestrangers;butonlyÉothaindaredtospeakopenly.
‘ItmaybewellenoughforthislordoftheraceofGondor,asheclaims,’hesaid,‘butwhohasheardofahorseoftheMarkbeinggiventoaDwarf?’
‘Noone,’saidGimli.‘Anddonottrouble:noonewilleverhearofit.Iwouldsoonerwalkthansitonthe
backofanybeastsogreat,freeorbegrudged.’
‘Butyoumustridenow,oryouwillhinderus,’saidAragorn.
‘Come,youshallsitbehindme,friendGimli,’saidLegolas.‘Thenallwillbewell,andyouneedneitherborrowahorsenorbetroubledbyone.’
Agreatdark-greyhorsewasbroughttoAragorn,and
hemountedit.‘Hasufelishisname,’saidÉomer.‘MayhebearyouwellandtobetterfortunethanGárulf,hislatemaster!’
Asmallerandlighterhorse,butrestiveandfiery,wasbroughttoLegolas.Arodwashisname.ButLegolasaskedthemtotakeoffsaddleandrein.‘Ineedthemnot,’hesaid,andleapedlightlyup,andtotheirwonderArodwas
tameandwillingbeneathhim,movinghereandtherewithbutaspokenword:suchwastheElvishwaywithallgoodbeasts.Gimliwasliftedupbehindhisfriend,andheclungtohim,notmuchmoreateasethanSamGamgeeinaboat.
‘Farewell,andmayyoufindwhatyouseek!’criedÉomer.‘Returnwithwhatspeedyoumay,andletour
swordshereaftershinetogether!’
‘Iwillcome,’saidAragorn.
‘AndIwillcome,too,’saidGimli.‘ThematteroftheLadyGaladrielliesstillbetweenus.Ihaveyettoteachyougentlespeech.’
‘Weshallsee,’saidÉomer.‘Somanystrangethingshavechancedthattolearnthepraiseofafairlady
underthelovingstrokesofaDwarf’saxewillseemnogreatwonder.Farewell!’
Withthattheyparted.VeryswiftwerethehorsesofRohan.WhenafteralittleGimlilookedback,thecompanyofÉomerwerealreadysmallandfaraway.Aragorndidnotlookback:hewaswatchingthetrailasthey
spedontheirway,bendinglowwithhisheadbesidetheneckofHasufel.BeforelongtheycametothebordersoftheEntwash,andtheretheymettheothertrailofwhichÉomerhadspoken,comingdownfromtheEastoutoftheWold.
Aragorndismountedandsurveyedtheground,thenleapingbackintothesaddle,herodeawayforsome
distanceeastward,keepingtoonesideandtakingcarenottooverridethefootprints.Thenheagaindismountedandexaminedtheground,goingbackwardsandforwardsonfoot.
‘Thereislittletodiscover,’hesaidwhenhereturned.‘Themaintrailisallconfusedwiththepassageofthehorsemenastheycameback;theiroutwardcourse
musthavelainnearertheriver.Butthiseastwardtrailisfreshandclear.Thereisnosignthereofanyfeetgoingtheotherway,backtowardsAnduin.Nowwemustrideslower,andmakesurethatnotraceorfootstepbranchesoffoneitherside.TheOrcsmusthavebeenawarefromthispointthattheywerepursued;theymayhavemadesomeattempttogettheircaptives
awaybeforetheywereovertaken.’
Astheyrodeforwardthedaywasovercast.LowgreycloudscameovertheWold.Amistshroudedthesun.Evernearerthetree-cladslopesofFangornloomed,slowlydarklingasthesunwentwest.Theysawnosignofanytrailtorightorleft,but
hereandtheretheypassedsingleOrcs,fallenintheirtracksastheyran,withgrey-featheredarrowsstickinginbackorthroat.
Atlastastheafternoonwaswaningtheycametotheeavesoftheforest,andinanopengladeamongthefirsttreestheyfoundtheplaceofthegreatburning:theasheswerestillhotandsmoking.Besideitwasagreatpileof
helmsandmail,clovenshields,andbrokenswords,bowsanddartsandothergearofwar.Uponastakeinthemiddlewassetagreatgoblinhead;uponitsshatteredhelmthewhitebadgecouldstillbeseen.Furtheraway,notfarfromtheriver,whereitcamestreamingoutfromtheedgeofthewood,therewasamound.Itwasnewlyraised:therawearthwascovered
withfresh-cutturves:aboutitwereplantedfifteenspears.
Aragornandhiscompanionssearchedfarandwideaboutthefieldofbattle,butthelightfaded,andeveningsoondrewdown,dimandmisty.BynightfalltheyhaddiscoverednotraceofMerryandPippin.
‘Wecandonomore,’saidGimlisadly.‘Wehavebeensetmanyriddlessincewe
cametoTolBrandir,butthisisthehardesttounravel.IwouldguessthattheburnedbonesofthehobbitsarenowmingledwiththeOrcs’.ItwillbehardnewsforFrodo,ifhelivestohearit;andhardtoofortheoldhobbitwhowaitsinRivendell.Elrondwasagainsttheircoming.’
‘ButGandalfwasnot,’saidLegolas.
‘ButGandalfchoseto
comehimself,andhewasthefirsttobelost,’answeredGimli.‘Hisforesightfailedhim.’
‘ThecounselofGandalfwasnotfoundedonforeknowledgeofsafety,forhimselforforothers,’saidAragorn.‘Therearesomethingsthatitisbettertobeginthantorefuse,eventhoughtheendmaybedark.ButIshallnotdepartfromthis
placeyet.Inanycasewemusthereawaitthemorning-light.’
Alittlewaybeyondthebattle-fieldtheymadetheircampunderaspreadingtree:itlookedlikeachestnut,andyetitstillboremanybroadbrownleavesofaformeryear,likedryhandswithlongsplayedfingers;theyrattled
mournfullyinthenight-breeze.
Gimlishivered.Theyhadbroughtonlyoneblanketapiece.
‘Letuslightafire,’hesaid.‘Icarenolongerforthedanger.LettheOrcscomeasthickassummer-mothsroundacandle!’
‘Ifthoseunhappyhobbitsareastrayinthewoods,itmightdrawthemhither,’said
Legolas.‘Anditmightdrawother
things,neitherOrcnorHobbit,’saidAragorn.‘Weareneartothemountain-marchesofthetraitorSaruman.AlsoweareontheveryedgeofFangorn,anditisperiloustotouchthetreesofthatwood,itissaid.’
‘ButtheRohirrimmadeagreatburninghereyesterday,’saidGimli,‘andtheyfelled
treesforthefire,ascanbeseen.Yettheypassedthenightaftersafelyhere,whentheirlabourwasended.’
‘Theyweremany,’saidAragorn,‘andtheydonotheedthewrathofFangorn,fortheycomehereseldom,andtheydonotgounderthetrees.Butourpathsarelikelytoleadusintotheveryforestitself.Sohaveacare!Cutnolivingwood!’
‘Thereisnoneed,’saidGimli.‘TheRidershaveleftchipandboughenough,andthereisdeadwoodlyinginplenty.’Hewentofftogatherfuel,andbusiedhimselfwithbuildingandkindlingafire;butAragornsatsilentwithhisbacktothegreattree,deepinthought;andLegolasstoodaloneintheopen,lookingtowardstheprofoundshadowofthewood,leaningforward,
asonewholistenstovoicescallingfromadistance.
WhentheDwarfhadasmallbrightblazegoing,thethreecompanionsdrewclosetoitandsattogether,shroudingthelightwiththeirhoodedforms.Legolaslookedupattheboughsofthetreereachingoutabovethem.
‘Look!’hesaid.‘Thetreeisgladofthefire!’
Itmayhavebeenthatthedancingshadowstrickedtheireyes,butcertainlytoeachofthecompanionstheboughsappearedtobebendingthiswayandthatsoastocomeabovetheflames,whiletheupperbrancheswerestoopingdown;thebrownleavesnowstoodoutstiff,andrubbedtogetherlikemanycoldcrackedhandstakingcomfortinthewarmth.
Therewasasilence,forsuddenlythedarkandunknownforest,sonearathand,madeitselffeltasagreatbroodingpresence,fullofsecretpurpose.AfterawhileLegolasspokeagain.
‘CelebornwarnedusnottogofarintoFangorn,’hesaid.‘Doyouknowwhy,Aragorn?WhatarethefablesoftheforestthatBoromirhadheard?’
‘IhaveheardmanytalesinGondorandelsewhere,’saidAragorn,‘butifitwerenotforthewordsofCelebornIshoulddeemthemonlyfablesthatMenhavemadeastrueknowledgefades.Ihadthoughtofaskingyouwhatwasthetruthofthematter.AndifanElfofthewooddoesnotknow,howshallaMananswer?’
‘Youhavejourneyed
furtherthanI,’saidLegolas.‘Ihaveheardnothingofthisinmyownland,saveonlysongsthattellhowtheOnodrim,thatMencallEnts,dwelttherelongago;forFangornisold,oldevenastheElveswouldreckonit.’
‘Yes,itisold,’saidAragorn,‘asoldastheforestbytheBarrow-downs,anditisfargreater.Elrondsaysthatthetwoareakin,thelast
strongholdsofthemightywoodsoftheElderDays,inwhichtheFirstbornroamedwhileMenstillslept.YetFangornholdssomesecretofitsown.WhatitisIdonotknow.’
‘AndIdonotwishtoknow,’saidGimli.‘LetnothingthatdwellsinFangornbetroubledonmyaccount!’
Theynowdrewlotsfor
thewatches,andthelotforthefirstwatchfelltoGimli.Theotherslaydown.Almostatoncesleeplaidholdonthem.‘Gimli!’saidAragorndrowsily.‘Remember,itisperiloustocutboughortwigfromalivingtreeinFangorn.Butdonotstrayfarinsearchofdeadwood.Letthefiredierather!Callmeatneed!’
Withthathefellasleep.Legolasalreadylay
motionless,hisfairhandsfoldeduponhisbreast,hiseyesunclosed,blendinglivingnightanddeepdream,asisthewaywithElves.Gimlisathunchedbythefire,runninghisthumbthoughtfullyalongtheedgeofhisaxe.Thetreerustled.Therewasnoothersound.
SuddenlyGimlilookedup,andtherejustontheedgeofthefirelightstoodanold
bentman,leaningonastaff,andwrappedinagreatcloak;hiswide-brimmedhatwaspulleddownoverhiseyes.Gimlisprangup,tooamazedforthemomenttocryout,thoughatoncethethoughtflashedintohismindthatSarumanhadcaughtthem.BothAragornandLegolas,rousedbyhissuddenmovement,satupandstared.Theoldmandidnotspeakor
makeasign.‘Well,father,whatcanwe
doforyou?’saidAragorn,leapingtohisfeet.‘Comeandbewarm,ifyouarecold!’Hestrodeforward,buttheoldmanwasgone.Therewasnotraceofhimtobefoundnearathand,andtheydidnotdaretowanderfar.Themoonhadsetandthenightwasverydark.
SuddenlyLegolasgavea
cry.‘Thehorses!Thehorses!’Thehorsesweregone.Theyhaddraggedtheirpicketsanddisappeared.Forsometimethethreecompanionsstoodstillandsilent,troubledbythisnewstrokeofillfortune.TheywereundertheeavesofFangorn,andendlessleagueslaybetweenthemandtheMenofRohan,theironlyfriendsinthiswideanddangerousland.Asthey
stood,itseemedtothemthattheyheard,faroffinthenight,thesoundofhorseswhinnyingandneighing.Thenallwasquietagain,exceptforthecoldrustleofthewind.
‘Well,theyaregone,’saidAragornatlast.‘Wecannotfindthemorcatchthem;sothatiftheydonot
returnoftheirownwill,wemustdowithout.Westartedonourfeet,andwehavethosestill.’
‘Feet!’saidGimli.‘Butwecannoteatthemaswellaswalkonthem.’Hethrewsomefuelonthefireandslumpeddownbesideit.
‘OnlyafewhoursagoyouwereunwillingtositonahorseofRohan,’laughedLegolas.‘Youwillmakea
rideryet.’‘ItseemsunlikelythatI
shallhavethechance,’saidGimli.
‘IfyouwishtoknowwhatIthink,’hebeganagainafterawhile,‘IthinkitwasSaruman.Whoelse?RememberthewordsofÉomer:hewalksaboutlikeanoldmanhoodedandcloaked.Thosewerethewords.Hehasgoneoffwith
ourhorses,orscaredthemaway,andhereweare.Thereismoretroublecomingtous,markmywords!’
‘Imarkthem,’saidAragorn.‘ButImarkedalsothatthisoldmanhadahatnotahood.StillIdonotdoubtthatyouguessright,andthatweareinperilhere,bynightorday.Yetinthemeantimethereisnothingthatwecandobutrest,whilewemay.I
willwatchforawhilenow,Gimli.Ihavemoreneedofthoughtthanofsleep.’
Thenightpassedslowly.LegolasfollowedAragorn,andGimlifollowedLegolas,andtheirwatchesworeaway.Butnothinghappened.Theoldmandidnotappearagain,andthehorsesdidnotreturn.
Chapter3
THEURUK-HAI
Pippinlayinadarkandtroubleddream:itseemedthathecouldhearhisownsmallvoiceechoinginblacktunnels,callingFrodo,Frodo!ButinsteadofFrodohundredsofhideousorc-faces
grinnedathimoutoftheshadows,hundredsofhideousarmsgraspedathimfromeveryside.WherewasMerry?
Hewoke.Coldairblewonhisface.Hewaslyingonhisback.Eveningwascomingandtheskyabovewasgrowingdim.Heturnedandfoundthatthedreamwaslittleworsethanthewaking.Hiswrists,legs,andankles
weretiedwithcords.BesidehimMerrylay,white-faced,withadirtyragboundacrosshisbrows.AllaboutthemsatorstoodagreatcompanyofOrcs.
SlowlyinPippin’sachingheadmemorypieceditselftogetherandbecameseparatedfromdream-shadows.Ofcourse:heandMerryhadrunoffintothewoods.Whathadcomeover
them?Whyhadtheydashedofflikethat,takingnonoticeofoldStrider?Theyhadrunalongwayshouting–hecouldnotrememberhowfarorhowlong;andthensuddenlytheyhadcrashedrightintoagroupofOrcs:theywerestandinglistening,andtheydidnotappeartoseeMerryandPippinuntiltheywerealmostintheirarms.Thentheyyelledanddozensofother
goblinshadsprungoutofthetrees.Merryandhehaddrawntheirswords,buttheOrcsdidnotwishtofight,andhadtriedonlytolayholdofthem,evenwhenMerryhadcutoffseveraloftheirarmsandhands.GoodoldMerry!
ThenBoromirhadcomeleapingthroughthetrees.Hehadmadethemfight.Heslewmanyofthemandtherest
fled.Buttheyhadnotgonefaronthewaybackwhentheywereattackedagain,byahundredOrcsatleast,someofthemverylarge,andtheyshotarainofarrows:alwaysatBoromir.Boromirhadblownhisgreathorntillthewoodsrang,andatfirsttheOrcshadbeendismayedandhaddrawnback;butwhennoanswerbuttheechoescame,theyhadattackedmore
fiercelythanever.Pippindidnotremembermuchmore.HislastmemorywasofBoromirleaningagainstatree,pluckingoutanarrow;thendarknessfellsuddenly.
‘IsupposeIwasknockedonthehead,’hesaidtohimself.‘IwonderifpoorMerryismuchhurt.WhathashappenedtoBoromir?Whydidn’ttheOrcskillus?Wherearewe,andwherearewe
going?’Hecouldnotanswerthe
questions.Hefeltcoldandsick.‘IwishGandalfhadneverpersuadedElrondtoletuscome,’hethought.‘WhatgoodhaveIbeen?Justanuisance:apassenger,apieceofluggage.AndnowIhavebeenstolenandIamjustapieceofluggagefortheOrcs.IhopeStriderorsomeonewillcomeandclaimus!But
oughtItohopeforit?Won’tthatthrowoutalltheplans?IwishIcouldgetfree!’
Hestruggledalittle,quiteuselessly.OneoftheOrcssittingnearlaughedandsaidsomethingtoacompanionintheirabominabletongue.‘Restwhileyoucan,littlefool!’hesaidthentoPippin,intheCommonSpeech,
whichhemadealmostashideousashisownlanguage.‘Restwhileyoucan!We’llfindauseforyourlegsbeforelong.You’llwishyouhadgotnonebeforewegethome.’
‘IfIhadmyway,you’dwishyouweredeadnow,’saidtheother.‘I’dmakeyousqueak,youmiserablerat.’HestoopedoverPippin,bringinghisyellowfangsclosetohisface.Hehada
blackknifewithalongjaggedbladeinhishand.‘Liequiet,orI’lltickleyouwiththis,’hehissed.‘Don’tdrawattentiontoyourself,orImayforgetmyorders.CursetheIsengarders!UglúkubagronkshapushdugSaruman-globbúbhoshskai’:hepassedintoalongangryspeechinhisowntonguethatslowlydiedawayintomutteringandsnarling.
TerrifiedPippinlaystill,thoughthepainathiswristsandankleswasgrowing,andthestonesbeneathhimwereboringintohisback.Totakehismindoffhimselfhelistenedintentlytoallthathecouldhear.Thereweremanyvoicesroundabout,andthoughorc-speechsoundedatalltimesfullofhateandanger,itseemedplainthatsomethinglikeaquarrelhad
begun,andwasgettinghotter.ToPippin’ssurprisehe
foundthatmuchofthetalkwasintelligible;manyoftheOrcswereusingordinarylanguage.Apparentlythemembersoftwoorthreequitedifferenttribeswerepresent,andtheycouldnotunderstandoneanother’sorc-speech.Therewasanangrydebateconcerningwhattheyweretodonow:whichwaytheywere
totakeandwhatshouldbedonewiththeprisoners.
‘There’snotimetokillthemproperly,’saidone.‘Notimeforplayonthistrip.’
‘Thatcan’tbehelped,’saidanother.‘Butwhynotkillthemquick,killthemnow?They’reacursednuisance,andwe’reinahurry.Evening’scomingon,andweoughttogetamoveon.’
‘Orders,’saidathirdvoiceinadeepgrowl.‘KillallbutNOTtheHalflings;theyaretobebroughtbackALIVEasquicklyaspossible.That’smyorders.’
‘Whataretheywantedfor?’askedseveralvoices.‘Whyalive?Dotheygivegoodsport?’
‘No!Iheardthatoneofthemhasgotsomething,somethingthat’swantedfor
theWar,someElvishplotorother.Anywaythey’llbothbequestioned.’
‘Isthatallyouknow?Whydon’twesearchthemandfindout?Wemightfindsomethingthatwecoulduseourselves.’
‘Thatisaveryinterestingremark,’sneeredavoice,softerthantheothersbutmoreevil.‘Imayhavetoreportthat.Theprisonersare
nottobesearchedorplundered:thosearemyorders.’
‘Andminetoo,’saidthedeepvoice.‘Aliveandascaptured;nospoiling.That’smyorders.’
‘Notourorders!’saidoneoftheearliervoices.‘WehavecomeallthewayfromtheMinestokill,andavengeourfolk.Iwishtokill,andthengobacknorth.’
‘Thenyoucanwishagain,’saidthegrowlingvoice.‘IamUglúk.Icommand.IreturntoIsengardbytheshortestroad.’
‘IsSarumanthemasterortheGreatEye?’saidtheevilvoice.‘WeshouldgobackatoncetoLugbúrz.’
‘IfwecouldcrosstheGreatRiver,wemight,’saidanothervoice.‘Butthereare
notenoughofustoventuredowntothebridges.’
‘Icameacross,’saidtheevilvoice.‘AwingedNazgûlawaitsusnorthwardontheeast-bank.’
‘Maybe,maybe!Thenyou’llflyoffwithourprisoners,andgetallthepayandpraiseinLugbúrz,andleaveustofootitasbestwecanthroughtheHorse-country.No,wemuststick
together.Theselandsaredangerous:fulloffoulrebelsandbrigands.’
‘Aye,wemuststicktogether,’growledUglúk.‘Idon’ttrustyoulittleswine.You’venogutsoutsideyourownsties.Butforusyou’dallhaverunaway.WearethefightingUruk-hai!Weslewthegreatwarrior.Wetooktheprisoners.WearetheservantsofSarumantheWise,the
WhiteHand:theHandthatgivesusman’s-fleshtoeat.WecameoutofIsengard,andledyouhere,andweshallleadyoubackbythewaywechoose.IamUglúk.Ihavespoken.’
‘Youhavespokenmorethanenough,Uglúk,’sneeredtheevilvoice.‘IwonderhowtheywouldlikeitinLugbúrz.TheymightthinkthatUglúk’sshouldersneeded
relievingofaswollenhead.Theymightaskwherehisstrangeideascamefrom.DidtheycomefromSaruman,perhaps?Whodoeshethinkheis,settinguponhisownwithhisfilthywhitebadges?Theymightagreewithme,withGrishnákhtheirtrustedmessenger;andIGrishnákhsaythis:Sarumanisafool,andadirtytreacherousfool.ButtheGreatEyeisonhim.
‘Swineisit?Howdoyoufolklikebeingcalledswinebythemuck-rakersofadirtylittlewizard?It’sorc-fleshtheyeat,I’llwarrant.’
Manyloudyellsinorc-speechansweredhim,andtheringingclashofweaponsbeingdrawn.CautiouslyPippinrolledover,hopingtoseewhatwouldhappen.Hisguardshadgonetojoininthefray.Inthetwilighthesawa
largeblackOrc,probablyUglúk,standingfacingGrishnákh,ashortcrook-leggedcreature,verybroadandwithlongarmsthathungalmosttotheground.Roundthemweremanysmallergoblins.PippinsupposedthattheseweretheonesfromtheNorth.Theyhaddrawntheirknivesandswords,buthesitatedtoattackUglúk.
Uglúkshouted,anda
numberofotherOrcsofnearlyhisownsizeranup.Thensuddenly,withoutwarning,Uglúksprangforwards,andwithtwoswiftstrokesswepttheheadsofftwoofhisopponents.Grishnákhsteppedasideandvanishedintotheshadows.Theothersgaveway,andonesteppedbackwardsandfelloverMerry’sprostrateformwithacurse.Yetthat
probablysavedhislife,forUglúk’sfollowersleapedoverhimandcutdownanotherwiththeirbroad-bladedswords.Itwastheyellow-fangedguard.HisbodyfellrightontopofPippin,stillclutchingitslongsaw-edgedknife.
‘Putupyourweapons!’shoutedUglúk.‘Andlet’shavenomorenonsense!Wegostraightwestfromhere,
anddownthestair.Fromtherestraighttothedowns,thenalongtherivertotheforest.Andwemarchdayandnight.Thatclear?’
‘Now,’thoughtPippin,‘ifonlyittakesthatuglyfellowalittlewhiletogethistroopundercontrol,I’vegotachance.’Agleamofhopehadcometohim.Theedgeoftheblackknifehadsnickedhisarm,andthensliddowntohis
wrist.Hefeltthebloodtricklingontohishand,buthealsofeltthecoldtouchofsteelagainsthisskin.
TheOrcsweregettingreadytomarchagain,butsomeoftheNorthernerswerestillunwilling,andtheIsengardersslewtwomorebeforetherestwerecowed.Therewasmuchcursingandconfusion.ForthemomentPippinwasunwatched.His
legsweresecurelybound,buthisarmswereonlytiedaboutthewrists,andhishandswereinfrontofhim.Hecouldmovethembothtogether,thoughthebondswerecruellytight.HepushedthedeadOrctooneside,thenhardlydaringtobreathe,hedrewtheknotofthewrist-cordupanddownagainstthebladeoftheknife.Itwassharpandthedeadhandheld
itfast.Thecordwascut!QuicklyPippintookitinhisfingersandknotteditagainintoaloosebraceletoftwoloopsandslippeditoverhishands.Thenhelayverystill.
‘Pickupthoseprisoners!’shoutedUglúk.‘Don’tplayanytrickswiththem!Iftheyarenotalivewhenwegetback,someoneelsewilldie
too.’AnOrcseizedPippinlike
asack,putitsheadbetweenhistiedhands,grabbedhisarmsanddraggedthemdown,untilPippin’sfacewascrushedagainstitsneck;thenitjoltedoffwithhim.AnothertreatedMerryinthesameway.TheOrc’sclawlikehandgrippedPippin’sarmslikeiron;thenailsbitintohim.Heshuthis
eyesandslippedbackintoevildreams.
Suddenlyhewasthrownontothestonyflooragain.Itwasearlynight,buttheslimmoonwasalreadyfallingwestward.Theywereontheedgeofacliffthatseemedtolookoutoveraseaofpalemist.Therewasasoundofwaterfallingnearby.
‘Thescoutshavecomebackatlast,’saidanOrc
closeathand.‘Well,whatdidyou
discover?’growledthevoiceofUglúk.
‘Onlyasinglehorseman,andhemadeoffwestwards.All’sclearnow.’
‘Now,Idaresay.Buthowlong?Youfools!Youshouldhaveshothim.He’llraisethealarm.Thecursedhorse-breederswillhearofusbymorning.Nowwe’llhaveto
legitdoublequick.’Ashadowbentover
Pippin.ItwasUglúk.‘Situp!’saidtheOrc.‘Myladsaretiredofluggingyouabout.Wehavegottoclimbdown,andyoumustuseyourlegs.Behelpfulnow.Nocryingout,notryingtoescape.Wehavewaysofpayingfortricksthatyouwon’tlike,thoughtheywon’tspoilyourusefulnessforthe
Master.’Hecutthethongsround
Pippin’slegsandankles,pickedhimupbyhishairandstoodhimonhisfeet.Pippinfelldown,andUglúkdraggedhimupbyhishairagain.SeveralOrcslaughed.Uglúkthrustaflaskbetweenhisteethandpouredsomeburningliquiddownhisthroat:hefeltahotfierceglowflowthroughhim.The
paininhislegsandanklesvanished.Hecouldstand.
‘Nowfortheother!’saidUglúk.PippinsawhimgotoMerry,whowaslyingcloseby,andkickhim.Merrygroaned.SeizinghimroughlyUglúkpulledhimintoasittingposition,andtorethebandageoffhishead.Thenhesmearedthewoundwithsomedarkstuffoutofasmallwoodenbox.Merrycriedout
andstruggledwildly.TheOrcsclappedand
hooted.‘Can’ttakehismedicine,’theyjeered.‘Doesn’tknowwhat’sgoodforhim.Ai!Weshallhavesomefunlater.’
ButatthemomentUglúkwasnotengagedinsport.Heneededspeedandhadtohumourunwillingfollowers.HewashealingMerryinorc-fashion;andhistreatment
workedswiftly.Whenhehadforcedadrinkfromhisflaskdownthehobbit’sthroat,cuthisleg-bonds,anddraggedhimtohisfeet,Merrystoodup,lookingpalebutgrimanddefiant,andverymuchalive.Thegashinhisforeheadgavehimnomoretrouble,butheboreabrownscartotheendofhisdays.
‘Hullo,Pippin!’hesaid.‘Soyou’vecomeonthislittle
expedition,too?Wheredowegetbedandbreakfast?’
‘Nowthen!’saidUglúk.‘Noneofthat!Holdyourtongues.Notalktooneanother.Anytroublewillbereportedattheotherend,andHe’llknowhowtopayyou.You’llgetbedandbreakfastallright:morethanyoucanstomach.’
Theorc-bandbegantodescendanarrowravineleadingdownintothemistyplainbelow.MerryandPippin,separatedbyadozenOrcsormore,climbeddownwiththem.Atthebottomtheysteppedontograss,andtheheartsofthehobbitsrose.
‘Nowstraighton!’shoutedUglúk.‘Westandalittlenorth.FollowLugdush.’
‘Butwhatarewegoingto
doatsunrise?’saidsomeoftheNortherners.
‘Goonrunning,’saidUglúk.‘Whatdoyouthink?SitonthegrassandwaitfortheWhiteskinstojointhepicnic?’
‘Butwecan’truninthesunlight.’
‘You’llrunwithmebehindyou,’saidUglúk.‘Run!Oryou’llneverseeyourbelovedholesagain.By
theWhiteHand!What’stheuseofsendingoutmountain-maggotsonatrip,onlyhalftrained.Run,curseyou!Runwhilenightlasts!’
ThenthewholecompanybegantorunwiththelonglopingstridesofOrcs.Theykeptnoorder,thrusting,jostling,andcursing;yettheirspeedwasverygreat.Eachhobbithadaguardofthree.Pippinwasfarbackinthe
line.Hewonderedhowlonghewouldbeabletogoonatthispace:hehadhadnofoodsincethemorning.Oneofhisguardshadawhip.Butatpresenttheorc-liquorwasstillhotinhim.Hiswits,too,werewide-awake.
EverynowandagaintherecameintohismindunbiddenavisionofthekeenfaceofStriderbendingoveradarktrail,andrunning,running
behind.ButwhatcouldevenaRangerseeexceptaconfusedtrailoforc-feet?HisownlittleprintsandMerry’swereoverwhelmedbythetramplingoftheiron-shodshoesbeforethemandbehindthemandaboutthem.
Theyhadgoneonlyamileorsofromthecliffwhenthelandslopeddownintoawideshallowdepression,wherethegroundwassoftandwet.
Mistlaythere,pale-glimmeringinthelastraysofthesicklemoon.ThedarkshapesoftheOrcsinfrontgrewdim,andthenwereswallowedup.
‘Ai!Steadynow!’shoutedUglúkfromtherear.
AsuddenthoughtleapedintoPippin’smind,andheactedonitatonce.Heswervedasidetotheright,anddivedoutofthereachof
hisclutchingguard,headfirstintothemist;helandedsprawlingonthegrass.
‘Halt!’yelledUglúk.Therewasforamoment
turmoilandconfusion.Pippinsprangupandran.ButtheOrcswereafterhim.Somesuddenlyloomeduprightinfrontofhim.
‘Nohopeofescape!’thoughtPippin.‘ButthereisahopethatIhaveleftsomeof
myownmarksunspoiltonthewetground.’Hegropedwithhistwotiedhandsathisthroat,andunclaspedthebroochofhiscloak.Justaslongarmsandhardclawsseizedhim,heletitfall.‘ThereIsupposeitwilllieuntiltheendoftime,’hethought.‘Idon’tknowwhyIdidit.Iftheothershaveescaped,they’veprobablyallgonewithFrodo.’
Awhip-thongcurledroundhislegs,andhestifledacry.‘Enough!’shoutedUglúkrunningup.‘He’sstillgottorunalongwayyet.Make’embothrun!Justusethewhipasareminder.’
‘Butthat’snotall,’hesnarled,turningtoPippin.‘Ishan’tforget.Paymentisonlyputoff.Legit!’
NeitherPippinnorMerryrememberedmuchofthelaterpartofthejourney.Evildreamsandevilwakingwereblendedintoalongtunnelofmisery,withhopegrowingeverfainterbehind.Theyran,andtheyran,strivingtokeepupthepacesetbytheOrcs,lickedeverynowandagainwithacruelthongcunninglyhandled.Iftheyhaltedorstumbled,theywereseized
anddraggedforsomedistance.
Thewarmthoftheorc-draughthadgone.Pippinfeltcoldandsickagain.Suddenlyhefellfacedownwardontheturf.Hardhandswithrendingnailsgrippedandliftedhim.Hewascarriedlikeasackoncemore,anddarknessgrewabouthim:whetherthedarknessofanothernight,orablindnessofhiseyes,he
couldnottell.Dimlyhebecameaware
ofvoicesclamouring:itseemedthatmanyoftheOrcsweredemandingahalt.Uglúkwasshouting.Hefelthimselfflungtotheground,andhelayashefell,tillblackdreamstookhim.Buthedidnotlongescapefrompain;soontheirongripofmercilesshandswasonhimagain.Foralongtimehewas
tossedandshaken,andthenslowlythedarknessgaveway,andhecamebacktothewakingworldandfoundthatitwasmorning.Orderswereshoutedandhewasthrownroughlyonthegrass.
Therehelayforawhile,fightingwithdespair.Hisheadswam,butfromtheheatinhisbodyheguessedthathehadbeengivenanotherdraught.AnOrcstoopedover
him,andflunghimsomebreadandastripofrawdriedflesh.Heatethestalegreybreadhungrily,butnotthemeat.HewasfamishedbutnotyetsofamishedastoeatfleshflungtohimbyanOrc,thefleshofhedarednotguesswhatcreature.
Hesatupandlookedabout.Merrywasnotfaraway.Theywerebythebanksofaswiftnarrowriver.
Aheadmountainsloomed:atallpeakwascatchingthefirstraysofthesun.Adarksmudgeofforestlayonthelowerslopesbeforethem.
TherewasmuchshoutinganddebatingamongtheOrcs;aquarrelseemedonthepointofbreakingoutagainbetweentheNorthernersandtheIsengarders.Somewerepointingbackawaysouth,andsomewerepointing
eastward.‘Verywell,’saidUglúk.
‘Leavethemtomethen!Nokilling,asI’vetoldyoubefore;butifyouwanttothrowawaywhatwe’vecomeallthewaytoget,throwitaway!I’lllookafterit.LetthefightingUruk-haidothework,asusual.Ifyou’reafraidoftheWhiteskins,run!Run!There’stheforest,’heshouted,pointingahead.‘Get
toit!It’syourbesthope.Offyougo!Andquick,beforeIknockafewmoreheadsoff,toputsomesenseintotheothers.’
Therewassomecursingandscuffling,andthenmostoftheNorthernersbrokeawayanddashedoff,overahundredofthem,runningwildlyalongtherivertowardsthemountains.Thehobbitswereleftwiththe
Isengarders:agrimdarkband,fourscoreatleastoflarge,swart,slant-eyedOrcswithgreatbowsandshortbroad-bladedswords.AfewofthelargerandbolderNorthernersremainedwiththem.
‘Nowwe’lldealwithGrishnákh,’saidUglúk;butsomeevenofhisownfollowerswerelookinguneasilysouthwards.
‘Iknow,’growledUglúk.‘Thecursedhorse-boyshavegotwindofus.Butthat’sallyourfault,Snaga.Youandtheotherscoutsoughttohaveyourearscutoff.Butwearethefighters.We’llfeastonhorsefleshyet,orsomethingbetter.’
AtthatmomentPippinsawwhysomeofthetroophadbeenpointingeastward.Fromthatdirectiontherenow
camehoarsecries,andtherewasGrishnákhagain,andathisbackacoupleofscoreofotherslikehim:long-armedcrook-leggedOrcs.Theyhadaredeyepaintedontheirshields.Uglúksteppedforwardtomeetthem.
‘Soyou’vecomeback?’hesaid.‘Thoughtbetterofit,eh?’
‘I’vereturnedtoseethatOrdersarecarriedoutandthe
prisonerssafe,’answeredGrishnákh.
‘Indeed!’saidUglúk.‘Wasteofeffort.I’llseethatordersarecarriedoutinmycommand.Andwhatelsedidyoucomebackfor?Youwentinahurry.Didyouleaveanythingbehind?’
‘Ileftafool,’snarledGrishnákh.‘Butthereweresomestoutfellowswithhimthataretoogoodtolose.I
knewyou’dleadthemintoamess.I’vecometohelpthem.’
‘Splendid!’laughedUglúk.‘Butunlessyou’vegotsomegutsforfighting,you’vetakenthewrongway.Lugbúrzwasyourroad.TheWhiteskinsarecoming.What’shappenedtoyourpreciousNazgûl?Hashehadanothermountshotunderhim?Now,ifyou’dbrought
himalong,thatmighthavebeenuseful–iftheseNazgûlarealltheymakeout.’
‘Nazgûl,Nazgûl,’saidGrishnákh,shiveringandlickinghislips,asifthewordhadafoultastethathesavouredpainfully.‘Youspeakofwhatisdeepbeyondthereachofyourmuddydreams,Uglúk,’hesaid.‘Nazgûl!Ah!Allthattheymakeout!Onedayyou’ll
wishthatyouhadnotsaidthat.Ape!’hesnarledfiercely.‘Yououghttoknowthatthey’retheappleoftheGreatEye.ButthewingedNazgûl:notyet,notyet.Hewon’tletthemshowthemselvesacrosstheGreatRiveryet,nottoosoon.They’refortheWar–andotherpurposes.’
‘Youseemtoknowalot,’saidUglúk.‘Morethanis
goodforyou,Iguess.PerhapsthoseinLugbúrzmightwonderhow,andwhy.ButinthemeantimetheUruk-haiofIsengardcandothedirtywork,asusual.Don’tstandslaveringthere!Getyourrabbletogether!Theotherswineareleggingittotheforest.You’dbetterfollow.Youwouldn’tgetbacktothe
GreatRiveralive.Right
offthemark!Now!I’llbeonyourheels.’
TheIsengardersseizedMerryandPippinagainandslungthemontheirbacks.Thenthetroopstartedoff.Hourafterhourtheyran,pausingnowandagainonlytoslingthehobbitstofreshcarriers.Eitherbecausetheywerequickerandhardier,or
becauseofsomeplanofGrishnákh’s,theIsengardersgraduallypassedthroughtheOrcsofMordor,andGrishnákh’sfolkclosedinbehind.SoontheyweregainingalsoontheNorthernersahead.Theforestbegantodrawnearer.
Pippinwasbruisedandtorn,hisachingheadwasgratedbythefilthyjowlandhairyearoftheOrcthatheld
him.Immediatelyinfrontwerebowedbacks,andtoughthicklegsgoingupanddown,upanddown,unresting,asiftheyweremadeofwireandhorn,beatingoutthenightmaresecondsofanendlesstime.
IntheafternoonUglúk’stroopovertooktheNortherners.Theywereflaggingintheraysofthebrightsun,wintersunshining
inapalecoolskythoughitwas;theirheadsweredownandtheirtongueslollingout.
‘Maggots!’jeeredtheIsengarders.‘You’recooked.TheWhiteskinswillcatchyouandeatyou.They’recoming!’
AcryfromGrishnákhshowedthatthiswasnotmerejest.Horsemen,ridingveryswiftly,hadindeedbeensighted:stillfarbehindbut
gainingontheOrcs,gainingonthemlikeatideovertheflatsonfolkstrayinginaquicksand.
TheIsengardersbegantorunwitharedoubledpacethatastonishedPippin,aterrificspurtitseemedfortheendofarace.Thenhesawthatthesunwassinking,fallingbehindtheMistyMountains;shadowsreachedovertheland.Thesoldiersof
Mordorliftedtheirheadsandalsobegantoputonspeed.Theforestwasdarkandclose.Alreadytheyhadpassedafewoutlyingtrees.Thelandwasbeginningtoslopeupwards,evermoresteeply;buttheOrcsdidnothalt.BothUglúkandGrishnákhshouted,spurringthemontoalasteffort.
‘Theywillmakeityet.Theywillescape,’thoughtPippin.Andthenhemanagedtotwisthisneck,soastoglancebackwithoneeyeoverhisshoulder.HesawthatridersawayeastwardwerealreadylevelwiththeOrcs,gallopingovertheplain.Thesunsetgildedtheirspearsandhelmets,andglintedintheirpaleflowinghair.Theywerehemmingthe
Orcsin,preventingthemfromscattering,anddrivingthemalongthelineoftheriver.
Hewonderedverymuchwhatkindoffolktheywere.HewishednowthathehadlearnedmoreinRivendell,andlookedmoreatmapsandthings;butinthosedaystheplansforthejourneyseemedtobeinmorecompetenthands,andhehadnever
reckonedwithbeingcutofffromGandalf,orfromStrider,andevenfromFrodo.AllthathecouldrememberaboutRohanwasthatGandalf’shorse,Shadowfax,hadcomefromthatland.Thatsoundedhopeful,asfarasitwent.
‘ButhowwilltheyknowthatwearenotOrcs?’hethought.‘Idon’tsupposethey’veeverheardofhobbits
downhere.IsupposeIoughttobegladthatthebeastlyOrcslooklikebeingdestroyed,butIwouldratherbesavedmyself.’ThechanceswerethatheandMerrywouldbekilledtogetherwiththeircaptors,beforeevertheMenofRohanwereawareofthem.
Afewoftheridersappearedtobebowmen,skilledatshootingfroma
runninghorse.RidingswiftlyintorangetheyshotarrowsattheOrcsthatstraggledbehind,andseveralofthemfell;thentheriderswheeledawayoutoftherangeoftheansweringbowsoftheirenemies,whoshotwildly,notdaringtohalt.Thishappenedmanytimes,andononeoccasionarrowsfellamongtheIsengarders.Oneofthem,justinfrontofPippin,
stumbledanddidnotgetupagain.
NightcamedownwithouttheRidersclosinginforbattle.ManyOrcshadfallen,butfullytwohundredremained.IntheearlydarknesstheOrcscametoahillock.Theeavesoftheforestwereverynear,probablynomorethanthree
furlongsaway,buttheycouldgonofurther.Thehorsemenhadencircledthem.AsmallbanddisobeyedUglúk’scommand,andranontowardstheforest:onlythreereturned.
‘Well,hereweare,’sneeredGrishnákh.‘Fineleadership!IhopethegreatUglúkwillleadusoutagain.’
‘PutthoseHalflingsdown!’orderedUglúk,taking
nonoticeofGrishnákh.‘You,Lugdush,gettwoothersandstandguardoverthem!They’renottobekilled,unlessthefilthyWhiteskinsbreakthrough.Understand?AslongasI’malive,Iwant’em.Butthey’renottocryout,andthey’renottoberescued.Bindtheirlegs!’
Thelastpartoftheorderwascarriedoutmercilessly.ButPippinfoundthatforthe
firsttimehewasclosetoMerry.TheOrcsweremakingagreatdealofnoise,shoutingandclashingtheirweapons,andthehobbitsmanagedtowhispertogetherforawhile.
‘Idon’tthinkmuchofthis,’saidMerry.‘Ifeelnearlydonein.Don’tthinkIcouldcrawlawayfar,evenifIwasfree.’
‘Lembas!’whispered
Pippin.‘Lembas:I’vegotsome.Haveyou?Idon’tthinkthey’vetakenanythingbutourswords.’
‘Yes,Ihadapacketinmypocket,’answeredMerry,‘butitmustbebatteredtocrumbs.AnywayIcan’tputmymouthinmypocket!’
‘Youwon’thaveto.I’ve—’;butjustthenasavagekickwarnedPippinthatthenoisehaddieddown,andthe
guardswerewatchful.
Thenightwascoldandstill.AllroundtheknollonwhichtheOrcsweregatheredlittlewatch-firessprangup,golden-redinthedarkness,acompleteringofthem.Theywerewithinalongbowshot,buttheridersdidnotshowthemselvesagainstthelight,andtheOrcswastedmany
arrowsshootingatthefires,untilUglúkstoppedthem.Theridersmadenosound.Laterinthenightwhenthemooncameoutofthemist,thenoccasionallytheycouldbeseen,shadowyshapesthatglintednowandagaininthewhitelight,astheymovedinceaselesspatrol.
‘They’llwaitfortheSun,cursethem!’growledoneofthe
guards.‘Whydon’twegettogetherandchargethrough?What’soldUglúkthinkhe’sdoing,Ishouldliketoknow?’
‘Idaresayyouwould,’snarledUglúksteppingupfrombehind.‘MeaningIdon’tthinkatall,eh?Curseyou!You’reasbadastheotherrabble:themaggotsandtheapesofLugbúrz.Nogoodtryingtochargewiththem.They’djustsquealandbolt,
andtherearemorethanenoughofthesefilthyhorse-boystomopupourlotontheflat.
‘There’sonlyonethingthosemaggotscando:theycanseelikegimletsinthedark.ButtheseWhiteskinshavebetternight-eyesthanmostMen,fromallI’veheard;anddon’tforgettheirhorses!Theycanseethenight-breeze,orsoit’ssaid.
Stillthere’sonethingthefinefellowsdon’tknow:Mauhúrandhisladsareintheforest,andtheyshouldturnupanytimenow.’
Uglúk’swordswereenough,apparently,tosatisfytheIsengarders;buttheotherOrcswerebothdispiritedandrebellious.Theypostedafewwatchers,butmostofthemlayontheground,restinginthepleasantdarkness.Itdid
indeedbecomeverydarkagain;forthemoonpassedwestwardintothickcloud,andPippincouldnotseeanythingafewfeetaway.Thefiresbroughtnolighttothehillock.Theriderswerenot,however,contentmerelytowaitforthedawnandlettheirenemiesrest.Asuddenoutcryontheeastsideoftheknollshowedthatsomethingwaswrong.Itseemedthat
someoftheMenhadriddeninclose,slippedofftheirhorses,crawledtotheedgeofthecampandkilledseveralOrcs,andthenhadfadedawayagain.Uglúkdashedofftostopastampede.
PippinandMerrysatup.Theirguards,Isengarders,hadgonewithUglúk.Butifthehobbitshadanythoughtofescape,itwassoondashed.Alonghairyarmtookeachof
thembytheneckanddrewthemclosetogether.DimlytheywereawareofGrishnákh’sgreatheadandhideousfacebetweenthem;hisfoulbreathwasontheircheeks.Hebegantopawthemandfeelthem.Pippinshudderedashardcoldfingersgropeddownhisback.
‘Well,mylittleones!’saidGrishnákhinasoftwhisper.‘Enjoyingyournicerest?Or
not?Alittleawkwardlyplacedperhaps:swordsandwhipsononeside,andnastyspearsontheother!Littlepeopleshouldnotmeddleinaffairsthataretoobigforthem.’Hisfingerscontinuedtogrope.Therewasalightlikeapalebuthotfirebehindhiseyes.
ThethoughtcamesuddenlyintoPippin’smind,asifcaughtdirectfromthe
urgentthoughtofhisenemy:‘GrishnákhknowsabouttheRing!He’slookingforit,whileUglúkisbusy:heprobablywantsitforhimself.’ColdfearwasinPippin’sheart,yetatthesametimehewaswonderingwhatusehecouldmakeofGrishnákh’sdesire.
‘Idon’tthinkyouwillfinditthatway,’hewhispered.‘Itisn’teasytofind.’
‘Findit?’saidGrishnákh:hisfingersstoppedcrawlingandgrippedPippin’sshoulder.‘Findwhat?Whatareyoutalkingabout,littleone?’
ForamomentPippinwassilent.Thensuddenlyinthedarknesshemadeanoiseinhisthroat:gollum,gollum.‘Nothing,myprecious,’headded.
Thehobbitsfelt
Grishnákh’sfingerstwitch.‘Oho!’hissedthegoblinsoftly.‘That’swhathemeans,isit?Oho!Veryve-rydangerous,mylittleones.’
‘Perhaps,’saidMerry,nowalertandawareofPippin’sguess.‘Perhaps;andnotonlyforus.Stillyouknowyourownbusinessbest.Doyouwantit,ornot?Andwhatwouldyougiveforit?’
‘DoIwantit?DoIwant
it?’saidGrishnákh,asifpuzzled;buthisarmsweretrembling.‘WhatwouldIgiveforit?Whatdoyoumean?’
‘Wemean,’saidPippin,choosinghiswordscarefully,‘thatit’snogoodgropinginthedark.Wecouldsaveyoutimeandtrouble.Butyoumustuntieourlegsfirst,orwe’lldonothing,andsaynothing.’
‘Mydeartenderlittlefools,’hissedGrishnákh,‘everythingyouhave,andeverythingyouknow,willbegotoutofyouinduetime:everything!You’llwishtherewasmorethatyoucouldtelltosatisfytheQuestioner,indeedyouwill:quitesoon.Weshan’thurrytheenquiry.Ohdearno!Whatdoyouthinkyou’vebeenkeptalivefor?Mydearlittlefellows,
pleasebelievemewhenIsaythatitwasnotoutofkindness:that’snotevenoneofUglúk’sfaults.’
‘Ifinditquiteeasytobelieve,’saidMerry.‘Butyouhaven’tgotyourpreyhomeyet.Anditdoesn’tseemtobegoingyourway,whateverhappens.IfwecometoIsengard,itwon’tbethegreatGrishnákhthatbenefits:Sarumanwilltake
allthathecanfind.Ifyouwantanythingforyourself,now’sthetimetodoadeal.’
Grishnákhbegantolosehistemper.ThenameofSarumanseemedspeciallytoenragehim.Timewaspassingandthedisturbancewasdyingdown.UglúkortheIsengardersmightreturnatanyminute.‘Haveyougotit–eitherofyou?’hesnarled.
‘Gollum,gollum!’said
Pippin.‘Untieourlegs!’said
Merry.TheyfelttheOrc’sarms
tremblingviolently.‘Curseyou,youfilthylittlevermin!’hehissed.‘Untieyourlegs?I’lluntieeverystringinyourbodies.DoyouthinkIcan’tsearchyoutothebones?Searchyou!I’llcutyoubothtoquiveringshreds.Idon’tneedthehelpofyourlegsto
getyouaway–andhaveyoualltomyself!’
Suddenlyheseizedthem.Thestrengthinhislongarmsandshoulderswasterrifying.Hetuckedthemoneundereacharmpit,andcrushedthemfiercelytohissides;agreatstiflinghandwasclappedovereachoftheirmouths.Thenhesprangforward,stoopinglow.Quicklyandsilentlyhewent,
untilhecametotheedgeoftheknoll.There,choosingagapbetweenthewatchers,hepassedlikeanevilshadowoutintothenight,downtheslopeandawaywestwardtowardstheriverthatflowedoutoftheforest.Inthatdirectiontherewasawideopenspacewithonlyonefire.
Aftergoingadozenyardshehalted,peeringandlistening.Nothingcouldbe
seenorheard.Hecreptslowlyon,bentalmostdouble.Thenhesquattedandlistenedagain.Thenhestoodup,asiftoriskasuddendash.Atthatverymomentthedarkformofariderloomeduprightinfrontofhim.Ahorsesnortedandreared.Amancalledout.
Grishnákhflunghimselfonthegroundflat,draggingthehobbitsunderhim;then
hedrewhissword.Nodoubthemeanttokillhiscaptives,ratherthanallowthemtoescapeortoberescued;butitwashisundoing.Theswordrangfaintly,andglintedalittleinthelightofthefireawaytohisleft.Anarrowcamewhistlingoutofthegloom:itwasaimedwithskill,orguidedbyfate,anditpiercedhisrighthand.Hedroppedtheswordand
shrieked.Therewasaquickbeatofhoofs,andevenasGrishnákhleapedupandran,hewasriddendownandaspearpassedthroughhim.Hegaveahideousshiveringcryandlaystill.
Thehobbitsremainedflatontheground,asGrishnákhhadleftthem.Anotherhorsemancameridingswiftlytohiscomrade’said.Whetherbecauseofsomespecial
keennessofsight,orbecauseofsomeothersense,thehorseliftedandspranglightlyoverthem;butitsriderdidnotseethem,lyingcoveredintheirelven-cloaks,toocrushedforthemoment,andtooafraidtomove.
AtlastMerrystirredandwhisperedsoftly:‘Sofarsogood;buthowareweto
avoidbeingspitted?’Theanswercamealmost
immediately.ThecriesofGrishnákhhadrousedtheOrcs.Fromtheyellsandscreechesthatcamefromtheknollthehobbitsguessedthattheirdisappearancehadbeendiscovered:Uglúkwasprobablyknockingoffafewmoreheads.Thensuddenlytheansweringcriesoforc-voicescamefromtheright,
outsidethecircleofwatch-fires,fromthedirectionoftheforestandthemountains.Mauhúrhadapparentlyarrivedandwasattackingthebesiegers.Therewasthesoundofgallopinghorses.TheRidersweredrawingintheirringcloseroundtheknoll,riskingtheorc-arrows,soastopreventanysortie,whileacompanyrodeofftodealwiththenewcomers.
SuddenlyMerryandPippinrealizedthatwithoutmovingtheywerenowoutsidethecircle:therewasnothingbetweenthemandescape.
‘Now,’saidMerry,‘ifonlywehadourlegsandhandsfree,wemightgetaway.ButIcan’ttouchtheknots,andIcan’tbitethem.’
‘Noneedtotry,’saidPippin.‘Iwasgoingtotellyou:I’vemanagedtofreemy
hands.Theseloopsareonlyleftforshow.You’dbetterhaveabitoflembasfirst.’
Heslippedthecordsoffhiswrists,andfishedoutapacket.Thecakeswerebroken,butgood,stillintheirleaf-wrappings.Thehobbitseachatetwoorthreepieces.Thetastebroughtbacktothemthememoryoffairfaces,andlaughter,andwholesomefoodinquietdays
nowfaraway.Forawhiletheyatethoughtfully,sittinginthedark,heedlessofthecriesandsoundsofbattlenearby.Pippinwasthefirsttocomebacktothepresent.
‘Wemustbeoff,’hesaid.‘Halfamoment!’Grishnákh’sswordwaslyingcloseathand,butitwastooheavyandclumsyforhimtouse;sohecrawledforward,andfindingthebodyofthe
goblinhedrewfromitssheathalongsharpknife.Withthishequicklycuttheirbonds.
‘Nowforit!’hesaid.‘Whenwe’vewarmedupabit,perhapsweshallbeabletostandagain,andwalk.Butinanycasewehadbetterstartbycrawling.’
Theycrawled.Theturfwasdeepandyielding,andthathelpedthem;butit
seemedalongslowbusiness.Theygavethewatch-fireawideberth,andwormedtheirwayforwardbitbybit,untiltheycametotheedgeoftheriver,gurglingawayintheblackshadowsunderitsdeepbanks.Thentheylookedback.
Thesoundshaddiedaway.EvidentlyMauhúrandhis‘lads’hadbeenkilledordrivenoff.TheRidershad
returnedtotheirsilentominousvigil.Itwouldnotlastverymuchlonger.Alreadythenightwasold.IntheEast,whichhadremainedunclouded,theskywasbeginningtogrowpale.
‘Wemustgetundercover,’saidPippin,‘orweshallbeseen.Itwillnotbeanycomforttous,iftheseridersdiscoverthatwearenotOrcsafterwearedead.’He
gotupandstampedhisfeet.‘Thosecordshavecutmelikewires;butmyfeetaregettingwarmagain.Icouldstaggeronnow.Whataboutyou,Merry?’
Merrygotup.‘Yes,’hesaid,‘Icanmanageit.Lembasdoesputheartintoyou!Amorewholesomesortoffeeling,too,thantheheatofthatorc-draught.Iwonderwhatitwasmadeof.Better
nottoknow,Iexpect.Let’sgetadrinkofwatertowashawaythethoughtofit!’
‘Nothere,thebanksaretoosteep,’saidPippin.‘Forwardnow!’
Theyturnedandwalkedsidebysideslowlyalongthelineoftheriver.BehindthemthelightgrewintheEast.Astheywalkedtheycomparednotes,talkinglightlyinhobbit-fashionofthethings
thathadhappenedsincetheircapture.Nolistenerwouldhaveguessedfromtheirwordsthattheyhadsufferedcruelly,andbeenindireperil,goingwithouthopetowardstormentanddeath;orthatevennow,astheyknewwell,theyhadlittlechanceofeverfindingfriendorsafetyagain.
‘Youseemtohavebeendoingwell,MasterTook,’saidMerry.‘Youwillget
almostachapterinoldBilbo’sbook,ifeverIgetachancetoreporttohim.Goodwork:especiallyguessingthathairyvillain’slittlegame,andplayinguptohim.ButIwonderifanyonewilleverpickupyourtrailandfindthatbrooch.Ishouldhatetolosemine,butIamafraidyoursisgoneforgood.
‘Ishallhavetobrushupmytoes,ifIamtogetlevel
withyou.IndeedCousinBrandybuckisgoinginfrontnow.Thisiswherehecomesin.Idon’tsupposeyouhavemuchnotionwhereweare;butIspentmytimeatRivendellratherbetter.WearewalkingwestalongtheEntwash.Thebutt-endoftheMistyMountainsisinfront,andFangornForest.’
Evenashespokethedarkedgeoftheforestloomedup
straightbeforethem.Nightseemedtohavetakenrefugeunderitsgreattrees,creepingawayfromthecomingDawn.
‘Leadon,MasterBrandybuck!’saidPippin.‘Orleadback!WehavebeenwarnedagainstFangorn.Butonesoknowingwillnothaveforgottenthat.’
‘Ihavenot,’answeredMerry;‘buttheforestseemsbettertome,allthesame,
thanturningbackintothemiddleofabattle.’
Heledthewayinunderthehugebranchesofthetrees.Oldbeyondguessing,theyseemed.Greattrailingbeardsoflichenhungfromthem,blowingandswayinginthebreeze.Outoftheshadowsthehobbitspeeped,gazingbackdowntheslope:
littlefurtivefiguresthatinthedimlightlookedlikeelf-childreninthedeepsoftimepeeringoutoftheWildWoodinwonderattheirfirstDawn.
FarovertheGreatRiver,andtheBrownLands,leaguesupongreyleaguesaway,theDawncame,redasflame.Loudrangthehunting-hornstogreetit.TheRidersofRohansprangsuddenlytolife.Hornansweredhorn
again.MerryandPippinheard,
clearinthecoldair,theneighingofwar-horses,andthesuddensingingofmanymen.TheSun’slimbwaslifted,anarcoffire,abovethemarginoftheworld.ThenwithagreatcrytheRiderschargedfromtheEast;theredlightgleamedonmailandspear.TheOrcsyelledandshotallthearrowsthat
remainedtothem.Thehobbitssawseveralhorsemenfall;buttheirlineheldonupthehillandoverit,andwheeledroundandchargedagain.Mostoftheraidersthatwereleftalivethenbrokeandfled,thiswayandthat,pursuedonebyonetothedeath.Butoneband,holdingtogetherinablackwedge,droveforwardresolutelyinthedirectionoftheforest.
Straightuptheslopetheychargedtowardsthewatchers.Nowtheyweredrawingnear,anditseemedcertainthattheywouldescape:theyhadalreadyhewndownthreeRidersthatbarredtheirway.
‘Wehavewatchedtoolong,’saidMerry.‘There’sUglúk!Idon’twanttomeethimagain.’Thehobbitsturnedandfleddeepintothe
shadowsofthewood.Soitwasthattheydidnot
seethelaststand,whenUglúkwasovertakenandbroughttobayattheveryedgeof
Fangorn.TherehewasslainatlastbyÉomer,theThirdMarshaloftheMark,whodismountedandfoughthimswordtosword.Andoverthewidefieldsthekeen-eyedRidershunteddownthe
fewOrcsthathadescapedandstillhadstrengthtofly.
Thenwhentheyhadlaidtheirfallencomradesinamoundandhadsungtheirpraises,theRidersmadeagreatfireandscatteredtheashesoftheirenemies.Soendedtheraid,andnonewsofitcameeverbackeithertoMordorortoIsengard;butthesmokeoftheburningrosehightoheavenandwasseen
bymanywatchfuleyes.
Chapter4
TREEBEARD
Meanwhilethehobbitswentwithasmuchspeedasthedarkandtangledforestallowed,followingthelineoftherunningstream,westwardanduptowardstheslopesofthemountains,deeperand
deeperintoFangorn.SlowlytheirfearoftheOrcsdiedaway,andtheirpaceslackened.Aqueerstiflingfeelingcameoverthem,asiftheairweretoothinortooscantyforbreathing.
AtlastMerryhalted.‘Wecan’tgoonlikethis,’hepanted.‘Iwantsomeair.’
‘Let’shaveadrinkatanyrate,’saidPippin.‘I’mparched.’Heclamberedonto
agreattree-rootthatwounddownintothestream,andstoopingdrewupsomewaterinhiscuppedhands.Itwasclearandcold,andhetookmanydraughts.Merryfollowedhim.Thewaterrefreshedthemandseemedtocheertheirhearts;forawhiletheysattogetheronthebrinkofthestream,dabblingtheirsorefeetandlegs,andpeeringroundatthetreesthat
stoodsilentlyaboutthem,rankuponrank,untiltheyfadedawayintogreytwilightineverydirection.
‘Isupposeyouhaven’tlostusalready?’saidPippin,leaningbackagainstagreattree-trunk.‘Wecanatleastfollowthecourseofthisstream,theEntwashorwhateveryoucallit,andgetoutagainthewaywecame.’
‘Wecould,ifourlegs
woulddoit,’saidMerry;‘andifwecouldbreatheproperly.’
‘Yes,itisallverydim,andstuffy,inhere,’saidPippin.‘Itremindsme,somehow,oftheoldroomintheGreatPlaceoftheTooksawaybackintheSmialsatTuckborough:ahugeplace,wherethefurniturehasneverbeenmovedorchangedforgenerations.TheysaytheOldTooklivedinityearafter
year,whileheandtheroomgotolderandshabbiertogether–andithasneverbeenchangedsincehedied,acenturyago.AndOldGerontiuswasmygreat-great-grandfather:thatputsitbackabit.Butthatisnothingtotheoldfeelingofthiswood.Lookatallthoseweeping,trailing,beardsandwhiskersoflichen!Andmostofthetreesseemtobehalf
coveredwithraggeddryleavesthathaveneverfallen.Untidy.Ican’timaginewhatspringwouldlooklikehere,ifitevercomes;stilllessaspring-cleaning.’
‘ButtheSunatanyratemustpeepinsometimes,’saidMerry.‘ItdoesnotlookorfeelatalllikeBilbo’sdescriptionofMirkwood.Thatwasalldarkandblack,andthehomeofdarkblack
things.Thisisjustdim,andfrightfullytree-ish.Youcan’timagineanimalslivinghereatall,orstayingforlong.’
‘No,norhobbits,’saidPippin.‘AndIdon’tlikethethoughtoftryingtogetthroughiteither.Nothingtoeatforahundredmiles,Ishouldguess.Howareoursupplies?’
‘Low,’saidMerry.‘Weranoffwithnothingbuta
coupleofsparepacketsoflembas,andlefteverythingelsebehind.’Theylookedatwhatremainedoftheelven-cakes:brokenfragmentsforaboutfivemeagredays,thatwasall.‘Andnotawraporablanket,’saidMerry.‘Weshallbecoldtonight,whicheverwaywego.’
‘Well,we’dbetterdecideonthewaynow,’saidPippin.‘Themorningmustbegetting
on.’Justthentheybecame
awareofayellowlightthathadappeared,somewayfurtheronintothewood:shaftsofsunlightseemedsuddenlytohavepiercedtheforest-roof.
‘Hullo!’saidMerry.‘TheSunmusthaverunintoacloudwhilewe’vebeenunderthesetrees,andnowshehasrunoutagain;orelseshehas
climbedhighenoughtolookdownthroughsomeopening.Itisn’tfar–let’sgoandinvestigate!’
Theyfounditwasfurtherthantheythought.Thegroundwasrisingsteeplystill,anditwasbecomingincreasinglystony.Thelightgrewbroaderastheywenton,andsoontheysawthatthere
wasarock-wallbeforethem:thesideofahill,ortheabruptendofsomelongrootthrustoutbythedistantmountains.Notreesgrewonit,andthesunwasfallingfullonitsstonyface.Thetwigsofthetreesatitsfootwerestretchedoutstiffandstill,asifreachingouttothewarmth.Whereallhadlookedsoshabbyandgreybefore,thewoodnowgleamedwithrich
browns,andwiththesmoothblack-greysofbarklikepolishedleather.Thebolesofthetreesglowedwithasoftgreenlikeyounggrass:earlyspringorafleetingvisionofitwasaboutthem.
Inthefaceofthestonywalltherewassomethinglikeastair:naturalperhaps,andmadebytheweatheringandsplittingoftherock,foritwasroughanduneven.High
up,almostlevelwiththetopsofforest-trees,therewasashelfunderacliff.Nothinggrewtherebutafewgrassesandweedsatitsedge,andoneoldstumpofatreewithonlytwobentbranchesleft:itlookedalmostlikethefigureofsomegnarledoldman,standingthere,blinkinginthemorning-light.
‘Upwego!’saidMerryjoyfully.‘Nowforabreathof
air,andasightoftheland!’Theyclimbedand
scrambleduptherock.Ifthestairhadbeenmadeitwasforbiggerfeetandlongerlegsthantheirs.Theyweretooeagertobesurprisedattheremarkablewayinwhichthecutsandsoresoftheircaptivityhadhealedandtheirvigourhadreturned.Theycameatlengthtotheedgeoftheshelfalmostatthefeetof
theoldstump;thentheysprangupandturnedroundwiththeirbackstothehill,breathingdeep,andlookingouteastward.Theysawthattheyhadonlycomesomethreeorfourmilesintotheforest:theheadsofthetreesmarcheddowntheslopestowardstheplain.There,nearthefringeoftheforest,tallspiresofcurlingblacksmokewentup,waveringand
floatingtowardsthem.‘Thewind’schanging,’
saidMerry.‘It’sturnedeastagain.Itfeelscooluphere.’
‘Yes,’saidPippin;‘I’mafraidthisisonlyapassinggleam,anditwillallgogreyagain.Whatapity!Thisshaggyoldforestlookedsodifferentinthesunlight.IalmostfeltIlikedtheplace.’
‘AlmostfeltyoulikedtheForest!That’sgood!That’suncommonlykindofyou,’saidastrangevoice.‘Turnroundandletmehavealookatyourfaces.IalmostfeelthatIdislikeyouboth,butdonotletusbehasty.Turnaround!’Alargeknob-knuckledhandwaslaidoneachoftheirshoulders,andtheyweretwistedround,gentlybutirresistibly;then
twogreatarmsliftedthemup.Theyfoundthattheywere
lookingatamostextraordinaryface.ItbelongedtoalargeMan-like,almostTroll-like,figure,atleastfourteenfoothigh,verysturdy,withatallhead,andhardlyanyneck.Whetheritwascladinstufflikegreenandgreybark,orwhetherthatwasitshide,wasdifficulttosay.Atanyratethearms,ata
shortdistancefromthetrunk,werenotwrinkled,butcoveredwithabrownsmoothskin.Thelargefeethadseventoeseach.Thelowerpartofthelongfacewascoveredwithasweepinggreybeard,bushy,almosttwiggyattheroots,thinandmossyattheends.Butatthemomentthehobbitsnotedlittlebuttheeyes.Thesedeepeyeswerenowsurveyingthem,slow
andsolemn,butverypenetrating.Theywerebrown,shotwithagreenlight.OftenafterwardsPippintriedtodescribehisfirstimpressionofthem.
‘Onefeltasiftherewasanenormouswellbehindthem,filledupwithagesofmemoryandlong,slow,steadythinking;buttheirsurfacewassparklingwiththepresent;likesun
shimmeringontheouterleavesofavasttree,orontheripplesofaverydeeplake.Idon’tknow,butitfeltasifsomethingthatgrewintheground–asleep,youmightsay,orjustfeelingitselfassomethingbetweenroot-tipandleaf-tip,betweendeepearthandskyhadsuddenlywakedup,andwasconsideringyouwiththesameslowcarethatithad
giventoitsowninsideaffairsforendlessyears.’
‘Hrum,Hoom,’murmuredthevoice,adeepvoicelikeaverydeepwoodwindinstrument.‘Veryoddindeed!Donotbehasty,thatismymotto.ButifIhadseenyou,beforeIheardyourvoices–Ilikedthem:nicelittlevoices;theyremindedmeofsomethingIcannotremember–ifIhadseenyou
beforeIheardyou,Ishouldhavejusttroddenonyou,takingyouforlittleOrcs,andfoundoutmymistakeafterwards.Veryoddyouare,indeed.Rootandtwig,veryodd!’
Pippin,thoughstillamazed,nolongerfeltafraid.Underthoseeyeshefeltacurioussuspense,butnotfear.‘Please,’hesaid,‘whoareyou?Andwhatareyou?’
Aqueerlookcameintotheoldeyes,akindofwariness;thedeepwellswerecoveredover.‘Hrum,now,’answeredthevoice;‘well,IamanEnt,orthat’swhattheycallme.Yes,Entistheword.TheEnt,Iam,youmightsay,inyourmannerofspeaking.Fangornismynameaccordingtosome,Treebeardothersmakeit.Treebeardwilldo.’
‘AnEnt?’saidMerry.‘What’sthat?Butwhatdoyoucallyourself?What’syourrealname?’
‘Hoonow!’repliedTreebeard.‘Hoo!Nowthatwouldbetelling!Notsohasty.AndIamdoingtheasking.Youareinmycountry.Whatareyou,Iwonder?Icannotplaceyou.YoudonotseemtocomeintheoldliststhatIlearned
whenIwasyoung.Butthatwasalong,longtimeago,andtheymayhavemadenewlists.Letmesee!Letmesee!Howdiditgo?
LearnnowtheloreofLivingCreatures!Firstnamethefour,thefreepeoples:Eldestofall,theelf-children;
Dwarfthedelver,darkarehishouses;Enttheearthborn,oldasmountains;Manthemortal,masterofhorses:
Hm,hm,hm.
Beaverthebuilder,bucktheleaper,
Bearbee-hunter,boarthefighter;Houndishungry,hareisfearful...
hm,hm.
Eagleineyrie,oxinpasture,Harthorn-crownéd;hawkisswiftest,
Swanthewhitest,serpentcoldest...
Hoom,hm;hoom,hm,howdiditgo?Roomtum,roomtum,roomtytoomtum.Itwasalonglist.Butanywayyoudonotseemtofitinanywhere!’
‘Wealwaysseemtohavegotleftoutoftheoldlists,andtheoldstories,’saidMerry.‘Yetwe’vebeenabout
forquitealongtime.We’rehobbits.’
‘Whynotmakeanewline?’saidPippin.
‘Half-grownhobbits,thehole-dwellers.
Putusinamongstthefour,nexttoMan(theBigPeople)andyou’vegotit.’
‘Hm!Notbad,notbad,’saidTreebeard.‘Thatwoulddo.Soyouliveinholes,eh?Itsoundsveryrightandproper.Whocallsyouhobbits,though?ThatdoesnotsoundElvishtome.Elvesmadealltheoldwords:theybeganit.’
‘Nobodyelsecallsushobbits;wecallourselvesthat,’saidPippin.
‘Hoom,hmm!Comenow!
Notsohasty!Youcallyourselveshobbits?Butyoushouldnotgotellingjustanybody.You’llbelettingoutyourownrightnamesifyou’renotcareful.’
‘Wearen’tcarefulaboutthat,’saidMerry.‘AsamatteroffactI’maBrandybuck,MeriadocBrandybuck,thoughmostpeoplecallmejustMerry.’
‘AndI’maTook,Peregrin
Took,butI’mgenerallycalledPippin,orevenPip.’
‘Hm,butyouarehastyfolk,Isee,’saidTreebeard.‘Iamhonouredbyyourconfidence;butyoushouldnotbetoofreeallatonce.ThereareEntsandEnts,youknow;orthereareEntsandthingsthatlooklikeEntsbutain’t,asyoumightsay.I’llcallyouMerryandPippin,ifyouplease–nicenames.For
Iamnotgoingtotellyoumyname,notyetatanyrate.’Aqueerhalf-knowing,half-humorouslookcamewithagreenflickerintohiseyes.‘Foronethingitwouldtakealongwhile:mynameisgrowingallthetime,andI’velivedaverylong,longtime;somynameislikeastory.Realnamestellyouthestoryofthethingstheybelongtoinmylanguage,intheOld
Entishasyoumightsay.Itisalovelylanguage,butittakesaverylongtimetosayanythinginit,becausewedonotsayanythinginit,unlessitisworthtakingalongtimetosay,andtolistento.
‘Butnow,’andtheeyesbecameverybrightand‘present’,seemingtogrowsmallerandalmostsharp,‘whatisgoingon?Whatareyoudoinginitall?Icansee
andhear(andsmellandfeel)agreatdealfromthis,fromthis,fromthisa-lalla-lalla-rumba-kamanda-lind-or-burúmë.Excuseme:thatisapartofmynameforit;Idonotknowwhatthewordisintheoutsidelanguages:youknow,thethingweareon,whereIstandandlookoutonfinemornings,andthinkabouttheSun,andthegrassbeyondthewood,andthe
horses,andtheclouds,andtheunfoldingoftheworld.Whatisgoingon?WhatisGandalfupto?Andthese–burárum,’hemadeadeeprumblingnoiselikeadiscordonagreatorgan–‘theseOrcs,andyoungSarumandownatIsengard?Ilikenews.Butnottooquicknow.’
‘Thereisquitealotgoingon,’saidMerry;‘andevenifwetriedtobequick,itwould
takealongtimetotell.Butyoutoldusnottobehasty.Oughtwetotellyouanythingsosoon?Wouldyouthinkitrude,ifweaskedwhatyouaregoingtodowithus,andwhichsideyouareon?AnddidyouknowGandalf?’
‘Yes,Idoknowhim:theonlywizardthatreallycaresabouttrees,’saidTreebeard.‘Doyouknowhim?’
‘Yes,’saidPippinsadly,
‘wedid.Hewasagreatfriend,andhewasourguide.’
‘ThenIcanansweryourotherquestions,’saidTreebeard.‘Iamnotgoingtodoanythingwithyou:notifyoumeanbythat‘‘dosomethingtoyou’’withoutyourleave.Wemightdosomethingstogether.Idon’tknowaboutsides.gomyownway;butyourwaymaygoalongwithmineforawhile.
ButyouspeakofMasterGandalf,asifhewasinastorythathadcometoanend.’
‘Yes,wedo,’saidPippinsadly.‘Thestoryseemstobegoingon,butIamafraidGandalfhasfallenoutofit.’
‘Hoo,comenow!’saidTreebeard.‘Hoom,hm,ahwell.’Hepaused,lookinglongatthehobbits.‘Hoom,ah,wellIdonotknowwhat
tosay.Comenow!’‘Ifyouwouldliketohear
more,’saidMerry,‘wewilltellyou.Butitwilltakesometime.Wouldn’tyouliketoputusdown?Couldn’twesitheretogetherinthesun,whileitlasts?Youmustbegettingtiredofholdingusup.’
‘Hm,tired?No,Iamnottired.Idonoteasilygettired.AndIdonotsitdown.Iam
notvery,hm,bendable.Butthere,theSunisgoingin.Letusleavethis–didyousaywhatyoucallit?’
‘Hill?’suggestedPippin.‘Shelf?Step?’suggestedMerry.Treebeardrepeatedthewordsthoughtfully.‘Hill.Yes,thatwasit.Butitisahastywordforathingthathasstoodhereeversincethispartoftheworldwasshaped.Nevermind.Letusleaveit,
andgo.’‘Whereshallwego?’
askedMerry.‘Tomyhome,oroneof
myhomes,’answeredTreebeard.
‘Isitfar?’‘Idonotknow.Youmight
callitfar,perhaps.Butwhatdoesthatmatter?’
‘Well,yousee,wehavelostallourbelongings,’saidMerry.‘Wehaveonlyalittle
food.’‘O!Hm!Youneednot
troubleaboutthat,’saidTreebeard.‘Icangiveyouadrinkthatwillkeepyougreenandgrowingforalong,longwhile.Andifwedecidetopartcompany,Icansetyoudownoutsidemycountryatanypointyouchoose.Letusgo!’
Holdingthehobbitsgentlybutfirmly,oneinthecrookofeacharm,Treebeardliftedupfirstonelargefootandthentheother,andmovedthemtotheedgeoftheshelf.Therootliketoesgraspedtherocks.Thencarefullyandsolemnly,hestalkeddownfromsteptostep,andreachedtheflooroftheForest.
Atoncehesetoffwith
longdeliberatestridesthroughthetrees,deeperanddeeperintothewood,neverfarfromthestream,climbingsteadilyuptowardstheslopesofthemountains.Manyofthetreesseemedasleep,orasunawareofhimasofanyothercreaturethatmerelypassedby;butsomequivered,andsomeraiseduptheirbranchesabovehisheadasheapproached.Allthewhile,as
hewalked,hetalkedtohimselfinalongrunningstreamofmusicalsounds.
Thehobbitsweresilentforsometime.Theyfelt,oddlyenough,safeandcomfortable,andtheyhadagreatdealtothinkandwonderabout.AtlastPippinventuredtospeakagain.
‘Please,Treebeard,’hesaid,‘couldIaskyousomething?Whydid
Celebornwarnusagainstyourforest?Hetoldusnottoriskgettingentangledinit.’
‘Hmm,didhenow?’rumbledTreebeard.‘AndImighthavesaidmuchthesame,ifyouhadbeengoingtheotherway.DonotriskgettingentangledinthewoodsofLaurelindórenan!ThatiswhattheElvesusedtocallit,butnowtheymakethenameshorter:Lothlórienthey
callit.Perhapstheyareright:maybeitisfading,notgrowing.LandoftheValleyofSingingGold,thatwasit,onceuponatime.NowitistheDreamflower.Ahwell!Butitisaqueerplace,andnotforjustanyonetoventurein.Iamsurprisedthatyouevergotout,butmuchmoresurprisedthatyouevergotin:thathasnothappenedtostrangersformanyayear.It
isaqueerland.‘Andsoisthis.Folkhave
cometogriefhere.Aye,theyhave,togrief.Laurelindórenanlindelorendormalinornélionornemalin,’hehummedtohimself.‘Theyarefallingratherbehindtheworldinthere,Iguess,’hesaid.‘Neitherthiscountry,noranythingelseoutsidetheGoldenWood,iswhatitwas
whenCelebornwasyoung.Still:
Taurelilómëa-tumbalemornaTumbaletaurëaLómëanor*
thatiswhattheyusedtosay.Thingshavechanged,butitisstilltrueinplaces.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’said
Pippin.‘Whatistrue?’‘ThetreesandtheEnts,’
saidTreebeard.‘Idonotunderstandallthatgoesonmyself,soIcannotexplainittoyou.SomeofusarestilltrueEnts,andlivelyenoughinourfashion,butmanyaregrowingsleepy,goingtree-ish,asyoumightsay.Mostofthetreesarejusttrees,ofcourse;butmanyarehalfawake.Somearequitewide
awake,andafeware,well,ah,wellgettingEntish.Thatisgoingonallthetime.
‘Whenthathappenstoatree,youfindthatsomehavebadhearts.Nothingtodowiththeirwood:Idonotmeanthat.Why,IknewsomegoodoldwillowsdowntheEntwash,gonelongago,alas!Theywerequitehollow,indeedtheywerefallingalltopieces,butasquietand
sweet-spokenasayoungleaf.Andthentherearesometreesinthevalleysunderthemountains,soundasabell,andbadrightthrough.Thatsortofthingseemstospread.Thereusedtobesomeverydangerouspartsinthiscountry.Therearestillsomeveryblackpatches.’
‘LiketheOldForestawaytothenorth,doyoumean?’askedMerry.
‘Aye,aye,somethinglike,butmuchworse.IdonotdoubtthereissomeshadowoftheGreatDarknesslyingtherestillawaynorth;andbadmemoriesarehandeddown.ButtherearehollowdalesinthislandwheretheDarknesshasneverbeenlifted,andthetreesareolderthanIam.Still,wedowhatwecan.Wekeepoffstrangersandthefoolhardy;
andwetrainandweteach,wewalkandweweed.
‘Wearetree-herds,weoldEnts.Fewenoughofusareleftnow.Sheepgetlikeshepherd,andshepherdslikesheep,itissaid;butslowly,andneitherhavelongintheworld.ItisquickerandcloserwithtreesandEnts,andtheywalkdowntheagestogether.ForEntsaremorelikeElves:lessinterestedinthemselves
thanMenare,andbetteratgettinginsideotherthings.AndyetagainEntsaremorelikeMen,morechangeablethanElvesare,andquickerattakingthecolouroftheoutside,youmightsay.Orbetterthanboth:fortheyaresteadierandkeeptheirmindsonthingslonger.
‘Someofmykinlookjustliketreesnow,andneedsomethinggreattorouse
them;andtheyspeakonlyinwhispers.Butsomeofmytreesarelimb-lithe,andmanycantalktome.Elvesbeganit,ofcourse,wakingtreesupandteachingthemtospeakandlearningtheirtree-talk.Theyalwayswishedtotalktoeverything,theoldElvesdid.ButthentheGreatDarknesscame,andtheypassedawayovertheSea,orfledintofarvalleys,andhidthemselves,
andmadesongsaboutdaysthatwouldnevercomeagain.Neveragain.Aye,aye,therewasallonewoodonceuponatimefromheretotheMountainsofLune,andthiswasjusttheEastEnd.
‘Thosewerethebroaddays!TimewaswhenIcouldwalkandsingalldayandhearnomorethantheechoofmyownvoiceinthehollowhills.Thewoodswerelikethe
woodsofLothlórien,onlythicker,stronger,younger.Andthesmelloftheair!Iusedtospendaweekjustbreathing.’
Treebeardfellsilent,stridingalong,andyetmakinghardlyasoundwithhisgreatfeet.Thenhebegantohumagain,andpassedintoamurmuringchant.Graduallythehobbitsbecameawarethathewaschantingto
them:
Inthewillow-meadsofTasarinanIwalkedintheSpring.
Ah!thesightandthesmelloftheSpringinNan-tasarion!
AndIsaidthatwasgood.IwanderedinSummerintheelm-woodsofOssiriand.
Ah!thelightandthe
musicintheSummerbytheSevenRiversofOssir!
AndIthoughtthatwasbest.
TothebeechesofNeldorethIcameintheAutumn.
Ah!thegoldandtheredandthesighingofleavesintheAutumninTaur-na-neldor!
Itwasmorethanmy
desire.Tothepine-treesuponthehighlandofDorthonionIclimbedintheWinter.
Ah!thewindandthewhitenessandtheblackbranchesofWinteruponOrod-na-Thôn!
Myvoicewentupandsanginthesky.
Andnowallthoselandslieunderthewave,
AndIwalkinAmbaróna,
inTauremorna,inAldalómë,
Inmyownland,inthecountryofFangorn,
Wheretherootsarelong,Andtheyearsliethickerthantheleaves
InTauremornalómë.
Heended,andstrodeonsilently,andinallthewood,asfarasearcouldreach,therewasnotasound.
Thedaywaned,andduskwastwinedaboutthebolesofthetrees.Atlastthehobbitssaw,risingdimlybeforethem,asteepdarkland:theyhadcometothefeetofthemountains,andtothegreenrootsoftallMethedras.DownthehillsidetheyoungEntwash,leapingfromitsspringshighabove,rannoisilyfromsteptosteptomeetthem.Ontherightofthe
streamtherewasalongslope,cladwithgrass,nowgreyinthetwilight.Notreesgrewthereanditwasopentothesky;starswereshiningalreadyinlakesbetweenshoresofcloud.
Treebeardstrodeuptheslope,hardlyslackeninghispace.Suddenlybeforethemthehobbitssawawideopening.Twogreattreesstoodthere,oneoneither
side,likelivinggate-posts;buttherewasnogatesavetheircrossingandinterwovenboughs.AstheoldEntapproached,thetreeslifteduptheirbranches,andalltheirleavesquiveredandrustled.Fortheywereevergreentrees,andtheirleavesweredarkandpolished,andgleamedinthetwilight.Beyondthemwasawidelevelspace,asthoughthe
floorofagreathallhadbeencutinthesideofthehill.Oneitherhandthewallsslopedupwards,untiltheywerefiftyfeethighormore,andalongeachwallstoodanaisleoftreesthatalsoincreasedinheightastheymarchedinwards.
Atthefarendtherock-wallwassheer,butatthebottomithadbeenhollowedbackintoashallowbaywith
anarchedroof:theonlyroofofthehall,savethebranchesofthetrees,whichattheinnerendovershadowedallthegroundleavingonlyabroadopenpathinthemiddle.Alittlestreamescapedfromthespringsabove,andleavingthemainwater,felltinklingdownthesheerfaceofthewall,pouringinsilverdrops,likeafinecurtaininfrontofthe
archedbay.Thewaterwasgatheredagainintoastonebasininthefloorbetweenthetrees,andthenceitspilledandflowedawaybesidetheopenpath,outtorejointheEntwashinitsjourneythroughtheforest.
‘Hm!Hereweare!’saidTreebeard,breakinghislongsilence.‘Ihavebroughtyou
aboutseventythousandent-strides,butwhatthatcomestointhemeasurementofyourlandIdonotknow.AnyhowweareneartherootsoftheLastMountain.PartofthenameofthisplacemightbeWellinghall,ifitwereturnedintoyourlanguage.Ilikeit.Wewillstayheretonight.’Hesetthemdownonthegrassbetweentheaislesofthetrees,andtheyfollowed
himtowardsthegreatarch.Thehobbitsnownoticedthatashewalkedhiskneeshardlybent,buthislegsopenedinagreatstride.Heplantedhisbigtoes(andtheywereindeedbig,andverybroad)onthegroundfirst,beforeanyotherpartofhisfeet.
ForamomentTreebeardstoodundertherainofthefallingspring,andtookadeepbreath;thenhelaughed,
andpassedinside.Agreatstonetablestoodthere,butnochairs.Atthebackofthebayitwasalreadyquitedark.Treebeardliftedtwogreatvesselsandstoodthemonthetable.Theyseemedtobefilledwithwater;butheheldhishandsoverthem,andimmediatelytheybegantoglow,onewithagoldenandtheotherwitharichgreenlight;andtheblendingofthe
twolightslitthebay,asifthesunofsummerwasshiningthrougharoofofyoungleaves.Lookingback,thehobbitssawthatthetreesinthecourthadalsobeguntoglow,faintlyatfirst,butsteadilyquickening,untileveryleafwasedgedwithlight:somegreen,somegold,someredascopper;whilethetree-trunkslookedlikepillarsmouldedoutofluminous
stone.‘Well,well,nowwecan
talkagain,’saidTreebeard.‘Youarethirsty,Iexpect.Perhapsyouarealsotired.Drinkthis!’Hewenttothebackofthebay,andthentheysawthatseveraltallstonejarsstoodthere,withheavylids.Heremovedoneofthelids,anddippedinagreatladle,andwithitfilledthreebowls,oneverylargebowl,andtwo
smallerones.‘Thisisanent-house,’he
said,‘andtherearenoseats,Ifear.Butyoumaysitonthetable.’Pickingupthehobbitshesetthemonthegreatstoneslab,sixfeetabovetheground,andtheretheysatdanglingtheirlegs,anddrinkinginsips.
Thedrinkwaslikewater,indeedverylikethetasteofthedraughtstheyhaddrunk
fromtheEntwashnearthebordersoftheforest,andyettherewassomescentorsavourinitwhichtheycouldnotdescribe:itwasfaint,butitremindedthemofthesmellofadistantwoodbornefromafarbyacoolbreezeatnight.Theeffectofthedraughtbeganatthetoes,androsesteadilythrougheverylimb,bringingrefreshmentandvigourasitcoursedupwards,
righttothetipsofthehair.Indeedthehobbitsfeltthatthehairontheirheadswasactuallystandingup,wavingandcurlingandgrowing.AsforTreebeard,hefirstlavedhisfeetinthebasinbeyondthearch,andthenhedrainedhisbowlatonedraught,onelong,slowdraught.Thehobbitsthoughthewouldneverstop.
Atlasthesetthebowl
downagain.‘Ah–ah,’hesighed.‘Hm,hoom,nowwecantalkeasier.Youcansitonthefloor,andIwillliedown;thatwillpreventthisdrinkfromrisingtomyheadandsendingmetosleep.’
Ontherightsideofthebaytherewasagreatbedonlowlegs,notmorethanacoupleoffeethigh,covered
deepindriedgrassandbracken.Treebeardloweredhimselfslowlyontothis(withonlytheslightestsignofbendingathismiddle),untilhelayatfulllength,withhisarmsbehindhishead,lookingupattheceiling,uponwhichlightswereflickering,liketheplayofleavesinthesunshine.MerryandPippinsatbesidehimonpillowsofgrass.
‘Nowtellmeyourtale,anddonothurry!’saidTreebeard.
ThehobbitsbegantotellhimthestoryoftheiradventureseversincetheyleftHobbiton.Theyfollowednoveryclearorder,fortheyinterruptedoneanothercontinually,andTreebeardoftenstoppedthespeaker,andwentbacktosomeearlierpoint,orjumpedforward
askingquestionsaboutlaterevents.TheysaidnothingwhateverabouttheRing,anddidnottellhimwhytheysetoutorwheretheyweregoingto;andhedidnotaskforanyreasons.
Hewasimmenselyinterestedineverything:intheBlackRiders,inElrond,andRivendell,intheOldForest,andTomBombadil,intheMinesofMoria,andin
LothlórienandGaladriel.HemadethemdescribetheShireanditscountryoverandoveragain.Hesaidanoddthingatthispoint.‘Youneverseeany,hm,anyEntsroundthere,doyou?’heasked.‘Well,notEnts,EntwivesIshouldreallysay.’
‘Entwives?’saidPippin.‘Aretheylikeyouatall?’
‘Yes,hm,wellno:Idonotreallyknownow,’said
Treebeardthoughtfully.‘Buttheywouldlikeyourcountry,soIjustwondered.’
TreebeardwashoweverespeciallyinterestedineverythingthatconcernedGandalf;andmostinterestedofallinSaruman’sdoings.Thehobbitsregrettedverymuchthattheyknewsolittleaboutthem:onlyarathervaguereportbySamofwhatGandalfhadtoldtheCouncil.
ButtheywereclearatanyratethatUglúkandhistroopcamefromIsengard,andspokeofSarumanastheirmaster.
‘Hm,hoom!’saidTreebeard,whenatlasttheirstoryhadwoundandwandereddowntothebattleoftheOrcsandtheRidersofRohan.‘Well,well!Thatisabundleofnewsandnomistake.Youhavenottold
meall,noindeed,notbyalongway.ButIdonotdoubtthatyouaredoingasGandalfwouldwish.Thereissomethingverybiggoingon,thatIcansee,andwhatitismaybeIshalllearningoodtime,orinbadtime.Byrootandtwig,butitisastrangebusiness:upsproutalittlefolkthatarenotintheoldlists,andbehold!theNineforgottenRidersreappearto
huntthem,andGandalftakesthemonagreatjourney,andGaladrielharbourstheminCarasGaladhon,andOrcspursuethemdownalltheleaguesofWilderland:indeedtheyseemtobecaughtupinagreatstorm.Ihopetheyweatherit!’
‘Andwhataboutyourself?’askedMerry.
‘Hoom,hm,IhavenottroubledabouttheGreat
Wars,’saidTreebeard;‘theymostlyconcernElvesandMen.ThatisthebusinessofWizards:Wizardsarealwaystroubledaboutthefuture.Idonotlikeworryingaboutthefuture.Iamnotaltogetheronanybody’sside,becausenobodyisaltogetheronmyside,ifyouunderstandme:nobodycaresforthewoodsasIcareforthem,notevenElvesnowadays.Still,Itake
morekindlytoElvesthantoothers:itwastheElvesthatcuredusofdumbnesslongago,andthatwasagreatgiftthatcannotbeforgotten,thoughourwayshavepartedsince.Andtherearesomethings,ofcourse,whosesideIamaltogethernoton;Iamagainstthemaltogether:these–burárum’(heagainmadeadeeprumbleofdisgust)‘—theseOrcs,andtheirmasters.
‘IusedtobeanxiouswhentheshadowlayonMirkwood,butwhenitremovedtoMordor,Ididnottroubleforawhile:Mordorisalongwayaway.ButitseemsthatthewindissettingEast,andthewitheringofallwoodsmaybedrawingnear.ThereisnaughtthatanoldEntcandotoholdbackthatstorm:hemustweatheritorcrack.
‘ButSarumannow!
Sarumanisaneighbour:Icannotoverlookhim.Imustdosomething,Isuppose.IhaveoftenwonderedlatelywhatIshoulddoaboutSaruman.’
‘WhoisSaruman?’askedPippin.‘Doyouknowanythingabouthishistory?’
‘SarumanisaWizard,’answeredTreebeard.‘MorethanthatIcannotsay.Idonotknowthehistoryof
Wizards.TheyappearedfirstaftertheGreatShipscameovertheSea;butiftheycamewiththeShipsInevercantell.Sarumanwasreckonedgreatamongthem,Ibelieve.HegaveupwanderingaboutandmindingtheaffairsofMenandElves,sometimeago–youwouldcallitaverylongtimeago;andhesettleddownatAngrenost,orIsengardastheMenofRohan
callit.Hewasveryquiettobeginwith,buthisfamebegantogrow.HewaschosentobetheheadoftheWhiteCouncil,theysay;butthatdidnotturnouttoowell.IwondernowifeventhenSarumanwasnotturningtoevilways.Butatanyrateheusedtogivenotroubletohisneighbours.Iusedtotalktohim.Therewasatimewhenhewasalwayswalkingabout
mywoods.Hewaspoliteinthosedays,alwaysaskingmyleave(atleastwhenhemetme);andalwayseagertolisten.Itoldhimmanythingsthathewouldneverhavefoundoutbyhimself;butheneverrepaidmeinlikekind.Icannotrememberthatheevertoldmeanything.Andhegotmoreandmorelikethat;hisface,asIrememberit–Ihavenotseenitformanya
day–becamelikewindowsinastonewall:windowswithshuttersinside.
‘IthinkthatInowunderstandwhatheisupto.HeisplottingtobecomeaPower.Hehasamindofmetalandwheels;andhedoesnotcareforgrowingthings,exceptasfarastheyservehimforthemoment.Andnowitisclearthatheisablacktraitor.Hehastaken
upwithfoulfolk,withtheOrcs.Brm,hoom!Worsethanthat:hehasbeendoingsomethingtothem;somethingdangerous.FortheseIsengardersaremorelikewickedMen.ItisamarkofevilthingsthatcameintheGreatDarknessthattheycannotabidetheSun;butSaruman’sOrcscanendureit,eveniftheyhateit.Iwonderwhathehasdone?Arethey
Menhehasruined,orhasheblendedtheracesofOrcsandMen?Thatwouldbeablackevil!’
Treebeardrumbledforamoment,asifhewerepronouncingsomedeep,subterraneanEntishmalediction.‘SometimeagoIbegantowonderhowOrcsdaredtopassthroughmywoodssofreely,’hewenton.‘OnlylatelydidIguessthat
Sarumanwastoblame,andthatlongagohehadbeenspyingoutalltheways,anddiscoveringmysecrets.Heandhisfoulfolkaremakinghavocnow.Downontheborderstheyarefellingtrees–goodtrees.Someofthetreestheyjustcutdownandleavetorot–orc-mischiefthat;butmostarehewnupandcarriedofftofeedthefiresofOrthanc.Thereis
alwaysasmokerisingfromIsengardthesedays.
‘Cursehim,rootandbranch!Manyofthosetreesweremyfriends,creaturesIhadknownfromnutandacorn;manyhadvoicesoftheirownthatarelostforevernow.Andtherearewastesofstumpandbramblewhereoncethereweresinginggroves.Ihavebeenidle.Ihaveletthingsslip.It
muststop!’Treebeardraisedhimself
fromhisbedwithajerk,stoodup,andthumpedhishandonthetable.Thevesselsoflighttrembledandsentuptwojetsofflame.Therewasaflickerlikegreenfireinhiseyes,andhisbeardstoodoutstiffasagreatbesom.
‘Iwillstopit!’heboomed.‘Andyoushallcomewithme.Youmaybeableto
helpme.Youwillbehelpingyourownfriendsthatway,too;forifSarumanisnotcheckedRohanandGondorwillhaveanenemybehindaswellasinfront.Ourroadsgotogether–toIsengard!’
‘Wewillcomewithyou,’saidMerry.‘Wewilldowhatwecan.’
‘Yes!’saidPippin.‘IshouldliketoseetheWhiteHandoverthrown.Ishould
liketobethere,evenifIcouldnotbeofmuchuse:IshallneverforgetUglúkandthecrossingofRohan.’
‘Good!Good!’saidTreebeard.‘ButIspokehastily.Wemustnotbehasty.Ihavebecometoohot.Imustcoolmyselfandthink;foritiseasiertoshoutstop!thantodoit.’
Hestrodetothearchwayandstoodforsometime
underthefallingrainofthespring.Thenhelaughedandshookhimself,andwhereverthedropsofwaterfellglitteringfromhimtothegroundtheyglintedlikeredandgreensparks.Hecamebackandlaidhimselfonthebedagainandwassilent.
Aftersometimethehobbitsheardhimmurmuring
again.Heseemedtobecountingonhisfingers.‘Fangorn,Finglas,Fladrif,aye,aye,’hesighed.‘Thetroubleisthattherearesofewofusleft,’hesaidturningtowardsthehobbits.‘OnlythreeremainofthefirstEntsthatwalkedinthewoodsbeforetheDarkness:onlymyself,Fangorn,andFinglasandFladrif–togivethemtheirElvishnames;youmay
callthemLeaflockandSkinbarkifyoulikethatbetter.Andofusthree,LeaflockandSkinbarkarenotmuchuseforthisbusiness.Leaflockhasgrownsleepy,almosttree-ish,youmightsay:hehastakentostandingbyhimselfhalf-asleepallthroughthesummerwiththedeepgrassofthemeadowsroundhisknees.Coveredwithleafyhairheis.
Heusedtorouseupinwinter;butoflatehehasbeentoodrowsytowalkfareventhen.Skinbarklivedonthemountain-slopeswestofIsengard.Thatiswheretheworsttroublehasbeen.HewaswoundedbytheOrcs,andmanyofhisfolkandhistree-herdshavebeenmurderedanddestroyed.Hehasgoneupintothehighplaces,amongthebirchesthat
helovesbest,andhewillnotcomedown.Still,IdaresayIcouldgettogetherafaircompanyofouryoungerfolks–ifIcouldmakethemunderstandtheneed;ifIcouldrousethem:wearenotahastyfolk.Whatapitytherearesofewofus!’
‘Whyaretheresofew,whenyouhavelivedinthiscountrysolong?’askedPippin.‘Haveagreatmany
died?’‘Oh,no!’saidTreebeard.
‘Nonehavediedfrominside,asyoumightsay.Somehavefallenintheevilchancesofthelongyears,ofcourse;andmorehavegrowntree-ish.Buttherewerenevermanyofusandwehavenotincreased.TherehavebeennoEntings–nochildren,youwouldsay,notforaterriblelongcountofyears.Yousee,welostthe
Entwives.’‘Howverysad!’said
Pippin.‘Howwasitthattheyalldied?’
‘Theydidnotdie!’saidTreebeard.‘Ineversaiddied.Welostthem,Isaid.Welostthemandwecannotfindthem.’Hesighed.‘Ithoughtmostfolkknewthat.ThereweresongsaboutthehuntoftheEntsfortheEntwivessungamongElvesandMen
fromMirkwoodtoGondor.Theycannotbequiteforgotten.’
‘Well,IamafraidthesongshavenotcomewestovertheMountainstotheShire,’saidMerry.‘Won’tyoutellussomemore,orsingusoneofthesongs?’
‘Yes,Iwillindeed,’saidTreebeard,seemingpleasedwiththerequest.‘ButIcannottellitproperly,onlyin
short;andthenwemustendourtalk:tomorrowwehavecouncilstocall,andworktodo,andmaybeajourneytobegin.’
‘Itisratherastrangeandsadstory,’hewentonafterapause.‘Whentheworldwasyoung,andthewoodswerewideandwild,theEntsandtheEntwives–andtherewere
Entmaidensthen:ah!thelovelinessofFimbrethil,ofWandlimbthelightfooted,inthedaysofouryouth!–theywalkedtogetherandtheyhousedtogether.Butourheartsdidnotgoongrowinginthesameway:theEntsgavetheirlovetothingsthattheymetintheworld,andtheEntwivesgavetheirthoughttootherthings,fortheEntslovedthegreattrees,andthe
wildwoods,andtheslopesofthehighhills;andtheydrankofthemountain-streams,andateonlysuchfruitasthetreesletfallintheirpath;andtheylearnedoftheElvesandspokewiththeTrees.ButtheEntwivesgavetheirmindstothelessertrees,andtothemeadsinthesunshinebeyondthefeetoftheforests;andtheysawthesloeinthethicket,andthewildapple
andthecherryblossominginspring,andthegreenherbsinthewaterlandsinsummer,andtheseedinggrassesintheautumnfields.Theydidnotdesiretospeakwiththesethings;buttheywishedthemtohearandobeywhatwassaidtothem.TheEntwivesorderedthemtogrowaccordingtotheirwishes,andbearleafandfruittotheirliking;fortheEntwives
desiredorder,andplenty,andpeace(bywhichtheymeantthatthingsshouldremainwheretheyhadsetthem).SotheEntwivesmadegardenstolivein.ButweEntswentonwandering,andweonlycametothegardensnowandagain.ThenwhentheDarknesscameintheNorth,theEntwivescrossedtheGreatRiver,andmadenewgardens,andtillednewfields,
andwesawthemmoreseldom.AftertheDarknesswasoverthrownthelandoftheEntwivesblossomedrichly,andtheirfieldswerefullofcorn.ManymenlearnedthecraftsoftheEntwivesandhonouredthemgreatly;butwewereonlyalegendtothem,asecretintheheartoftheforest.Yetherewestillare,whileallthegardensoftheEntwivesare
wasted:MencallthemtheBrownLandsnow.
‘Irememberitwaslongago–inthetimeofthewarbetweenSauronandtheMenoftheSea–desirecameovermetoseeFimbrethilagain.Veryfairshewasstillinmyeyes,whenIhadlastseenher,thoughlittleliketheEntmaidenofold.FortheEntwiveswerebentandbrownedbytheirlabour;their
hairparchedbythesuntothehueofripecornandtheircheekslikeredapples.Yettheireyeswerestilltheeyesofourownpeople.WecrossedoverAnduinandcametotheirland;butwefoundadesert:itwasallburnedanduprooted,forwarhadpassedoverit.ButtheEntwiveswerenotthere.Longwecalled,andlongwesearched;andweaskedall
folkthatwemetwhichwaytheEntwiveshadgone.Somesaidtheyhadneverseenthem;andsomesaidthattheyhadseenthemwalkingawaywest,andsomesaideast,andotherssouth.Butnowherethatwewentcouldwefindthem.Oursorrowwasverygreat.Yetthewildwoodcalled,andwereturnedtoit.Formanyyearsweusedtogoouteverynowandagainand
lookfortheEntwives,walkingfarandwideandcallingthembytheirbeautifulnames.Butastimepassedwewentmoreseldomandwanderedlessfar.AndnowtheEntwivesareonlyamemoryforus,andourbeardsarelongandgrey.TheElvesmademanysongsconcerningtheSearchoftheEnts,andsomeofthesongspassedintothetonguesof
Men.Butwemadenosongsaboutit,beingcontenttochanttheirbeautifulnameswhenwethoughtoftheEntwives.Webelievethatwemaymeetagaininatimetocome,andperhapsweshallfindsomewherealandwherewecanlivetogetherandbothbecontent.Butitisforebodedthatthatwillonlybewhenwehavebothlostallthatwenowhave.Anditmay
wellbethatthattimeisdrawingnearatlast.ForifSauronofolddestroyedthegardens,theEnemytodayseemslikelytowitherallthewoods.
‘TherewasanElvishsongthatspokeofthis,oratleastsoIunderstandit.ItusedtobesungupanddowntheGreatRiver.ItwasneveranEntishsong,markyou:itwouldhavebeenaverylong
songinEntish!Butweknowitbyheart,andhumitnowandagain.Thisishowitrunsinyourtongue:
ENT. WhenSpringunfoldsthebeechenleaf,andsapisinthebough;Whenlightisonthewild-woodstream,andwindisonthebrow;Whenstrideislong,andbreathisdeep,andkeenthemountain-air,Comebacktome!Come
backtome,andsaymylandisfair!
ENTWIFE. WhenSpringiscometogarthandfield,andcornisintheblade;Whenblossomlikeashiningsnowisontheorchardlaid;WhenshowerandSunupontheEarthwithfragrancefilltheair,I’lllingerhere,andwillnotcome,becausemylandisfair.
ENT. WhenSummerliesupontheworld,andinanoonofgold
Beneaththeroofofsleepingleavesthedreamsoftreesunfold;Whenwoodlandhallsaregreenandcool,andwindisintheWest,Comebacktome!Comebacktome,andsaymylandisbest!
ENTWIFE. WhenSummerwarmsthehangingfruitandburnstheberrybrown;Whenstrawisgold,andeariswhite,andharvestcomestotown;Whenhoneyspills,andappleswells,thoughwind
beintheWest,I’lllingerherebeneaththeSun,becausemylandisbest!
ENT. WhenWintercomes,thewinterwildthathillandwoodshallslay;Whentreesshallfallandstarlessnightdevourthesunlessday;WhenwindisinthedeadlyEast,theninthebitterrainI’lllookforthee,andcalltothee;I’llcometotheeagain!
ENTWIFE. WhenWintercomes,andsingingends;whendarknessfallsatlast;Whenbrokenisthebarrenbough,andlightandlabourpast;
I’lllookforthee,andwaitforthee,untilwemeetagain:Togetherwewilltaketheroadbeneaththebitterrain!
BOTH. TogetherwewilltaketheroadthatleadsintotheWest,Andfarawaywillfindalandwherebothour
heartsmayrest.’
Treebeardendedhissong.‘Thatishowitgoes,’hesaid.‘ItisElvish,ofcourse:lighthearted,quickworded,andsoonover.Idaresayitisfairenough.ButtheEntscouldsaymoreontheirside,iftheyhadtime!ButnowIamgoingtostandupandtakealittlesleep.Wherewillyoustand?’
‘Weusuallyliedowntosleep,’saidMerry.‘Weshallbeallrightwhereweare.’
‘Liedowntosleep!’saidTreebeard.‘Whyofcourseyoudo!Hm,hoom:Iwasforgetting:singingthatsongputmeinmindofoldtimes;almostthoughtthatIwastalkingtoyoungEntings,Idid.Well,youcanlieonthebed.Iamgoingtostandintherain.Goodnight!’
MerryandPippinclimbedontothebedandcurledupinthesoftgrassandfern.Itwasfresh,andsweet-scented,andwarm.Thelightsdieddown,andtheglowofthetreesfaded;butoutsideunderthearchtheycouldseeoldTreebeardstanding,motionless,withhisarmsraisedabovehishead.Thebrightstarspeeredoutofthesky,andlitthefallingwater
asitspilledontohisfingersandhead,anddripped,dripped,inhundredsofsilverdropsontohisfeet.Listeningtothetinklingofthedropsthehobbitsfellasleep.
Theywoketofindacoolsunshiningintothegreatcourt,andontothefloorofthebay.Shredsofhighcloudwereoverhead,runningona
stiffeasterlywind.Treebeardwasnottobeseen;butwhileMerryandPippinwerebathinginthebasinbythearch,theyheardhimhummingandsinging,ashecameupthepathbetweenthetrees.
‘Hoo,ho!Goodmorning,MerryandPippin!’heboomed,whenhesawthem.‘Yousleeplong.Ihavebeenmanyahundredstrides
alreadytoday.Nowwewillhaveadrink,andgotoEntmoot.’
Hepouredthemouttwofullbowlsfromastonejar;butfromadifferentjar.Thetastewasnotthesameasithadbeenthenightbefore:itwasearthierandricher,moresustainingandfood-like,sotospeak.Whilethehobbitsdrank,sittingontheedgeofthebed,andnibblingsmall
piecesofelf-cake(morebecausetheyfeltthateatingwasanecessarypartofbreakfastthanbecausetheyfelthungry),Treebeardstood,humminginEntishorElvishorsomestrangetongue,andlookingupatthesky.
‘WhereisEntmoot?’Pippinventuredtoask.
‘Hoo,eh?Entmoot?’saidTreebeard,turninground.‘Itisnotaplace,itisagathering
ofEnts–whichdoesnotoftenhappennowadays.ButIhavemanagedtomakeafairnumberpromisetocome.Weshallmeetintheplacewherewehavealwaysmet:DerndingleMencallit.Itisawaysouthfromhere.Wemustbetherebeforenoon.’
Beforelongtheysetoff.Treebeardcarriedthehobbitsinhisarmsasonthepreviousday.Attheentrancetothe
courtheturnedtotheright,steppedoverthestream,andstrodeawaysouthwardsalongthefeetofgreattumbledslopeswheretreeswerescanty.Abovethesethehobbitssawthicketsofbirchandrowan,andbeyondthemdarkclimbingpine-woods.SoonTreebeardturnedalittleawayfromthehillsandplungedintodeepgroves,wherethetreeswerelarger,
taller,andthickerthananythatthehobbitshadeverseenbefore.ForawhiletheyfeltfaintlythesenseofstiflingwhichtheyhadnoticedwhentheyfirstventuredintoFangorn,butitsoonpassed.Treebearddidnottalktothem.Hehummedtohimselfdeeplyandthoughtfully,butMerryandPippincaughtnoproperwords:itsoundedlikeboom,boom,rum-boom,
boorar,boomboom,dahrarboomboom,dahrarboom,andsoonwithaconstantchangeofnoteandrhythm.Nowandagaintheythoughttheyheardananswer,ahumoraquiverofsound,thatseemedtocomeoutoftheearth,orfromboughsabovetheirheads,orperhapsfromthebolesofthetrees;butTreebearddidnotstoporturnhisheadtoeitherside.
Theyhadbeengoingforalongwhile–Pippinhadtriedtokeepcountofthe‘ent-strides’buthadfailed,gettinglostataboutthreethousand–whenTreebeardbegantoslackenhispace.Suddenlyhestopped,putthehobbitsdown,andraisedhiscurledhandstohismouthsothattheymadeahollowtube;thenhebleworcalledthroughthem.Agreathoom,hom
rangoutlikeadeep-throatedhorninthewoods,andseemedtoechofromthetrees.Farofftherecamefromseveraldirectionsasimilarhoom,hom,hoomthatwasnotanechobutananswer.
TreebeardnowperchedMerryandPippinonhisshouldersandstrodeonagain,everynowandthensendingoutanotherhorn-call,andeachtimetheanswers
camelouderandnearer.Inthiswaytheycameatlasttowhatlookedlikeanimpenetrablewallofdarkevergreentrees,treesofakindthatthehobbitshadneverseenbefore:theybranchedoutrightfromtheroots,andweredenselycladindarkglossyleaveslikethornlessholly,andtheyboremanystiffuprightflower-spikeswithlargeshining
olive-colouredbuds.Turningtotheleftand
skirtingthishugehedgeTreebeardcameinafewstridestoanarrowentrance.Throughitawornpathpassedanddivedsuddenlydownalongsteepslope.Thehobbitssawthattheyweredescendingintoagreatdingle,almostasroundasabowl,verywideanddeep,crownedattherimwiththe
highdarkevergreenhedge.Itwassmoothandgrasscladinside,andtherewerenotreesexceptthreeverytallandbeautifulsilver-birchesthatstoodatthebottomofthebowl.Twootherpathsleddownintothedingle:fromthewestandfromtheeast.
SeveralEntshadalreadyarrived.Morewerecomingindowntheotherpaths,andsomewerenowfollowing
Treebeard.Astheydrewnearthehobbitsgazedatthem.TheyhadexpectedtoseeanumberofcreaturesasmuchlikeTreebeardasonehobbitislikeanother(atanyratetoastranger’seye);andtheywereverymuchsurprisedtoseenothingofthekind.TheEntswereasdifferentfromoneanotherastreesfromtrees:someasdifferentasonetreeisfromanotherofthe
samenamebutquitedifferentgrowthandhistory;andsomeasdifferentasonetree-kindfromanother,asbirchfrombeech,oakfromfir.TherewereafewolderEnts,beardedandgnarledlikehalebutancienttrees(thoughnonelookedasancientasTreebeard);andthereweretallstrongEnts,clean-limbedandsmooth-skinnedlikeforest-treesintheirprime;but
therewerenoyoungEnts,nosaplings.Altogethertherewereabouttwodozenstandingonthewidegrassyfloorofthedingle,andasmanymoreweremarchingin.
AtfirstMerryandPippinwerestruckchieflybythevarietythattheysaw:themanyshapes,andcolours,thedifferencesingirth,andheight,andlengthoflegandarm;andinthenumberof
toesandfingers(anythingfromthreetonine).AfewseemedmoreorlessrelatedtoTreebeard,andremindedthemofbeech-treesoroaks.Buttherewereotherkinds.Somerecalledthechestnut:brown-skinnedEntswithlargesplayfingeredhands,andshortthicklegs.Somerecalledtheash:tallstraightgreyEntswithmany-fingeredhandsandlonglegs;somethe
fir(thetallestEnts),andothersthebirch,therowan,andthelinden.ButwhentheEntsallgatheredroundTreebeard,bowingtheirheadsslightly,murmuringintheirslowmusicalvoices,andlookinglongandintentlyatthestrangers,thenthehobbitssawthattheywereallofthesamekindred,andallhadthesameeyes:notallsooldorsodeepasTreebeard’s,butall
withthesameslow,steady,thoughtfulexpression,andthesamegreenflicker.
Assoonasthewholecompanywasassembled,standinginawidecircleroundTreebeard,acuriousandunintelligibleconversationbegan.TheEntsbegantomurmurslowly:firstonejoinedandthenanother,untiltheywereallchantingtogetherinalongrisingand
fallingrhythm,nowlouderononesideofthering,nowdyingawaythereandrisingtoagreatboomontheotherside.Thoughhecouldnotcatchorunderstandanyofthewords–hesupposedthelanguagewasEntish–Pippinfoundthesoundverypleasanttolistentoatfirst;butgraduallyhisattentionwavered.Afteralongtime(andthechantshowedno
signsofslackening)hefoundhimselfwondering,sinceEntishwassuchan‘unhasty’language,whethertheyhadyetgotfurtherthanGoodMorning;andifTreebeardwastocalltheroll,howmanydaysitwouldtaketosingalltheirnames.‘IwonderwhattheEntishisforyesorno,’hethought.Heyawned.
Treebeardwasimmediatelyawareofhim.
‘Hm,ha,hey,myPippin!’hesaid,andtheotherEntsallstoppedtheirchant.‘Youareahastyfolk,Iwasforgetting;andanywayitiswearisomelisteningtoaspeechyoudonotunderstand.Youmaygetdownnow.IhavetoldyournamestotheEntmoot,andtheyhaveseenyou,andtheyhaveagreedthatyouarenotOrcs,andthatanewlineshallbeputintheoldlists.We
havegotnofurtheryet,butthatisquickworkforanEntmoot.YouandMerrycanstrollaboutinthedingle,ifyoulike.Thereisawellofgoodwater,ifyouneedrefreshing,awayyonderinthenorthbank.TherearestillsomewordstospeakbeforetheMootreallybegins.Iwillcomeandseeyouagain,andtellyouhowthingsaregoing.’
Heputthehobbitsdown.Beforetheywalkedaway,theybowedlow.ThisfeatseemedtoamusetheEntsverymuch,tojudgebythetoneoftheirmurmurs,andtheflickeroftheireyes;buttheysoonturnedbacktotheirownbusiness.MerryandPippinclimbedupthepaththatcameinfromthewest,andlookedthroughtheopeninginthegreathedge.
Longtree-cladslopesrosefromthelipofthedingle,andawaybeyondthem,abovethefir-treesofthefurthestridgethererose,sharpandwhite,thepeakofahighmountain.Southwardstotheirlefttheycouldseetheforestfallingawaydownintothegreydistance.TherefarawaytherewasapalegreenglimmerthatMerryguessedtobeaglimpseoftheplainsof
Rohan.
‘IwonderwhereIsengardis?’saidPippin.
‘Idon’tknowquitewhereweare,’saidMerry;‘butthatpeakisprobablyMethedras,andasfarasIcanremembertheringofIsengardliesinaforkordeepcleftattheendofthemountains.Itisprobablydownbehindthis
greatridge.Thereseemstobeasmokeorhazeoverthere,leftofthepeak,don’tyouthink?’
‘WhatisIsengardlike?’saidPippin.‘IwonderwhatEntscandoaboutitanyway.’
‘SodoI,’saidMerry.‘Isengardisasortofringofrocksorhills,Ithink,withaflatspaceinsideandanislandorpillarofrockinthemiddle,calledOrthanc.Sarumanhas
atoweronit.Thereisagate,perhapsmorethanone,intheencirclingwall,andIbelievethereisastreamrunningthroughit;itcomesoutofthemountains,andflowsonacrosstheGapofRohan.ItdoesnotseemthesortofplaceforEntstotackle.ButIhaveanoddfeelingabouttheseEnts:somehowIdon’tthinktheyarequiteassafeand,well,funnyasthey
seem.Theyseemslow,queer,
andpatient,almostsad;andyetIbelievetheycouldberoused.Ifthathappened,Iwouldrathernotbeontheotherside.’
‘Yes!’saidPippin.‘Iknowwhatyoumean.Theremightbeallthedifferencebetweenanoldcowsittingandthoughtfullychewing,andabullcharging;andthe
changemightcomesuddenly.IwonderifTreebeardwillrousethem.Iamsurehemeanstotry.Buttheydon’tlikebeingroused.Treebeardgotrousedhimselflastnight,andthenbottleditupagain.’
Thehobbitsturnedback.ThevoicesoftheEntswerestillrisingandfallingintheirconclave.Thesunhadnowrisenhighenoughtolookoverthehighhedge:it
gleamedonthetopsofthebirchesandlitthenorthwardsideofthedinglewithacoolyellowlight.Theretheysawalittleglitteringfountain.Theywalkedalongtherimofthegreatbowlatthefeetoftheevergreens–itwaspleasanttofeelcoolgrassabouttheirtoesagain,andnottobeinahurry–andthentheyclimbeddowntothegushingwater.Theydranka
little,aclean,cold,sharpdraught,andsatdownonamossystone,watchingthepatchesofsunonthegrassandtheshadowsofthesailingcloudspassingoverthefloorofthedingle.ThemurmuroftheEntswenton.Itseemedaverystrangeandremoteplace,outsidetheirworld,andfarfromeverythingthathadeverhappenedtothem.Agreatlongingcameoverthem
forthefacesandvoicesoftheircompanions,especiallyforFrodoandSam,andforStrider.
AtlasttherecameapauseintheEnt-voices;andlookinguptheysawTreebeardcomingtowardsthem,withanotherEntathisside.
‘Hm,hoom,hereIamagain,’saidTreebeard.‘Areyougettingweary,orfeelingimpatient,hmm,eh?Well,I
amafraidthatyoumustnotgetimpatientyet.Wehavefinishedthefirststagenow;butIhavestillgottoexplainthingsagaintothosethatlivealongwayoff,farfromIsengard,andthosethatIcouldnotgetroundtobeforetheMoot,andafterthatweshallhavetodecidewhattodo.However,decidingwhattododoesnottakeEntssolongasgoingoverallthe
factsandeventsthattheyhavetomakeuptheirmindsabout.Still,itisnousedenying,weshallbeherealongtimeyet:acoupleofdaysverylikely.SoIhavebroughtyouacompanion.Hehasanent-housenearby.BregaladishisElvishname.HesayshehasalreadymadeuphismindanddoesnotneedtoremainattheMoot.Hm,hm,heisthenearest
thingamongustoahastyEnt.Yououghttogetontogether.Good-bye!’Treebeardturnedandleftthem.
Bregaladstoodforsometimesurveyingthehobbitssolemnly;andtheylookedathim,wonderingwhenhewouldshowanysignsof‘hastiness’.Hewastall,andseemedtobeoneoftheyoungerEnts;hehadsmooth
shiningskinonhisarmsandlegs;hislipswereruddy,andhishairwasgrey-green.Hecouldbendandswaylikeaslendertreeinthewind.Atlasthespoke,andhisvoicethoughresonantwashigherandclearerthanTreebeard’s.
‘Ha,hmm,myfriends,letusgoforawalk!’hesaid.‘IamBregalad,thatisQuickbeaminyourlanguage.Butitisonlyanickname,of
course.TheyhavecalledmethateversinceIsaidyestoanelderEntbeforehehadfinishedhisquestion.AlsoIdrinkquickly,andgooutwhilesomearestillwettingtheirbeards.Comewithme!’
Hereacheddowntwoshapelyarmsandgavealong-fingeredhandtoeachofthehobbits.Allthatdaytheywalkedabout,inthewoodswithhim,singing,and
laughing;forQuickbeamoftenlaughed.Helaughedifthesuncameoutfrombehindacloud,helaughediftheycameuponastreamorspring:thenhestoopedandsplashedhisfeetandheadwithwater;helaughedsometimesatsomesoundorwhisperinthetrees.Wheneverhesawarowan-treehehaltedawhilewithhisarmsstretchedout,andsang,andswayedashe
sang.Atnightfallhebrought
themtohisent-house:nothingmorethanamossystonesetuponturvesunderagreenbank.Rowan-treesgrewinacircleaboutit,andtherewaswater(asinallent-houses),aspringbubblingoutfromthebank.Theytalkedforawhileasdarknessfellontheforest.NotfarawaythevoicesoftheEntmootcould
beheardstillgoingon;butnowtheyseemeddeeperandlessleisurely,andeverynowandagainonegreatvoicewouldriseinahighandquickeningmusic,whilealltheothersdiedaway.ButbesidethemBregaladspokegentlyintheirowntongue,almostwhispering;andtheylearnedthathebelongedtoSkinbark’speople,andthecountrywheretheyhadlived
hadbeenravaged.Thatseemedtothehobbitsquiteenoughtoexplainhis‘hastiness’,atleastinthematterofOrcs.
‘Therewererowan-treesinmyhome,’saidBregalad,softlyandsadly,‘rowan-treesthattookrootwhenIwasanEnting,manymanyyearsagointhequietoftheworld.TheoldestwereplantedbytheEntstotryandpleasethe
Entwives;buttheylookedatthemandsmiledandsaidthattheyknewwherewhiterblossomandricherfruitweregrowing.Yettherearenotreesofallthatrace,thepeopleoftheRose,thataresobeautifultome.Andthesetreesgrewandgrew,tilltheshadowofeachwaslikeagreenhall,andtheirredberriesintheautumnwereaburden,andabeautyanda
wonder.Birdsusedtoflockthere.Ilikebirds,evenwhentheychatter;andtherowanhasenoughandtospare.Butthebirdsbecameunfriendlyandgreedyandtoreatthetrees,andthrewthefruitdownanddidnoteatit.ThenOrcscamewithaxesandcutdownmytrees.Icameandcalledthembytheirlongnames,buttheydidnotquiver,theydidnothearor
answer:theylaydead.
OOrofarnë,Lassemista,Carnimírië!
Orowanfair,uponyourhairhowwhitetheblossomlay!
Orowanmine,Isawyoushineuponasummer’sday,
Yourrindsobright,yourleavessolight,yourvoicesocoolandsoft:
Uponyourheadhowgolden-redthecrownyouborealoft!
Orowandead,uponyourheadyourhairisdryandgrey;
Yourcrownisspilled,yourvoiceisstilledforeverandaday.
OOrofarnë,Lassemista,Carnimírië!’
Thehobbitsfellasleeptothe
soundofthesoftsingingofBregalad,thatseemedtolamentinmanytonguesthefalloftreesthathehadloved.
Thenextdaytheyspentalsoinhiscompany,buttheydidnotgofarfromhis‘house’.Mostofthetimetheysatsilentundertheshelterofthebank;forthewindwascolder,andthe
cloudscloserandgreyer;therewaslittlesunshine,andinthedistancethevoicesoftheEntsattheMootstillroseandfell,sometimesloudandstrong,sometimeslowandsad,sometimesquickening,sometimesslowandsolemnasadirge.AsecondnightcameandstilltheEntsheldconclaveunderhurryingcloudsandfitfulstars.
Thethirddaybroke,bleak
andwindy.AtsunrisetheEnts’voicesrosetoagreatclamourandthendieddownagain.Asthemorningworeonthewindfellandtheairgrewheavywithexpectancy.ThehobbitscouldseethatBregaladwasnowlisteningintently,althoughtothem,downinthedellofhisent-house,thesoundoftheMootwasfaint.
Theafternooncame,and
thesun,goingwesttowardsthemountains,sentoutlongyellowbeamsbetweenthecracksandfissuresoftheclouds.Suddenlytheywereawarethateverythingwasveryquiet;thewholeforeststoodinlisteningsilence.Ofcourse,theEnt-voiceshadstopped.Whatdidthatmean?Bregaladwasstandinguperectandtense,lookingbacknorthwardstowards
Derndingle.Thenwithacrashcamea
greatringingshout:ra-hoom-rah!Thetreesquiveredandbentasifagusthadstruckthem.Therewasanotherpause,andthenamarchingmusicbeganlikesolemndrums,andabovetherollingbeatsandboomstherewelledvoicessinginghighandstrong.
Wecome,wecomewithrollofdrum:ta-rundarundarundarom!
TheEntswerecoming:evernearerandlouderrosetheirsong:
Wecome,wecomewithhornanddrum:ta-rūnarūnarūnarom!
Bregaladpickedupthehobbitsandstrodefromhishouse.
Beforelongtheysawthemarchinglineapproaching:theEntswereswingingalongwithgreatstridesdowntheslopetowardsthem.Treebeardwasattheirhead,andsomefiftyfollowerswerebehindhim,twoabreast,
keepingstepwiththeirfeetandbeatingtimewiththeirhandsupontheirflanks.Astheydrewneartheflashandflickeroftheireyescouldbeseen.
‘Hoom,hom!Herewecomewithaboom,herewecomeatlast!’calledTreebeardwhenhecaughtsightofBregaladandthehobbits.‘Come,jointheMoot!Weareoff.Weareoff
toIsengard!’‘ToIsengard!’theEnts
criedinmanyvoices.‘ToIsengard!’
ToIsengard!ThoughIsengardberingedandbarredwithdoorsofstone;
ThoughIsengardbestrongandhard,ascoldasstoneandbareasbone,
Wego,wego,wegotowar,tohewthestoneandbreakthedoor;
Forboleandboughareburningnow,thefurnaceroars–wegotowar!
Tolandofgloomwithtrampofdoom,withrollofdrum,wecome,wecome;
ToIsengardwithdoomwecome!
Withdoomwecome,withdoomwecome!
Sotheysangastheymarchedsouthwards.
Bregalad,hiseyesshining,swungintothelinebesideTreebeard.TheoldEntnowtookthehobbitsback,andsetthemonhisshoulders
again,andsotheyrodeproudlyattheheadofthesingingcompanywithbeatingheartsandheadsheldhigh.Thoughtheyhadexpectedsomethingtohappeneventually,theywereamazedatthechangethathadcomeovertheEnts.Itseemednowassuddenastheburstingofafloodthathadlongbeenheldbackbyadike.
‘TheEntsmadeuptheir
mindsratherquickly,afterall,didn’tthey?’Pippinventuredtosayaftersometime,whenforamomentthesingingpaused,andonlythebeatingofhandsandfeetwasheard.
‘Quickly?’saidTreebeard.‘Hoom!Yes,indeed.QuickerthanIexpected.IndeedIhavenotseenthemrousedlikethisformanyanage.WeEntsdonotlikebeingroused;andwe
neverarerousedunlessitiscleartousthatourtreesandourlivesareingreatdanger.ThathasnothappenedinthisForestsincethewarsofSauronandtheMenoftheSea.Itistheorc-work,thewantonhewing–rárum–withouteventhebadexcuseoffeedingthefires,thathassoangeredus;andthetreacheryofaneighbour,whoshouldhavehelpedus.
Wizardsoughttoknowbetter:theydoknowbetter.ThereisnocurseinElvish,Entish,orthetonguesofMenbadenoughforsuchtreachery.DownwithSaruman!’
‘WillyoureallybreakthedoorsofIsengard?’askedMerry.
‘Ho,hm,well,wecould,youknow!Youdonotknow,perhaps,howstrongweare.
MaybeyouhaveheardofTrolls?Theyaremightystrong.ButTrollsareonlycounterfeits,madebytheEnemyintheGreatDarkness,inmockeryofEnts,asOrcswereofElves.WearestrongerthanTrolls.Wearemadeofthebonesoftheearth.Wecansplitstoneliketherootsoftrees,onlyquicker,farquicker,ifourmindsareroused!Ifweare
nothewndown,ordestroyedbyfireorblastofsorcery,wecouldsplitIsengardintosplintersandcrackitswallsintorubble.’
‘ButSarumanwilltrytostopyou,won’the?’
‘Hm,ah,yes,thatisso.Ihavenotforgottenit.IndeedIhavethoughtlongaboutit.But,yousee,manyoftheEntsareyoungerthanIam,bymanylivesoftrees.They
areallrousednow,andtheirmindisallononething:breakingIsengard.Buttheywillstartthinkingagainbeforelong;theywillcooldownalittle,whenwetakeoureveningdrink.Whatathirstweshallhave!Butletthemmarchnowandsing!Wehavealongwaytogo,andthereistimeaheadforthought.Itissomethingtohavestarted.’
Treebeardmarchedon,singingwiththeothersforawhile.Butafteratimehisvoicediedtoamurmurandfellsilentagain.Pippincouldseethathisoldbrowwaswrinkledandknotted.Atlasthelookedup,andPippincouldseeasadlookinhiseyes,sadbutnotunhappy.Therewasalightinthem,asifthegreenflamehadsunkdeeperintothedarkwellsof
histhought.‘Ofcourse,itislikely
enough,myfriends,’hesaidslowly,‘likelyenoughthatwearegoingtoourdoom:thelastmarchoftheEnts.Butifwestayedathomeanddidnothing,doomwouldfindusanyway,soonerorlater.Thatthoughthaslongbeengrowinginourhearts;andthatiswhywearemarchingnow.Itwasnotahasty
resolve.NowatleastthelastmarchoftheEntsmaybeworthasong.Aye,’hesighed,‘wemayhelptheotherpeoplesbeforewepassaway.Still,IshouldhavelikedtoseethesongscometrueabouttheEntwives.IshoulddearlyhavelikedtoseeFimbrethilagain.Butthere,myfriends,songsliketreesbearfruitonlyintheirowntimeandtheirownway:
andsometimestheyarewithereduntimely.’
TheEntswentstridingonatagreatpace.Theyhaddescendedintoalongfoldofthelandthatfellawaysouthward;nowtheybegantoclimbup,andup,ontothehighwesternridge.Thewoodsfellawayandtheycametoscatteredgroupsof
birch,andthentobareslopeswhereonlyafewgauntpine-treesgrew.Thesunsankbehindthedarkhill-backinfront.Greyduskfell.
Pippinlookedbehind.ThenumberoftheEntshadgrown–orwhatwashappening?Wherethedimbareslopesthattheyhadcrossedshouldlie,hethoughthesawgrovesoftrees.Buttheyweremoving!Couldit
bethatthetreesofFangornwereawake,andtheforestwasrising,marchingoverthehillstowar?Herubbedhiseyeswonderingifsleepandshadowhaddeceivedhim;butthegreatgreyshapesmovedsteadilyonward.Therewasanoiselikewindinmanybranches.TheEntsweredrawingnearthecrestoftheridgenow,andallsonghadceased.Nightfell,and
therewassilence:nothingwastobeheardsaveafaintquiveroftheearthbeneaththefeetoftheEnts,andarustle,theshadeofawhisperasofmanydriftingleaves.Atlasttheystooduponthesummit,andlookeddownintoadarkpit:thegreatcleftattheendofthemountains:NanCurunír,theValleyofSaruman.
‘NightliesoverIsengard,’
saidTreebeard.
Chapter5
THEWHITERIDER
‘Myverybonesarechilled,’saidGimli,flappinghisarmsandstampinghisfeet.Dayhadcomeatlast.Atdawnthecompanionshadmadesuchbreakfastastheycould;now
inthegrowinglighttheyweregettingreadytosearchthegroundagainforsignsofthehobbits.
‘Anddonotforgetthatoldman!’saidGimli.‘IshouldbehappierifIcouldseetheprintofaboot.’
‘Whywouldthatmakeyouhappy?’saidLegolas.
‘Becauseanoldmanwithfeetthatleavemarksmightbenomorethanheseemed,’
answeredtheDwarf.‘Maybe,’saidtheElf;‘but
aheavybootmightleavenoprinthere:thegrassisdeepandspringy.’
‘ThatwouldnotbaffleaRanger,’saidGimli.‘AbentbladeisenoughforAragorntoread.ButIdonotexpecthimtofindanytraces.ItwasanevilphantomofSarumanthatwesawlastnight.Iamsureofit,evenunderthelight
ofmorning.HiseyesarelookingoutonusfromFangornevennow,maybe.’
‘Itislikelyenough,’saidAragorn;‘yetIamnotsure.Iamthinkingofthehorses.Yousaidlastnight,Gimli,thattheywerescaredaway.ButIdidnotthinkso.Didyouhearthem,Legolas?Didtheysoundtoyoulikebeastsinterror?’
‘No,’saidLegolas.‘I
heardthemclearly.ButforthedarknessandourownfearIshouldhaveguessedthattheywerebeastswildwithsomesuddengladness.Theyspokeashorseswillwhentheymeetafriendthattheyhavelongmissed.’
‘SoIthought,’saidAragorn;‘butIcannotreadtheriddle,unlesstheyreturn.Come!Thelightisgrowingfast.Letuslookfirstand
guesslater!Weshouldbeginhere,neartoourowncamping-ground,searchingcarefullyallabout,andworkinguptheslopetowardstheforest.Tofindthehobbitsisourerrand,whateverwemaythinkofourvisitorinthenight.Iftheyescapedbysomechance,thentheymusthavehiddeninthetrees,ortheywouldhavebeenseen.Ifwefindnothingbetweenhere
andtheeavesofthewood,thenwewillmakealastsearchuponthebattle-fieldandamongtheashes.Butthereislittlehopethere:thehorsemenofRohandidtheirworktoowell.’
Forsometimethecompanionscrawledandgropedupontheground.Thetreestoodmournfullyabove
them,itsdryleavesnowhanginglimp,andrattlinginthechilleasterlywind.Aragornmovedslowlyaway.Hecametotheashesofthewatch-fireneartheriver-bank,andthenbegantoretracethegroundbacktowardstheknollwherethebattlehadbeenfought.Suddenlyhestoopedandbentlowwithhisfacealmostinthegrass.Thenhecalledto
theothers.Theycamerunningup.
‘Hereatlastwefindnews!’saidAragorn.Heliftedupabrokenleafforthemtosee,alargepaleleafofgoldenhue,nowfadingandturningbrown.‘Hereisamallorn-leafofLórien,andtherearesmallcrumbsonit,andafewmorecrumbsinthegrass.Andsee!therearesomepiecesofcutcordlying
nearby!’‘Andhereistheknifethat
cutthem!’saidGimli.Hestoopedanddrewoutofatussock,intowhichsomeheavyfoothadtrampledit,ashortjaggedblade.Thehaftfromwhichithadbeensnappedwasbesideit.‘Itwasanorc-weapon,’hesaid,holdingitgingerly,andlookingwithdisgustatthecarvedhandle:ithadbeen
shapedlikeahideousheadwithsquintingeyesandleeringmouth.
‘Well,hereisthestrangestriddlethatwehaveyetfound!’exclaimedLegolas.‘AboundprisonerescapesbothfromtheOrcsandfromthesurroundinghorsemen.Hethenstops,whilestillintheopen,andcutshisbondswithanorc-knife.Buthowandwhy?Forifhislegswere
tied,howdidhewalk?Andifhisarmsweretied,howdidheusetheknife?Andifneitherweretied,whydidhecutthecordsatall?Beingpleasedwithhisskill,hethensatdownandquietlyatesomewaybread!Thatatleastisenoughtoshowthathewasahobbit,withoutthemallorn-leaf.Afterthat,Isuppose,heturnedhisarmsintowingsandflewawaysinginginto
thetrees.Itshouldbeeasytofindhim:weonlyneedwingsourselves!’
‘Therewassorceryhererightenough,’saidGimli.‘Whatwasthatoldmandoing?Whathaveyoutosay,Aragorn,tothereadingofLegolas.Canyoubetterit?’
‘Maybe,Icould,’saidAragorn,smiling.‘Therearesomeothersignsnearathandthatyouhavenotconsidered.
Iagreethattheprisonerwasahobbitandmusthavehadeitherlegsorhandsfree,beforehecamehere.Iguessthatitwashands,becausetheriddlethenbecomeseasier,andalsobecause,asIreadthemarks,hewascarriedtothispointbyanOrc.Bloodwasspilledthere,afewpacesaway,orc-blood.Therearedeepprintsofhoofsallaboutthisspot,andsignsthata
heavythingwasdraggedaway.TheOrcwasslainbyhorsemen,andlaterhisbodywashauledtothefire.Butthehobbitwasnotseen:hewasnot‘‘intheopen’’,foritwasnightandhestillhadhiselven-cloak.Hewasexhaustedandhungry,anditisnottobewonderedatthat,whenhehadcuthisbondswiththeknifeofhisfallenenemy,herestedandatea
littlebeforehecreptaway.Butitisacomforttoknowthathehadsomelembasinhispocket,eventhoughheranawaywithoutgearorpack;that,perhaps,islikeahobbit.Isayhe,thoughIhopeandguessthatbothMerryandPippinwereheretogether.Thereis,however,nothingtoshowthatforcertain.’
‘Andhowdoyousuppose
thateitherofourfriendscametohaveahandfree?’askedGimli.
‘Idonotknowhowithappened,’answeredAragorn.‘NordoIknowwhyanOrcwascarryingthemaway.Nottohelpthemtoescape,wemaybesure.Nay,ratherIthinkthatInowbegintounderstandamatterthathaspuzzledmefromthebeginning:whywhen
BoromirhadfallenweretheOrcscontentwiththecaptureofMerryandPippin?Theydidnotseekouttherestofus,norattackourcamp;butinsteadtheywentwithallspeedtowardsIsengard.DidtheysupposetheyhadcapturedtheRing-bearerandhisfaithfulcomrade?Ithinknot.TheirmasterswouldnotdaretogivesuchplainorderstoOrcs,eveniftheyknewso
muchthemselves;theywouldnotspeakopenlytothemoftheRing:theyarenottrustyservants.ButIthinktheOrcshadbeencommandedtocapturehobbits,alive,atallcosts.Anattemptwasmadetoslipoutwiththepreciousprisonersbeforethebattle.Treacheryperhaps,likelyenoughwithsuchfolk;somelargeandboldOrcmayhavebeentryingtoescapewiththe
prizealone,forhisownends.There,thatismytale.Othersmightbedevised.Butonthiswemaycountinanycase:oneatleastofourfriendsescaped.ItisourtasktofindhimandhelphimbeforewereturntoRohan.WemustnotbedauntedbyFangorn,sinceneeddrovehimintothatdarkplace.’
‘Idonotknowwhichdauntsmemore:Fangorn,or
thethoughtofthelongroadthroughRohanonfoot,’saidGimli.
‘Thenletusgototheforest,’saidAragorn.
ItwasnotlongbeforeAragornfoundfreshsigns.Atonepoint,nearthebankoftheEntwash,hecameuponfootprints:hobbit-prints,buttoolightformuchtobemade
ofthem.Thenagainbeneaththeboleofagreattreeontheveryedgeofthewoodmoreprintswerediscovered.Theearthwasbareanddry,anddidnotrevealmuch.
‘Onehobbitatleaststoodhereforawhileandlookedback;andthenheturnedawayintotheforest,’saidAragorn.
‘Thenwemustgoin,too,’saidGimli.‘ButIdonotlike
thelookofthisFangorn;andwewerewarnedagainstit.Iwishthechasehadledanywhereelse!’
‘Idonotthinkthewoodfeelsevil,whatevertalesmaysay,’saidLegolas.Hestoodundertheeavesoftheforest,stoopingforward,asifhewerelistening,andpeeringwithwideeyesintotheshadows.‘No,itisnotevil;orwhatevilisinitisfar
away.Icatchonlythefaintestechoesofdarkplaceswheretheheartsofthetreesareblack.Thereisnomalicenearus;butthereiswatchfulness,andanger.’
‘Well,ithasnocausetobeangrywithme,’saidGimli.‘Ihavedoneitnoharm.’
‘Thatisjustaswell,’saidLegolas.‘Butnonethelessithassufferedharm.Thereis
somethinghappeninginside,orgoingtohappen.Doyounotfeelthetenseness?Ittakesmybreath.’
‘Ifeeltheairisstuffy,’saidtheDwarf.‘ThiswoodislighterthanMirkwood,butitismustyandshabby.’
‘Itisold,veryold,’saidtheElf.‘SooldthatalmostIfeelyoungagain,asIhavenotfeltsinceIjourneyedwithyouchildren.Itisoldandfull
ofmemory.Icouldhavebeenhappyhere,ifIhadcomeindaysofpeace.’
‘Idaresayyoucould,’snortedGimli.‘YouareaWood-elf,anyway,thoughElvesofanykindarestrangefolk.Yetyoucomfortme.Whereyougo,Iwillgo.Butkeepyourbowreadytohand,andIwillkeepmyaxelooseinmybelt.Notforuseontrees,’headdedhastily,
lookingupatthetreeunderwhichtheystood.‘Idonotwishtomeetthatoldmanatunawareswithoutanargumentreadytohand,thatisall.Letusgo!’
WiththatthethreehuntersplungedintotheforestofFangorn.LegolasandGimlileftthetrackingtoAragorn.Therewaslittlefor
himtosee.Theflooroftheforestwasdryandcoveredwithadriftofleaves;butguessingthatthefugitiveswouldstaynearthewater,hereturnedoftentothebanksofthestream.SoitwasthathecameupontheplacewhereMerryandPippinhaddrunkandbathedtheirfeet.Thereplainforalltoseewerethefootprintsoftwohobbits,onesomewhatsmallerthanthe
other.‘Thisisgoodtidings,’said
Aragorn.‘Yetthemarksaretwodaysold.Anditseemsthatatthispointthehobbitsleftthewater-side.’
‘Thenwhatshallwedonow?’saidGimli.‘WecannotpursuethemthroughthewholefastnessofFangorn.Wehavecomeillsupplied.Ifwedonotfindthemsoon,weshallbeofnousetothem,
excepttositdownbesidethemandshowourfriendshipbystarvingtogether.’
‘Ifthatisindeedallwecando,thenwemustdothat,’saidAragorn.‘Letusgoon.’
TheycameatlengthtothesteepabruptendofTreebeard’sHill,andlookedupattherock-wallwithitsroughstepsleadingtothehighshelf.Gleamsofsunwerestrikingthroughthe
hurryingclouds,andtheforestnowlookedlessgreyanddrear.
‘Letusgoupandlookaboutus!’saidLegolas.‘Istillfeelmybreathshort.Ishouldliketotasteafreerairforawhile.’
Thecompanionsclimbedup.Aragorncamelast,movingslowly:hewasscanningthestepsandledgesclosely.
‘Iamalmostsurethatthehobbitshavebeenuphere,’hesaid.‘Butthereareothermarks,verystrangemarks,whichIdonotunderstand.Iwonderifwecanseeanythingfromthisledgewhichwillhelpustoguesswhichwaytheywentnext?’
Hestoodupandlookedabout,buthesawnothingthatwasofanyuse.Theshelffacedsouthwardand
eastward;butonlyontheeastwastheviewopen.Therehecouldseetheheadsofthetreesdescendinginrankstowardstheplainfromwhichtheyhadcome.
‘Wehavejourneyedalongwayround,’saidLegolas.‘Wecouldhaveallcomeheresafetogether,ifwehadlefttheGreatRiveronthesecondorthirddayandstruckwest.Fewcanforesee
whithertheirroadwillleadthem,tilltheycometoitsend.’
‘ButwedidnotwishtocometoFangorn,’saidGimli.
‘Yethereweare–andnicelycaughtinthenet,’saidLegolas.‘Look!’
‘Lookatwhat?’saidGimli.
‘Thereinthetrees.’‘Where?Ihavenotelf-
eyes.’
‘Hush!Speakmoresoftly!Look!’saidLegolaspointing.‘Downinthewood,backinthewaythatwehavejustcome.Itishe.Cannotyouseehim,passingfromtreetotree?’
‘Isee,Iseenow!’hissedGimli.‘Look,Aragorn!DidInotwarnyou?Thereistheoldman.Allindirtygreyrags:thatiswhyIcouldnotseehimatfirst.’
Aragornlookedandbeheldabentfiguremovingslowly.Itwasnotfaraway.Itlookedlikeanoldbeggar-man,walkingwearily,leaningonaroughstaff.Hisheadwasbowed,andhedidnotlooktowardsthem.Inotherlandstheywouldhavegreetedhimwithkindwords;butnowtheystoodsilent,eachfeelingastrangeexpectancy:somethingwas
approachingthatheldahiddenpower–ormenace.
Gimligazedwithwideeyesforawhile,asstepbystepthefiguredrewnearer.Thensuddenly,unabletocontainhimselflonger,heburstout:‘Yourbow,Legolas!Bendit!Getready!ItisSaruman.Donotlethimspeak,orputaspelluponus!Shootfirst!’
Legolastookhisbowand
bentit,slowlyandasifsomeotherwillresistedhim.Heheldanarrowlooselyinhishandbutdidnotfitittothestring.Aragornstoodsilent,hisfacewaswatchfulandintent.
‘Whyareyouwaiting?Whatisthematterwithyou?’saidGimliinahissingwhisper.
‘Legolasisright,’saidAragornquietly.‘Wemaynot
shootanoldmanso,atunawaresandunchallenged,whateverfearordoubtbeonus.Watchandwait!’
Atthatmomenttheoldmanquickenedhispaceandcamewithsurprisingspeedtothefootoftherock-wall.Thensuddenlyhelookedup,whiletheystoodmotionlesslookingdown.Therewasno
sound.Theycouldnotseehis
face:hewashooded,andabovethehoodheworeawide-brimmedhat,sothatallhisfeatureswereovershadowed,exceptfortheendofhisnoseandhisgreybeard.YetitseemedtoAragornthathecaughtthegleamofeyeskeenandbrightfromwithintheshadowofthehoodedbrows.
Atlasttheoldmanbrokethesilence.‘Wellmetindeed,myfriends,’hesaidinasoftvoice.‘Iwishtospeaktoyou.Willyoucomedown,orshallIcomeup?’Withoutwaitingforananswerhebegantoclimb.
‘Now!’criedGimli.‘Stophim,Legolas!’
‘DidInotsaythatIwishedtospeaktoyou?’saidtheoldman.‘Putawaythat
bow,MasterElf!’Thebowandarrowfell
fromLegolas’hands,andhisarmshunglooseathissides.
‘Andyou,MasterDwarf,praytakeyourhandfromyouraxe-haft,tillIamup!Youwillnotneedsucharguments.’
Gimlistartedandthenstoodstillasstone,staring,whiletheoldmanspranguptheroughstepsasnimblyasa
goat.Allwearinessseemedtohavelefthim.Ashesteppedupontotheshelftherewasagleam,toobriefforcertainty,aquickglintofwhite,asifsomegarmentshroudedbythegreyragshadbeenforaninstantrevealed.TheintakeofGimli’sbreathcouldbeheardasaloudhissinthesilence.
‘Wellmet,Isayagain!’saidtheoldman,comingtowardsthem.Whenhewasafewfeetaway,hestood,stoopingoverhisstaff,withhisheadthrustforward,peeringatthemfromunderhishood.‘Andwhatmayyoubedoingintheseparts?AnElf,aMan,andaDwarf,allcladinElvishfashion.Nodoubtthereisataleworthhearingbehinditall.Such
thingsarenotoftenseenhere.’
‘YouspeakasonethatknowsFangornwell,’saidAragorn.‘Isthatso?’
‘Notwell,’saidtheoldman:‘thatwouldbethestudyofmanylives.ButIcomeherenowandagain.’
‘Mightweknowyourname,andthenhearwhatitisthatyouhavetosaytous?’saidAragorn.‘Themorning
passes,andwehaveanerrandthatwillnotwait.’
‘AsforwhatIwishedtosay,Ihavesaidit:Whatmayyoubedoing,andwhattalecanyoutellofyourselves?Asformyname!’Hebrokeoff,laughinglongandsoftly.Aragornfeltashudderrunthroughhimatthesound,astrangecoldthrill;andyetitwasnotfearorterrorthathefelt:ratheritwaslikethe
suddenbiteofakeenair,ortheslapofacoldrainthatwakesanuneasysleeper.
‘Myname!’saidtheoldmanagain.‘Haveyounotguesseditalready?Youhavehearditbefore,Ithink.Yes,youhavehearditbefore.Butcomenow,whatofyourtale?’
Thethreecompanionsstoodsilentandmadenoanswer.
‘Therearesomewhowouldbegintodoubtwhetheryourerrandisfittotell,’saidtheoldman.‘HappilyIknowsomethingofit.Youaretrackingthefootstepsoftwoyounghobbits,Ibelieve.Yes,hobbits.Don’tstare,asifyouhadneverheardthestrangenamebefore.Youhave,andsohaveI.Well,theyclimbedupherethedaybeforeyesterday;andtheymet
someonethattheydidnotexpect.Doesthatcomfortyou?Andnowyouwouldliketoknowwheretheyweretaken?Well,well,maybeIcangiveyousomenewsaboutthat.Butwhyarewestanding?Yourerrand,yousee,isnolongerasurgentasyouthought.Letussitdownandbemoreatease.’
Theoldmanturnedawayandwenttowardsaheapof
fallenstonesandrockatthefootofthecliffbehind.Immediately,asifaspellhadbeenremoved,theothersrelaxedandstirred.Gimli’shandwentatoncetohisaxe-haft.Aragorndrewhissword.Legolaspickeduphisbow.
Theoldmantooknonotice,butstoopedandsathimselfonalowflatstone.Thenhisgreycloakdrewapart,andtheysaw,beyond
doubt,thathewasclothedbeneathallinwhite.
‘Saruman!’criedGimli,springingtowardshimwithaxeinhand.‘Speak!Telluswhereyouhavehiddenourfriends!Whathaveyoudonewiththem?Speak,orIwillmakeadintinyourhatthatevenawizardwillfindithardtodealwith!’
Theoldmanwastooquickforhim.Hesprangtohisfeetandleapedtothetopofalargerock.Therehestood,grownsuddenlytall,toweringabovethem.Hishoodandhisgreyragswereflungaway.Hiswhitegarmentsshone.Helifteduphisstaff,andGimli’saxeleapedfromhisgraspandfellringingontheground.TheswordofAragorn,stiffinhis
motionlesshand,blazedwithasuddenfire.Legolasgaveagreatshoutandshotanarrowhighintotheair:itvanishedinaflashofflame.
‘Mithrandir!’hecried.‘Mithrandir!’
‘Wellmet,Isaytoyouagain,Legolas!’saidtheoldman.Theyallgazedathim.Hishairwaswhiteassnowinthesunshine;andgleamingwhitewashisrobe;theeyes
underhisdeepbrowswerebright,piercingastheraysofthesun;powerwasinhishand.Betweenwonder,joy,andfeartheystoodandfoundnowordstosay.
AtlastAragornstirred.‘Gandalf!’hesaid.‘Beyondallhopeyoureturntousinourneed!Whatveilwasovermysight?Gandalf!’Gimlisaidnothing,butsanktohisknees,shadinghiseyes.
‘Gandalf,’theoldmanrepeated,asifrecallingfromoldmemoryalongdisusedword.‘Yes,thatwasthename.IwasGandalf.’
Hesteppeddownfromtherock,andpickinguphisgreycloakwrappeditabouthim:itseemedasifthesunhadbeenshining,butnowwashidincloudagain.‘Yes,youmaystillcallmeGandalf,’hesaid,andthevoicewasthevoice
oftheiroldfriendandguide.‘Getup,mygoodGimli!Noblametoyou,andnoharmdonetome.Indeedmyfriends,noneofyouhaveanyweaponthatcouldhurtme.Bemerry!Wemeetagain.Attheturnofthetide.Thegreatstormiscoming,butthetidehasturned.’
HelaidhishandonGimli’shead,andtheDwarflookedupandlaughed
suddenly.‘Gandalf!’hesaid.‘Butyouareallinwhite!’
‘Yes,Iamwhitenow,’saidGandalf.‘IndeedIamSaruman,onemightalmostsay,Sarumanasheshouldhavebeen.Butcomenow,tellmeofyourselves!Ihavepassedthroughfireanddeepwater,sinceweparted.IhaveforgottenmuchthatIthoughtIknew,andlearnedagainmuchthatIhadforgotten.I
canseemanythingsfaroff,butmanythingsthatarecloseathandIcannotsee.Tellmeofyourselves!’
‘Whatdoyouwishtoknow?’saidAragorn.‘Allthathashappenedsincewepartedonthebridgewouldbealongtale.Willyounotfirstgiveusnewsofthehobbits?Didyoufindthem,andare
theysafe?’‘No,Ididnotfindthem,’
saidGandalf.‘TherewasadarknessoverthevalleysoftheEmynMuil,andIdidnotknowoftheircaptivity,untiltheeagletoldme.’
‘Theeagle!’saidLegolas.‘Ihaveseenaneaglehighandfaroff:thelasttimewasfourdaysago,abovetheEmynMuil.’
‘Yes,’saidGandalf,‘that
wasGwaihirtheWindlord,whorescuedmefromOrthanc.IsenthimbeforemetowatchtheRiverandgathertidings.Hissightiskeen,buthecannotseeallthatpassesunderhillandtree.Somethingshehasseen,andothersIhaveseenmyself.TheRingnowhaspassedbeyondmyhelp,orthehelpofanyoftheCompanythatsetoutfromRivendell.Verynearlyitwas
revealedtotheEnemy,butitescaped.Ihadsomepartinthat:forIsatinahighplace,andIstrovewiththeDarkTower;andtheShadowpassed.ThenIwasweary,veryweary;andIwalkedlongindarkthought.’
‘ThenyouknowaboutFrodo!’saidGimli.‘Howdothingsgowithhim?’
‘Icannotsay.Hewassavedfromagreatperil,but
manyliebeforehimstill.HeresolvedtogoalonetoMordor,andhesetout:thatisallthatIcansay.’
‘Notalone,’saidLegolas.‘WethinkthatSamwentwithhim.’
‘Didhe!’saidGandalf,andtherewasagleaminhiseyeandasmileonhisface.‘Didheindeed?Itisnewstome,yetitdoesnotsurpriseme.Good!Verygood!You
lightenmyheart.Youmusttellmemore.Nowsitbymeandtellmethetaleofyourjourney.’
Thecompanionssatonthegroundathisfeet,andAragorntookupthetale.ForalongwhileGandalfsaidnothing,andheaskednoquestions.Hishandswerespreaduponhisknees,and
hiseyeswereclosed.AtlastwhenAragornspokeofthedeathofBoromirandofhislastjourneyupontheGreatRiver,theoldmansighed.
‘Youhavenotsaidallthatyouknoworguess,Aragornmyfriend,’hesaidquietly.‘PoorBoromir!Icouldnotseewhathappenedtohim.Itwasasoretrialforsuchaman:awarrior,andalordofmen.Galadrieltoldmethat
hewasinperil.Butheescapedintheend.Iamglad.Itwasnotinvainthattheyounghobbitscamewithus,ifonlyforBoromir’ssake.Butthatisnottheonlyparttheyhavetoplay.TheywerebroughttoFangorn,andtheircomingwaslikethefallingofsmallstonesthatstartsanavalancheinthemountains.Evenaswetalkhere,Ihearthefirstrumblings.Saruman
hadbestnotbecaughtawayfromhomewhenthedambursts!’
‘Inonethingyouhavenotchanged,dearfriend,’saidAragorn:‘youstillspeakinriddles.’
‘What?Inriddles?’saidGandalf.‘No!ForIwastalkingaloudtomyself.Ahabitoftheold:theychoosethewisestpersonpresenttospeakto;thelong
explanationsneededbytheyoungarewearying.’Helaughed,butthesoundnowseemedwarmandkindlyasagleamofsunshine.
‘IamnolongeryoungeveninthereckoningofMenoftheAncientHouses,’saidAragorn.‘Willyounotopenyourmindmoreclearlytome?’
‘WhatthenshallIsay?’saidGandalf,andpausedfor
awhileinthought.‘ThisinbriefishowIseethingsatthemoment,ifyouwishtohaveapieceofmymindasplainaspossible.TheEnemy,ofcourse,haslongknownthattheRingisabroad,andthatitisbornebyahobbit.HeknowsnowthenumberofourCompanythatsetoutfromRivendell,andthekindofeachofus.Buthedoesnotyetperceiveourpurpose
clearly.HesupposesthatwewereallgoingtoMinasTirith;forthatiswhathewouldhimselfhavedoneinourplace.Andaccordingtohiswisdomitwouldhavebeenaheavystrokeagainsthispower.Indeedheisingreatfear,notknowingwhatmightyonemaysuddenlyappear,wieldingtheRing,andassailinghimwithwar,seekingtocasthimdownand
takehisplace.Thatweshouldwishtocasthimdownandhavenooneinhisplaceisnotathoughtthatoccurstohismind.ThatweshouldtrytodestroytheRingitselfhasnotyetenteredintohisdarkestdream.Inwhichnodoubtyouwillseeourgoodfortuneandourhope.Forimaginingwarhehasletloosewar,believingthathehasnotimetowaste;forhe
thatstrikesthefirstblow,ifhestrikesithardenough,mayneedtostrikenomore.Sotheforcesthathehaslongbeenpreparingheisnowsettinginmotion,soonerthanheintended.Wisefool.ForifhehadusedallhispowertoguardMordor,sothatnonecouldenter,andbentallhisguiletothehuntingoftheRing,thenindeedhopewouldhavefaded:neitherRingnor
bearercouldlonghaveeludedhim.Butnowhiseyegazesabroadratherthannearathome;andmostlyhelookstowardsMinasTirith.Verysoonnowhisstrengthwillfalluponitlikeastorm.
‘ForalreadyheknowsthatthemessengersthathesenttowaylaytheCompanyhavefailedagain.TheyhavenotfoundtheRing.Neitherhavetheybroughtawayany
hobbitsashostages.Hadtheydoneevensomuchasthat,itwouldhavebeenaheavyblowtous,anditmighthavebeenfatal.ButletusnotdarkenourheartsbyimaginingthetrialoftheirgentleloyaltyintheDarkTower.FortheEnemyhasfailed–sofar.ThankstoSaruman.’
‘ThenisnotSarumanatraitor?’saidGimli.
‘Indeedyes,’saidGandalf.‘Doubly.Andisnotthatstrange?NothingthatwehaveenduredoflatehasseemedsogrievousasthetreasonofIsengard.EvenreckonedasalordandcaptainSarumanhasgrownverystrong.HethreatenstheMenofRohananddrawsofftheirhelpfromMinasTirith,evenasthemainblowisapproachingfromtheEast.
Yetatreacherousweaponiseveradangertothehand.SarumanalsohadamindtocapturetheRing,forhimself,oratleasttosnaresomehobbitsforhisevilpurposes.SobetweenthemourenemieshavecontrivedonlytobringMerryandPippinwithmarvellousspeed,andinthenickoftime,toFangorn,whereotherwisetheywouldneverhavecomeatall!
‘Alsotheyhavefilledthemselveswithnewdoubtsthatdisturbtheirplans.NotidingsofthebattlewillcometoMordor,thankstothehorsemenofRohan;buttheDarkLordknowsthattwohobbitsweretakenintheEmynMuilandborneawaytowardsIsengardagainstthewillofhisownservants.HenowhasIsengardtofearaswellasMinasTirith.IfMinas
Tirithfalls,itwillgoillwithSaruman.’
‘Itisapitythatourfriendslieinbetween,’saidGimli.‘IfnolanddividedIsengardandMordor,thentheycouldfightwhilewewatchedandwaited.’
‘Thevictorwouldemergestrongerthaneither,andfreefromdoubt,’saidGandalf.‘ButIsengardcannotfightMordor,unlessSarumanfirst
obtainstheRing.Thathewillneverdonow.Hedoesnotyetknowhisperil.Thereismuchthathedoesnotknow.Hewassoeagertolayhishandsonhispreythathecouldnotwaitathome,andhecameforthtomeetandtospyonhismessengers.Buthecametoolate,foronce,andthebattlewasoverandbeyondhishelpbeforehereachedtheseparts.Hedid
notremainherelong.IlookintohismindandIseehisdoubt.Hehasnowoodcraft.Hebelievesthatthehorsemenslewandburnedalluponthefieldofbattle;buthedoesnotknowwhethertheOrcswerebringinganyprisonersornot.AndhedoesnotknowofthequarrelbetweenhisservantsandtheOrcsofMordor;nordoesheknowoftheWingedMessenger.’
‘TheWingedMessenger!’criedLegolas.‘IshotathimwiththebowofGaladrielaboveSarnGebir,andIfelledhimfromthesky.Hefilledusallwithfear.Whatnewterroristhis?’
‘Onethatyoucannotslaywitharrows,’saidGandalf.‘Youonlyslewhissteed.Itwasagooddeed;buttheRiderwassoonhorsedagain.ForhewasaNazgûl,oneof
theNine,whoridenowuponwingedsteeds.Soontheirterrorwillovershadowthelastarmiesofourfriends,cuttingoffthesun.ButtheyhavenotyetbeenallowedtocrosstheRiver,andSarumandoesnotknowofthisnewshapeinwhichtheRingwraithshavebeenclad.HisthoughtiseverontheRing.Wasitpresentinthebattle?Wasitfound?Whatif
Théoden,LordoftheMark,shouldcomebyitandlearnofitspower?Thatisthedangerthathesees,andhehasfledbacktoIsengardtodoubleandtreblehisassaultonRohan.Andallthetimethereisanotherdanger,closeathand,whichhedoesnotsee,busywithhisfierythoughts.HehasforgottenTreebeard.’
‘Nowyouspeakto
yourselfagain,’saidAragornwithasmile.‘Treebeardisnotknowntome.AndIhaveguessedpartofSaruman’sdoubletreachery;yetIdonotseeinwhatwaythecomingoftwohobbitstoFangornhasserved,savetogiveusalongandfruitlesschase.’
‘Waitaminute!’criedGimli.‘ThereisanotherthingthatIshouldliketoknowfirst.Wasityou,Gandalf,or
Sarumanthatwesawlastnight?’
‘Youcertainlydidnotseeme,’answeredGandalf,‘thereforeImustguessthatyousawSaruman.Evidentlywelooksomuchalikethatyourdesiretomakeanincurabledentinmyhatmustbeexcused.’
‘Good,good!’saidGimli.‘Iamgladthatitwasnotyou.’Gandalflaughedagain.
‘Yes,mygoodDwarf,’hesaid,‘itisacomfortnottobemistakenatallpoints.DoInotknowitonlytoowell!But,ofcourse,Ineverblamedyouforyourwelcomeofme.HowcouldIdoso,whohavesooftencounselledmyfriendstosuspecteventheirownhandswhendealingwiththeEnemy.Blessyou,Gimli,sonofGlóin!Maybeyouwillseeusbothtogether
onedayandjudgebetweenus!’
‘Butthehobbits!’Legolasbrokein.‘Wehavecomefartoseekthem,andyouseemtoknowwheretheyare.Wherearetheynow?’
‘WithTreebeardandtheEnts,’saidGandalf.
‘TheEnts!’exclaimedAragorn.‘Thenthereistruthintheoldlegendsaboutthedwellersinthedeepforests
andthegiantshepherdsofthetrees?AretherestillEntsintheworld?
Ithoughttheywereonlyamemoryofancientdays,ifindeedtheywereevermorethanalegendofRohan.’
‘AlegendofRohan!’criedLegolas.‘Nay,everyElfinWilderlandhassungsongsoftheoldOnodrimandtheirlongsorrow.Yetevenamongustheyareonlya
memory.IfIweretomeetonestillwalkinginthisworld,thenindeedIshouldfeelyoungagain!ButTreebeard:thatisonlyarenderingofFangornintotheCommonSpeech;yetyouseemtospeakofaperson.WhoisthisTreebeard?’
‘Ah!nowyouareaskingmuch,’saidGandalf.‘ThelittlethatIknowofhislongslowstorywouldmakeatale
forwhichwehavenotimenow.TreebeardisFangorn,theguardianoftheforest;heistheoldestoftheEnts,theoldestlivingthingthatstillwalksbeneaththeSunuponthisMiddle-earth.Ihopeindeed,Legolas,thatyoumayyetmeethim.MerryandPippinhavebeenfortunate:theymethimhere,evenwherewesit.Forhecameheretwodaysagoandbore
themawaytohisdwellingfaroffbytherootsofthemountains.Heoftencomeshere,especiallywhenhismindisuneasy,andrumoursoftheworldoutsidetroublehim.Isawhimfourdaysagostridingamongthetrees,andIthinkhesawme,forhepaused;butIdidnotspeak,forIwasheavywiththought,andwearyaftermystrugglewiththeEyeofMordor;and
hedidnotspeakeither,norcallmyname.’
‘PerhapshealsothoughtthatyouwereSaruman,’saidGimli.‘Butyouspeakofhimasifhewasafriend.IthoughtFangornwasdangerous.’
‘Dangerous!’criedGandalf.‘AndsoamI,verydangerous:moredangerousthananythingyouwillevermeet,unlessyouarebrought
alivebeforetheseatoftheDarkLord.AndAragornisdangerous,andLegolasisdangerous.Youarebesetwithdangers,GimlisonofGlóin;foryouaredangerousyourself,inyourownfashion.CertainlytheforestofFangornisperilous–notleasttothosethataretooreadywiththeiraxes;andFangornhimself,heisperiloustoo;yetheiswiseandkindly
nonetheless.Butnowhislongslowwrathisbrimmingover,andalltheforestisfilledwithit.Thecomingofthehobbitsandthetidingsthattheybroughthavespilledit:itwillsoonberunninglikeaflood;butitstideisturnedagainstSarumanandtheaxesofIsengard.AthingisabouttohappenwhichhasnothappenedsincetheElderDays:theEntsaregoingto
wakeupandfindthattheyarestrong.’
‘Whatwilltheydo?’askedLegolasinastonishment.‘Idonotknow,’saidGandalf.‘Idonotthinktheyknowthemselves.Iwonder.’Hefellsilent,hisheadbowedinthought.
Theotherslookedathim.Agleamofsunthrough
fleetingcloudsfellonhishands,whichlaynowupturnedonhislap:theyseemedtobefilledwithlightasacupiswithwater.Atlasthelookedupandgazedstraightatthesun.
‘Themorningiswearingaway,’hesaid.‘Soonwemustgo.’
‘DowegotofindourfriendsandtoseeTreebeard?’askedAragorn.
‘No,’saidGandalf.‘Thatisnottheroadthatyoumusttake.Ihavespokenwordsofhope.Butonlyofhope.Hopeisnotvictory.Warisuponusandallourfriends,awarinwhichonlytheuseoftheRingcouldgiveussuretyofvictory.Itfillsmewithgreatsorrowandgreatfear:formuchshallbedestroyedandallmaybelost.IamGandalf,GandalftheWhite,butBlack
ismightierstill.’Heroseandgazedout
eastward,shadinghiseyes,asifhesawthingsfarawaythatnoneofthemcouldsee.Thenheshookhishead.‘No,’hesaidinasoftvoice,‘ithasgonebeyondourreach.Ofthatatleastletusbeglad.WecannolongerbetemptedtousetheRing.Wemustgodowntofaceaperilneardespair,yetthatdeadlyperil
isremoved.’Heturned.‘Come,
AragornsonofArathorn!’hesaid.‘DonotregretyourchoiceinthevalleyoftheEmynMuil,norcallitavainpursuit.Youchoseamiddoubtsthepaththatseemedright:thechoicewasjust,andithasbeenrewarded.Forsowehavemetintime,whootherwisemighthavemettoolate.Butthequestofyour
companionsisover.Yournextjourneyismarkedbyyourgivenword.YoumustgotoEdorasandseekoutThéodeninhishall.Foryouareneeded.ThelightofAndúrilmustnowbeuncoveredinthebattleforwhichithassolongwaited.ThereiswarinRohan,andworseevil:itgoesillwithThéoden.’
‘Thenarewenottosee
themerryyounghobbitsagain?’saidLegolas.
‘Ididnotsayso,’saidGandalf.‘Whoknows?Havepatience.Gowhereyoumustgo,andhope!ToEdoras!Igothitheralso.’
‘Itisalongwayforamantowalk,youngorold,’saidAragorn.‘IfearthebattlewillbeoverlongereIcomethere.’
‘Weshallsee,weshall
see,’saidGandalf.‘Willyoucomenowwithme?’
‘Yes,wewillsetouttogether,’saidAragorn.‘ButIdonotdoubtthatyouwillcometherebeforeme,ifyouwish.’HeroseandlookedlongatGandalf.Theothersgazedattheminsilenceastheystoodtherefacingoneanother.ThegreyfigureoftheMan,AragornsonofArathorn,wastall,andstern
asstone,hishanduponthehiltofhissword;helookedasifsomekingoutofthemistsoftheseahadsteppedupontheshoresoflessermen.Beforehimstoopedtheoldfigure,white,shiningnowasifwithsomelightkindledwithin,bent,ladenwithyears,butholdingapowerbeyondthestrengthofkings.
‘DoInotsaytruly,Gandalf,’saidAragornat
last,‘thatyoucouldgowhithersoeveryouwishedquickerthanI?AndthisIalsosay:youareourcaptainandourbanner.TheDarkLordhasNine.ButwehaveOne,mightierthanthey:theWhiteRider.Hehaspassedthroughthefireandtheabyss,andtheyshallfearhim.Wewillgowhereheleads.’
‘Yes,togetherwewillfollowyou,’saidLegolas.‘Butfirst,itwouldeasemyheart,Gandalf,tohearwhatbefellyouinMoria.Willyounottellus?Canyounotstayeventotellyourfriendshowyouweredelivered?’
‘Ihavestayedalreadytoolong,’answeredGandalf.‘Timeisshort.Butiftherewereayeartospend,Iwouldnottellyouall.’
‘Thentelluswhatyouwill,andtimeallows!’saidGimli.‘Come,Gandalf,tellushowyoufaredwiththeBalrog!’
‘Namehimnot!’saidGandalf,andforamomentitseemedthatacloudofpainpassedoverhisface,andhesatsilent,lookingoldasdeath.‘LongtimeIfell,’hesaidatlast,slowly,asifthinkingbackwithdifficulty.
‘LongIfell,andhefellwithme.Hisfirewasaboutme.Iwasburned.Thenweplungedintothedeepwaterandallwasdark.Colditwasasthetideofdeath:almostitfrozemyheart.’
‘DeepistheabyssthatisspannedbyDurin’sBridge,andnonehasmeasuredit,’saidGimli.
‘Yetithasabottom,beyondlightandknowledge,’
saidGandalf.‘ThitherIcameatlast,totheuttermostfoundationsofstone.Hewaswithmestill.Hisfirewasquenched,butnowhewasathingofslime,strongerthanastranglingsnake.
‘Wefoughtfarunderthelivingearth,wheretimeisnotcounted.Everheclutchedme,andeverIhewedhim,tillatlasthefledintodarktunnels.Theywerenotmade
byDurin’sfolk,GimlisonofGlóin.Far,farbelowthedeepestdelvingsoftheDwarves,theworldisgnawedbynamelessthings.EvenSauronknowsthemnot.Theyareolderthanhe.NowIhavewalkedthere,butIwillbringnoreporttodarkenthelightofday.Inthatdespairmyenemywasmyonlyhope,andIpursuedhim,clutchingathisheel.Thushebrought
mebackatlasttothesecretwaysofKhazad-dûm:toowellheknewthemall.Everupnowwewent,untilwecametotheEndlessStair.’
‘Longhasthatbeenlost,’saidGimli.‘Manyhavesaidthatitwasnevermadesaveinlegend,butotherssaythatitwasdestroyed.’
‘Itwasmade,andithadnotbeendestroyed,’saidGandalf.‘Fromthelowest
dungeontothehighestpeakitclimbed,ascendinginunbrokenspiralinmanythousandsteps,untilitissuedatlastinDurin’sTowercarvedinthelivingrockofZirakzigil,thepinnacleoftheSilvertine.
‘ThereuponCelebdilwasalonelywindowinthesnow,andbeforeitlayanarrowspace,adizzyeyrieabovethemistsoftheworld.Thesun
shonefiercelythere,butallbelowwaswrappedincloud.Outhesprang,andevenasIcamebehind,heburstintonewflame.Therewasnonetosee,orperhapsinafteragessongswouldstillbesungoftheBattleofthePeak.’SuddenlyGandalflaughed.‘Butwhatwouldtheysayinsong?Thosethatlookedupfromafarthoughtthatthemountainwascrownedwith
storm.Thundertheyheard,andlightning,theysaid,smoteuponCelebdil,andleapedbackbrokenintotonguesoffire.Isnotthatenough?Agreatsmokeroseaboutus,vapourandsteam.Icefelllikerain.Ithrewdownmyenemy,andhefellfromthehighplaceandbrokethemountain-sidewherehesmoteitinhisruin.Thendarknesstookme,andI
strayedoutofthoughtandtime,andIwanderedfaronroadsthatIwillnottell.
‘NakedIwassentback–forabrieftime,untilmytaskisdone.AndnakedIlayuponthemountain-top.Thetowerbehindwascrumbledintodust,thewindowgone;theruinedstairwaschokedwithburnedandbrokenstone.Iwasalone,forgotten,withoutescapeuponthehardhornof
theworld.ThereIlaystaringupward,whilethestarswheeledover,andeachdaywasaslongasalife-ageoftheearth.Fainttomyearscamethegatheredrumourofalllands:thespringingandthedying,thesongandtheweeping,andthesloweverlastinggroanofover-burdenedstone.AndsoatthelastGwaihirtheWindlordfoundmeagain,andhetook
meupandboremeaway.‘‘‘EveramIfatedtobe
yourburden,friendatneed,’’Isaid.
‘‘‘Aburdenyouhavebeen,’’heanswered,‘‘butnotsonow.Lightasaswan’sfeatherinmyclawyouare.TheSunshinesthroughyou.IndeedIdonotthinkyouneedmeanymore:wereItoletyoufall,youwouldfloatuponthewind.’’
‘‘‘Donotletmefall!’’Igasped,forIfeltlifeinmeagain.‘‘BearmetoLothlórien!’’
‘‘‘ThatindeedisthecommandoftheLadyGaladrielwhosentmetolookforyou,’’heanswered.
‘ThusitwasthatIcametoCarasGaladhonandfoundyoubutlatelygone.Itarriedthereintheagelesstimeofthatlandwheredaysbring
healingnotdecay.HealingIfound,andIwasclothedinwhite.CounselIgaveandcounseltook.ThencebystrangeroadsIcame,andmessagesIbringtosomeofyou.ToAragornIwasbiddentosaythis:
WherenowaretheDúnedain,Elessar,Elessar?Whydothykinsfolk
wanderafar?NearisthehourwhentheLostshouldcomeforth,AndtheGreyCompanyridefromtheNorth.Butdarkisthepathappointedforthee:TheDeadwatchtheroadthatleadstotheSea.
ToLegolasshesentthisword:
LegolasGreenleaflongundertreeInjoythouhastlived.BewareoftheSea!Ifthouhearestthecryofthegullontheshore,Thyheartshallthenrestintheforestno
more.’
Gandalffellsilentandshuthiseyes.
‘Thenshesentmenomessage?’saidGimliandbenthishead.
‘Darkareherwords,’saidLegolas,‘andlittledotheymeantothosethatreceivethem.’
‘Thatisnocomfort,’saidGimli.
‘Whatthen?’saidLegolas.‘Wouldyouhaveherspeakopenlytoyouofyourdeath?’
‘Yes,ifshehadnaughtelsetosay.’
‘Whatisthat?’saidGandalf,openinghiseyes.‘Yes,IthinkIcanguesswhatherwordsmaymean.Yourpardon,Gimli!Iwasponderingthemessagesonceagain.Butindeedshesent
wordstoyou,andneitherdarknorsad.
‘‘‘ToGimlisonofGlóin,’’shesaid,‘‘givehisLady’sgreeting.
Lockbearer,whereverthougoestmythoughtgoeswiththee.Buthaveacaretolaythineaxetotherighttree!’’’
‘Inhappyhouryouhavereturnedtous,Gandalf,’criedtheDwarf,caperingashe
sangloudlyinthestrangedwarf-tongue.‘Come,come!’heshouted,swinginghisaxe.‘SinceGandalf’sheadisnowsacred,letusfindonethatitisrighttocleave!’
‘Thatwillnotbefartoseek,’saidGandalf,risingfromhisseat.‘Come!Wehavespentallthetimethatisallowedtoameetingofpartedfriends.Nowthereisneedofhaste.’
Hewrappedhimselfagaininhisoldtatteredcloak,andledtheway.Followinghimtheydescendedquicklyfromthehighshelfandmadetheirwaybackthroughtheforest,downthebankoftheEntwash.Theyspokenomorewords,untiltheystoodagainuponthegrassbeyondtheeavesofFangorn.Therewasnosignoftheirhorsestobeseen.
‘Theyhavenotreturned,’saidLegolas.‘Itwillbeawearywalk!’
‘Ishallnotwalk.Timepresses,’saidGandalf.Thenliftinguphisheadhegavealongwhistle.Soclearandpiercingwasthenotethattheothersstoodamazedtohearsuchasoundcomefromthoseoldbeardedlips.Threetimeshewhistled;andthenfaintandfaroffitseemedto
themthattheyheardthewhinnyofahorseborneupfromtheplainsupontheeasternwind.Theywaitedwondering.Beforelongtherecamethesoundofhoofs,atfirsthardlymorethanatremorofthegroundperceptibleonlytoAragornashelayuponthegrass,thengrowingsteadilylouderandclearertoaquickbeat.
‘Thereismorethanone
horsecoming,’saidAragorn.‘Certainly,’saidGandalf.‘Wearetoogreataburdenforone.’
‘Therearethree,’saidLegolas,gazingoutovertheplain.‘Seehowtheyrun!ThereisHasufel,andthereismyfriendArodbesidehim!Butthereisanotherthatstridesahead:averygreathorse.Ihavenotseenhislikebefore.’
‘Norwillyouagain,’saidGandalf.‘ThatisShadowfax.HeisthechiefoftheMearas,lordsofhorses,andnotevenThéoden,KingofRohan,haseverlookedonabetter.Doeshenotshinelikesilver,andrunassmoothlyasaswiftstream?Hehascomeforme:thehorseoftheWhiteRider.Wearegoingtobattletogether.’
Evenastheoldwizard
spoke,thegreathorsecamestridinguptheslopetowardsthem;hiscoatwasglisteningandhismaneflowinginthewindofhisspeed.Thetwoothersfollowed,nowfarbehind.AssoonasShadowfaxsawGandalf,hecheckedhispaceandwhinniedloudly;thentrottinggentlyforwardhestoopedhisproudheadandnuzzledhisgreatnostrilsagainsttheold
man’sneck.Gandalfcaressedhim.‘It
isalongwayfromRivendell,myfriend,’hesaid;‘butyouarewiseandswiftandcomeatneed.Farletusridenowtogether,andpartnotinthisworldagain!’
Soontheotherhorsescameupandstoodquietlyby,asifawaitingorders.‘WegoatoncetoMeduseld,thehallofyourmaster,Théoden,’
saidGandalf,addressingthemgravely.Theybowedtheirheads.‘Timepresses,sowithyourleave,myfriends,wewillride.Webegyoutouseallthespeedthatyoucan.HasufelshallbearAragornandArodLegolas.IwillsetGimlibeforeme,andbyhisleaveShadowfaxshallbearusboth.Wewillwaitnowonlytodrinkalittle.’
‘NowIunderstandapart
oflastnight’sriddle,’saidLegolasashespranglightlyuponArod’sback.‘Whethertheyfledatfirstinfear,ornot,ourhorsesmetShadowfax,theirchieftain,andgreetedhimwithjoy.Didyouknowthathewasathand,Gandalf?’
‘Yes,Iknew,’saidthewizard.‘Ibentmythoughtuponhim,biddinghimtomakehaste;foryesterdayhe
wasfarawayinthesouthofthisland.Swiftlymayhebearmebackagain!’
GandalfspokenowtoShadowfax,andthehorsesetoffatagoodpace,yetnotbeyondthemeasureoftheothers.Afteralittlewhileheturnedsuddenly,andchoosingaplacewherethebankswerelower,hewaded
theriver,andthenledthemawayduesouthintoaflatland,treelessandwide.Thewindwentlikegreywavesthroughtheendlessmilesofgrass.Therewasnosignofroadortrack,butShadowfaxdidnotstayorfalter.
‘HeissteeringastraightcoursenowforthehallsofThéodenundertheslopesoftheWhiteMountains,’saidGandalf.‘Itwillbequicker
so.ThegroundisfirmerintheEastemnet,wherethechiefnorthwardtracklies,acrosstheriver,butShadowfaxknowsthewaythrougheveryfenandhollow.’
Formanyhourstheyrodeonthroughthemeadsandriverlands.Oftenthegrasswassohighthatitreachedabovethekneesoftheriders,andtheirsteedsseemedtobe
swimminginagrey-greensea.Theycameuponmanyhiddenpools,andbroadacresofsedgewavingabovewetandtreacherousbogs;butShadowfaxfoundtheway,andtheotherhorsesfollowedinhisswath.SlowlythesunfellfromtheskydownintotheWest.Lookingoutoverthegreatplain,farawaytheriderssawitforamomentlikearedfiresinkingintothe
grass.Lowupontheedgeofsightshouldersofthemountainsglintedreduponeitherside.Asmokeseemedtoriseupanddarkenthesun’sdisctothehueofblood,asifithadkindledthegrassasitpasseddownundertherimofearth.
‘ThereliestheGapofRohan,’saidGandalf.‘Itisnowalmostduewestofus.ThatwayliesIsengard.’
‘Iseeagreatsmoke,’saidLegolas.‘Whatmaythatbe?’
‘Battleandwar!’saidGandalf.‘Rideon!’
Chapter6
THEKINGOFTHEGOLDENHALL
Theyrodeonthroughsunset,andslowdusk,andgatheringnight.Whenatlasttheyhaltedanddismounted,evenAragornwasstiffandweary.Gandalfonlyallowedthema
fewhours’rest.LegolasandGimlislept,andAragornlayflat,stretcheduponhisback;butGandalfstood,leaningonhisstaff,gazingintothedarkness,eastandwest.Allwassilent,andtherewasnosignorsoundoflivingthing.Thenightwasbarredwithlongclouds,fleetingonachillwind,whentheyaroseagain.Underthecoldmoontheywentononcemore,as
swiftasbythelightofday.Hourspassedandstill
theyrodeon.Gimlinoddedandwouldhavefallenfromhisseat,ifGandalfhadnotclutchedandshakenhim.HasufelandArod,wearybutproud,followedtheirtirelessleader,agreyshadowbeforethemhardlytobeseen.Themileswentby.ThewaxingmoonsankintothecloudyWest.
Abitterchillcameintotheair.SlowlyintheEastthedarkfadedtoacoldgrey.RedshaftsoflightleaptabovetheblackwallsoftheEmynMuilfarawayupontheirleft.Dawncameclearandbright;awindsweptacrosstheirpath,rushingthroughthebentgrasses.SuddenlyShadowfaxstoodstillandneighed.Gandalfpointedahead.
‘Look!’hecried,andthey
liftedtheirtiredeyes.BeforethemstoodthemountainsoftheSouth:white-tippedandstreakedwithblack.Thegrass-landsrolledagainstthehillsthatclusteredattheirfeet,andflowedupintomanyvalleysstilldimanddark,untouchedbythelightofdawn,windingtheirwayintotheheartofthegreatmountains.Immediatelybeforethetravellersthe
widestoftheseglensopenedlikealonggulfamongthehills.Farinwardtheyglimpsedatumbledmountain-masswithonetallpeak;atthemouthofthevaletherestoodlikeasentinelalonelyheight.Aboutitsfeetthereflowed,asathreadofsilver,thestreamthatissuedfromthedale;uponitsbrowtheycaught,stillfaraway,aglintintherisingsun,a
glimmerofgold.‘Speak,Legolas!’said
Gandalf.‘Telluswhatyouseetherebeforeus!’
Legolasgazedahead,shadinghiseyesfromthelevelshaftsofthenew-risensun.‘Iseeawhitestreamthatcomesdownfromthesnows,’hesaid.‘Whereitissuesfromtheshadowofthevaleagreenhillrisesupontheeast.Adikeandmightywalland
thornyfenceencircleit.Withinthererisetheroofsofhouses;andinthemidst,setuponagreenterrace,therestandsaloftagreathallofMen.Anditseemstomyeyesthatitisthatchedwithgold.Thelightofitshinesfarovertheland.Golden,too,arethepostsofitsdoors.Theremeninbrightmailstand;butallelsewithinthecourtsareyetasleep.’
‘Edorasthosecourtsarecalled,’saidGandalf,‘andMeduseldisthatgoldenhall.TheredwellsThéodensonofThengel,KingoftheMarkofRohan.Wearecomewiththerisingoftheday.Nowtheroadliesplaintoseebeforeus.Butwemustridemorewarily;forwarisabroad,andtheRohirrim,theHorse-lords,donotsleep,evenifitseemsofromafar.Drawno
weapon,speaknohaughtyword,Icounselyouall,untilwearecomebeforeThéoden’sseat.’
Themorningwasbrightandclearaboutthem,andbirdsweresinging,whenthetravellerscametothestream.Itrandownswiftlyintotheplain,andbeyondthefeetofthehillsturnedacrosstheir
pathinawidebend,flowingawayeasttofeedtheEntwashfaroffinitsreed-chokedbeds.Thelandwasgreen:inthewetmeadsandalongthegrassybordersofthestreamgrewmanywillow-trees.Alreadyinthissouthernlandtheywereblushingredattheirfingertips,feelingtheapproachofspring.Overthestreamtherewasafordbetweenlowbanksmuch
trampledbythepassageofhorses.Thetravellerspassedoverandcameuponawideruttedtrackleadingtowardstheuplands.
Atthefootofthewalledhillthewayranundertheshadowofmanymounds,highandgreen.Upontheirwesternsidesthegrasswaswhiteaswithadriftedsnow:smallflowerssprangtherelikecountlessstarsamidthe
turf.‘Look!’saidGandalf.
‘Howfairarethebrighteyesinthegrass!Evermindtheyarecalled,simbelmynëinthislandofMen,fortheyblossominalltheseasonsoftheyear,andgrowwheredeadmenrest.Behold!wearecometothegreatbarrowswherethesiresofThéodensleep.’
‘Sevenmoundsuponthe
left,andnineupontheright,’saidAragorn.‘Manylonglivesofmenitissincethegoldenhallwasbuilt.’
‘FivehundredtimeshavetheredleavesfalleninMirkwoodinmyhomesincethen,’saidLegolas,‘andbutalittlewhiledoesthatseemtous.’
‘ButtotheRidersoftheMarkitseemssolongago,’saidAragorn,‘thattheraising
ofthishouseisbutamemoryofsong,andtheyearsbeforearelostinthemistoftime.Nowtheycallthislandtheirhome,theirown,andtheirspeechissunderedfromtheirnorthernkin.’ThenhebegantochantsoftlyinaslowtongueunknowntotheElfandDwarf;yettheylistened,fortherewasastrongmusicinit.
‘That,Iguess,isthe
languageoftheRohirrim,’saidLegolas;‘foritisliketothislanditself;richandrollinginpart,andelsehardandsternasthemountains.ButIcannotguesswhatitmeans,savethatitisladenwiththesadnessofMortalMen.’
‘ItrunsthusintheCommonSpeech,’saidAragorn,‘asnearasIcanmakeit.
Wherenowthehorseandtherider?Whereisthehornthatwasblowing?
Whereisthehelmandthehauberk,andthebrighthairflowing?
Whereisthehandontheharpstring,andtheredfireglowing?
Whereisthespringandtheharvestandthetallcorngrowing?
Theyhavepassedlike
rainonthemountain,likeawindinthemeadow;
ThedayshavegonedownintheWestbehindthehillsintoshadow.
Whoshallgatherthesmokeofthedeadwoodburning,
OrbeholdtheflowingyearsfromtheSeareturning?
ThusspokeaforgottenpoetlongagoinRohan,recallinghowtallandfairwasEorltheYoung,whorodedownoutoftheNorth;andtherewerewingsuponthefeetofhissteed,Felaróf,fatherofhorses.Somenstillsingintheevening.’
Withthesewordsthetravellerspassedthesilentmounds.Followingthewindingwayupthegreen
shouldersofthehills,theycameatlasttothewidewind-sweptwallsandthegatesofEdoras.
Theresatmanymeninbrightmail,whosprangatoncetotheirfeetandbarredthewaywithspears.‘Stay,strangershereunknown!’theycriedinthetongueoftheRiddermark,demandingthenamesanderrandofthestrangers.Wonderwasin
theireyesbutlittlefriendliness;andtheylookeddarklyuponGandalf.
‘WelldoIunderstandyourspeech,’heansweredinthesamelanguage;‘yetfewstrangersdoso.WhythendoyounotspeakintheCommonTongue,asisthecustomintheWest,ifyouwishtobeanswered?’
‘ItisthewillofThéodenKingthatnoneshouldenter
hisgates,savethosewhoknowourtongueandareourfriends,’repliedoneoftheguards.‘Nonearewelcomehereindaysofwarbutourownfolk,andthosethatcomefromMundburginthelandofGondor.Whoareyouthatcomeheedlessovertheplainthusstrangelyclad,ridinghorsesliketoourownhorses?Longhavewekeptguardhere,andwehave
watchedyoufromafar.Neverhaveweseenotherriderssostrange,noranyhorsemoreproudthanisoneofthesethatbearyou.HeisoneoftheMearas,unlessoureyesarecheatedbysomespell.Say,areyounotawizard,somespyfromSaruman,orphantomsofhiscraft?Speaknowandbeswift!’
‘Wearenophantoms,’saidAragorn,‘nordoyour
eyescheatyou.Forindeedtheseareyourownhorsesthatweride,asyouknewwellereyouasked,Iguess.Butseldomdoesthiefridehometothestable.HereareHasufelandArod,thatÉomer,theThirdMarshaloftheMark,lenttous,onlytwodaysago.Webringthembacknow,evenaswepromisedhim.HasnotÉomerthenreturnedandgiven
warningofourcoming?’Atroubledlookcameinto
theguard’seyes.‘OfÉomerIhavenaughttosay,’heanswered.‘Ifwhatyoutellmeistruth,thendoubtlessThéodenwillhaveheardofit.Maybeyourcomingwasnotwhollyunlooked-for.ItisbuttwonightsagothatWormtonguecametousandsaidthatbythewillofThéodennostrangershould
passthesegates.’‘Wormtongue?’said
Gandalf,lookingsharplyattheguard.‘Saynomore!MyerrandisnottoWormtongue,buttotheLordoftheMarkhimself.Iaminhaste.Willyounotgoorsendtosaythatwearecome?’Hiseyesglintedunderhisdeepbrowsashebenthisgazeupontheman.
‘Yes,Iwillgo,’he
answeredslowly.‘ButwhatnamesshallIreport?AndwhatshallIsayofyou?Oldandwearyyouseemnow,andyetyouarefellandgrimbeneath,Ideem.’
‘Welldoyouseeandspeak,’saidthewizard.‘ForIamGandalf.Ihavereturned.Andbehold!Itoobringbackahorse.HereisShadowfaxtheGreat,whomnootherhandcantame.Andhere
besidemeisAragornsonofArathorn,theheirofKings,anditistoMundburgthathegoes.HerealsoareLegolastheElfandGimlitheDwarf,ourcomrades.Gonowandsaytoyourmasterthatweareathisgatesandwouldhavespeechwithhim,ifhewillpermitustocomeintohishall.’
‘Strangenamesyougiveindeed!ButIwillreportthem
asyoubid,andlearnmymaster’swill,’saidtheguard.‘Waitherealittlewhile,andIwillbringyousuchanswerasseemsgoodtohim.Donothopetoomuch!Thesearedarkdays.’Hewentswiftlyaway,leavingthestrangersinthewatchfulkeepingofhiscomrades.
Aftersometimehereturned.‘Followme!’hesaid.‘Théodengivesyou
leavetoenter;butanyweaponthatyoubear,beitonlyastaff,youmustleaveonthethreshold.Thedoorwardenswillkeepthem.’
Thedarkgateswereswungopen.Thetravellersentered,walkinginfilebehindtheirguide.Theyfoundabroadpath,pavedwithhewnstones,now
windingupward,nowclimbinginshortflightsofwell-laidsteps.Manyhousesbuiltofwoodandmanydarkdoorstheypassed.Besidethewayinastonechannelastreamofclearwaterflowed,sparklingandchattering.Atlengththeycametothecrownofthehill.Therestoodahighplatformaboveagreenterrace,atthefootofwhichabrightspringgushedfroma
stonecarvedinthelikenessofahorse’shead;beneathwasawidebasinfromwhichthewaterspilledandfedthefallingstream.Upthegreenterracewentastairofstone,highandbroad,andoneithersideofthetopmoststepwerestone-hewnseats.Theresatotherguards,withdrawnswordslaidupontheirknees.Theirgoldenhairwasbraidedontheirshoulders;thesun
wasblazonedupontheirgreenshields,theirlongcorsletswereburnishedbright,andwhentheyrosetallertheyseemedthanmortalmen.
‘Therearethedoorsbeforeyou,’saidtheguide.‘Imustreturnnowtomydutyatthegate.Farewell!AndmaytheLordoftheMarkbe
gracioustoyou!’Heturnedandwent
swiftlybackdowntheroad.Theothersclimbedthelongstairundertheeyesofthetallwatchmen.Silenttheystoodnowaboveandspokenoword,untilGandalfsteppedoutuponthepavedterraceatthestair’shead.Thensuddenlywithclearvoicestheyspokeacourteousgreetingintheirowntongue.
‘Hail,comersfromafar!’theysaid,andtheyturnedthehiltsoftheirswordstowardsthetravellersintokenofpeace.Greengemsflashedinthesunlight.ThenoneoftheguardssteppedforwardandspokeintheCommonSpeech.
‘IamtheDoorwardofThéoden,’hesaid.‘Hámaismyname.HereImustbidyoulayasideyourweapons
beforeyouenter.’ThenLegolasgaveinto
hishandhissilver-haftedknife,hisquiver,andhisbow.‘Keepthesewell,’hesaid,‘fortheycomefromtheGoldenWoodandtheLadyofLothlóriengavethemtome.’
Wondercameintotheman’seyes,andhelaidtheweaponshastilybythewall,asifhefearedtohandlethem.
‘Nomanwilltouchthem,Ipromiseyou,’hesaid.
Aragornstoodawhilehesitating.‘Itisnotmywill,’hesaid,‘toputasidemyswordortodeliverAndúriltothehandofanyotherman.’
‘ItisthewillofThéoden,’saidHáma.
‘ItisnotcleartomethatthewillofThéodensonofThengel,eventhoughhebelordoftheMark,should
prevailoverthewillofAragornsonofArathorn,Elendil’sheirofGondor.’
‘ThisisthehouseofThéoden,notofAragorn,evenwereheKingofGondorintheseatofDenethor,’saidHáma,steppingswiftlybeforethedoorsandbarringtheway.Hisswordwasnowinhishandandthepointtowardsthestrangers.
‘Thisisidletalk,’said
Gandalf.‘NeedlessisThéoden’sdemand,butitisuselesstorefuse.Akingwillhavehiswayinhisownhall,beitfollyorwisdom.’
‘Truly,’saidAragorn.‘AndIwoulddoasthemasterofthehousebademe,werethisonlyawoodman’scot,ifIborenowanyswordbutAndúril.’
‘Whateveritsnamemaybe,’saidHáma,‘hereyou
shalllayit,ifyouwouldnotfightaloneagainstallthemeninEdoras.’
‘Notalone!’saidGimli,fingeringthebladeofhisaxe,andlookingdarklyupattheguard,asifhewereayoungtreethatGimlihadamindtofell.‘Notalone!’
‘Come,come!’saidGandalf.‘Weareallfriendshere.Orshouldbe;forthelaughterofMordorwillbe
ouronlyreward,ifwequarrel.Myerrandispressing.Hereatleastismysword,goodmanHáma.Keepitwell.Glamdringitiscalled,fortheElvesmadeitlongago.Nowletmepass.Come,Aragorn!’
SlowlyAragornunbuckledhisbeltandhimselfsethissworduprightagainstthewall.‘HereIsetit,’hesaid;‘butIcommand
younottotouchit,nortopermitanyothertolayhandonit.InthisElvishsheathdwellstheBladethatwasBrokenandhasbeenmadeagain.Telcharfirstwroughtitinthedeepsoftime.DeathshallcometoanymanthatdrawsElendil’sswordsaveElendil’sheir.’
TheguardsteppedbackandlookedwithamazementonAragorn.‘Itseemsthat
youarecomeonthewingsofsongoutoftheforgottendays,’hesaid.‘Itshallbe,lord,asyoucommand.’
‘Well,’saidGimli,‘ifithasAndúriltokeepitcompany,myaxemaystayhere,too,withoutshame’;andhelaiditonthefloor.‘Nowthen,ifallisasyouwish,letusgoandspeakwithyourmaster.’
Theguardstillhesitated.
‘Yourstaff,’hesaidtoGandalf.‘Forgiveme,butthattoomustbeleftatthedoors.’
‘Foolishness!’saidGandalf.‘Prudenceisonething,butdiscourtesyisanother.Iamold.IfImaynotleanonmystickasIgo,thenIwillsitouthere,untilitpleasesThéodentohobbleouthimselftospeakwithme.’
Aragornlaughed.‘Everymanhassomethingtoodeartotrusttoanother.Butwouldyoupartanoldmanfromhissupport?Come,willyounotletusenter?’
‘Thestaffinthehandofawizardmaybemorethanapropforage,’saidHáma.Helookedhardattheash-staffonwhichGandalfleaned.‘Yetindoubtamanofworthwilltrusttohisownwisdom.
Ibelieveyouarefriendsandfolkworthyofhonour,whohavenoevilpurpose.Youmaygoin.’
Theguardsnowliftedtheheavybarsofthedoorsandswungthemslowlyinwardsgrumblingontheirgreathinges.Thetravellersentered.Insideitseemeddarkandwarmaftertheclearairupon
thehill.Thehallwaslongandwideandfilledwithshadowsandhalflights;mightypillarsuphelditsloftyroof.Buthereandtherebrightsunbeamsfellinglimmeringshaftsfromtheeasternwindows,highunderthedeepeaves.Throughthelouverintheroof,abovethethinwispsofissuingsmoke,theskyshowedpaleandblue.Astheireyeschanged,the
travellersperceivedthatthefloorwaspavedwithstonesofmanyhues;branchingrunesandstrangedevicesintertwinedbeneaththeirfeet.Theysawnowthatthepillarswererichlycarved,gleamingdullywithgoldandhalf-seencolours.Manywovenclothswerehunguponthewalls,andovertheirwidespacesmarchedfiguresofancientlegend,somedimwithyears,
somedarklingintheshade.Butupononeformthesunlightfell:ayoungmanuponawhitehorse.Hewasblowingagreathorn,andhisyellowhairwasflyinginthewind.Thehorse’sheadwaslifted,anditsnostrilswerewideandredasitneighed,smellingbattleafar.Foamingwater,greenandwhite,rushedandcurledaboutitsknees.
‘BeholdEorltheYoung!’saidAragorn.‘ThusherodeoutoftheNorthtotheBattleoftheFieldofCelebrant.’
Nowthefourcompanionswentforward,pasttheclearwood-fireburninguponthelonghearthinthemidstofthehall.Thentheyhalted.Atthefarendofthehouse,beyondthehearthandfacingnorth
towardsthedoors,wasadaiswiththreesteps;andinthemiddleofthedaiswasagreatgildedchair.Uponitsatamansobentwithagethatheseemedalmostadwarf;buthiswhitehairwaslongandthickandfellingreatbraidsfrombeneathathingoldencircletsetuponhisbrow.Inthecentreuponhisforeheadshoneasinglewhitediamond.Hisbeardwaslaid
likesnowuponhisknees;buthiseyesstillburnedwithabrightlight,glintingashegazedatthestrangers.Behindhischairstoodawomancladinwhite.Athisfeetuponthestepssatawizenedfigureofaman,withapalewisefaceandheavy-liddedeyes.
Therewasasilence.Theoldmandidnotmoveinhischair.AtlengthGandalfspoke.‘Hail,Théodensonof
Thengel!Ihavereturned.Forbehold!thestormcomes,andnowallfriendsshouldgathertogether,lesteachsinglybedestroyed.’
Slowlytheoldmanrosetohisfeet,leaningheavilyuponashortblackstaffwithahandleofwhitebone;andnowthestrangerssawthat,bentthoughhewas,hewasstilltallandmustinyouthhavebeenhighandproud
indeed.‘Igreetyou,’hesaid,‘and
maybeyoulookforwelcome.Buttruthtotellyourwelcomeisdoubtfulhere,MasterGandalf.Youhaveeverbeenaheraldofwoe.Troublesfollowyoulikecrows,andevertheoftenertheworse.Iwillnotdeceiveyou:whenIheardthatShadowfaxhadcomebackriderless,Irejoicedatthereturnofthe
horse,butstillmoreatthelackoftherider;andwhenÉomerbroughtthetidingsthatyouhadgoneatlasttoyourlonghome,Ididnotmourn.Butnewsfromafarisseldomsooth.Hereyoucomeagain!Andwithyoucomeevilsworsethanbefore,asmightbeexpected.WhyshouldIwelcomeyou,GandalfStormcrow?Tellmethat.’Slowlyhesatdown
againinhischair.‘Youspeakjustly,lord,’
saidthepalemansittinguponthestepsofthedais.‘ItisnotyetfivedayssincethebittertidingscamethatThéodredyoursonwasslainupontheWestMarches:yourright-hand,SecondMarshaloftheMark.InÉomerthereislittletrust.Fewmenwouldbelefttoguardyourwalls,ifhehadbeenallowedtorule.And
evennowwelearnfromGondorthattheDarkLordisstirringintheEast.Suchisthehourinwhichthiswandererchoosestoreturn.Whyindeedshouldwewelcomeyou,MasterStormcrow?LáthspellInameyou,Ill-news;andillnewsisanillguesttheysay.’Helaughedgrimly,asheliftedhisheavylidsforamomentandgazedonthestrangers
withdarkeyes.‘Youareheldwise,my
friendWormtongue,andaredoubtlessagreatsupporttoyourmaster,’answeredGandalfinasoftvoice.‘Yetintwowaysmayamancomewitheviltidings.Hemaybeaworkerofevil;orhemaybesuchasleaveswellalone,andcomesonlytobringaidintimeofneed.’
‘Thatisso,’said
Wormtongue;‘butthereisathirdkind:pickersofbones,meddlersinothermen’ssorrows,carrion-fowlthatgrowfatonwar.Whataidhaveyoueverbrought,Stormcrow?Andwhataiddoyoubringnow?Itwasaidfromusthatyousoughtlasttimethatyouwerehere.Thenmylordbadeyouchooseanyhorsethatyouwouldandbegone;andtothewonderofall
youtookShadowfaxinyourinsolence.Mylordwassorelygrieved;yettosomeitseemedthattospeedyoufromthelandthepricewasnottoogreat.Iguessthatitislikelytoturnoutthesameoncemore:youwillseekaidratherthanrenderit.Doyoubringmen?Doyoubringhorses,swords,spears?ThatIwouldcallaid;thatisourpresentneed.Butwhoare
thesethatfollowatyourtail?Threeraggedwanderersingrey,andyouyourselfthemostbeggar-likeofthefour!’
‘Thecourtesyofyourhallissomewhatlessenedoflate,ThéodensonofThengel,’saidGandalf.‘Hasnotthemessengerfromyourgatereportedthenamesofmycompanions?SeldomhasanylordofRohanreceivedthreesuchguests.Weaponsthey
havelaidatyourdoorsthatareworthmanyamortalman,eventhemightiest.Greyistheirraiment,fortheElvescladthem,andthustheyhavepassedthroughtheshadowofgreatperilstoyourhall.’
‘Thenitistrue,asÉomerreported,thatyouareinleaguewiththeSorceressoftheGoldenWood?’saidWormtongue.‘Itisnottobewonderedat:websofdeceit
wereeverwoveninDwimordene.’
Gimlistrodeapaceforward,butfeltsuddenlythehandofGandalfclutchhimbytheshoulder,andhehalted,standingstiffasstone.
InDwimordene,inLórienSeldomhavewalkedthefeetofMen,
FewmortaleyeshaveseenthelightThatliesthereever,longandbright.Galadriel!Galadriel!Clearisthewaterofyourwell;Whiteisthestarinyourwhitehand;Unmarred,unstainedisleafandland
InDwimordene,inLórienMorefairthanthoughtsofMortalMen.
ThusGandalfsoftlysang,andthensuddenlyhechanged.Castinghistatteredcloakaside,hestoodupandleanednolongeronhisstaff;andhespokeinaclearcoldvoice.
‘Thewisespeakonlyofwhattheyknow,GrímasonofGálmód.Awitlesswormhaveyoubecome.Thereforebesilent,andkeepyourforkedtonguebehindyourteeth.Ihavenotpassedthroughfireanddeathtobandycrookedwordswithaserving-mantillthelightningfalls.’
Heraisedhisstaff.Therewasarollofthunder.The
sunlightwasblottedoutfromtheeasternwindows;thewholehallbecamesuddenlydarkasnight.Thefirefadedtosullenembers.OnlyGandalfcouldbeseen,standingwhiteandtallbeforetheblackenedhearth.
InthegloomtheyheardthehissofWormtongue’svoice:‘DidInotcounselyou,lord,toforbidhisstaff?Thatfool,Háma,hasbetrayedus!’
Therewasaflashasiflightninghadcloventheroof.Thenallwassilent.Wormtonguesprawledonhisface.
‘NowThéodensonofThengel,willyouhearkentome?’saidGandalf.‘Doyouaskforhelp?’Heliftedhisstaffandpointedtoahighwindow.Therethedarkness
seemedtoclear,andthroughtheopeningcouldbeseen,highandfar,apatchofshiningsky.‘Notallisdark.Takecourage,LordoftheMark;forbetterhelpyouwillnotfind.NocounselhaveItogivetothosethatdespair.YetcounselIcouldgive,andwordsIcouldspeaktoyou.Willyouhearthem?Theyarenotforallears.Ibidyoucomeoutbeforeyourdoors
andlookabroad.Toolonghaveyousatinshadowsandtrustedtotwistedtalesandcrookedpromptings.’
SlowlyThéodenlefthischair.Afaintlightgrewinthehallagain.Thewomanhastenedtotheking’sside,takinghisarm,andwithfalteringstepstheoldmancamedownfromthedaisandpacedsoftlythroughthehall.Wormtongueremainedlying
onthefloor.TheycametothedoorsandGandalfknocked.
‘Open!’hecried.‘TheLordoftheMarkcomesforth!’
Thedoorsrolledbackandakeenaircamewhistlingin.Awindwasblowingonthehill.
‘Sendyourguardsdowntothestairs’foot,’saidGandalf.‘Andyou,lady,leavehimawhilewithme.I
willcareforhim.’‘Go,Éowynsister-
daughter!’saidtheoldking.‘Thetimeforfearispast.’
Thewomanturnedandwentslowlyintothehouse.Asshepassedthedoorssheturnedandlookedback.Graveandthoughtfulwasherglance,asshelookedonthekingwithcoolpityinhereyes.Veryfairwasherface,andherlonghairwaslikea
riverofgold.Slenderandtallshewasinherwhiterobegirtwithsilver;butstrongsheseemedandsternassteel,adaughterofkings.ThusAragornforthefirsttimeinthefulllightofdaybeheldÉowyn,LadyofRohan,andthoughtherfair,fairandcold,likeamorningofpalespringthatisnotyetcometowomanhood.Andshenowwassuddenlyawareofhim:
tallheirofkings,wisewithmanywinters,greycloaked,hidingapowerthatyetshefelt.Foramomentstillasstoneshestood,thenturningswiftlyshewasgone.
‘Now,lord,’saidGandalf,‘lookoutuponyourland!Breathethefreeairagain!’
FromtheporchuponthetopofthehighterracetheycouldseebeyondthestreamthegreenfieldsofRohan
fadingintodistantgrey.Curtainsofwind-blownrainwereslantingdown.Theskyaboveandtothewestwasstilldarkwiththunder,andlightningfarawayflickeredamongthetopsofhiddenhills.Butthewindhadshiftedtothenorth,andalreadythestormthathadcomeoutoftheEastwasreceding,rollingawaysouthwardtothesea.Suddenlythrougharentin
thecloudsbehindthemashaftofsunstabbeddown.Thefallingshowersgleamedlikesilver,andfarawaytheriverglitteredlikeashimmeringglass.
‘Itisnotsodarkhere,’saidThéoden.
‘No,’saidGandalf.‘Nordoesageliesoheavilyonyourshouldersassomewouldhaveyouthink.Castasideyourprop!’
Fromtheking’shandtheblackstafffellclatteringonthestones.Hedrewhimselfup,slowly,asamanthatisstifffromlongbendingoversomedulltoil.Nowtallandstraighthestood,andhiseyeswereblueashelookedintotheopeningsky.
‘Darkhavebeenmydreamsoflate,’hesaid,‘butIfeelasonenew-awakened.Iwouldnowthatyouhadcome
before,Gandalf.ForIfearthatalreadyyouhavecometoolate,onlytoseethelastdaysofmyhouse.NotlongnowshallstandthehighhallwhichBregosonofEorlbuilt.Fireshalldevourthehighseat.Whatistobedone?’
‘Much,’saidGandalf.‘ButfirstsendforÉomer.DoInotguessrightlythatyouholdhimprisoner,bythe
counselofGríma,ofhimthatallsaveyounametheWormtongue?’
‘Itistrue,’saidThéoden.‘Hehadrebelledagainstmycommands,andthreateneddeathtoGrímainmyhall.’
‘AmanmayloveyouandyetnotloveWormtongueorhiscounsels,’saidGandalf.
‘Thatmaybe.Iwilldoasyouask.CallHámatome.Sinceheproveduntrustyasa
doorward,lethimbecomeanerrand-runner.Theguiltyshallbringtheguiltytojudgement,’saidThéoden,andhisvoicewasgrim,yethelookedatGandalfandsmiledandashedidsomanylinesofcareweresmoothedawayanddidnotreturn.
WhenHámahadbeensummonedandhadgone,
GandalfledThéodentoastoneseat,andthensathimselfbeforethekinguponthetopmoststair.Aragornandhiscompanionsstoodnearby.
‘Thereisnotimetotellallthatyoushouldhear,’saidGandalf.‘Yetifmyhopeisnotcheated,atimewillcomeerelongwhenIcanspeakmorefully.Behold!youarecomeintoaperilgreatereven
thanthewitofWormtonguecouldweaveintoyourdreams.Butsee!youdreamnolonger.Youlive.GondorandRohandonotstandalone.Theenemyisstrongbeyondourreckoning,yetwehaveahopeatwhichhehasnotguessed.’
QuicklynowGandalfspoke.Hisvoicewaslowandsecret,andnonesavethekingheardwhathesaid.Butever
ashespokethelightshonebrighterinThéoden’seye,andatthelastherosefromhisseattohisfullheight,andGandalfbesidehim,andtogethertheylookedoutfromthehighplacetowardstheEast.
‘Verily,’saidGandalf,nowinaloudvoice,keenandclear,‘thatwayliesourhope,wheresitsourgreatestfear.Doomhangsstillonathread.
Yethopethereisstill,ifwecanbutstandunconqueredforalittlewhile.’
Theotherstoonowturnedtheireyeseastward.Overthesunderingleaguesofland,farawaytheygazedtotheedgeofsight,andhopeandfearboretheirthoughtsstillon,beyonddarkmountainstotheLandofShadow.WherenowwastheRing-bearer?Howthinindeedwasthethread
uponwhichdoomstillhung!ItseemedtoLegolas,ashestrainedhisfarseeingeyes,thathecaughtaglintofwhite:farawayperchancethesuntwinkledonapinnacleoftheTowerofGuard.Andfurtherstill,endlesslyremoteandyetapresentthreat,therewasatinytongueofflame.
SlowlyThéodensatdownagain,asifwearinessstillstruggledtomasterhim
againstthewillofGandalf.Heturnedandlookedathisgreathouse.‘Alas!’hesaid,‘thattheseevildaysshouldbemine,andshouldcomeinmyoldageinsteadofthatpeacewhichIhaveearned.AlasforBoromirthebrave!Theyoungperishandtheoldlinger,withering.’Heclutchedhiskneeswithhiswrinkledhands.
‘Yourfingerswould
remembertheiroldstrengthbetter,iftheygraspedasword-hilt,’saidGandalf.
Théodenroseandputhishandtohisside;butnoswordhungathisbelt.‘WherehasGrímastowedit?’hemutteredunderhisbreath.
‘Takethis,dearlord!’saidaclearvoice.‘Itwaseveratyourservice.’Twomenhadcomesoftlyupthestairandstoodnowafewstepsfrom
thetop.Éomerwasthere.Nohelmwasonhishead,nomailwasonhisbreast,butinhishandheheldadrawnsword;andashekneltheofferedthehilttohismaster.
‘Howcomesthis?’saidThéodensternly.HeturnedtowardsÉomer,andthemenlookedinwonderathim,standingnowproudanderect.Wherewastheoldmanwhomtheyhadleftcrouching
inhischairorleaningonhisstick?
‘Itismydoing,lord,’saidHáma,trembling.‘IunderstoodthatÉomerwastobesetfree.SuchjoywasinmyheartthatmaybeIhaveerred.Yet,sincehewasfreeagain,andheaMarshaloftheMark,Ibroughthimhisswordashebademe.’
‘Tolayatyourfeet,mylord,’saidÉomer.
ForamomentofsilenceThéodenstoodlookingdownatÉomerashekneltstillbeforehim.Neithermoved.
‘Willyounottakethesword?’saidGandalf.
SlowlyThéodenstretchedforthhishand.Ashisfingerstookthehilt,itseemedtothewatchersthatfirmnessandstrengthreturnedtohisthinarm.Suddenlyheliftedthebladeandswungit
shimmeringandwhistlingintheair.Thenhegaveagreatcry.HisvoicerangclearashechantedinthetongueofRohanacalltoarms.
Arisenow,arise,RidersofThéoden!Diredeedsawake,darkisiteastward.Lethorsebebridled,hornbesounded!
ForthEorlingas!
Theguards,thinkingthattheyweresummoned,sprangupthestair.Theylookedattheirlordinamazement,andthenasonemantheydrewtheirswordsandlaidthemathisfeet.‘Commandus!’theysaid.
‘WestuThéodenhál!’criedÉomer.‘Itisajoytous
toseeyoureturnintoyourown.Neveragainshallitbesaid,Gandalf,thatyoucomeonlywithgrief!’
‘Takebackyoursword,Éomer,sister-son!’saidtheking.‘Go,Háma,andseekmyownsword!Grímahasitinhiskeeping.Bringhimtomealso.Now,Gandalf,yousaidthatyouhadcounseltogive,ifIwouldhearit.Whatisyourcounsel?’
‘Youhaveyourselfalreadytakenit,’answeredGandalf.‘ToputyourtrustinÉomer,ratherthaninamanofcrookedmind.Tocastasideregretandfear.Todothedeedathand.Everymanthatcanrideshouldbesentwestatonce,asÉomercounselledyou:wemustfirstdestroythethreatofSaruman,whilewehavetime.Ifwefail,wefall.Ifwesucceed–
thenwewillfacethenexttask.Meanwhileyourpeoplethatareleft,thewomenandthechildrenandtheold,shouldflytotherefugesthatyouhaveinthemountains.Weretheynotpreparedagainstjustsuchanevildayasthis?Letthemtakeprovision,butdelaynot,norburdenthemselveswithtreasures,greatorsmall.Itistheirlivesthatareatstake.’
‘Thiscounselseemsgoodtomenow,’saidThéoden.‘Letallmyfolkgetready!Butyoumyguests–trulyyousaid,Gandalf,thatthecourtesyofmyhallislessened.Youhaveriddenthroughthenight,andthemorningwearsaway.Youhavehadneithersleepnorfood.Aguest-houseshallbemadeready:thereyoushallsleep,whenyouhaveeaten.’
‘Nay,lord,’saidAragorn.‘Thereisnorestyetfortheweary.ThemenofRohanmustrideforthtoday,andwewillridewiththem,axe,sword,andbow.Wedidnotbringthemtorestagainstyourwall,LordoftheMark.AndIpromisedÉomerthatmyswordandhisshouldbedrawntogether.’
‘Nowindeedthereishopeofvictory!’saidÉomer.
‘Hope,yes,’saidGandalf.‘ButIsengardisstrong.Andotherperilsdrawevernearer.Donotdelay,Théoden,whenwearegone.LeadyourpeopleswiftlytotheHoldofDunharrowinthehills!’
‘Nay,Gandalf!’saidtheking.‘Youdonotknowyourownskillinhealing.Itshallnotbeso.Imyselfwillgotowar,tofallinthefrontofthebattle,ifitmustbe.Thus
shallIsleepbetter.’‘Theneventhedefeatof
Rohanwillbegloriousinsong,’saidAragorn.Thearmedmenthatstoodnearclashedtheirweapons,crying:‘TheLordoftheMarkwillride!ForthEorlingas!’
‘Butyourpeoplemustnotbebothunarmedandshepherdless,’saidGandalf.‘Whoshallguidethemand
governtheminyourplace?’‘Iwilltakethoughtfor
thatereIgo,’answeredThéoden.‘Herecomesmycounsellor.’
AtthatmomentHámacameagainfromthehall.Behindhimcringingbetweentwoothermen,cameGrímatheWormtongue.Hisfacewasverywhite.Hiseyes
blinkedinthesunlight.HámakneltandpresentedtoThéodenalongswordinascabbardclaspedwithgoldandsetwithgreengems.
‘Here,lord,isHerugrim,yourancientblade,’hesaid.‘Itwasfoundinhischest.Lothwashetorenderupthekeys.Manyotherthingsaretherewhichmenhavemissed.’
‘Youlie,’said
Wormtongue.‘Andthisswordyourmasterhimselfgaveintomykeeping.’
‘Andhenowrequiresitofyouagain,’saidThéoden.‘Doesthatdispleaseyou?’
‘Assuredlynot,lord,’saidWormtongue.‘IcareforyouandyoursasbestImay.Butdonotwearyyourself,ortaxtooheavilyyourstrength.Letothersdealwiththeseirksomeguests.Yourmeatis
abouttobesetontheboard.Willyounotgotoit?’
‘Iwill,’saidThéoden.‘Andletfoodformyguestsbesetontheboardbesideme.Thehostridestoday.Sendtheheraldsforth!Letthemsummonallwhodwellnigh!Everymanandstrongladabletobeararms,allwhohavehorses,letthembereadyinthesaddleatthegateerethesecondhourfrom
noon!’‘Dearlord!’cried
Wormtongue.‘ItisasIfeared.Thiswizardhasbewitchedyou.ArenonetobelefttodefendtheGoldenHallofyourfathers,andallyourtreasure?NonetoguardtheLordoftheMark?’
‘Ifthisisbewitchment,’saidThéoden,‘itseemstomemorewholesomethanyourwhisperings.Yourleechcraft
erelongwouldhavehadmewalkingonallfourslikeabeast.No,notoneshallbeleft,notevenGríma.Grímashallridetoo.Go!Youhaveyettimetocleantherustfromyoursword.’
‘Mercy,lord!’whinedWormtongue,grovellingontheground.‘Havepityononewornoutinyourservice.Sendmenotfromyourside!Iatleastwillstandbyyou
whenallothershavegone.DonotsendyourfaithfulGrímaaway!’
‘Youhavemypity,’saidThéoden.‘AndIdonotsendyoufrommyside.Igomyselftowarwithmymen.Ibidyoucomewithmeandproveyourfaith.’
Wormtonguelookedfromfacetoface.Inhiseyeswasthehuntedlookofabeastseekingsomegapinthering
ofhisenemies.Helickedhislipswithalongpaletongue.‘SucharesolvemightbeexpectedfromalordoftheHouseofEorl,oldthoughhebe,’hesaid.‘Butthosewhotrulylovehimwouldsparehisfailingyears.YetIseethatIcometoolate.Others,whomthedeathofmylordwouldperhapsgrieveless,havealreadypersuadedhim.IfIcannotundotheirwork,
hearmeatleastinthis,lord!OnewhoknowsyourmindandhonoursyourcommandsshouldbeleftinEdoras.Appointafaithfulsteward.LetyourcounsellorGrímakeepallthingstillyourreturn–andIpraythatwemayseeit,thoughnowisemanwilldeemithopeful.’
Éomerlaughed.‘Andifthatpleadoesnotexcuseyoufromwar,mostnoble
Wormtongue,’hesaid,‘whatofficeoflesshonourwouldyouaccept?Tocarryasackofmealupintothemountains–ifanymanwouldtrustyouwithit?’
‘Nay,Éomer,youdonotfullyunderstandthemindofMasterWormtongue,’saidGandalf,turninghispiercingglanceuponhim.‘Heisboldandcunning.Evennowheplaysagamewithperiland
winsathrow.Hoursofmyprecioustimehehaswastedalready.Down,snake!’hesaidsuddenlyinaterriblevoice.‘Downonyourbelly!HowlongisitsinceSarumanboughtyou?Whatwasthepromisedprice?Whenallthemenweredead,youweretopickyourshareofthetreasure,andtakethewomanyoudesire?Toolonghaveyouwatchedherunderyour
eyelidsandhauntedhersteps.’
Éomergraspedhissword.‘ThatIknewalready,’hemuttered.‘ForthatreasonIwouldhaveslainhimbefore,forgettingthelawofthehall.Butthereareotherreasons.’Hesteppedforward,butGandalfstayedhimwithhishand.
‘Éowynissafenow,’hesaid.‘Butyou,Wormtongue,
youhavedonewhatyoucouldforyourtruemaster.Somerewardyouhaveearnedatleast.YetSarumanisapttooverlookhisbargains.Ishouldadviseyoutogoquicklyandremindhim,lestheforgetyourfaithfulservice.’
‘Youlie,’saidWormtongue.
‘Thatwordcomestoooftandeasyfromyourlips,’said
Gandalf.‘Idonotlie.See,Théoden,hereisasnake!Withsafetyyoucannottakeitwithyou,norcanyouleaveitbehind.Toslayitwouldbejust.Butitwasnotalwaysasitnowis.Onceitwasaman,anddidyouserviceinitsfashion.Givehimahorseandlethimgoatonce,whereverhechooses.Byhischoiceyoushalljudgehim.’
‘Doyouhearthis,
Wormtongue?’saidThéoden.‘Thisisyourchoice:toridewithmetowar,andletusseeinbattlewhetheryouaretrue;ortogonow,whitheryouwill.Butthen,ifeverwemeetagain,Ishallnotbemerciful.’
SlowlyWormtonguerose.Helookedatthemwithhalf-closedeyes.LastofallhescannedThéoden’sfaceandopenedhismouthasifto
speak.Thensuddenlyhedrewhimselfup.Hishandsworked.Hiseyesglittered.Suchmalicewasinthemthatmensteppedbackfromhim.Hebaredhisteeth;andthenwithahissingbreathhespatbeforetheking’sfeet,anddartingtooneside,hefleddownthestair.
‘Afterhim!’saidThéoden.‘Seethathedoesnoharmtoany,butdonothurt
himorhinderhim.Givehimahorse,ifhewishesit.’
‘Andifanywillbearhim,’saidÉomer.
Oneoftheguardsrandownthestair.Anotherwenttothewellatthefootoftheterraceandinhishelmdrewwater.WithithewashedcleanthestonesthatWormtonguehaddefiled.
‘Nowmyguests,come!’saidThéoden.‘Comeandtakesuchrefreshmentashasteallows.’
Theypassedbackintothegreathouse.Alreadytheyheardbelowtheminthetowntheheraldscryingandthewar-hornsblowing.Forthekingwastorideforthassoonasthemenofthetownandthosedwellingnearcouldbearmedandassembled.
Attheking’sboardsatÉomerandthefourguests,andtherealsowaitinguponthekingwastheladyÉowyn.Theyateanddrankswiftly.TheothersweresilentwhileThéodenquestionedGandalfconcerningSaruman.
‘Howfarbackhistreacherygoes,whocanguess?’saidGandalf.‘Hewasnotalwaysevil.OnceIdonotdoubtthathewasthe
friendofRohan;andevenwhenhisheartgrewcolder,hefoundyouusefulstill.Butforlongnowhehasplottedyourruin,wearingthemaskoffriendship,untilhewasready.InthoseyearsWormtongue’staskwaseasy,andallthatyoudidwasswiftlyknowninIsengard;foryourlandwasopen,andstrangerscameandwent.AndeverWormtongue’s
whisperingwasinyourears,poisoningyourthought,chillingyourheart,weakeningyourlimbs,whileotherswatchedandcoulddonothing,foryourwillwasinhiskeeping.
‘ButwhenIescapedandwarnedyou,thenthemaskwastorn,forthosewhowouldsee.AfterthatWormtongueplayeddangerously,alwaysseeking
todelayyou,topreventyourfullstrengthbeinggathered.Hewascrafty:dullingmen’swariness,orworkingontheirfears,asservedtheoccasion.Doyounotrememberhoweagerlyheurgedthatnomanshouldbesparedonawildgoosechasenorthward,whentheimmediateperilwaswestward?HepersuadedyoutoforbidÉomertopursuetheraidingOrcs.IfÉomerhad
notdefiedWormtongue’svoicespeakingwithyourmouth,thoseOrcswouldhavereachedIsengardbynow,bearingagreatprize.NotindeedthatprizewhichSarumandesiresaboveallelse,butattheleasttwomembersofmyCompany,sharersofasecrethope,ofwhicheventoyou,lord,Icannotyetspeakopenly.Dareyouthinkofwhattheymight
nowbesuffering,orwhatSarumanmightnowhavelearnedtoourdestruction?’
‘IowemuchtoÉomer,’saidThéoden.‘Faithfulheartmayhavefrowardtongue.’
‘Sayalso,’saidGandalf,‘thattocrookedeyestruthmaywearawryface.’
‘Indeedmyeyeswerealmostblind,’saidThéoden.‘MostofallIowetoyou,myguest.Onceagainyouhave
comeintime.Iwouldgiveyouagifterewego,atyourownchoosing.Youhaveonlytonameaughtthatismine.Ireservenowonlymysword!’
‘WhetherIcameintimeornotisyettobeseen,’saidGandalf.‘Butasforyourgift,lord,Iwillchooseonethatwillfitmyneed:swiftandsure.GivemeShadowfax!Hewasonlylentbefore,ifloanwemaycallit.ButnowI
shallridehimintogreathazard,settingsilveragainstblack:Iwouldnotriskanythingthatisnotmyown.Andalreadythereisabondoflovebetweenus.’
‘Youchoosewell,’saidThéoden;‘andIgivehimnowgladly.Yetitisagreatgift.ThereisnoneliketoShadowfax.Inhimoneofthemightysteedsofoldhasreturned.Nonesuchshall
returnagain.AndtoyoumyotherguestsIwilloffersuchthingsasmaybefoundinmyarmoury.Swordsyoudonotneed,buttherearehelmsandcoatsofmailofcunningwork,giftstomyfathersoutofGondor.Choosefromtheseerewego,andmaytheyserveyouwell!’
Nowmencamebearing
raimentofwarfromtheking’shoard,andtheyarrayedAragornandLegolasinshiningmail.Helmstootheychose,androundshields:theirbosseswereoverlaidwithgoldandsetwithgems,greenandredandwhite.Gandalftooknoarmour;andGimlineedednocoatofrings,evenifonehadbeenfoundtomatchhisstature,fortherewasnohauberkinthe
hoardsofEdorasofbettermakethanhisshortcorsletforgedbeneaththeMountainintheNorth.Buthechoseacapofironandleatherthatfittedwelluponhisroundhead;andasmallshieldhealsotook.Itboretherunninghorse,whiteupongreen,thatwastheemblemoftheHouseofEorl.
‘Mayitkeepyouwell!’saidThéoden.‘Itwasmade
formeinThengel’sday,whilestillIwasaboy.’
Gimlibowed.‘Iamproud,LordoftheMark,tobearyourdevice,’hesaid.‘IndeedsoonerwouldIbearahorsethanbebornebyone.Ilovemyfeetbetter.But,maybe,IshallcomeyetwhereIcanstandandfight.’
‘Itmaywellbeso,’saidThéoden.
Thekingnowrose,andat
onceÉowyncameforwardbearingwine.‘FerthuThéodenhál!’shesaid.‘Receivenowthiscupanddrinkinhappyhour.Healthbewiththeeatthygoingandcoming!’
Théodendrankfromthecup,andshethenprofferedittotheguests.AsshestoodbeforeAragornshepausedsuddenlyandlookeduponhim,andhereyeswere
shining.Andhelookeddownuponherfairfaceandsmiled;butashetookthecup,hishandmethers,andheknewthatshetrembledatthetouch.‘HailAragornsonofArathorn!’shesaid.‘HailLadyofRohan!’heanswered,buthisfacenowwastroubledandhedidnotsmile.
Whentheyhadalldrunk,thekingwentdownthehall
tothedoors.Theretheguardsawaitedhim,andheraldsstood,andallthelordsandchiefsweregatheredtogetherthatremainedinEdorasordweltnearby.
‘Behold!Igoforth,anditseemsliketobemylastriding,’saidThéoden.‘Ihavenochild.Théodredmysonisslain.InameÉomermysister-sontobemyheir.Ifneitherofusreturn,then
chooseanewlordasyouwill.ButtosomeoneImustnowentrustmypeoplethatIleavebehind,toruletheminmyplace.Whichofyouwillstay?’
Nomanspoke.‘Istherenonewhomyouwouldname?Inwhomdomypeopletrust?’
‘IntheHouseofEorl,’answeredHáma.‘ButÉomerIcannotspare,norwouldhestay,’saidtheking;‘andheis
thelastofthatHouse.’‘IsaidnotÉomer,’
answeredHáma.‘Andheisnotthelast.ThereisÉowyn,daughterofÉomund,hissister.Sheisfearlessandhigh-hearted.Allloveher.LetherbeaslordtotheEorlingas,whilewearegone.’
‘Itshallbeso,’saidThéoden.‘Lettheheraldsannouncetothefolkthatthe
LadyÉowynwillleadthem!’Thenthekingsatupona
seatbeforehisdoors,andÉomundkneltbeforehimandreceivedfromhimaswordandafaircorslet.‘Farewellsister-daughter!’hesaid.‘Darkisthehour,yetmaybeweshallreturntotheGoldenHall.ButinDunharrowthepeoplemaylongdefendthemselves,andifthebattlegoill,thitherwillcomeall
whoescape.’‘Speaknotso!’she
answered.‘AyearshallIendureforeverydaythatpassesuntilyourreturn.’ButasshespokehereyeswenttoAragornwhostoodnearby.
‘Thekingshallcomeagain,’hesaid.‘Fearnot!NotWestbutEastdoesourdoomawaitus.’
ThekingnowwentdownthestairwithGandalfbesidehim.Theothersfollowed.Aragornlookedbackastheypassedtowardsthegate.AloneÉowynstoodbeforethedoorsofthehouseatthestair’shead;theswordwassetuprightbeforeher,andherhandswerelaiduponthehilt.Shewascladnowinmailandshonelikesilverinthesun.
Gimliwalkedwith
Legolas,hisaxeonhisshoulder.‘Well,atlastwesetoff!’hesaid.‘Menneedmanywordsbeforedeeds.Myaxeisrestlessinmyhands.ThoughIdoubtnotthattheseRohirrimarefell-handedwhentheycometoit.Nonethelessthisisnotthewarfarethatsuitsme.HowshallIcometothebattle?IwishIcouldwalkandnotbumplikeasackatGandalf’s
saddlebow.’‘Asaferseatthanmany,I
guess,’saidLegolas.‘YetdoubtlessGandalfwillgladlyputyoudownonyourfeetwhenblowsbegin;orShadowfaxhimself.Anaxeisnoweaponforarider.’
‘AndaDwarfisnohorseman.Itisorc-necksIwouldhew,notshavethescalpsofMen,’saidGimli,pattingthehaftofhisaxe.
Atthegatetheyfoundagreathostofmen,oldandyoung,allreadyinthesaddle.Morethanathousandweretheremustered.Theirspearswerelikeaspringingwood.LoudlyandjoyouslytheyshoutedasThéodencameforth.Someheldinreadinesstheking’shorse,Snowmane,andothersheldthehorsesofAragornandLegolas.Gimlistoodillatease,frowning,
butÉomercameuptohim,leadinghishorse.
‘Hail,GimliGlóin’sson!’hecried.‘Ihavenothadtimetolearngentlespeechunderyourrod,asyoupromised.Butshallwenotputasideourquarrel?AtleastIwillspeaknoevilagainoftheLadyoftheWood.’
‘Iwillforgetmywrathforawhile,ÉomersonofÉomund,’saidGimli;‘butif
everyouchancetoseetheLadyGaladrielwithyoureyes,thenyoushallacknowledgeherthefairestofladies,orourfriendshipwillend.’
‘Sobeit!’saidÉomer.‘Butuntilthattimepardonme,andintokenofpardonridewithme,Ibeg.GandalfwillbeattheheadwiththeLordoftheMark;butFirefoot,myhorse,willbear
usboth,ifyouwill.’‘Ithankyouindeed,’said
Gimligreatlypleased.‘Iwillgladlygowithyou,ifLegolas,mycomrade,mayridebesideus.’
‘Itshallbeso,’saidÉomer.‘Legolasuponmyleft,andAragornuponmyright,andnonewilldaretostandbeforeus!’
‘WhereisShadowfax?’saidGandalf.
‘Runningwildoverthegrass,’theyanswered.‘Hewillletnomanhandlehim.Therehegoes,awaydownbytheford,likeashadowamongthewillows.’
Gandalfwhistledandcalledaloudthehorse’sname,andfarawayhetossedhisheadandneighed,andturningspedtowardsthehostlikeanarrow.
‘Werethebreathofthe
WestWindtotakeabodyvisible,evensowoulditappear,’saidÉomer,asthegreathorseranup,untilhestoodbeforethewizard.
‘Thegiftseemsalreadytobegiven,’saidThéoden.‘Buthearkenall!HerenowInamemyguest,GandalfGreyhame,wisestofcounsellors,mostwelcomeofwanderers,alordoftheMark,achieftainoftheEorlingaswhileourkinshall
last;andIgivetohimShadowfax,princeofhorses.’
‘Ithankyou,ThéodenKing,’saidGandalf.Thensuddenlyhethrewbackhisgreycloak,andcastasidehishat,andleapedtohorseback.Heworenohelmnormail.Hissnowyhairflewfreeinthewind,hiswhiterobesshonedazzlinginthesun.
‘BeholdtheWhiteRider!’criedAragorn,andalltookup
thewords.‘OurKingandtheWhite
Rider!’theyshouted.‘ForthEorlingas!’
Thetrumpetssounded.Thehorsesrearedandneighed.Spearclashedonshield.Thenthekingraisedhishand,andwitharushlikethesuddenonsetofagreatwindthelasthostofRohanrodethunderingintotheWest.
FarovertheplainÉowynsawtheglitteroftheirspears,asshestoodstill,alonebeforethedoorsofthesilenthouse.
Chapter7
HELM’SDEEP
ThesunwasalreadywesteringastheyrodefromEdoras,andthelightofitwasintheireyes,turningalltherollingfieldsofRohantoagoldenhaze.Therewasabeatenway,north-westward
alongthefoot-hillsoftheWhiteMountains,andthistheyfollowed,upanddowninagreencountry,crossingsmallswiftstreamsbymanyfords.FaraheadandtotheirrighttheMistyMountainsloomed;everdarkerandtallertheygrewasthemileswentby.Thesunwentslowlydownbeforethem.Eveningcamebehind.
Thehostrodeon.Need
drovethem.Fearingtocometoolate,theyrodewithallthespeedtheycould,pausingseldom.SwiftandenduringwerethesteedsofRohan,butthereweremanyleaguestogo.Fortyleaguesandmoreitwas,asabirdflies,fromEdorastothefordsoftheIsen,wheretheyhopedtofindtheking’smenthatheldbackthehostsofSaruman.
Nightclosedaboutthem.
Atlasttheyhaltedtomaketheircamp.Theyhadriddenforsomefivehoursandwerefaroutuponthewesternplain,yetmorethanhalftheirjourneylaystillbeforethem.Inagreatcircle,underthestarryskyandthewaxingmoon,theynowmadetheirbivouac.Theylitnofires,fortheywereuncertainofevents;buttheysetaringofmountedguardsaboutthem,andscouts
rodeoutfarahead,passinglikeshadowsinthefoldsoftheland.Theslownightpassedwithouttidingsoralarm.Atdawnthehornssounded,andwithinanhourtheytooktheroadagain.
Therewerenocloudsoverheadyet,butaheavinesswasintheair;itwashotfortheseasonoftheyear.The
risingsunwashazy,andbehindit,followingitslowlyupthesky,therewasagrowingdarkness,asofagreatstormmovingoutoftheEast.AndawayintheNorth-westthereseemedtobeanotherdarknessbroodingaboutthefeetoftheMistyMountains,ashadowthatcreptdownslowlyfromtheWizard’sVale.
Gandalfdroppedbackto
whereLegolasrodebesideÉomer.‘Youhavethekeeneyesofyourfairkindred,Legolas,’hesaid;‘andtheycantellasparrowfromafinchaleagueoff.Tellme,canyouseeanythingawayyondertowardsIsengard?’
‘Manymilesliebetween,’saidLegolas,gazingthitherandshadinghiseyeswithhislonghand.‘Icanseeadarkness.Thereareshapes
movinginit,greatshapesfarawayuponthebankoftheriver;butwhattheyareIcannottell.Itisnotmistorcloudthatdefeatsmyeyes:thereisaveilingshadowthatsomepowerlaysupontheland,anditmarchesslowlydownstream.Itisasifthetwilightunderendlesstreeswereflowingdownwardsfromthehills.’
‘Andbehinduscomesa
verystormofMordor,’saidGandalf.‘Itwillbeablacknight.’
Astheseconddayoftheirridingdrewon,theheavinessintheairincreased.Intheafternoonthedarkcloudsbegantoovertakethem:asombrecanopywithgreatbillowingedgesfleckedwithdazzlinglight.Thesunwent
down,blood-redinasmokinghaze.ThespearsoftheRidersweretippedwithfireasthelastshaftsoflightkindledthesteepfacesofthepeaksofThrihyrne:nowveryneartheystoodonthenorthernmostarmoftheWhiteMountains,threejaggedhornsstaringatthesunset.Inthelastredglowmeninthevanguardsawablackspeck,ahorseman
ridingbacktowardsthem.Theyhaltedawaitinghim.
Hecame,awearymanwithdintedhelmandclovenshield.Slowlyheclimbedfromhishorseandstoodthereawhilegasping.Atlengthhespoke.‘IsÉomerhere?’heasked.‘Youcomeatlast,buttoolate,andwithtoolittlestrength.ThingshavegoneevillysinceThéodredfell.Wewere
drivenbackyesterdayovertheIsenwithgreatloss;manyperishedatthecrossing.Thenatnightfreshforcescameovertheriveragainstourcamp.AllIsengardmustbeemptied;andSarumanhasarmedthewildhillmenandherd-folkofDunlandbeyondtherivers,andthesealsohelooseduponus.Wewereovermastered.Theshield-wallwasbroken.Erkenbrand
ofWestfoldhasdrawnoffthosemenhecouldgathertowardshisfastnessinHelm’sDeep.Therestarescattered.
‘WhereisÉomer?Tellhimthereisnohopeahead.HeshouldreturntoEdorasbeforethewolvesofIsengardcomethere.’
Théodenhadsatsilent,hiddenfromtheman’ssightbehindhisguards;nowhe
urgedhishorseforward.‘Come,standbeforeme,Ceorl!’hesaid.‘Iamhere.ThelasthostoftheEorlingashasriddenforth.Itwillnotreturnwithoutbattle.’
Theman’sfacelightenedwithjoyandwonder.Hedrewhimselfup.Thenheknelt,offeringhisnotchedswordtotheking.‘Commandme,lord!’hecried.‘Andpardonme!Ithought—’
‘YouthoughtIremainedinMeduseldbentlikeanoldtreeunderwintersnow.Soitwaswhenyourodetowar.Butawestwindhasshakentheboughs,’saidThéoden.‘Givethismanafreshhorse!LetusridetothehelpofErkenbrand!’
WhileThéodenwasspeaking,Gandalfrodea
shortwayahead,andhesattherealone,gazingnorthtoIsengardandwesttothesettingsun.Nowhecameback.
‘Ride,Théoden!’hesaid.‘RidetoHelm’sDeep!GonottotheFordsofIsen,anddonottarryintheplain!Imustleaveyouforawhile.Shadowfaxmustbearmenowonaswifterrand.’TurningtoAragornand
Éomerandthemenoftheking’shousehold,hecried:‘KeepwelltheLordoftheMark,tillIreturn.AwaitmeatHelm’sGate!Farewell!’
HespokeawordtoShadowfax,andlikeanarrowfromthebowthegreathorsesprangaway.Evenastheylookedhewasgone:aflashofsilverinthesunset,awindoverthegrass,ashadowthatfledandpassedfromsight.
Snowmanesnortedandreared,eagertofollow;butonlyaswiftbirdonthewingcouldhaveovertakenhim.
‘Whatdoesthatmean?’saidoneoftheguardtoHáma.
‘ThatGandalfGreyhamehasneedofhaste,’answeredHáma.‘Everhegoesandcomesunlooked-for.’
‘Wormtongue,werehehere,wouldnotfindithardtoexplain,’saidtheother.
‘Trueenough,’saidHáma;‘butformyself,IwillwaituntilIseeGandalfagain.’
‘Maybeyouwillwaitlong,’saidtheother.
Thehostturnedawaynowfromtheroadtothe
FordsofIsenandbenttheircoursesouthward.Nightfell,andstilltheyrodeon.Thehillsdrewnear,butthetallpeaksofThrihyrnewerealreadydimagainstthedarkeningsky.Stillsomemilesaway,onthefarsideoftheWestfoldVale,agreatbayinthemountains,layagreencoomb,outofwhichagorgeopenedinthehills.Menofthatlandcalledit
Helm’sDeep,afteraheroofoldwarswhohadmadehisrefugethere.EversteeperandnarroweritwoundinwardfromthenorthundertheshadowoftheThrihyrne,tillthecrowhauntedcliffsroselikemightytowersoneitherside,shuttingoutthelight.
AtHelm’sGate,beforethemouthoftheDeep,therewasaheelofrockthrustoutwardbythenortherncliff.
Thereuponitsspurstoodhighwallsofancientstone,andwithinthemwasaloftytower.Mensaidthatinthefar-offdaysofthegloryofGondorthesea-kingshadbuiltherethisfastnesswiththehandsofgiants.TheHornburgitwascalled,foratrumpetsoundeduponthetowerechoedintheDeepbehind,asifarmieslong-forgottenwereissuingtowar
fromcavesbeneaththehills.Awall,too,themenofoldhadmadefromtheHornburgtothesoutherncliff,barringtheentrancetothegorge.BeneathitbyawideculverttheDeeping-streampassedout.AboutthefeetoftheHornrockitwound,andflowedtheninagullythroughthemidstofawidegreengore,slopinggentlydownfromHelm’sGateto
Helm’sDike.ThenceitfellintotheDeeping-coombandoutintotheWestfoldVale.ThereintheHornburgatHelm’sGateErkenbrand,masterofWestfoldonthebordersoftheMark,nowdwelt.Asthedaysdarkenedwiththreatofwar,beingwise,hehadrepairedthewallandmadethefastnessstrong.
TheRiderswerestillinthelowvalleybeforethemouthoftheCoomb,whencriesandhornblastswereheardfromtheirscoutsthatwentinfront.Outofthedarknessarrowswhistled.Swiftlyascoutrodebackandreportedthatwolf-riderswereabroadinthevalley,andthatahostofOrcsandwildmenwerehurryingsouthwardfromtheFordsofIsenand
seemedtobemakingforHelm’sDeep.
‘Wehavefoundmanyofourfolklyingslainastheyfledthither,’saidthescout.‘Andwehavemetscatteredcompanies,goingthiswayandthat,leaderless.WhathasbecomeofErkenbrandnoneseemtoknow.ItislikelythathewillbeovertakenerehecanreachHelm’sGate,ifhehasnotalreadyperished.’
‘HasaughtbeenseenofGandalf?’askedThéoden.
‘Yes,lord.Manyhaveseenanoldmaninwhiteuponahorse,passinghitherandthitherovertheplainslikewindinthegrass.SomethoughthewasSaruman.ItissaidthathewentawayerenightfalltowardsIsengard.SomesayalsothatWormtonguewasseenearlier,goingnorthwardwith
acompanyofOrcs.’‘Itwillgoillwith
Wormtongue,ifGandalfcomesuponhim,’saidThéoden.‘NonethelessImissnowbothmycounsellors,theoldandthenew.Butinthisneedwehavenobetterchoicethantogoon,asGandalfsaid,toHelm’sGate,whetherErkenbrandbethereorno.IsitknownhowgreatisthehostthatcomesfromtheNorth?’
‘Itisverygreat,’saidthescout.‘Hethatfliescountseveryfoemantwice,yetIhavespokentostoutheartedmen,andIdonotdoubtthatthemainstrengthoftheenemyismanytimesasgreatasallthatwehavehere.’
‘Thenletusbeswift,’saidÉomer.‘Letusdrivethroughsuchfoesasarealreadybetweenusandthefastness.TherearecavesinHelm’s
Deepwherehundredsmayliehid;andsecretwaysleadthenceupontothehills.’
‘Trustnottosecretways,’saidtheking.‘Sarumanhaslongspiedoutthisland.Stillinthatplaceourdefencemaylastlong.Letusgo!’
AragornandLegolaswentnowwithÉomerinthevan.Onthroughthedark
nighttheyrode,everslowerasthedarknessdeepenedandtheirwayclimbedsouthward,higherandhigherintothedimfoldsaboutthemountains’feet.Theyfoundfewoftheenemybeforethem.HereandtheretheycameuponrovingbandsofOrcs;buttheyflederetheRiderscouldtakeorslaythem.
‘ItwillnotbelongIfear,’
saidÉomer,‘erethecomingoftheking’shostwillbeknowntotheleaderofourenemies,Sarumanorwhatevercaptainhehassentforth.’
Therumourofwargrewbehindthem.Nowtheycouldhear,borneoverthedark,thesoundofharshsinging.TheyhadclimbedfarupintotheDeeping-coombwhentheylookedback.Thentheysaw
torches,countlesspointsoffierylightupontheblackfieldsbehind,scatteredlikeredflowers,orwindingupfromthelowlandsinlongflickeringlines.Hereandtherealargerblazeleaptup.
‘Itisagreathostandfollowsushard,’saidAragorn.
‘Theybringfire,’saidThéoden,‘andtheyareburningastheycome,rick,
cot,andtree.Thiswasarichvaleandhadmanyhomesteads.Alasformyfolk!’
‘Wouldthatdaywashereandwemightridedownuponthemlikeastormoutofthemountains!’saidAragorn.‘Itgrievesmetoflybeforethem.’
‘Weneednotflymuchfurther,’saidÉomer.‘NotfaraheadnowliesHelm’sDike,
anancienttrenchandrampartscoredacrossthecoomb,twofurlongsbelowHelm’sGate.Therewecanturnandgivebattle.’
‘Nay,wearetoofewtodefendtheDike,’saidThéoden.‘Itisamilelongormore,andthebreachinitiswide.’
‘Atthebreachourrearguardmuststand,ifwearepressed,’saidÉomer.
TherewasneitherstarnormoonwhentheRiderscametothebreachintheDike,wherethestreamfromabovepassedout,andtheroadbesideitrandownfromtheHornburg.Therampartloomedsuddenlybeforethem,ahighshadowbeyondadarkpit.Astheyrodeupasentinelchallengedthem.
‘TheLordoftheMarkridestoHelm’sGate,’Éomer
answered.‘I,ÉomersonofÉomund,speak.’
‘Thisisgoodtidingsbeyondhope,’saidthesentinel.‘Hasten!Theenemyisonyourheels.’
Thehostpassedthroughthebreachandhaltedontheslopingswardabove.TheynowlearnedtotheirjoythatErkenbrandhadleftmanymentoholdHelm’sGate,andmorehadsinceescaped
thither.‘Maybe,wehavea
thousandfittofightonfoot,’saidGamling,anoldman,theleaderofthosethatwatchedtheDike.‘Butmostofthemhaveseentoomanywinters,asIhave,ortoofew,asmyson’ssonhere.WhatnewsofErkenbrand?WordcameyesterdaythathewasretreatinghitherwithallthatisleftofthebestRidersof
Westfold.Buthehasnotcome.’
‘Ifearthathewillnotcomenow,’saidÉomer.‘Ourscoutshavegainednonewsofhim,andtheenemyfillsallthevalleybehindus.’
‘Iwouldthathehadescaped,’saidThéoden.‘Hewasamightyman.InhimlivedagainthevalourofHelmtheHammerhand.Butwecannotawaithimhere.
Wemustdrawallourforcesnowbehindthewalls.Areyouwellstored?Webringlittleprovision,forwerodeforthtoopenbattle,nottoasiege.’
‘BehindusinthecavesoftheDeeparethreepartsofthefolkofWestfold,oldandyoung,childrenandwomen,’saidGamling.‘Butgreatstoreoffood,andmanybeastsandtheirfodder,havealsobeen
gatheredthere.’‘Thatiswell,’saidÉomer.
‘Theyareburningordespoilingallthatisleftinthevale.’
‘IftheycometobargainforourgoodsatHelm’sGate,theywillpayahighprice,’saidGamling.
ThekingandhisRiderspassedon.Beforethe
causewaythatcrossedthestreamtheydismounted.InalongfiletheyledtheirhorsesuptherampandpassedwithinthegatesoftheHornburg.Theretheywerewelcomedagainwithjoyandrenewedhope;fornowthereweremenenoughtomanboththeburgandthebarrierwall.
QuicklyÉomersethismeninreadiness.Theking
andthemenofhishouseholdwereintheHornburg,andtherealsoweremanyoftheWestfold-men.ButontheDeepingWallanditstower,andbehindit,Éomerarrayedmostofthestrengththathehad,forherethedefenceseemedmoredoubtful,iftheassaultweredeterminedandingreatforce.ThehorseswereledfaruptheDeepundersuchguardascouldbe
spared.TheDeepingWallwas
twentyfeethigh,andsothickthatfourmencouldwalkabreastalongthetop,shelteredbyaparapetoverwhichonlyatallmancouldlook.Hereandtherewerecleftsinthestonethroughwhichmencouldshoot.Thisbattlementcouldbereachedbyastairrunningdownfromadoorintheoutercourtof
theHornburg;threeflightsofstepsledalsoupontothewallfromtheDeepbehind;butinfrontitwassmooth,andthegreatstonesofitweresetwithsuchskillthatnofootholdcouldbefoundattheirjoints,andatthetoptheyhungoverlikeasea-delvedcliff.
Gimlistoodleaning
againstthebreastworkuponthewall.Legolassataboveontheparapet,fingeringhisbow,andpeeringoutintothegloom.
‘Thisismoretomyliking,’saidthedwarf,stampingonthestones.‘Evermyheartrisesaswedrawnearthemountains.Thereisgoodrockhere.Thiscountryhastoughbones.Ifelttheminmyfeetaswecameup
fromthedike.GivemeayearandahundredofmykinandIwouldmakethisaplacethatarmieswouldbreakuponlikewater.’
‘Idonotdoubtit,’saidLegolas.‘Butyouareadwarf,anddwarvesarestrangefolk.Idonotlikethisplace,andIshalllikeitnomorebythelightofday.Butyoucomfortme,Gimli,andIamgladtohaveyoustanding
nighwithyourstoutlegsandyourhardaxe.Iwishthereweremoreofyourkinamongus.ButevenmorewouldIgiveforahundredgoodarchersofMirkwood.Weshallneedthem.TheRohirrimhavegoodbowmenaftertheirfashion,buttherearetoofewhere,toofew.’
‘Itisdarkforarchery,’saidGimli.‘Indeeditistimeforsleep.Sleep!Ifeelthe
needofit,asneverIthoughtanydwarfcould.Ridingistiringwork.Yetmyaxeisrestlessinmyhand.Givemearowoforc-necksandroomtoswingandallwearinesswillfallfromme!’
Aslowtimepassed.Fardowninthevalleyscatteredfiresstillburned.ThehostsofIsengardwereadvancingin
silencenow.Theirtorchescouldbeseenwindingupthecoombinmanylines.
SuddenlyfromtheDikeyellsandscreams,andthefiercebattle-criesofmenbrokeout.Flamingbrandsappearedoverthebrinkandclusteredthicklyatthebreach.Thentheyscatteredandvanished.Mencamegallopingbackoverthefieldanduptheramptothegateof
theHornburg.TherearguardoftheWestfoldershadbeendrivenin.
‘Theenemyisathand!’theysaid.‘Weloosedeveryarrowthatwehad,andfilledtheDikewithOrcs.Butitwillnothaltthemlong.Alreadytheyarescalingthebankatmanypoints,thickasmarchingants.Butwehavetaughtthemnottocarrytorches.’
Itwasnowpastmidnight.Theskywasutterlydark,andthestillnessoftheheavyairforebodedstorm.Suddenlythecloudsweresearedbyablindingflash.Branchedlightningsmotedownupontheeastwardhills.ForastaringmomentthewatchersonthewallssawallthespacebetweenthemandtheDikelitwithwhitelight:itwasboilingandcrawlingwith
blackshapes,somesquatandbroad,sometallandgrim,withhighhelmsandsableshields.HundredsandhundredsmorewerepouringovertheDikeandthroughthebreach.Thedarktidefloweduptothewallsfromclifftocliff.Thunderrolledinthevalley.Raincamelashingdown.
Arrowsthickastheraincamewhistlingoverthe
battlements,andfellclinkingandglancingonthestones.Somefoundamark.TheassaultonHelm’sDeephadbegun,butnosoundorchallengewasheardwithin;noansweringarrowscame.
Theassailinghostshalted,foiledbythesilentmenaceofrockandwall.Everandagainthelightningtoreasidethedarkness.ThentheOrcsscreamed,wavingspearand
sword,andshootingacloudofarrowsatanythatstoodrevealeduponthebattlements;andthemenoftheMarkamazedlookedout,asitseemedtothem,uponagreatfieldofdarkcorn,tossedbyatempestofwar,andeveryearglintedwithbarbedlight.
Brazentrumpetssounded.Theenemysurgedforward,someagainsttheDeeping
Wall,otherstowardsthecausewayandtherampthatleduptotheHornburg-gates.TherethehugestOrcsweremustered,andthewildmenoftheDunlandfells.Amomenttheyhesitatedandthenontheycame.Thelightningflashed,andblazoneduponeveryhelmandshieldtheghastlyhandofIsengardwasseen.Theyreachedthesummitofthe
rock;theydrovetowardsthegates.
Thenatlastananswercame:astormofarrowsmetthem,andahailofstones.Theywavered,broke,andfledback;andthenchargedagain,brokeandchargedagain;andeachtime,liketheincomingsea,theyhaltedatahigherpoint.Againtrumpetsrang,andapressofroaringmenleapedforth.Theyheld
theirgreatshieldsabovethemlikearoof,whileintheirmidsttheyboretwotrunksofmightytrees.Behindthemorc-archerscrowded,sendingahailofdartsagainstthebowmenonthewalls.Theygainedthegates.Thetrees,swungbystrongarms,smotethetimberswitharendingboom.Ifanymanfell,crushedbyastonehurtlingfromabove,twoothers
sprangtotakehisplace.Againandagainthegreatramsswungandcrashed.
ÉomerandAragornstoodtogetherontheDeepingWall.Theyheardtheroarofvoicesandthethuddingoftherams;andtheninasuddenflashoflighttheybeheldtheperilofthegates.
‘Come!’saidAragorn.‘Thisisthehourwhenwedrawswordstogether!’
Runninglikefire,theyspedalongthewall,andupthesteps,andpassedintotheoutercourtupontheRock.Astheyrantheygatheredahandfulofstoutswordsmen.Therewasasmallpostern-doorthatopenedinanangleoftheburg-wallonthewest,wherethecliffstretchedouttomeetit.Onthatsideanarrowpathranroundtowardsthegreatgate,
betweenthewallandthesheerbrinkoftheRock.TogetherÉomerandAragornsprangthroughthedoor,theirmenclosebehind.Thetwoswordsflashedfromthesheathasone.
‘Gúthwinë!’criedÉomer.‘GúthwinëfortheMark!’
‘Andúril!’criedAragorn.‘AndúrilfortheDúnedain!’
Chargingfromtheside,theyhurledthemselvesupon
thewildmen.Andúrilroseandfell,gleamingwithwhitefire.Ashoutwentupfromwallandtower:‘Andúril!Andúrilgoestowar.TheBladethatwasBrokenshinesagain!’
Dismayedtherammersletfallthetreesandturnedtofight;butthewalloftheirshieldswasbrokenasbyalightning-stroke,andtheyweresweptaway,hewn
down,orcastovertheRockintothestonystreambelow.Theorc-archersshotwildlyandthenfled.
ForamomentÉomerandAragornhaltedbeforethegates.Thethunderwasrumblinginthedistancenow.Thelightningflickeredstill,faroffamongthemountainsintheSouth.Akeenwind
wasblowingfromtheNorthagain.Thecloudsweretornanddrifting,andstarspeepedout;andabovethehillsoftheCoomb-sidethewesteringmoonrode,glimmeringyellowinthestorm-wrack.
‘Wedidnotcometoosoon,’saidAragorn,lookingatthegates.Theirgreathingesandironbarswerewrenchedandbent;manyoftheirtimberswerecracked.
‘Thedoorswillnotwithstandanothersuchbattering.’
‘Yetwecannotstayherebeyondthewallstodefendthem,’saidÉomer.‘Look!’Hepointedtothecauseway.AlreadyagreatpressofOrcsandMenweregatheringagainbeyondthestream.Arrowswhined,andskippedonthestonesaboutthem.‘Come!Wemustgetbackandseewhatwecandoto
pilestoneandbeamacrossthegateswithin.Comenow!’
Theyturnedandran.AtthatmomentsomedozenOrcsthathadlainmotionlessamongtheslainleapedtotheirfeet,andcamesilentlyandswiftlybehind.TwoflungthemselvestothegroundatÉomer’sheels,trippedhim,andinamomenttheywereontopofhim.Butasmalldarkfigurethatnone
hadobservedsprangoutoftheshadowsandgaveahoarseshout:BarukKhazâd!Khazâdai-mênu!Anaxeswungandsweptback.TwoOrcsfellheadless.Therestfled.
Éomerstruggledtohisfeet,evenasAragornranbacktohisaid.
Theposternwasclosed
again,theirondoorwasbarredandpiledinsidewithstones.Whenallweresafewithin,Éomerturned:‘Ithankyou,GimlisonofGlóin!’hesaid.‘Ididnotknowthatyouwerewithusinthesortie.Butofttheunbiddenguestprovesthebestcompany.Howcameyouthere?’
‘Ifollowedyoutoshakeoffsleep,’saidGimli;‘butI
lookedonthehillmenandtheyseemedoverlargeforme,soIsatbesideastonetoseeyoursword-play.’
‘Ishallnotfinditeasytorepayyou,’saidÉomer.‘Theremaybemanyachanceerethenightisover,’laughedtheDwarf.‘ButIamcontent.TillnowIhavehewnnaughtbutwoodsinceIleftMoria.’
‘Two!’saidGimli,pattinghisaxe.Hehadreturnedtohisplaceonthewall.
‘Two?’saidLegolas.‘Ihavedonebetter,thoughnowImustgropeforspentarrows;allminearegone.YetImakemytaletwentyattheleast.Butthatisonlyafewleavesinaforest.’
Theskynowwasquickly
clearingandthesinkingmoonwasshiningbrightly.ButthelightbroughtlittlehopetotheRidersoftheMark.Theenemybeforethemseemedtohavegrownratherthandiminished,andstillmorewerepressingupfromthevalleythroughthebreach.ThesortieupontheRockgainedonlyabriefrespite.Theassaultonthegateswasredoubled.Against
theDeepingWallthehostsofIsengardroaredlikeasea.Orcsandhillmenswarmedaboutitsfeetfromendtoend.Ropeswithgrapplinghookswerehurledovertheparapetfasterthanmencouldcutthemorflingthemback.Hundredsoflongladderswereliftedup.Manywerecastdowninruin,butmanymorereplacedthem,andOrcssprangupthemlikeapesin
thedarkforestsoftheSouth.Beforethewall’sfootthedeadandbrokenwerepiledlikeshingleinastorm;everhigherrosethehideousmounds,andstilltheenemycameon.
ThemenofRohangrewweary.Alltheirarrowswerespent,andeveryshaftwasshot;theirswordswerenotched,andtheirshieldswereriven.Threetimes
AragornandÉomerralliedthem,andthreetimesAndúrilflamedinadesperatechargethatdrovetheenemyfromthewall.
ThenaclamouraroseintheDeepbehind.Orcshadcreptlikeratsthroughtheculvertthroughwhichthestreamflowedout.Theretheyhadgatheredintheshadowofthecliffs,untiltheassaultabovewashottestandnearly
allthemenofthedefencehadrushedtothewall’stop.Thentheysprangout.AlreadysomehadpassedintothejawsoftheDeepandwereamongthehorses,fightingwiththeguards.
DownfromthewallleaptGimliwithafiercecrythatechoedinthecliffs.‘Khazâd!Khazâd!’Hesoonhadworkenough.
‘Ai-oi!’heshouted.‘The
Orcsarebehindthewall.Ai-oi!Come,Legolas!Thereareenoughforusboth.Khazâdaimênu!’
GamlingtheOldlookeddownfromtheHornburg,hearingthegreatvoiceofthedwarfaboveallthetumult.‘TheOrcsareintheDeep!’hecried.‘Helm!Helm!ForthHelmingas!’heshoutedashe
leapeddownthestairfromtheRockwithmanymenofWestfoldathisback.
Theironsetwasfierceandsudden,andtheOrcsgavewaybeforethem.Erelongtheywerehemmedininthenarrowsofthegorge,andallwereslainordrivenshriekingintothechasmoftheDeeptofallbeforetheguardiansofthehiddencaves.
‘Twenty-one!’cried
Gimli.Hehewedatwo-handedstrokeandlaidthelastOrcbeforehisfeet.‘NowmycountpassesMasterLegolasagain.’
‘Wemuststopthisrat-hole,’saidGamling.‘Dwarvesaresaidtobecunningfolkwithstone.Lendusyouraid,master!’
‘Wedonotshapestonewithbattle-axes,norwithourfinger-nails,’saidGimli.‘But
IwillhelpasImay.’Theygatheredsuchsmall
bouldersandbrokenstonesastheycouldfindtohand,andunderGimli’sdirectiontheWestfold-menblockeduptheinnerendoftheculvert,untilonlyanarrowoutletremained.ThentheDeeping-stream,swollenbytherain,churnedandfrettedinitschokedpath,andspreadslowlyincoldpoolsfrom
clifftocliff.‘Itwillbedrierabove,’
saidGimli.‘Come,Gamling,letusseehowthingsgoonthewall!’
HeclimbedupandfoundLegolasbesideAragornandÉomer.Theelfwaswhettinghislongknife.Therewasforawhilealullintheassault,sincetheattempttobreakinthroughtheculverthadbeenfoiled.
‘Twenty-one!’saidGimli.‘Good!’saidLegolas.
‘Butmycountisnowtwodozen.Ithasbeenknife-workuphere.’
ÉomerandAragornleantwearilyontheirswords.AwayontheleftthecrashandclamourofthebattleontheRockroseloudagain.ButtheHornburgstillheldfast,
likeanislandinthesea.Itsgateslayinruin;butoverthebarricadeofbeamsandstoneswithinnoenemyasyethadpassed.
Aragornlookedatthepalestars,andatthemoon,nowslopingbehindthewesternhillsthatenclosedthevalley.‘Thisisanightaslongasyears,’hesaid.‘Howlongwillthedaytarry?’
‘Dawnisnotfaroff,’said
Gamling,whohadnowclimbedupbesidehim.‘Butdawnwillnothelpus,Ifear.’
‘Yetdawniseverthehopeofmen,’saidAragorn.
‘ButthesecreaturesofIsengard,thesehalf-orcsandgoblin-menthatthefoulcraftofSarumanhasbred,theywillnotquailatthesun,’saidGamling.‘Andneitherwillthewildmenofthehills.Doyounotheartheirvoices?’
‘Ihearthem,’saidÉomer;‘buttheyareonlythescreamofbirdsandthebellowingofbeaststomyears.’
‘YettherearemanythatcryintheDunlandtongue,’saidGamling.‘Iknowthattongue.Itisanancientspeechofmen,andoncewasspokeninmanywesternvalleysoftheMark.Hark!Theyhateus,andtheyareglad;forourdoomseemscertaintothem.
‘‘Theking,theking!’’theycry.‘‘Wewilltaketheirking.DeathtotheForgoil!DeathtotheStrawheads!DeathtotherobbersoftheNorth!’’Suchnamestheyhaveforus.NotinhalfathousandyearshavetheyforgottentheirgrievancethatthelordsofGondorgavetheMarktoEorltheYoungandmadealliancewithhim.ThatoldhatredSarumanhasinflamed.Theyarefiercefolk
whenroused.Theywillnotgivewaynowforduskordawn,untilThéodenistaken,ortheythemselvesareslain.’
‘Nonethelessdaywillbringhopetome,’saidAragorn.‘IsitnotsaidthatnofoehasevertakentheHornburg,ifmendefendedit?’
‘Sotheminstrelssay,’saidÉomer.
‘Thenletusdefendit,and
hope!’saidAragorn.
Evenastheyspoketherecameablareoftrumpets.Thentherewasacrashandaflashofflameandsmoke.ThewatersoftheDeeping-streampouredouthissingandfoaming:theywerechokednolonger,agapingholewasblastedinthewall.Ahostofdarkshapespouredin.
‘DevilryofSaruman!’criedAragorn.‘Theyhavecreptintheculvertagain,whilewetalked,andtheyhavelitthefireofOrthancbeneathourfeet.Elendil,Elendil!’heshouted,asheleapeddownintothebreach;butevenashedidsoahundredladderswereraisedagainstthebattlements.Overthewallandunderthewallthelastassaultcame
sweepinglikeadarkwaveuponahillofsand.Thedefencewassweptaway.SomeoftheRidersweredrivenback,furtherandfurtherintotheDeep,fallingandfightingastheygaveway,stepbystep,towardsthecaves.Otherscuttheirwaybacktowardsthecitadel.
AbroadstairwayclimbedfromtheDeepuptotheRockandtherear-gateofthe
Hornburg.NearthebottomstoodAragorn.InhishandstillAndúrilgleamed,andtheterroroftheswordforawhileheldbacktheenemy,asonebyoneallwhocouldgainthestairpasseduptowardsthegate.BehindontheupperstepskneltLegolas.Hisbowwasbent,butonegleanedarrowwasallthathehadleft,andhepeeredoutnow,readytoshootthefirstOrcthat
shoulddaretoapproachthestair.
‘Allwhocanhavenowgotsafewithin,Aragorn,’hecalled.‘Comeback!’
Aragornturnedandspedupthestair;butasheranhestumbledinhisweariness.Atoncehisenemiesleaptforward.UpcametheOrcs,yelling,withtheirlongarmsstretchedouttoseizehim.Theforemostfellwith
Legolas’lastarrowinhisthroat,buttherestsprangoverhim.Thenagreatboulder,castfromtheouterwallabove,crasheddownuponthestair,andhurledthembackintotheDeep.Aragorngainedthedoor,andswiftlyitclangedtobehindhim.
‘Thingsgoill,myfriends,’hesaid,wipingthesweatfromhisbrowwithhis
arm.‘Illenough,’saidLegolas,
‘butnotyethopeless,whilewehaveyouwithus.WhereisGimli?’
‘Idonotknow,’saidAragorn.‘Ilastsawhimfightingonthegroundbehindthewall,buttheenemysweptusapart.’
‘Alas!Thatisevilnews,’saidLegolas.
‘Heisstoutandstrong,’
saidAragorn.‘Letushopethathewillescapebacktothecaves.Therehewouldbesafeforawhile.Saferthanwe.Sucharefugewouldbetothelikingofadwarf.’
‘Thatmustbemyhope,’saidLegolas.‘ButIwishthathehadcomethisway.IdesiredtotellMasterGimlithatmytaleisnowthirty-nine.’
‘Ifhewinsbacktothe
caves,hewillpassyourcountagain,’laughedAragorn.‘NeverdidIseeanaxesowielded.’
‘Imustgoandseeksomearrows,’saidLegolas.‘Wouldthatthisnightwouldend,andIcouldhavebetterlightforshooting.’
Aragornnowpassedintothecitadel.Theretohis
dismayhelearnedthatÉomerhadnotreachedtheHornburg.
‘Nay,hedidnotcometotheRock,’saidoneoftheWestfold-men.‘IlastsawhimgatheringmenabouthimandfightinginthemouthoftheDeep.Gamlingwaswithhim,andthedwarf;butIcouldnotcometothem.’
Aragornstrodeonthroughtheinnercourt,andmounted
toahighchamberinthetower.Therestoodtheking,darkagainstanarrowwindow,lookingoutuponthevale.
‘Whatisthenews,Aragorn?’hesaid.
‘TheDeepingWallistaken,lord,andallthedefencesweptaway;butmanyhaveescapedhithertotheRock.’
‘IsÉomerhere?’
‘No,lord.ButmanyofyourmenretreatedintotheDeep;andsomesaythatÉomerwasamongstthem.Inthenarrowstheymayholdbacktheenemyandcomewithinthecaves.WhathopetheymayhavethenIdonotknow.’
‘Morethanwe.Goodprovision,itissaid.Andtheairiswholesometherebecauseoftheoutletsthrough
fissuresintherockfarabove.Nonecanforceanentranceagainstdeterminedmen.Theymayholdoutlong.’
‘ButtheOrcshavebroughtadevilryfromOrthanc,’saidAragorn.‘Theyhaveablastingfire,andwithittheytooktheWall.Iftheycannotcomeinthecaves,theymaysealupthosethatareinside.Butnowwemustturnallourthought
toourowndefence.’‘Ifretinthisprison,’said
Théoden.‘IfIcouldhavesetaspearinrest,ridingbeforemymenuponthefield,maybeIcouldhavefeltagainthejoyofbattle,andsoended.ButIservelittlepurposehere.’
‘HereatleastyouareguardedinthestrongestfastnessoftheMark,’saidAragorn.‘Morehopewehave
todefendyouintheHornburgthaninEdoras,orevenatDunharrowinthemountains.’
‘ItissaidthattheHornburghasneverfallentoassault,’saidThéoden;‘butnowmyheartisdoubtful.Theworldchanges,andallthatoncewasstrongnowprovesunsure.Howshallanytowerwithstandsuchnumbersandsuchreckless
hate?HadIknownthatthestrengthofIsengardwasgrownsogreat,maybeIshouldnotsorashlyhaveriddenforthtomeetit,foralltheartsofGandalf.Hiscounselseemsnotnowsogoodasitdidunderthemorningsun.’
‘DonotjudgethecounselofGandalf,untilallisover,lord,’saidAragorn.
‘Theendwillnotbelong,’
saidtheking.‘ButIwillnotendhere,takenlikeanoldbadgerinatrap.SnowmaneandHasufelandthehorsesofmyguardareintheinnercourt.Whendawncomes,IwillbidmensoundHelm’shorn,andIwillrideforth.Willyouridewithmethen,sonofArathorn?Maybeweshallcleavearoad,ormakesuchanendaswillbeworthasong–ifanybelefttosingof
ushereafter.’‘Iwillridewithyou,’said
Aragorn.Takinghisleave,he
returnedtothewalls,andpassedroundalltheircircuit,enhearteningthemen,andlendingaidwherevertheassaultwashot.Legolaswentwithhim.Blastsoffireleapedupfrombelowshakingthestones.Grappling-hookswerehurled,
andladdersraised.AgainandagaintheOrcsgainedthesummitoftheouterwall,andagainthedefenderscastthemdown.
AtlastAragornstoodabovethegreatgates,heedlessofthedartsoftheenemy.Ashelookedforthhesawtheeasternskygrowpale.Thenheraisedhis
emptyhand,palmoutwardintokenofparley.
TheOrcsyelledandjeered.‘Comedown!Comedown!’theycried.‘Ifyouwishtospeaktous,comedown!Bringoutyourking!WearethefightingUruk-hai.Wewillfetchhimfromhishole,ifhedoesnotcome.Bringoutyourskulkingking!’
‘Thekingstaysorcomes
athisownwill,’saidAragorn.
‘Thenwhatareyoudoinghere?’theyanswered.‘Whydoyoulookout?Doyouwishtoseethegreatnessofourarmy?WearethefightingUruk-hai.’
‘Ilookedouttoseethedawn,’saidAragorn.
‘Whatofthedawn?’theyjeered.‘WearetheUruk-hai:wedonotstopthefightfor
nightorday,forfairweatherorforstorm.Wecometokill,bysunormoon.Whatofthedawn?’
‘Noneknowswhatthenewdayshallbringhim,’saidAragorn.‘Getyougone,ereitturntoyourevil.’
‘Getdownorwewillshootyoufromthewall,’theycried.‘Thisisnoparley.Youhavenothingtosay.’
‘Ihavestillthistosay,’
answeredAragorn.‘NoenemyhasyettakentheHornburg.Depart,ornotoneofyouwillbespared.NotonewillbeleftalivetotakebacktidingstotheNorth.Youdonotknowyourperil.’
SogreatapowerandroyaltywasrevealedinAragorn,ashestoodtherealoneabovetheruinedgatesbeforethehostofhisenemies,thatmanyofthe
wildmenpaused,andlookedbackovertheirshoulderstothevalley,andsomelookedupdoubtfullyatthesky.ButtheOrcslaughedwithloudvoices;andahailofdartsandarrowswhistledoverthewall,asAragornleapeddown.
Therewasaroarandablastoffire.Thearchwayofthegateabovewhichhehadstoodamomentbeforecrumbledandcrashedin
smokeanddust.Thebarricadewasscatteredasifbyathunderbolt.Aragornrantotheking’stower.
Butevenasthegatefell,andtheOrcsaboutityelled,preparingtocharge,amurmurarosebehindthem,likeawindinthedistance,anditgrewtoaclamourofmanyvoicescryingstrangenewsinthedawn.TheOrcsupontheRock,hearingthe
rumourofdismay,waveredandlookedback.Andthen,suddenandterrible,fromthetowerabove,thesoundofthegreathornofHelmrangout.
Allthatheardthatsoundtrembled.ManyoftheOrcscastthemselvesontheirfacesandcoveredtheirearswiththeirclaws.BackfromtheDeeptheechoescame,blast
uponblast,asifoneverycliffandhillamightyheraldstood.Butonthewallsmenlookedup,listeningwithwonder;fortheechoesdidnotdie.Everthehornblastswoundonamongthehills;nearernowandloudertheyansweredonetoanother,blowingfierceandfree.
‘Helm!Helm!’theRidersshouted.‘Helmisarisenandcomesbacktowar.Helmfor
ThéodenKing!’Andwiththatshoutthe
kingcame.Hishorsewaswhiteassnow,goldenwashisshield,andhisspearwaslong.AthisrighthandwasAragorn,Elendil’sheir,behindhimrodethelordsoftheHouseofEorltheYoung.Lightspranginthesky.Nightdeparted.
‘ForthEorlingas!’Withacryandagreatnoisethey
charged.Downfromthegatestheyroared,overthecausewaytheyswept,andtheydrovethroughthehostsofIsengardasawindamonggrass.BehindthemfromtheDeepcamethesterncriesofmenissuingfromthecaves,drivingforththeenemy.OutpouredallthementhatwereleftupontheRock.Andeverthesoundofblowinghornsechoedinthehills.
Ontheyrode,thekingandhiscompanions.Captainsandchampionsfellorfledbeforethem.Neitherorcnormanwithstoodthem.TheirbacksweretotheswordsandspearsoftheRiders,andtheirfacestothevalley.Theycriedandwailed,forfearandgreatwonderhadcomeuponthemwiththerisingoftheday.
SoKingThéodenrodefromHelm’sGateandclovehispathtothegreatDike.Therethecompanyhalted.Lightgrewbrightaboutthem.Shaftsofthesunflaredabovetheeasternhillsandglimmeredontheirspears.Buttheysatsilentontheirhorses,andtheygazeddownupontheDeeping-coomb.
Thelandhadchanged.Wherebeforethegreendale
hadlain,itsgrassyslopeslappingtheever-mountinghills,therenowaforestloomed.Greattrees,bareandsilent,stood,rankonrank,withtangledboughandhoaryhead;theirtwistedrootswereburiedinthelonggreengrass.Darknesswasunderthem.BetweentheDikeandtheeavesofthatnamelesswoodonlytwoopenfurlongslay.Therenowcoweredthe
proudhostsofSaruman,interrorofthekingandinterrorofthetrees.TheystreameddownfromHelm’sGateuntilallabovetheDikewasemptyofthem,butbelowittheywerepackedlikeswarmingflies.Vainlytheycrawledandclamberedaboutthewallsofthecoomb,seekingtoescape.Upontheeasttoosheerandstonywasthevalley’sside;upontheleft,fromthewest,
theirfinaldoomapproached.Theresuddenlyupona
ridgeappearedarider,cladinwhite,shiningintherisingsun.Overthelowhillsthehornsweresounding.Behindhim,hasteningdownthelongslopes,wereathousandmenonfoot;theirswordswereintheirhands.Amidthemstrodeamantallandstrong.Hisshieldwasred.Ashecametothevalley’sbrink,he
settohislipsagreatblackhornandblewaringingblast.
‘Erkenbrand!’theRidersshouted.‘Erkenbrand!’
‘BeholdtheWhiteRider!’criedAragorn.‘Gandalfiscomeagain!’
‘Mithrandir,Mithrandir!’saidLegolas.‘Thisiswizardryindeed!Come!Iwouldlookonthisforest,ere
thespellchanges.’ThehostsofIsengard
roared,swayingthiswayandthat,turningfromfeartofear.Againthehornsoundedfromthetower.DownthroughthebreachoftheDikechargedtheking’scompany.DownfromthehillsleapedErkenbrand,lordofWestfold.DownleapedShadowfax,likeadeerthatrunssurefootedinthemountains.TheWhite
Riderwasuponthem,andtheterrorofhiscomingfilledtheenemywithmadness.Thewildmenfellontheirfacesbeforehim.TheOrcsreeledandscreamedandcastasidebothswordandspear.Likeablacksmokedrivenbyamountingwindtheyfled.Wailingtheypassedunderthewaitingshadowofthetrees;andfromthatshadownoneevercameagain.
Chapter8
THEROADTOISENGARD
SoitwasthatinthelightofafairmorningKingThéodenandGandalftheWhiteRidermetagainuponthegreengrassbesidetheDeeping-stream.Therewasalso
AragornsonofArathorn,andLegolastheElf,andErkenbrandofWestfold,andthelordsoftheGoldenHouse.AboutthemweregatheredtheRohirrim,theRidersoftheMark:wonderovercametheirjoyinvictory,andtheireyeswereturnedtowardsthewood.
Suddenlytherewasagreatshout,anddownfromtheDikecamethosewhohad
beendrivenbackintotheDeep.TherecameGamlingtheOld,andÉomersonofÉomund,andbesidethemwalkedGimlithedwarf.Hehadnohelm,andabouthisheadwasalinenbandstainedwithblood;buthisvoicewasloudandstrong.
‘Forty-two,MasterLegolas!’hecried.‘Alas!Myaxeisnotched:theforty-secondhadanironcollaron
hisneck.Howisitwithyou?’‘Youhavepassedmy
scorebyone,’answeredLegolas.‘ButIdonotgrudgeyouthegame,sogladamItoseeyouonyourlegs!’
‘Welcome,Éomer,sister-son!’saidThéoden.‘NowthatIseeyousafe,Iamgladindeed.’
‘Hail,LordoftheMark!’saidÉomer.‘Thedarknighthaspassed,anddayhascome
again.Butthedayhasbroughtstrangetidings.’Heturnedandgazedinwonder,firstatthewoodandthenatGandalf.‘Oncemoreyoucomeinthehourofneed,unlooked-for,’hesaid.
‘Unlooked-for?’saidGandalf.‘IsaidthatIwouldreturnandmeetyouhere.’
‘Butyoudidnotnamethehour,norforetellthemannerofyourcoming.Strangehelp
youbring.Youaremightyinwizardry,GandalftheWhite!’
‘Thatmaybe.Butifso,Ihavenotshownityet.Ihavebutgivengoodcounselinperil,andmadeuseofthespeedofShadowfax.Yourownvalourhasdonemore,andthestoutlegsoftheWestfold-menmarchingthroughthenight.’
Thentheyallgazedat
Gandalfwithstillgreaterwonder.Someglanceddarklyatthewood,andpassedtheirhandsovertheirbrows,asiftheythoughttheireyessawotherwisethanhis.
Gandalflaughedlongandmerrily.‘Thetrees?’hesaid.‘Nay,Iseethewoodasplainlyasdoyou.Butthatisnodeedofmine.Itisathingbeyondthecounselofthewise.Betterthanmydesign,
andbettereventhanmyhopetheeventhasproved.’
‘Thenifnotyours,whoseisthewizardry?’saidThéoden.‘NotSaruman’s,thatisplain.Istheresomemightiersage,ofwhomwehaveyettolearn?’
‘Itisnotwizardry,butapowerfarolder,’saidGandalf:‘apowerthatwalkedtheearth,ereelfsangorhammerrang.
Ereironwasfoundortreewashewn,Whenyoungwasmountainundermoon;Ereringwasmade,orwroughtwaswoe,Itwalkedtheforestslongago.’
‘Andwhatmaybetheanswertoyourriddle?’said
Théoden.‘Ifyouwouldlearnthat,
youshouldcomewithmetoIsengard,’answeredGandalf.
‘ToIsengard?’theycried.‘Yes,’saidGandalf.‘I
shallreturntoIsengard,andthosewhowillmaycomewithme.Therewemayseestrangethings.’
‘ButtherearenotmenenoughintheMark,notiftheywereallgathered
togetherandhealedofwoundsandweariness,toassaultthestrongholdofSaruman,’saidThéoden.
‘NeverthelesstoIsengardIgo,’saidGandalf.‘Ishallnotstaytherelong.Mywayliesnoweastward.LookformeinEdoras,erethewaningofthemoon!’
‘Nay!’saidThéoden.‘InthedarkhourbeforedawnIdoubted,butwewillnotpart
now.Iwillcomewithyou,ifthatisyourcounsel.’
‘IwishtospeakwithSaruman,assoonasmaybenow,’saidGandalf,‘andsincehehasdoneyougreatinjury,itwouldbefittingifyouwerethere.Buthowsoonandhowswiftlywillyouride?’
‘Mymenarewearywithbattle,’saidtheKing;‘andIamwearyalso.ForIhave
riddenfarandsleptlittle.Alas!MyoldageisnotfeignednordueonlytothewhisperingsofWormtongue.Itisanillthatnoleechcanwhollycure,notevenGandalf.’
‘Thenletallwhoaretoridewithmerestnow,’saidGandalf.‘Wewilljourneyundertheshadowofevening.Itisaswell;foritismycounselthatallourcomings
andgoingsshouldbeassecretasmaybe,henceforth.Butdonotcommandmanymentogowithyou,Théoden.Wegotoaparleynottoafight.’
TheKingthenchosementhatwereunhurtandhadswifthorses,andhesentthemforthwithtidingsofthevictoryintoeveryvaleoftheMark;andtheyborehissummonsalso,biddingall
men,youngandold,tocomeinhastetoEdoras.TheretheLordoftheMarkwouldholdanassemblyofallthatcouldbeararms,onthethirddayafterthefullmoon.ToridewithhimtoIsengardtheKingchoseÉomerandtwentymenofhishousehold.WithGandalfwouldgoAragorn,andLegolas,andGimli.Inspiteofhishurtthedwarfwouldnotstaybehind.
‘Itwasonlyafeebleblowandthecapturnedit,’hesaid.‘Itwouldtakemorethansuchanorc-scratchtokeepmeback.’
‘Iwilltendit,whileyourest,’saidAragorn.
ThekingnowreturnedtotheHornburg,andslept,suchasleepofquietashehadnotknownformanyyears,and
theremainderofhischosencompanyrestedalso.Buttheothers,allthatwerenothurtorwounded,beganagreatlabour;formanyhadfalleninthebattleandlaydeaduponthefieldorintheDeep.
NoOrcsremainedalive;theirbodieswereuncounted.Butagreatmanyofthehillmenhadgiventhemselvesup;andtheywereafraid,andcriedformercy.
TheMenoftheMarktooktheirweaponsfromthem,andsetthemtowork.
‘Helpnowtorepairtheevilinwhichyouhavejoined,’saidErkenbrand;‘andafterwardsyoushalltakeanoathneveragaintopasstheFordsofIseninarms,nortomarchwiththeenemiesofMen;andthenyoushallgofreebacktoyourland.Foryouhavebeendeludedby
Saruman.Manyofyouhavegotdeathastherewardofyourtrustinhim;buthadyouconquered,littlebetterwouldyourwageshavebeen.’
ThemenofDunlandwereamazed;forSarumanhadtoldthemthatthemenofRohanwerecruelandburnedtheircaptivesalive.
InthemidstofthefieldbeforetheHornburgtwomoundswereraised,and
beneaththemwerelaidalltheRidersoftheMarkwhofellinthedefence,thoseoftheEastDalesupononeside,andthoseofWestfoldupontheother.ButthemenofDunlandweresetapartinamoundbelowtheDike.InagravealoneundertheshadowoftheHornburglayHáma,captainoftheKing’sguard.HefellbeforetheGate.
TheOrcswerepiledin
greatheaps,awayfromthemoundsofMen,notfarfromtheeavesoftheforest.Andthepeopleweretroubledintheirminds;fortheheapsofcarrionweretoogreatforburialorforburning.Theyhadlittlewoodforfiring,andnonewouldhavedaredtotakeanaxetothestrangetrees,evenifGandalfhadnotwarnedthemtohurtneitherbarknorboughattheirgreat
peril.‘LettheOrcslie,’said
Gandalf.‘Themorningmaybringnewcounsel.’
IntheafternoontheKing’scompanypreparedtodepart.Theworkofburialwasthenbutbeginning;andThéodenmournedforthelossofHáma,hiscaptain,andcastthefirstearthuponhisgrave.
‘GreatinjuryindeedhasSarumandonetomeandallthisland,’hesaid;‘andIwillrememberit,whenwemeet.’
ThesunwasalreadydrawingnearthehillsuponthewestoftheCoomb,whenatlastThéodenandGandalfandtheircompanionsrodedownfromtheDike.Behindthemweregatheredagreathost,bothoftheRidersandofthepeopleofWestfold,old
andyoung,womenandchildren,whohadcomeoutfromthecaves.Asongofvictorytheysangwithclearvoices;andthentheyfellsilent,wonderingwhatwouldchance,fortheireyeswereonthetreesandtheyfearedthem.
TheRiderscametothewood,andtheyhalted;horseandman,theywereunwillingtopassin.Thetreeswere
greyandmenacing,andashadoworamistwasaboutthem.Theendsoftheirlongsweepingboughshungdownlikesearchingfingers,theirrootsstoodupfromthegroundlikethelimbsofstrangemonsters,anddarkcavernsopenedbeneaththem.ButGandalfwentforward,leadingthecompany,andwheretheroadfromtheHornburgmetthetreesthey
sawnowanopeninglikeanarchedgateundermightyboughs;andthroughitGandalfpassed,andtheyfollowedhim.Thentotheiramazementtheyfoundthattheroadranon,andtheDeeping-streambesideit;andtheskywasopenaboveandfullofgoldenlight.Butoneithersidethegreataislesofthewoodwerealreadywrappedindusk,stretching
awayintoimpenetrableshadows;andtheretheyheardthecreakingandgroaningofboughs,andfarcries,andarumourofwordlessvoices,murmuringangrily.NoOrcorotherlivingcreaturecouldbeseen.
LegolasandGimliwerenowridingtogetherupononehorse;andtheykeptclosebesideGandalf,forGimliwasafraidofthewood.
‘Itishotinhere,’saidLegolastoGandalf.‘Ifeelagreatwrathaboutme.Doyounotfeeltheairthrobinyourears?’
‘Yes,’saidGandalf.‘Whathasbecomeofthe
miserableOrcs?’saidLegolas.
‘That,Ithink,noonewilleverknow,’saidGandalf.
Theyrodeinsilenceforawhile;butLegolaswaseverglancingfromsidetoside,andwouldoftenhavehaltedtolistentothesoundsofthewood,ifGimlihadallowedit.
‘ThesearethestrangesttreesthateverIsaw,’hesaid;‘andIhaveseenmanyanoakgrowfromacorntoruinousage.Iwishthattherewereleisurenowtowalkamongthem:theyhavevoices,and
intimeImightcometounderstandtheirthought.’
‘No,no!’saidGimli.‘Letusleavethem!Iguesstheirthoughtalready:hatredofallthatgoontwolegs;andtheirspeechisofcrushingandstrangling.’
‘Notofallthatgoontwolegs,’saidLegolas.‘ThereIthinkyouarewrong.ItisOrcsthattheyhate.Fortheydonotbelonghereandknow
littleofElvesandMen.Farawayarethevalleyswheretheysprang.FromthedeepdalesofFangorn,Gimli,thatiswhencetheycome,Iguess.’
‘ThenthatisthemostperilouswoodinMiddle-earth,’saidGimli.‘Ishouldbegratefulfortheparttheyhaveplayed,butIdonotlovethem.Youmaythinkthemwonderful,butIhaveseena
greaterwonderinthisland,morebeautifulthananygroveorgladethatevergrew:myheartisstillfullofit.
‘StrangearethewaysofMen,Legolas!HeretheyhaveoneofthemarvelsoftheNorthernWorld,andwhatdotheysayofit?Caves,theysay!Caves!Holestoflytointimeofwar,tostorefodderin!MygoodLegolas,doyouknowthatthecavernsof
Helm’sDeeparevastandbeautiful?TherewouldbeanendlesspilgrimageofDwarves,merelytogazeatthem,ifsuchthingswereknowntobe.Ayeindeed,theywouldpaypuregoldforabriefglance!’
‘AndIwouldgivegoldtobeexcused,’saidLegolas;‘anddoubletobeletout,ifIstrayedin!’
‘Youhavenotseen,soI
forgiveyourjest,’saidGimli.‘Butyouspeaklikeafool.Doyouthinkthosehallsarefair,whereyourKingdwellsunderthehillinMirkwood,andDwarveshelpedintheirmakinglongago?TheyarebuthovelscomparedwiththecavernsIhaveseenhere:immeasurablehalls,filledwithaneverlastingmusicofwaterthattinklesintopools,asfairasKheled-zâraminthe
starlight.‘And,Legolas,whenthe
torchesarekindledandmenwalkonthesandyfloorsundertheechoingdomes,ah!then,Legolas,gemsandcrystalsandveinsofpreciousoreglintinthepolishedwalls;andthelightglowsthroughfoldedmarbles,shell-like,translucentasthelivinghandsofQueenGaladriel.Therearecolumnsofwhite
andsaffronanddawn-rose,Legolas,flutedandtwistedintodreamlikeforms;theyspringupfrommany-colouredfloorstomeettheglisteningpendantsoftheroof:wings,ropes,curtainsfineasfrozenclouds;spears,banners,pinnaclesofsuspendedpalaces!Stilllakesmirrorthem:aglimmeringworldlooksupfromdarkpoolscoveredwithclear
glass;cities,suchasthemindofDurincouldscarcehaveimaginedinhissleep,stretchonthroughavenuesandpillaredcourts,onintothedarkrecesseswherenolightcancome.Andplink!asilverdropfalls,andtheroundwrinklesintheglassmakeallthetowersbendandwaverlikeweedsandcoralsinagrottoofthesea.Theneveningcomes:theyfadeand
twinkleout;thetorchespassonintoanotherchamberandanotherdream.Thereischamberafterchamber,Legolas;hallopeningoutofhall,domeafterdome,stairbeyondstair;andstillthewindingpathsleadonintothemountains’heart.Caves!TheCavernsofHelm’sDeep!Happywasthechancethatdrovemethere!Itmakesmeweeptoleavethem.’
‘ThenIwillwishyouthisfortuneforyourcomfort,Gimli,’saidtheElf,‘thatyoumaycomesafefromwarandreturntoseethemagain.Butdonottellallyourkindred!Thereseemslittleleftforthemtodo,fromyouraccount.Maybethemenofthislandarewisetosaylittle:onefamilyofbusydwarveswithhammerandchiselmightmarmorethanthey
made.’‘No,youdonot
understand,’saidGimli.‘Nodwarfcouldbeunmovedbysuchloveliness.NoneofDurin’sracewouldminethosecavesforstonesorore,notifdiamondsandgoldcouldbegotthere.Doyoucutdowngrovesofblossomingtreesinthespringtimeforfirewood?Wewouldtendthesegladesof
floweringstone,notquarrythem.Withcautiousskill,tapbytap–asmallchipofrockandnomore,perhaps,inawholeanxiousday–sowecouldwork,andastheyearswentby,weshouldopenupnewways,anddisplayfarchambersthatarestilldark,glimpsedonlyasavoidbeyondfissuresintherock.Andlights,Legolas!Weshouldmakelights,such
lampsasonceshoneinKhazad-dûm;andwhenwewishedwewoulddriveawaythenightthathaslaintheresincethehillsweremade;andwhenwedesiredrest,wewouldletthenightreturn.’
‘Youmoveme,Gimli,’saidLegolas.‘Ihaveneverheardyouspeaklikethisbefore.AlmostyoumakemeregretthatIhavenotseenthesecaves.Come!Letus
makethisbargain–ifwebothreturnsafeoutoftheperilsthatawaitus,wewilljourneyforawhiletogether.YoushallvisitFangornwithme,andthenIwillcomewithyoutoseeHelm’sDeep.’
‘ThatwouldnotbethewayofreturnthatIshouldchoose,’saidGimli.‘ButIwillendureFangorn,ifIhaveyourpromisetocomebacktothecavesandsharetheir
wonderwithme.’‘Youhavemypromise,’
saidLegolas.‘Butalas!Nowwemustleavebehindbothcaveandwoodforawhile.See!Wearecomingtotheendofthetrees.HowfarisittoIsengard,Gandalf?’
‘Aboutfifteenleagues,asthecrowsofSarumanmakeit,’saidGandalf:‘fivefromthemouthofDeeping-coombtotheFords;andtenmore
fromtheretothegatesofIsengard.Butweshallnotrideallthewaythisnight.’
‘Andwhenwecomethere,whatshallwesee?’askedGimli.‘Youmayknow,butIcannotguess.’
‘Idonotknowmyselfforcertain,’answeredthewizard.‘Iwasthereatnightfallyesterday,butmuchmayhavehappenedsince.YetIthinkthatyouwillnotsay
thatthejourneywasinvain–notthoughtheGlitteringCavesofAglarondbeleftbehind.’
Atlastthecompanypassedthroughthetrees,andfoundthattheyhadcometothebottomoftheCoomb,wheretheroadfromHelm’sDeepbranched,goingonewayeasttoEdoras,andthe
othernorthtotheFordsofIsen.Astheyrodefromundertheeavesofthewood,Legolashaltedandlookedbackwithregret.Thenhegaveasuddencry.
‘Thereareeyes!’hesaid.‘Eyeslookingoutfromtheshadowsoftheboughs!Ineversawsucheyesbefore.’
Theothers,surprisedbyhiscry,haltedandturned;butLegolasstartedtorideback.
‘No,no!’criedGimli.‘Doasyoupleaseinyourmadness,butletmefirstgetdownfromthishorse!Iwishtoseenoeyes!’
‘Stay,LegolasGreenleaf!’saidGandalf.‘Donotgobackintothewood,notyet!Nowisnotyourtime.’
Evenashespoke,therecameforwardoutofthetreesthreestrangeshapes.Astallastrollstheywere,twelve
feetormoreinheight;theirstrongbodies,stoutasyoungtrees,seemedtobecladwithraimentorwithhideofclose-fittinggreyandbrown.Theirlimbswerelong,andtheirhandshadmanyfingers;theirhairwasstiff,andtheirbeardsgrey-greenasmoss.Theygazedoutwithsolemneyes,buttheywerenotlookingattheriders:theireyeswerebentnorthwards.
Suddenlytheyliftedtheirlonghandstotheirmouths,andsentforthringingcalls,clearasnotesofahorn,butmoremusicalandvarious.Thecallswereanswered;andturningagain,theriderssawothercreaturesofthesamekindapproaching,stridingthroughthegrass.TheycameswiftlyfromtheNorth,walkinglikewadingheronsintheirgait,butnotintheir
speed;fortheirlegsintheirlongpacesbeatquickerthantheheron’swings.Theriderscriedaloudinwonder,andsomesettheirhandsupontheirsword-hilts.
‘Youneednoweapons,’saidGandalf.‘Thesearebutherdsmen.Theyarenotenemies,indeedtheyarenotconcernedwithusatall.’
Soitseemedtobe;forashespokethetallcreatures,
withoutaglanceattheriders,strodeintothewoodandvanished.
‘Herdsmen!’saidThéoden.‘Wherearetheirflocks?Whatarethey,Gandalf?Foritisplainthattoyou,atanyrate,theyarenotstrange.’
‘Theyaretheshepherdsofthetrees,’answeredGandalf.‘Isitsolongsinceyoulistenedtotalesbythe
fireside?Therearechildreninyourlandwho,outofthetwistedthreadsofstory,couldpicktheanswertoyourquestion.YouhaveseenEnts,OKing,EntsoutofFangornForest,whichinyourtongueyoucalltheEntwood.Didyouthinkthatthenamewasgivenonlyinidlefancy?Nay,Théoden,itisotherwise:tothemyouarebutthepassingtale;alltheyears
fromEorltheYoungtoThéodentheOldareoflittlecounttothem;andallthedeedsofyourhousebutasmallmatter.’
Thekingwassilent.‘Ents!’hesaidatlength.‘OutoftheshadowsoflegendIbeginalittletounderstandthemarvelofthetrees,Ithink.Ihavelivedtoseestrangedays.Longwehavetendedourbeastsandour
fields,builtourhouses,wroughtourtools,orriddenawaytohelpinthewarsofMinasTirith.AndthatwecalledthelifeofMen,thewayoftheworld.Wecaredlittleforwhatlaybeyondthebordersofourland.Songswehavethattellofthesethings,butweareforgettingthem,teachingthemonlytochildren,asacarelesscustom.Andnowthesongs
havecomedownamongusoutofstrangeplaces,andwalkvisibleundertheSun.’
‘Youshouldbeglad,ThéodenKing,’saidGandalf.‘FornotonlythelittlelifeofMenisnowendangered,butthelifealsoofthosethingswhichyouhavedeemedthematteroflegend.Youarenotwithoutallies,evenifyouknowthemnot.’
‘YetalsoIshouldbesad,’
saidThéoden.‘Forhoweverthefortuneofwarshallgo,mayitnotsoendthatmuchthatwasfairandwonderfulshallpassforeveroutofMiddle-earth?’
‘Itmay,’saidGandalf.‘TheevilofSauroncannotbewhollycured,normadeasifithadnotbeen.Buttosuchdayswearedoomed.Letusnowgoonwiththejourneywehavebegun!’
ThecompanyturnedthenawayfromtheCoombandfromthewoodandtooktheroadtowardstheFords.Legolasfollowedreluctantly.Thesunhadset,alreadyithadsunkbehindtherimoftheworld;butastheyrodeoutfromtheshadowofthehillsandlookedwesttotheGapofRohantheskywasstillred,andaburninglightwasunderthefloatingclouds.
Darkagainstittherewheeledandflewmanyblack-wingedbirds.Somepassedoverheadwithmournfulcries,returningtotheirhomesamongtherocks.
‘Thecarrion-fowlhavebeenbusyaboutthebattle-field,’saidÉomer.
Theyrodenowataneasypaceanddarkcamedownupontheplainsaboutthem.Theslowmoonmounted,
nowwaxingtowardsthefull,andinitscoldsilverlighttheswellinggrasslandsroseandfelllikeawidegreysea.TheyhadriddenforsomefourhoursfromthebranchingoftheroadswhentheydrewneartotheFords.Longslopesranswiftlydowntowheretheriverspreadinstonyshoalsbetweenhighgrassyterraces.Borneuponthewindtheyheardthe
howlingofwolves.Theirheartswereheavy,rememberingthemanymenthathadfalleninbattleinthisplace.
Theroaddippedbetweenrisingturf-banks,carvingitswaythroughtheterracestotheriver’sedge,andupagainuponthefurtherside.Therewerethreelinesofflatstepping-stonesacrossthestream,andbetweenthem
fordsforhorses,thatwentfromeitherbrinktoabareeyotinthemidst.Theriderslookeddownuponthecrossings,anditseemedstrangetothem;fortheFordshadeverbeenaplacefulloftherushandchatterofwateruponstones;butnowtheyweresilent.Thebedsofthestreamwerealmostdry,abarewasteofshinglesandgreysand.
‘Thisisbecomeadrearyplace,’saidÉomer.‘Whatsicknesshasbefallentheriver?ManyfairthingsSarumanhasdestroyed:hashedevouredthespringsofIsentoo?’
‘Soitwouldseem,’saidGandalf.
‘Alas!’saidThéoden.‘Mustwepassthisway,wherethecarrion-beastsdevoursomanygoodRiders
oftheMark?’‘Thisisourway,’said
Gandalf.‘Grievousisthefallofyourmen;butyoushallseethatatleastthewolvesofthemountainsdonotdevourthem.Itiswiththeirfriends,theOrcs,thattheyholdtheirfeast:suchindeedisthefriendshipoftheirkind.Come!’
Theyrodedowntotheriver,andastheycamethe
wolvesceasedtheirhowlingandslunkaway.FearfellonthemseeingGandalfinthemoon,andShadowfaxhishorseshininglikesilver.Theriderspassedovertotheislet,andglitteringeyeswatchedthemwanlyfromtheshadowsofthebanks.
‘Look!’saidGandalf.‘Friendshavelabouredhere.’
Andtheysawthatinthemidstoftheeyotamound
waspiled,ringedwithstones,andsetaboutwithmanyspears.
‘HereliealltheMenoftheMarkthatfellnearthisplace,’saidGandalf.
‘Hereletthemrest!’saidÉomer.‘Andwhentheirspearshaverottedandrusted,longstillmaytheirmoundstandandguardtheFordsofIsen!’
‘Isthisyourworkalso,
Gandalf,myfriend?’saidThéoden.‘Youaccomplishedmuchinaneveningandanight!’
‘WiththehelpofShadowfax–andothers,’saidGandalf.‘Irodefastandfar.ButherebesidethemoundIwillsaythisforyourcomfort:manyfellinthebattlesoftheFords,butfewerthanrumourmadethem.Morewerescatteredthanwereslain;I
gatheredtogetherallthatIcouldfind.SomemenIsentwithGrimboldofWestfoldtojoinErkenbrand.SomeIsettomakethisburial.Theyhavenowfollowedyourmarshal,Elfhelm.IsenthimwithmanyRiderstoEdoras.SarumanIknewhaddespatchedhisfullstrengthagainstyou,andhisservantshadturnedasidefromallothererrandsandgoneto
Helm’sDeep:thelandsseemedemptyofenemies;yetIfearedthatwolf-ridersandplunderersmightridenonethelesstoMeduseld,whileitwasundefended.ButnowIthinkyouneednotfear:youwillfindyourhousetowelcomeyourreturn.’
‘AndgladshallIbetoseeitagain,’saidThéoden,‘thoughbriefnow,Idoubtnot,shallbemyabiding
there.’Withthatthecompany
saidfarewelltotheislandandthemound,andpassedovertheriver,andclimbedthefurtherbank.Thentheyrodeon,gladtohaveleftthemournfulFords.Astheywentthehowlingofthewolvesbrokeoutanew.
TherewasanancienthighwaythatrandownfromIsengardtothecrossings.For
somewayittookitscoursebesidetheriver,bendingwithiteastandthennorth;butatthelastitturnedawayandwentstraighttowardsthegatesofIsengard;andthesewereunderthemountain-sideinthewestofthevalley,sixteenmilesormorefromitsmouth.Thisroadtheyfollowedbuttheydidnotrideuponit;forthegroundbesideitwasfirmandlevel,covered
formanymilesaboutwithshortspringingturf.Theyrodenowmoreswiftly,andbymidnighttheFordswerenearlyfiveleaguesbehind.Thentheyhalted,endingtheirnight’sjourney,fortheKingwasweary.TheywerecometothefeetoftheMistyMountains,andthelongarmsofNanCurunírstretcheddowntomeetthem.Darklaythevalebeforethem,forthe
moonhadpassedintotheWest,anditslightwashiddenbythehills.Butoutofthedeepshadowofthedaleroseavastspireofsmokeandvapour;asitmounted,itcaughttheraysofthesinkingmoon,andspreadinshimmeringbillows,blackandsilver,overthestarrysky.
‘Whatdoyouthinkofthat,Gandalf?’askedAragorn.‘Onewouldsaythat
alltheWizard’sValewasburning.’
‘Thereiseverafumeabovethatvalleyinthesedays,’saidÉomer:‘butIhaveneverseenaughtlikethisbefore.Thesearesteamsratherthansmokes.Sarumanisbrewingsomedevilrytogreetus.MaybeheisboilingallthewatersofIsen,andthatiswhytheriverrunsdry.’
‘Maybeheis,’said
Gandalf.‘Tomorrowweshalllearnwhatheisdoing.Nowletusrestforawhile,ifwecan.’
TheycampedbesidethebedoftheIsenriver;itwasstillsilentandempty.Someofthemsleptalittle.Butlateinthenightthewatchmencriedout,andallawoke.Themoonwasgone.Starswereshiningabove;butoverthegroundtherecreptadarkness
blackerthanthenight.Onbothsidesoftheriveritrolledtowardsthem,goingnorthward.
‘Staywhereyouare!’saidGandalf.‘Drawnoweapons!Wait!anditwillpassyouby!’
Amistgatheredaboutthem.Abovethemafewstarsstillglimmeredfaintly;butoneithersidetherearosewallsofimpenetrablegloom;they
wereinanarrowlanebetweenmovingtowersofshadow.Voicestheyheard,whisperingsandgroaningsandanendlessrustlingsigh;theearthshookunderthem.Longitseemedtothemthattheysatandwereafraid;butatlastthedarknessandtherumourpassed,andvanishedbetweenthemountain’sarms.
AwaysouthupontheHornburg,inthemiddlenightmenheardagreatnoise,asawindinthevalley,andthegroundtrembled;andallwereafraidandnooneventuredtogoforth.Butinthemorningtheywentoutandwereamazed;fortheslainOrcsweregone,andthetreesalso.FardownintothevalleyoftheDeepthegrasswascrushedandtrampledbrown,
asifgiantherdsmenhadpasturedgreatdrovesofcattlethere;butamilebelowtheDikeahugepithadbeendelvedintheearth,andoveritstoneswerepiledintoahill.MenbelievedthattheOrcswhomtheyhadslainwereburiedthere;butwhetherthosewhohadfledintothewoodwerewiththem,nonecouldsay,fornomaneversetfootuponthathill.TheDeath
Downitwasafterwardscalled,andnograsswouldgrowthere.ButthestrangetreeswereneverseeninDeeping-coombagain;theyhadreturnedatnight,andhadgonefarawaytothedarkdalesofFangorn.ThustheywererevengedupontheOrcs.
Thekingandhiscompanysleptnomorethat
night;buttheysawandheardnootherstrangething,saveone:thevoiceoftheriverbesidethemsuddenlyawoke.Therewasarushofwaterhurryingdownamongthestones;andwhenithadpassed,theIsenflowedandbubbledinitsbedagain,asithadeverdone.
Atdawntheymadereadytogoon.Thelightcamegreyandpale,andtheydidnotsee
therisingofthesun.Theairabovewasheavywithfog,andareeklayonthelandaboutthem.Theywentslowly,ridingnowuponthehighway.Itwasbroadandhard,andwell-tended.Dimlythroughthemiststheycoulddescrythelongarmofthemountainsrisingontheirleft.TheyhadpassedintoNanCurunír,theWizard’sVale.Thatwasashelteredvalley,
openonlytotheSouth.Onceithadbeenfairandgreen,andthroughittheIsenflowed,alreadydeepandstrongbeforeitfoundtheplains;foritwasfedbymanyspringsandlesserstreamsamongtherain-washedhills,andallaboutittherehadlainapleasant,fertileland.
Itwasnotsonow.BeneaththewallsofIsengardtherestillwereacrestilledby
theslavesofSaruman;butmostofthevalleyhadbecomeawildernessofweedsandthorns.Bramblestrailedupontheground,orclamberingoverbushandbank,madeshaggycaveswheresmallbeastshoused.Notreesgrewthere;butamongtherankgrassescouldstillbeseentheburnedandaxe-hewnstumpsofancientgroves.Itwasasadcountry,
silentnowbutforthestonynoiseofquickwaters.Smokesandsteamsdriftedinsullencloudsandlurkedinthehollows.Theridersdidnotspeak.Manydoubtedintheirhearts,wonderingtowhatdismalendtheirjourneyled.
Aftertheyhadriddenforsomemiles,thehighwaybecameawidestreet,pavedwithgreatflatstones,squared
andlaidwithskill;nobladeofgrasswasseeninanyjoint.Deepgutters,filledwithtricklingwater,randownoneitherside.Suddenlyatallpillarloomedupbeforethem.Itwasblack;andsetuponitwasagreatstone,carvedandpaintedinthelikenessofalongWhiteHand.Itsfingerpointednorth.NotfarnowtheyknewthatthegatesofIsengardmuststand,andtheir
heartswereheavy;buttheireyescouldnotpiercethemistsahead.
Beneaththemountain’sarmwithintheWizard’sValethroughyearsuncountedhadstoodthatancientplacethatMencalledIsengard.Partlyitwasshapedinthemakingofthemountains,butmightyworkstheMenof
Westernessehadwroughtthereofold;andSarumanhaddwelttherelongandhadnotbeenidle.
Thiswasitsfashion,whileSarumanwasathisheight,accountedbymanythechiefofWizards.Agreatring-wallofstone,liketoweringcliffs,stoodoutfromtheshelterofthemountain-side,fromwhichitranandthenreturnedagain.Oneentranceonlywas
theremadeinit,agreatarchdelvedinthesouthernwall.Herethroughtheblackrockalongtunnelhadbeenhewn,closedateitherendwithmightydoorsofiron.Theyweresowroughtandpoisedupontheirhugehinges,postsofsteeldrivenintothelivingstone,thatwhenunbarredtheycouldbemovedwithalightthrustofthearms,noiselessly.Onewhopassed
inandcameatlengthoutoftheechoingtunnel,beheldaplain,agreatcircle,somewhathollowedlikeavastshallowbowl:amileitmeasuredfromrimtorim.Onceithadbeengreenandfilledwithavenues,andgrovesoffruitfultrees,wateredbystreamsthatflowedfromthemountainstoalake.Butnogreenthinggrewthereinthelatterdays
ofSaruman.Theroadswerepavedwithstone-flags,darkandhard;andbesidetheirbordersinsteadoftreestheremarchedlonglinesofpillars,someofmarble,someofcopperandofiron,joinedbyheavychains.
Manyhousestherewere,chambers,halls,andpassages,cutandtunnelledbackintothewallsupontheirinnerside,sothatalltheopen
circlewasoverlookedbycountlesswindowsanddarkdoors.Thousandscoulddwellthere,workers,servants,slaves,andwarriorswithgreatstoreofarms;wolveswerefedandstabledindeepdensbeneath.Theplain,too,wasboredanddelved.Shaftsweredrivendeepintotheground;theirupperendswerecoveredbylowmoundsanddomesofstone,sothatinthe
moonlighttheRingofIsengardlookedlikeagraveyardofunquietdead.Forthegroundtrembled.Theshaftsrandownbymanyslopesandspiralstairstocavernsfarunder;thereSarumanhadtreasuries,store-houses,armouries,smithies,andgreatfurnaces.Ironwheelsrevolvedthereendlessly,andhammersthudded.Atnightplumesof
vapoursteamedfromthevents,litfrombeneathwithredlight,orblue,orvenomousgreen.
Tothecentrealltheroadsranbetweentheirchains.Therestoodatowerofmarvellousshape.Itwasfashionedbythebuildersofold,whosmoothedtheRingofIsengard,andyetitseemedathingnotmadebythecraftofMen,butrivenfromthe
bonesoftheearthintheancienttormentofthehills.Apeakandisleofrockitwas,blackandgleaminghard:fourmightypiersofmany-sidedstonewereweldedintoone,butnearthesummittheyopenedintogapinghorns,theirpinnaclessharpasthepointsofspears,keen-edgedasknives.Betweenthemwasanarrowspace,andthereuponafloorofpolished
stone,writtenwithstrangesigns,amanmightstandfivehundredfeetabovetheplain.ThiswasOrthanc,thecitadelofSaruman,thenameofwhichhad(bydesignorchance)atwofoldmeaning;forintheElvishspeechorthancsignifiesMountFang,butinthelanguageoftheMarkofoldtheCunningMind.
Astrongplaceand
wonderfulwasIsengard,andlongithadbeenbeautiful;andtheregreatlordshaddwelt,thewardensofGondorupontheWest,andwisementhatwatchedthestars.ButSarumanhadslowlyshapedittohisshiftingpurposes,andmadeitbetter,ashethought,beingdeceived–forallthoseartsandsubtledevices,forwhichheforsookhisformerwisdom,andwhichfondlyhe
imaginedwerehisown,camebutfromMordor;sothatwhathemadewasnaught,onlyalittlecopy,achild’smodeloraslave’sflattery,ofthatvastfortress,armoury,prison,furnaceofgreatpower,Barad-dûr,theDarkTower,whichsufferednorival,andlaughedatflattery,bidingitstime,secureinitsprideanditsimmeasurablestrength.
ThiswasthestrongholdofSaruman,asfamereportedit;forwithinlivingmemorythemenofRohanhadnotpasseditsgates,saveperhapsafew,suchasWormtongue,whocameinsecretandtoldnomanwhattheysaw.
NowGandalfrodetothegreatpillaroftheHand,andpassedit;andashedidsothe
RiderssawtotheirwonderthattheHandappearednolongerwhite.Itwasstainedaswithdriedblood;andlookingclosertheyperceivedthatitsnailswerered.UnheedingGandalfrodeonintothemist,andreluctantlytheyfollowedhim.Allaboutthemnow,asiftherehadbeenasuddenflood,widepoolsofwaterlaybesidetheroad,fillingthehollows,and
rillswenttricklingdownamongthestones.
AtlastGandalfhaltedandbeckonedtothem;andtheycame,andsawthatbeyondhimthemistshadcleared,andapalesunlightshone.Thehourofnoonhadpassed.TheywerecometothedoorsofIsengard.
Butthedoorslayhurledandtwistedontheground.Andallabout,stone,cracked
andsplinteredintocountlessjaggedshards,wasscatteredfarandwide,orpiledinruinousheaps.Thegreatarchstillstood,butitopenednowuponarooflesschasm:thetunnelwaslaidbare,andthroughthecliff-likewallsoneithersidegreatrentsandbreacheshadbeentorn;theirtowerswerebeatenintodust.IftheGreatSeahadriseninwrathandfallenonthehills
withstorm,itcouldhaveworkednogreaterruin.
Theringbeyondwasfilledwithsteamingwater:abubblingcauldron,inwhichthereheavedandfloatedawreckageofbeamsandspars,chestsandcasksandbrokengear.Twistedandleaningpillarsrearedtheirsplinteredstemsabovetheflood,butalltheroadsweredrowned.Faroff,itseemed,halfveiledin
windingcloud,thereloomedtheislandrock.Stilldarkandtall,unbrokenbythestorm,thetowerofOrthancstood.Palewaterslappedaboutitsfeet.
Thekingandallhiscompanysatsilentontheirhorses,marvelling,perceivingthatthepowerofSarumanwasoverthrown;buthowtheycouldnotguess.Andnowtheyturnedtheir
eyestowardsthearchwayandtheruinedgates.Theretheysawclosebesidethemagreatrubble-heap;andsuddenlytheywereawareoftwosmallfigureslyingonitattheirease,grey-clad,hardlytobeseenamongthestones.Therewerebottlesandbowlsandplatterslaidbesidethem,asiftheyhadjusteatenwell,andnowrestedfromtheirlabour.Oneseemedasleep;theother,
withcrossedlegsandarmsbehindhishead,leanedbackagainstabrokenrockandsentfromhismouthlongwispsandlittleringsofthinbluesmoke.
ForamomentThéodenandÉomerandallhismenstaredattheminwonder.AmidallthewreckofIsengardthisseemedtothem
thestrangestsight.Butbeforethekingcouldspeak,thesmallsmoke-breathingfigurebecamesuddenlyawareofthem,astheysattheresilentontheedgeofthemist.Hesprangtohisfeet.Ayoungmanhelooked,orlikeone,thoughnotmuchmorethanhalfamaninheight;hisheadofbrowncurlinghairwasuncovered,buthewascladinatravel-stainedcloakofthe
samehueandshapeasthecompanionsofGandalfhadwornwhentheyrodetoEdoras.Hebowedverylow,puttinghishanduponhisbreast.Then,seemingnottoobservethewizardandhisfriends,heturnedtoÉomerandtheking.
‘Welcome,mylords,toIsengard!’hesaid.‘Wearethedoorwardens.Meriadoc,sonofSaradocismyname;
andmycompanion,who,alas!isovercomewithweariness’–herehegavetheotheradigwithhisfoot–‘isPeregrin,sonofPaladin,oftheHouseofTook.FarintheNorthisourhome.TheLordSarumaniswithin;butatthemomentheisclosetedwithoneWormtongue,ordoubtlesshewouldbeheretowelcomesuchhonourableguests.’
‘Doubtlesshewould!’laughedGandalf.‘AndwasitSarumanthatorderedyoutoguardhisdamageddoors,andwatchforthearrivalofguests,whenyourattentioncouldbesparedfromplateandbottle?’
‘No,goodsir,thematterescapedhim,’answeredMerrygravely.‘Hehasbeenmuchoccupied.OurorderscamefromTreebeard,who
hastakenoverthemanagementofIsengard.HecommandedmetowelcometheLordofRohanwithfittingwords.Ihavedonemybest.’
‘Andwhataboutyourcompanions?WhataboutLegolasandme?’criedGimli,unabletocontainhimselflonger.‘Yourascals,youwoolly-footedandwool-patedtruants!Afinehuntyouhaveledus!Twohundred
leagues,throughfenandforest,battleanddeath,torescueyou!Andherewefindyoufeastingandidling–andsmoking!Smoking!Wheredidyoucomebytheweed,youvillains?Hammerandtongs!Iamsotornbetweenrageandjoy,thatifIdonotburst,itwillbeamarvel!’
‘Youspeakforme,Gimli,’laughedLegolas.‘ThoughIwouldsoonerlearn
howtheycamebythewine.’‘Onethingyouhavenot
foundinyourhunting,andthat’sbrighterwits,’saidPippin,openinganeye.‘Hereyoufindussittingonafieldofvictory,amidtheplunderofarmies,andyouwonderhowwecamebyafewwell-earnedcomforts!’
‘Well-earned?’saidGimli.‘Icannotbelievethat!’
TheRiderslaughed.‘It
cannotbedoubtedthatwewitnessthemeetingofdearfriends,’saidThéoden.‘Sothesearethelostonesofyourcompany,Gandalf?Thedaysarefatedtobefilledwithmarvels.AlreadyIhaveseenmanysinceIleftmyhouse;andnowherebeforemyeyesstandyetanotherofthefolkoflegend.ArenotthesetheHalflings,thatsomeamonguscalltheHolbytlan?’
‘Hobbits,ifyouplease,lord,’saidPippin.
‘Hobbits?’saidThéoden.‘Yourtongueisstrangelychanged;butthenamesoundsnotunfittingso.Hobbits!NoreportthatIhavehearddoesjusticetothetruth.’
Merrybowed;andPippingotupandbowedlow.‘Youaregracious,lord;orIhopethatImaysotakeyourwords,’hesaid.‘Andhereis
anothermarvel!Ihavewanderedinmanylands,sinceIleftmyhome,andnevertillnowhaveIfoundpeoplethatknewanystoryconcerninghobbits.’
‘MypeoplecameoutoftheNorthlongago,’saidThéoden.‘ButIwillnotdeceiveyou:weknownotalesabouthobbits.Allthatissaidamongusisthatfaraway,overmanyhillsand
rivers,livethehalflingfolkthatdwellinholesinsand-dunes.Buttherearenolegendsoftheirdeeds,foritissaidthattheydolittle,andavoidthesightofmen,beingabletovanishinatwinkling;andtheycanchangetheirvoicestoresemblethepipingofbirds.Butitseemsthatmorecouldbesaid.’
‘Itcouldindeed,lord,’saidMerry.
‘Foronething,’saidThéoden,‘Ihadnotheardthattheyspoutedsmokefromtheirmouths.’
‘Thatisnotsurprising,’answeredMerry;‘foritisanartwhichwehavenotpractisedformorethanafewgenerations.ItwasToboldHornblower,ofLongbottomintheSouthfarthing,whofirstgrewthetruepipe-weedinhisgardens,abouttheyear
1070accordingtoourreckoning.HowoldTobycamebytheplant...’
‘Youdonotknowyourdanger,Théoden,’interruptedGandalf.‘Thesehobbitswillsitontheedgeofruinanddiscussthepleasuresofthetable,orthesmalldoingsoftheirfathers,grandfathers,andgreat-grandfathers,andremotercousinstotheninthdegree,ifyouencourage
themwithunduepatience.Someothertimewouldbemorefittingforthehistoryofsmoking.WhereisTreebeard,Merry?’
‘Awayonthenorthside,Ibelieve.Hewenttogetadrink–ofcleanwater.MostoftheotherEntsarewithhim,stillbusyattheirwork–overthere.’Merrywavedhishandtowardsthesteaminglake;andastheylooked,they
heardadistantrumblingandrattling,asifanavalanchewasfallingfromthemountain-side.Farawaycameahoom-hom,asofhornsblowingtriumphantly.
‘AndisOrthancthenleftunguarded?’askedGandalf.
‘Thereisthewater,’saidMerry.‘ButQuickbeamandsomeothersarewatchingit.NotallthosepostsandpillarsintheplainareofSaruman’s
planting.Quickbeam,Ithink,isbytherock,nearthefootofthestair.’
‘Yes,atallgreyEntisthere,’saidLegolas,‘buthisarmsareathissides,andhestandsasstillasadoor-tree.’
‘Itispastnoon,’saidGandalf,‘andweatanyratehavenoteatensinceearlymorning.YetIwishtoseeTreebeardassoonasmaybe.Didheleavemenomessage,
orhasplateandbottledrivenitfromyourmind?’
‘Heleftamessage,’saidMerry,‘andIwascomingtoit,butIhavebeenhinderedbymanyotherquestions.Iwastosaythat,iftheLordoftheMarkandGandalfwillridetothenorthernwalltheywillfindTreebeardthere,andhewillwelcomethem.Imayaddthattheywillalsofindfoodofthebestthere,itwas
discoveredandselectedbyyourhumbleservants.’Hebowed.
Gandalflaughed.‘Thatisbetter!’hesaid.‘Well,Théoden,willyouridewithmetofindTreebeard?Wemustgoroundabout,butitisnotfar.WhenyouseeTreebeard,youwilllearnmuch.ForTreebeardisFangorn,andtheeldestandchiefoftheEnts,andwhen
youspeakwithhimyouwillhearthespeechoftheoldestofalllivingthings.’
‘Iwillcomewithyou,’saidThéoden.‘Farewell,myhobbits!Maywemeetagaininmyhouse!Thereyoushallsitbesidemeandtellmeallthatyourheartsdesire:thedeedsofyourgrandsires,asfarasyoucanreckonthem;andwewillspeakalsoofToboldtheOldandhisherb-
lore.Farewell!’Thehobbitsbowedlow.
‘SothatistheKingofRohan!’saidPippininanundertone.‘Afineoldfellow.Verypolite.’
Chapter9
FLOTSAMANDJETSAM
GandalfandtheKing’scompanyrodeaway,turningeastwardtomakethecircuitoftheruinedwallsofIsengard.ButAragorn,Gimli,andLegolasremainedbehind.
LeavingArodandHasufeltostrayinsearchofgrass,theycameandsatbesidethehobbits.
‘Well,well!Thehuntisover,andwemeetagainatlast,wherenoneofuseverthoughttocome,’saidAragorn.
‘Andnowthatthegreatoneshavegonetodiscusshighmatters,’saidLegolas,‘thehunterscanperhapslearn
theanswerstotheirownsmallriddles.Wetrackedyouasfarastheforest,buttherearestillmanythingsthatIshouldliketoknowthetruthof.’
‘Andthereisagreatdeal,too,thatwewanttoknowaboutyou,’saidMerry.‘WehavelearntafewthingsthroughTreebeard,theOldEnt,butthatisnotnearlyenough.’
‘Allingoodtime,’saidLegolas.‘Wewerethehunters,andyoushouldgiveanaccountofyourselvestousfirst.’
‘Orsecond,’saidGimli.‘Itwouldgobetterafterameal.Ihaveasorehead;anditispastmid-day.Youtruantsmightmakeamendsbyfindingussomeoftheplunderthatyouspokeof.Foodanddrinkwouldpayoff
someofmyscoreagainstyou.’
‘Thenyoushallhaveit,’saidPippin.‘Willyouhaveithere,orinmorecomfortinwhat’sleftofSaruman’sguard-house–overthereunderthearch?Wehadtopicnicouthere,soastokeepaneyeontheroad.’
‘Lessthananeye!’saidGimli.‘ButIwillnotgointoanyorc-house;nortouch
Orcs’meatoranythingthattheyhavemauled.’
‘Wewouldn’taskyouto,’saidMerry.‘WehavehadenoughofOrcsourselvestolastalife-time.ButthereweremanyotherfolkinIsengard.SarumankeptenoughwisdomnottotrusthisOrcs.HehadMentoguardhisgates:someofhismostfaithfulservants,Isuppose.Anywaytheywere
favouredandgotgoodprovisions.’
‘Andpipe-weed?’askedGimli.
‘No,Idon’tthinkso,’Merrylaughed.‘Butthatisanotherstory,whichcanwaituntilafterlunch.’
‘Wellletusgoandhavelunchthen!’saidtheDwarf.
Thehobbitsledtheway;
andtheypassedunderthearchandcametoawidedoorupontheleft,atthetopofastair.Itopeneddirectintoalargechamber,withothersmallerdoorsatthefarend,andahearthandchimneyatoneside.Thechamberwashewnoutofthestone;anditmustoncehavebeendark,foritswindowslookedoutonlyintothetunnel.Butlightcameinnowthroughthe
brokenroof.Onthehearthwoodwasburning.
‘Ilitabitoffire,’saidPippin.‘Itcheeredusupinthefogs.Therewerefewfaggotsabout,andmostofthewoodwecouldfindwaswet.Butthereisagreatdraughtinthechimney:itseemstowindawayupthroughtherock,andfortunatelyithasnotbeenblocked.Afireishandy.I
willmakeyousometoast.Thebreadisthreeorfourdaysold,Iamafraid.’
Aragornandhiscompanionssatthemselvesdownatoneendofalongtable,andthehobbitsdisappearedthroughoneoftheinnerdoors.
‘Store-roominthere,andabovethefloods,luckily,’saidPippin,astheycamebackladenwithdishes,
bowls,cups,knives,andfoodofvarioussorts.
‘Andyouneednotturnupyournoseattheprovender,MasterGimli,’saidMerry.‘Thisisnotorc-stuff,butman-food,asTreebeardcallsit.Willyouhavewineorbeer?There’sabarrelinsidethere–verypassable.Andthisisfirst-ratesaltedpork.OrIcancutyousomerashersofbaconandbroilthem,if
youlike.Iamsorrythereisnogreenstuff:thedeliverieshavebeenratherinterruptedinthelastfewdays!Icannotofferyouanythingtofollowbutbutterandhoneyforyourbread.Areyoucontent?’
‘Indeedyes,’saidGimli.‘Thescoreismuchreduced.’
Thethreeweresoonbusywiththeirmeal;andthetwohobbits,unabashed,settoasecondtime.‘Wemustkeep
ourguestscompany,’theysaid.
‘Youarefullofcourtesythismorning,’laughedLegolas.‘Butmaybe,ifwehadnotarrived,youwouldalreadyhavebeenkeepingoneanothercompanyagain.’
‘Maybe;andwhynot?’saidPippin.‘WehadfoulfarewiththeOrcs,andlittleenoughfordaysbeforethat.Itseemsalongwhilesince
wecouldeattoheart’scontent.’
‘Itdoesnotseemtohavedoneyouanyharm,’saidAragorn.‘Indeedyoulookinthebloomofhealth.’
‘Aye,youdoindeed,’saidGimli,lookingthemupanddownoverthetopofhiscup.‘Why,yourhairistwiceasthickandcurlyaswhenweparted;andIwouldswearthatyouhavebothgrown
somewhat,ifthatispossibleforhobbitsofyourage.ThisTreebeardatanyratehasnotstarvedyou.’
‘Hehasnot,’saidMerry.‘ButEntsonlydrink,anddrinkisnotenoughforcontent.Treebeard’sdraughtsmaybenourishing,butonefeelstheneedofsomethingsolid.Andevenlembasisnonetheworseforachange.’
‘Youhavedrunkofthe
watersoftheEnts,haveyou?’saidLegolas.‘Ah,thenIthinkitislikelythatGimli’seyesdonotdeceivehim.StrangesongshavebeensungofthedraughtsofFangorn.’
‘Manystrangetaleshavebeentoldaboutthatland,’saidAragorn.‘Ihaveneverenteredit.Come,tellmemoreaboutit,andabouttheEnts!’
‘Ents,’saidPippin,‘Ents
are–wellEntsarealldifferentforonething.Buttheireyesnow,theireyesareveryodd.’Hetriedafewfumblingwordsthattrailedoffintosilence.‘Oh,well,’hewenton,‘youhaveseensomeatadistance,already–theysawyouatanyrate,andreportedthatyouwereontheway–andyouwillseemanyothers,Iexpect,beforeyouleavehere.Youmustform
yourownideas.’‘Now,now!’saidGimli.
‘Wearebeginningthestoryinthemiddle.Ishouldlikeataleintherightorder,startingwiththatstrangedaywhenourfellowshipwasbroken.’
‘Youshallhaveit,ifthereistime,’saidMerry.‘Butfirst–ifyouhavefinishedeating–youshallfillyourpipesandlightup.Andthenforalittlewhilewecanpretendthatwe
areallbacksafeatBreeagain,orinRivendell.’
Heproducedasmallleatherbagfulloftobacco.‘Wehaveheapsofit,’hesaid;‘andyoucanallpackasmuchasyouwish,whenwego.Wedidsomesalvage-workthismorning,PippinandI.Therearelotsofthingsfloatingabout.ItwasPippinwhofoundtwosmallbarrels,washedupoutofsomecellar
orstore-house,Isuppose.Whenweopenedthem,wefoundtheywerefilledwiththis:asfineapipe-weedasyoucouldwishfor,andquiteunspoilt.’
Gimlitooksomeandrubbeditinhispalmsandsniffedit.‘Itfeelsgood,anditsmellsgood,’hesaid.
‘Itisgood!’saidMerry.‘MydearGimli,itisLongbottomLeaf!There
weretheHornblowerbrandmarksonthebarrels,asplainasplain.Howitcamehere,Ican’timagine.ForSaruman’sprivateuse,Ifancy.Ineverknewthatitwentsofarabroad.Butitcomesinhandynow!’
‘Itwould,’saidGimli,‘ifIhadapipetogowithit.Alas,IlostmineinMoria,orbefore.Istherenopipeinallyourplunder?’
‘No,Iamafraidnot,’saidMerry.‘Wehavenotfoundany,notevenhereintheguardrooms.Sarumankeptthisdaintytohimself,itseems.AndIdon’tthinkitwouldbeanyuseknockingonthedoorsofOrthanctobegapipeofhim!Weshallhavetosharepipes,asgoodfriendsmustatapinch.’
‘Halfamoment!’saidPippin.Puttinghishand
insidethebreastofhisjackethepulledoutalittlesoftwalletonastring.‘Ikeepatreasureortwonearmyskin,aspreciousasRingstome.Here’sone:myoldwoodenpipe.Andhere’sanother:anunusedone.Ihavecarrieditalongway,thoughIdon’tknowwhy.Ineverreallyexpectedtofindanypipe-weedonthejourney,whenmyownranout.Butnowit
comesinusefulafterall.’Heheldupasmallpipewithawideflattenedbowl,andhandedittoGimli.‘Doesthatsettlethescorebetweenus?’hesaid.
‘Settleit!’criedGimli.‘Mostnoblehobbit,itleavesmedeepinyourdebt.’
‘Well,Iamgoingbackintotheopenair,toseewhatthewindandskyaredoing!’saidLegolas.
‘Wewillcomewithyou,’saidAragorn.
Theywentoutandseatedthemselvesuponthepiledstonesbeforethegateway.Theycouldseefardownintothevalleynow;themistswereliftingandfloatingawayuponthebreeze.
‘Nowletustakeoureasehereforalittle!’saidAragorn.‘Wewillsitontheedgeofruinandtalk,as
Gandalfsays,whileheisbusyelsewhere.IfeelawearinesssuchasIhaveseldomfeltbefore.’Hewrappedhisgreycloakabouthim,hidinghismail-shirt,andstretchedouthislonglegs.Thenhelaybackandsentfromhislipsathinstreamofsmoke.
‘Look!’saidPippin.‘StridertheRangerhascomeback!’
‘Hehasneverbeenaway,’saidAragorn.‘IamStriderandDúnadantoo,andIbelongbothtoGondorandtheNorth.’
Theysmokedinsilenceforawhile,andthesunshoneonthem;slantingintothevalleyfromamongwhitecloudshighintheWest.Legolaslaystill,lookingup
atthesunandskywithsteadyeyes,andsingingsoftlytohimself.Atlasthesatup.‘Comenow!’hesaid.‘Timewearson,andthemistsareblowingaway,orwouldifyoustrangefolkdidnotwreatheyourselvesinsmoke.Whatofthetale?’
‘Well,mytalebeginswithwakingupinthedarkandfindingmyselfallstrung-upinanorc-camp,’saidPippin.
‘Letmesee,whatistoday?’‘ThefifthofMarchinthe
Shire-reckoning,’saidAragorn.Pippinmadesomecalculationsonhisfingers.‘Onlyninedaysago!’hesaid.*‘Itseemsayearsincewewerecaught.Well,thoughhalfofitwaslikeabaddream,Ireckonthatthreeveryhorribledaysfollowed.Merrywillcorrectme,ifIforgetanythingimportant:I
amnotgoingintodetails:thewhipsandthefilthandstenchandallthat;itdoesnotbearremembering.’WiththatheplungedintoanaccountofBoromir’slastfightandtheorc-marchfromEmynMuiltotheForest.Theothersnoddedasthevariouspointswerefittedinwiththeirguesses.
‘Herearesometreasuresthatyouletfall,’said
Aragorn.‘Youwillbegladtohavethemback.’Heloosenedhisbeltfromunderhiscloak,andtookfromitthetwosheathedknives.
‘Well!’saidMerry.‘Ineverexpectedtoseethoseagain!Imarkedafeworcswithmine;butUglúktookthemfromus.Howheglared!AtfirstIthoughthewasgoingtostabme,buthethrewthethingsawayasif
theyburnedhim.’‘Andherealsoisyour
brooch,Pippin,’saidAragorn.‘Ihavekeptitsafe,foritisaverypreciousthing.’
‘Iknow,’saidPippin.‘Itwasawrenchtoletitgo;butwhatelsecouldIdo?’
‘Nothingelse,’answeredAragorn.‘Onewhocannotcastawayatreasureatneedisinfetters.Youdidrightly.’
‘Thecuttingofthebandsonyourwrists,thatwassmartwork!’saidGimli.‘Luckservedyouthere;butyouseizedyourchancewithbothhands,onemightsay.’
‘Andsetusaprettyriddle,’saidLegolas.‘Iwonderedifyouhadgrownwings!’
‘Unfortunatelynot,’saidPippin.‘ButyoudidnotknowaboutGrishnákh.’He
shudderedandsaidnomore,leavingMerrytotellofthoselasthorriblemoments:thepawinghands,thehotbreath,andthedreadfulstrengthofGrishnákh’shairyarms.
‘AllthisabouttheOrcsofBarad-dûr,Lugbúrzastheycallit,makesmeuneasy,’saidAragorn.‘TheDarkLordalreadyknewtoomuch,andhisservantsalso;andGrishnákhevidentlysent
somemessageacrosstheRiverafterthequarrel.TheRedEyewillbelookingtowardsIsengard.ButSarumanatanyrateisinacleftstickofhisowncutting.’
‘Yes,whicheversidewins,hisoutlookispoor,’saidMerry.‘ThingsbegantogoallwrongforhimfromthemomenthisOrcssetfootinRohan.’
‘Wecaughtaglimpseof
theoldvillain,orsoGandalfhints,’saidGimli.‘OntheedgeoftheForest.’
‘Whenwasthat?’askedPippin.
‘Fivenightsago,’saidAragorn.
‘Letmesee,’saidMerry:‘fivenightsago–nowwecometoapartofthestoryyouknownothingabout.WemetTreebeardthatmorningafterthebattle;andthatnight
wewereatWellinghall,oneofhisent-houses.ThenextmorningwewenttoEntmoot,agatheringofEnts,thatis,andthequeerestthingIhaveeverseeninmylife.Itlastedallthatdayandthenext;andwespentthenightswithanEntcalledQuickbeam.Andthenlateintheafternooninthethirddayoftheirmoot,theEntssuddenlyblewup.Itwasamazing.TheForesthad
feltastenseasifathunderstormwasbrewinginsideit:thenallatonceitexploded.Iwishyoucouldhaveheardtheirsongastheymarched.’
‘IfSarumanhadheardit,hewouldbeahundredmilesawaybynow,evenifhehadhadtorunonhisownlegs,’saidPippin.
‘ThoughIsengardbe
strongandhard,ascoldasstoneandbareasbone,
Wego,wego,wegotowar,tohewthestoneandbreakthedoor!
Therewasverymuchmore.Agreatdealofthesonghadnowords,andwaslikeamusicofhornsanddrums.Itwasveryexciting.ButIthoughtitwasonly
marchingmusicandnomore,justasong–untilIgothere.Iknowbetternow.’
‘WecamedownoverthelastridgeintoNanCurunír,afternighthadfallen,’Merrycontinued.‘ItwasthenthatIfirsthadthefeelingthattheForestitselfwasmovingbehindus.IthoughtIwasdreaminganentishdream,butPippinhadnoticedittoo.Wewerebothfrightened;but
wedidnotfindoutmoreaboutituntil
later.‘ItwastheHuorns,orso
theEntscallthemin‘‘shortlanguage’’.Treebeardwon’tsaymuchaboutthem,butIthinktheyareEntsthathavebecomealmostliketrees,atleasttolookat.Theystandhereandthereinthewoodorunderitseaves,silent,watchingendlesslyoverthe
trees;butdeepinthedarkestdalestherearehundredsandhundredsofthem,Ibelieve.
‘Thereisagreatpowerinthem,andtheyseemabletowrapthemselvesinshadow:itisdifficulttoseethemmoving.Buttheydo.Theycanmoveveryquickly,iftheyareangry.Youstandstilllookingattheweather,maybe,orlisteningtotherustlingofthewind,andthen
suddenlyyoufindthatyouareinthemiddleofawoodwithgreatgropingtreesallaroundyou.Theystillhavevoices,andcanspeakwiththeEnts–thatiswhytheyarecalledHuorns,Treebeardsays–buttheyhavebecomequeerandwild.Dangerous.Ishouldbeterrifiedofmeetingthem,iftherewerenotrueEntsabouttolookafterthem.
‘Well,intheearlynight
wecreptdownalongravineintotheupperendoftheWizard’sVale,theEntswithalltheirrustlingHuornsbehind.Wecouldnotseethem,ofcourse,butthewholeairwasfullofcreaking.Itwasverydark,acloudynight.Theymovedatagreatspeedassoonastheyhadleftthehills,andmadeanoiselikearushingwind.TheMoondidnotappear
throughtheclouds,andnotlongaftermidnighttherewasatallwoodallroundthenorthsideofIsengard.Therewasnosignofenemiesnorofanychallenge.Therewasalightgleamingfromahighwindowinthetower,thatwasall.
‘TreebeardandafewmoreEntscrepton,rightroundtowithinsightofthegreatgates.PippinandIwere
withhim.WeweresittingonTreebeard’sshoulders,andIcouldfeelthequiveringtensenessinhim.Butevenwhentheyareroused,Entscanbeverycautiousandpatient.Theystoodstillascarvedstones,breathingandlistening.
‘Thenallatoncetherewasatremendousstir.Trumpetsblared,andthewallsofIsengardechoed.We
thoughtthatwehadbeendiscovered,andthatbattlewasgoingtobegin.Butnothingofthesort.AllSaruman’speopleweremarchingaway.Idon’tknowmuchaboutthiswar,orabouttheHorsemenofRohan,butSarumanseemstohavemeanttofinishoffthekingandallhismenwithonefinalblow.HeemptiedIsengard.Isawtheenemygo:endless
linesofmarchingOrcs;andtroopsofthemmountedongreatwolves.AndtherewerebattalionsofMen,too.Manyofthemcarriedtorches,andintheflareIcouldseetheirfaces.Mostofthemwereordinarymen,rathertallanddark-haired,andgrimbutnotparticularlyevil-looking.Butthereweresomeothersthatwerehorrible:man-high,butwithgoblin-faces,sallow,
leering,squint-eyed.Doyouknow,theyremindedmeatonceofthatSoutherneratBree;onlyhewasnotsoobviouslyorc-likeasmostofthesewere.’
‘Ithoughtofhimtoo,’saidAragorn.‘Wehadmanyofthesehalf-orcstodealwithatHelm’sDeep.ItseemsplainnowthatthatSouthernerwasaspyofSaruman’s;butwhetherhe
wasworkingwiththeBlackRiders,orforSarumanalone,Idonotknow.Itisdifficultwiththeseevilfolktoknowwhentheyareinleague,andwhentheyarecheatingoneanother.’
‘Well,ofallsortstogether,theremusthavebeententhousandattheveryleast,’saidMerry.‘Theytookanhourtopassoutofthegates.Somewentoffdown
thehighwaytotheFords,andsometurnedawayandwenteastward.Abridgehasbeenbuiltdownthere,aboutamileaway,wheretheriverrunsinaverydeepchannel.Youcouldseeitnow,ifyoustoodup.Theywereallsingingwithharshvoices,andlaughing,makingahideousdin.IthoughtthingslookedveryblackforRohan.ButTreebearddidnotmove.He
said:‘‘MybusinessiswithIsengardtonight,withrockandstone.’’
‘But,thoughIcouldnotseewhatwashappeninginthedark,IbelievethatHuornsbegantomovesouth,assoonasthegateswereshutagain.TheirbusinesswaswithOrcsIthink.Theywerefardownthevalleyinthemorning;oratanyratetherewasashadowtherethatone
couldn’tseethrough.‘AssoonasSarumanhad
sentoffallhisarmy,ourturncame.Treebeardputusdown,andwentuptothegates,andbeganhammeringonthedoors,andcallingforSaruman.Therewasnoanswer,exceptarrowsandstonesfromthewalls.ButarrowsarenouseagainstEnts.Theyhurtthem,ofcourse,andinfuriatethem:
likestingingflies.ButanEntcanbestuckasfulloforc-arrowsasapin-cushion,andtakenoseriousharm.Theycannotbepoisoned,foronething;andtheirskinseemstobeverythick,andtougherthanbark.Ittakesaveryheavyaxe-stroketowoundthemseriously.Theydon’tlikeaxes.Buttherewouldhavetobeagreatmanyaxe-mentooneEnt:amanthat
hacksonceatanEntnevergetsachanceofasecondblow.ApunchfromanEnt-fistcrumplesupironlikethintin.
‘WhenTreebeardhadgotafewarrowsinhim,hebegantowarmup,togetpositively‘‘hasty’’,ashewouldsay.Heletoutagreathoom-hom,andadozenmoreEntscamestridingup.AnangryEntisterrifying.Theirfingers,and
theirtoes,justfreezeontorock;andtheytearituplikebread-crust.Itwaslikewatchingtheworkofgreattree-rootsinahundredyears,allpackedintoafewmoments.
‘Theypushed,pulled,tore,shook,andhammered;andclang-bang,crash-crack,infiveminutestheyhadthesehugegatesjustlyinginruin;andsomewerealready
beginningtoeatintothewalls,likerabbitsinasand-pit.Idon’tknowwhatSarumanthoughtwashappening;butanywayhedidnotknowhowtodealwithit.Hiswizardrymayhavebeenfallingofflately,ofcourse;butanywayIthinkhehasnotmuchgrit,notmuchplaincouragealoneinatightplacewithoutalotofslavesandmachinesandthings,ifyou
knowwhatImean.VerydifferentfromoldGandalf.IwonderifhisfamewasnotallalongmainlyduetohisclevernessinsettlingatIsengard.’
‘No,’saidAragorn.‘Oncehewasasgreatashisfamemadehim.Hisknowledgewasdeep,histhoughtwassubtle,andhishandsmarvellouslyskilled;andhehadapowerovertheminds
ofothers.Thewisehecouldpersuade,andthesmallerfolkhecoulddaunt.Thatpowerhecertainlystillkeeps.TherearenotmanyinMiddle-earththatIshouldsayweresafe,iftheywereleftalonetotalkwithhim,evennowwhenhehassufferedadefeat.Gandalf,Elrond,andGaladriel,perhaps,nowthathiswickednesshasbeenlaidbare,butveryfewothers.’
‘TheEntsaresafe,’saidPippin.‘Heseemsatonetimetohavegotroundthem,butneveragain.Andanywayhedidnotunderstandthem;andhemadethegreatmistakeofleavingthemoutofhiscalculations.Hehadnoplanforthem,andtherewasnotimetomakeany,oncetheyhadsettowork.Assoonasourattackbegan,thefewremainingratsinIsengard
startedboltingthrougheveryholethattheEntsmade.TheEntslettheMengo,aftertheyhadquestionedthem,twoorthreedozenonlydownatthisend.Idon’tthinkmanyorc-folk,ofanysize,escaped.NotfromtheHuorns:therewasawoodfullofthemallroundIsengardbythattime,aswellasthosethathadgonedownthevalley.
‘WhentheEntshad
reducedalargepartofthesouthernwallstorubbish,andwhatwasleftofhispeoplehadboltedanddesertedhim,Sarumanfledinapanic.Heseemstohavebeenatthegateswhenwearrived:Iexpecthecametowatchhissplendidarmymarchout.WhentheEntsbroketheirwayin,heleftinahurry.Theydidnotspothimatfirst.Butthenighthadopenedout,
andtherewasagreatlightofstars,quiteenoughforEntstoseeby,andsuddenlyQuickbeamgaveacry‘‘Thetree-killer,thetree-killer!’’Quickbeamisagentlecreature,buthehatesSarumanallthemorefiercelyforthat:hispeoplesufferedcruellyfromorc-axes.Heleaptdownthepathfromtheinnergate,andhecanmovelikeawindwhenheis
roused.Therewasapalefigurehurryingawayinandoutoftheshadowsofthepillars,andithadnearlyreachedthestairstothetower-door.Butitwasanearthing.Quickbeamwassohotafterhim,thathewaswithinasteportwoofbeingcaughtandstrangledwhenheslippedinthroughthedoor.
‘WhenSarumanwassafebackinOrthanc,itwasnot
longbeforehesetsomeofhispreciousmachinerytowork.BythattimethereweremanyEntsinsideIsengard:somehadfollowedQuickbeam,andothershadburstinfromthenorthandeast;theywereroamingaboutanddoingagreatdealofdamage.Suddenlyupcamefiresandfoulfumes:theventsandshaftsallovertheplainbegantospoutandbelch.Severalof
theEntsgotscorchedandblistered.Oneofthem,BeechboneIthinkhewascalled,averytallhandsomeEnt,gotcaughtinasprayofsomeliquidfireandburnedlikeatorch:ahorriblesight.
‘Thatsentthemmad.Ithoughtthattheyhadbeenreallyrousedbefore;butIwaswrong.Isawwhatitwaslikeatlast.Itwasstaggering.Theyroaredandboomedand
trumpeted,untilstonesbegantocrackandfallatthemerenoiseofthem.MerryandIlayonthegroundandstuffedourcloaksintoourears.RoundandroundtherockofOrthanctheEntswentstridingandstorminglikeahowlinggale,breakingpillars,hurlingavalanchesofbouldersdowntheshafts,tossinguphugeslabsofstoneintotheairlikeleaves.The
towerwasinthemiddleofaspinningwhirlwind.Isawironpostsandblocksofmasonrygorocketinguphundredsoffeet,andsmashagainstthewindowsofOrthanc.ButTreebeardkepthishead.Hehadnothadanyburns,luckily.Hedidnotwanthisfolktohurtthemselvesintheirfury,andhedidnotwantSarumantoescapeoutofsomeholein
theconfusion.ManyoftheEntswerehurlingthemselvesagainsttheOrthanc-rock;butthatdefeatedthem.Itisverysmoothandhard.Somewizardryisinit,perhaps,olderandstrongerthanSaruman’s.Anywaytheycouldnotgetagriponit,ormakeacrackinit;andtheywerebruisingandwoundingthemselvesagainstit.
‘SoTreebeardwentout
intotheringandshouted.Hisenormousvoiceroseaboveallthedin.Therewasadeadsilence,suddenly.Initweheardashrilllaughfromahighwindowinthetower.ThathadaqueereffectontheEnts.Theyhadbeenboilingover;nowtheybecamecold,grimasice,andquiet.TheylefttheplainandgatheredroundTreebeard,standingquitestill.Hespoketothem
foralittleintheirownlanguage;Ithinkhewastellingthemofaplanhehadmadeinhisoldheadlongbefore.Thentheyjustfadedsilentlyawayinthegreylight.Daywasdawningbythattime.
‘Theysetawatchonthetower,Ibelieve,butthewatchersweresowellhiddeninshadowsandkeptsostill,thatIcouldnotseethem.The
otherswentawaynorth.Allthatdaytheywerebusy,outofsight.Mostofthetimewewereleftalone.Itwasadrearyday;andwewanderedaboutabit,thoughwekeptoutoftheviewofthewindowsofOrthanc,asmuchaswecould:theystaredatussothreateningly.Agooddealofthetimewespentlookingforsomethingtoeat.Andalsowesatandtalked,
wonderingwhatwashappeningawaysouthinRohan,andwhathadbecomeofalltherestofourCompany.Everynowandthenwecouldhearinthedistancetherattleandfallofstone,andthuddingnoisesechoinginthehills.
‘Intheafternoonwewalkedroundthecircle,andwenttohavealookatwhatwasgoingon.Therewasa
greatshadowywoodofHuornsattheheadofthevalley,andanotherroundthenorthernwall.Wedidnotdaretogoin.Buttherewasarending,tearingnoiseofworkgoingoninside.EntsandHuornsweredigginggreatpitsandtrenches,andmakinggreatpoolsanddams,gatheringallthewatersoftheIsenandeveryotherspringandstreamthattheycould
find.Weleftthemtoit.‘AtduskTreebeardcame
backtothegate.Hewashummingandboomingtohimself,andseemedpleased.Hestoodandstretchedhisgreatarmsandlegsandbreatheddeep.Iaskedhimifhewastired.
‘‘‘Tired?’’hesaid,‘‘tired?Wellno,nottired,butstiff.IneedagooddraughtofEntwash.Wehaveworked
hard;wehavedonemorestone-crackingandearth-gnawingtodaythanwehavedoneinmanyalongyearbefore.Butitisnearlyfinished.Whennightfallsdonotlingernearthisgateorintheoldtunnel!Watermaycomethrough–anditwillbefoulwaterforawhile,untilallthefilthofSarumaniswashedaway.ThenIsencanruncleanagain.’’Hebegan
topulldownabitmoreofthewalls,inaleisurelysortofway,justtoamusehimself.
‘Wewerejustwonderingwhereitwouldbesafetolieandgetsomesleep,whenthemostamazingthingofallhappened.Therewasthesoundofaridercomingswiftlyuptheroad.MerryandIlayquiet,andTreebeardhidhimselfintheshadowsunderthearch.Suddenlya
greathorsecamestridingup,likeaflashofsilver.Itwasalreadydark,butIcouldseetherider’sfaceclearly:itseemedtoshine,andallhisclotheswerewhite.Ijustsatup,staring,withmymouthopen.Itriedtocallout,andcouldn’t.
‘Therewasnoneed.Hehaltedjustbyusandlookeddownatus.‘‘Gandalf!’’Isaidatlast,butmyvoicewas
onlyawhisper.Didhesay:‘‘Hullo,Pippin!Thisisapleasantsurprise!’’?No,indeed!Hesaid:‘‘Getup,youtom-foolofaTook!Where,inthenameofwonder,inallthisruinisTreebeard?Iwanthim.Quick!’’
‘Treebeardheardhisvoiceandcameoutoftheshadowsatonce;andtherewasastrangemeeting.Iwas
surprised,becauseneitherofthemseemedsurprisedatall.GandalfobviouslyexpectedtofindTreebeardhere;andTreebeardmightalmosthavebeenloiteringaboutnearthegatesonpurposetomeethim.YetwehadtoldtheoldEntallaboutMoria.ButthenIrememberedaqueerlookhegaveusatthetime.IcanonlysupposethathehadseenGandalforhadsomenewsof
him,butwouldnotsayanythinginahurry.‘‘Don’tbehasty’’ishismotto;butnobody,notevenElves,willsaymuchaboutGandalf’smovementswhenheisnotthere.
‘‘‘Hoom!Gandalf!’’saidTreebeard.‘‘Iamgladyouhavecome.Woodandwater,stockandstone,Icanmaster;butthereisaWizardtomanagehere.’’
‘‘‘Treebeard,’’saidGandalf.‘‘Ineedyourhelp.Youhavedonemuch,butIneedmore.IhaveabouttenthousandOrcstomanage.’’
‘Thenthosetwowentoffandhadacounciltogetherinsomecorner.ItmusthaveseemedveryhastytoTreebeard,forGandalfwasinatremendoushurry,andwasalreadytalkingatagreatpace,beforetheypassedout
ofhearing.Theywereonlyawayamatterofminutes,perhapsaquarterofanhour.ThenGandalfcamebacktous,andheseemedrelieved,almostmerry.Hedidsayhewasgladtoseeus,then.
‘‘‘ButGandalf,’’Icried,‘‘wherehaveyoubeen?Andhaveyouseentheothers?’’
‘‘‘WhereverIhavebeen,Iamback,’’heansweredinthegenuineGandalfmanner.
‘‘Yes,Ihaveseensomeoftheothers.Butnewsmustwait.Thisisaperilousnight,andImustridefast.Butthedawnmaybebrighter;andifso,weshallmeetagain.Takecareofyourselves,andkeepawayfromOrthanc!Good-bye!’’
‘TreebeardwasverythoughtfulafterGandalfhadgone.Hehadevidentlylearntalotinashorttimeandwas
digestingit.Helookedatusandsaid:‘‘Hm,well,IfindyouarenotsuchhastyfolkasIthought.Yousaidmuchlessthanyoumight,andnomorethanyoushould.Hm,thisisabundleofnewsandnomistake!Well,nowTreebeardmustgetbusyagain.’’
‘Beforehewent,wegotalittlenewsoutofhim;anditdidnotcheerusupatall.But
forthemomentwethoughtmoreaboutyouthreethanaboutFrodoandSam,oraboutpoorBoromir.Forwegatheredthattherewasagreatbattlegoingon,orsoonwouldbe,andthatyouwereinit,andmightnevercomeoutofit.
‘‘‘Huornswillhelp,’’saidTreebeard.Thenhewentawayandwedidnotseehimagainuntilthismorning.
‘Itwasdeepnight.Welayontopofapileofstone,andcouldseenothingbeyondit.Mistorshadowsblottedouteverythinglikeagreatblanketallroundus.Theairseemedhotandheavy;anditwasfullofrustlings,creakings,andamurmurlikevoicespassing.IthinkthathundredsmoreoftheHuornsmusthavebeenpassingbytohelpinthebattle.Laterthere
wasagreatrumbleofthunderawaysouth,andflashesoflightningfarawayacrossRohan.Everynowandthenwecouldseemountain-peaks,milesandmilesaway,staboutsuddenly,blackandwhite,andthenvanish.Andbehindustherewerenoiseslikethunderinhills,butdifferent.Attimesthewholevalleyechoed.
‘Itmusthavebeenabout
midnightwhentheEntsbrokethedamsandpouredallthegatheredwatersthroughagapinthenorthernwall,downintoIsengard.TheHuorn-darkhadpassed,andthethunderhadrolledaway.TheMoonwassinkingbehindthewesternmountains.
‘Isengardbegantofillupwithblackcreepingstreamsandpools.TheyglitteredinthelastlightoftheMoon,as
theyspreadovertheplain.Everynowandthenthewatersfoundtheirwaydownintosomeshaftorspouthole.Greatwhitesteamshissedup.Smokeroseinbillows.Therewereexplosionsandgustsoffire.Onegreatcoilofvapourwentwhirlingup,twistingroundandroundOrthanc,untilitlookedlikeatallpeakofcloud,fieryunderneathandmoonlitabove.Andstillmore
waterpouredin,untilatlastIsengardlookedlikeahugeflatsaucepan,allsteamingandbubbling.’
‘Wesawacloudofsmokeandsteamfromthesouthlastnight,whenwecametothemouthofNanCurunír,’saidAragorn.‘WefearedthatSarumanwasbrewingsomenewdevilryforus.’
‘Nothe!’saidPippin.‘Hewasprobablychokingandnot
laughinganymore.Bythemorning,yesterdaymorning,thewaterhadsunkdownintoalltheholes,andtherewasadensefog.Wetookrefugeinthatguardroomoverthere;andwehadratherafright.Thelakebegantooverflowandpouroutthroughtheoldtunnel,andthewaterwasrapidlyrisingupthesteps.WethoughtweweregoingtogetcaughtlikeOrcsinahole;
butwefoundawindingstairatthebackofthestore-roomthatbroughtusoutontopofthearch.Itwasasqueezetogetout,asthepassageshadbeencrackedandhalfblockedwithfallenstonenearthetop.TherewesathighupabovethefloodsandwatchedthedrowningofIsengard.TheEntskeptonpouringinmorewater,tillallthefireswerequenchedandevery
cavefilled.Thefogsslowlygatheredtogetherandsteamedupintoahugeumbrellaofcloud:itmusthavebeenamilehigh.Intheeveningtherewasagreatrainbowovertheeasternhills;andthenthesunsetwasblottedoutbyathickdrizzleonthemountain-sides.Itallwentveryquiet.Afewwolveshowledmournfully,faraway.TheEntsstopped
theinflowinthenight,andsenttheIsenbackintoitsoldcourse.Andthatwastheendofitall.
‘Sincethenthewaterhasbeensinkingagain.Theremustbeoutletssomewherefromthecavesunderneath,Ithink.IfSarumanpeepsoutofanyofhiswindows,itmustlookanuntidy,dreary
mess.Wefeltverylonely.NotevenavisibleEnttotalktoinalltheruin;andnonews.Wespentthenightupontopthereabovethearch,anditwascoldanddampandwedidnotsleep.Wehadafeelingthatanythingmighthappenatanyminute.Sarumanisstillinhistower.Therewasanoiseinthenightlikeawindcomingupthevalley.IthinktheEntsand
Huornsthathadbeenawaycamebackthen;butwheretheyhaveallgonetonow,Idon’tknow.Itwasamisty,moistymorningwhenweclimbeddownandlookedroundagain,andnobodywasabout.Andthatisaboutallthereistotell.Itseemsalmostpeacefulnowafteralltheturmoil.Andsafertoo,somehow,sinceGandalfcameback.Icouldsleep!’
Theyallfellsilentforawhile.Gimlire-filledhispipe.‘ThereisonethingIwonderabout,’hesaidashelititwithhisflintandtinder:‘Wormtongue.YoutoldThéodenhewaswithSaruman.Howdidhegetthere?’
‘Ohyes,Iforgotabouthim,’saidPippin.‘Hedidnotgetheretillthismorning.Wehadjustlitthefireandhad
somebreakfastwhenTreebeardappearedagain.Weheardhimhoomingandcallingournamesoutside.
‘‘‘Ihavejustcomeroundtoseehowyouarefaring,mylads,’’hesaid;‘‘andtogiveyousomenews.Huornshavecomeback.All’swell;ayeverywellindeed!’’helaughed,andslappedhisthighs.‘‘NomoreOrcsinIsengard,nomoreaxes!And
therewillbefolkcomingupfromtheSouthbeforethedayisold;somethatyoumaybegladtosee.’’
‘Hehadhardlysaidthat,whenweheardthesoundofhoofsontheroad.Werushedoutbeforethegates,andIstoodandstared,halfexpectingtoseeStriderandGandalfcomeridingupattheheadofanarmy.Butoutofthemistthererodeamanon
anoldtiredhorse;andhelookedaqueertwistedsortofcreaturehimself.Therewasnooneelse.Whenhecameoutofthemistandsuddenlysawalltheruinandwreckageinfrontofhim,hesatandgaped,andhisfacewentalmostgreen.Hewassobewilderedthathedidnotseemtonoticeusatfirst.Whenhedid,hegaveacry,andtriedtoturnhishorse
roundandrideoff.ButTreebeardtookthreestrides,putoutalongarm,andliftedhimoutofthesaddle.Hishorseboltedinterror,andhegrovelledontheground.HesaidhewasGríma,friendandcounselloroftheking,andhadbeensentwithimportantmessagesfromThéodentoSaruman.
‘‘‘Nooneelsewoulddaretoridethroughtheopenland,
sofulloffoulOrcs,’’hesaid,‘‘soIwassent.AndIhavehadaperilousjourney,andIamhungryandweary.Ifledfarnorthoutofmyway,pursuedbywolves.’’
‘IcaughtthesidelonglookshegavetoTreebeard,andIsaidtomyself‘‘liar’’.Treebeardlookedathiminhislongslowwayforseveralminutes,tillthewretchedmanwassquirmingonthe
floor.Thenatlasthesaid:‘‘Ha,hm,Iwasexpectingyou,MasterWormtongue.’’Themanstartedatthatname.‘‘Gandalfgotherefirst.SoIknowasmuchaboutyouasIneed,andIknowwhattodowithyou.Putalltheratsinonetrap,saidGandalf;andIwill.IamthemasterofIsengardnow,butSarumanislockedinhistower;andyoucangothereandgivehimall
themessagesthatyoucanthinkof.’’
‘‘‘Letmego,letmego!’’saidWormtongue.‘‘Iknowtheway.’’
‘‘‘Youknewtheway,Idon’tdoubt,’’saidTreebeard.‘‘Butthingshavechangedherealittle.Goandsee!’’
‘HeletWormtonguego,andhelimpedoffthroughthearch,withusclosebehind,untilhecameinsidethering
andcouldseeallthefloodsthatlaybetweenhimandOrthanc.Thenheturnedtous.
‘‘‘Letmegoaway!’’hewhined.‘‘Letmegoaway!Mymessagesareuselessnow.’’
‘‘‘Theyareindeed,’’saidTreebeard.‘‘Butyouhaveonlytwochoices:tostaywithmeuntilGandalfandyourmasterarrive;ortocrossthe
water.Whichwillyouhave?’’
‘Themanshiveredatthementionofhismaster,andputafootintothewater;buthedrewback.‘‘Icannotswim,’’hesaid.
‘‘‘Thewaterisnotdeep,’’saidTreebeard.‘‘Itisdirty,butthatwillnotharmyou,MasterWormtongue.Inyougonow!’’
‘Withthatthewretch
flounderedoffintotheflood.Itroseupnearlytohisneckbeforehegottoofarawayformetoseehim.ThelastIsawofhimwasclingingtosomeoldbarrelorpieceofwood.ButTreebeardwadedafterhim,andwatchedhisprogress.
‘‘‘Well,hehasgonein,’’hesaidwhenhereturned.‘‘Isawhimcrawlingupthestepslikeadraggledrat.Thereis
someoneinthetowerstill:ahandcameoutandpulledhimin.Sothereheis,andIhopethewelcomeistohisliking.NowImustgoandwashmyselfcleanoftheslime.I’llbeawayuponthenorthside,ifanyonewantstoseeme.ThereisnocleanwaterdownherefitforanEnttodrink,ortobathein.SoIwillaskyoutwoladstokeepawatchatthegateforthefolkthatare
coming.There’llbetheLordoftheFieldsofRohan,markyou!Youmustwelcomehimaswellasyouknowhow:hismenhavefoughtagreatfightwiththeOrcs.Maybe,youknowtherightfashionofMen’swordsforsuchalord,betterthanEnts.Therehavebeenmanylordsinthegreenfieldsinmytime,andIhaveneverlearnedtheirspeechortheirnames.Theywillbe
wantingman-food,andyouknowallaboutthat,Iguess.Sofindwhatyouthinkisfitforakingtoeat,ifyoucan.’’Andthatistheendofthestory.ThoughIshouldliketoknowwhothisWormtongueis.Washereallytheking’scounsellor?’
‘Hewas,’saidAragorn;‘andalsoSaruman’sspyandservantinRohan.Fatehasnotbeenkindertohimthan
hedeserves.Thesightoftheruinofallthathethoughtsostrongandmagnificentmusthavebeenalmostpunishmentenough.ButIfearthatworseawaitshim.’
‘Yes,Idon’tsupposeTreebeardsenthimtoOrthancoutofkindness,’saidMerry.‘Heseemedrathergrimlydelightedwiththebusiness,andwaslaughingtohimselfwhenhewenttoget
hisbatheanddrink.Wespentabusytimeafterthat,searchingtheflotsam,andrummagingabout.Wefoundtwoorthreestore-roomsindifferentplacesnearby,abovetheflood-level.ButTreebeardsentsomeEntsdown,andtheycarriedoffagreatdealofthestuff.
‘‘‘Wewantman-foodfortwenty-five,’’theEntssaid,soyoucanseethatsomebody
hadcountedyourcompanycarefullybeforeyouarrived.Youthreewereevidentlymeanttogowiththegreatpeople.Butyouwouldnothavefaredanybetter.Wekeptasgoodaswesent,Ipromiseyou.Better,becausewesentnodrink.
‘‘‘Whataboutdrink?’’IsaidtotheEnts.
‘‘‘ThereiswaterofIsen,’’theysaid,‘‘andthatis
goodenoughforEntsandMen.’’ButIhopethattheEntsmayhavefoundtimetobrewsomeoftheirdraughtsfromthemountain-springs,andweshallseeGandalf’sbeardcurlingwhenhereturns.AftertheEntshadgone,wefelttired,andhungry.Butwedidnotgrumble–ourlabourshadbeenwellrewarded.Itwasthroughoursearchforman-
foodthatPippindiscoveredtheprizeofalltheflotsam,thoseHornblowerbarrels.‘‘Pipe-weedisbetterafterfood,’’saidPippin;thatishowthesituationarose.’
‘Weunderstanditallperfectlynow,’saidGimli.
‘Allexceptonething,’saidAragorn:‘leaffromtheSouthfarthinginIsengard.ThemoreIconsiderit,themorecuriousIfindit.Ihave
neverbeeninIsengard,butIhavejourneyedinthisland,andIknowwelltheemptycountriesthatliebetweenRohanandtheShire.Neithergoodsnorfolkhavepassedthatwayformanyalongyear,notopenly.SarumanhadsecretdealingswithsomeoneintheShire,Iguess.WormtonguesmaybefoundinotherhousesthanKingThéoden’s.Wasthereadate
onthebarrels?’‘Yes,’saidPippin.‘Itwas
the1417crop,thatislastyear’s;no,theyearbefore,ofcourse,now:agoodyear.’
‘Ahwell,whateverevilwasafootisovernow,Ihope;orelseitisbeyondourreachatpresent,’saidAragorn.‘YetIthinkIshallmentionittoGandalf,smallmatterthoughitmayseemamonghisgreataffairs.’
‘Iwonderwhatheisdoing,’saidMerry.‘Theafternoonisgettingon.Letusgoandlookround!YoucanenterIsengardnowatanyrate,Strider,ifyouwantto.Butitisnotaverycheerfulsight.’
Chapter10
THEVOICEOFSARUMAN
Theypassedthroughtheruinedtunnelandstooduponaheapofstones,gazingatthedarkrockofOrthanc,anditsmanywindows,amenacestillinthedesolationthatlayall
aboutit.Thewatershadnownearlyallsubsided.Hereandtheregloomypoolsremained,coveredwithscumandwreckage;butmostofthewidecirclewasbareagain,awildernessofslimeandtumbledrock,pittedwithblackenedholes,anddottedwithpostsandpillarsleaningdrunkenlythiswayandthat.Attherimoftheshatteredbowltherelayvastmounds
andslopes,liketheshinglescastupbyagreatstorm;andbeyondthemthegreenandtangledvalleyranupintothelongravinebetweenthedarkarmsofthemountains.Acrossthewastetheysawriderspickingtheirway;theywerecomingfromthenorthside,andalreadytheyweredrawingneartoOrthanc.
‘ThereisGandalf,andThéodenandhismen!’said
Legolas.‘Letusgoandmeetthem!’
‘Walkwarily!’saidMerry.‘Therearelooseslabsthatmaytiltupandthrowyoudownintoapit,ifyoudon’ttakecare.’
TheyfollowedwhatwasleftoftheroadfromthegatestoOrthanc,goingslowly,fortheflag-stoneswerecracked
andslimed.Theriders,seeingthemapproach,haltedundertheshadowoftherockandwaitedforthem.Gandalfrodeforwardtomeetthem.
‘Well,TreebeardandIhavehadsomeinterestingdiscussions,andmadeafewplans,’hesaid;‘andwehaveallhadsomemuch-neededrest.Nowwemustbegoingonagain.Ihopeyoucompanionshaveallrested,
too,andrefreshedyourselves?’
‘Wehave,’saidMerry.‘Butourdiscussionsbeganandendedinsmoke.Stillwefeellessill-disposedtowardsSarumanthanwedid.’
‘Doyouindeed?’saidGandalf.‘Well,Idonot.IhavenowalasttasktodobeforeIgo:ImustpaySarumanafarewellvisit.Dangerous,andprobably
useless;butitmustbedone.Thoseofyouwhowishmaycomewithme–butbeware!Anddonotjest!Thisisnotthetimeforit.’
‘Iwillcome,’saidGimli.‘Iwishtoseehimandlearnifhereallylookslikeyou.’
‘Andhowwillyoulearnthat,MasterDwarf?’saidGandalf.‘Sarumancouldlooklikemeinyoureyes,ifitsuitedhispurposewithyou.
Andareyouyetwiseenoughtodetectallhiscounterfeits?Well,weshallsee,perhaps.Hemaybeshyofshowinghimselfbeforemanydifferenteyestogether.ButIhaveorderedalltheEntstoremovethemselvesfromsight,soperhapsweshallpersuadehimtocomeout.’
‘What’sthedanger?’askedPippin.‘Willheshootatus,andpourfireoutofthe
windows;orcanheputaspellonusfromadistance?’
‘Thelastismostlikely,ifyouridetohisdoorwithalightheart,’saidGandalf.‘Butthereisnoknowingwhathecando,ormaychoosetotry.Awildbeastcorneredisnotsafetoapproach.AndSarumanhaspowersyoudonotguess.Bewareofhisvoice!’
TheycamenowtothefootofOrthanc.Itwasblack,andtherockgleamedasifitwerewet.Themanyfacesofthestonehadsharpedgesasthoughtheyhadbeennewlychiselled.Afewscorings,andsmallflake-likesplintersnearthebase,wereallthemarksthatitboreofthefuryoftheEnts.
Ontheeasternside,intheangleoftwopiers,therewas
agreatdoor,highabovetheground;andoveritwasashutteredwindow,openinguponabalconyhedgedwithironbars.Uptothethresholdofthedoortheremountedaflightoftwenty-sevenbroadstairs,hewnbysomeunknownartofthesameblackstone.Thiswastheonlyentrancetothetower;butmanytallwindowswerecutwithdeepembrasuresin
theclimbingwalls:faruptheypeeredlikelittleeyesinthesheerfacesofthehorns.
AtthefootofthestairsGandalfandthekingdismounted.‘Iwillgoup,’saidGandalf.‘IhavebeeninOrthancandIknowmyperil.’
‘AndItoowillgoup,’saidtheking.‘Iamold,andfearnoperilanymore.Iwishtospeakwiththeenemywho
hasdonemesomuchwrong.Éomershallcomewithme,andseethatmyagedfeetdonotfalter.’
‘Asyouwill,’saidGandalf.‘Aragornshallcomewithme.Lettheothersawaitusatthefootofthestairs.Theywillhearandseeenough,ifthereisanythingtohearorsee.’
‘Nay!’saidGimli.‘LegolasandIwishfora
closerview.Wealonehererepresentourkindreds.Wealsowillcomebehind.’
‘Comethen!’saidGandalf,andwiththatheclimbedthesteps,andThéodenwentbesidehim.
TheRidersofRohansatuneasilyupontheirhorses,oneithersideofthestair,andlookedupdarklyatthegreattower,fearingwhatmightbefalltheirlord.Merryand
Pippinsatonthebottomstep,feelingbothunimportantandunsafe.
‘Halfastickymilefromheretothegate!’mutteredPippin.‘IwishIcouldslipoffbacktotheguardroomunnoticed!Whatdidwecomefor?Wearenotwanted.’
GandalfstoodbeforethedoorofOrthancandbeatonitwithhisstaff.Itrangwithahollowsound.‘Saruman,
Saruman!’hecriedinaloudcommandingvoice.‘Sarumancomeforth!’
Forsometimetherewasnoanswer.Atlastthewindowabovethedoorwasunbarred,butnofigurecouldbeseenatitsdarkopening.
‘Whoisit?’saidavoice.‘Whatdoyouwish?’
Théodenstarted.‘Iknowthatvoice,’hesaid,‘andIcursethedaywhenIfirst
listenedtoit.’‘GoandfetchSaruman,
sinceyouhavebecomehisfootman,GrímaWormtongue!’saidGandalf.‘Anddonotwasteourtime!’
Thewindowclosed.Theywaited.Suddenlyanothervoicespoke,lowandmelodious,itsverysoundanenchantment.Thosewholistenedunwarilytothatvoicecouldseldomreportthe
wordsthattheyheard;andiftheydid,theywondered,forlittlepowerremainedinthem.Mostlytheyrememberedonlythatitwasadelighttohearthevoicespeaking,allthatitsaidseemedwiseandreasonable,anddesireawokeinthembyswiftagreementtoseemwisethemselves.Whenothersspoketheyseemedharshanduncouthbycontrast;andiftheygainsaid
thevoice,angerwaskindledintheheartsofthoseunderthespell.Forsomethespelllastedonlywhilethevoicespoketothem,andwhenitspoketoanothertheysmiled,asmendowhoseethroughajuggler’strickwhileothersgapeatit.Formanythesoundofthevoicealonewasenoughtoholdthementhralled;butforthosewhomitconqueredthespell
enduredwhentheywerefaraway,andevertheyheardthatsoftvoicewhisperingandurgingthem.Butnonewereunmoved;nonerejecteditspleasanditscommandswithoutaneffortofmindandwill,solongasitsmasterhadcontrolofit.
‘Well?’itsaidnowwithgentlequestion.‘Whymustyoudisturbmyrest?Willyougivemenopeaceatallby
nightorday?’Itstonewasthatofakindlyheartaggrievedbyinjuriesundeserved.
Theylookedup,astonished,fortheyhadheardnosoundofhiscoming;andtheysawafigurestandingattherail,lookingdownuponthem:anoldman,swathedinagreatcloak,thecolourofwhichwasnoteasytotell,foritchangediftheymovedtheir
eyesorifhestirred.Hisfacewaslong,withahighforehead,hehaddeepdarklingeyes,hardtofathom,thoughthelookthattheynowborewasgraveandbenevolent,andalittleweary.Hishairandbeardwerewhite,butstrandsofblackstillshowedabouthislipsandears.
‘Like,andyetunlike,’mutteredGimli.
‘Butcomenow,’saidthesoftvoice.‘TwoatleastofyouIknowbyname.GandalfIknowtoowelltohavemuchhopethatheseekshelporcounselhere.Butyou,ThéodenLordoftheMarkofRohan,aredeclaredbyyournobledevices,andstillmorebythefaircountenanceoftheHouseofEorl.OworthysonofThengeltheThrice-renowned!Whyhaveyounot
comebefore,andasafriend?MuchhaveIdesiredtoseeyou,mightiestkingofwesternlands,andespeciallyintheselatteryears,tosaveyoufromtheunwiseandevilcounselsthatbesetyou!Isityettoolate?Despitetheinjuriesthathavebeendonetome,inwhichthemenofRohan,alas!havehadsomepart,stillIwouldsaveyou,anddeliveryoufromtheruin
thatdrawsnighinevitably,ifyourideuponthisroadwhichyouhavetaken.IndeedIalonecanaidyounow.’
Théodenopenedhismouthasiftospeak,buthesaidnothing.HelookedupatthefaceofSarumanwithitsdarksolemneyesbentdownuponhim,andthentoGandalfathisside;andheseemedtohesitate.Gandalfmadenosign;butstoodsilent
asstone,asonewaitingpatientlyforsomecallthathasnotyetcome.TheRidersstirredatfirst,murmuringwithapprovalofthewordsofSaruman;andthentheytooweresilent,asmenspell-bound.ItseemedtothemthatGandalfhadneverspokensofairandfittinglytotheirlord.RoughandproudnowseemedallhisdealingswithThéoden.Andovertheir
heartscreptashadow,thefearofagreatdanger:theendoftheMarkinadarknesstowhichGandalfwasdrivingthem,whileSarumanstoodbesideadoorofescape,holdingithalfopensothatarayoflightcamethrough.Therewasaheavysilence.
ItwasGimlithedwarfwhobrokeinsuddenly.‘Thewordsofthiswizardstandontheirheads,’hegrowled,
grippingthehandleofhisaxe.‘InthelanguageofOrthanchelpmeansruin,andsavingmeansslaying,thatisplain.Butwedonotcomeheretobeg.’
‘Peace!’saidSaruman,andforafleetingmomenthisvoicewaslesssuave,andalightflickeredinhiseyesandwasgone.‘Idonotspeaktoyouyet,GimliGlóin’sson,’hesaid.‘Farawayisyour
homeandsmallconcernofyoursarethetroublesofthisland.Butitwasnotbydesignofyourownthatyoubecameembroiledinthem,andsoIwillnotblamesuchpartasyouhaveplayed–avaliantone,Idoubtnot.ButIprayyou,allowmefirsttospeakwiththeKingofRohan,myneighbour,andoncemyfriend.
‘Whathaveyoutosay,
ThéodenKing?Willyouhavepeacewithme,andalltheaidthatmyknowledge,foundedinlongyears,canbring?Shallwemakeourcounselstogetheragainstevildays,andrepairourinjurieswithsuchgoodwillthatourestatesshallbothcometofairerflowerthaneverbefore?’
StillThéodendidnotanswer.Whetherhestrove
withangerordoubtnonecouldsay.Éomerspoke.
‘Lord,hearme!’hesaid.‘Nowwefeeltheperilthatwewerewarnedof.Haveweriddenforthtovictory,onlytostandatlastamazedbyanoldliarwithhoneyonhisforkedtongue?Sowouldthetrappedwolfspeaktothehounds,ifhecould.Whataidcanhegivetoyou,forsooth?Allhedesiresistoescape
fromhisplight.Butwillyouparleywiththisdealerintreacheryandmurder?RememberThéodredattheFords,andthegraveofHámainHelm’sDeep!’
‘Ifwespeakofpoisonedtongueswhatshallwesayofyours,youngserpent?’saidSaruman,andtheflashofhisangerwasnowplaintosee.‘Butcome,Éomer,Éomund’sson!’hewentoninhissoft
voiceagain.‘Toeverymanhispart.Valourinarmsisyours,andyouwinhighhonourthereby.Slaywhomyourlordnamesasenemies,andbecontent.Meddlenotinpolicieswhichyoudonotunderstand.Butmaybe,ifyoubecomeaking,youwillfindthathemustchoosehisfriendswithcare.ThefriendshipofSarumanandthepowerofOrthanccannot
belightlythrownaside,whatevergrievances,realorfancied,mayliebehind.Youhavewonabattlebutnotawar–andthatwithhelponwhichyoucannotcountagain.YoumayfindtheShadowoftheWoodatyourowndoornext:itiswayward,andsenseless,andhasnoloveforMen.
‘ButmylordofRohan,amItobecalledamurderer,
becausevaliantmenhavefalleninbattle?Ifyougotowar,needlessly,forIdidnotdesireit,thenmenwillbeslain.ButifIamamurdereronthataccount,thenalltheHouseofEorlisstainedwithmurder;fortheyhavefoughtmanywars,andassailedmanywhodefiedthem.Yetwithsometheyhaveafterwardsmadepeace,nonetheworseforbeingpolitic.I
say,ThéodenKing:shallwehavepeaceandfriendship,youandI?Itisourstocommand.’
‘Wewillhavepeace,’saidThéodenatlastthicklyandwithaneffort.SeveraloftheRiderscriedoutgladly.Théodenhelduphishand.‘Yes,wewillhavepeace,’hesaid,nowinaclearvoice,‘wewillhavepeace,whenyouandallyourworkshave
perished–andtheworksofyourdarkmastertowhomyouwoulddeliverus.Youarealiar,Saruman,andacorrupterofmen’shearts.Youholdoutyourhandtome,andIperceiveonlyafingeroftheclawofMordor.Cruelandcold!Evenifyourwaronmewasjust–asitwasnot,forwereyoutentimesaswiseyouwouldhavenorighttorulemeandmine
foryourownprofitasyoudesired–evenso,whatwillyousayofyourtorchesinWestfoldandthechildrenthatliedeadthere?AndtheyhewedHáma’sbodybeforethegatesoftheHornburg,afterhewasdead.Whenyouhangfromagibbetatyourwindowforthesportofyourowncrows,IwillhavepeacewithyouandOrthanc.SomuchfortheHouseofEorl.
AlessersonofgreatsiresamI,butIdonotneedtolickyourfingers.Turnelsewhither.ButIfearyourvoicehaslostitscharm.’
TheRidersgazedupatThéodenlikemenstartledoutofadream.Harshasanoldraven’stheirmaster’svoicesoundedintheirearsafterthemusicofSaruman.ButSarumanforawhilewasbesidehimselfwithwrath.He
leanedovertherailasifhewouldsmitetheKingwithhisstaff.Tosomesuddenlyitseemedthattheysawasnakecoilingitselftostrike.
‘Gibbetsandcrows!’hehissed,andtheyshudderedatthehideouschange.‘Dotard!WhatisthehouseofEorlbutathatchedbarnwherebrigandsdrinkinthereek,andtheirbratsrollontheflooramongthedogs?Too
longhavetheyescapedthegibbetthemselves.Butthenoosecomes,slowinthedrawing,tightandhardintheend.Hangifyouwill!’Nowhisvoicechanged,asheslowlymasteredhimself.‘IknownotwhyIhavehadthepatiencetospeaktoyou.ForIneedyounot,noryourlittlebandofgallopers,asswifttoflyastoadvance,ThéodenHorsemaster.LongagoI
offeredyouastatebeyondyourmeritandyourwit.Ihaveoffereditagain,sothatthosewhomyoumisleadmayclearlyseethechoiceofroads.Yougivemebragandabuse.Sobeit.Gobacktoyourhuts!
‘Butyou,Gandalf!ForyouatleastIamgrieved,feelingforyourshame.Howcomesitthatyoucanenduresuchcompany?Foryouare
proud,Gandalf–andnotwithoutreason,havinganoblemindandeyesthatlookbothdeepandfar.Evennowwillyounotlistentomycounsel?’
Gandalfstirred,andlookedup.‘Whathaveyoutosaythatyoudidnotsayatourlastmeeting?’heasked.‘Or,perhaps,youhavethingstounsay?’
Sarumanpaused.‘Unsay?’
hemused,asifpuzzled.‘Unsay?Iendeavouredtoadviseyouforyourowngood,butyouscarcelylistened.Youareproudanddonotloveadvice,havingindeedastoreofyourownwisdom.Butonthatoccasionyouerred,Ithink,misconstruingmyintentionswilfully.Ifearthatinmyeagernesstopersuadeyou,Ilostpatience.AndindeedI
regretit.ForIboreyounoill-will;andevennowIbearnone,thoughyoureturntomeinthecompanyoftheviolentandtheignorant.HowshouldI?Arewenotbothmembersofahighandancientorder,mostexcellentinMiddle-earth?Ourfriendshipwouldprofitusbothalike.Muchwecouldstillaccomplishtogether,tohealthedisordersofthe
world.Letusunderstandoneanother,anddismissfromthoughttheselesserfolk!Letthemwaitonourdecisions!ForthecommongoodIamwillingtoredressthepast,andtoreceiveyou.Willyounotconsultwithme?Willyounotcomeup?’
SogreatwasthepowerthatSarumanexertedinthislasteffortthatnonethatstoodwithinhearingwere
unmoved.Butnowthespellwaswhollydifferent.Theyheardthegentleremonstranceofakindlykingwithanerringbutmuch-lovedminister.Buttheywereshutout,listeningatadoortowordsnotmeantforthem:ill-manneredchildrenorstupidservantsoverhearingtheelusivediscourseoftheirelders,andwonderinghowitwouldaffecttheirlot.Of
loftiermouldthesetwoweremade:reverendandwise.Itwasinevitablethattheyshouldmakealliance.Gandalfwouldascendintothetower,todiscussdeepthingsbeyondtheircomprehensioninthehighchambersofOrthanc.Thedoorwouldbeclosed,andtheywouldbeleftoutside,dismissedtoawaitallottedworkorpunishment.Evenin
themindofThéodenthethoughttookshape,likeashadowofdoubt:‘Hewillbetrayus;hewillgo–weshallbelost.’
ThenGandalflaughed.Thefantasyvanishedlikeapuffofsmoke.
‘Saruman,Saruman!’saidGandalfstilllaughing.‘Saruman,youmissedyourpathinlife.Youshouldhavebeentheking’sjesterand
earnedyourbread,andstripestoo,bymimickinghiscounsellors.Ahme!’hepaused,gettingthebetterofhismirth.‘Understandoneanother?IfearIambeyondyourcomprehension.Butyou,Saruman,Iunderstandnowtoowell.Ikeepaclearermemoryofyourarguments,anddeeds,thanyousuppose.WhenlastIvisitedyou,youwerethejailorofMordor,
andthereIwastobesent.Nay,theguestwhohasescapedfromtheroof,willthinktwicebeforehecomesbackinbythedoor.Nay,IdonotthinkIwillcomeup.Butlisten,Saruman,forthelasttime!Willyounotcomedown?Isengardhasprovedlessstrongthanyourhopeandfancymadeit.Somayotherthingsinwhichyoustillhavetrust.Woulditnotbe
welltoleaveitforawhile?Toturntonewthings,perhaps?Thinkwell,Saruman!Willyounotcomedown?’
AshadowpassedoverSaruman’sface;thenitwentdeathlywhite.Beforehecouldconcealit,theysawthroughthemasktheanguishofamindindoubt,loathingtostayanddreadingtoleaveitsrefuge.Forasecondhe
hesitated,andnoonebreathed.Thenhespoke,andhisvoicewasshrillandcold.Prideandhatewereconqueringhim.
‘WillIcomedown?’hemocked.‘Doesanunarmedmancomedowntospeakwithrobbersoutofdoors?Icanhearyouwellenoughhere.Iamnofool,andIdonottrustyou,Gandalf.Theydonotstandopenlyonmy
stairs,butIknowwherethewildwood-demonsarelurking,atyourcommand.’
‘Thetreacherousareeverdistrustful,’answeredGandalfwearily.‘Butyouneednotfearforyourskin.Idonotwishtokillyou,orhurtyou,asyouwouldknow,ifyoureallyunderstoodme.AndIhavethepowertoprotectyou.Iamgivingyoualastchance.Youcanleave
Orthanc,free–ifyouchoose.’
‘Thatsoundswell,’sneeredSaruman.‘VerymuchinthemannerofGandalftheGrey:socondescending,andsoverykind.IdonotdoubtthatyouwouldfindOrthanccommodious,andmydepartureconvenient.ButwhyshouldIwishtoleave?Andwhatdoyoumeanby
‘‘free’’?Thereareconditions,Ipresume?’
‘Reasonsforleavingyoucanseefromyourwindows,’answeredGandalf.‘Otherswilloccurtoyourthought.Yourservantsaredestroyedandscattered;yourneighboursyouhavemadeyourenemies;andyouhavecheatedyournewmaster,ortriedtodoso.Whenhiseyeturnshither,itwillbethered
eyeofwrath.ButwhenIsay‘‘free’’,Imean‘‘free’’:freefrombond,ofchainorcommand:togowhereyouwill,even,eventoMordor,Saruman,ifyoudesire.ButyouwillfirstsurrendertometheKeyofOrthanc,andyourstaff.Theyshallbepledgesofyourconduct,tobereturnedlater,ifyoumeritthem.’
Saruman’sfacegrewlivid,twistedwithrage,anda
redlightwaskindledinhiseyes.Helaughedwildly.‘Later!’hecried,andhisvoicerosetoascream.‘Later!Yes,whenyoualsohavetheKeysofBarad-dûritself,Isuppose;andthecrownsofsevenkings,andtherodsoftheFiveWizards,andhavepurchasedyourselfapairofbootsmanysizeslargerthanthosethatyouwearnow.Amodestplan.
Hardlyoneinwhichmyhelpisneeded!Ihaveotherthingstodo.Donotbeafool.Ifyouwishtotreatwithme,whileyouhaveachance,goaway,andcomebackwhenyouaresober!Andleavebehindthesecut-throatsandsmallrag-tagthatdangleatyourtail!Goodday!’Heturnedandleftthebalcony.
‘Comeback,Saruman!’saidGandalfina
commandingvoice.Totheamazementoftheothers,Sarumanturnedagain,andasifdraggedagainsthiswill,hecameslowlybacktotheironrail,leaningonit,breathinghard.Hisfacewaslinedandshrunken.Hishandclutchedhisheavyblackstafflikeaclaw.
‘Ididnotgiveyouleavetogo,’saidGandalfsternly.‘Ihavenotfinished.Youhave
becomeafool,Saruman,andyetpitiable.Youmightstillhaveturnedawayfromfollyandevil,andhavebeenofservice.Butyouchoosetostayandgnawtheendsofyouroldplots.Staythen!ButIwarnyou,youwillnoteasilycomeoutagain.NotunlessthedarkhandsoftheEaststretchouttotakeyou.Saruman!’hecried,andhisvoicegrewinpowerand
authority.‘Behold,IamnotGandalftheGrey,whomyoubetrayed.IamGandalftheWhite,whohasreturnedfromdeath.Youhavenocolournow,andIcastyoufromtheorderandfromtheCouncil.’
Heraisedhishand,andspokeslowlyinaclearcoldvoice.‘Saruman,yourstaffisbroken.’Therewasacrack,andthestaffsplitasunderinSaruman’shand,andthehead
ofitfelldownatGandalf’sfeet.‘Go!’saidGandalf.WithacrySarumanfellbackandcrawledaway.Atthatmomentaheavyshiningthingcamehurtlingdownfromabove.Itglancedofftheironrail,evenasSarumanleftit,andpassingclosetoGandalf’shead,itsmotethestaironwhichhestood.Therailrangandsnapped.Thestaircrackedandsplinteredin
glitteringsparks.Buttheballwasunharmed:itrolledondownthesteps,aglobeofcrystal,dark,butglowingwithaheartoffire.AsitboundedawaytowardsapoolPippinranafteritandpickeditup.
‘Themurderousrogue!’criedÉomer.ButGandalfwasunmoved.‘No,thatwasnotthrownbySaruman,’hesaid;‘norevenathisbidding,
Ithink.Itcamefromawindowfarabove.ApartingshotfromMasterWormtongue,Ifancy,butillaimed.’
‘Theaimwaspoor,maybe,becausehecouldnotmakeuphismindwhichhehatedmore,youorSaruman,’saidAragorn.
‘Thatmaybeso,’saidGandalf.‘Smallcomfortwillthosetwohaveintheir
companionship:theywillgnawoneanotherwithwords.Butthepunishmentisjust.IfWormtongueevercomesoutofOrthancalive,itwillbemorethanhedeserves.
‘Here,mylad,I’lltakethat!Ididnotaskyoutohandleit,’hecried,turningsharplyandseeingPippincomingupthesteps,slowly,asifhewerebearingagreatweight.Hewentdownto
meethimandhastilytookthedarkglobefromthehobbit,wrappingitinthefoldsofhiscloak.‘Iwilltakecareofthis,’hesaid.‘Itisnotathing,Iguess,thatSarumanwouldhavechosentocastaway.’
‘Buthemayhaveotherthingstocast,’saidGimli.‘Ifthatistheendofthedebate,letusgooutofstone’sthrow,atleast!’
‘Itistheend,’saidGandalf.‘Letusgo.’
TheyturnedtheirbacksonthedoorsofOrthanc,andwentdown.Theridershailedthekingwithjoy,andsalutedGandalf.ThespellofSarumanwasbroken:theyhadseenhimcomeatcall,andcrawlaway,dismissed.
‘Well,thatisdone,’said
Gandalf.‘NowImustfindTreebeardandtellhimhowthingshavegone.’
‘Hewillhaveguessed,surely?’saidMerry.‘Weretheylikelytoendanyotherway?’
‘Notlikely,’answeredGandalf,‘thoughtheycametothebalanceofahair.ButIhadreasonsfortrying;somemercifulandsomelessso.FirstSarumanwasshownthat
thepowerofhisvoicewaswaning.Hecannotbebothtyrantandcounsellor.Whentheplotisripeitremainsnolongersecret.
Yethefellintothetrap,andtriedtodealwithhisvictimspiece-meal,whileotherslistened.ThenIgavehimalastchoiceandafairone:torenouncebothMordorandhisprivateschemes,andmakeamendsbyhelpingus
inourneed.Heknowsourneed,nonebetter.Greatservicehecouldhaverendered.Buthehaschosentowithholdit,andkeepthepowerofOrthanc.Hewillnotserve,onlycommand.HelivesnowinterroroftheshadowofMordor,andyethestilldreamsofridingthestorm.Unhappyfool!Hewillbedevoured,ifthepoweroftheEaststretchesoutitsarms
toIsengard.WecannotdestroyOrthancfromwithout,butSauron–whoknowswhathecando?’
‘AndwhatifSaurondoesnotconquer?Whatwillyoudotohim?’askedPippin.
‘I?Nothing!’saidGandalf.‘Iwilldonothingtohim.Idonotwishformastery.Whatwillbecomeofhim?Icannotsay.Igrievethatsomuchthatwasgood
nowfestersinthetower.Stillforusthingshavenotgonebadly.Strangearetheturnsoffortune!Oftendoeshatredhurtitself!Iguessthat,evenifwehadenteredin,wecouldhavefoundfewtreasuresinOrthancmorepreciousthanthethingwhichWormtonguethrewdownatus.’
Ashrillshriek,suddenlycutoff,camefromanopenwindowhighabove.
‘ItseemsthatSarumanthinkssotoo,’saidGandalf.‘Letusleavethem!’
Theyreturnednowtotheruinsofthegate.Hardlyhadtheypassedoutunderthearch,when,fromamongtheshadowsofthepiledstoneswheretheyhadstood,TreebeardandadozenotherEntscamestridingup.
Aragorn,GimliandLegolasgazedattheminwonder.
‘Herearethreeofmycompanions,Treebeard,’saidGandalf.‘Ihavespokenofthem,butyouhavenotyetseenthem.’Henamedthemonebyone.
TheOldEntlookedatthemlongandsearchingly,andspoketotheminturn.LastheturnedtoLegolas.‘Soyouhavecomealltheway
fromMirkwood,mygoodElf?Averygreatforestitusedtobe!’
‘Andstillis,’saidLegolas.‘Butnotsogreatthatwewhodwellthereevertireofseeingnewtrees.IshoulddearlylovetojourneyinFangorn’sWood.Iscarcelypassedbeyondtheeavesofit,andIdidnotwishtoturnback.’
Treebeard’seyesgleamed
withpleasure.‘Ihopeyoumayhaveyourwish,erethehillsbemucholder,’hesaid.
‘Iwillcome,ifIhavethefortune,’saidLegolas.‘Ihavemadeabargainwithmyfriendthat,ifallgoeswell,wewillvisitFangorntogether–byyourleave.’
‘AnyElfthatcomeswithyouwillbewelcome,’saidTreebeard.
‘ThefriendIspeakofis
notanElf,’saidLegolas;‘ImeanGimli,Glóin’ssonhere.’Gimlibowedlow,andtheaxeslippedfromhisbeltandclatteredontheground.
‘Hoom,hm!Ahnow,’saidTreebeard,lookingdark-eyedathim.‘Adwarfandanaxe-bearer!Hoom!IhavegoodwilltoElves;butyouaskmuch.Thisisastrangefriendship!’
‘Strangeitmayseem,’
saidLegolas;‘butwhileGimlilivesIshallnotcometoFangornalone.Hisaxeisnotfortrees,butfororc-necks,OFangorn,MasterofFangorn’sWood.Forty-twohehewedinthebattle.’
‘Hoo!Comenow!’saidTreebeard.‘Thatisabetterstory!Well,well,thingswillgoastheywill;andthereisnoneedtohurrytomeetthem.Butnowwemustpart
forawhile.Dayisdrawingtoanend,yetGandalfsaysyoumustgoerenightfall,andtheLordoftheMarkiseagerforhisownhouse.’
‘Yes,wemustgo,andgonow,’saidGandalf.‘IfearthatImusttakeyourgatekeepersfromyou.Butyouwillmanagewellenoughwithoutthem.’
‘MaybeIshall,’saidTreebeard.‘ButIshallmiss
them.WehavebecomefriendsinsoshortawhilethatIthinkImustbegettinghasty–growingbackwardstowardsyouth,perhaps.Butthere,theyarethefirstnewthingunderSunorMoonthatIhaveseenformanyalong,longday.Ishallnotforgetthem.IhaveputtheirnamesintotheLongList.Entswillrememberit.
Entstheearthborn,oldasmountains,
thewide-walkers,waterdrinking;
andhungryashunters,theHobbitchildren,
thelaughing-folk,thelittlepeople,
theyshallremainfriendsaslongasleavesarerenewed.Fareyouwell!Butifyouhearnewsupinyourpleasant
land,intheShire,sendmeword!YouknowwhatImean:wordorsightoftheEntwives.Comeyourselvesifyoucan!’
‘Wewill!’saidMerryandPippintogether,andtheyturnedawayhastily.Treebeardlookedatthem,andwassilentforawhile,shakinghisheadthoughtfully.ThenheturnedtoGandalf.
‘SoSarumanwouldnotleave?’hesaid.‘Ididnotthinkhewould.HisheartisasrottenasablackHuorn’s.Still,ifIwereovercomeandallmytreesdestroyed,IwouldnotcomewhileIhadonedarkholelefttohidein.’
‘No,’saidGandalf.‘Butyouhavenotplottedtocoveralltheworldwithyourtreesandchokeallotherlivingthings.Butthereitis,
Sarumanremainstonursehishatredandweaveagainsuchwebsashecan.HehastheKeyofOrthanc.Buthemustnotbeallowedtoescape.’
‘Indeedno!Entswillseetothat,’saidTreebeard.‘Sarumanshallnotsetfootbeyondtherock,withoutmyleave.Entswillwatchoverhim.’
‘Good!’saidGandalf.‘ThatiswhatIhoped.NowI
cangoandturntoothermatterswithonecaretheless.Butyoumustbewary.Thewatershavegonedown.Itwillnotbeenoughtoputsentinelsroundthetower,Ifear.IdonotdoubtthatthereweredeepwaysdelvedunderOrthanc,andthatSarumanhopestogoandcomeunmarked,beforelong.Ifyouwillundertakethelabour,Ibegyoutopourinthewaters
again;anddoso,untilIsengardremainsastandingpool,oryoudiscovertheoutlets.Whenalltheundergroundplacesaredrowned,andtheoutletsblocked,thenSarumanmuststayupstairsandlookoutofthewindows.’
‘LeaveittotheEnts!’saidTreebeard.‘Weshallsearchthevalleyfromheadtofootandpeerundereverypebble.
Treesarecomingbacktolivehere,oldtrees,wildtrees.TheWatchwoodwewillcallit.Notasquirrelwillgohere,butIshallknowofit.LeaveittoEnts!Untilseventimestheyearsinwhichhetormentedushavepassed,weshallnottireofwatchinghim.’
Chapter11
THEPALANTÍR
ThesunwassinkingbehindthelongwesternarmofthemountainswhenGandalfandhiscompanions,andthekingwithhisRiders,setoutagainfromIsengard.GandalftookMerrybehindhim,and
AragorntookPippin.Twooftheking’smenwentonahead,ridingswiftly,andpassedsoonoutofsightdownintothevalley.Theothersfollowedataneasypace.
Entsinasolemnrowstoodlikestatuesatthegate,withtheirlongarmsuplifted,buttheymadenosound.MerryandPippinlookedback,whentheyhadpassedsomewaydownthewinding
road.Sunlightwasstillshininginthesky,butlongshadowsreachedoverIsengard:greyruinsfallingintodarkness.Treebeardstoodalonetherenow,likethedistantstumpofanoldtree:thehobbitsthoughtoftheirfirstmeeting,uponthesunnyledgefarawayonthebordersofFangorn.
TheycametothepillaroftheWhiteHand.Thepillar
wasstillstanding,butthegravenhandhadbeenthrowndownandbrokenintosmallpieces.Rightinthemiddleoftheroadthelongforefingerlay,whiteinthedusk,itsrednaildarkeningtoblack.
‘TheEntspayattentiontoeverydetail!’saidGandalf.
Theyrodeon,andeveningdeepenedinthevalley.
‘Areweridingfartonight,Gandalf?’askedMerryafterawhile.‘Idon’tknowhowyoufeelwithsmallrag-tagdanglingbehindyou;buttherag-tagistiredandwillbegladtostopdanglingandliedown.’
‘Soyouheardthat?’saidGandalf.‘Don’tletitrankle!Bethankfulnolongerwordswereaimedatyou.Hehadhiseyesonyou.Ifitisany
comforttoyourpride,Ishouldsaythat,atthemoment,youandPippinaremoreinhisthoughtsthanalltherestofus.Whoyouare;howyoucamethere,andwhy;whatyouknow;whetheryouwerecaptured,andifso,howyouescapedwhenalltheOrcsperished–itiswiththoselittleriddlesthatthegreatmindofSarumanistroubled.Asneer
fromhim,Meriadoc,isacompliment,ifyoufeelhonouredbyhisconcern.’
‘Thankyou!’saidMerry.‘Butitisagreaterhonourtodangleatyourtail,Gandalf.Foronething,inthatpositiononehasachanceofputtingaquestionasecondtime.Areweridingfartonight?’
Gandalflaughed.‘Amostunquenchablehobbit!AllWizardsshouldhaveahobbit
ortwointheircare–toteachthemthemeaningoftheword,andtocorrectthem.Ibegyourpardon.ButIhavegiventhoughteventothesesimplematters.Wewillrideforafewhours,gently,untilwecometotheendofthevalley.Tomorrowwemustridefaster.
‘Whenwecame,wemeanttogostraightfromIsengardbacktotheking’s
houseatEdorasovertheplains,arideofsomedays.Butwehavetakenthoughtandchangedtheplan.MessengershavegoneaheadtoHelm’sDeep,towarnthemthatthekingisreturningtomorrow.HewillridefromtherewithmanymentoDunharrowbypathsamongthehills.Fromnowonnomorethantwoorthreetogetheraretogoopenlyover
theland,bydayornight,whenitcanbeavoided.’
‘Nothingoradoublehelpingisyourway!’saidMerry.‘IamafraidIwasnotlookingbeyondtonight’sbed.WhereandwhatareHelm’sDeepandalltherestofit?Idon’tknowanythingaboutthiscountry.’
‘Thenyou’dbestlearnsomething,ifyouwishtounderstandwhatis
happening.Butnotjustnow,andnotfromme:Ihavetoomanypressingthingstothinkabout.’
‘Allright,I’lltackleStriderbythecamp-fire:he’slesstesty.Butwhyallthissecrecy?Ithoughtwe’dwonthebattle!’
‘Yes,wehavewon,butonlythefirstvictory,andthatinitselfincreasesourdanger.Therewassomelinkbetween
IsengardandMordor,whichIhavenotyetfathomed.HowtheyexchangednewsIamnotsure;buttheydidso.TheEyeofBarad-dûrwillbelookingimpatientlytowardstheWizard’sVale,Ithink;andtowardsRohan.Thelessitseesthebetter.’
Theroadpassedslowly,windingdownthevalley.
Nowfurther,andnownearerIsenflowedinitsstonybed.Nightcamedownfromthemountains.Allthemistsweregone.Achillwindblew.Themoon,nowwaxinground,filledtheeasternskywithapalecoldsheen.Theshouldersofthemountaintotheirrightslopeddowntobarehills.Thewideplainsopenedgreybeforethem.
Atlasttheyhalted.Then
theyturnedaside,leavingthehighwayandtakingtothesweetuplandturfagain.Goingwestwardamileorsotheycametoadale.Itopenedsouthward,leaningbackintotheslopeofroundDolBaran,thelasthillofthenorthernranges,greenfooted,crownedwithheather.Thesidesoftheglenwereshaggywithlastyear’sbracken,amongwhichthetight-curledfrondsof
springwerejustthrustingthroughthesweet-scentedearth.Thornbushesgrewthickuponthelowbanks,andunderthemtheymadetheircamp,twohoursorsobeforethemiddleofthenight.Theylitafireinahollow,downamongtherootsofaspreadinghawthorn,tallasatree,writhenwithage,buthaleineverylimb.Budswereswellingateachtwig’stip.
Guardswereset,twoatawatch.Therest,aftertheyhadsupped,wrappedthemselvesinacloakandblanketandslept.Thehobbitslayinacornerbythemselvesuponapileofoldbracken.Merrywassleepy,butPippinnowseemedcuriouslyrestless.Thebrackencrackedandrustled,ashetwistedandturned.
‘What’sthematter?’
askedMerry.‘Areyoulyingonanant-hill?’
‘No,’saidPippin,‘butI’mnotcomfortable.IwonderhowlongitissinceIsleptinabed?’
Merryyawned.‘Workitoutonyourfingers!’hesaid.‘ButyoumustknowhowlongitissinceweleftLórien.’
‘Oh,that!’saidPippin.‘Imeanarealbedina
bedroom.’‘Well,Rivendellthen,’
saidMerry.‘ButIcouldsleepanywheretonight.’
‘Youhadtheluck,Merry,’saidPippinsoftly,afterapause.‘YouwereridingwithGandalf.’
‘Well,whatofit?’‘Didyougetanynews,
anyinformationoutofhim?’‘Yes,agooddeal.More
thanusual.Butyouheardit
allormostofit;youwerecloseby,andweweretalkingnosecrets.Butyoucangowithhimtomorrow,ifyouthinkyoucangetmoreoutofhim–andifhe’llhaveyou.’
‘CanI?Good!Buthe’sclose,isn’the?Notchangedatall.’
‘Ohyes,heis!’saidMerry,wakingupalittle,andbeginningtowonderwhatwasbotheringhiscompanion.
‘Hehasgrown,orsomething.Hecanbebothkinderandmorealarming,merrierandmoresolemnthanbefore,Ithink.Hehaschanged;butwehavenothadachancetoseehowmuch,yet.ButthinkofthelastpartofthatbusinesswithSaruman!RememberSarumanwasonceGandalf’ssuperior:headoftheCouncil,whateverthatmaybeexactly.Hewas
SarumantheWhite.GandalfistheWhitenow.Sarumancamewhenhewastold,andhisrodwastaken;andthenhewasjusttoldtogo,andhewent!’
‘Well,ifGandalfhaschangedatall,thenhe’scloserthaneverthat’sall,’Pippinargued.‘That—glassball,now.Heseemedmightypleasedwithit.Heknowsorguessessomethingaboutit.
Butdoeshetelluswhat?No,notaword.YetIpickeditup,andIsaveditfromrollingintoapool.Here,I’lltakethat,mylad–that’sall.Iwonderwhatitis?Itfeltsoveryheavy.’Pippin’svoicefellverylow,asifhewastalkingtohimself.
‘Hullo!’saidMerry.‘Sothat’swhatisbotheringyou?Now,Pippinmylad,don’tforgetGildor’ssaying–the
oneSamusedtoquote:DonotmeddleintheaffairsofWizards,fortheyaresubtleandquicktoanger.’
‘ButourwholelifeformonthshasbeenonelongmeddlingintheaffairsofWizards,’saidPippin.‘Ishouldlikeabitofinformationaswellasdanger.Ishouldlikealookatthatball.’
‘Gotosleep!’saidMerry.
‘You’llgetinformationenough,soonerorlater.MydearPippin,noTookeverbeataBrandy-buckforinquisitiveness;butisthisthetime,Iaskyou?’
‘Allright!What’stheharminmytellingyouwhatIshouldlike:alookatthatstone?IknowIcan’thaveit,witholdGandalfsittingonit,likeahenonanegg.Butitdoesn’thelpmuchtogetno
morefromyouthanayou-can’t-have-itso-go-to-sleep!’
‘Well,whatelsecouldIsay?’saidMerry.‘I’msorry,Pippin,butyoureallymustwaittillthemorning.I’llbeascuriousasyoulikeafterbreakfast,andI’llhelpinanywayIcanatwizard-wheedling.ButIcan’tkeepawakeanylonger.IfIyawnanymore,Ishallsplitattheears.Goodnight!’
Pippinsaidnomore.Helaystillnow,butsleepremainedfaraway;anditwasnotencouragedbythesoundofMerrybreathingsoftly,asleepinafewminutesaftersayinggoodnight.Thethoughtofthedarkglobeseemedtogrowstrongerasallgrewquiet.Pippinfeltagainitsweightinhishands,andsawagainthemysteriousreddepthsintowhichhehad
lookedforamoment.Hetossedandturnedandtriedtothinkofsomethingelse.
Atlasthecouldstanditnolonger.Hegotupandlookedround.Itwaschilly,andhewrappedhiscloakabouthim.Themoonwasshiningcoldandwhite,downintothedell,andtheshadowsofthebusheswereblack.Allaboutlaysleepingshapes.Thetwoguardswerenotinview:they
wereuponthehill,perhaps,orhiddeninthebracken.Drivenbysomeimpulsethathedidnotunderstand,PippinwalkedsoftlytowhereGandalflay.Helookeddownathim.Thewizardseemedasleep,butwithlidsnotfullyclosed:therewasaglitterofeyesunderhislonglashes.Pippinsteppedbackhastily.ButGandalfmadenosign;anddrawnforwardonce
more,halfagainsthiswill,thehobbitcreptupagainfrombehindthewizard’shead.Hewasrolledinablanket,withhiscloakspreadoverthetop;andclosebesidehim,betweenhisrightsideandhisbentarm,therewasahummock,somethingroundwrappedinadarkcloth;hishandseemedonlyjusttohaveslippedoffittotheground.
Hardlybreathing,Pippin
creptnearer,footbyfoot.Atlasthekneltdown.Thenheputhishandsoutstealthily,andslowlyliftedthelumpup:itdidnotseemquitesoheavyashehadexpected.‘Onlysomebundleofoddments,perhaps,afterall,’hethoughtwithastrangesenseofrelief;buthedidnotputthebundledownagain.Hestoodforamomentclaspingit.Thenanideacameintohismind.He
tiptoedaway,foundalargestone,andcameback.
Quicklynowhedrewoffthecloth,wrappedthestoneinitandkneelingdown,laiditbackbythewizard’shand.Thenatlasthelookedatthethingthathehaduncovered.Thereitwas:asmoothglobeofcrystal,nowdarkanddead,lyingbarebeforehisknees.Pippinliftedit,coveredithurriedlyinhisowncloak,
andhalfturnedtogobacktohisbed.AtthatmomentGandalfmovedinhissleep,andmutteredsomewords:theyseemedtobeinastrangetongue;hishandgropedoutandclaspedthewrappedstone,thenhesighedanddidnotmoveagain.
‘Youidioticfool!’Pippinmutteredtohimself.‘You’regoingtogetyourselfintofrightfultrouble.Putitback
quick!’Buthefoundnowthathiskneesquaked,andhedidnotdaretogonearenoughtothewizardtoreachthebundle.‘I’llnevergetitbacknowwithoutwakinghim,’hethought,‘nottillI’mabitcalmer.SoImayaswellhavealookfirst.Notjustherethough!’Hestoleaway,andsatdownonagreenhillocknotfarfromhisbed.Themoonlookedinovertheedge
ofthedell.Pippinsatwithhisknees
drawnupandtheballbetweenthem.Hebentlowoverit,lookinglikeagreedychildstoopingoverabowloffood,inacornerawayfromothers.Hedrewhiscloakasideandgazedatit.Theairseemedstillandtenseabouthim.Atfirsttheglobewasdark,blackasjet,withthemoonlightgleamingonits
surface.Thentherecameafaintglowandstirintheheartofit,anditheldhiseyes,sothatnowhecouldnotlookaway.Soonalltheinsideseemedonfire;theballwasspinning,orthelightswithinwererevolving.Suddenlythelightswentout.Hegaveagaspandstruggled;butheremainedbent,claspingtheballwithbothhands.Closerandcloserhebent,andthen
becamerigid;hislipsmovedsoundlesslyforawhile.Thenwithastrangledcryhefellbackandlaystill.
Thecrywaspiercing.Theguardsleaptdownfromthebanks.Allthecampwassoonastir.
‘Sothisisthethief!’saidGandalf.Hastilyhecasthiscloakovertheglobewhereit
lay.‘Butyou,Pippin!Thisisagrievousturntothings!’HekneltbyPippin’sbody:thehobbitwaslyingonhisback,rigid,withunseeingeyesstaringupatthesky.‘Thedevilry!Whatmischiefhashedone–tohimself,andtoallofus?’Thewizard’sfacewasdrawnandhaggard.
HetookPippin’shandandbentoverhisface,listeningforhisbreath;thenhelaidhis
handsonhisbrow.Thehobbitshuddered.Hiseyesclosed.Hecriedout;andsatup,staringinbewildermentatallthefacesroundhim,paleinthemoonlight.
‘Itisnotforyou,Saruman!’hecriedinashrillandtonelessvoice,shrinkingawayfromGandalf.‘Iwillsendforitatonce.Doyouunderstand?Sayjustthat!’Thenhestruggledtogetup
andescape,butGandalfheldhimgentlyandfirmly.
‘PeregrinTook!’hesaid.‘Comeback!’
Thehobbitrelaxedandfellback,clingingtothewizard’shand.‘Gandalf!’hecried.‘Gandalf!Forgiveme!’
‘Forgiveyou?’saidthewizard.‘Tellmefirstwhatyouhavedone!’
‘I,Itooktheballandlookedatit,’stammered
Pippin;‘andIsawthingsthatfrightenedme.AndIwantedtogoaway,butIcouldn’t.Andthenhecameandquestionedme;andhelookedatme,and,and,thatisallIremember.’
‘Thatwon’tdo,’saidGandalfsternly.‘Whatdidyousee,andwhatdidyousay?’
Pippinshuthiseyesandshivered,butsaidnothing.
Theyallstaredathiminsilence,exceptMerrywhoturnedaway.ButGandalf’sfacewasstillhard.‘Speak!’hesaid.
InalowhesitatingvoicePippinbeganagain,andslowlyhiswordsgrewclearerandstronger.‘Isawadarksky,andtallbattlements,’hesaid.‘Andtinystars.Itseemedveryfarawayandlongago,yethardandclear.
Thenthestarswentinandout–theywerecutoffbythingswithwings.Verybig,Ithink,really;butintheglasstheylookedlikebatswheelingroundthetower.Ithoughttherewerenineofthem.Onebegantoflystraighttowardsme,gettingbiggerandbigger.Ithadahorrible–no,no!Ican’tsay.
‘Itriedtogetaway,becauseIthoughtitwouldfly
out;butwhenithadcoveredalltheglobe,itdisappeared.Thenhecame.HedidnotspeaksothatIcouldhearwords.Hejustlooked,andIunderstood.
‘‘‘Soyouhavecomeback?Whyhaveyouneglectedtoreportforsolong?’’
‘Ididnotanswer.Hesaid:‘‘Whoareyou?’’Istilldidnotanswer,butithurtme
horribly;andhepressedme,soIsaid:‘‘Ahobbit.’’
‘Thensuddenlyheseemedtoseeme,andhelaughedatme.Itwascruel.Itwaslikebeingstabbedwithknives.Istruggled.Buthesaid:‘‘Waitamoment!Weshallmeetagainsoon.TellSarumanthatthisdaintyisnotforhim.Iwillsendforitatonce.Doyouunderstand?Sayjustthat!’’
‘Thenhegloatedoverme.IfeltIwasfallingtopieces.No,no!Ican’tsayanymore.Idon’trememberanythingelse.’
‘Lookatme!’saidGandalf.
Pippinlookedupstraightintohiseyes.Thewizardheldhisgazeforamomentinsilence.Thenhisfacegrewgentler,andtheshadowofasmileappeared.Helaidhis
handsoftlyonPippin’shead.‘Allright!’hesaid.‘Say
nomore!Youhavetakennoharm.
Thereisnolieinyoureyes,asIfeared.Buthedidnotspeaklongwithyou.Afool,butanhonestfool,youremain,PeregrinTook.Wiseronesmighthavedoneworseinsuchapass.Butmarkthis!Youhavebeensaved,andallyourfriendstoo,mainlyby
goodfortune,asitiscalled.Youcannotcountonitasecondtime.Ifhehadquestionedyou,thenandthere,almostcertainlyyouwouldhavetoldallthatyouknow,totheruinofusall.Buthewastooeager.Hedidnotwantinformationonly:hewantedyou,quickly,sothathecoulddealwithyouintheDarkTower,slowly.Don’tshudder!Ifyouwillmeddle
intheaffairsofWizards,youmustbepreparedtothinkofsuchthings.Butcome!Iforgiveyou.Becomforted!Thingshavenotturnedoutasevillyastheymight.’
HeliftedPippingentlyandcarriedhimbacktohisbed.Merryfollowed,andsatdownbesidehim.‘Liethereandrest,ifyoucan,Pippin!’saidGandalf.‘Trustme.Ifyoufeelanitchinyourpalms
again,tellmeofit!Suchthingscanbecured.Butanyway,mydearhobbit,don’tputalumpofrockundermyelbowagain!Now,Iwillleaveyoutwotogetherforawhile.’
WiththatGandalfreturnedtotheothers,whowerestillstandingbytheOrthanc-stoneintroubled
thought.‘Perilcomesinthenightwhenleastexpected,’hesaid.‘Wehavehadanarrowescape!’
‘Howisthehobbit,Pippin?’askedAragorn.
‘Ithinkallwillbewellnow,’answeredGandalf.‘Hewasnotheldlong,andhobbitshaveanamazingpowerofrecovery.Thememory,orthehorrorofit,willprobablyfadequickly.
Tooquickly,perhaps.Willyou,Aragorn,taketheOrthanc-stoneandguardit?Itisadangerouscharge.’
‘Dangerousindeed,butnottoall,’saidAragorn.‘Thereisonewhomayclaimitbyright.ForthisassuredlyisthepalantírofOrthancfromthetreasuryofElendil,setherebytheKingsofGondor.Nowmyhourdrawsnear.Iwilltakeit.’
GandalflookedatAragorn,andthen,tothesurpriseoftheothers,heliftedthecoveredStone,andbowedashepresentedit.
‘Receiveit,lord!’hesaid:‘inearnestofotherthingsthatshallbegivenback.ButifImaycounselyouintheuseofyourown,donotuseit–yet!Bewary!’
‘WhenhaveIbeenhastyorunwary,whohavewaited
andpreparedforsomanylongyears?’saidAragorn.
‘Neveryet.Donotthenstumbleattheendoftheroad,’answeredGandalf.‘Butattheleastkeepthisthingsecret.You,andallothersthatstandhere!Thehobbit,Peregrin,aboveallshouldnotknowwhereitisbestowed.Theevilfitmaycomeonhimagain.Foralas!hehashandleditandlooked
init,asshouldneverhavehappened.HeoughtnevertohavetoucheditinIsengard,andthereIshouldhavebeenquicker.ButmymindwasbentonSaruman,andIdidnotatonceguessthenatureoftheStone.ThenIwasweary,andasIlayponderingit,sleepovercameme.NowIknow!’
‘Yes,therecanbenodoubt,’saidAragorn.‘Atlast
weknowthelinkbetweenIsengardandMordor,andhowitworked.Muchisexplained.’
‘Strangepowershaveourenemies,andstrangeweaknesses!’saidThéoden.‘Butithaslongbeensaid:oftevilwillshallevilmar.’
‘Thatmanytimesisseen,’saidGandalf.‘Butatthistimewehavebeenstrangelyfortunate.Maybe,Ihavebeen
savedbythishobbitfromagraveblunder.IhadconsideredwhetherornottoprobethisStonemyselftofinditsuses.HadIdoneso,Ishouldhavebeenrevealedtohimmyself.Iamnotreadyforsuchatrial,ifindeedIshalleverbeso.ButevenifIfoundthepowertowithdrawmyself,itwouldbedisastrousforhimtoseeme,yet–untilthehourcomeswhensecrecy
willavailnolonger.’‘Thathourisnowcome,I
think,’saidAragorn.‘Notyet,’saidGandalf.
‘Thereremainsashortwhileofdoubt,whichwemustuse.TheEnemy,itisclear,thoughtthattheStonewasinOrthanc–whyshouldhenot?Andthatthereforethehobbitwascaptivethere,driventolookintheglassforhistormentbySaruman.That
darkmindwillbefillednowwiththevoiceandfaceofthehobbitandwithexpectation:itmaytakesometimebeforehelearnshiserror.Wemustsnatchthattime.Wehavebeentooleisurely.Wemustmove.TheneighbourhoodofIsengardisnoplacenowtolingerin.IwillrideaheadatoncewithPeregrinTook.Itwillbebetterforhimthanlyinginthedarkwhileothers
sleep.’‘IwillkeepÉomerandten
Riders,’saidtheking.‘Theyshallridewithmeatearlyday.TherestmaygowithAragornandrideassoonastheyhaveamind.’
‘Asyouwill,’saidGandalf.‘Butmakeallthespeedyoumaytothecoverofthehills,toHelm’sDeep!’
Atthatmomentashadowfelloverthem.Thebrightmoonlightseemedtobesuddenlycutoff.SeveraloftheRiderscriedout,andcrouched,holdingtheirarmsabovetheirheads,asiftowardoffablowfromabove:ablindfearandadeadlycoldfellonthem.Coweringtheylookedup.Avastwingedshapepassedoverthemoonlikeablackcloud.Itwheeled
andwentnorth,flyingataspeedgreaterthananywindofMiddle-earth.Thestarsfaintedbeforeit.Itwasgone.
Theystoodup,rigidasstones.Gandalfwasgazingup,hisarmsoutanddownwards,stiff,hishandsclenched.
‘Nazgûl!’hecried.‘ThemessengerofMordor.Thestormiscoming.TheNazgûlhavecrossedtheRiver!Ride,
ride!Waitnotforthedawn!Letnottheswiftwaitfortheslow!Ride!’
Hesprangaway,callingShadowfaxasheran.Aragornfollowedhim.GoingtoPippin,Gandalfpickedhimupinhisarms.‘Youshallcomewithmethistime,’hesaid.‘Shadowfaxshallshowyouhispaces.’Thenherantotheplacewherehehadslept.Shadowfaxstoodthere
already.Slingingthesmallbagwhichwasallhisluggageacrosshisshoulders,thewizardleaptuponthehorse’sback.AragornliftedPippinandsethiminGandalf’sarms,wrappedincloakandblanket.
‘Farewell!Followfast!’criedGandalf.‘Away,Shadowfax!’Thegreathorsetossedhishead.Hisflowingtailflickedinthemoonlight.
Thenheleaptforward,spurningtheearth,andwasgonelikethenorthwindfromthemountains.
‘Abeautiful,restfulnight!’saidMerrytoAragorn.‘Somefolkhavewonderfulluck.Hedidnotwanttosleep,andhewantedtoridewithGandalf–andtherehegoes!Insteadof
beingturnedintoastonehimselftostandhereforeverasawarning.’
‘IfyouhadbeenthefirsttolifttheOrthanc-stone,andnothe,howwoulditbenow?’saidAragorn.‘Youmighthavedoneworse.Whocansay?Butnowitisyourlucktocomewithme,Ifear.Atonce.Goandgetready,andbringanythingthatPippinleftbehind.Make
haste!’
OvertheplainsShadowfaxwasflying,needingnourgingandnoguidance.Lessthananhourhadpassed,andtheyhadreachedtheFordsofIsenandcrossedthem.TheMoundoftheRidersanditscoldspearslaygreybehindthem.
Pippinwasrecovering.He
waswarm,butthewindinhisfacewaskeenandrefreshing.HewaswithGandalf.ThehorroroftheStoneandofthehideousshadowoverthemoonwasfading,thingsleftbehindinthemistsofthemountainsorinapassingdream.Hedrewadeepbreath.
‘Ididnotknowyourodebare-back,Gandalf,’hesaid.‘Youhaven’tasaddleora
bridle!’‘Idonotrideelf-fashion,
exceptonShadowfax,’saidGandalf.‘ButShadowfaxwillhavenoharness.YoudonotrideShadowfax:heiswillingtocarryyou–ornot.Ifheiswilling,thatisenough.Itisthenhisbusinesstoseethatyouremainonhisback,unlessyoujumpoffintotheair.’
‘Howfastishegoing?’
askedPippin.‘Fastbythewind,butverysmooth.Andhowlighthisfootfallsare!’
‘Heisrunningnowasfastastheswiftesthorsecouldgallop,’answeredGandalf;‘butthatisnotfastforhim.Thelandisrisingalittlehere,andismorebrokenthanitwasbeyondtheriver.ButseehowtheWhiteMountainsaredrawingnearunderthestars!YonderaretheThrihyrne
peakslikeblackspears.ItwillnotbelongbeforewereachthebranchingroadsandcometotheDeeping-coomb,wherethebattlewasfoughttwonightsago.’
Pippinwassilentagainforawhile.HeheardGandalfsingingsoftlytohimself,murmuringbriefsnatchesofrhymeinmanytongues,asthemilesranunderthem.Atlastthewizardpassedintoa
songofwhichthehobbitcaughtthewords:afewlinescamecleartohisearsthroughtherushingofthewind:
TallshipsandtallkingsThreetimesthree,WhatbroughttheyfromthefounderedlandOvertheflowing
sea?SevenstarsandsevenstonesAndonewhitetree.
‘Whatareyousaying,Gandalf?’askedPippin.
‘IwasjustrunningoversomeoftheRhymesofLoreinmymind,’answeredthewizard.‘Hobbits,Isuppose,haveforgottenthem,even
thosethattheyeverknew.’‘No,notall,’saidPippin.
‘Andwehavemanyofourown,whichwouldn’tinterestyou,perhaps.ButIhaveneverheardthisone.Whatisitabout–thesevenstarsandsevenstones?’
‘AboutthepalantírioftheKingsofOld,’saidGandalf.
‘Andwhatarethey?’‘Thenamemeantthat
whichlooksfaraway.The
Orthanc-stonewasone.’‘Thenitwasnotmade,not
made’–Pippinhesitated–‘bytheEnemy?’
‘No,’saidGandalf.‘NorbySaruman.Itisbeyondhisart,andbeyondSauron’stoo.ThepalantíricamefrombeyondWesternesse,fromEldamar.TheNoldormadethem.Fëanorhimself,maybe,wroughtthem,indayssolongagothatthetimecannot
bemeasuredinyears.ButthereisnothingthatSauroncannotturntoeviluses.AlasforSaruman!Itwashisdownfall,asInowperceive.Periloustousallarethedevicesofanartdeeperthanwepossessourselves.Yethemustbeartheblame.Fool!tokeepitsecret,forhisownprofit.NoworddidheeverspeakofittoanyoftheCouncil.Wehadnotyet
giventhoughttothefateofthepalantíriofGondorinitsruinouswars.ByMentheywerealmostforgotten.EveninGondortheywereasecretknownonlytoafew;inArnortheywererememberedonlyinarhymeofloreamongtheDúnedain.’
‘WhatdidtheMenofoldusethemfor?’askedPippin,delightedandastonishedatgettinganswerstosomany
questions,andwonderinghowlongitwouldlast.
‘Toseefaroff,andtoconverseinthoughtwithoneanother,’saidGandalf.‘InthatwaytheylongguardedandunitedtherealmofGondor.TheysetupStonesatMinasAnor,andatMinasIthil,andatOrthancintheringofIsengard.ThechiefandmasterofthesewasundertheDomeofStarsat
Osgiliathbeforeitsruin.ThethreeotherswerefarawayintheNorth.InthehouseofElronditistoldthattheywereatAnnúminas,andAmonSûl,andElendil’sStonewasontheTowerHillsthatlooktowardsMithlondintheGulfofLunewherethegreyshipslie.
‘Eachpalantírrepliedtoeach,butallthoseinGondorwereeveropentotheviewof
Osgiliath.Nowitappearsthat,astherockofOrthanchaswithstoodthestormsoftime,sotherethepalantírofthattowerhasremained.Butaloneitcoulddonothingbutseesmallimagesofthingsfaroffanddaysremote.Veryuseful,nodoubt,thatwastoSaruman;yetitseemsthathewasnotcontent.Furtherandfurtherabroadhegazed,untilhecasthisgazeuponBarad-
dûr.Thenhewascaught!‘Whoknowswherethe
lostStonesofArnorandGondornowlie,buried,ordrowneddeep?ButoneatleastSauronmusthaveobtainedandmasteredtohispurposes.IguessthatitwastheIthil-stone,forhetookMinasIthillongagoandturneditintoanevilplace:MinasMorgul,ithasbecome.
‘Easyitisnowtoguess
howquicklytherovingeyeofSarumanwastrappedandheld;andhoweversincehehasbeenpersuadedfromafar,anddauntedwhenpersuasionwouldnotserve.Thebiterbit,thehawkundertheeagle’sfoot,thespiderinasteelweb!Howlong,Iwonder,hashebeenconstrainedtocomeoftentohisglassforinspectionandinstruction,andtheOrthanc-stonesobent
towardsBarad-dûrthat,ifanysaveawillofadamantnowlooksintoit,itwillbearhismindandsightswiftlythither?Andhowitdrawsonetoitself!HaveInotfeltit?Evennowmyheartdesirestotestmywilluponit,toseeifIcouldnotwrenchitfromhimandturnitwhereIwould–tolookacrossthewideseasofwaterandoftimetoTiriontheFair,andperceivethe
unimaginablehandandmindofFëanorattheirwork,whileboththeWhiteTreeandtheGoldenwereinflower!’Hesighedandfellsilent.
‘IwishIhadknownallthisbefore,’saidPippin.‘IhadnonotionofwhatIwasdoing.’
‘Ohyes,youhad,’saidGandalf.‘Youknewyouwerebehavingwronglyandfoolishly;andyoutold
yourselfso,thoughyoudidnotlisten.Ididnottellyouallthisbefore,becauseitisonlybymusingonallthathashappenedthatIhaveatlastunderstood,evenasweridetogether.ButifIhadspokensooner,itwouldnothavelessenedyourdesire,ormadeiteasiertoresist.Onthecontrary!No,theburnedhandteachesbest.Afterthatadviceaboutfiregoestotheheart.’
‘Itdoes,’saidPippin.‘Ifallthesevenstoneswerelaidoutbeforemenow,Ishouldshutmyeyesandputmyhandsinmypockets.’
‘Good!’saidGandalf.‘ThatiswhatIhoped.’
‘ButIshouldliketoknow—’Pippinbegan.
‘Mercy!’criedGandalf.‘Ifthegivingofinformationistobethecureofyourinquisitiveness,Ishallspend
alltherestofmydaysinansweringyou.Whatmoredoyouwanttoknow?’
‘Thenamesofallthestars,andofalllivingthings,andthewholehistoryofMiddle-earthandOver-heavenandoftheSunderingSeas,’laughedPippin.‘Ofcourse!Whatless?ButIamnotinahurrytonight.AtthemomentIwasjustwonderingabouttheblackshadow.I
heardyoushout‘‘messengerofMordor’’.Whatwasit?WhatcoulditdoatIsengard?’
‘ItwasaBlackRideronwings,aNazgûl,’saidGandalf.‘ItcouldhavetakenyouawaytotheDarkTower.’
‘Butitwasnotcomingforme,wasit?’falteredPippin.‘Imean,itdidn’tknowthatIhad...’
‘Ofcoursenot,’said
Gandalf.‘ItistwohundredleaguesormoreinstraightflightfromBarad-dûrtoOrthanc,andevenaNazgûlwouldtakeafewhourstoflybetweenthem.ButSarumancertainlylookedintheStonesincetheorc-raid,andmoreofhissecretthought,Idonotdoubt,hasbeenreadthanheintended.Amessengerhasbeensenttofindoutwhatheisdoing.Andafterwhathas
happenedtonightanotherwillcome,Ithink,andswiftly.SoSarumanwillcometothelastpinchofthevicethathehasputhishandin.Hehasnocaptivetosend.HehasnoStonetoseewith,andcannotanswerthesummons.SauronwillonlybelievethatheiswithholdingthecaptiveandrefusingtousetheStone.ItwillnothelpSarumantotellthetruthtothemessenger.
ForIsengardmayberuined,yetheisstillsafeinOrthanc.Sowhetherhewillorno,hewillappeararebel.Yetherejectedus,soastoavoidthatverything!Whathewilldoinsuchaplight,Icannotguess.Hehaspowerstill,Ithink,whileinOrthanc,toresisttheNineRiders.Hemaytrytodoso.HemaytrytotraptheNazgûl,oratleasttoslaythethingonwhichit
nowridestheair.InthatcaseletRohanlooktoitshorses!
‘ButIcannottellhowitwillfallout,wellorillforus.ItmaybethatthecounselsoftheEnemywillbeconfused,orhinderedbyhiswrathwithSaruman.ItmaybethathewilllearnthatIwasthereandstooduponthestairsofOrthanc–withhobbitsatmytail.OrthatanheirofElendillivesandstoodbesideme.If
WormtonguewasnotdeceivedbythearmourofRohan,hewouldrememberAragornandthetitlethatheclaimed.ThatiswhatIfear.Andsowefly–notfromdangerbutintogreaterdanger.EverystrideofShadowfaxbearsyounearertotheLandofShadow,PeregrinTook.’
Pippinmadenoanswer,butclutchedhiscloak,asifa
suddenchillhadstruckhim.Greylandpassedunderthem.
‘Seenow!’saidGandalf.‘TheWestfolddalesareopeningbeforeus.Herewecomebacktotheeastwardroad.ThedarkshadowyonderisthemouthoftheDeeping-coomb.ThatwayliesAglarondandtheGlitteringCaves.Donotaskmeaboutthem.AskGimli,ifyoumeetagain,andforthe
firsttimeyoumaygetananswerlongerthanyouwish.Youwillnotseethecavesyourself,notonthisjourney.Soontheywillbefarbehind.’
‘IthoughtyouweregoingtostopatHelm’sDeep!’saidPippin.‘Whereareyougoingthen?’
‘ToMinasTirith,beforetheseasofwarsurroundit.’
‘Oh!Andhowfaristhat?’‘Leaguesuponleagues,’
answeredGandalf.‘ThriceasfarasthedwellingsofKingThéoden,andtheyaremorethanahundredmileseastfromhere,asthemessengersofMordorfly.Shadowfaxmustrunalongerroad.Whichwillprovetheswifter?
‘Weshallridenowtilldaybreak,andthatissomehoursaway.ThenevenShadowfaxmustrest,insomehollowofthehills:atEdoras,
Ihope.Sleep,ifyoucan!YoumayseethefirstglimmerofdawnuponthegoldenroofofthehouseofEorl.AndinthreedaysthenceyoushallseethepurpleshadowofMountMindolluinandthewallsofthetowerofDenethorwhiteinthemorning.
‘Awaynow,Shadowfax!Run,greatheart,runasyouhaveneverrunbefore!Now
wearecometothelandswhereyouwerefoaled,andeverystoneyouknow.Runnow!Hopeisinspeed!’
Shadowfaxtossedhisheadandcriedaloud,asifatrumpethadsummonedhimtobattle.Thenhesprangforward.Fireflewfromhisfeet;nightrushedoverhim.
Ashefellslowlyintosleep,Pippinhadastrangefeeling:heandGandalfwere
stillasstone,seateduponthestatueofarunninghorse,whiletheworldrolledawaybeneathhisfeetwithagreatnoiseofwind.
BOOKFOUR
Chapter1
THETAMINGOFSMÉAGOL
‘Well,master,we’reinafixandnomistake,’saidSamGamgee.HestooddespondentlywithhunchedshouldersbesideFrodo,andpeeredoutwithpuckered
eyesintothegloom.Itwasthethirdevening
sincetheyhadfledfromtheCompany,asfarastheycouldtell:theyhadalmostlostcountofthehoursduringwhichtheyhadclimbedandlabouredamongthebarrenslopesandstonesoftheEmynMuil,sometimesretracingtheirstepsbecausetheycouldfindnowayforward,sometimes
discoveringthattheyhadwanderedinacirclebacktowheretheyhadbeenhoursbefore.Yetonthewholetheyhadworkedsteadilyeastward,keepingasnearastheycouldfindawaytotheouteredgeofthisstrangetwistedknotofhills.Butalwaystheyfounditsoutwardfacessheer,highandimpassable,frowningovertheplainbelow;beyondits
tumbledskirtslaylividfesteringmarsheswherenothingmovedandnotevenabirdwastobeseen.
Thehobbitsstoodnowonthebrinkofatallcliff,bareandbleak,itsfeetwrappedinmist;andbehindthemrosethebrokenhighlandscrownedwithdriftingcloud.AchillwindblewfromtheEast.
Nightwasgatheringovertheshapelesslandsbeforethem;thesicklygreenofthemwasfadingtoasullenbrown.FarawaytotherighttheAnduin,thathadgleamedfitfullyinsun-breaksduringtheday,wasnowhiddeninshadow.ButtheireyesdidnotlookbeyondtheRiver,backtoGondor,totheirfriends,tothelandsofMen.Southandeasttheystaredtowhere,at
theedgeoftheoncomingnight,adarklinehung,likedistantmountainsofmotionlesssmoke.Everynowandagainatinyredgleamfarawayflickeredupwardsontherimofearthandsky.
‘Whatafix!’saidSam.‘That’stheoneplaceinallthelandswe’veeverheardofthatwedon’twanttoseeanycloser;andthat’stheoneplacewe’retryingtogetto!
Andthat’sjustwherewecan’tget,nohow.We’vecomethewrongwayaltogether,seemingly.Wecan’tgetdown;andifwedidgetdown,we’dfindallthatgreenlandanastybog,I’llwarrant.Phew!Canyousmellit?’Hesniffedatthewind.
‘Yes,Icansmellit,’saidFrodo,buthedidnotmove,andhiseyesremainedfixed,
staringouttowardsthedarklineandtheflickeringflame.‘Mordor!’hemutteredunderhisbreath.‘IfImustgothere,IwishIcouldcometherequicklyandmakeanend!’Heshuddered.Thewindwaschillyandyetheavywithanodourofcolddecay.‘Well,’hesaid,atlastwithdrawinghiseyes,‘wecannotstayhereallnight,fixornofix.Wemustfindamoresheltered
spot,andcamponcemore;andperhapsanotherdaywillshowusapath.’
‘Oranotherandanotherandanother,’mutteredSam.‘Ormaybenoday.We’vecomethewrongway.’
‘Iwonder,’saidFrodo.‘It’smydoom,Ithink,togotothatShadowyonder,sothatawaywillbefound.Butwillgoodorevilshowittome?Whathopewehadwas
inspeed.DelayplaysintotheEnemy’shands–andhereIam:delayed.IsitthewilloftheDarkTowerthatsteersus?Allmychoiceshaveprovedill.IshouldhavelefttheCompanylongbefore,andcomedownfromtheNorth,eastoftheRiverandoftheEmynMuil,andsooverthehardofBattlePlaintothepassesofMordor.Butnowitisn’tpossibleforyou
andmealonetofindawayback,andtheOrcsareprowlingontheeastbank.Everydaythatpassesisapreciousdaylost.Iamtired,Sam.Idon’tknowwhatistobedone.Whatfoodhavewegotleft?’
‘Onlythose,whatd’youcall’em,lembas,Mr.Frodo.Afairsupply.Buttheyarebetterthannaught,byalongbite.Ineverthought,though,
whenIfirstsettoothinthem,thatIshouldevercometowishforachange.ButIdonow:abitofplainbread,andamug–aye,halfamug–ofbeerwouldgodownproper.I’veluggedmycooking-gearallthewayfromthelastcamp,andwhatusehasitbeen?Naughttomakeafirewith,forastart;andnaughttocook,notevengrass!’
Theyturnedawayandwentdownintoastonyhollow.Thewesteringsunwascaughtintoclouds,andnightcameswiftly.Theysleptaswellastheycouldforthecold,turnandturnabout,inanookamonggreatjaggedpinnaclesofweatheredrock;atleasttheywereshelteredfromtheeasterlywind.
‘Didyouseethemagain,Mr.Frodo?’askedSam,as
theysat,stiffandchilled,munchingwafersoflembas,inthecoldgreyofearlymorning.
‘No,’saidFrodo.‘I’veheardnothing,andseennothing,fortwonightsnow.’
‘Norme,’saidSam.‘Grrr!Thoseeyesdidgivemeaturn!Butperhapswe’veshakenhimoffatlast,themiserableslinker.Gollum!I’llgivehimgolluminhis
throat,ifeverIgetmyhandsonhisneck.’
‘Ihopeyou’llneverneedto,’saidFrodo.‘Idon’tknowhowhefollowedus;butitmaybethathe’slostusagain,asyousay.Inthisdrybleaklandwecan’tleavemanyfootprints,normuchscent,evenforhissnufflingnose.’
‘Ihopethat’sthewayofit,’saidSam.‘Iwishwecouldberidofhimforgood!’
‘SodoI,’saidFrodo;‘buthe’snotmychieftrouble.Iwishwecouldgetawayfromthesehills!Ihatethem.Ifeelallnakedontheeastside,stuckupherewithnothingbutthedeadflatsbetweenmeandthatShadowyonder.There’sanEyeinit.Comeon!We’vegottogetdowntodaysomehow.’
Butthatdayworeon,andwhenafternoonfadedtowardseveningtheywerestillscramblingalongtheridgeandhadfoundnowayofescape.
Sometimesinthesilenceofthatbarrencountrytheyfanciedthattheyheardfaintsoundsbehindthem,astonefalling,ortheimaginedstepofflappingfeetontherock.Butiftheyhaltedandstood
stilllistening,theyheardnomore,nothingbutthewindsighingovertheedgesofthestones–yeteventhatremindedthemofbreathsoftlyhissingthroughsharpteeth.
AllthatdaytheouterridgeoftheEmynMuilhadbeenbendinggraduallynorthward,astheystruggledon.Alongitsbrinktherenowstretchedawidetumbledflat
ofscoredandweatheredrock,cuteverynowandagainbytrench-likegulliesthatslopedsteeplydowntodeepnotchesinthecliff-face.Tofindapathintheseclefts,whichwerebecomingdeeperandmorefrequent,FrodoandSamweredriventotheirleft,wellawayfromtheedge,andtheydidnotnoticethatforseveralmilestheyhadbeengoingslowlybutsteadily
downhill:thecliff-topwassinkingtowardsthelevelofthelowlands.
Atlasttheywerebroughttoahalt.Theridgetookasharperbendnorthwardandwasgashedbyadeeperravine.Onthefurthersideitrearedupagain,manyfathomsatasingleleap:agreatgreycliffloomedbeforethem,cutsheerdownasifbyaknifestroke.Theycouldgo
nofurtherforwards,andmustturnnoweitherwestoreast.Butwestwouldleadthemonlyintomorelabouranddelay,backtowardstheheartofthehills;eastwouldtakethemtotheouterprecipice.
‘There’snothingforitbuttoscrambledownthisgully,Sam,’saidFrodo.‘Let’sseewhatitleadsto!’
‘Anastydrop,I’llbet,’saidSam.
Thecleftwaslongeranddeeperthanitseemed.Somewaydowntheyfoundafewgnarledandstuntedtrees,thefirsttheyhadseenfordays:twistedbirchforthemostpart,withhereandthereafir-tree.Manyweredeadandgaunt,bittentothecorebytheeasternwinds.Onceinmilderdaystheremusthavebeenafairthicketintheravine,butnow,aftersome
fiftyyards,thetreescametoanend,thougholdbrokenstumpsstraggledonalmosttothecliff’sbrink.Thebottomofthegully,whichlayalongtheedgeofarock-fault,wasroughwithbrokenstoneandslantedsteeplydown.Whentheycameatlasttotheendofit,Frodostoopedandleanedout.
‘Look!’hesaid.‘Wemusthavecomedownalongway,
orelsethecliffhassunk.It’smuchlowerherethanitwas,anditlookseasiertoo.’
Samkneltbesidehimandpeeredreluctantlyovertheedge.Thenheglancedupatthegreatcliffrisingup,awayontheirleft.‘Easier!’hegrunted.‘Well,Isupposeit’salwayseasiergettingdownthanup.Thoseascan’tflycanjump!’
‘Itwouldbeabigjump
still,’saidFrodo.‘About,well’–hestoodforamomentmeasuringitwithhiseyes–‘abouteighteenfathoms,Ishouldguess.Notmore.’
‘Andthat’senough!’saidSam.‘Ugh!HowIdohatelookingdownfromaheight!Butlooking’sbetterthanclimbing.’
‘Allthesame,’saidFrodo,‘Ithinkwecouldclimbhere;andIthinkweshallhaveto
try.See–therockisquitedifferentfromwhatitwasafewmilesback.Ithasslippedandcracked.’
Theouterfallwasindeednolongersheer,butslopedoutwardsalittle.Itlookedlikeagreatrampartorsea-wallwhosefoundationshadshifted,sothatitscourseswerealltwistedanddisordered,leavinggreatfissuresandlongslanting
edgesthatwereinplacesalmostaswideasstairs.
‘Andifwe’regoingtotryandgetdown,wehadbettertryatonce.It’sgettingdarkearly.Ithinkthere’sastormcoming.’
ThesmokyblurofthemountainsintheEastwaslostinadeeperblacknessthatwasalreadyreachingoutwestwardswithlongarms.Therewasadistantmutterof
thunderborneontherisingbreeze.Frodosniffedtheairandlookedupdoubtfullyatthesky.Hestrappedhisbeltoutsidehiscloakandtightenedit,andsettledhislightpackonhisback;thenhesteppedtowardstheedge.‘I’mgoingtotryit,’hesaid.
‘Verygood!’saidSamgloomily.‘ButI’mgoingfirst.’
‘You?’saidFrodo.
‘What’smadeyouchangeyourmindaboutclimbing?’
‘Ihaven’tchangedmymind.Butit’sonlysense:puttheonelowestasismostlikelytoslip.Idon’twanttocomedownatopofyouandknockyouoff–nosenseinkillingtwowithonefall.’
BeforeFrodocouldstophim,hesatdown,swunghislegsoverthebrink,andtwistedround,scrabbling
withhistoesforafoothold.Itisdoubtfulifheeverdidanythingbraverincoldblood,ormoreunwise.
‘No,no!Sam,youoldass!’saidFrodo.‘You’llkillyourselfforcertain,goingoverlikethatwithoutevenalooktoseewhattomakefor.Comeback!’HetookSamunderthearmpitsandhauledhimupagain.‘Now,waitabitandbepatient!’hesaid.
Thenhelayontheground,leaningoutandlookingdown;butthelightseemedtobefadingquickly,althoughthesunhadnotyetset.‘Ithinkwecouldmanagethis,’hesaidpresently.‘Icouldatanyrate;andyoucouldtoo,ifyoukeptyourheadandfollowedmecarefully.’
‘Idon’tknowhowyoucanbesosure,’saidSam.‘Why!Youcan’tseetothe
bottominthislight.Whatifyoucomestoaplacewherethere’snowheretoputyourfeetoryourhands?’
‘Climbback,Isuppose,’saidFrodo.
‘Easysaid,’objectedSam.‘Betterwaittillmorningandmorelight.’
‘No!NotifIcanhelpit,’saidFrodowithasuddenstrangevehemence.‘Igrudgeeveryhour,everyminute.I’m
goingdowntotryitout.Don’tyoufollowtillIcomebackorcall!’
Grippingthestonylipofthefallwithhisfingershelethimselfgentlydown,untilwhenhisarmswerealmostatfullstretch,histoesfoundaledge.‘Onestepdown!’hesaid.‘Andthisledgebroadensouttotheright.Icouldstandtherewithoutahold.I’ll—’hiswordswere
cutshort.
Thehurryingdarkness,nowgatheringgreatspeed,rushedupfromtheEastandswallowedthesky.Therewasadrysplittingcrackofthunderrightoverhead.Searinglightningsmotedownintothehills.Thencameablastofsavagewind,andwithit,minglingwithitsroar,
therecameahighshrillshriek.ThehobbitshadheardjustsuchacryfarawayintheMarishastheyfledfromHobbiton,andeventhereinthewoodsoftheShireithadfrozentheirblood.Outhereinthewasteitsterrorwasfargreater:itpiercedthemwithcoldbladesofhorroranddespair,stoppingheartandbreath.Samfellflatonhisface.InvoluntarilyFrodo
loosedhisholdandputhishandsoverhisheadandears.Heswayed,slipped,andslithereddownwardswithawailingcry.
Samheardhimandcrawledwithanefforttotheedge.‘Master,master!’hecalled.‘Master!’
Heheardnoanswer.Hefoundhewasshakingallover,buthegatheredhisbreath,andonceagainhe
shouted:‘Master!’Thewindseemedtoblowhisvoicebackintohisthroat,butasitpassed,roaringupthegullyandawayoverthehills,afaintansweringcrycametohisears:
‘Allright,allright!I’mhere.ButIcan’tsee.’
Frodowascallingwithaweakvoice.Hewasnotactuallyveryfaraway.Hehadslidandnotfallen,and
hadcomeupwithajolttohisfeetonawiderledgenotmanyyardslowerdown.Fortunatelytherock-faceatthispointleanedwellbackandthewindhadpressedhimagainstthecliff,sothathehadnottoppledover.Hesteadiedhimselfalittle,layinghisfaceagainstthecoldstone,feelinghisheartpounding.Buteitherthedarknesshadgrown
complete,orelsehiseyeshadlosttheirsight.Allwasblackabouthim.Hewonderedifhehadbeenstruckblind.Hetookadeepbreath.
‘Comeback!Comeback!’heheardSam’svoiceoutoftheblacknessabove.
‘Ican’t,’hesaid.‘Ican’tsee.Ican’tfindanyhold.Ican’tmoveyet.’
‘WhatcanIdo,Mr.Frodo?WhatcanIdo?’
shoutedSam,leaningoutdangerouslyfar.Whycouldnothismastersee?Itwasdim,certainly,butnotasdarkasallthat.HecouldseeFrodobelowhim,agreyforlornfiguresplayedagainstthecliff.Buthewasfaroutofthereachofanyhelpinghand.
Therewasanothercrackofthunder;andthentheraincame.Inablindingsheet,
mingledwithhail,itdroveagainstthecliff,bittercold.
‘I’mcomingdowntoyou,’shoutedSam,thoughhowhehopedtohelpinthatwayhecouldnothavesaid.
‘No,no!wait!’Frodocalledback,morestronglynow.‘Ishallbebettersoon.Ifeelbetteralready.Wait!Youcan’tdoanythingwithoutarope.’
‘Rope!’criedSam,talking
wildlytohimselfinhisexcitementandrelief.‘Well,ifIdon’tdeservetobehungontheendofoneasawarningtonumbskulls!You’renowtbutaninnyhammer,SamGamgee:that’swhattheGaffersaidtomeoftenenough,itbeingawordofhis.Rope!’
‘Stopchattering!’criedFrodo,nowrecoveredenoughtofeelbothamusedand
annoyed.‘Nevermindyourgaffer!Areyoutryingtotellyourselfyou’vegotsomeropeinyourpocket?Ifso,outwithit!’
‘Yes,Mr.Frodo,inmypackandall.Carriedithundredsofmiles,andI’dcleanforgottenit!’
‘Thengetbusyandletanenddown!’
QuicklySamunslunghispackandrummagedinit.
Thereindeedatthebottomwasacoilofthesilken-greyropemadebythefolkofLórien.Hecastanendtohismaster.ThedarknessseemedtoliftfromFrodo’seyes,orelsehissightwasreturning.Hecouldseethegreylineasitcamedanglingdown,andhethoughtithadafaintsilversheen.Nowthathehadsomepointinthedarknesstofixhiseyeson,hefeltlessgiddy.
Leaninghisweightforward,hemadetheendfastroundhiswaist,andthenhegraspedthelinewithbothhands.
Samsteppedbackandbracedhisfeetagainstastumpayardortwofromtheedge.Halfhauled,halfscrambling,Frodocameupandthrewhimselfontheground.
Thundergrowledandrumbledinthedistance,and
therainwasstillfallingheavily.Thehobbitscrawledawaybackintothegully;buttheydidnotfindmuchshelterthere.Rillsofwaterbegantorundown;soontheygrewtoaspatethatsplashedandfumedonthestones,andspoutedoutoverthecliffliketheguttersofavastroof.
‘Ishouldhavebeenhalfdrowneddownthere,orwashedcleanoff,’said
Frodo.‘Whatapieceofluckyouhadthatrope!’
‘BetterluckifI’dthoughtofitsooner,’saidSam.‘Maybeyourememberthemputtingtheropesintheboats,aswestartedoff:intheElvishcountry.Itookafancytoit,andIstowedacoilinmypack.Yearsago,itseems.‘‘Itmaybeahelpinmanyneeds,’’hesaid:Haldir,oroneofthosefolk.Andhe
spokeright.’‘ApityIdidn’tthinkof
bringinganotherlength,’saidFrodo;‘butIlefttheCompanyinsuchahurryandconfusion.Ifonlywehadenoughwecoulduseittogetdown.Howlongisyourrope,Iwonder?’
Sampaiditoutslowly,measuringitwithhisarms:‘Five,ten,twenty,thirtyells,moreorless,’hesaid.
‘Who’dhavethoughtit!’Frodoexclaimed.
‘Ah!Whowould?’saidSam.‘Elvesarewonderfulfolk.Itlooksabitthin,butit’stough;andsoftasmilktothehand.Packsclosetoo,andaslightaslight.Wonderfulfolktobesure!’
‘Thirtyells!’saidFrodoconsidering.‘Ibelieveitwouldbeenough.Ifthestormpassesbeforenightfall,I’m
goingtotryit.’‘Therain’snearlygiven
overalready,’saidSam;‘butdon’tyougodoinganythingriskyinthedimagain,Mr.Frodo!AndIhaven’tgotoverthatshriekonthewindyet,ifyouhave.LikeaBlackRideritsounded–butoneupintheair,iftheycanfly.I’mthinkingwe’dbestlayupinthiscracktillnight’sover.’
‘AndI’mthinkingthatI
won’tspendamomentlongerthanIneed,stuckuponthisedgewiththeeyesoftheDarkCountrylookingoverthemarshes,’saidFrodo.
Withthathestoodupandwentdowntothebottomofthegullyagain.Helookedout.ClearskywasgrowingintheEastoncemore.Theskirtsofthestormwerelifting,raggedandwet,andthemainbattlehadpassedto
spreaditsgreatwingsovertheEmynMuil,uponwhichthedarkthoughtofSauronbroodedforawhile.Thenceitturned,smitingtheValeofAnduinwithhailandlightning,andcastingitsshadowuponMinasTirithwiththreatofwar.Then,loweringinthemountains,andgatheringitsgreatspires,itrolledonslowlyoverGondorandtheskirtsof
Rohan,untilfarawaytheRidersontheplainsawitsblacktowersmovingbehindthesun,astheyrodeintotheWest.Buthere,overthedesertandthereekingmarshesthedeepblueskyofeveningopenedoncemore,andafewpallidstarsappeared,likesmallwhiteholesinthecanopyabovethecrescentmoon.
‘It’sgoodtobeabletosee
again,’saidFrodo,breathingdeep.‘Doyouknow,IthoughtforabitthatIhadlostmysight?Fromthelightningorsomethingelseworse.Icouldseenothing,nothingatall,untilthegreyropecamedown.Itseemedtoshimmersomehow.’
‘Itdoeslooksortofsilverinthedark,’saidSam.‘Nevernoticeditbefore,thoughIcan’trememberasI’veever
haditoutsinceIfirststowedit.Butifyou’resosetonclimbing,Mr.Frodo,howareyougoingtouseit?Thirtyells,orsay,abouteighteenfathom:that’snomorethanyourguessattheheightofthecliff.’
Frodothoughtforawhile.‘Makeitfasttothatstump,Sam!’hesaid.‘ThenIthinkyoushallhaveyourwishthistimeandgofirst.I’lllower
you,andyouneeddonomorethanuseyourfeetandhandstofendyourselfofftherock.Though,ifyouputyourweightonsomeoftheledgesandgivemearest,itwillhelp.Whenyou’redown,I’llfollow.Ifeelquitemyselfagainnow.’
‘Verywell,’saidSamheavily.‘Ifitmustbe,let’sgetitover!’Hetookuptheropeandmadeitfastoverthe
stumpnearesttothebrink;thentheotherendhetiedabouthisownwaist.Reluctantlyheturnedandpreparedtogoovertheedgeasecondtime.
Itdidnot,however,turnouthalfasbadashehadexpected.Theropeseemedtogivehimconfidence,thoughheshuthiseyesmorethan
oncewhenhelookeddownbetweenhisfeet.Therewasoneawkwardspot,wheretherewasnoledgeandthewallwassheerandevenundercutforashortspace;thereheslippedandswungoutonthesilverline.ButFrodoloweredhimslowlyandsteadily,anditwasoveratlast.Hischieffearhadbeenthattherope-lengthwouldgiveoutwhilehewas
stillhighup,buttherewasstillagoodbightinFrodo’shands,whenSamcametothebottomandcalledup:‘I’mdown!’Hisvoicecameupclearlyfrombelow,butFrodocouldnotseehim;hisgreyelven-cloakhadmeltedintothetwilight.
Frodotookrathermoretimetofollowhim.Hehadtheropeabouthiswaistanditwasfastabove,andhehad
shorteneditsothatitwouldpullhimupbeforehereachedtheground;stillhedidnotwanttoriskafall,andhehadnotquiteSam’sfaithinthisslendergreyline.Hefoundtwoplaces,allthesame,wherehehadtotrustwhollytoit:smoothsurfaceswheretherewasnoholdevenforhisstronghobbitfingersandtheledgeswerefarapart.Butatlasthetoowasdown.
‘Well!’hecried.‘We’vedoneit!We’veescapedfromtheEmynMuil!Andnowwhatnext,Iwonder?Maybeweshallsoonbesighingforgoodhardrockunderfootagain.’
ButSamdidnotanswer:hewasstaringbackupthecliff.‘Ninnyhammers!’hesaid.‘Noodles!Mybeautifulrope!Thereitistiedtoastump,andwe’reatthe
bottom.JustasnicealittlestairforthatslinkingGollumaswecouldleave.Betterputupasignposttosaywhichwaywe’vegone!Ithoughtitseemedabittooeasy.’
‘Ifyoucanthinkofanywaywecouldhavebothusedtheropeandyetbroughtitdownwithus,thenyoucanpassontomeninnyhammer,oranyothernameyourgaffergaveyou,’saidFrodo.‘Climb
upanduntieitandletyourselfdown,ifyouwantto!’
Samscratchedhishead.‘No,Ican’tthinkhow,beggingyourpardon,’hesaid.‘ButIdon’tlikeleavingit,andthat’safact.’Hestrokedtherope’sendandshookitgently.‘ItgoeshardpartingwithanythingIbroughtoutoftheElf-country.MadebyGaladriel
herself,too,maybe.Galadriel,’hemurmured,noddinghisheadmournfully.Helookedupandgaveonelastpulltotheropeasifinfarewell.
Tothecompletesurpriseofboththehobbitsitcameloose.Samfellover,andthelonggreycoilsslitheredsilentlydownontopofhim.Frodolaughed.‘Whotiedtherope?’hesaid.‘Agoodthing
itheldaslongasitdid!TothinkthatItrustedallmyweighttoyourknot!’
Samdidnotlaugh.‘Imaynotbemuchgoodatclimbing,Mr.Frodo,’hesaidininjuredtones,‘butIdoknowsomethingaboutropeandaboutknots.It’sinthefamily,asyoumightsay.Why,mygrand-dad,andmyuncleAndyafterhim,himthatwastheGaffer’seldest
brother,hehadarope-walkoverbyTighfieldmanyayear.AndIputasfastahitchoverthestumpasanyonecouldhavedone,intheShireoroutofit.’
‘Thentheropemusthavebroken–frayedontherock-edge,Iexpect,’saidFrodo.
‘Ibetitdidn’t!’saidSaminanevenmoreinjuredvoice.Hestoopedandexaminedtheends.‘Norit
hasn’tneither.Notastrand!’‘ThenI’mafraiditmust
havebeentheknot,’saidFrodo.
Samshookhisheadanddidnotanswer.Hewaspassingtheropethroughhisfingersthoughtfully.‘Haveityourownway,Mr.Frodo,’hesaidatlast,‘butIthinktheropecameoffitself–whenIcalled.’Hecoileditupandstoweditlovinglyinhispack.
‘Itcertainlycame,’saidFrodo,‘andthat’sthechiefthing.Butnowwe’vegottothinkofournextmove.Nightwillbeonussoon.Howbeautifulthestarsare,andtheMoon!’
‘Theydocheertheheart,don’tthey?’saidSamlookingup.‘Elvishtheyare,somehow.AndtheMoon’sgrowing.Wehaven’tseenhimforanightortwointhis
cloudyweather.He’sbeginningtogivequitealight.’
‘Yes,’saidFrodo;‘buthewon’tbefullforsomedays.Idon’tthinkwe’lltrythemarshesbythelightofhalfamoon.’
Underthefirstshadowsofnighttheystartedoutonthenextstageoftheir
journey.AfterawhileSamturnedandlookedbackatthewaytheyhadcome.Themouthofthegullywasablacknotchinthedimcliff.‘I’mgladwe’vegottherope,’hesaid.‘We’vesetalittlepuzzleforthatfootpad,anyhow.Hecantryhisnastyflappyfeetonthoseledges!’
Theypickedtheirstepsawayfromtheskirtsofthecliff,amongawildernessof
bouldersandroughstones,wetandslipperywiththeheavyrain.Thegroundstillfellawaysharply.Theyhadnotgoneveryfarwhentheycameuponagreatfissurethatyawnedsuddenlyblackbeforetheirfeet.Itwasnotwide,butitwastoowidetojumpacrossinthedimlight.Theythoughttheycouldhearwatergurglinginitsdepths.Itcurvedawayontheirleft
northward,backtowardsthehills,andsobarredtheirroadinthatdirection,atanyratewhiledarknesslasted.
‘Wehadbettertryawaybacksouthwardsalongthelineofthecliff,Ithink,’saidSam.‘Wemightfindsomenookthere,orevenacaveorsomething.’
‘Isupposeso,’saidFrodo.‘I’mtired,andIdon’tthinkIcanscrambleamongstones
muchlongertonight–thoughIgrudgethedelay.Iwishtherewasaclearpathinfrontofus:thenI’dgoontillmylegsgaveway.’
TheydidnotfindthegoinganyeasieratthebrokenfeetoftheEmynMuil.NordidSamfindanynookorhollowtoshelterin:onlybarestonyslopesfrownedoverby
thecliff,whichnowroseagain,higherandmoresheerastheywentback.Intheend,wornout,theyjustcastthemselvesonthegroundundertheleeofaboulderlyingnotfarfromthefootoftheprecipice.Thereforsometimetheysathuddledmournfullytogetherinthecoldstonynight,whilesleepcreptupontheminspiteofalltheycoulddotoholditoff.
Themoonnowrodehighandclear.Itsthinwhitelightlitupthefacesoftherocksanddrenchedthecoldfrowningwallsofthecliff,turningallthewideloomingdarknessintoachillpalegreyscoredwithblackshadows.
‘Well!’saidFrodo,standingupanddrawinghiscloakmorecloselyroundhim.‘YousleepforabitSamandtakemyblanket.I’llwalk
upanddownonsentryforawhile.’Suddenlyhestiffened,andstoopinghegrippedSambythearm.‘What’sthat?’hewhispered.‘Lookoverthereonthecliff!’
Samlookedandbreathedinsharplythroughhisteeth.‘Ssss!’hesaid.‘That’swhatitis.It’sthatGollum!Snakesandadders!AndtothinkthatIthoughtthatwe’dpuzzlehimwithourbitofaclimb!
Lookathim!Likeanastycrawlingspideronawall.’
Downthefaceofaprecipice,sheerandalmostsmoothitseemedinthepalemoonlight,asmallblackshapewasmovingwithitsthinlimbssplayedout.Maybeitssoftclinginghandsandtoeswerefindingcrevicesandholdsthatno
hobbitcouldeverhaveseenorused,butitlookedasifitwasjustcreepingdownonstickypads,likesomelargeprowlingthingofinsect-kind.Anditwascomingdownheadfirst,asifitwassmellingitsway.Nowandagainitlifteditsheadslowly,turningitrightbackonitslongskinnyneck,andthehobbitscaughtaglimpseoftwosmallpalegleaming
lights,itseyesthatblinkedatthemoonforamomentandthenwerequicklyliddedagain.
‘Doyouthinkhecanseeus?’saidSam.
‘Idon’tknow,’saidFrodoquietly,‘butIthinknot.Itishardevenforfriendlyeyestoseetheseelven-cloaks:Icannotseeyouintheshadowevenatafewpaces.AndI’veheardthathedoesn’tlikeSun
orMoon.’‘Thenwhyishecoming
downjusthere?’askedSam.‘Quietly,Sam!’said
Frodo.‘Hecansmellus,perhaps.AndhecanhearaskeenasElves,Ibelieve.Ithinkhehasheardsomethingnow:ourvoicesprobably.Wedidalotofshoutingawaybackthere;andweweretalkingfartooloudlyuntilaminuteago.’
‘Well,I’msickofhim,’saidSam.‘He’scomeoncetoooftenforme,andI’mgoingtohaveawordwithhim,ifIcan.Idon’tsupposewecouldgivehimtheslipnowanyway.’
Drawinghisgreyhoodwelloverhisface,Samcreptstealthilytowardsthecliff.
‘Careful!’whisperedFrodocomingbehind.‘Don’talarmhim!He’smuchmore
dangerousthanhelooks.’Theblackcrawlingshape
wasnowthree-quartersofthewaydown,andperhapsfiftyfeetorlessabovethecliff’sfoot.Crouchingstone-stillintheshadowofalargeboulderthehobbitswatchedhim.Heseemedtohavecometoadifficultpassageortobetroubledaboutsomething.Theycouldhearhimsnuffling,andnowandagain
therewasaharshhissofbreaththatsoundedlikeacurse.Heliftedhishead,andtheythoughttheyheardhimspit.Thenhemovedonagain.Nowtheycouldhearhisvoicecreakingandwhistling.
‘Ach,sss!Cautious,myprecious!Morehastelessspeed.Wemusstn’trisskourneck,musstwe,precious?No,precious–gollum!’Heliftedhisheadagain,blinked
atthemoon,andquicklyshuthiseyes.‘Wehateit,’hehissed.‘Nassty,nasstyshiverylightitis–sss–itspiesonus,precious–ithurtsoureyes.’
Hewasgettinglowernowandthehissesbecamesharperandclearer.‘Whereissit,whereissit:myPrecious,myPrecious?It’sours,itis,andwewantsit.Thethieves,thethieves,thefilthylittle
thieves.WherearetheywithmyPrecious?Cursethem!Wehatesthem.’
‘Itdoesn’tsoundasifheknewwewerehere,doesit?’whisperedSam.‘Andwhat’shisPrecious?Doeshemeanthe—’
‘Hsh!’breathedFrodo.‘He’sgettingnearnow,nearenoughtohearawhisper.’
IndeedGollumhadsuddenlypausedagain,and
hislargeheadonitsscrawnyneckwaslollingfromsidetosideasifhewaslistening.Hispaleeyeswerehalfunlidded.Samrestrainedhimself,thoughhisfingersweretwitching.Hiseyes,filledwithangeranddisgust,werefixedonthewretchedcreatureashenowbegantomoveagain,stillwhisperingandhissingtohimself.
Atlasthewasnomore
thanadozenfeetfromtheground,rightabovetheirheads.Fromthatpointtherewasasheerdrop,forthecliffwasslightlyundercut,andevenGollumcouldnotfindaholdofanykind.Heseemedtobetryingtotwistround,soastogolegsfirst,whensuddenlywithashrillwhistlingshriekhefell.Ashedidso,hecurledhislegsandarmsuproundhim,likea
spiderwhosedescendingthreadissnapped.
Samwasoutofhishidinginaflashandcrossedthespacebetweenhimandthecliff-footinacoupleofleaps.BeforeGollumcouldgetup,hewasontopofhim.ButhefoundGollummorethanhebargainedfor,eventakenlikethat,suddenly,offhisguardafterafall.BeforeSamcouldgetahold,longlegsandarms
werewoundroundhimpinninghisarms,andaclinginggrip,softbuthorriblystrong,wassqueezinghimlikeslowlytighteningcords;clammyfingerswerefeelingforhisthroat.Thensharpteethbitintohisshoulder.Allhecoulddowastobutthishardroundheadsidewaysintothecreature’sface.Gollumhissedandspat,buthedidnot
letgo.Thingswouldhavegone
illwithSam,ifhehadbeenalone.ButFrodosprangup,anddrewStingfromitssheath.WithhislefthandhedrewbackGollum’sheadbyhisthinlankhair,stretchinghislongneck,andforcinghispalevenomouseyestostareupatthesky.
‘Letgo!Gollum,’hesaid.‘ThisisSting.Youhaveseen
itbeforeonceuponatime.Letgo,oryou’llfeelitthistime!I’llcutyourthroat.’
Gollumcollapsedandwentaslooseaswetstring.Samgotup,fingeringhisshoulder.Hiseyessmoulderedwithanger,buthecouldnotavengehimself:hismiserableenemylaygrovellingonthestoneswhimpering.
‘Don’thurtus!Don’tlet
themhurtus,precious!Theywon’thurtuswillthey,nicelittlehobbitses?Wedidn’tmeannoharm,buttheyjumpsonuslikecatsonpoormices,theydid,precious.Andwe’resolonely,gollum.We’llbenicetothem,verynice,ifthey’llbenicetous,won’twe,yes,yess.’
‘Well,what’stobedonewithit?’saidSam.‘Tieitup,soasitcan’tcomesneaking
afterusnomore,Isay.’‘Butthatwouldkillus,
killus,’whimperedGollum.‘Cruellittlehobbitses.Tieusupinthecoldhardlandsandleaveus,gollum,gollum.’Sobswelledupinhisgobblingthroat.
‘No,’saidFrodo.‘Ifwekillhim,wemustkillhimoutright.Butwecan’tdothat,notasthingsare.Poorwretch!Hehasdoneusno
harm.’‘Ohhasn’the!’saidSam
rubbinghisshoulder.‘Anywayhemeantto,andhemeansto,I’llwarrant.Throttleusinoursleep,that’shisplan.’
‘Idaresay,’saidFrodo.‘Butwhathemeanstodoisanothermatter.’Hepausedforawhileinthought.Gollumlaystill,butstoppedwhimpering.Samstood
gloweringoverhim.ItseemedtoFrodothen
thatheheard,quiteplainlybutfaroff,voicesoutofthepast:
WhatapityBilbodidnotstabthevilecreature,whenhehadachance!
Pity?ItwasPitythatstayedhishand.Pity,andMercy:nottostrikewithoutneed.
Idonotfeelanypityfor
Gollum.Hedeservesdeath.Deservesdeath!Idaresayhedoes.Manythatlivedeservedeath.Andsomediethatdeservelife.Canyougivethattothem?Thenbenottooeagertodealoutdeathinthenameofjustice,fearingforyourownsafety.Eventhewisecannotseeallends.
‘Verywell,’heansweredaloud,loweringhissword.‘ButstillIamafraid.And
yet,asyousee,Iwillnottouchthecreature.FornowthatIseehim,Idopityhim.’
Samstaredathismaster,whoseemedtobespeakingtosomeonewhowasnotthere.Gollumliftedhishead.
‘Yess,wretchedweare,precious,’hewhined.‘Miserymisery!Hobbitswon’tkillus,nicehobbits.’
‘No,wewon’t,’saidFrodo.‘Butwewon’tletyougo,either.You’refullofwickednessandmischief,Gollum.Youwillhavetocomewithus,that’sall,whilewekeepaneyeonyou.Butyoumusthelpus,ifyoucan.Onegoodturndeservesanother.’
‘Yess,yesindeed,’saidGollumsittingup.‘Nicehobbits!Wewillcomewith
them.Findthemsafepathsinthedark,yeswewill.Andwherearetheygoinginthesecoldhardlands,wewonders,yeswewonders?’Helookedupatthem,andafaintlightofcunningandeagernessflickeredforasecondinhispaleblinkingeyes.
Samscowledathim,andsuckedhisteeth;butheseemedtosensethattherewassomethingoddabouthis
master’smoodandthatthematterwasbeyondargument.AllthesamehewasamazedatFrodo’sreply.
FrodolookedstraightintoGollum’seyeswhichflinchedandtwistedaway.‘Youknowthat,oryouguesswellenough,Sméagol,’hesaid,quietlyandsternly.‘WearegoingtoMordor,ofcourse.Andyouknowthewaythere,Ibelieve.’
‘Ach!sss!’saidGollum,coveringhisearswithhishands,asifsuchfrankness,andtheopenspeakingofthenames,hurthim.‘Weguessed,yesweguessed,’hewhispered;‘andwedidn’twantthemtogo,didwe?No,precious,notthenicehobbits.Ashes,ashes,anddust,andthirstthereis;andpits,pits,pits,andOrcs,thousandsofOrcses.Nicehobbitsmustn’t
goto–sss–thoseplaces.’‘Soyouhavebeenthere?’
Frodoinsisted.‘Andyou’rebeingdrawnbackthere,aren’tyou?’
‘Yess.Yess.No!’shriekedGollum.‘Once,byaccidentitwas,wasn’tit,precious?Yes,byaccident.Butwewon’tgoback,no,no!’Thensuddenlyhisvoiceandlanguagechanged,andhesobbedinhisthroat,andspokebutnotto
them.‘Leavemealone,gollum!Youhurtme.Omypoorhands,gollum!I,we,Idon’twanttocomeback.Ican’tfindit.Iamtired.I,wecan’tfindit,gollum,gollum,no,nowhere.They’realwaysawake.Dwarves,Men,andElves,terribleElveswithbrighteyes.Ican’tfindit.Ach!’Hegotupandclenchedhislonghandintoabonyfleshlessknot,shakingit
towardstheEast.‘Wewon’t!’hecried.‘Notforyou.’Thenhecollapsedagain.‘Gollum,gollum,’hewhimperedwithhisfacetotheground.‘Don’tlookatus!Goaway!Gotosleep!’
‘Hewillnotgoawayorgotosleepatyourcommand,Sméagol,’saidFrodo.‘Butifyoureallywishtobefreeofhimagain,thenyoumusthelpme.AndthatIfear
meansfindingusapathtowardshim.Butyouneednotgoalltheway,notbeyondthegatesofhisland.’
Gollumsatupagainandlookedathimunderhiseyelids.‘He’soverthere,’hecackled.‘Alwaysthere.Orcswilltakeyoualltheway.EasytofindOrcseastoftheRiver.Don’taskSméagol.Poor,poorSméagol,hewentawaylongago.Theytookhis
Precious,andhe’slostnow.’‘Perhapswe’llfindhim
again,ifyoucomewithus,’saidFrodo.
‘No,no,never!He’slosthisPrecious,’saidGollum.
‘Getup!’saidFrodo.Gollumstoodupand
backedawayagainstthecliff.‘Now!’saidFrodo.‘Can
youfindapatheasierbydayorbynight?We’retired;butifyouchoosethenight,we’ll
starttonight.’‘Thebiglightshurtour
eyes,theydo,’Gollumwhined.‘NotundertheWhiteFace,notyet.Itwillgobehindthehillssoon,yess.Restabitfirst,nicehobbits!’
‘Thensitdown,’saidFrodo,‘anddon’tmove!’
Thehobbitsseatedthemselvesbesidehim,one
oneitherside,withtheirbackstothestonywall,restingtheirlegs.Therewasnoneedforanyarrangementbyword:theyknewthattheymustnotsleepforamoment.Slowlythemoonwentby.Shadowsfelldownfromthehills,andallgrewdarkbeforethem.Thestarsgrewthickandbrightintheskyabove.Noonestirred.Gollumsatwithhislegsdrawnup,knees
underchin,flathandsandfeetsplayedontheground,hiseyesclosed;butheseemedtense,asifthinkingorlistening.
FrodolookedacrossatSam.Theireyesmetandtheyunderstood.Theyrelaxed,leaningtheirheadsback,andshuttingtheireyesorseemingto.Soonthesoundoftheirsoftbreathingcouldbeheard.Gollum’shandstwitcheda
little.Hardlyperceptiblyhis
headmovedtotheleftandtheright,andfirstoneeyeandthentheotheropenedaslit.Thehobbitsmadenosign.
Suddenly,withstartlingagilityandspeed,straightoffthegroundwithajumplikeagrasshopperorafrog,Gollumboundedforwardintothedarkness.Butthatwasjust
whatFrodoandSamhadexpected.Samwasonhimbeforehehadgonetwopacesafterhisspring.Frodocomingbehindgrabbedhislegandthrewhim.
‘Yourropemightproveusefulagain,Sam,’hesaid.Samgotouttherope.‘Andwherewereyouofftointhecoldhardlands,Mr.Gollum?’hegrowled.‘Wewonders,aye,wewonders.
Tofindsomeofyourorc-friends,Iwarrant.Younastytreacherouscreature.It’sroundyourneckthisropeoughttogo,andatightnoosetoo.’
Gollumlayquietandtriednofurthertricks.HedidnotanswerSam,butgavehimaswiftvenomouslook.
‘Allweneedissomethingtokeepaholdonhim,’saidFrodo.‘Wewanthimtowalk,
soit’snogoodtyinghislegs–orhisarms,heseemstousethemnearlyasmuch.Tieoneendtohisankle,andkeepagripontheotherend.’
HestoodoverGollum,whileSamtiedtheknot.Theresultsurprisedthemboth.Gollumbegantoscream,athin,tearingsound,veryhorribletohear.Hewrithed,andtriedtogethismouthtohisankleandbitetherope.
Hekeptonscreaming.AtlastFrodowas
convincedthathereallywasinpain;butitcouldnotbefromtheknot.Heexamineditandfoundthatitwasnottootight,indeedhardlytightenough.Samwasgentlerthanhiswords.‘What’sthematterwithyou?’hesaid.‘Ifyouwilltrytorunaway,youmustbetied;butwedon’twishtohurtyou.’
‘Ithurtsus,ithurtsus,’hissedGollum.‘Itfreezes,itbites!Elvestwistedit,cursethem!Nastycruelhobbits!That’swhywetriestoescape,ofcourseitis,precious.Weguessedtheywerecruelhobbits.TheyvisitsElves,fierceElveswithbrighteyes.Takeitoffus!Ithurtsus.’
‘No,Iwillnottakeitoffyou,’saidFrodo,‘notunless’
–hepausedamomentinthought–‘notunlessthereisanypromiseyoucanmakethatIcantrust.’
‘Wewillsweartodowhathewants,yes,yess,’saidGollum,stilltwistingandgrabblingathisankle.‘Ithurtsus.’
‘Swear?’saidFrodo.‘Sméagol,’saidGollum
suddenlyandclearly,openinghiseyeswideandstaringat
Frodowithastrangelight.‘SméagolwillswearonthePrecious.’
Frododrewhimselfup,andagainSamwasstartledbyhiswordsandhissternvoice.‘OnthePrecious?Howdareyou?’hesaid.‘Think!
OneRingtorulethemallandintheDarknessbindthem.
Wouldyoucommityourpromisetothat,Sméagol?Itwillholdyou.Butitismoretreacherousthanyouare.Itmaytwistyourwords.Beware!’
Gollumcowered.‘OnthePrecious,onthePrecious!’herepeated.
‘Andwhatwouldyouswear?’askedFrodo.
‘Tobeveryverygood,’saidGollum.Thencrawling
toFrodo’sfeethegrovelledbeforehim,whisperinghoarsely:ashudderranoverhim,asifthewordsshookhisveryboneswithfear.‘Sméagolwillswearnever,never,toletHimhaveit.Never!Sméagolwillsaveit.ButhemustswearonthePrecious.’
‘No!notonit,’saidFrodo,lookingdownathimwithsternpity.‘Allyouwish
istoseeitandtouchit,ifyoucan,thoughyouknowitwoulddriveyoumad.Notonit.Swearbyit,ifyouwill.Foryouknowwhereitis.Yes,youknow,Sméagol.Itisbeforeyou.’
ForamomentitappearedtoSamthathismasterhadgrownandGollumhadshrunk:atallsternshadow,amightylordwhohidhisbrightnessingreycloud,and
athisfeetalittlewhiningdog.Yetthetwowereinsomewayakinandnotalien:theycouldreachoneanother’sminds.GollumraisedhimselfandbeganpawingatFrodo,fawningathisknees.
‘Down!down!’saidFrodo.‘Nowspeakyourpromise!’
‘Wepromises,yesIpromise!’saidGollum.‘Iwill
servethemasterofthePrecious.Goodmaster,goodSméagol,gollum,gollum!’Suddenlyhebegantoweepandbiteathisankleagain.
‘Taketheropeoff,Sam!’saidFrodo.
ReluctantlySamobeyed.AtonceGollumgotupandbeganprancingabout,likeawhippedcurwhosemasterhaspattedit.Fromthatmomentachange,which
lastedforsometime,cameoverhim.Hespokewithlesshissingandwhining,andhespoketohiscompanionsdirect,nottohispreciousself.Hewouldcringeandflinch,iftheysteppednearhimormadeanysuddenmovement,andheavoidedthetouchoftheirelven-cloaks;buthewasfriendly,andindeedpitifullyanxioustoplease.Hewouldcacklewithlaughterand
caper,ifanyjestwasmade,orevenifFrodospokekindlytohim,andweepifFrodorebukedhim.Samsaidlittletohimofanysort.Hesuspectedhimmoredeeplythanever,andifpossiblelikedthenewGollum,theSméagol,lessthantheold.
‘Well,Gollum,orwhateveritiswe’retocallyou,’hesaid,‘nowforit!TheMoon’sgone,andthenight’s
going.We’dbetterstart.’‘Yes,yes,’agreed
Gollum,skippingabout.‘Offwego!There’sonlyonewayacrossbetweentheNorth-endandtheSouth-end.Ifoundit,Idid.Orcsdon’tuseit,Orcsdon’tknowit.Orcsdon’tcrosstheMarshes,theygoroundformilesandmiles.Veryluckyyoucamethisway.VeryluckyyoufoundSméagol,yes.Follow
Sméagol!’Hetookafewstepsaway
andlookedbackinquiringly,likeadoginvitingthemforawalk.‘Waitabit,Gollum!’criedSam.‘Nottoofaraheadnow!I’mgoingtobeatyourtail,andI’vegottheropehandy.’
‘No,no!’saidGollum.‘Sméagolpromised.’
Inthedeepofnightunderhardclearstarstheysetoff.
Gollumledthembacknorthwardforawhilealongthewaytheyhadcome;thenheslantedtotherightawayfromthesteepedgeoftheEmynMuil,downthebrokenstonyslopestowardsthevastfensbelow.Theyfadedswiftlyandsoftlyintothedarkness.OveralltheleaguesofwastebeforethegatesofMordortherewasablacksilence.
Chapter2
THEPASSAGEOFTHEMARSHES
Gollummovedquickly,withhisheadandneckthrustforward,oftenusinghishandsaswellashisfeet.FrodoandSamwerehardputtoittokeepupwithhim;but
heseemednolongertohaveanythoughtofescaping,andiftheyfellbehind,hewouldturnandwaitforthem.Afteratimehebroughtthemtothebrinkofthenarrowgullythattheyhadstruckbefore;buttheywerenowfurtherfromthehills.
‘Hereitis!’hecried.‘Thereisawaydowninside,yes.Nowwefollowsit–out,outawayoverthere.’He
pointedsouthandeasttowardsthemarshes.Thereekofthemcametotheirnostrils,heavyandfouleveninthecoolnightair.
Gollumcastupanddownalongthebrink,andatlengthhecalledtothem.‘Here!Wecangetdownhere.Sméagolwentthiswayonce:Iwentthisway,hidingfromOrcs.’
Heledtheway,andfollowinghimthehobbits
climbeddownintothegloom.Itwasnotdifficult,fortheriftwasatthispointonlysomefifteenfeetdeepandaboutadozenacross.Therewasrunningwateratthebottom:itwasinfactthebedofoneofthemanysmallriversthattrickleddownfromthehillstofeedthestagnantpoolsandmiresbeyond.Gollumturnedtotheright,southwardmoreorless,andsplashedalong
withhisfeetintheshallowstonystream.Heseemedgreatlydelightedtofeelthewater,andchuckledtohimself,sometimesevencroakinginasortofsong.
Thecoldhardlandstheybitesourhands,theygnawsourfeet.Therocksand
stonesarelikeoldbonesallbareofmeat.Butstreamandpooliswetandcool:soniceforfeet!Andnowwewish—
‘Ha!ha!Whatdoeswewish?’hesaid,lookingsidelongatthehobbits.‘We’lltellyou,’hecroaked.
‘Heguesseditlongago,Bagginsguessedit.’Aglintcameintohiseyes,andSamcatchingthegleaminthedarknessthoughtitfarfrompleasant.
Alivewithoutbreath;ascoldasdeath;neverthirsting,everdrinking;cladinmail,never
clinking.Drownsondryland,thinksanislandisamountain;thinksafountainisapuffofair.Sosleek,sofair!Whatajoytomeet!Weonlywishtocatchafish,sojuicy-sweet!
ThesewordsonlymademorepressingtoSam’smindaproblemthathadbeentroublinghimfromthemomentwhenheunderstoodthathismasterwasgoingtoadoptGollumasaguide:theproblemoffood.Itdidnotoccurtohimthathismastermightalsohavethoughtofit,buthesupposedGollumhad.IndeedhowhadGollumkepthimselfinallhislonely
wandering?‘Nottoowell,’thoughtSam.‘Helooksfairfamished.Nottoodaintytotrywhathobbittasteslike,ifthereain’tnofish,I’llwager–supposingashecouldcatchusnapping.Well,hewon’t:notSamGamgeeforone.’
Theystumbledalonginthedarkwindinggullyforalongtime,orsoitseemedto
thetiredfeetofFrodoandSam.Thegullyturnedeastward,andastheywentonitbroadenedandgotgraduallyshallower.Atlasttheskyabovegrewfaintwiththefirstgreyofmorning.Gollumhadshownnosignsoftiring,butnowhelookedupandhalted.
‘Dayisnear,’hewhispered,asifDaywassomethingthatmight
overhearhimandspringonhim.‘Sméagolwillstayhere:Iwillstayhere,andtheYellowFacewon’tseeme.’
‘WeshouldbegladtoseetheSun,’saidFrodo,‘butwewillstayhere:wearetootiredtogoanyfurtheratpresent.’
‘YouarenotwisetobegladoftheYellowFace,’saidGollum.‘Itshowsyouup.Nicesensiblehobbitsstay
withSméagol.Orcsandnastythingsareabout.Theycanseealongway.Stayandhidewithme!’
Thethreeofthemsettleddowntorestatthefootoftherockywallofthegully.Itwasnotmuchmorethanatallman’sheightnow,andatitsbasetherewerewideflatshelvesofdrystone;thewaterraninachannelontheotherside.FrodoandSamsat
ononeoftheflats,restingtheirbacks.Gollumpaddledandscrabbledinthestream.
‘Wemusttakealittlefood,’saidFrodo.‘Areyouhungry,Sméagol?Wehaveverylittletoshare,butwewillspareyouwhatwecan.’
AtthewordhungryagreenishlightwaskindledinGollum’spaleeyes,andtheyseemedtoprotrudefurtherthaneverfromhisthinsickly
face.ForamomentherelapsedintohisoldGollum-manner.‘Wearefamisshed,yesfamisshedweare,precious,’hesaid.‘Whatisittheyeats?Havetheynicefisshes?’Histonguelolledoutbetweenhissharpyellowteeth,lickinghiscolourlesslips.
‘No,wehavegotnofish,’saidFrodo.‘Wehaveonlygotthis’–heheldupawafer
oflembas–‘andwater,ifthewaterhereisfittodrink.’
‘Yess,yess,nicewater,’saidGollum.‘Drinkit,drinkit,whilewecan!Butwhatisitthey’vegot,precious?Isitcrunchable?Isittasty?’
Frodobrokeoffaportionofawaferandhandedittohimonitsleaf-wrapping.Gollumsniffedattheleafandhisfacechanged:aspasmofdisgustcameoverit,anda
hintofhisoldmalice.‘Sméagolsmellsit!’hesaid.‘LeavesoutoftheElf-country,gah!Theystinks.Heclimbedinthosetrees,andhecouldn’twashthesmelloffhishands,mynicehands.’Droppingtheleaf,hetookacornerofthelembasandnibbledit.Hespat,andafitofcoughingshookhim.
‘Ach!No!’hespluttered.‘Youtrytochokepoor
Sméagol.Dustandashes,hecan’teatthat.Hemuststarve.ButSméagoldoesn’tmind.Nicehobbits!Sméagolhaspromised.Hewillstarve.Hecan’teathobbits’food.Hewillstarve.PoorthinSméagol!’
‘I’msorry,’saidFrodo;‘butIcan’thelpyou,I’mafraid.Ithinkthisfoodwoulddoyougood,ifyouwouldtry.Butperhapsyoucan’t
eventry,notyetanyway.’
Thehobbitsmunchedtheirlembasinsilence.Samthoughtthatittastedfarbetter,somehow,thanithadforagoodwhile:Gollum’sbehaviourhadmadehimattendtoitsflavouragain.Buthedidnotfeelcomfortable.Gollumwatchedeverymorselfromhandto
mouth,likeanexpectantdogbyadiner’schair.Onlywhentheyhadfinishedandwerepreparingtorest,washeapparentlyconvincedthattheyhadnohiddendaintiesthathecouldsharein.Thenhewentandsatbyhimselfafewpacesawayandwhimperedalittle.
‘Lookhere!’SamwhisperedtoFrodo,nottoosoftly:hedidnotreallycare
whetherGollumheardhimornot.‘We’vegottogetsomesleep;butnotbothtogetherwiththathungryvillainnigh,promiseornopromise.SméagolorGollum,hewon’tchangehishabitsinahurry,I’llwarrant.Yougotosleep,Mr.Frodo,andI’llcallyouwhenIcan’tkeepmyeyelidsproppedup.Turnandabout,sameasbefore,whilehe’sloose.’
‘Perhapsyou’reright,Sam,’saidFrodospeakingopenly.‘Thereisachangeinhim,butjustwhatkindofachangeandhowdeep,I’mnotsureyet.Seriouslythough,Idon’tthinkthereisanyneedforfear–atpresent.Stillwatchifyouwish.Givemeabouttwohours,notmore,andthencallme.’
SotiredwasFrodothathisheadfellforwardonhis
breastandheslept,almostassoonashehadspokenthewords.Gollumseemednolongertohaveanyfears.Hecurledupandwentquicklytosleep,quiteunconcerned.Presentlyhisbreathwashissingsoftlythroughhisclenchedteeth,buthelaystillasstone.Afterawhile,fearingthathewoulddropoffhimself,ifhesatlisteningtohistwocompanions
breathing,SamgotupandgentlyproddedGollum.Hishandsuncurledandtwitched,buthemadenoothermovement.Sambentdownandsaidfisshclosetohisear,buttherewasnoresponse,notevenacatchinGollum’sbreathing.
Samscratchedhishead.‘Mustreallybeasleep,’hemuttered.‘AndifIwaslikeGollum,hewouldn’twakeup
neveragain.’Herestrainedthethoughtsofhisswordandtheropethatsprangtohismind,andwentandsatdownbyhismaster.
Whenhewokeuptheskyabovewasdim,notlighterbutdarkerthanwhentheyhadbreakfasted.Samleapttohisfeet.Notleastfromhisownfeelingofvigourand
hunger,hesuddenlyunderstoodthathehadsleptthedaylightaway,ninehoursatleast.Frodowasstillfastasleep,lyingnowstretchedonhisside.Gollumwasnottobeseen.VariousreproachfulnamesforhimselfcametoSam’smind,drawnfromtheGaffer’slargepaternalword-hoard;thenitalsooccurredtohimthathismasterhadbeenright:there
hadforthepresentbeennothingtoguardagainst.Theywereatanyratebothaliveandunthrottled.
‘Poorwretch!’hesaidhalfremorsefully.‘NowIwonderwherehe’sgotto?’
‘Notfar,notfar!’saidavoiceabovehim.HelookedupandsawtheshapeofGollum’slargeheadandearsagainsttheeveningsky.
‘Here,whatareyou
doing?’criedSam,hissuspicionscomingbackassoonashesawthatshape.
‘Sméagolishungry,’saidGollum.‘Bebacksoon.’
‘Comebacknow!’shoutedSam.‘Hi!Comeback!’ButGollumhadvanished.
FrodowokeatthesoundofSam’sshoutandsatup,rubbinghiseyes.‘Hullo!’hesaid.‘Anythingwrong?
What’sthetime?’‘Idunno,’saidSam.
‘Aftersundown,Ireckon.Andhe’sgoneoff.Sayshe’shungry.’
‘Don’tworry!’saidFrodo.‘There’snohelpforit.Buthe’llcomeback,you’llsee.Thepromisewillholdyetawhile.Andhewon’tleavehisPrecious,anyway.’
Frodomadelightofitwhenhelearnedthattheyhad
sleptsoundlyforhourswithGollum,andaveryhungryGollumtoo,loosebesidethem.‘Don’tthinkofanyofyourgaffer’shardnames,’hesaid.‘Youwerewornout,andithasturnedoutwell:wearenowbothrested.Andwehaveahardroadahead,theworstroadofall.’
‘Aboutthefood,’saidSam.‘Howlong’sitgoingtotakeustodothisjob?And
whenit’sdone,whatarewegoingtodothen?Thiswaybreadkeepsyouonyourlegsinawonderfulway,thoughitdoesn’tsatisfytheinnardsproper,asyoumightsay:nottomyfeelinganyhow,meaningnodisrespecttothemasmadeit.Butyouhavetoeatsomeofiteveryday,anditdoesn’tgrow.Ireckonwe’vegotenoughtolast,say,three
weeksorso,andthatwithatightbeltandalighttooth,mindyou.We’vebeenabitfreewithitsofar.’
‘Idon’tknowhowlongweshalltaketo–tofinish,’saidFrodo.‘Weweremiserablydelayedinthehills.ButSamwiseGamgee,mydearhobbit–indeed,Sammydearesthobbit,friendoffriends–Idonotthinkweneedgivethoughttowhat
comesafterthat.Todothejobasyouputit–whathopeistherethatweevershall?Andifwedo,whoknowswhatwillcomeofthat?IftheOnegoesintotheFire,andweareathand?Iaskyou,Sam,areweeverlikelytoneedbreadagain?Ithinknot.IfwecannurseourlimbstobringustoMountDoom,thatisallwecando.MorethanIcan,Ibegintofeel.’
Samnoddedsilently.Hetookhismaster’shandandbentoverit.Hedidnotkissit,thoughhistearsfellonit.Thenheturnedaway,drewhissleeveoverhisnose,andgotup,andstampedabout,tryingtowhistle,andsayingbetweentheefforts:‘Where’sthatdrattedcreature?’
ItwasactuallynotlongbeforeGollumreturned;buthecamesoquietlythatthey
didnothearhimtillhestoodbeforethem.Hisfingersandfaceweresoiledwithblackmud.Hewasstillchewingandslavering.Whathewaschewing,theydidnotaskorliketothink.
‘Wormsorbeetlesorsomethingslimyoutofholes,’thoughtSam.‘Brr!Thenastycreature;thepoorwretch!’
Gollumsaidnothingto
them,untilhehaddrunkdeeplyandwashedhimselfinthestream.Thenhecameuptothem,lickinghislips.‘Betternow,’hesaid.‘Arewerested?Readytogoon?Nicehobbits,theysleepbeautifully.TrustSméagolnow?Very,verygood.’
Thenextstageoftheirjourneywasmuchthesame
asthelast.Astheywentonthegullybecameevershallowerandtheslopeofitsfloormoregradual.Itsbottomwaslessstonyandmoreearthy,andslowlyitssidesdwindledtomerebanks.Itbegantowindandwander.Thatnightdrewtoitsend,butcloudswerenowovermoonandstar,andtheyknewofthecomingofdayonlybytheslowspreadingofthethin
greylight.Inachillhourtheycame
totheendofthewater-course.Thebanksbecamemoss-grownmounds.Overthelastshelfofrottingstonethestreamgurgledandfelldownintoabrownbogandwaslost.Dryreedshissedandrattledthoughtheycouldfeelnowind.
Oneithersideandinfrontwidefensandmiresnowlay,stretchingawaysouthwardandeastwardintothedimhalf-light.Mistscurledandsmokedfromdarkandnoisomepools.Thereekofthemhungstiflinginthestillair.Faraway,nowalmostduesouth,themountain-wallsofMordorloomed,likeablackbarofruggedcloudsfloatingaboveadangerousfog-bound
sea.
ThehobbitswerenowwhollyinthehandsofGollum.Theydidnotknow,andcouldnotguessinthatmistylight,thattheywereinfactonlyjustwithinthenorthernbordersofthemarshes,themainexpanseofwhichlaysouthofthem.Theycould,iftheyhad
knownthelands,withsomedelayhaveretracedtheirstepsalittle,andthenturningeasthavecomeroundoverhardroadstothebareplainofDagorlad:thefieldoftheancientbattlebeforethegatesofMordor.Notthattherewasgreathopeinsuchacourse.Onthatstonyplaintherewasnocover,andacrossitranthehighwaysoftheOrcsandthesoldiersoftheEnemy.Not
eventhecloaksofLórienwouldhaveconcealedthemthere.
‘Howdoweshapeourcoursenow,Sméagol?’askedFrodo.‘Mustwecrosstheseevil-smellingfens?’
‘Noneed,noneedatall,’saidGollum.‘NotifhobbitswanttoreachthedarkmountainsandgotoseeHimveryquick.Backalittle,androundalittle’–hisskinny
armwavednorthandeast–‘andyoucancomeonhardcoldroadstotheverygatesofHiscountry.LotsofHispeoplewillbetherelookingoutforguests,verypleasedtotakethemstraighttoHim,Oyes.HisEyewatchesthatwayallthetime.ItcaughtSméagolthere,longago.’Gollumshuddered.‘ButSméagolhasusedhiseyessincethen,yes,yes:I’veused
eyesandfeetandnosesincethen.Iknowotherways.Moredifficult,notsoquick;butbetter,ifwedon’twantHimtosee.FollowSméagol!Hecantakeyouthroughthemarshes,throughthemists,nicethickmists.FollowSméagolverycarefully,andyoumaygoalongway,quitealongway,beforeHecatchesyou,yesperhaps.’
Itwasalreadyday,awindlessandsullenmorning,andthemarsh-reekslayinheavybanks.Nosunpiercedthelowcloudedsky,andGollumseemedanxioustocontinuethejourneyatonce.Soafterabriefresttheysetoutagainandweresoonlostinashadowysilentworld,cutofffromallviewofthelandsabout,eitherthehillsthattheyhadleftorthemountains
thattheysought.Theywentslowlyinsinglefile:Gollum,Sam,Frodo.
Frodoseemedthemostwearyofthethree,andslowthoughtheywent,heoftenlagged.Thehobbitssoonfoundthatwhathadlookedlikeonevastfenwasreallyanendlessnetworkofpools,andsoftmires,andwindinghalf-strangledwater-courses.Amongtheseacunningeye
andfootcouldthreadawanderingpath.Gollumcertainlyhadthatcunning,andneededallofit.Hisheadonitslongneckwaseverturningthiswayandthat,whilehesniffedandmutteredallthetimetohimself.Sometimeshewouldholduphishandandhaltthem,whilehewentforwardalittle,crouching,testingthegroundwithfingersortoes,or
merelylisteningwithoneearpressedtotheearth.
Itwasdrearyandwearisome.Coldclammywinterstillheldswayinthisforsakencountry.Theonlygreenwasthescumoflividweedonthedarkgreasysurfacesofthesullenwaters.Deadgrassesandrottingreedsloomedupinthemistslikeraggedshadowsoflong-forgottensummers.
Asthedayworeonthelightincreasedalittle,andthemistslifted,growingthinnerandmoretransparent.FarabovetherotandvapoursoftheworldtheSunwasridinghighandgoldennowinaserenecountrywithfloorsofdazzlingfoam,butonlyapassingghostofhercouldtheyseebelow,bleared,pale,givingnocolourandnowarmth.Butevenatthisfaint
reminderofherpresenceGollumscowledandflinched.Hehaltedtheirjourney,andtheyrested,squattinglikelittlehuntedanimals,inthebordersofagreatbrownreed-thicket.Therewasadeepsilence,onlyscrapedonitssurfacesbythefaintquiverofemptyseed-plumes,andbrokengrass-bladestremblinginsmallair-movementsthattheycould
notfeel.‘Notabird!’saidSam
mournfully.‘No,nobirds,’said
Gollum.‘Nicebirds!’Helickedhisteeth.‘Nobirdshere.Therearesnakeses,wormses,thingsinthepools.Lotsofthings,lotsofnastythings.Nobirds,’heendedsadly.Samlookedathimwithdistaste.
SopassedthethirddayoftheirjourneywithGollum.Beforetheshadowsofeveningwerelonginhappierlands,theywentonagain,alwaysonandonwithonlybriefhalts.ThesetheymadenotsomuchforrestastohelpGollum;fornowevenhehadtogoforwardwithgreatcare,andhewassometimesatalossforawhile.Theyhadcometotheverymidstofthe
DeadMarshes,anditwasdark.
Theywalkedslowly,stooping,keepingcloseinline,followingattentivelyeverymovethatGollummade.Thefensgrewmorewet,openingintowidestagnantmeres,amongwhichitgrewmoreandmoredifficulttofindthefirmerplaceswherefeetcouldtreadwithoutsinkingintogurgling
mud.Thetravellerswerelight,ormaybenoneofthemwouldeverhavefoundawaythrough.
Presentlyitgrewaltogetherdark:theairitselfseemedblackandheavytobreathe.WhenlightsappearedSamrubbedhiseyes:hethoughthisheadwasgoingqueer.Hefirstsawonewiththecornerofhislefteye,awispofpalesheenthat
fadedaway;butothersappearedsoonafter:somelikedimlyshiningsmoke,somelikemistyflamesflickeringslowlyaboveunseencandles;hereandtheretheytwistedlikeghostlysheetsunfurledbyhiddenhands.Butneitherofhiscompanionsspokeaword.
AtlastSamcouldbearitnolonger.‘What’sallthis,Gollum?’hesaidina
whisper.‘Theselights?They’reallroundusnow.Arewetrapped?Whoarethey?’
Gollumlookedup.Adarkwaterwasbeforehim,andhewascrawlingontheground,thiswayandthat,doubtfuloftheway.‘Yes,theyareallroundus,’hewhispered.‘Thetricksylights.Candlesofcorpses,yes,yes.Don’tyouheedthem!Don’tlook!Don’t
followthem!Where’sthemaster?’
SamlookedbackandfoundthatFrodohadlaggedagain.Hecouldnotseehim.Hewentsomepacesbackintothedarkness,notdaringtomovefar,ortocallinmorethanahoarsewhisper.SuddenlyhestumbledagainstFrodo,whowasstandinglostinthought,lookingatthepalelights.Hishandshungstiffat
hissides;waterandslimeweredrippingfromthem.
‘Come,Mr.Frodo!’saidSam.‘Don’tlookatthem!Gollumsayswemustn’t.Let’skeepupwithhimandgetoutofthiscursedplaceasquickaswecan–ifwecan!’
‘Allright,’saidFrodo,asifreturningoutofadream.‘I’mcoming.Goon!’
Hurryingforwardagain,Samtripped,catchinghisfoot
insomeoldrootortussock.Hefellandcameheavilyonhishands,whichsankdeepintostickyooze,sothathisfacewasbroughtclosetothesurfaceofthedarkmere.Therewasafainthiss,anoisomesmellwentup,thelightsflickeredanddancedandswirled.Foramomentthewaterbelowhimlookedlikesomewindow,glazedwithgrimyglass,through
whichhewaspeering.Wrenchinghishandsoutofthebog,hesprangbackwithacry.‘Therearedeadthings,deadfacesinthewater,’hesaidwithhorror.‘Deadfaces!’
Gollumlaughed.‘TheDeadMarshes,yes,yes:thatistheirname,’hecackled.‘Youshouldnotlookinwhenthecandlesarelit.’
‘Whoarethey?Whatare
they?’askedSamshuddering,turningtoFrodo,whowasnowbehindhim.
‘Idon’tknow,’saidFrodoinadreamlikevoice.‘ButIhaveseenthemtoo.Inthepoolswhenthecandleswerelit.Theylieinallthepools,palefaces,deepdeepunderthedarkwater.Isawthem:grimfacesandevil,andnoblefacesandsad.Manyfacesproudandfair,andweedsin
theirsilverhair.Butallfoul,allrotting,alldead.Afelllightisinthem.’Frodohidhiseyesinhishands.‘Iknownotwhotheyare;butIthoughtIsawthereMenandElves,andOrcsbesidethem.’
‘Yes,yes,’saidGollum.‘Alldead,allrotten.ElvesandMenandOrcs.TheDeadMarshes.Therewasagreatbattlelongago,yes,sotheytoldhimwhenSméagolwas
young,whenIwasyoungbeforethePreciouscame.Itwasagreatbattle.TallMenwithlongswords,andterribleElves,andOrcsesshrieking.TheyfoughtontheplainfordaysandmonthsattheBlackGates.ButtheMarsheshavegrownsincethen,swallowedupthegraves;alwayscreeping,creeping.’
‘Butthatisanageandmoreago,’saidSam.‘The
Deadcan’tbereallythere!IsitsomedevilryhatchedintheDarkLand?’
‘Whoknows?Sméagoldoesn’tknow,’answeredGollum.‘Youcannotreachthem,youcannottouchthem.Wetriedonce,yes,precious.Itriedonce;butyoucannotreachthem.Onlyshapestosee,perhaps,nottotouch.Noprecious!Alldead.’
Samlookeddarklyathim
andshudderedagain,thinkingthatheguessedwhySméagolhadtriedtotouchthem.‘Well,Idon’twanttoseethem,’hesaid.‘Neveragain!Can’twegetonandgetaway?’
‘Yes,yes,’saidGollum.‘Butslowly,veryslowly.Verycarefully!OrhobbitsgodowntojointheDeadonesandlightlittlecandles.FollowSméagol!Don’tlook
atlights!’
Hecrawledawaytotheright,seekingforapathroundthemere.Theycameclosebehind,stooping,oftenusingtheirhandsevenashedid.‘ThreepreciouslittleGollumsinarowweshallbe,ifthisgoesonmuchlonger,’thoughtSam.
Atlasttheycametothe
endoftheblackmere,andtheycrossedit,perilously,crawlingorhoppingfromonetreacherousislandtussocktoanother.Oftentheyfloundered,steppingorfallinghands-firstintowatersasnoisomeasacesspool,tilltheywereslimedandfouledalmostuptotheirnecksandstankinoneanother’snostrils.
Itwaslateinthenight
whenatlengththeyreachedfirmergroundagain.Gollumhissedandwhisperedtohimself,butitappearedthathewaspleased:insomemysteriousway,bysomeblendedsenseoffeel,andsmell,anduncannymemoryforshapesinthedark,heseemedtoknowjustwherehewasagain,andtobesureofhisroadahead.
‘Nowonwego!’hesaid.
‘Nicehobbits!Bravehobbits!Veryveryweary,ofcourse;soweare,myprecious,allofus.Butwemusttakemasterawayfromthewickedlights,yes,yes,wemust.’Withthesewordshestartedoffagain,almostatatrot,downwhatappearedtobealonglanebetweenhighreeds,andtheystumbledafterhimasquicklyastheycould.Butinalittlewhilehestopped
suddenlyandsniffedtheairdoubtfully,hissingasifhewastroubledordispleasedagain.
‘Whatisit?’growledSam,misinterpretingthesigns.‘What’stheneedtosniff?Thestinknearlyknocksmedownwithmynoseheld.Youstink,andmasterstinks;thewholeplacestinks.’
‘Yes,yes,andSam
stinks!’answeredGollum.‘PoorSméagolsmellsit,butgoodSméagolbearsit.Helpsnicemaster.Butthat’snomatter.Theair’smoving,changeiscoming.Sméagolwonders;he’snothappy.’
Hewentonagain,buthisuneasinessgrew,andeverynowandagainhestooduptohisfullheight,craninghis
neckeastwardandsouthward.Forsometimethehobbitscouldnothearorfeelwhatwastroublinghim.Thensuddenlyallthreehalted,stiffeningandlistening.ToFrodoandSamitseemedthattheyheard,faraway,alongwailingcry,highandthinandcruel.Theyshivered.Atthesamemomentthestirringoftheairbecameperceptibletothem;anditgrewverycold.
Astheystoodstrainingtheirears,theyheardanoiselikeawindcominginthedistance.Themistylightswavered,dimmed,andwentout.
Gollumwouldnotmove.Hestoodshakingandgibberingtohimself,untilwitharushthewindcameuponthem,hissingandsnarlingoverthemarshes.Thenightbecamelessdark,lightenoughforthemtosee,
orhalfsee,shapelessdriftsoffog,curlingandtwistingasitrolledoverthemandpassedthem.Lookinguptheysawthecloudsbreakingandshredding;andthenhighinthesouththemoonglimmeredout,ridingintheflyingwrack.
Foramomentthesightofitgladdenedtheheartsofthehobbits;butGollumcowereddown,mutteringcursesonthe
WhiteFace.ThenFrodoandSamstaringatthesky,breathingdeeplyofthefresherair,sawitcome:asmallcloudflyingfromtheaccursedhills;ablackshadowloosedfromMordor;avastshapewingedandominous.Itscuddedacrossthemoon,andwithadeadlycrywentawaywestward,outrunningthewindinitsfellspeed.
Theyfellforward,grovellingheedlesslyonthecoldearth.Buttheshadowofhorrorwheeledandreturned,passinglowernow,rightabovethem,sweepingthefen-reekwithitsghastlywings.Andthenitwasgone,flyingbacktoMordorwiththespeedofthewrathofSauron;andbehinditthewindroaredaway,leavingtheDeadMarshesbareandbleak.
Thenakedwaste,asfarastheeyecouldpierce,eventothedistantmenaceofthemountains,wasdappledwiththefitfulmoonlight.
FrodoandSamgotup,rubbingtheireyes,likechildrenwakenedfromanevildreamtofindthefamiliarnightstillovertheworld.ButGollumlayonthegroundasifhehadbeenstunned.Theyrousedhimwithdifficulty,
andforsometimehewouldnotlifthisface,butkneltforwardonhiselbows,coveringthebackofhisheadwithhislargeflathands.
‘Wraiths!’hewailed.‘Wraithsonwings!ThePreciousistheirmaster.Theyseeeverything,everything.Nothingcanhidefromthem.CursetheWhiteFace!AndtheytellHimeverything.Hesees,Heknows.Ach,gollum,
gollum,gollum!’Itwasnotuntilthemoonhadsunk,westeringfarawaybeyondTolBrandir,thathewouldgetupormakeamove.
FromthattimeonSamthoughtthathesensedachangeinGollumagain.Hewasmorefawningandwould-befriendly;butSamsurprisedsomestrangelooks
inhiseyesattimes,especiallytowardsFrodo;andhewentbackmoreandmoreintohisoldmannerofspeaking.AndSamhadanothergrowinganxiety.Frodoseemedtobeweary,wearytothepointofexhaustion.Hesaidnothing,indeedhehardlyspokeatall;andhedidnotcomplain,buthewalkedlikeonewhocarriesaload,theweightof
whichiseverincreasing;andhedraggedalong,slowerandslower,sothatSamhadoftentobegGollumtowaitandnottoleavetheirmasterbehind.
InfactwitheverysteptowardsthegatesofMordorFrodofelttheRingonitschainabouthisneckgrowmoreburdensome.Hewasnowbeginningtofeelitasanactualweightdragginghimearthwards.Butfarmorehe
wastroubledbytheEye:sohecalledittohimself.ItwasthatmorethanthedragoftheRingthatmadehimcowerandstoopashewalked.TheEye:thathorriblegrowingsenseofahostilewillthatstrovewithgreatpowertopierceallshadowsofcloud,andearth,andflesh,andtoseeyou:topinyouunderitsdeadlygaze,naked,immovable.Sothin,sofrail
andthin,theveilswerebecomethatstillwardeditoff.Frodoknewjustwherethepresenthabitationandheartofthatwillnowwas:ascertainlyasamancantellthedirectionofthesunwithhiseyesshut.Hewasfacingit,anditspotencybeatuponhisbrow.
Gollumprobablyfeltsomethingofthesamesort.Butwhatwentoninhis
wretchedheartbetweenthepressureoftheEye,andthelustoftheRingthatwassonear,andhisgrovellingpromisemadehalfinthefearofcoldiron,thehobbitsdidnotguess.Frodogavenothoughttoit.Sam’smindwasoccupiedmostlywithhismaster,hardlynoticingthedarkcloudthathadfallenonhisownheart.HeputFrodoinfrontofhimnow,andkept
awatchfuleyeoneverymovementofhis,supportinghimifhestumbled,andtryingtoencouragehimwithclumsywords.
Whendaycameatlastthehobbitsweresurprisedtoseehowmuchclosertheominousmountainshadalreadydrawn.Theairwasnowclearerandcolder,andthoughstillfar
off,thewallsofMordorwerenolongeracloudymenaceontheedgeofsight,butasgrimblacktowerstheyfrownedacrossadismalwaste.Themarsheswereatanend,dyingawayintodeadpeatsandwideflatsofdrycrackedmud.Thelandaheadroseinlongshallowslopes,barrenandpitiless,towardsthedesertthatlayatSauron’sgate.
Whilethegreylightlasted,theycoweredunderablackstonelikeworms,shrinking,lestthewingedterrorshouldpassandspythemwithitscrueleyes.Theremainderofthatjourneywasashadowofgrowingfearinwhichmemorycouldfindnothingtorestupon.Fortwomorenightstheystruggledonthroughthewearypathlessland.Theair,asitseemedto
them,grewharsh,andfilledwithabitterreekthatcaughttheirbreathandparchedtheirmouths.
Atlast,onthefifthmorningsincetheytooktheroadwithGollum,theyhaltedoncemore.Beforethemdarkinthedawnthegreatmountainsreacheduptoroofsofsmokeandcloud.Outfromtheirfeetwereflunghugebuttressesandbroken
hillsthatwerenowatthenearestscarceadozenmilesaway.Frodolookedroundinhorror.DreadfulastheDeadMarsheshadbeen,andthearidmoorsoftheNoman-lands,moreloathsomefarwasthecountrythatthecrawlingdaynowslowlyunveiledtohisshrinkingeyes.EventotheMereofDeadFacessomehaggardphantomofgreenspring
wouldcome;buthereneitherspringnorsummerwouldevercomeagain.Herenothinglived,noteventheleprousgrowthsthatfeedonrottenness.Thegaspingpoolswerechokedwithashandcrawlingmuds,sicklywhiteandgrey,asifthemountainshadvomitedthefilthoftheirentrailsuponthelandsabout.Highmoundsofcrushedandpowderedrock,greatconesof
earthfire-blastedandpoison-stained,stoodlikeanobscenegraveyardinendlessrows,slowlyrevealedinthereluctantlight.
TheyhadcometothedesolationthatlaybeforeMordor:thelastingmonumenttothedarklabourofitsslavesthatshouldendurewhenalltheirpurposesweremadevoid;alanddefiled,diseasedbeyond
allhealing–unlesstheGreatSeashouldenterinandwashitwithoblivion.‘Ifeelsick,’saidSam.Frododidnotspeak.
Forawhiletheystoodthere,likemenontheedgeofasleepwherenightmarelurks,holdingitoff,thoughtheyknowthattheycanonlycometomorningthroughtheshadows.Thelightbroadenedandhardened.Thegasping
pitsandpoisonousmoundsgrewhideouslyclear.Thesunwasup,walkingamongcloudsandlongflagsofsmoke,buteventhesunlightwasdefiled.Thehobbitshadnowelcomeforthatlight;unfriendlyitseemed,revealingthemintheirhelplessness–littlesqueakingghoststhatwanderedamongtheash-heapsoftheDarkLord.
Toowearytogofurthertheysoughtforsomeplacewheretheycouldrest.Forawhiletheysatwithoutspeakingundertheshadowofamoundofslag;butfoulfumesleakedoutofit,catchingtheirthroatsandchokingthem.Gollumwasthefirsttogetup.Splutteringandcursingherose,andwithoutawordoraglanceatthehobbitshecrawledaway
onallfours.FrodoandSamcrawledafterhimuntiltheycametoawidealmostcircularpit,high-bankeduponthewest.Itwascoldanddead,andafoulsumpofoilymany-colouredoozelayatitsbottom.Inthisevilholetheycowered,hopinginitsshadowtoescapetheattentionoftheEye.
Thedaypassedslowly.Agreatthirsttroubledthem,but
theydrankonlyafewdropsfromtheirbottles–lastfilledinthegully,whichnowastheylookedbackinthoughtseemedtothemaplaceofpeaceandbeauty.Thehobbitstookitinturntowatch.Atfirst,tiredastheywere,neitherofthemcouldsleepatall;butasthesunfarawaywasclimbingdownintoslowmovingcloud,Samdozed.ItwasFrodo’sturnto
beonguard.Helaybackontheslopeofthepit,butthatdidnoteasethesenseofburdenthatwasonhim.Helookedupatthesmoke-streakedskyandsawstrangephantoms,darkridingshapes,andfacesoutofthepast.Helostcountoftime,hoveringbetweensleepandwaking,untilforgetfulnesscameoverhim.
SuddenlySamwokeupthinkingthatheheardhismastercalling.Itwasevening.Frodocouldnothavecalled,forhehadfallenasleep,andhadsliddownnearlytothebottomofthepit.Gollumwasbyhim.ForamomentSamthoughtthathewastryingtorouseFrodo;thenhesawthatitwasnotso.Gollumwastalkingtohimself.Sméagolwas
holdingadebatewithsomeotherthoughtthatusedthesamevoicebutmadeitsqueakandhiss.Apalelightandagreenlightalternatedinhiseyesashespoke.
‘Sméagolpromised,’saidthefirstthought.
‘Yes,yes,myprecious,’cametheanswer,‘wepromised:tosaveourPrecious,nottoletHimhaveit–never.Butit’sgoingto
Him,yes,nearereverystep.What’sthehobbitgoingtodowithit,wewonders,yeswewonders.’
‘Idon’tknow.Ican’thelpit.Master’sgotit.Sméagolpromisedtohelpthemaster.’
‘Yes,yes,tohelpthemaster:themasterofthePrecious.Butifwewasmaster,thenwecouldhelpourselfs,yes,andstillkeeppromises.’
‘ButSméagolsaidhewouldbeveryverygood.Nicehobbit!HetookcruelropeoffSméagol’sleg.Hespeaksnicelytome.’
‘Veryverygood,eh,myprecious?Let’sbegood,goodasfish,sweetone,buttoourselfs.Nothurtthenicehobbit,ofcourse,no,no.’
‘ButthePreciousholdsthepromise,’thevoiceofSméagolobjected.
‘Thentakeit,’saidtheother,‘andlet’sholditourselfs!Thenweshallbemaster,gollum!Maketheotherhobbit,thenastysuspicioushobbit,makehimcrawl,yes,gollum!’
‘Butnotthenicehobbit?’‘Ohno,notifitdoesn’t
pleaseus.Stillhe’saBaggins,myprecious,yes,aBaggins.ABagginsstoleit.Hefounditandhesaid
nothing,nothing.WehatesBagginses.’
‘No,notthisBaggins.’‘Yes,everyBaggins.All
peoplesthatkeepthePrecious.Wemusthaveit!’
‘ButHe’llsee,He’llknow.He’lltakeitfromus!’
‘Hesees.Heknows.Heheardusmakesillypromises–againstHisorders,yes.Musttakeit.TheWraithsaresearching.Musttakeit.’
‘NotforHim!’‘No,sweetone.See,my
precious:ifwehasit,thenwecanescape,evenfromHim,eh?Perhapswegrowsverystrong,strongerthanWraiths.LordSméagol?GollumtheGreat?TheGollum!Eatfisheveryday,threetimesaday,freshfromthesea.MostPreciousGollum!Musthaveit.Wewantsit,wewantsit,wewantsit!’
‘Butthere’stwoofthem.They’llwaketooquickandkillus,’whinedSméagolinalasteffort.‘Notnow.Notyet.’
‘Wewantsit!But’–andheretherewasalongpause,asifanewthoughthadwakened.‘Notyet,eh?Perhapsnot.Shemighthelp.Shemight,yes.’
‘No,no!Notthatway!’wailedSméagol.
‘Yes!Wewantsit!Wewantsit!’Eachtimethatthesecondthoughtspoke,Gollum’slonghandcreptoutslowly,pawingtowardsFrodo,andthenwasdrawnbackwithajerkasSméagolspokeagain.Finallybotharms,withlongfingersflexedandtwitching,clawedtowardshisneck.
Samhadlainstill,fascinatedbythisdebate,butwatchingeverymovethatGollummadefromunderhishalf-closedeye-lids.Tohissimplemindordinaryhunger,thedesiretoeathobbits,hadseemedthechiefdangerinGollum.Herealizednowthatitwasnotso:GollumwasfeelingtheterriblecalloftheRing.TheDarkLordwasHe,ofcourse;butSamwondered
whoShewas.Oneofthenastyfriendsthelittlewretchhadmadeinhiswanderings,hesupposed.Thenheforgotthepoint,forthingshadplainlygonefarenough,andweregettingdangerous.Agreatheavinesswasinallhislimbs,butherousedhimselfwithaneffortandsatup.Somethingwarnedhimtobecarefulandnottorevealthathehadoverheardthedebate.
Heletoutaloudsighandgaveahugeyawn.
‘What’sthetime?’hesaidsleepily.
Gollumsentoutalonghissthroughhisteeth.Hestoodupforamoment,tenseandmenacing;andthenhecollapsed,fallingforwardontoallfoursandcrawlingupthebankofthepit.‘Nicehobbits!NiceSam!’hesaid.‘Sleepyheads,yes,sleepy
heads!LeavegoodSméagoltowatch!Butit’sevening.Duskiscreeping.Timetogo.’
‘Hightime!’thoughtSam.‘Andtimeweparted,too.’YetitcrossedhismindtowonderifindeedGollumwasnotnowasdangerousturnedlooseaskeptwiththem.‘Cursehim!Iwishhewaschoked!’hemuttered.Hestumbleddownthebankand
rousedhismaster.Strangelyenough,Frodo
feltrefreshed.Hehadbeendreaming.Thedarkshadowhadpassed,andafairvisionhadvisitedhiminthislandofdisease.Nothingremainedofitinhismemory,yetbecauseofithefeltgladandlighterofheart.Hisburdenwaslessheavyonhim.Gollumwelcomedhimwithdog-likedelight.Hechuckledand
chattered,crackinghislongfingers,andpawingatFrodo’sknees.Frodosmiledathim.
‘Come!’hesaid.‘Youhaveguideduswellandfaithfully.Thisisthelaststage.BringustotheGate,andthenIwillnotaskyoutogofurther.BringustotheGate,andyoumaygowhereyouwish–onlynottoourenemies.’
‘TotheGate,eh?’Gollumsqueaked,seemingsurprisedandfrightened.‘TotheGate,mastersays!Yes,hesaysso.AndgoodSméagoldoeswhatheasks,Oyes.Butwhenwegetscloser,we’llseeperhaps,we’llseethen.Itwon’tlookniceatall.Ono!Ono!’
‘Goonwithyou!’saidSam.‘Let’sgetitover!’
Inthefallingdusktheyscrambledoutofthepitandslowlythreadedtheirwaythroughthedeadland.Theyhadnotgonefarbeforetheyfeltoncemorethefearthathadfallenonthemwhenthewingedshapesweptoverthemarshes.Theyhalted,coweringontheevil-smellingground;buttheysawnothinginthegloomyeveningskyabove,andsoonthemenace
passed,highoverhead,goingmaybeonsomeswifterrandfromBarad-dûr.AfterawhileGollumgotupandcreptforwardagain,mutteringandshaking.
Aboutanhouraftermidnightthefearfellonthemathirdtime,butitnowseemedmoreremote,asifitwerepassingfarabovetheclouds,rushingwithterriblespeedintotheWest.Gollum,
however,washelplesswithterror,andwasconvincedthattheywerebeinghunted,thattheirapproachwasknown.
‘Threetimes!’hewhimpered.‘Threetimesisathreat.Theyfeelushere,theyfeelthePrecious.ThePreciousistheirmaster.Wecannotgoanyfurtherthisway,no.It’snouse,nouse!’
Pleadingandkindwordswerenolongerofanyavail.It
wasnotuntilFrodocommandedhimangrilyandlaidahandonhissword-hiltthatGollumwouldgetupagain.Thenatlastherosewithasnarl,andwentbeforethemlikeabeatendog.
Sotheystumbledonthroughthewearyendofthenight,anduntilthecomingofanotherdayoffeartheywalkedinsilencewithbowedheads,seeingnothing,and
hearingnothingbutthewindhissingintheirears.
Chapter3
THEBLACKGATEISCLOSED
BeforethenextdaydawnedtheirjourneytoMordorwasover.Themarshesandthedesertwerebehindthem.Beforethem,darklingagainstapallidsky,thegreat
mountainsrearedtheirthreateningheads.
UponthewestofMordormarchedthegloomyrangeofEphelDúath,theMountainsofShadow,anduponthenorththebrokenpeaksandbarrenridgesofEredLithui,greyasash.Butastheserangesapproachedoneanother,beingindeedbutpartsofonegreatwallaboutthemournfulplainsofLithlad
andofGorgoroth,andthebitterinlandseaofNúrnenamidmost,theyswungoutlongarmsnorthward;andbetweenthesearmstherewasadeepdefile.ThiswasCirithGorgor,theHauntedPass,theentrancetothelandoftheEnemy.Highcliffslowereduponeitherside,andthrustforwardfromitsmouthweretwosheerhills,black-bonedandbare.Uponthemstood
theTeethofMordor,twotowersstrongandtall.IndayslongpasttheywerebuiltbytheMenofGondorintheirprideandpower,aftertheoverthrowofSauronandhisflight,lestheshouldseektoreturntohisoldrealm.ButthestrengthofGondorfailed,andmenslept,andforlongyearsthetowersstoodempty.ThenSauronreturned.Nowthewatch-towers,whichhad
fallenintodecay,wererepaired,andfilledwitharms,andgarrisonedwithceaselessvigilance.Stony-facedtheywere,withdarkwindow-holesstaringnorthandeastandwest,andeachwindowwasfullofsleeplesseyes.
Acrossthemouthofthepass,fromclifftocliff,theDarkLordhadbuiltarampartofstone.Inittherewasasinglegateofiron,andupon
itsbattlementsentinelspacedunceasingly.Beneaththehillsoneithersidetherockwasboredintoahundredcavesandmaggot-holes;thereahostoforcslurked,readyatasignaltoissueforthlikeblackantsgoingtowar.NonecouldpasstheTeethofMordorandnotfeeltheirbite,unlesstheyweresummonedbySauron,orknewthesecretpasswordsthatwouldopenthe
Morannon,theblackgateofhisland.
Thetwohobbitsgazedatthetowersandthewallindespair.Evenfromadistancetheycouldseeinthedimlightthemovementoftheblackguardsuponthewall,andthepatrolsbeforethegate.Theylaynowpeeringovertheedgeofarockyhollowbeneaththeoutstretchedshadowofthe
northmostbuttressofEphelDúath.Wingingtheheavyairinastraightflightacrow,maybe,wouldhaveflownbutafurlongfromtheirhiding-placetotheblacksummitofthenearertower.Afaintsmokecurledaboveit,asiffiresmoulderedinthehillbeneath.
Daycame,andthefallow
sunblinkedoverthelifelessridgesofEredLithui.Thensuddenlythecryofbrazen-throatedtrumpetswasheard:fromthewatch-towerstheyblared,andfarawayfromhiddenholdsandoutpostsinthehillscameansweringcalls;andfurtherstill,remotebutdeepandominous,thereechoedinthehollowlandbeyondthemightyhornsanddrumsofBarad-dûr.Another
dreadfuldayoffearandtoilhadcometoMordor;andthenight-guardsweresummonedtotheirdungeonsanddeephalls,andtheday-guards,evil-eyedandfell,weremarchingtotheirposts.Steelgleameddimlyonthebattlement.
‘Well,hereweare!’saidSam.‘Here’stheGate,andit
lookstomeasifthat’saboutasfarasweareevergoingtoget.Myword,buttheGafferwouldhaveathingortwotosay,ifhesawmenow!OftensaidI’dcometoabadend,ifIdidn’twatchmystep,hedid.ButnowIdon’tsupposeI’lleverseetheoldfellowagain.He’llmisshischanceofItold’eeso,Sam:more’sthepity.Hecouldgoontellingmeaslongashe’dgot
breath,ifonlyIcouldseehisoldfaceagain.ButI’dhavetogetawashfirst,orhewouldn’tknowme.
‘Isupposeit’snogoodasking‘‘whatwaydowegonow?’’Wecan’tgonofurther–unlesswewanttoasktheOrcsforalift.’
‘No,no!’saidGollum.‘Nouse.Wecan’tgofurther.Sméagolsaidso.Hesaid:we’llgototheGate,andthen
we’llsee.Andwedosee.Oyes,myprecious,wedosee.Sméagolknewhobbitscouldnotgothisway.Oyes,Sméagolknew.’
‘Thenwhattheplaguedidyoubringusherefor?’saidSam,notfeelinginthemoodtobejustorreasonable.
‘Mastersaidso.Mastersays:BringustotheGate.SogoodSméagoldoesso.Mastersaidso,wisemaster.’
‘Idid,’saidFrodo.Hisfacewasgrimandset,butresolute.Hewasfilthy,haggard,andpinchedwithweariness,buthecowerednolonger,andhiseyeswereclear.‘Isaidso,becauseIpurposetoenterMordor,andIknownootherway.ThereforeIshallgothisway.Idonotaskanyonetogowithme.’
‘No,no,master!’wailed
Gollum,pawingathim,andseemingingreatdistress.‘Nousethatway!Nouse!Don’ttakethePrecioustoHim!He’lleatusall,ifHegetsit,eatalltheworld.Keepit,nicemaster,andbekindtoSméagol.Don’tletHimhaveit.Orgoaway,gotoniceplaces,andgiveitbacktolittleSméagol.Yes,yes,mastergiveitback,eh?Sméagolwillkeepitsafe;he
willdolotsofgood,especiallytonicehobbits.Hobbitsgohome.Don’tgototheGate!’
‘IamcommandedtogotothelandofMordor,andthereforeIshallgo,’saidFrodo.‘Ifthereisonlyoneway,thenImusttakeit.Whatcomesaftermustcome.’
Samsaidnothing.The
lookonFrodo’sfacewasenoughforhim;heknewthatwordsofhiswereuseless.Andafterallheneverhadanyrealhopeintheaffairfromthebeginning;butbeingacheerfulhobbithehadnotneededhope,aslongasdespaircouldbepostponed.Nowtheywerecometothebitterend.Buthehadstucktohismasteralltheway;thatwaswhathehadchieflycome
for,andhewouldstillsticktohim.HismasterwouldnotgotoMordoralone.Samwouldgowithhim–andatanyratetheywouldgetridofGollum.
Gollum,however,didnotintendtobegotridof,yet.HekneltatFrodo’sfeet,wringinghishandsandsqueaking.‘Notthisway,master!’hepleaded.‘Thereisanotherway.Oyesindeedthereis.Anotherway,darker,
moredifficulttofind,moresecret.ButSméagolknowsit.LetSméagolshowyou!’
‘Anotherway!’saidFrododoubtfully,lookingdownatGollumwithsearchingeyes.
‘Yess!Yessindeed!Therewasanotherway.Sméagolfoundit.Let’sgoandseeifit’sstillthere!’
‘Youhavenotspokenofthisbefore.’
‘No.Masterdidnotask.
Masterdidnotsaywhathemeanttodo.HedoesnottellpoorSméagol.Hesays:Sméagol,takemetotheGate–andthengood-bye!Sméagolcanrunawayandbegood.Butnowhesays:IpurposetoenterMordorthisway.SoSméagolisveryafraid.Hedoesnotwanttolosenicemaster.Andhepromised,mastermadehimpromise,tosavethePrecious.
ButmasterisgoingtotakeittoHim,straighttotheBlackHand,ifmasterwillgothisway.SoSméagolmustsavethemboth,andhethinksofanotherwaythattherewas,onceuponatime.Nicemaster.Sméagolverygood,alwayshelps.’
Samfrowned.IfhecouldhaveboredholesinGollum
withhiseyes,hewouldhavedone.Hismindwasfullofdoubt.ToallappearancesGollumwasgenuinelydistressedandanxioustohelpFrodo.ButSam,rememberingtheoverhearddebate,foundithardtobelievethatthelongsubmergedSméagolhadcomeoutontop:thatvoiceatanyratehadnothadthelastwordinthedebate.Sam’s
guesswasthattheSméagolandGollumhalves(orwhatinhisownmindhecalledSlinkerandStinker)hadmadeatruceandatemporaryalliance:neitherwantedtheEnemytogettheRing;bothwishedtokeepFrodofromcapture,andundertheireye,aslongaspossible–atanyrateaslongasStinkerstillhadachanceoflayinghandsonhis‘Precious’.Whether
therereallywasanotherwayintoMordorSamdoubted.
‘Andit’sagoodthingneitherhalfoftheoldvillaindon’tknowwhatmastermeanstodo,’hethought.‘IfheknewthatMr.FrodoistryingtoputanendtohisPreciousforgoodandall,there’dbetroubleprettyquick,Ibet.AnyhowoldStinkerissofrightenedoftheEnemy–andhe’sunder
ordersofsomekindfromhim,orwas–thathe’dgiveusawayratherthanbecaughthelpingus;andratherthanlethisPreciousbemelted,maybe.Atleastthat’smyidea.AndIhopethemasterwillthinkitoutcarefully.He’saswiseasany,buthe’ssoft-hearted,that’swhatheis.It’sbeyondanyGamgeetoguesswhathe’lldonext.’
Frododidnotanswer
Gollumatonce.WhilethesedoubtswerepassingthroughSam’sslowbutshrewdmind,hestoodgazingouttowardsthedarkcliffofCirithGorgor.Thehollowinwhichtheyhadtakenrefugewasdelvedinthesideofalowhill,atsomelittleheightabovealongtrenchlikevalleythatlaybetweenitandtheouterbuttressesofthemountain-wall.Inthemidst
ofthevalleystoodtheblackfoundationsofthewesternwatch-tower.Bymorning-lighttheroadsthatconvergedupontheGateofMordorcouldnowbeclearlyseen,paleanddusty;onewindingbacknorthwards;anotherdwindlingeastwardsintothemiststhatclungaboutthefeetofEredLithui;andathirdthatrantowardshim.Asitbentsharplyroundthetower,
itenteredanarrowdefileandpassednotfarbelowthehollowwherehestood.Westward,tohisright,itturned,skirtingtheshouldersofthemountains,andwentoffsouthwardsintothedeepshadowsthatmantledallthewesternsidesofEphelDúath;beyondhissightitjourneyedonintothenarrowlandbetweenthemountainsandtheGreatRiver.
AshegazedFrodobecameawarethattherewasagreatstirandmovementontheplain.Itseemedasifwholearmieswereonthemarch,thoughforthemostparttheywerehiddenbythereeksandfumesdriftingfromthefensandwastesbeyond.Buthereandtherehecaughtthegleamofspearsandhelmets;andoverthelevelsbesidetheroadshorsemen
couldbeseenridinginmanycompanies.HerememberedhisvisionfromafaruponAmonHen,sofewdaysbefore,thoughnowitseemedmanyyearsago.Thenheknewthatthehopethathadforonewildmomentstirredinhisheartwasvain.Thetrumpetshadnotrunginchallengebutingreeting.ThiswasnoassaultupontheDarkLordbythemenof
Gondor,risenlikeavengingghostsfromthegravesofvalourlongpassedaway.ThesewereMenofotherrace,outofthewideEastlands,gatheringtothesummonsoftheirOverlord;armiesthathadencampedbeforehisGatebynightandnowmarchedintoswellhismountingpower.Asifsuddenlymadefullyawareoftheperiloftheirposition,
alone,inthegrowinglightofday,soneartothisvastmenace,Frodoquicklydrewhisfrailgreyhoodcloseuponhishead,andsteppeddownintothedell.ThenheturnedtoGollum.
‘Sméagol,’hesaid,‘Iwilltrustyouoncemore.IndeeditseemsthatImustdoso,andthatitismyfatetoreceivehelpfromyou,whereIleastlookedforit,andyourfateto
helpmewhomyoulongpursuedwithevilpurpose.Sofaryouhavedeservedwellofmeandhavekeptyourpromisetruly.Truly,Isayandmean,’headdedwithaglanceatSam,‘fortwicenowwehavebeeninyourpower,andyouhavedonenoharmtous.Norhaveyoutriedtotakefrommewhatyouoncesought.Maythethirdtimeprovethebest!ButIwarn
you,Sméagol,youareindanger.’
‘Yes,yes,master!’saidGollum.‘Dreadfuldanger!Sméagol’sbonesshaketothinkofit,buthedoesn’trunaway.Hemusthelpnicemaster.’
‘Ididnotmeanthedangerthatweallshare,’saidFrodo.‘Imeanadangertoyourselfalone.YousworeapromisebywhatyoucallthePrecious.
Rememberthat!Itwillholdyoutoit;butitwillseekawaytotwistittoyourownundoing.Alreadyyouarebeingtwisted.Yourevealedyourselftomejustnow,foolishly.GiveitbacktoSméagolyousaid.Donotsaythatagain!Donotletthatthoughtgrowinyou!Youwillnevergetitback.Butthedesireofitmaybetrayyoutoabitterend.Youwillnever
getitback.Inthelastneed,Sméagol,IshouldputonthePrecious;andthePreciousmasteredyoulongago.IfI,wearingit,weretocommandyou,youwouldobey,evenifitweretoleapfromaprecipiceortocastyourselfintothefire.Andsuchwouldbemycommand.Sohaveacare,Sméagol!’
Samlookedathismasterwithapproval,butalsowith
surprise:therewasalookinhisfaceandatoneinhisvoicethathehadnotknownbefore.IthadalwaysbeenanotionofhisthatthekindnessofdearMr.Frodowasofsuchahighdegreethatitmustimplyafairmeasureofblindness.Ofcourse,healsofirmlyheldtheincompatiblebeliefthatMr.Frodowasthewisestpersonintheworld(withthepossibleexception
ofOldMr.BilboandofGandalf).Golluminhisownway,andwithmuchmoreexcuseashisacquaintancewasmuchbriefer,mayhavemadeasimilarmistake,confusingkindnessandblindness.Atanyratethisspeechabashedandterrifiedhim.Hegrovelledonthegroundandcouldspeaknoclearwordsbutnicemaster.
Frodowaitedpatientlyfor
awhile,thenhespokeagainlesssternly.‘Comenow,GollumorSméagolifyouwish,tellmeofthisotherway,andshowme,ifyoucan,whathopethereisinit,enoughtojustifymeinturningasidefrommyplainpath.Iaminhaste.’
ButGollumwasinapitiablestate,andFrodo’sthreathadquiteunnervedhim.Itwasnoteasytoget
anyclearaccountoutofhim,amidhismumblingsandsqueakings,andthefrequentinterruptionsinwhichhecrawledonthefloorandbeggedthembothtobekindto‘poorlittleSméagol’.Afterawhilehegrewalittlecalmer,andFrodogatheredbitbybitthat,ifatravellerfollowedtheroadthatturnedwestofEphelDúath,hewouldcomeintimetoa
crossinginacircleofdarktrees.OntherightaroadwentdowntoOsgiliathandthebridgesoftheAnduin;inthemiddletheroadwentonsouthwards.
‘On,on,on,’saidGollum.‘Weneverwentthatway,buttheysayitgoesahundredleagues,untilyoucanseetheGreatWaterthatisneverstill.Therearelotsoffishesthere,andbigbirdseatfishes:nice
birds:butweneverwentthere,alasno!weneverhadachance.Andfurtherstilltherearemorelands,theysay,buttheYellowFaceisveryhotthere,andthereareseldomanyclouds,andthemenarefierceandhavedarkfaces.Wedonotwanttoseethatland.’
‘No!’saidFrodo.‘Butdonotwanderfromyourroad.Whatofthethirdturning?’
‘Oyes,Oyes,thereisathirdway,’saidGollum.‘Thatistheroadtotheleft.Atonceitbeginstoclimbup,up,windingandclimbingbacktowardsthetallshadows.Whenitturnsroundtheblackrock,you’llseeit,suddenlyyou’llseeitaboveyou,andyou’llwanttohide.’
‘Seeit,seeit?Whatwillyousee?’
‘Theoldfortress,veryold,
veryhorriblenow.WeusedtoheartalesfromtheSouth,whenSméagolwasyoung,longago.Oyes,weusedtotelllotsoftalesintheevening,sittingbythebanksoftheGreatRiver,inthewillow-lands,whentheRiverwasyoungertoo,gollum,gollum.’Hebegantoweepandmutter.Thehobbitswaitedpatiently.
‘TalesoutoftheSouth,’
Gollumwentonagain,‘aboutthetallMenwiththeshiningeyes,andtheirhouseslikehillsofstone,andthesilvercrownoftheirKingandhisWhiteTree:wonderfultales.Theybuiltverytalltowers,andonetheyraisedwassilver-white,andinittherewasastoneliketheMoon,androunditweregreatwhitewalls.Oyes,thereweremanytalesabouttheTowerofthe
Moon.’‘ThatwouldbeMinas
IthilthatIsildurthesonofElendilbuilt,’saidFrodo.‘ItwasIsildurwhocutoffthefingeroftheEnemy.’
‘Yes,HehasonlyfourontheBlackHand,buttheyareenough,’saidGollumshuddering.‘AndHehatedIsildur’scity.’
‘Whatdoeshenothate?’saidFrodo.‘Butwhathasthe
ToweroftheMoontodowithus?’
‘Well,master,thereitwasandthereitis:thetalltowerandthewhitehousesandthewall;butnotnicenow,notbeautiful.
Heconquereditlongago.Itisaveryterribleplacenow.Travellersshiverwhentheyseeit,theycreepoutofsight,theyavoiditsshadow.Butmasterwillhavetogothat
way.Thatistheonlyotherway.Forthemountainsarelowerthere,andtheoldroadgoesupandup,untilitreachesadarkpassatthetop,andthenitgoesdown,down,again–toGorgoroth.’Hisvoicesanktoawhisperandheshuddered.
‘Buthowwillthathelpus?’askedSam.‘SurelytheEnemyknowsallabouthisownmountains,andthatroad
willbeguardedascloseasthis?Thetowerisn’tempty,isit?’
‘Ono,notempty!’whisperedGollum.‘Itseemsempty,butitisn’t,Ono!Verydreadfulthingslivethere.Orcs,yesalwaysOrcs;butworsethings,worsethingslivetheretoo.Theroadclimbsrightundertheshadowofthewallsandpassesthegate.Nothing
movesontheroadthattheydon’tknowabout.Thethingsinsideknow:theSilentWatchers.’
‘Sothat’syouradviceisit,’saidSam,‘thatweshouldgoanotherlongmarchsouth,tofindourselvesinthesamefixoraworseone,whenwegetthere,ifweeverdo?’
‘No,noindeed,’saidGollum.‘Hobbitsmustsee,musttrytounderstand.He
doesnotexpectattackthatway.HisEyeisallround,butitattendsmoretosomeplacesthantoothers.Hecan’tseeeverythingallatonce,notyet.Yousee,HehasconqueredallthecountrywestoftheShadowyMountainsdowntotheRiver,andHeholdsthebridgesnow.HethinksnoonecancometotheMoontowerwithoutfightingbigbattleat
thebridges,orgettinglotsofboatswhichtheycannothideandHewillknowabout.’
‘YouseemtoknowalotaboutwhatHe’sdoingandthinking,’saidSam.‘HaveyoubeentalkingtoHimlately?OrjusthobnobbingwithOrcs?’
‘Notnicehobbit,notsensible,’saidGollum,givingSamanangryglanceandturningtoFrodo.‘Sméagol
hastalkedtoOrcs,yesofcourse,beforehemetmaster,andtomanypeoples:hehaswalkedveryfar.Andwhathesaysnowmanypeoplesaresaying.It’shereintheNorththatthebigdangerisforHim,andforus.HewillcomeoutoftheBlackGateoneday,onedaysoon.Thatistheonlywaybigarmiescancome.ButawaydownwestHeisnotafraid,andtherearethe
SilentWatchers.’‘Justso!’saidSam,notto
beputoff.‘Andsowearetowalkupandknockattheirgateandaskifwe’reontherightroadforMordor?Oraretheytoosilenttoanswer?It’snotsense.Wemightaswelldoithere,andsaveourselvesalongtramp.’
‘Don’tmakejokesaboutit,’hissedGollum.‘Itisn’tfunny,Ono!Notamusing.
It’snotsensetotryandgetintoMordoratall.ButifmastersaysImustgoorIwillgo,thenhemusttrysomeway.Buthemustnotgototheterriblecity,Ono,ofcoursenot.ThatiswhereSméagolhelps,niceSméagol,thoughnoonetellshimwhatitisallabout.Sméagolhelpsagain.Hefoundit.Heknowsit.’
‘Whatdidyoufind?’
askedFrodo.Gollumcroucheddown
andhisvoicesanktoawhisperagain.‘Alittlepathleadingupintothemountains;andthenastair,anarrowstair,Oyes,verylongandnarrow.Andthenmorestairs.Andthen’–hisvoicesankevenlower–‘atunnel,adarktunnel;andatlastalittlecleft,andapathhighabovethemainpass.Itwasthatway
thatSméagolgotoutofthedarkness.Butitwasyearsago.Thepathmayhavevanishednow;butperhapsnot,perhapsnot.’
‘Idon’tlikethesoundofitatall,’saidSam.‘Soundstooeasyatanyrateinthetelling.Ifthatpathisstillthere,it’llbeguardedtoo.Wasn’titguarded,Gollum?’Ashesaidthis,hecaughtorfanciedhecaughtagreen
gleaminGollum’seye.Gollummutteredbutdidnotreply.
‘Isitnotguarded?’askedFrodosternly.‘Anddidyouescapeoutofthedarkness,Sméagol?Wereyounotratherpermittedtodepart,uponanerrand?ThatatleastiswhatAragornthought,whofoundyoubytheDeadMarshessomeyearsago.’
‘It’salie!’hissedGollum,
andanevillightcameintohiseyesatthenamingofAragorn.‘Heliedonme,yeshedid.Ididescape,allbymypoorself.IndeedIwastoldtoseekforthePrecious;andIhavesearchedandsearched,ofcourseIhave.ButnotfortheBlackOne.ThePreciouswasours,itwasmineItellyou.Ididescape.’
Frodofeltastrangecertaintythatinthismatter
Gollumwasforoncenotsofarfromthetruthasmightbesuspected;thathehadsomehowfoundawayoutofMordor,andatleastbelievedthatitwasbyhisowncunning.Foronething,henotedthatGollumusedI,andthatseemedusuallytobeasign,onitsrareappearances,thatsomeremnantsofoldtruthandsinceritywereforthemomentontop.Buteven
ifGollumcouldbetrustedonthispoint,FrododidnotforgetthewilesoftheEnemy.The‘escape’mayhavebeenallowedorarranged,andwellknownintheDarkTower.AndinanycaseGollumwasplainlykeepingagooddealback.
‘Iaskyouagain,’hesaid:‘isnotthissecretwayguarded?’ButthenameofAragornhadputGolluminto
asullenmood.Hehadalltheinjuredairofaliarsuspectedwhenforoncehehastoldthetruth,orpartofit.Hedidnotanswer.
‘Isitnotguarded?’Frodorepeated.
‘Yes,yes,perhaps.Nosafeplacesinthiscountry,’saidGollumsulkily.‘Nosafeplaces.Butmastermusttryitorgohome.Nootherway.’Theycouldnotgethimtosay
more.Thenameoftheperilousplaceandthehighpasshecouldnottell,orwouldnot.
ItsnamewasCirithUngol,anameofdreadfulrumour.Aragorncouldperhapshd,butitattendsmoretosomeplacesthantoothers.Hecan’tseeeverythingallatonce,notyet.Yousee,Hehasconqueredallthecountry
westoftheShadowyMountainsdowntotheRiver,andHeholdsthebridgesnow.HethinksnoonecancometotheMoontowerwithoutfightingbigbattleatthebridges,orgettinglotsofboatswhichtheycannothideandHewillknowabout.’
‘YouseemtoknowalotaboutwhatHe’sdoingandthinking,’saidSam.‘HaveyoubeentalkingtoHim
lately?OrjusthobnobbingwithOrcs?’
‘Notnicehobbit,notsensible,’saidGollum,givingSamanangryglanceandturningtoFrodo.‘SméagolhastalkedtoOrcs,yesofcourse,beforehemetmaster,andtomanypeoples:hehaswalkedveryfar.Andwhathesaysnowmanypeoplesaresaying.It’shereintheNorththatthebigdangerisforHim,
andforus.HewillcomeoutoftheBlackGateoneday,onedaysoon.Thatistheonlywaybigarmiescancome.ButawaydownwestHeisnotafraid,andtherearetheSilentWatchers.’
‘Justso!’saidSam,nottobeputoff.‘Andsowearetowalkupandknockattheirgateandaskifwe’reontherightroadforMordor?Oraretheytoosilenttoanswer?It’s
notsense.Wemightaswelldoithere,andsaveourselvesalongtramp.’
‘Don’tmakejokesaboutit,’hissedGollum.‘Itisn’tfunny,Ono!Notamusing.It’snotsensetotryandgetintoMordoratall.ButifmastersaysImustgoorIwillgo,thenhemusttrysomeway.Buthemustnotgototheterriblecity,Ono,ofcoursenot.Thatiswhere
Sméagolhelps,niceSméagol,thoughnoonetellshimwhatitisallabout.Sméagolhelpsagain.Hefoundit.Heknowsit.’
‘Whatdidyoufind?’askedFrodo.
Gollumcroucheddownandhisvoicesanktoawhisperagain.‘Alittlepathleadingupintothemountains;andthenastair,anarrowstair,Oyes,verylong
andnarrow.Andthenmorestairs.Andthen’–hisvoicesankevenlower–‘atunnel,adarktunnel;andatlastalittlecleft,andapathhighabovethemainpass.ItwasthatwaythatSméagolgotoutofthedarkness.Butitwasyearsago.Thepathmayhavevanishednow;butperhapsnot,perhapsnot.’
‘Idon’tlikethesoundofitatall,’saidSam.‘Sounds
tooeasyatanyrateinthetelling.Ifthatpathisstillthere,it’llbeguardedtoo.Wasn’titguarded,Gollum?’Ashesaidthis,hecaughtorfanciedhecaughtagreengleaminGollum’seye.Gollummutteredbutdidnotreply.
‘Isitnotguarded?’askedFrodosternly.‘Anddidyouescapeoutofthedarkness,Sméagol?Wereyounot
ratherpermittedtodepart,uponanerrand?ThatatleastiswhatAragornthought,whofoundyoubytheDeadMarshessomeyearsago.’
‘It’salie!’hissedGollum,andanevillightcameintohiseyesatthenamingofAragorn.‘Heliedonme,yeshedid.Ididescape,allbymypoorself.IndeedIwastoldtoseekfor
thePrecious;andIhave
searchedandsearched,ofcourseIhave.ButnotfortheBlackOne.ThePreciouswasours,itwasmineItellyou.Ididescape.’
FrodofeltastrangecertaintythatinthismatterGollumwasforoncenotsofarfromthetruthasmightbesuspected;thathehadsomehowfoundawayoutofMordor,andatleastbelievedthatitwasbyhisown
cunning.Foronething,henotedthatGollumusedI,andthatseemedusuallytobeasign,onitsrareappearances,thatsomeremnantsofoldtruthandsinceritywereforthemomentontop.ButevenifGollumcouldbetrustedonthispoint,FrododidnotforgetthewilesoftheEnemy.The‘escape’mayhavebeenallowedorarranged,andwellknownin
theDarkTower.AndinanycaseGollumwasplainlykeepingagooddealback.
‘Iaskyouagain,’hesaid:‘isnotthissecretwayguarded?’ButthenameofAragornhadputGollumintoasullenmood.Hehadalltheinjuredairofaliarsuspectedwhenforoncehehastoldthetruth,orpartofit.Hedidnotanswer.
‘Isitnotguarded?’Frodo
repeated.‘Yes,yes,perhaps.No
safeplacesinthiscountry,’saidGollumsulkily.‘Nosafeplaces.Butmastermusttryitorgohome.Nootherway.’Theycouldnotgethimtosaymore.Thenameoftheperilousplaceandthehighpasshecouldnottell,orwouldnot.
ItsnamewasCirithUngol,anameofdreadful
rumour.Aragorncouldperhapshllum.‘Hobbitsmustsee,musttrytounderstand.Hedoesnotexpectattackthatway.HisEyeisallround,butitattendsmoretosomeplacesthantoothers.Hecan’tseeeverythingallatonce,notyet.Yousee,HehasconqueredallthecountrywestoftheShadowyMountainsdowntotheRiver,andHeholdsthebridges
now.HethinksnoonecancometotheMoontowerwithoutfightingbigbattleatthebridges,orgettinglotsofboatswhichtheycannothideandHewillknowabout.’
‘YouseemtoknowalotaboutwhatHe’sdoingandthinking,’saidSam.‘HaveyoubeentalkingtoHimlately?OrjusthobnobbingwithOrcs?’
‘Notnicehobbit,not
sensible,’saidGollum,givingSamanangryglanceandturningtoFrodo.‘SméagolhastalkedtoOrcs,yesofcourse,beforehemetmaster,andtomanypeoples:hehaswalkedveryfar.Andwhathesaysnowmanypeoplesaresaying.It’shereintheNorththatthebigdangerisforHim,andforus.HewillcomeoutoftheBlackGateoneday,onedaysoon.Thatistheonly
waybigarmiescancome.ButawaydownwestHeisnotafraid,andtherearetheSilentWatchers.’
‘Justso!’saidSam,nottobeputoff.‘Andsowearetowalkupandknockattheirgateandaskifwe’reontherightroadforMordor?Oraretheytoosilenttoanswer?It’snotsense.Wemightaswelldoithere,andsaveourselvesalongtramp.’
‘Don’tmakejokesaboutit,’hissedGollum.‘Itisn’tfunny,Ono!Notamusing.It’snotsensetotryandgetintoMordoratall.ButifmastersaysImustgoorIwillgo,thenhemusttrysomeway.Buthemustnotgototheterriblecity,Ono,ofcoursenot.ThatiswhereSméagolhelps,niceSméagol,thoughnoonetellshimwhatitisallabout.Sméagolhelps
again.Hefoundit.Heknowsit.’
‘Whatdidyoufind?’askedFrodo.
Gollumcroucheddownandhisvoicesanktoawhisperagain.‘Alittlepathleadingupintothemountains;andthenastair,anarrowstair,Oyes,verylongandnarrow.Andthenmorestairs.Andthen’–hisvoicesankevenlower–‘atunnel,a
darktunnel;andatlastalittlecleft,andapathhighabovethemainpass.ItwasthatwaythatSméagolgotoutofthedarkness.Butitwasyearsago.Thepathmayhavevanishednow;butperhapsnot,perhapsnot.’
‘Idon’tlikethesoundofitatall,’saidSam.‘Soundstooeasyatanyrateinthetelling.Ifthatpathisstillthere,it’llbeguardedtoo.
Wasn’titguarded,Gollum?’Ashesaidthis,hecaughtorfanciedhecaughtagreengleaminGollum’seye.Gollummutteredbutdidnotreply.
‘Isitnotguarded?’askedFrodosternly.‘Anddidyouescapeoutofthedarkness,Sméagol?Wereyounotratherpermittedtodepart,uponanerrand?ThatatleastiswhatAragornthought,who
foundyoubytheDeadMarshessomeyearsago.’
‘It’salie!’hissedGollum,andanevillightcameintohiseyesatthenamingofAragorn.‘Heliedonme,yeshedid.Ididescape,allbymypoorself.IndeedIwastoldtoseekforthePrecious;andIhavesearchedandsearched,ofcourseIhave.ButnotfortheBlackOne.ThePreciouswasours,itwasmineItell
you.Ididescape.’Frodofeltastrange
certaintythatinthismatterGollumwasforoncenotsofarfromthetruthasmightbesuspected;thathehadsomehowfoundawayoutofMordor,andatleastbelievedthatitwasbyhisowncunning.Foronething,henotedthatGollumusedI,andthatseemedusuallytobeasign,onitsrareappearances,
thatsomeremnantsofoldtruthandsinceritywereforthemomentontop.ButevenifGollumcouldbetrustedonthispoint,FrododidnotforgetthewilesoftheEnemy.The‘escape’mayhavebeenallowedorarranged,andwellknownintheDarkTower.AndinanycaseGollumwasplainlykeepingagooddealback.
‘Iaskyouagain,’hesaid:
‘isnotthissecretwayguarded?’ButthenameofAragornhadputGollumintoasullenmood.Hehadalltheinjuredairofaliarsuspectedwhenforoncehehastoldthetruth,orpartofit.Hedidnotanswer.
‘Isitnotguarded?’Frodorepeated.
‘Yes,yes,perhaps.Nosafeplacesinthiscountry,’saidGollumsulkily.‘Nosafe
places.Butmastermusttryitorgohome.Nootherway.’Theycouldnotgethimtosaymore.Thenameoftheperilousplaceandthehighpasshecouldnottell,orwouldnot.
ItsnamewasCirithUngol,anameofdreadfulrumour.Aragorncouldperhapshavetoldthemthatnameanditssignificance;Gandalfwouldhavewarned
them.Buttheywerealone,andAragornwasfaraway,andGandalfstoodamidtheruinofIsengardandstrovewithSaruman,delayedbytreason.YetevenashespokehislastwordstoSaruman,andthepalantírcrashedinfireuponthestepsofOrthanc,histhoughtwaseveruponFrodoandSamwise,overthelongleagueshismindsoughtfortheminhope
andpity.MaybeFrodofeltit,not
knowingit,ashehaduponAmonHen,eventhoughhebelievedthatGandalfwasgone,goneforeverintotheshadowinMoriafaraway.Hesatuponthegroundforalongwhile,silent,hisheadbowed,strivingtorecallallthatGandalfhadsaidtohim.Butforthischoicehecouldrecallnocounsel.Indeed
Gandalf’sguidancehadbeentakenfromthemtoosoon,toosoon,whiletheDarkLandwasstillveryfaraway.HowtheyshouldenteritatthelastGandalfhadnotsaid.Perhapshecouldnotsay.IntothestrongholdoftheEnemyintheNorth,intoDolGuldur,hehadonceventured.ButintoMordor,totheMountainofFireandtoBarad-dûr,sincetheDarkLordrosein
poweragain,hadheeverjourneyedthere?Frododidnotthinkso.AndherehewasalittlehalflingfromtheShire,asimplehobbitofthequietcountryside,expectedtofindawaywherethegreatonescouldnotgo,ordarednotgo.Itwasanevilfate.Buthehadtakenitonhimselfinhisownsitting-roominthefar-offspringofanotheryear,soremotenowthatitwaslike
achapterinastoryoftheworld’syouth,whentheTreesofSilverandGoldwerestillinbloom.Thiswasanevilchoice.Whichwayshouldhechoose?Andifbothledtoterroranddeath,whatgoodlayinchoice?
Thedaydrewon.Adeepsilencefelluponthelittlegreyhollowwheretheylay,
soneartothebordersofthelandoffear:asilencethatcouldbefelt,asifitwereathickveilthatcutthemofffromalltheworldaboutthem.Abovethemwasadomeofpaleskybarredwithfleetingsmoke,butitseemedhighandfaraway,asifseenthroughgreatdeepsofairheavywithbroodingthought.
Notevenaneaglepoisedagainstthesunwouldhave
markedthehobbitssittingthere,undertheweightofdoom,silent,notmoving,shroudedintheirthingreycloaks.ForamomenthemighthavepausedtoconsiderGollum,atinyfiguresprawlingontheground:thereperhapslaythefamishedskeletonofsomechildofMen,itsraggedgarmentstillclingingtoit,itslongarmsandlegsalmost
bone-whiteandbone-thin:nofleshworthapeck.
Frodo’sheadwasbowedoverhisknees,butSamleanedback,withhandsbehindhishead,staringoutofhishoodattheemptysky.Atleastforalongwhileitwasempty.ThenpresentlySamthoughthesawadarkbird-likefigurewheelintothecircleofhissight,andhover,andthenwheelawayagain.
Twomorefollowed,andthenafourth.Theywereverysmalltolookat,yetheknew,somehow,thattheywerehuge,withavaststretchofpinion,flyingatagreatheight.Hecoveredhiseyesandbentforward,cowering.ThesamewarningfearwasonhimashehadfeltinthepresenceoftheBlackRiders,thehelplesshorrorthathadcomewiththecryinthewind
andtheshadowonthemoon,thoughnowitwasnotsocrushingorcompelling:themenacewasmoreremote.Butmenaceitwas.Frodofeltittoo.Histhoughtwasbroken.Hestirredandshivered,buthedidnotlookup.Gollumhuddledhimselftogetherlikeacorneredspider.Thewingedshapeswheeled,andstoopedswiftlydown,speedingbackto
Mordor.Samtookadeepbreath.
‘TheRidersareaboutagain,upintheair,’hesaidinahoarsewhisper.‘Isawthem.Doyouthinktheycouldseeus?Theywereveryhighup.AndiftheyareBlackRiders,sameasbefore,thentheycan’tseemuchbydaylight,canthey?’
‘No,perhapsnot,’saidFrodo.‘Buttheirsteedscould
see.Andthesewingedcreaturesthattheyrideonnow,theycanprobablyseemorethananyothercreature.Theyarelikegreatcarrionbirds.Theyarelookingforsomething:theEnemyisonthewatch,Ifear.’
Thefeelingofdreadpassed,buttheenfoldingsilencewasbroken.Forsometimetheyhadbeencutofffromtheworld,asifinan
invisibleisland;nowtheywerelaidbareagain,perilhadreturned.ButstillFrododidnotspeaktoGollumormakehischoice.Hiseyeswereclosed,asifheweredreaming,orlookinginwardintohisheartandmemory.Atlasthestirredandstoodup,anditseemedthathewasabouttospeakandtodecide.But‘hark!’hesaid.‘Whatisthat?’
Anewfearwasuponthem.Theyheardsingingandhoarseshouting.Atfirstitseemedalongwayoff,butitdrewnearer:itwascomingtowardsthem.ItleapedintoalltheirmindsthattheBlackWingshadspiedthemandhadsentarmedsoldierstoseizethem:nospeedseemedtoogreatfortheseterribleservantsofSauron.Theycrouched,listening.The
voicesandtheclinkofweaponsandharnesswereveryclose.FrodoandSamloosenedtheirsmallswordsintheirsheaths.Flightwasimpossible.
Gollumroseslowlyandcrawledinsect-liketothelipofthehollow.Verycautiouslyheraisedhimselfinchbyinch,untilhecouldpeeroveritbetweentwobrokenpointsofstone.He
remainedtherewithoutmovingforsometime,makingnosound.Presentlythevoicesbegantorecedeagain,andthentheyslowlyfadedaway.FaroffahornblewontherampartsoftheMorannon.ThenquietlyGollumdrewbackandslippeddownintothehollow.
‘MoreMengoingtoMordor,’hesaidinalowvoice.‘Darkfaces.Wehave
notseenMenlikethesebefore,no,Sméagolhasnot.Theyarefierce.Theyhaveblackeyes,andlongblackhair,andgoldringsintheirears;yes,lotsofbeautifulgold.Andsomehaveredpaintontheircheeks,andredcloaks;andtheirflagsarered,andthetipsoftheirspears;andtheyhaveroundshields,yellowandblackwithbigspikes.Notnice;verycruel
wickedMentheylook.AlmostasbadasOrcs,andmuchbigger.SméagolthinkstheyhavecomeoutoftheSouthbeyondtheGreatRiver’send:theycameupthatroad.TheyhavepassedontotheBlackGate;butmoremayfollow.AlwaysmorepeoplecomingtoMordor.Onedayallthepeopleswillbeinside.’
‘Werethereany
oliphaunts?’askedSam,forgettinghisfearinhiseagernessfornewsofstrangeplaces.
‘No,nooliphaunts.Whatareoliphaunts?’saidGollum.
Samstoodup,puttinghishandsbehindhisback(ashealwaysdidwhen‘speakingpoetry’),andbegan:
Greyasamouse,Bigasahouse,Noselikeasnake,Imaketheearthshake,AsItrampthroughthegrass;TreescrackasIpass.WithhornsinmymouthIwalkintheSouth,Flappingbigears.
BeyondcountofyearsIstumproundandround,Neverlieontheground,Noteventodie.OliphauntamI,Biggestofall,Huge,old,andtall.Ifeveryou’dmetmeYouwouldn’tforget
me.Ifyouneverdo,Youwon’tthinkI’mtrue;ButoldOliphauntamI,AndIneverlie.
‘That,’saidSam,whenhehadfinishedreciting,‘that’sarhymewehaveintheShire.Nonsensemaybe,andmaybenot.Butwehaveourtales
too,andnewsoutoftheSouth,youknow.Intheolddayshobbitsusedtogoontheirtravelsnowandagain.Notthatmanyevercameback,andnotthatalltheysaidwasbelieved:newsfromBree,andnotsureasShiretalk,asthesayingsgo.ButI’veheardtalesofthebigfolkdownawayintheSunlands.Swertingswecall’eminourtales;andthey
rideonoliphaunts,’tissaid,whentheyfight.Theyputhousesandtowersontheoliphauntsesbacksandall,andtheoliphauntsthrowrocksandtreesatoneanother.Sowhenyousaid‘‘MenoutoftheSouth,allinredandgold,’’Isaid‘‘werethereanyoliphaunts?’’Foriftherewas,Iwasgoingtotakealook,riskorno.ButnowIdon’tsupposeI’lleverseean
oliphaunt.Maybethereain’tnosuchabeast.’Hesighed.
‘No,nooliphaunts,’saidGollumagain.‘Sméagolhasnotheardofthem.Hedoesnotwanttoseethem.Hedoesnotwantthemtobe.Sméagolwantstogoawayfromhereandhidesomewheresafer.Sméagolwantsmastertogo.Nicemaster,won’thecomewithSméagol?’
Frodostoodup.Hehad
laughedinthemidstofallhiscareswhenSamtrottedouttheoldfiresiderhymeofOliphaunt,andthelaughhadreleasedhimfromhesitation.‘IwishwehadathousandoliphauntswithGandalfonawhiteoneattheirhead,’hesaid.‘Thenwe’dbreakawayintothisevilland,perhaps.Butwe’venot;justourowntiredlegs,that’sall.Well,Sméagol,thethirdturnmay
turnthebest.Iwillcomewithyou.’
‘Goodmaster,wisemaster,nicemaster!’criedGollumindelight,pattingFrodo’sknees.‘Goodmaster!Thenrestnow,nicehobbits,undertheshadowofthestones,closeunderthestones!Restandliequiet,tilltheYellowFacegoesaway.Thenwecangoquickly.Softandquickasshadowswe
mustbe!’
Chapter4
OFHERBSANDSTEWEDRABBIT
Forthefewhoursofdaylightthatwerelefttheyrested,shiftingintotheshadeasthesunmoved,untilatlasttheshadowofthewesternrimoftheirdellgrewlong,and
darknessfilledallthehollow.Thentheyatealittle,anddranksparingly.Gollumatenothing,butheacceptedwatergladly.
‘Soongetmorenow,’hesaid,lickinghislips.‘GoodwaterrunsdowninstreamstotheGreatRiver,nicewaterinthelandswearegoingto.Sméagolwillgetfoodtheretoo,perhaps.He’sveryhungry,yes,gollum!’Heset
histwolargeflathandsonhisshrunkenbelly,andapalegreenlightcameintohiseyes.
Theduskwasdeepwhenatlengththeysetout,creepingoverthewestwardrimofthedell,andfadinglikeghostsintothebrokencountryonthebordersoftheroad.Themoonwasnow
threenightsfromthefull,butitdidnotclimboverthemountainsuntilnearlymidnight,andtheearlynightwasverydark.AsingleredlightburnedhighupintheTowersoftheTeeth,butotherwisenosigncouldbeseenorheardofthesleeplesswatchontheMorannon.
Formanymilestheredeyeseemedtostareatthemastheyfled,stumbling
throughabarrenstonycountry.Theydidnotdaretotaketheroad,buttheykeptitontheirleft,followingitslineaswellastheycouldatalittledistance.Atlast,whennightwasgrowingoldandtheywerealreadyweary,fortheyhadtakenonlyoneshortrest,theeyedwindledtoasmallfierypointandthenvanished:theyhadturnedthedarknorthernshoulderofthe
lowermountainsandwereheadingsouthwards.
Withheartsstrangelylightenedtheynowrestedagain,butnotforlong.TheywerenotgoingquickenoughforGollum.ByhisreckoningitwasnearlythirtyleaguesfromtheMorannontotheCross-roadsaboveOsgiliath,andhehopedtocoverthatdistanceinfourjourneys.Sosoontheystruggledononce
more,untilthedawnbegantospreadslowlyinthewidegreysolitude.Theyhadthenwalkedalmosteightleagues,andthehobbitscouldnothavegoneanyfurther,eveniftheyhaddared.
Thegrowinglightrevealedtothemalandalreadylessbarrenandruinous.Themountainsstill
loomedupominouslyontheirleft,butnearathandtheycouldseethesouthwardroad,nowbearingawayfromtheblackrootsofthehillsandslantingwestwards.Beyonditwereslopescoveredwithsombretreeslikedarkclouds,butallaboutthemlayatumbledheathland,grownwithlingandbroomandcornel,andothershrubsthattheydidnotknow.Hereand
theretheysawknotsoftallpine-trees.Theheartsofthehobbitsroseagainalittleinspiteofweariness:theairwasfreshandfragrant,anditremindedthemoftheuplandsoftheNorthfarthingfaraway.Itseemedgoodtobereprieved,towalkinalandthathadonlybeenforafewyearsunderthedominionoftheDarkLordandwasnotyetfallenwhollyintodecay.
Buttheydidnotforgettheirdanger,northeBlackGatethatwasstillalltoonear,hiddenthoughitwasbehindthegloomyheights.Theylookedaboutforahiding-placewheretheycouldshelterfromevileyeswhilethelightlasted.
Thedaypasseduneasily.Theylaydeepintheheather
andcountedouttheslowhours,inwhichthereseemedlittlechange;fortheywerestillundertheshadowsoftheEphelDúath,andthesunwasveiled.Frodosleptattimes,deeplyandpeacefully,eithertrustingGollumortootiredtotroubleabouthim;butSamfounditdifficulttodomorethandoze,evenwhenGollumwasplainlyfastasleep,whifflingandtwitchinginhis
secretdreams.Hunger,perhaps,morethanmistrustkepthimwakeful:hehadbeguntolongforagoodhomelymeal,‘somethinghotoutofthepot’.
Assoonasthelandfadedintoaformlessgreyundercomingnight,theystartedoutagain.InalittlewhileGollumledthemdownontothesouthwardroad;andafterthattheywentonmorequickly,
thoughthedangerwasgreater.Theirearswerestrainedforthesoundofhooforfootontheroadahead,orfollowingthemfrombehind;butthenightpassed,andtheyheardnosoundofwalkerorrider.
Theroadhadbeenmadeinalonglosttime,andforperhapsthirtymilesbelowtheMorannonithadbeennewlyrepaired,butasitwent
souththewildencroacheduponit.ThehandiworkofMenofoldcouldstillbeseeninitsstraightsureflightandlevelcourse:nowandagainitcutitswaythroughhillsideslopes,orleapedoverastreamuponawideshapelyarchofenduringmasonry;butatlastallsignsofstoneworkfaded,saveforabrokenpillarhereandthere,peeringoutofbushesatthe
side,oroldpaving-stonesstilllurkingamidweedsandmoss.Heatherandtreesandbrackenscrambleddownandoverhungthebanks,orsprawledoutoverthesurface.Itdwindledatlasttoacountrycart-roadlittleused;butitdidnotwind:itheldonitsownsurecourseandguidedthembytheswiftestway.
SotheypassedintothenorthernmarchesofthatlandthatMenoncecalledIthilien,afaircountryofclimbingwoodsandswift-fallingstreams.Thenightbecamefineunderstarandroundmoon,anditseemedtothehobbitsthatthefragranceoftheairgrewastheywentforward;andfromtheblowingandmutteringofGollumitseemedthathe
noticedittoo,anddidnotrelishit.Atthefirstsignsofdaytheyhaltedagain.Theyhadcometotheendofalongcutting,deep,andsheer-sidedinthemiddle,bywhichtheroadcloveitswaythroughastonyridge.Nowtheyclimbedupthewestwardbankandlookedabroad.
Daywasopeninginthesky,andtheysawthatthemountainswerenowmuch
furtheroff,recedingeastwardinalongcurvethatwaslostinthedistance.Beforethem,astheyturnedwest,gentleslopesrandownintodimhazesfarbelow.Allaboutthemweresmallwoodsofresinoustrees,firandcedarandcypress,andotherkindsunknownintheShire,withwidegladesamongthem;andeverywheretherewasawealthofsweet-smelling
herbsandshrubs.ThelongjourneyfromRivendellhadbroughtthemfarsouthoftheirownland,butnotuntilnowinthismoreshelteredregionhadthehobbitsfeltthechangeofclime.HereSpringwasalreadybusyaboutthem:frondspiercedmossandmould,larchesweregreen-fingered,smallflowerswereopeningintheturf,birdsweresinging.Ithilien,the
gardenofGondornowdesolatekeptstilladishevelleddryadloveliness.
SouthandwestitlookedtowardsthewarmlowervalesofAnduin,shieldedfromtheeastbytheEphelDúathandyetnotunderthemountain-shadow,protectedfromthenorthbytheEmynMuil,opentothesouthernairsandthemoistwindsfromtheSeafaraway.Manygreattrees
grewthere,plantedlongago,fallingintountendedageamidariotofcarelessdescendants;andgrovesandthicketstherewereoftamariskandpungentterebinth,ofoliveandofbay;andtherewerejunipersandmyrtles;andthymesthatgrewinbushes,orwiththeirwoodycreepingstemsmantledindeeptapestriesthehiddenstones;sagesofmany
kindsputtingforthblueflowers,orred,orpalegreen;andmarjoramsandnew-sproutingparsleys,andmanyherbsofformsandscentsbeyondthegarden-loreofSam.Thegrotsandrockywallswerealreadystarredwithsaxifragesandstonecrops.Primerolesandanemoneswereawakeinthefilbert-brakes;andasphodelandmanylily-flowersnodded
theirhalf-openedheadsinthegrass:deepgreengrassbesidethepools,wherefallingstreamshaltedincoolhollowsontheirjourneydowntoAnduin.
Thetravellersturnedtheirbacksontheroadandwentdownhill.Astheywalked,brushingtheirwaythroughbushandherb,sweetodoursroseaboutthem.Gollumcoughedandretched;butthe
hobbitsbreatheddeep,andsuddenlySamlaughed,forheart’seasenotforjest.Theyfollowedastreamthatwentquicklydownbeforethem.Presentlyitbroughtthemtoasmallclearlakeinashallowdell:itlayinthebrokenruinsofanancientstonebasin,thecarvenrimofwhichwasalmostwhollycoveredwithmossesandrose-brambles;iris-swordsstoodinranks
aboutit,andwater-lilyleavesfloatedonitsdarkgently-ripplingsurface;butitwasdeepandfresh,andspilledeversoftlyoutoverastonylipatthefarend.
Heretheywashedthemselvesanddranktheirfillatthein-fallingfreshet.Thentheysoughtforaresting-place,andahiding-place;forthisland,fair-seemingstill,wasnonetheless
nowterritoryoftheEnemy.Theyhadnotcomeveryfarfromtheroad,andyeteveninsoshortaspacetheyhadseenscarsoftheoldwars,andthenewerwoundsmadebytheOrcsandotherfoulservantsoftheDarkLord:apitofuncoveredfilthandrefuse;treeshewndownwantonlyandlefttodie,withevilrunesorthefellsignoftheEyecutinrudestrokesontheirbark.
Samscramblingbelowtheoutfallofthelake,smellingandtouchingtheunfamiliarplantsandtrees,forgetfulforthemomentofMordor,wasremindedsuddenlyoftheirever-presentperil.Hestumbledonaringstillscorchedbyfire,andinthemidstofithefoundapileofcharredandbrokenbonesandskulls.Theswiftgrowthofthewildwithbriarand
eglantineandtrailingclematiswasalreadydrawingaveiloverthisplaceofdreadfulfeastandslaughter;butitwasnotancient.Hehurriedbacktohiscompanions,buthesaidnothing:theboneswerebestleftinpeaceandnotpawedandroutedbyGollum.
‘Let’sfindaplacetolieupin,’hesaid.‘Notlowerdown.Higherupforme.’
Alittlewaybackabovethelaketheyfoundadeepbrownbedoflastyear’sfern.Beyonditwasathicketofdark-leavedbay-treesclimbingupasteepbankthatwascrownedwitholdcedars.Heretheydecidedtorestandpasstheday,whichalreadypromisedtobebrightandwarm.Agooddayforstrollingontheirwayalongthegrovesandgladesof
Ithilien;butthoughOrcsmayshunthesunlight,thereweretoomanyplacesherewheretheycouldliehidandwatch;andotherevileyeswereabroad:Sauronhadmanyservants.Gollum,inanycase,wouldnotmoveundertheYellowFace.SoonitwouldlookoverthedarkridgesoftheEphelDúath,andhewouldfaintandcowerinthelightandheat.
Samhadbeengivingearnestthoughttofoodastheymarched.NowthatthedespairoftheimpassableGatewasbehindhim,hedidnotfeelsoinclinedashismastertotakenothoughtfortheirlivelihoodbeyondtheendoftheirerrand;andanywayitseemedwisertohimtosavethewaybreadoftheElvesforworsetimesahead.Sixdaysormorehad
passedsincehereckonedthattheyhadonlyabaresupplyforthreeweeks.
‘IfwereachtheFireinthattime,we’llbeluckyatthisrate!’hethought.‘Andwemightbewantingtogetback.Wemight!’
Besides,attheendofalongnight-march,andafterbathinganddrinking,hefeltevenmorehungrythanusual.Asupper,orabreakfast,by
thefireintheoldkitchenatBagshotRowwaswhathereallywanted.AnideastruckhimandheturnedtoGollum.Gollumhadjustbeguntosneakoffonhisown,andhewascrawlingawayonallfoursthroughthefern.
‘Hi!Gollum!’saidSam.‘Whereareyougoing?Hunting?Well,seehere,oldnoser,youdon’tlikeourfood,andI’dnotbesorryfor
achangemyself.Yournewmotto’salwaysreadytohelp.Couldyoufindanythingfitforahungryhobbit?’
‘Yes,perhaps,yes,’saidGollum.‘Sméagolalwayshelps,iftheyasks–iftheyasksnicely.’
‘Right!’saidSam.‘Idoesask.Andifthatisn’tniceenough,Ibegs.’
Gollumdisappeared.Hewasawaysometime,andFrodoafterafewmouthfulsoflembassettleddeepintothebrownfernandwenttosleep.Samlookedathim.Theearlydaylightwasonlyjustcreepingdownintotheshadowsunderthetrees,buthesawhismaster’sfaceveryclearly,andhishands,too,lyingatrestonthegroundbesidehim.Hewasreminded
suddenlyofFrodoashehadlain,asleepinthehouseofElrond,afterhisdeadlywound.ThenashehadkeptwatchSamhadnoticedthatattimesalightseemedtobeshiningfaintlywithin;butnowthelightwasevenclearerandstronger.Frodo’sfacewaspeaceful,themarksoffearandcarehadleftit;butitlookedold,oldandbeautiful,asifthechiselling
oftheshapingyearswasnowrevealedinmanyfinelinesthathadbeforebeenhidden,thoughtheidentityofthefacewasnotchanged.NotthatSamGamgeeputitthatwaytohimself.Heshookhishead,asiffindingwordsuseless,andmurmured:‘Ilovehim.He’slikethat,andsometimesitshinesthrough,somehow.ButIlovehim,whetherorno.’
GollumreturnedquietlyandpeeredoverSam’sshoulder.LookingatFrodo,heshuthiseyesandcrawledawaywithoutasound.Samcametohimamomentlaterandfoundhimchewingsomethingandmutteringtohimself.Onthegroundbesidehimlaytwosmallrabbits,whichhewasbeginningtoeyegreedily.
‘Sméagolalwayshelps,’
hesaid.‘Hehasbroughtrabbits,nicerabbits.Butmasterhasgonetosleep,andperhapsSamwantstosleep.Doesn’twantrabbitsnow?Sméagoltriestohelp,buthecan’tcatchthingsallinaminute.’
Sam,however,hadnoobjectiontorabbitatall,andsaidso.Atleastnottocookedrabbit.Allhobbits,ofcourse,cancook,fortheybeginto
learntheartbeforetheirletters(whichmanyneverreach);butSamwasagoodcook,evenbyhobbitreckoning,andhehaddoneagooddealofthecamp-cookingontheirtravels,whentherewasachance.Hestillhopefullycarriedsomeofhisgearinhispack:asmalltinder-box,twosmallshallowpans,thesmallerfittingintothelarger;insidethema
woodenspoon,ashorttwo-prongedforkandsomeskewerswerestowed;andhiddenatthebottomofthepackinaflatwoodenboxadwindlingtreasure,somesalt.Butheneededafire,andotherthingsbesides.Hethoughtforabit,whilehetookouthisknife,cleanedandwhettedit,andbegantodresstherabbits.HewasnotgoingtoleaveFrodoalone
asleepevenforafewminutes.
‘Now,Gollum,’hesaid,‘I’veanotherjobforyou.Goandfillthesepanswithwater,andbring’emback!’
‘Sméagolwillfetchwater,yes,’saidGollum.‘Butwhatdoesthehobbitwantallthatwaterfor?Hehasdrunk,hehaswashed.’
‘Neveryoumind,’saidSam.‘Ifyoucan’tguess,
you’llsoonfindout.Andthesooneryoufetchthewater,thesooneryou’lllearn.Don’tyoudamageoneofmypans,orI’llcarveyouintomincemeat.’
WhileGollumwasawaySamtookanotherlookatFrodo.Hewasstillsleepingquietly,butSamwasnowstruckmostbytheleannessofhisfaceandhands.‘Toothinanddrawnheis,’he
muttered.‘Notrightforahobbit.IfIcangettheseconeyscooked,I’mgoingtowakehimup.’
Samgatheredapileofthedriestfern,andthenscrambledupthebankcollectingabundleoftwigsandbrokenwood;thefallenbranchofacedaratthetopgavehimagoodsupply.Hecutoutsometurvesatthefootofthebankjustoutside
thefern-brake,andmadeashallowholeandlaidhisfuelinit.Beinghandywithflintandtinderhesoonhadasmallblazegoing.Itmadelittleornosmokebutgaveoffanaromaticscent.Hewasjuststoopingoverhisfire,shieldingitandbuildingitupwithheavierwood,whenGollumreturned,carryingthepanscarefullyandgrumblingtohimself.
Hesetthepansdown,andthensuddenlysawwhatSamwasdoing.Hegaveathinhissingshriek,andseemedtobebothfrightenedandangry.‘Ach!Sss–no!’hecried.‘No!Sillyhobbits,foolish,yesfoolish!Theymustn’tdoit!’
‘Mustn’tdowhat?’askedSaminsurprise.
‘Notmakethenasstyredtongues,’hissedGollum.
‘Fire,fire!It’sdangerous,yesitis.Itburns,itkills.Anditwillbringenemies,yesitwill.’
‘Idon’tthinkso,’saidSam.‘Don’tseewhyitshould,ifyoudon’tputwetstuffonitandmakeasmother.Butifitdoes,itdoes.I’mgoingtoriskit,anyhow.I’mgoingtostewtheseconeys.’
‘Stewtherabbits!’
squealedGollumindismay.‘SpoilbeautifulmeatSméagolsavedforyou,poorhungrySméagol!Whatfor?Whatfor,sillyhobbit?Theyareyoung,theyaretender,theyarenice.Eatthem,eatthem!’Heclawedatthenearestrabbit,alreadyskinnedandlyingbythefire.
‘Now,now!’saidSam.‘Eachtohisownfashion.Ourbreadchokesyou,andraw
coneychokesme.Ifyougivemeaconey,theconey’smine,see,tocook,ifIhaveamind.AndIhave.Youneedn’twatchme.Goandcatchanotherandeatitasyoufancy–somewhereprivateandouto’mysight.Thenyouwon’tseethefire,andIshan’tseeyou,andwe’llbothbethehappier.I’llseethefiredon’tsmoke,ifthat’sanycomforttoyou.’
Gollumwithdrewgrumbling,andcrawledintothefern.Sambusiedhimselfwithhispans.‘Whatahobbitneedswithconey,’hesaidtohimself,‘issomeherbsandroots,especiallytaters–nottomentionbread.Herbswecanmanage,seemingly.’
‘Gollum!’hecalledsoftly.‘Thirdtimepaysforall.Iwantsomeherbs.’Gollum’sheadpeepedoutofthefern,
buthislookswereneitherhelpfulnorfriendly.‘Afewbay-leaves,somethymeandsage,willdo–beforethewaterboils,’saidSam.
‘No!’saidGollum.‘Sméagolisnotpleased.AndSméagoldoesn’tlikesmellyleaves.Hedoesn’teatgrassesorroots,noprecious,nottillhe’sstarvingorverysick,poorSméagol.’
‘Sméagol’llgetintoreal
truehotwater,whenthiswaterboils,ifhedon’tdoashe’sasked,’growledSam.‘Sam’llputhisheadinit,yesprecious.AndI’dmakehimlookforturnipsandcarrots,andtaterstoo,ifitwasthetimeo’theyear.I’llbetthere’sallsortsofgoodthingsrunningwildinthiscountry.I’dgivealotforhalfadozentaters.’
‘Sméagolwon’tgo,Ono
precious,notthistime,’hissedGollum.‘He’sfrightened,andhe’sverytired,andthishobbit’snotnice,notniceatall.Sméagolwon’tgrubforrootsandcarrotsesand–taters.What’staters,precious,eh,what’staters?’
‘Po–ta–toes,’saidSam.‘TheGaffer’sdelight,andraregoodballastforanemptybelly.Butyouwon’tfindany,
soyouneedn’tlook.ButbegoodSméagolandfetchmetheherbs,andI’llthinkbetterofyou.What’smore,ifyouturnoveranewleaf,andkeepitturned,I’llcookyousometatersoneofthesedays.Iwill:friedfishandchipsservedbyS.Gamgee.Youcouldn’tsaynotothat.’
‘Yes,yeswecould.Spoilingnicefish,scorchingit.Givemefishnow,and
keepnasstychips!’‘Ohyou’rehopeless,’said
Sam.‘Gotosleep!’
Intheendhehadtofindwhathewantedforhimself;buthedidnothavetogofar,notoutofsightoftheplacewherehismasterlay,stillsleeping.ForawhileSamsatmusing,andtendingthefiretillthewaterboiled.The
daylightgrewandtheairbecamewarm;thedewfadedoffturfandleaf.Soontherabbitscutuplaysimmeringintheirpanswiththebunchedherbs.AlmostSamfellasleepasthetimewentby.Heletthemstewforcloseonanhour,testingthemnowandagainwithhisfork,andtastingthebroth.
Whenhethoughtallwasreadyheliftedthepansoff
thefire,andcreptalongtoFrodo.FrodohalfopenedhiseyesasSamstoodoverhim,andthenhewakenedfromhisdreaming:anothergentle,unrecoverabledreamofpeace.
‘Hullo,Sam!’hesaid.‘Notresting?Isanythingwrong?Whatisthetime?’
‘Aboutacoupleofhoursafterdaybreak,’saidSam,‘andnighonhalfpasteight
byShireclocks,maybe.Butnothing’swrong.Thoughitain’tquitewhatI’dcallright:nostock,noonions,notaters.I’vegotabitofastewforyou,andsomebroth,Mr.Frodo.Doyougood.You’llhavetosupitinyourmug;orstraightfromthepan,whenit’scooledabit.Ihaven’tbroughtnobowls,nornothingproper.’
Frodoyawnedand
stretched.‘Youshouldhavebeenresting,Sam,’hesaid.‘Andlightingafirewasdangerousintheseparts.ButIdofeelhungry.Hmm!CanIsmellitfromhere?Whathaveyoustewed?’
‘ApresentfromSméagol,’saidSam:‘abraceo’youngconeys;thoughIfancyGollum’sregrettingthemnow.Butthere’snaughttogowiththembutafewherbs.’
Samandhismastersatjustwithinthefern-brakeandatetheirstewfromthepans,sharingtheoldforkandspoon.TheyallowedthemselveshalfapieceoftheElvishwaybreadeach.Itseemedafeast.
‘Wheew!Gollum!’Samcalledandwhistledsoftly.‘Comeon!Stilltimetochangeyourmind.There’ssomeleft,ifyouwanttotry
stewedconey.’Therewasnoanswer.
‘Ohwell,Isupposehe’sgoneofftofindsomethingforhimself.We’llfinishit,’saidSam.
‘Andthenyoumusttakesomesleep,’saidFrodo.
‘Don’tyoudropoff,whileI’mnodding,Mr.Frodo.Idon’tfeeltoosureofhim.There’sagooddealofStinker–thebadGollum,if
youunderstandme–inhimstill,andit’sgettingstrongeragain.NotbutwhatIthinkhe’dtrytothrottlemefirstnow.Wedon’tseeeyetoeye,andhe’snotpleasedwithSam,Onoprecious,notpleasedatall.’
Theyfinished,andSamwentofftothestreamtorinsehisgear.Ashestoodupto
return,helookedbackuptheslope.Atthatmomenthesawthesunriseoutofthereek,orhaze,ordarkshadow,orwhateveritwas,thatlayevertotheeast,anditsentitsgoldenbeamsdownuponthetreesandgladesabouthim.Thenhenoticedathinspiralofblue-greysmoke,plaintoseeasitcaughtthesunlight,risingfromathicketabovehim.Withashockherealized
thatthiswasthesmokefromhislittlecooking-fire,whichhehadneglectedtoputout.
‘Thatwon’tdo!Neverthoughtitwouldshowlikethat!’hemuttered,andhestartedtohurryback.Suddenlyhehaltedandlistened.Hadheheardawhistleornot?Orwasitthecallofsomestrangebird?Ifitwasawhistle,itdidnotcomefromFrodo’sdirection.There
itwentagainfromanotherplace!Sambegantorunaswellashecoulduphill.
Hefoundthatasmallbrand,burningawaytoitsouterend,hadkindledsomefernattheedgeofthefire,andthefernblazinguphadsettheturvessmouldering.Hastilyhestampedoutwhatwasleftofthefire,scatteredtheashes,andlaidtheturvesonthehole.Thenhecrept
backtoFrodo.‘Didyouhearawhistle,
andwhatsoundedlikeananswer?’heasked.‘Afewminutesback.Ihopeitwasonlyabird,butitdidn’tsoundquitelikethat:morelikesomebodymimickingabird-call,Ithought.AndI’mafraidmybitoffire’sbeensmoking.NowifI’vegoneandbroughttrouble,I’llneverforgivemyself.Norwon’t
haveachance,maybe!’‘Hush!’whisperedFrodo.
‘IthoughtIheardvoices.’
Thetwohobbitstrussedtheirsmallpacks,putthemonreadyforflight,andthencrawleddeeperintothefern.Theretheycrouchedlistening.
Therewasnodoubtofthevoices.Theywerespeaking
lowandfurtively,buttheywerenear,andcomingnearer.Thenquitesuddenlyonespokeclearlycloseathand.
‘Here!Hereiswherethesmokecamefrom!’itsaid.‘’Twillbenighathand.Inthefern,nodoubt.Weshallhaveitlikeaconeyinatrap.Thenweshalllearnwhatkindofthingitis.’
‘Aye,andwhatitknows!’
saidasecondvoice.Atoncefourmencame
stridingthroughthefernfromdifferentdirections.Sinceflightandhidingwerenolongerpossible,FrodoandSamsprangtotheirfeet,puttingbacktobackandwhippingouttheirsmallswords.
Iftheywereastonishedatwhattheysaw,theircaptorswereevenmoreastonished.
FourtallMenstoodthere.Twohadspearsintheirhandswithbroadbrightheads.Twohadgreatbows,almostoftheirownheight,andgreatquiversoflonggreen-featheredarrows.Allhadswordsattheirsides,andwerecladingreenandbrownofvariedhues,asifthebettertowalkunseeninthegladesofIthilien.Greengauntletscoveredtheirhands,andtheir
faceswerehoodedandmaskedwithgreen,exceptfortheireyes,whichwereverykeenandbright.AtonceFrodothoughtofBoromir,fortheseMenwerelikehiminstatureandbearing,andintheirmannerofspeech.
‘Wehavenotfoundwhatwesought,’saidone.‘Butwhathavewefound?’
‘NotOrcs,’saidanother,releasingthehiltofhis
sword,whichhehadseizedwhenhesawtheglitterofStinginFrodo’shand.
‘Elves?’saidathird,doubtfully.
‘Nay!NotElves,’saidthefourth,thetallest,andasitappearedthechiefamongthem.‘ElvesdonotwalkinIthilieninthesedays.AndElvesarewondrousfairtolookupon,orso’tissaid.’
‘Meaningwe’renot,Itake
you,’saidSam.‘Thankyoukindly.Andwhenyou’vefinisheddiscussingus,perhapsyou’llsaywhoyouare,andwhyyoucan’tlettwotiredtravellersrest.’
Thetallgreenmanlaughedgrimly.‘IamFaramir,CaptainofGondor,’hesaid.‘Buttherearenotravellersinthisland:onlytheservantsoftheDarkTower,oroftheWhite.’
‘Butweareneither,’saidFrodo.‘Andtravellersweare,whateverCaptainFaramirmaysay.’
‘Thenmakehastetodeclareyourselvesandyourerrand,’saidFaramir.‘Wehaveaworktodo,andthisisnotimeorplaceforriddlingorparleying.Come!Whereisthethirdofyourcompany?’
‘Thethird?’‘Yes,theskulkingfellow
thatwesawwithhisnoseinthepooldownyonder.Hehadanill-favouredlook.SomespyingbreedofOrc,Iguess,oracreatureoftheirs.Buthegaveustheslipbysomefox-trick.’
‘Idonotknowwhereheis,’saidFrodo.‘Heisonlyachancecompanionmetuponourroad,andIamnotanswerableforhim.Ifyoucomeonhim,sparehim.
Bringhimorsendhimtous.Heisonlyawretchedgangrelcreature,butIhavehimundermycareforawhile.Butasforus,weareHobbitsoftheShire,fartotheNorthandWest,beyondmanyrivers.FrodosonofDrogoismyname,andwithmeisSamwisesonofHamfast,aworthyhobbitinmyservice.Wehavecomebylongways–outofRivendell,or
Imladrisassomecallit.’HereFaramirstartedandgrewintent.‘Sevencompanionswehad:onewelostatMoria,theothersweleftatParthGalenaboveRauros:twoofmykin;aDwarftherewasalso,andanElf,andtwoMen.TheywereAragorn;andBoromir,whosaidthathecameoutofMinasTirith,acityintheSouth.’
‘Boromir!’allthefour
menexclaimed.‘BoromirsonoftheLord
Denethor?’saidFaramir,andastrangesternlookcameintohisface.‘Youcamewithhim?Thatisnewsindeed,ifitbetrue.Know,littlestrangers,thatBoromirsonofDenethorwasHighWardenoftheWhiteTower,andourCaptain-General:sorelydowemisshim.Whoareyouthen,andwhathadyoutodo
withhim?Beswift,fortheSunisclimbing!’
‘AretheriddlingwordsknowntoyouthatBoromirbroughttoRivendell?’Frodoreplied.
SeekfortheSwordthatwasBroken.InImladrisitdwells.
‘Thewordsareknownindeed,’saidFaramirinastonishment.‘Itissometokenofyourtruththatyoualsoknowthem.’
‘AragornwhomInamedisthebeareroftheSwordthatwasBroken,’saidFrodo.‘AndwearetheHalflingsthattherhymespokeof.’
‘ThatIsee,’saidFaramirthoughtfully.‘OrIseethatitmightbeso.Andwhatis
Isildur’sBane?’‘Thatishidden,’answered
Frodo.‘Doubtlessitwillbemadeclearintime.’
‘Wemustlearnmoreofthis,’saidFaramir,‘andknowwhatbringsyousofareastundertheshadowofyonder—,’hepointedandsaidnoname.‘Butnotnow.Wehavebusinessinhand.Youareinperil,andyouwouldnothavegonefarbyfieldorroadthis
day.Therewillbehardhandstrokesnighathanderethedayisfull.Thendeath,orswiftflightbacktoAnduin.Iwillleavetwotoguardyou,foryourgoodandformine.Wisemantrustsnottochance-meetingontheroadinthisland.IfIreturn,Iwillspeakmorewithyou.’
‘Farewell!’saidFrodo,bowinglow.‘Thinkwhatyouwill,Iamafriendofall
enemiesoftheOneEnemy.Wewouldgowithyou,ifwehalflingfolkcouldhopetoserveyou,suchdoughtymenandstrongasyouseem,andifmyerrandpermittedit.Maythelightshineonyourswords!’
‘TheHalflingsarecourteousfolk,whateverelsetheybe,’saidFaramir.‘Farewell!’
Thehobbitssatdownagain,buttheysaidnothingtooneanotheroftheirthoughtsanddoubts.Closeby,justunderthedapplingshadowofthedarkbay-trees,twomenremainedonguard.Theytookofftheirmasksnowandagaintocoolthem,astheday-heatgrew,andFrodosawthattheyweregoodlymen,pale-skinned,darkofhair,withgreyeyes
andfacessadandproud.Theyspoketogetherinsoftvoices,atfirstusingtheCommonSpeech,butafterthemannerofolderdays,andthenchangingtoanotherlanguageoftheirown.Tohisamazement,ashelistenedFrodobecameawarethatitwastheelven-tonguethattheyspoke,oronebutlittledifferent;andhelookedatthemwithwonder,forhe
knewthenthattheymustbeDúnedainoftheSouth,menofthelineoftheLordsofWesternesse.
Afterawhilehespoketothem;buttheywereslowandcautiousinanswering.TheynamedthemselvesMablungandDamrod,soldiersofGondor,andtheywereRangersofIthilien;fortheyweredescendedfromfolkwholivedinIthilienatone
time,beforeitwasoverrun.FromsuchmentheLordDenethorchosehisforayers,whocrossedtheAnduinsecretly(howorwhere,theywouldnotsay)toharrytheOrcsandotherenemiesthatroamedbetweentheEphelDúathandtheRiver.
‘Itiscloseontenleagueshencetotheeast-shoreofAnduin,’saidMablung,‘andweseldomcomesofarafield.
Butwehaveanewerrandonthisjourney:wecometoambushtheMenofHarad.Cursethem!’
‘Aye,cursetheSouthrons!’saidDamrod.‘’TissaidthatthereweredealingsofoldbetweenGondorandthekingdomsoftheHaradintheFarSouth;thoughtherewasneverfriendship.Inthosedaysourboundswereawaysouth
beyondthemouthsofAnduin,andUmbar,thenearestoftheirrealms,acknowledgedoursway.Butthatislongsince.’TismanylivesofMensinceanypassedtoorfrobetweenus.NowoflatewehavelearnedthattheEnemyhasbeenamongthem,andtheyaregoneovertoHim,orbacktoHim–theywereeverreadytoHiswill–ashavesomanyalsointhe
East.IdoubtnotthatthedaysofGondorarenumbered,andthewallsofMinasTiritharedoomed,sogreatisHisstrengthandmalice.’
‘ButstillwewillnotsitidleandletHimdoallasHewould,’saidMablung.‘ThesecursedSouthronscomenowmarchinguptheancientroadstoswellthehostsoftheDarkTower.Yea,uptheveryroadsthatcraftofGondor
made.Andtheygoevermoreheedlessly,welearn,thinkingthatthepoweroftheirnewmasterisgreatenough,sothatthemereshadowofHishillswillprotectthem.Wecometoteachthemanotherlesson.Greatstrengthofthemwasreportedtoussomedaysago,marchingnorth.Oneoftheirregimentsisduebyourreckoningtopassby,sometimeerenoon–uponthe
roadabove,whereitpassesthroughtheclovenway.Theroadmaypass,buttheyshallnot!NotwhileFaramirisCaptain.Heleadsnowinallperilousventures.Buthislifeischarmed,orfatespareshimforsomeotherend.’
Theirtalkdieddownintoalisteningsilence.Allseemedstillandwatchful.
Sam,crouchedbytheedgeofthefern-brake,peeredout.Withhiskeenhobbit-eyeshesawthatmanymoreMenwereabout.Hecouldseethemstealinguptheslopes,singlyorinlongfiles,keepingalwaystotheshadeofgroveorthicket,orcrawling,hardlyvisibleintheirbrownandgreenraiment,throughgrassandbrake.Allwerehoodedand
masked,andhadgauntletsontheirhands,andwerearmedlikeFaramirandhiscompanions.Beforelongtheyhadallpassedandvanished.ThesunrosetillitnearedtheSouth.Theshadowsshrank.
‘IwonderwherethatdrattedGollumis?’thoughtSam,ashecrawledbackintodeepershade.‘HestandsafairchanceofbeingspittedforanOrc,orofbeing
roastedbytheYellowFace.ButIfancyhe’lllookafterhimself.’HelaydownbesideFrodoandbegantodoze.
Hewoke,thinkingthathehadheardhornsblowing.Hesatup.Itwasnowhighnoon.Theguardsstoodalertandtenseintheshadowofthetrees.Suddenlythehornsrangoutlouderandbeyondmistakefromabove,overthetopoftheslope.Samthought
thatheheardcriesandwildshoutingalso,butthesoundwasfaint,asifitcameoutofsomedistantcave.Thenpresentlythenoiseoffightingbrokeoutnearathand,justabovetheirhiding-place.Hecouldhearplainlytheringinggrateofsteelonsteel,theclangofswordonironcap,thedullbeatofbladeonshield;menwereyellingandscreaming,andoneclearloud
voicewascallingGondor!Gondor!
‘Itsoundslikeahundredblacksmithsallsmithyingtogether,’saidSamtoFrodo.‘They’reasnearasIwantthemnow.’
Butthenoisegrewcloser.‘Theyarecoming!’criedDamrod.‘See!SomeoftheSouthronshavebrokenfrom
thetrapandareflyingfromtheroad.Theretheygo!Ourmenafterthem,andtheCaptainleading.’
Sam,eagertoseemore,wentnowandjoinedtheguards.Hescrambledalittlewayupintooneofthelargerofthebay-trees.Foramomenthecaughtaglimpseofswarthymeninredrunningdowntheslopesomewayoffwithgreen-clad
warriorsleapingafterthem,hewingthemdownastheyfled.Arrowswerethickintheair.Thensuddenlystraightovertherimoftheirshelteringbank,amanfell,crashingthroughtheslendertrees,nearlyontopofthem.Hecametorestinthefernafewfeetaway,facedownward,greenarrow-feathersstickingfromhisneckbelowagoldencollar.
Hisscarletrobesweretattered,hiscorsletofoverlappingbrazenplateswasrentandhewn,hisblackplaitsofhairbraidedwithgoldweredrenchedwithblood.Hisbrownhandstillclutchedthehiltofabrokensword.
ItwasSam’sfirstviewofabattleofMenagainstMen,andhedidnotlikeitmuch.Hewasgladthathecouldnot
seethedeadface.Hewonderedwhattheman’snamewasandwherehecamefrom;andifhewasreallyevilofheart,orwhatliesorthreatshadledhimonthelongmarchfromhishome;andifhewouldnotreallyratherhavestayedthereinpeace–allinaflashofthoughtwhichwasquicklydrivenfromhismind.ForjustasMablungsteppedtowards
thefallenbody,therewasanewnoise.Greatcryingandshouting.AmidstitSamheardashrillbellowingortrumpeting.Andthenagreatthuddingandbumping,likehugeramsdinningontheground.
‘Ware!Ware!’criedDamrodtohiscompanion.‘MaytheValarturnhimaside!Mûmak!Mûmak!’
Tohisastonishmentand
terror,andlastingdelight,Samsawavastshapecrashoutofthetreesandcomecareeringdowntheslope.Bigasahouse,muchbiggerthanahouse,itlookedtohim,agrey-cladmovinghill.Fearandwonder,maybe,enlargedhiminthehobbit’seyes,buttheMûmakofHaradwasindeedabeastofvastbulk,andthelikeofhimdoesnotwalknowinMiddle-earth;
hiskinthatlivestillinlatterdaysarebutmemoriesofhisgirthandmajesty.Onhecame,straighttowardsthewatchers,andthenswervedasideinthenickoftime,passingonlyafewyardsaway,rockingthegroundbeneaththeirfeet:hisgreatlegsliketrees,enormoussail-likeearsspreadout,longsnoutupraisedlikeahugeserpentabouttostrike,his
smallredeyesraging.Hisupturnedhornliketuskswereboundwithbandsofgoldanddrippedwithblood.Histrappingsofscarletandgoldflappedabouthiminwildtatters.Theruinsofwhatseemedaverywar-towerlayuponhisheavingback,smashedinhisfuriouspassagethroughthewoods;andhighuponhisneckstilldesperatelyclungatiny
figure–thebodyofamightywarrior,agiantamongtheSwertings.
Onthegreatbeastthundered,blunderinginblindwraththroughpoolandthicket.Arrowsskippedandsnappedharmlesslyaboutthetriplehideofhisflanks.Menofbothsidesfledbeforehim,butmanyheovertookandcrushedtotheground.Soonhewaslosttoview,still
trumpetingandstampingfaraway.WhatbecameofhimSamneverheard:whetherheescapedtoroamthewildforatime,untilheperishedfarfromhishomeorwastrappedinsomedeeppit;orwhetherheragedonuntilheplungedintheGreatRiverandwasswallowedup.
Samdrewadeepbreath.
‘AnOliphauntitwas!’hesaid.‘SothereareOliphaunts,andIhaveseenone.Whatalife!Butnooneathomewilleverbelieveme.Well,ifthat’sover,I’llhaveabitofsleep.’
‘Sleepwhileyoumay,’saidMablung.‘ButtheCaptainwillreturn,ifheisunhurt;andwhenhecomesweshalldepartswiftly.Weshallbepursuedassoonas
newsofourdeedreachestheEnemy,andthatwillnotbelong.’
‘Goquietlywhenyoumust!’saidSam.‘Noneedtodisturbmysleep.Iwaswalkingallnight.’
Mablunglaughed.‘IdonotthinktheCaptainwillleaveyouhere,MasterSamwise,’hesaid.‘Butyoushallsee.’
Chapter5
THEWINDOWONTHEWEST
ItseemedtoSamthathehadonlydozedforafewminuteswhenheawoketofindthatitwaslateafternoonandFaramirhadcomeback.Hehadbroughtmanymenwith
him;indeedallthesurvivorsoftheforaywerenowgatheredontheslopenearby,twoorthreehundredstrong.Theysatinawidesemicircle,betweenthearmsofwhichFaramirwasseatedontheground,whileFrodostoodbeforehim.Itlookedstrangelylikethetrialofaprisoner.
Samcreptoutfromthefern,butnoonepaidany
attentiontohim,andheplacedhimselfattheendoftherowsofmen,wherehecouldseeandhearallthatwasgoingon.Hewatchedandlistenedintently,readytodashtohismaster’saidifneeded.HecouldseeFaramir’sface,whichwasnowunmasked:itwassternandcommanding,andakeenwitlaybehindhissearchingglance.Doubtwasinthegrey
eyesthatgazedsteadilyatFrodo.
SamsoonbecameawarethattheCaptainwasnotsatisfiedwithFrodo’saccountofhimselfatseveralpoints:whatparthehadtoplayintheCompanythatsetoutfromRivendell;whyhehadleftBoromir;andwherehewasnowgoing.InparticularhereturnedoftentoIsildur’sBane.Plainlyhesawthat
Frodowasconcealingfromhimsomematterofgreatimportance.
‘ButitwasatthecomingoftheHalflingthatIsildur’sBaneshouldwaken,orsoonemustreadthewords,’heinsisted.‘IfthenyouaretheHalflingthatwasnamed,doubtlessyoubroughtthisthing,whateveritmaybe,totheCouncilofwhichyouspeak,andthereBoromirsaw
it.Doyoudenyit?’Frodomadenoanswer.
‘So!’saidFaramir.‘Iwishthentolearnfromyoumoreofit;forwhatconcernsBoromirconcernsme.Anorc-arrowslewIsildur,sofarasoldtalestell.Butorc-arrowsareplenty,andthesightofonewouldnotbetakenasasignofDoombyBoromirofGondor.Hadyouthisthinginkeeping?Itis
hidden,yousay;butisnotthatbecauseyouchoosetohideit?’
‘No,notbecauseIchoose,’answeredFrodo.‘Itdoesnotbelongtome.Itdoesnotbelongtoanymortal,greatorsmall;thoughifanycouldclaimit,itwouldbeAragornsonofArathorn,whomInamed,theleaderofourCompanyfromMoriatoRauros.’
‘Whyso,andnotBoromir,princeoftheCitythatthesonsofElendilfounded?’
‘BecauseAragornisdescendedindirectlineage,fathertofather,fromIsildurElendil’ssonhimself.AndtheswordthathebearswasElendil’ssword.’
Amurmurofastonishmentranthroughalltheringofmen.Somecried
aloud:‘TheswordofElendil!TheswordofElendilcomestoMinasTirith!Greattidings!’ButFaramir’sfacewasunmoved.
‘Maybe,’hesaid.‘Butsogreataclaimwillneedtobeestablished,andclearproofswillberequired,shouldthisAragornevercometoMinasTirith.Hehadnotcome,noranyofyourCompany,whenIsetoutsixdaysago.’
‘Boromirwassatisfiedofthatclaim,’saidFrodo.‘Indeed,ifBoromirwerehere,hewouldanswerallyourquestions.AndsincehewasalreadyatRaurosmanydaysback,andintendedthentogostraighttoyourcity,ifyoureturn,youmaysoonlearntheanswersthere.MypartintheCompanywasknowntohim,astoalltheothers,foritwasappointedto
mebyElrondofImladrishimselfbeforethewholeCouncil.OnthaterrandIcameintothiscountry,butitisnotminetorevealtoanyoutsidetheCompany.YetthosewhoclaimtoopposetheEnemywoulddowellnottohinderit.’
Frodo’stonewasproud,whateverhefelt,andSamapprovedofit;butitdidnotappeaseFaramir.
‘So!’hesaid.‘Youbidmemindmyownaffairs,andgetmebackhome,andletyoube.Boromirwilltellall,whenhecomes.Whenhecomes,sayyou!WereyouafriendofBoromir?’
VividlybeforeFrodo’smindcamethememoryofBoromir’sassaultuponhim,andforamomenthehesitated.Faramir’seyeswatchinghimgrewharder.
‘BoromirwasavaliantmemberofourCompany,’saidFrodoatlength.‘Yes,Iwashisfriend,formypart.’
Faramirsmiledgrimly.‘ThenyouwouldgrievetolearnthatBoromirisdead?’
‘Iwouldgrieveindeed,’saidFrodo.ThencatchingthelookinFaramir’seyes,hefaltered.‘Dead?’hesaid.‘Doyoumeanthatheisdead,andthatyouknewit?Youhave
beentryingtotrapmeinwords,playingwithme?Orareyounowtryingtosnaremewithafalsehood?’
‘Iwouldnotsnareevenanorcwithafalsehood,’saidFaramir.
‘Howthendidhedie,andhowdoyouknowofit?SinceyousaythatnoneoftheCompanyhadreachedthecitywhenyouleft.’
‘Astothemannerofhis
death,Ihadhopedthathisfriendandcompanionwouldtellmehowitwas.’
‘Buthewasaliveandstrongwhenweparted.AndhelivesstillforallthatIknow.Thoughsurelytherearemanyperilsintheworld.’
‘Manyindeed,’saidFaramir,‘andtreacherynottheleast.’
Samhadbeengettingmoreandmoreimpatientandangryatthisconversation.Theselastwordsweremorethanhecouldbear,andburstingintothemiddleofthering,hestrodeuptohismaster’sside.
‘Beggingyourpardon,Mr.Frodo,’hesaid,‘butthishasgoneonlongenough.He’snorighttotalktoyouso.Afterallyou’vegone
through,asmuchforhisgoodandallthesegreatMenasforanyoneelse.
‘Seehere,Captain!’HeplantedhimselfsquarelyinfrontofFaramir,hishandsonhiships,andalookonhisfaceasifhewasaddressingayounghobbitwhohadofferedhimwhathecalled‘sauce’whenquestionedaboutvisitstotheorchard.Therewassomemurmuring,
butalsosomegrinsonthefacesofthemenlookingon:thesightoftheirCaptainsittingonthegroundandeyetoeyewithayounghobbit,legswellapart,bristlingwithwrath,wasonebeyondtheirexperience.‘Seehere!’hesaid.‘Whatareyoudrivingat?Let’scometothepointbeforealltheOrcsofMordorcomedownonus!Ifyouthinkmymastermurdered
thisBoromirandthenranaway,you’vegotnosense;butsayit,andhavedone!Andthenletusknowwhatyoumeantodoaboutit.Butit’sapitythatfolkastalkaboutfightingtheEnemycan’tletothersdotheirbitintheirownwaywithoutinterfering.He’dbemightypleased,ifhecouldseeyounow.Thinkhe’dgotanewfriend,hewould.’
‘Patience!’saidFaramir,butwithoutanger.‘Donotspeakbeforeyourmaster,whosewitisgreaterthanyours.AndIdonotneedanytoteachmeofourperil.Evenso,Ispareabrieftime,inordertojudgejustlyinahardmatter.WereIashastyasyou,Imighthaveslainyoulongago.ForIamcommandedtoslayallwhomIfindinthislandwithoutthe
leaveoftheLordofGondor.ButIdonotslaymanorbeastneedlessly,andnotgladlyevenwhenitisneeded.NeitherdoItalkinvain.Sobecomforted.Sitbyyourmaster,andbesilent!’
Samsatdownheavilywitharedface.FaramirturnedtoFrodoagain.‘YouaskedhowdoIknowthatthesonofDenethorisdead.Tidingsofdeathhavemany
wings.Nightoftbringsnewstonearkindred,’tissaid.Boromirwasmybrother.’
Ashadowofsorrowpassedoverhisface.‘DoyourememberaughtofspecialmarkthattheLordBoromirborewithhimamonghisgear?’
Frodothoughtforamoment,fearingsomefurthertrap,andwonderinghowthisdebatewouldturnintheend.
HehadhardlysavedtheRingfromtheproudgraspofBoromir,andhowhewouldfarenowamongsomanymen,warlikeandstrong,hedidnotknow.YethefeltinhisheartthatFaramir,thoughhewasmuchlikehisbrotherinlooks,wasamanlessself-regarding,bothsternerandwiser.‘IrememberthatBoromirboreahorn,’hesaidatlast.
‘Yourememberwell,andasonewhohasintruthseenhim,’saidFaramir.‘Thenmaybeyoucanseeitinyourmind’seye:agreathornofthewildoxoftheEast,boundwithsilver,andwrittenwithancientcharacters.Thathorntheeldestsonofourhousehasborneformanygenerations;anditissaidthatifitbeblownatneedanywherewithinthebounds
ofGondor,astherealmwasofold,itsvoicewillnotpassunheeded.
‘FivedaysereIsetoutonthisventure,elevendaysagoataboutthishouroftheday,Iheardtheblowingofthathorn:fromthenorthwarditseemed,butdim,asifitwerebutanechointhemind.Abodingofillwethoughtit,myfatherandI,fornotidingshadweheardofBoromir
sincehewentaway,andnowatcheronourbordershadseenhimpass.Andonthethirdnightafteranotherandastrangerthingbefellme.
‘IsatatnightbythewatersofAnduin,inthegreydarkundertheyoungpalemoon,watchingtheever-movingstream;andthesadreedswererustling.SodoweeverwatchtheshoresnighOsgiliath,whichourenemies
nowpartlyhold,andissuefromittoharryourlands.Butthatnightalltheworldsleptatthemidnighthour.ThenIsaw,oritseemedthatIsaw,aboatfloatingonthewater,glimmeringgrey,asmallboatofastrangefashionwithahighprow,andtherewasnonetoroworsteerit.
‘Anawefellonme,forapalelightwasroundit.ButIroseandwenttothebank,
andbegantowalkoutintothestream,forIwasdrawntowardsit.Thentheboatturnedtowardsme,andstayeditspace,andfloatedslowlybywithinmyhand’sreach,yetIdurstnothandleit.Itwadeddeep,asifitwereheavilyburdened,anditseemedtomeasitpassedundermygazethatitwasalmostfilledwithclearwater,fromwhichcamethelight;
andlappedinthewaterawarriorlayasleep.
‘Abrokenswordwasonhisknee.Isawmanywoundsonhim.ItwasBoromir,mybrother,dead.Iknewhisgear,hissword,hisbelovedface.OnethingonlyImissed:hishorn.OnethingonlyIknewnot:afairbelt,asitwereoflinkedgoldenleaves,abouthiswaist.Boromir!Icried.Whereisthyhorn?
Whithergoestthou?OBoromir!Buthewasgone.Theboatturnedintothestreamandpassedglimmeringonintothenight.Dreamlikeitwas,andyetnodream,fortherewasnowaking.AndIdonotdoubtthatheisdeadandhaspasseddowntheRivertotheSea.’
‘Alas!’saidFrodo.‘That
wasindeedBoromirasIknewhim.ForthegoldenbeltwasgiventohiminLothlórienbytheLadyGaladriel.Sheitwasthatclothedusasyouseeus,inelven-grey.Thisbroochisofthesameworkmanship.’Hetouchedthegreenandsilverleafthatfastenedhiscloakbeneathhisthroat.
Faramirlookedcloselyatit.‘Itisbeautiful,’hesaid.
‘Yes,’tisworkofthesamecraft.SothenyoupassedthroughtheLandofLórien?Laurelindórenanitwasnamedofold,butlongnowithaslainbeyondtheknowledgeofMen,’headdedsoftly,regardingFrodowithanewwonderinhiseyes.‘MuchthatwasstrangeaboutyouIbeginnowtounderstand.Willyounottellmemore?Foritisabitter
thoughtthatBoromirdied,withinsightofthelandofhishome.’
‘NomorecanIsaythanIhavesaid,’answeredFrodo.‘Thoughyourtalefillsmewithforeboding.Avisionitwasthatyousaw,Ithink,andnomore,someshadowofevilfortunethathasbeenorwillbe.UnlessindeeditissomelyingtrickoftheEnemy.Ihaveseenthefacesoffair
warriorsofoldlaidinsleepbeneaththepoolsoftheDeadMarshes,orseemingsobyhisfoularts.’
‘Nay,itwasnotso,’saidFaramir.‘Forhisworksfilltheheartwithloathing;butmyheartwasfilledwithgriefandpity.’
‘Yethowcouldsuchathinghavehappenedintruth?’askedFrodo.‘Fornoboatcouldhavebeencarried
overthestonyhillsfromTolBrandir;andBoromirpurposedtogohomeacrosstheEntwashandthefieldsofRohan.Andyethowcouldanyvesselridethefoamofthegreatfallsandnotfounderintheboilingpools,thoughladenwithwater?’
‘Iknownot,’saidFaramir.‘Butwhencecametheboat?’
‘FromLórien,’saidFrodo.
‘InthreesuchboatsweroweddownAnduintotheFalls.Theyalsowereofelven-work.’
‘YoupassedthroughtheHiddenLand,’saidFaramir,‘butitseemsthatyoulittleunderstooditspower.IfMenhavedealingswiththeMistressofMagicwhodwellsintheGoldenWood,thentheymaylookforstrangethingstofollow.For
itisperilousformortalmantowalkoutoftheworldofthisSun,andfewofoldcamethenceunchanged,’tissaid.
‘Boromir,OBoromir!’hecried.‘Whatdidshesaytoyou,theLadythatdiesnot?Whatdidshesee?Whatwokeinyourheartthen?WhywentyouevertoLaurelindórenan,andcamenotbyyourownroad,uponthehorsesofRohanridinghomeinthe
morning?’Thenturningagainto
Frodo,hespokeinaquietvoiceoncemore.‘TothosequestionsIguessthatyoucouldmakesomeanswer,FrodosonofDrogo.Butnothereornow,maybe.Butlestyoustillshouldthinkmytaleavision,Iwilltellyouthis.ThehornofBoromiratleastreturnedintruth,andnotinseeming.Thehorncame,but
itwasclovenintwo,asitwerebyaxeorsword.Theshardscameseverallytoshore:onewasfoundamongthereedswherewatchersofGondorlay,northwardsbelowtheinfallsoftheEntwash;theotherwasfoundspinningonthefloodbyonewhohadanerrandonthewater.Strangechances,butmurderwillout,’tissaid.
‘Andnowthehornofthe
eldersonliesintwopiecesuponthelapofDenethor,sittinginhishighchair,waitingfornews.Andyoucantellmenothingofthecleavingofthehorn?’
‘No,Ididnotknowofit,’saidFrodo.‘Butthedaywhenyouhearditblowing,ifyourreckoningistrue,wasthedaywhenweparted,whenIandmyservantlefttheCompany.Andnowyour
talefillsmewithdread.ForifBoromirwastheninperilandwasslain,Imustfearthatallmycompanionsperishedtoo.Andtheyweremykindredandmyfriends.
‘Willyounotputasideyourdoubtofmeandletmego?Iamweary,andfullofgrief,andafraid.ButIhaveadeedtodo,ortoattempt,beforeItooamslain.Andthemoreneedofhaste,ifwetwo
halflingsareallthatremainofourfellowship.
‘Goback,Faramir,valiantCaptainofGondor,anddefendyourcitywhileyoumay,andletmegowheremydoomtakesme.’
‘Formethereisnocomfortinourspeechtogether,’saidFaramir;‘butyousurelydrawfromitmoredreadthanneedbe.UnlessthepeopleofLórien
themselvescametohim,whoarrayedBoromirasforafuneral?NotOrcsorservantsoftheNameless.SomeofyourCompany,Iguess,livestill.
‘ButwhateverbefellontheNorthMarch,you,Frodo,Idoubtnolonger.IfharddayshavemademeanyjudgeofMen’swordsandfaces,thenImaymakeaguessatHalflings!Though,’andnow
hesmiled,‘thereissomethingstrangeaboutyou,Frodo,anElvishair,maybe.ButmoreliesuponourwordstogetherthanIthoughtatfirst.IshouldnowtakeyoubacktoMinasTirithtoanswertheretoDenethor,andmylifewilljustlybeforfeit,ifInowchooseacoursethatprovesillformycity.SoIwillnotdecideinhastewhatistobedone.Yetwemustmove
hencewithoutmoredelay.’Hesprangtohisfeetand
issuedsomeorders.Atoncethemenwhoweregatheredroundhimbrokeupintosmallgroups,andwentoffthiswayandthat,vanishingquicklyintotheshadowsoftherocksandtrees.SoononlyMablungandDamrodremained.
‘Nowyou,FrodoandSamwise,willcomewithme
andmyguards,’saidFaramir.‘Youcannotgoalongtheroadsouthwards,ifthatwasyourpurpose.Itwillbeunsafeforsomedays,andalwaysmorecloselywatchedafterthisaffraythanithasbeenyet.Andyoucannot,Ithink,gofartodayinanycase,foryouareweary.Andsoarewe.Wearegoingnowtoasecretplacewehave,somewhatlessthantenmiles
fromhere.TheOrcsandspiesoftheEnemyhavenotfoundityet,andiftheydid,wecouldholditlongevenagainstmany.Therewemaylieupandrestforawhile,andyouwithus.InthemorningIwilldecidewhatisbestformetodo,andforyou.’
Therewasnothingfor
Frodotodobuttofallinwiththisrequest,ororder.Itseemedinanycaseawisecourseforthemoment,sincethisforayofthemenofGondorhadmadeajourneyinIthilienmoredangerousthanever.
Theysetoutatonce:MablungandDamrodalittleahead,andFaramirwithFrodoandSambehind.Skirtingthehithersideofthe
poolwherethehobbitshadbathed,theycrossedthestream,climbedalongbank,andpassedintogreen-shadowedwoodlandsthatmarchedeverdownwardsandwestwards.Whiletheywalked,asswiftlyasthehobbitscouldgo,theytalkedinhushedvoices.
‘Ibrokeoffourspeechtogether,’saidFaramir,‘notonlybecausetimepressed,as
MasterSamwisehadremindedme,butalsobecauseweweredrawingneartomattersthatwerebetternotdebatedopenlybeforemanymen.ItwasforthatreasonthatIturnedrathertothematterofmybrotherandletbeIsildur’sBane.Youwerenotwhollyfrankwithme,Frodo.’
‘Itoldnolies,andofthetruthallIcould,’saidFrodo.
‘Idonotblameyou,’saidFaramir.‘Youspokewithskillinahardplace,andwisely,itseemedtome.ButIlearnedorguessedmorefromyouthanyourwordssaid.YouwerenotfriendlywithBoromir,oryoudidnotpartinfriendship.You,andMasterSamwise,too,Iguesshavesomegrievance.NowIlovedhimdearly,andwouldgladlyavengehisdeath,yetI
knewhimwell.Isildur’sBane–IwouldhazardthatIsildur’sBanelaybetweenyouandwasacauseofcontentioninyourCompany.Clearlyitisamightyheirloomofsomesort,andsuchthingsdonotbreedpeaceamongconfederates,notifaughtmaybelearnedfromancienttales.DoInothitnearthemark?’
‘Near,’saidFrodo,‘but
notinthegold.TherewasnocontentioninourCompany,thoughtherewasdoubt:doubtwhichwayweshouldtakefromtheEmynMuil.Butbethatasitmay,ancienttalesteachusalsotheperilofrashwordsconcerningsuchthingsas–heirlooms.’
‘Ah,thenitisasIthought:yourtroublewaswithBoromiralone.HewishedthisthingbroughttoMinas
Tirith.Alas!itisacrookedfatethatsealsyourlipswhosawhimlast,andholdsfrommethatwhichIlongtoknow:whatwasinhisheartandthoughtinhislatesthours.Whetherheerredorno,ofthisIamsure:hediedwell,achievingsomegoodthing.Hisfacewasmorebeautifuleventhaninlife.
‘But,Frodo,IpressedyouhardatfirstaboutIsildur’s
Bane.Forgiveme!Itwasunwiseinsuchanhourandplace.Ihadnothadtimeforthought.Wehadhadahardfight,andtherewasmorethanenoughtofillmymind.ButevenasIspokewithyou,Idrewnearertothemark,andsodeliberatelyshotwider.ForyoumustknowthatmuchisstillpreservedofancientloreamongtheRulersofthecitythatisnotspreadabroad.
WeofmyhousearenotofthelineofElendil,thoughthebloodofNúmenorisinus.ForwereckonbackourlinetoMardil,thegoodsteward,whoruledintheking’ssteadwhenhewentawaytowar.AndthatwasKingEa¨rnur,lastofthelineofAnárion,andchildless,andhecameneverback.Andthestewardshavegovernedthecitysincethatday,thoughitwasmany
generationsofMenago.‘AndthisIrememberof
Boromirasaboy,whenwetogetherlearnedthetaleofoursiresandthehistoryofourcity,thatalwaysitdispleasedhimthathisfatherwasnotking.‘‘Howmanyhundredsofyearsneedsittomakeastewardaking,ifthekingreturnsnot?’’heasked.‘‘Fewyears,maybe,inotherplacesoflessroyalty,’’my
fatheranswered.‘‘InGondortenthousandyearswouldnotsuffice.’’Alas!poorBoromir.Doesthatnottellyousomethingofhim?’
‘Itdoes,’saidFrodo.‘YetalwayshetreatedAragornwithhonour.’
‘Idoubtitnot,’saidFaramir.‘IfheweresatisfiedofAragorn’sclaim,asyousay,hewouldgreatlyreverencehim.Butthepinch
hadnotyetcome.TheyhadnotyetreachedMinasTirithorbecomerivalsinherwars.
‘ButIstray.WeinthehouseofDenethorknowmuchancientlorebylongtradition,andtherearemoreoverinourtreasuriesmanythingspreserved:booksandtabletswritonwitheredparchments,yea,andonstone,andonleavesofsilverandofgold,indivers
characters.Somenonecannowread;andfortherest,feweverunlockthem.Icanreadalittleinthem,forIhavehadteaching.ItwastheserecordsthatbroughttheGreyPilgrimtous.IfirstsawhimwhenIwasachild,andhehasbeentwiceorthricesincethen.’
‘TheGreyPilgrim?’saidFrodo.‘Hadheaname?’
‘Mithrandirwecalledhim
inelf-fashion,’saidFaramir,‘andhewascontent.Manyaremynamesinmanycountries,hesaid.MithrandiramongtheElves,TharkûntotheDwarves;OlórinIwasinmyyouthintheWestthatisforgotten,intheSouthIncánus,intheNorthGandalf;totheEastIgonot.’
‘Gandalf!’saidFrodo.‘Ithoughtitwashe.GandalftheGrey,dearestofcounsellors.
LeaderofourCompany.HewaslostinMoria.’
‘Mithrandirwaslost!’saidFaramir.‘Anevilfateseemstohavepursuedyourfellowship.Itishardindeedtobelievethatoneofsogreatwisdom,andofpower–formanywonderfulthingshedidamongus–couldperish,andsomuchlorebetakenfromtheworld.Areyousureofthis,andthathedidnotjust
leaveyouanddepartwherehewould?’
‘Alas!yes,’saidFrodo.‘Isawhimfallintotheabyss.’
‘Iseethatthereissomegreattaleofdreadinthis,’saidFaramir,‘whichperhapsyoumaytellmeintheevening-time.ThisMithrandirwas,Inowguess,morethanalore-master:agreatmoverofthedeedsthataredoneinourtime.Hadhe
beenamongustoconsultconcerningthehardwordsofourdream,hecouldhavemadethemcleartouswithoutneedofmessenger.Yet,maybe,hewouldnothavedoneso,andthejourneyofBoromirwasdoomed.Mithrandirneverspoketousofwhatwastobe,nordidherevealhispurposes.HegotleaveofDenethor,howIdonotknow,tolookatthe
secretsofourtreasury,andIlearnedalittleofhim,whenhewouldteach(andthatwasseldom).EverhewouldsearchandwouldquestionusaboveallelseconcerningtheGreatBattlethatwasfoughtuponDagorladinthebeginningofGondor,whenHewhomwedonotnamewasoverthrown.AndhewaseagerforstoriesofIsildur,thoughofhimwehadlessto
tell;fornothingcertainwaseverknownamongusofhisend.’
NowFaramir’svoicesanktoawhisper.‘ButthismuchIlearned,orguessed,andIhavekeptiteversecretinmyheartsince:thatIsildurtooksomewhatfromthehandoftheUnnamed,erehewentawayfromGondor,nevertobeseenamongmortalmenagain.HereIthoughtwasthe
answertoMithrandir’squestioning.Butitseemedthenamatterthatconcernedonlytheseekersafterancientlearning.Norwhentheriddlingwordsofourdreamweredebatedamongus,didIthinkofIsildur’sBaneasbeingthissamething.ForIsildurwasambushedandslainbyorc-arrows,accordingtotheonlylegendthatweknew,andMithrandir
hadnevertoldmemore.‘WhatintruththisThing
isIcannotyetguess;butsomeheirloomofpowerandperilitmustbe.Afellweapon,perchance,devisedbytheDarkLord.Ifitwereathingthatgaveadvantageinbattle,IcanwellbelievethatBoromir,theproudandfearless,oftenrash,everanxiousforthevictoryofMinasTirith(andhisown
glorytherein),mightdesiresuchathingandbealluredbyit.Alasthateverhewentonthaterrand!Ishouldhavebeenchosenbymyfatherandtheelders,butheputhimselfforward,asbeingtheolderandthehardier(bothtrue),andhewouldnotbestayed.
‘Butfearnomore!Iwouldnottakethisthing,ifitlaybythehighway.NotwereMinasTirithfallinginruin
andIalonecouldsaveher,so,usingtheweaponoftheDarkLordforhergoodandmyglory.No,Idonotwishforsuchtriumphs,FrodosonofDrogo.’
‘NeitherdidtheCouncil,’saidFrodo.‘NordoI.Iwouldhavenothingtodowithsuchmatters.’
‘Formyself,’saidFaramir,‘IwouldseetheWhiteTreeinfloweragainin
thecourtsofthekings,andtheSilverCrownreturn,andMinasTirithinpeace:MinasAnoragainasofold,fulloflight,highandfair,beautifulasaqueenamongotherqueens:notamistressofmanyslaves,nay,notevenakindmistressofwillingslaves.Warmustbe,whilewedefendourlivesagainstadestroyerwhowoulddevourall;butIdonotlovethe
brightswordforitssharpness,northearrowforitsswiftness,northewarriorforhisglory.Iloveonlythatwhichtheydefend:thecityoftheMenofNúmenor;andIwouldhaveherlovedforhermemory,herancientry,herbeauty,andherpresentwisdom.Notfeared,saveasmenmayfearthedignityofaman,oldandwise.
‘Sofearmenot!Idonot
askyoutotellmemore.IdonotevenaskyoutotellmewhetherInowspeaknearerthemark.Butifyouwilltrustme,itmaybethatIcanadviseyouinyourpresentquest,whateverthatbe–yes,andevenaidyou.’
Frodomadenoanswer.Almostheyieldedtothedesireforhelpandcounsel,totellthisgraveyoungman,whosewordsseemedsowise
andfair,allthatwasinhismind.Butsomethingheldhimback.Hisheartwasheavywithfearandsorrow:ifheandSamwereindeed,asseemedlikely,allthatwasnowleftoftheNineWalkers,thenhewasinsolecommandofthesecretoftheirerrand.Bettermistrustundeservedthanrashwords.AndthememoryofBoromir,ofthedreadfulchangethatthelure
oftheRinghadworkedinhim,wasverypresenttohismind,whenhelookedatFaramirandlistenedtohisvoice:unliketheywere,andyetalsomuchakin.
Theywalkedoninsilenceforawhile,passinglikegreyandgreenshadowsundertheoldtrees,theirfeetmakingnosound;abovethemmany
birdssang,andthesunglistenedonthepolishedroofofdarkleavesintheevergreenwoodsofIthilien.
Samhadtakennopartintheconversation,thoughhehadlistened;andatthesametimehehadattendedwithhiskeenhobbitearstoallthesoftwoodlandnoisesaboutthem.Onethinghehadnoted,thatinallthetalkthenameofGollumhadnotoncecome
up.Hewasglad,thoughhefeltthatitwastoomuchtohopethathewouldneverhearitagain.Hesoonbecameawarealsothatthoughtheywalkedalone,thereweremanymencloseathand:notonlyDamrodandMablungflittinginandoutoftheshadowsahead,butothersoneitherside,allmakingtheirswiftsecretwaytosomeappointedplace.
Once,lookingsuddenlyback,asifsomeprickleoftheskintoldhimthathewaswatchedfrombehind,hethoughthecaughtabriefglimpseofasmalldarkshapeslippingbehindatree-trunk.Heopenedhismouthtospeakandshutitagain.‘I’mnotsureofit,’hesaidtohimself,‘andwhyshouldIremindthemoftheoldvillain,iftheychoosetoforgethim?IwishI
could!’
Sotheypassedon,untilthewoodlandsgrewthinnerandthelandbegantofallmoresteeply.Thentheyturnedasideagain,totheright,andcamequicklytoasmallriverinanarrowgorge:itwasthesamestreamthattrickledfaraboveoutoftheroundpool,nowgrowntoa
swifttorrent,leapingdownovermanystonesinadeep-clovenbed,overhungwithilexanddarkbox-woods.Lookingwesttheycouldsee,belowtheminahazeoflight,lowlandsandbroadmeads,andglintingfaroffinthewesteringsunthewidewatersoftheAnduin.
‘Here,alas!Imustdoyouadiscourtesy,’saidFaramir.‘Ihopeyouwillpardonitto
onewhohassofarmadehisordersgivewaytocourtesyasnottoslayyouortobindyou.Butitisacommandthatnostranger,notevenoneofRohanthatfightswithus,shallseethepathwenowgowithopeneyes.Imustblindfoldyou.’
‘Asyouwill,’saidFrodo.‘EventheElvesdolikewiseatneed,andblindfoldedwecrossedthebordersoffair
Lothlórien.Gimlithedwarftookitill,butthehobbitsenduredit.’
‘ItistonoplacesofairthatIshallleadyou,’saidFaramir.
‘ButIamgladthatyouwilltakethiswillinglyandnotbyforce.’
HecalledsoftlyandimmediatelyMablungandDamrodsteppedoutofthetreesandcamebacktohim.
‘Blindfoldtheseguests,’saidFaramir.‘Securely,butnotsoastodiscomfortthem.Donottietheirhands.Theywillgivetheirwordnottotryandsee.Icouldtrustthemtoshuttheireyesoftheirownaccord,buteyeswillblink,ifthefeetstumble.Leadthemsothattheydonotfalter.’
Withgreenscarvesthetwoguardsnowboundupthehobbits’eyes,anddrewtheir
hoodsdownalmosttotheirmouths;thenquicklytheytookeachonebythehandandwentontheirway.AllthatFrodoandSamknewofthislastmileoftheroadtheylearnedfromguessinginthedark.Afteralittletheyfoundthattheywereonapathdescendingsteeply;soonitgrewsonarrowthattheywentinsinglefile,brushingastonywalloneitherside;
theirguardssteeredthemfrombehindwithhandslaidfirmlyontheirshoulders.Nowandagaintheycametoroughplacesandwereliftedfromtheirfeetforawhile,andthensetdownagain.Alwaysthenoiseoftherunningwaterwasontheirrighthand,anditgrewnearerandlouder.Atlengththeywerehalted.QuicklyMablungandDamrodturned
themabout,severaltimes,andtheylostallsenseofdirection.Theyclimbedupwardsalittle:itseemedcoldandthenoiseofthestreamhadbecomefaint.Thentheywerepickedupandcarrieddown,downmanysteps,androundacorner.Suddenlytheyheardthewateragain,loudnow,rushingandsplashing.Allroundthemitseemed,and
theyfeltafinerainontheirhandsandcheeks.Atlasttheyweresetontheirfeetoncemore.Foramomenttheystoodso,halffearful,blindfold,notknowingwheretheywere;andnoonespoke.
ThencamethevoiceofFaramirclosebehind.‘Letthemsee!’hesaid.Thescarveswereremovedandtheirhoodsdrawnback,andtheyblinkedandgasped.
Theystoodonawetfloorofpolishedstone,thedoorstep,asitwere,ofarough-hewngateofrockopeningdarkbehindthem.Butinfrontathinveilofwaterwashung,sonearthatFrodocouldhaveputanoutstretchedarmintoit.Itfacedwestward.Thelevelshaftsofthesettingsunbehindbeatuponit,andtheredlightwasbrokeninto
manyflickeringbeamsofever-changingcolour.Itwasasiftheystoodatthewindowofsomeelven-tower,curtainedwiththreadedjewelsofsilverandgold,andruby,sapphireandamethyst,allkindledwithanunconsumingfire.
‘Atleastbygoodchancewecameattherighthourto
rewardyouforyourpatience,’saidFaramir.‘ThisistheWindowoftheSunset,HennethAnnûn,fairestofallthefallsofIthilien,landofmanyfountains.Fewstrangershaveeverseenit.Butthereisnokinglyhallbehindtomatchit.Enternowandsee!’
Evenashespokethesunsank,andthefirefadedintheflowingwater.Theyturned
andpassedunderthelowforbiddingarch.Atoncetheyfoundthemselvesinarock-chamber,wideandrough,withanunevenstoopingroof.Afewtorcheswerekindledandcastadimlightontheglisteningwalls.Manymenwerealreadythere.Otherswerestillcominginbytwosandthreesthroughadarknarrowdoorononeside.Astheireyesgrewaccustomed
tothegloomthehobbitssawthatthecavewaslargerthantheyhadguessedandwasfilledwithgreatstoreofarmsandvictuals.
‘Well,hereisourrefuge,’saidFaramir.‘Notaplaceofgreatease,buthereyoumaypassthenightinpeace.Itisdryatleast,andthereisfood,thoughnofire.Atonetimethewaterfloweddownthroughthiscaveandoutof
thearch,butitscoursewaschangedfurtherupthegorge,byworkmenofold,andthestreamsentdowninafallofdoubledheightovertherocksfarabove.Allthewaysintothisgrotwerethensealedagainsttheentryofwateroraughtelse,allsaveone.Therearenowbuttwowaysout:thatpassageyonderbywhichyouenteredblindfold,andthroughtheWindow-curtain
intoadeepbowlfilledwithknivesofstone.Nowrestawhile,untiltheeveningmealisset.’
Thehobbitsweretakentoacornerandgivenalowbedtolieon,iftheywished.Meanwhilemenbusiedthemselvesaboutthecave,quietlyandinorderlyquickness.Lighttableswere
takenfromthewallsandsetupontrestlesandladenwithgear.Thiswasplainandunadornedforthemostpart,butallwellandfairlymade:roundplatters,bowlsanddishesofglazedbrownclayorturnedbox-wood,smoothandclean.Hereandtherewasacuporbasinofpolishedbronze;andagobletofplainsilverwassetbytheCaptain’sseatinthemiddle
oftheinmosttable.Faramirwentabout
amongthemen,questioningeachashecamein,inasoftvoice.SomecamebackfromthepursuitoftheSouthrons;others,leftbehindasscoutsneartheroad,cameinlatest.AlltheSouthronshadbeenaccountedfor,saveonlythegreatmûmak:whathappenedtohimnonecouldsay.Oftheenemynomovementcouldbe
seen;notevenanorc-spywasabroad.
‘Yousawandheardnothing,Anborn?’Faramiraskedofthelatestcomer.
‘Well,no,lord,’saidtheman.‘NoOrcatleast.ButIsaw,orthoughtIsaw,somethingalittlestrange.Itwasgettingdeepdusk,whentheeyesmakethingsgreaterthantheyshouldbe.Soperhapsitmayhavebeenno
morethanasquirrel.’Samprickeduphisearsatthis.‘Yetifso,itwasablacksquirrel,andIsawnotail.’Twaslikeashadowontheground,anditwhiskedbehindatree-trunkwhenIdrewnighandwentupaloftasswiftasanysquirrelcould.Youwillnothaveusslaywildbeastsfornopurpose,anditseemednomore,soItriednoarrow.Itwastoo
darkforsureshootinganyway,andthecreaturewasgoneintothegloomoftheleavesinatwinkling.ButIstayedforawhile,foritseemedstrange,andthenIhastenedback.IthoughtIheardthethinghissatmefromhighaboveasIturnedaway.Alargesquirrel,maybe.PerhapsundertheshadowoftheUnnamedsomeofthebeastsof
Mirkwoodarewanderinghithertoourwoods.Theyhaveblacksquirrelsthere,’tissaid.’
‘Perhaps,’saidFaramir.‘Butthatwouldbeanillomen,ifitwereso.WedonotwanttheescapesofMirkwoodinIthilien.’Samfanciedthathegaveaswiftglancetowardsthehobbitsashespoke;butSamsaidnothing.Forawhileheand
Frodolaybackandwatchedthetorchlight,andthemenmovingtoandfrospeakinginhushedvoices.ThensuddenlyFrodofellasleep.
Samstruggledwithhimself,arguingthiswayandthat.‘Hemaybeallright,’hethought,‘andthenhemaynot.Fairspeechmayhideafoulheart.’Heyawned.‘Icouldsleepforaweek,andI’dbebetterforit.Andwhat
canIdo,ifIdokeepawake,meallalone,andallthesegreatMenabout?Nothing,SamGamgee;butyou’vegottokeepawakeallthesame.’Andsomehowhemanagedit.Thelightfadedfromthecavedoor,andthegreyveiloffallingwatergrewdimandwaslostingatheringshadow.Alwaysthesoundofthewaterwenton,neverchangingitsnote,morningor
eveningornight.Itmurmuredandwhisperedofsleep.Samstuckhisknucklesinhiseyes.
Nowmoretorcheswerebeinglit.Acaskofwinewasbroached.Storagebarrelswerebeingopened.Menwerefetchingwaterfromthefall.Somewerelavingtheirhandsinbasins.Awidecopperbowlandawhiteclothwere
broughttoFaramirandhewashed.
‘Wakeourguests,’hesaid,‘andtakethemwater.Itistimetoeat.’
Frodosatupandyawnedandstretched.Sam,notusedtobeingwaitedon,lookedwithsomesurpriseatthetallmanwhobowed,holdingabasinofwaterbeforehim.
‘Putitontheground,master,ifyouplease!’he
said.‘Easierformeandyou.’ThentotheastonishmentandamusementoftheMenheplungedhisheadintothecoldwaterandsplashedhisneckandears.
‘Isitthecustominyourlandtowashtheheadbeforesupper?’saidthemanwhowaitedonthehobbits.
‘No,beforebreakfast,’saidSam.‘Butifyou’reshortofsleepcoldwateronthe
neck’slikerainonawiltedlettuce.There!NowIcankeepawakelongenoughtoeatabit.’
TheywereledthentoseatsbesideFaramir:barrelscoveredwithpeltsandhighenoughabovethebenchesoftheMenfortheirconvenience.Beforetheyate,Faramirandallhismenturnedandfacedwestinamomentofsilence.Faramir
signedtoFrodoandSamthattheyshoulddolikewise.
‘Sowealwaysdo,’hesaid,astheysatdown:‘welooktowardsNúmenorthatwas,andbeyondtoElvenhomethatis,andtothatwhichisbeyondElvenhomeandwilleverbe.Haveyounosuchcustomatmeat?’
‘No,’saidFrodo,feelingstrangelyrusticanduntutored.‘Butifweare
guests,webowtoourhost,andafterwehaveeatenweriseandthankhim.’
‘Thatwedoalso,’saidFaramir.
Aftersolongjourneyingandcamping,anddaysspentinthelonelywild,theeveningmealseemedafeasttothehobbits:todrinkpaleyellowwine,cooland
fragrant,andeatbreadandbutter,andsaltedmeats,anddriedfruits,andgoodredcheese,withcleanhandsandcleanknivesandplates.NeitherFrodonorSamrefusedanythingthatwasoffered,norasecond,norindeedathirdhelping.Thewinecoursedintheirveinsandtiredlimbs,andtheyfeltgladandeasyofheartastheyhadnotdonesincetheyleft
thelandofLórien.Whenallwasdone
Faramirledthemtoarecessatthebackofthecave,partlyscreenedbycurtains;andachairandtwostoolswerebroughtthere.Alittleearthenwarelampburnedinaniche.
‘Youmaysoondesiretosleep,’hesaid,‘andespeciallygoodSamwise,whowouldnotclosehiseyes
beforeheate–whetherforfearofbluntingtheedgeofanoblehunger,orforfearofme,Idonotknow.Butitisnotgoodtosleeptoosoonaftermeat,andthatfollowingafast.Letustalkawhile.OnyourjourneyfromRivendelltheremusthavebeenmanythingstotell.Andyou,too,wouldperhapswishtolearnsomethingofusandthelandswhereyounoware.Tellme
ofBoromirmybrother,andofoldMithrandir,andofthefairpeopleofLothlórien.’
Frodonolongerfeltsleepyandhewaswillingtotalk.Butthoughthefoodandwinehadputhimathisease,hehadnotlostallhiscaution.Samwasbeamingandhummingtohimself,butwhenFrodospokehewasatfirstcontenttolisten,onlyoccasionallyventuringto
makeanexclamationofagreement.
Frodotoldmanytales,yetalwayshesteeredthematterawayfromthequestoftheCompanyandfromtheRing,enlargingratheronthevaliantpartBoromirhadplayedinalltheiradventures,withthewolvesofthewild,inthesnowsunderCaradhras,andintheminesofMoriawhereGandalffell.Faramirwas
mostmovedbythestoryofthefightonthebridge.
‘ItmusthaveirkedBoromirtorunfromOrcs,’hesaid,‘orevenfromthefellthingyouname,theBalrog–eventhoughhewasthelasttoleave.’
‘Hewasthelast,’saidFrodo,‘butAragornwasforcedtoleadus.HealoneknewthewayafterGandalf’sfall.Buthadtherenotbeenus
lesserfolktocarefor,IdonotthinkthateitherheorBoromirwouldhavefled.’
‘Maybe,itwouldhavebeenbetterhadBoromirfallentherewithMithrandir,’saidFaramir,‘andnotgoneontothefatethatwaitedabovethefallsofRauros.’
‘Maybe.Buttellmenowofyourownfortunes,’saidFrodo,turningthematterasideonceagain.‘ForI
wouldlearnmoreofMinasIthilandOsgiliath,andMinasTiriththelong-enduring.Whathopehaveyouforthatcityinyourlongwar?’
‘Whathopehavewe?’saidFaramir.‘Itislongsincewehadanyhope.TheswordofElendil,ifitreturnsindeed,mayrekindleit,butIdonotthinkthatitwilldomorethanputofftheevilday,unlessotherhelpunlooked-foralso
comes,fromElvesorMen.FortheEnemyincreasesandwedecrease.Weareafailingpeople,aspringlessautumn.
‘TheMenofNúmenorweresettledfarandwideontheshoresandseawardregionsoftheGreatLands,butforthemostparttheyfellintoevilsandfollies.ManybecameenamouredoftheDarknessandtheblackarts;someweregivenoverwholly
toidlenessandease,andsomefoughtamongthemselves,untiltheywereconqueredintheirweaknessbythewildmen.
‘ItisnotsaidthatevilartswereeverpractisedinGondor,orthattheNamelessOnewasevernamedinhonourthere;andtheoldwisdomandbeautybroughtoutoftheWestremainedlongintherealmofthesons
ofElendiltheFair,andtheylingertherestill.YetevensoitwasGondorthatbroughtaboutitsowndecay,fallingbydegreesintodotage,andthinkingthattheEnemywasasleep,whowasonlybanishednotdestroyed.
‘Deathwaseverpresent,becausetheNúmenóreansstill,astheyhadintheiroldkingdom,andsolostit,hungeredafterendlesslife
unchanging.Kingsmadetombsmoresplendidthanhousesoftheliving,andcountedoldnamesintherollsoftheirdescentdearerthanthenamesofsons.Childlesslordssatinagedhallsmusingonheraldry;insecretchamberswitheredmencompoundedstrongelixirs,orinhighcoldtowersaskedquestionsofthestars.Andthelastkingofthelineof
Anárionhadnoheir.‘Butthestewardswere
wiserandmorefortunate.Wiser,fortheyrecruitedthestrengthofourpeoplefromthesturdyfolkofthesea-coast,andfromthehardymountaineersofEredNimrais.AndtheymadeatrucewiththeproudpeoplesoftheNorth,whooftenhadassailedus,menoffiercevalour,butourkinfromafar
off,unlikethewildEasterlingsorthecruelHaradrim.
‘SoitcametopassinthedaysofCiriontheTwelfthSteward(andmyfatheristhesixandtwentieth)thattheyrodetoouraidandatthegreatFieldofCelebranttheydestroyedourenemiesthathadseizedournorthernprovinces.ThesearetheRohirrim,aswenamethem,
mastersofhorses,andwecededtothemthefieldsofCalenardhonthataresincecalledRohan;forthatprovincehadlongbeensparselypeopled.Andtheybecameourallies,andhaveeverprovedtruetous,aidingusatneed,andguardingournorthernmarchesandtheGapofRohan.
‘Ofourloreandmannerstheyhavelearnedwhatthey
would,andtheirlordsspeakourspeechatneed;yetforthemostparttheyholdbythewaysoftheirownfathersandtotheirownmemories,andtheyspeakamongthemselvestheirownNorthtongue.Andwelovethem:tallmenandfairwomen,valiantbothalike,golden-haired,bright-eyed,andstrong;theyremindusoftheyouthofMen,astheywereintheElderDays.
Indeeditissaidbyourlore-mastersthattheyhavefromofoldthisaffinitywithusthattheyarecomefromthosesameThreeHousesofMenasweretheNúmenóreansintheirbeginning;notfromHadortheGoldenhaired,theElf-friend,maybe,yetfromsuchofhispeopleaswentnotoverSeaintotheWest,refusingthecall.
‘ForsowereckonMenin
ourlore,callingthemtheHigh,orMenoftheWest,whichwereNúmenóreans;andtheMiddlePeoples,MenoftheTwilight,suchasaretheRohirrimandtheirkinthatdwellstillfarintheNorth;andtheWild,theMenofDarkness.
‘Yetnow,iftheRohirrimaregrowninsomewaysmoreliketous,enhancedinartsandgentleness,wetoohave
becomemoreliketothem,andcanscarceclaimanylongerthetitleHigh.WearebecomeMiddleMen,oftheTwilight,butwithmemoryofotherthings.ForastheRohirrimdo,wenowlovewarandvalourasthingsgoodinthemselves,bothasportandanend;andthoughwestillholdthatawarriorshouldhavemoreskillsandknowledgethanonlythecraft
ofweaponsandslaying,weesteemawarrior,nonetheless,abovemenofothercrafts.Suchistheneedofourdays.Soevenwasmybrother,Boromir:amanofprowess,andforthathewasaccountedthebestmaninGondor.Andveryvaliantindeedhewas:noheirofMinasTirithhasforlongyearsbeensohardyintoil,soonwardintobattle,orblownamightiernoteon
theGreatHorn.’Faramirsighedandfellsilentforawhile.
‘Youdon’tsaymuchinallyourtalesabouttheElves,sir,’saidSam,suddenlypluckingupcourage.HehadnotedthatFaramirseemedtorefertoElveswithreverence,andthisevenmorethanhiscourtesy,andhisfoodand
wine,hadwonSam’srespectandquietedhissuspicions.
‘Noindeed,MasterSamwise,’saidFaramir,‘forIamnotlearnedinElven-lore.Butthereyoutouchuponanotherpointinwhichwehavechanged,decliningfromNúmenortoMiddle-earth.Forasyoumayknow,ifMithrandirwasyourcompanionandyouhavespokenwithElrond,the
Edain,theFathersoftheNúmenóreans,foughtbesidetheElvesinthefirstwars,andwererewardedbythegiftofthekingdominthemidstoftheSea,withinsightofElven-home.ButinMiddle-earthMenandElvesbecameestrangedinthedaysofdarkness,bytheartsoftheEnemy,andbytheslowchangesoftimeinwhicheachkindwalkedfurther
downtheirsunderedroads.MennowfearandmisdoubttheElves,andyetknowlittleofthem.AndweofGondorgrowlikeotherMen,likethemenofRohan;foreventhey,whoarefoesoftheDarkLord,shuntheElvesandspeakoftheGoldenWoodwithdread.
‘YetthereareamongusstillsomewhohavedealingswiththeElveswhenthey
may,andeverandanononewillgoinsecrettoLórien,seldomtoreturn.NotI.ForIdeemitperilousnowformortalmanwilfullytoseekouttheElderPeople.YetIenvyyouthathavespokenwiththeWhiteLady.’
‘TheLadyofLórien!Galadriel!’criedSam.‘Youshouldseeher,indeedyoushould,sir.Iamonlyahobbit,andgardening’smy
jobathome,sir,ifyouunderstandme,andI’mnotmuchgoodatpoetry–notatmakingit:abitofacomicrhyme,perhaps,nowandagain,youknow,butnotrealpoetry–soIcan’ttellyouwhatImean.Itoughttobesung.You’dhavetogetStrider,Aragornthatis,oroldMr.Bilbo,forthat.ButIwishIcouldmakeasongabouther.Beautifulsheis,sir!
Lovely!Sometimeslikeagreattreeinflower,sometimeslikeawhitedaffadowndilly,smallandslenderlike.Hardasdi’monds,softasmoonlight.Warmassunlight,coldasfrostinthestars.Proudandfar-offasasnow-mountain,andasmerryasanylassIeversawwithdaisiesinherhairinspringtime.Butthat’saloto’nonsense,andall
wideofmymark.’‘Thenshemustbelovely
indeed,’saidFaramir.‘Perilouslyfair.’
‘Idon’tknowaboutperilous,’saidSam.‘ItstrikesmethatfolktakestheirperilwiththemintoLórien,andfindsittherebecausethey’vebroughtit.Butperhapsyoucouldcallherperilous,becauseshe’ssostronginherself.You,youcoulddash
yourselftopiecesonher,likeashiponarock;ordrowndyourself,likeahobbitinariver.Butneitherrocknorriverwouldbetoblame.NowBoro—’Hestoppedandwentredintheface.
‘Yes?NowBoromiryouwouldsay?’saidFaramir.‘Whatwouldyousay?Hetookhisperilwithhim?’
‘Yessir,beggingyourpardon,andafinemanas
yourbrotherwas,ifImaysayso.Butyou’vebeenwarmonthescentallalong.NowIwatchedBoromirandlistenedtohim,fromRivendellalldowntheroad–lookingaftermymaster,asyou’llunderstand,andnotmeaninganyharmtoBoromir–andit’smyopinionthatinLórienhefirstsawclearlywhatIguessedsooner:whathewanted.Fromthemomenthe
firstsawithewantedtheEnemy’sRing!’
‘Sam!’criedFrodoaghast.Hehadfallendeepintohisownthoughtsforawhile,andcameoutofthemsuddenlyandtoolate.
‘Saveme!’saidSamturningwhite,andthenflushingscarlet.‘ThereIgoagain!WheneveryouopenyourbigmouthyouputyourfootinittheGafferusedto
saytome,andrightenough.Odear,Odear!
‘Nowlookhere,sir!’Heturned,facinguptoFaramirwithallthecouragethathecouldmuster.‘Don’tyougotakingadvantageofmymasterbecausehisservant’snobetterthanafool.You’vespokenveryhandsomeallalong,putmeoffmyguard,talkingofElvesandall.Buthandsomeisashandsome
doeswesay.Now’sachancetoshowyourquality.’
‘Soitseems,’saidFaramir,slowlyandverysoftly,withastrangesmile.‘Sothatistheanswertoalltheriddles!TheOneRingthatwasthoughttohaveperishedfromtheworld.AndBoromirtriedtotakeitbyforce?Andyouescaped?Andranalltheway–tome!AndhereinthewildIhaveyou:
twohalflings,andahostofmenatmycall,andtheRingofRings.Aprettystrokeoffortune!AchanceforFaramir,CaptainofGondor,toshowhisquality!Ha!’Hestoodup,verytallandstern,hisgreyeyesglinting.
FrodoandSamsprangfromtheirstoolsandsetthemselvessidebysidewiththeirbackstothewall,fumblingfortheirsword-
hilts.Therewasasilence.Allthemeninthecavestoppedtalkingandlookedtowardstheminwonder.ButFaramirsatdownagaininhischairandbegantolaughquietly,andthensuddenlybecamegraveagain.
‘AlasforBoromir!Itwastoosoreatrial!’hesaid.‘Howyouhaveincreasedmysorrow,youtwostrangewanderersfromafarcountry,
bearingtheperilofMen!ButyouarelessjudgesofMenthanIofHalflings.Wearetruth-speakers,wemenofGondor.Weboastseldom,andthenperform,ordieintheattempt.NotifIfounditonthehighwaywouldItakeitIsaid.EvenifIweresuchamanastodesirethisthing,andeventhoughIknewnotclearlywhatthisthingwaswhenIspoke,stillIshould
takethosewordsasavow,andbeheldbythem.
‘ButIamnotsuchaman.OrIamwiseenoughtoknowthattherearesomeperilsfromwhichamanmustflee.Sitatpeace!Andbecomforted,Samwise.Ifyouseemtohavestumbled,thinkthatitwasfatedtobeso.Yourheartisshrewdaswellasfaithful,andsawclearerthanyoureyes.Forstrange
thoughitmayseem,itwassafetodeclarethistome.Itmayevenhelpthemasterthatyoulove.Itshallturntohisgood,ifitisinmypower.Sobecomforted.Butdonotevennamethisthingagainaloud.Onceisenough.’
Thehobbitscamebacktotheirseatsandsatveryquiet.Menturnedbacktotheir
drinkandtheirtalk,perceivingthattheircaptainhadhadsomejestorotherwiththelittleguests,andthatitwasover.
‘Well,Frodo,nowatlastweunderstandoneanother,’saidFaramir.‘Ifyoutookthisthingonyourself,unwilling,atothers’asking,thenyouhavepityandhonourfromme.AndImarvelatyou:tokeepithidandnottouseit.
Youareanewpeopleandanewworldtome.Areallyourkinoflikesort?Yourlandmustbearealmofpeaceandcontent,andtheremustgardenersbeinhighhonour.’
‘Notalliswellthere,’saidFrodo,‘butcertainlygardenersarehonoured.’
‘Butfolkmustgrowwearythere,evenintheirgardens,asdoallthingsundertheSunofthisworld.
Andyouarefarfromhomeandwayworn.Nomoretonight.Sleep,bothofyou–inpeace,ifyoucan.Fearnot!Idonotwishtoseeit,ortouchit,orknowmoreofitthanIknow(whichisenough),lestperilperchancewaylaymeandIfalllowerinthetestthanFrodosonofDrogo.Gonowtorest–butfirsttellmeonly,ifyouwill,whitheryouwishtogo,and
whattodo.ForImustwatch,andwait,andthink.Timepasses.Inthemorningwemusteachgoswiftlyonthewaysappointedtous.’
Frodohadfelthimselftremblingasthefirstshockoffearpassed.Nowagreatwearinesscamedownonhimlikeacloud.Hecoulddissembleandresistnolonger.
‘Iwasgoingtofindaway
intoMordor,’hesaidfaintly.‘IwasgoingtoGorgoroth.ImustfindtheMountainofFireandcastthethingintothegulfofDoom.Gandalfsaidso.IdonotthinkIshallevergetthere.’
Faramirstaredathimforamomentingraveastonishment.Thensuddenlyhecaughthimasheswayed,andliftinghimgently,carriedhimtothebedandlaidhim
there,andcoveredhimwarmly.Atoncehefellintoadeepsleep.
Anotherbedwassetbesidehimforhisservant.Samhesitatedforamoment,thenbowingverylow:‘Goodnight,Captain,mylord,’hesaid.‘Youtookthechance,sir.’
‘DidIso?’saidFaramir.‘Yessir,andshowedyour
quality:theveryhighest.’
Faramirsmiled.‘Apertservant,MasterSamwise.Butnay:thepraiseofthepraiseworthyisaboveallrewards.Yettherewasnaughtinthistopraise.IhadnolureordesiretodootherthanIhavedone.’
‘Ahwell,sir,’saidSam,‘yousaidmymasterhadanElvishair;andthatwasgoodandtrue.ButIcansaythis:youhaveanairtoo,sir,that
remindsmeof,of–well,Gandalf,ofwizards.’
‘Maybe,’saidFaramir.‘MaybeyoudiscernfromfarawaytheairofNúmenor.Goodnight!’
Chapter6
THEFORBIDDENPOOL
FrodowoketofindFaramirbendingoverhim.Forasecondoldfearsseizedhimandhesatupandshrankaway.
‘Thereisnothingtofear,’
saidFaramir.‘Isitmorningalready?’saidFrodoyawning.
‘Notyet,butnightisdrawingtoanend,andthefullmoonissetting.Willyoucomeandseeit?AlsothereisamatteronwhichIdesireyourcounsel.Iamsorrytorouseyoufromsleep,butwillyoucome?’
‘Iwill,’saidFrodo,risingandshiveringalittleasheleft
thewarmblanketandpelts.Itseemedcoldinthefirelesscave.Thenoiseofthewaterwasloudinthestillness.HeputonhiscloakandfollowedFaramir.
Sam,wakingsuddenlybysomeinstinctofwatchfulness,sawfirsthismaster’semptybedandleapttohisfeet.Thenhesawtwodarkfigures,Frodoandaman,framedagainstthe
archway,whichwasnowfilledwithapalewhitelight.Hehurriedafterthem,pastrowsofmensleepingonmattressesalongthewall.Ashewentbythecave-mouthhesawthattheCurtainwasnowbecomeadazzlingveilofsilkandpearlsandsilverthread:meltingiciclesofmoonlight.Buthedidnotpausetoadmireit,andturningasidehefollowedhismaster
throughthenarrowdoorwayinthewallofthecave.
Theywentfirstalongablackpassage,thenupmanywetsteps,andsocametoasmallflatlandingcutinthestoneandlitbythepalesky,gleaminghighabovethroughalongdeepshaft.Fromheretwoflightsofstepsled:onegoingon,asitseemed,upontothehighbankofthestream;theotherturning
awaytotheleft.Thistheyfollowed.Itwounditswayuplikeaturret-stair.
Atlasttheycameoutofthestonydarknessandlookedabout.Theywereonawideflatrockwithoutrailorparapet.Attheirright,eastwards,thetorrentfell,splashingovermanyterraces,andthen,pouringdowna
steeprace,itfilledasmooth-hewnchannelwithadarkforceofwaterfleckedwithfoam,andcurlingandrushingalmostattheirfeetitplungedsheerovertheedgethatyawnedupontheirleft.Amanstoodthere,nearthebrink,silent,gazingdown.
Frodoturnedtowatchthesleeknecksofthewaterastheycurvedanddived.Thenheliftedhiseyesandgazed
faraway.Theworldwasquietandcold,asifdawnwerenear.FaroffintheWestthefullmoonwassinking,roundandwhite.Palemistsshimmeredinthegreatvalebelow:awidegulfofsilverfume,beneathwhichrolledthecoolnight-watersoftheAnduin.Ablackdarknessloomedbeyond,andinitglinted,hereandthere,cold,sharp,remote,whiteasthe
teethofghosts,thepeaksofEredNimrais,theWhiteMountainsoftherealmofGondor,tippedwitheverlastingsnow.
ForawhileFrodostoodthereonthehighstone,andashiverranthroughhim,wonderingifanywhereinthevastnessofthenightlandshisoldcompanionswalkedorslept,orlaydeadshroudedinmist.Whywashebrought
hereoutofforgetfulsleep?Samwaseagerforan
answertothesamequestionandcouldnotrefrainhimselffrommuttering,forhismaster’searaloneashethought:‘It’safineview,nodoubt,Mr.Frodo,butchillytotheheart,nottomentionthebones!What’sgoingon?’
Faramirheardandanswered.‘MoonsetoverGondor.FairIthil,ashegoes
fromMiddle-earth,glancesuponthewhitelocksofoldMindolluin.Itisworthafewshivers.ButthatisnotwhatIbroughtyoutosee–thoughasforyou,Samwise,youwerenotbrought,anddobutpaythepenaltyofyourwatchfulness.Adraughtofwineshallamendit.Come,looknow!’
Hesteppedupbesidethesilentsentinelonthedark
edge,andFrodofollowed.Samhungback.Healreadyfeltinsecureenoughonthishighwetplatform.FaramirandFrodolookeddown.Farbelowthemtheysawthewhitewaterspourintoafoamingbowl,andthenswirldarklyaboutadeepovalbasinintherocks,untiltheyfoundtheirwayoutagainthroughanarrowgate,andflowedaway,fumingand
chattering,intocalmerandmorelevelreaches.Themoonlightstillslanteddowntothefall’sfootandgleamedontheripplesofthebasin.PresentlyFrodowasawareofasmalldarkthingonthenearbank,butevenashelookedatit,itdivedandvanishedjustbeyondtheboilandbubbleofthefall,cleavingtheblackwaterasneatlyasanarroworanedgewisestone.
Faramirturnedtothemanathisside.‘Nowwhatwouldyousaythatitis,Anborn?Asquirrel,orakingfisher?Arethereblackkingfishersinthenight-poolsofMirkwood?’
‘’Tisnotabird,whateverelseitbe,’answeredAnborn.‘Ithasfourlimbsanddivesmanwise;aprettymasteryofthecraftitshows,too.Whatisitat?SeekingawayupbehindtheCurtaintoour
hidings?Itseemswearediscoveredatlast.Ihavemybowhere,andIhavepostedotherarchers,nighasgoodmarksmenasmyself,oneitherbank.Wewaitonlyforyourcommandtoshoot,Captain.’
‘Shallweshoot?’saidFaramir,turningquicklytoFrodo.
Frododidnotanswerforamoment.Then‘No!’hesaid.
‘No!Ibegyounotto.’IfSamhaddared,hewouldhavesaid‘Yes,’quickerandlouder.Hecouldnotsee,butheguessedwellenoughfromtheirwordswhattheywerelookingat.
‘Youknow,then,whatthisthingis?’saidFaramir.‘Come,nowyouhaveseen,tellmewhyitshouldbespared.Inallourwordstogetheryouhavenotonce
spokenofyourgangrelcompanion,andIlethimbeforthetime.Hecouldwaittillhewascaughtandbroughtbeforeme.Isentmykeenesthuntsmentoseekhim,butheslippedthem,andtheyhadnosightofhimtillnow,saveAnbornhere,onceatduskyesterevening.Butnowhehasdoneworsetrespassthanonlytogoconey-snaringintheuplands:hehasdaredto
cometoHennethAnnûn,andhislifeisforfeit.Imarvelatthecreature:sosecretandsoslyasheis,tocomesportinginthepoolbeforeourverywindow.Doeshethinkthatmensleepwithoutwatchallnight?Whydoesheso?’
‘Therearetwoanswers,Ithink,’saidFrodo.‘Foronething,heknowslittleofMen,andslythoughheis,yourrefugeissohiddenthat
perhapshedoesnotknowthatMenareconcealedhere.Foranother,Ithinkheisalluredherebyamasteringdesire,strongerthanhiscaution.’
‘Heisluredhere,yousay?’saidFaramirinalowvoice.‘Canhe,doeshethenknowofyourburden?’
‘Indeedyes.Heboreithimselfformanyyears.’
‘Heboreit?’saidFaramir,
breathingsharplyinhiswonder.‘Thismatterwindsitselfeverinnewriddles.Thenheispursuingit?’
‘Maybe.Itisprecioustohim.ButIdidnotspeakofthat.’
‘Whatthendoesthecreatureseek?’
‘Fish,’saidFrodo.‘Look!’
Theypeereddownatthe
darkpool.Alittleblackheadappearedatthefarendofthebasin,justoutofthedeepshadowoftherocks.Therewasabriefsilverglint,andaswirloftinyripples.Itswamtotheside,andthenwithmarvellousagilityafroglikefigureclimbedoutofthewaterandupthebank.Atonceitsatdownandbegantognawatthesmallsilverthingthatglitteredasitturned:the
lastraysofthemoonwerenowfallingbehindthestonywallatthepool’send.
Faramirlaughedsoftly.‘Fish!’hesaid.‘Itisalessperiloushunger.Ormaybenot:fishfromthepoolofHennethAnnûnmaycosthimallhehastogive.’
‘NowIhavehimatthearrow-point,’saidAnborn.‘ShallInotshoot,Captain?Forcomingunbiddentothis
placedeathisourlaw.’‘Wait,Anborn,’said
Faramir.‘Thisisahardermatterthanitseems.Whathaveyoutosaynow,Frodo?Whyshouldwespare?’
‘Thecreatureiswretchedandhungry,’saidFrodo,‘andunawareofhisdanger.AndGandalf,yourMithrandir,hewouldhavebiddenyounottoslayhimforthatreason,andforothers.Heforbadethe
Elvestodoso.Idonotknowclearlywhy,andofwhatIguessIcannotspeakopenlyouthere.Butthiscreatureisinsomewayboundupwithmyerrand.Untilyoufoundusandtookus,hewasmyguide.’
‘Yourguide!’saidFaramir.‘Thematterbecomeseverstranger.Iwoulddomuchforyou,Frodo,butthisIcannotgrant:toletthissly
wanderergofreeathisownwillfromhere,tojoinyoulaterifitpleasehim,ortobecaughtbyorcsandtellallheknowsunderthreatofpain.Hemustbeslainortaken.Slain,ifhebenottakenveryswiftly.Buthowcanthisslipperythingofmanyguisesbecaught,savebyafeatheredshaft?’
‘Letmegodownquietlytohim,’saidFrodo.‘You
maykeepyourbowsbent,andshootmeatleast,ifIfail.Ishallnotrunaway.’
‘Gothenandbeswift!’saidFaramir.‘Ifhecomesoffalive,heshouldbeyourfaithfulservantfortherestofhisunhappydays.LeadFrododowntothebank,Anborn,andgosoftly.Thethinghasanoseandears.Givemeyourbow.’
Anborngruntedandled
thewaydownthewindingstairtothelanding,andthenuptheotherstair,untilatlasttheycametoanarrowopeningshroudedwiththickbushes.Passingsilentlythrough,Frodofoundhimselfonthetopofthesouthernbankabovethepool.Itwasnowdarkandthefallswerepaleandgrey,reflectingonlythelingeringmoonlightofthewesternsky.Hecouldnotsee
Gollum.HewentforwardashortwayandAnborncamesoftlybehindhim.
‘Goon!’hebreathedinFrodo’sear.‘Haveacaretoyourright.Ifyoufallinthepool,thennoonebutyourfishingfriendcanhelpyou.Andforgetnotthattherearebowmennearathand,thoughyoumaynotseethem.’
Frodocreptforward,usinghishandsGollum-liketofeel
hiswayandtosteadyhimself.Therockswereforthemostpartflatandsmoothbutslippery.Hehaltedlistening.Atfirsthecouldhearnosoundbuttheunceasingrushofthefallbehindhim.Thenpresentlyheheard,notfarahead,ahissingmurmur.
‘Fissh,nicefissh.WhiteFacehasvanished,myprecious,atlast,yes.Nowwe
caneatfishinpeace.No,notinpeace,precious.ForPreciousislost;yes,lost.Dirtyhobbits,nastyhobbits.Goneandleftus,gollum;andPreciousisgone.OnlypoorSméagolallalone.NoPrecious.NastyMen,they’lltakeit,stealmyPrecious.Thieves.Wehatesthem.Fissh,nicefissh.Makesusstrong.Makeseyesbright,fingerstight,yes.Throttle
them,precious.Throttlethemall,yes,ifwegetschances.Nicefissh.Nicefissh!’
Soitwenton,almostasunceasingasthewaterfall,onlyinterruptedbyafaintnoiseofslaveringandgurgling.Frodoshivered,listeningwithpityanddisgust.Hewisheditwouldstop,andthatheneverneedhearthatvoiceagain.Anbornwasnotfarbehind.Hecould
creepbackandaskhimtogetthehuntsmentoshoot.Theywouldprobablygetcloseenough,whileGollumwasgorgingandoffhisguard.Onlyonetrueshot,andFrodowouldberidofthemiserablevoiceforever.Butno,Gollumhadaclaimonhimnow.Theservanthasaclaimonthemasterforservice,evenserviceinfear.Theywouldhavefounderedinthe
DeadMarshesbutforGollum.Frodoknew,too,somehow,quiteclearlythatGandalfwouldnothavewishedit.
‘Sméagol!’hesaidsoftly.‘Fissh,nicefissh,’saidthe
voice.‘Sméagol!’hesaid,alittle
louder.Thevoicestopped.‘Sméagol,Masterhas
cometolookforyou.Masterishere.Come,Sméagol!’
Therewasnoanswerbutasofthiss,asofintakenbreath.
‘Come,Sméagol!’saidFrodo.‘Weareindanger.Menwillkillyou,iftheyfindyouhere.Comequickly,ifyouwishtoescapedeath.CometoMaster!’
‘No!’saidthevoice.‘NotniceMaster.LeavespoorSméagolandgoeswithnewfriends.Mastercanwait.Sméagolhasn’tfinished.’
‘There’snotime,’saidFrodo.‘Bringfishwithyou.Come!’
‘No!Mustfinishfish.’‘Sméagol!’saidFrodo
desperately.‘Preciouswillbeangry.IshalltakePrecious,andIshallsay:makehimswallowthebonesandchoke.Nevertastefishagain.Come,Preciousiswaiting!’
Therewasasharphiss.Presentlyoutofthedarkness
Gollumcamecrawlingonallfours,likeanerringdogcalledtoheel.Hehadahalf-eatenfishinhismouthandanotherinhishand.HecameclosetoFrodo,almostnosetonose,andsniffedathim.Hispaleeyeswereshining.Thenhetookthefishoutofhismouthandstoodup.
‘NiceMaster!’hewhispered.‘Nicehobbit,comebacktopoorSméagol.
GoodSméagolcomes.Nowlet’sgo,goquickly,yes.Throughthetrees,whiletheFacesaredark.Yes,come,let’sgo!’
‘Yes,we’llgosoon,’saidFrodo.‘Butnotatonce.IwillgowithyouasIpromised.Ipromiseagain.Butnotnow.Youarenotsafeyet.Iwillsaveyou,butyoumusttrustme.’
‘WemusttrustMaster?’
saidGollumdoubtfully.‘Why?Whynotgoatonce?Whereistheotherone,thecrossrudehobbit?Whereishe?’
‘Awayupthere,’saidFrodo,pointingtothewaterfall.‘Iamnotgoingwithouthim.Wemustgobacktohim.’Hisheartsank.Thiswastoomuchliketrickery.HedidnotreallyfearthatFaramirwouldallow
Gollumtobekilled,buthewouldprobablymakehimprisonerandbindhim;andcertainlywhatFrododidwouldseematreacherytothepoortreacherouscreature.ItwouldprobablybeimpossibleevertomakehimunderstandorbelievethatFrodohadsavedhislifeintheonlywayhecould.Whatelsecouldhedo?–tokeepfaith,asnearasmightbe,withbothsides.
‘Come!’hesaid.‘OrthePreciouswillbeangry.Wearegoingbacknow,upthestream.Goon,goon,yougoinfront!’
Gollumcrawledalongclosetothebrinkforalittleway,snufflingandsuspicious.Presentlyhestoppedandraisedhishead.‘Something’sthere!’hesaid.‘Notahobbit.’Suddenlyheturnedback.Agreenlight
wasflickeringinhisbulgingeyes.‘Masster,masster!’hehissed.‘Wicked!Tricksy!False!’Hespatandstretchedouthislongarmswithwhitesnappingfingers.
AtthatmomentthegreatblackshapeofAnbornloomedupbehindhimandcamedownonhim.Alargestronghandtookhiminthenapeoftheneckandpinnedhim.Hetwistedroundlike
lightning,allwetandslimyashewas,wrigglinglikeaneel,bitingandscratchinglikeacat.Buttwomoremencameupoutoftheshadows.
‘Holdstill!’saidone.‘Orwe’llstickyouasfullofpinsasahedgehog.Holdstill!’
Gollumwentlimp,andbegantowhineandweep.Theytiedhim,nonetoogently.
‘Easy,easy!’saidFrodo.
‘Hehasnostrengthtomatchyou.Don’thurthim,ifyoucanhelpit.He’llbequieter,ifyoudon’t.Sméagol!Theywon’thurtyou.I’llgowithyou,andyoushallcometonoharm.Notunlesstheykillmetoo.TrustMaster!’
Gollumturnedandspatathim.Themenpickedhimup,putahoodoverhiseyes,andcarriedhimoff.
Frodofollowedthem,
feelingverywretched.Theywentthroughtheopeningbehindthebushes,andback,downthestairsandpassages,intothecave.Twoorthreetorcheshadbeenlit.Menwerestirring.Samwasthere,andhegaveaqueerlookatthelimpbundlethatthemencarried.‘Gothim?’hesaidtoFrodo.
‘Yes.Wellno,Ididn’tgethim.Hecametome,because
hetrustedmeatfirst,I’mafraid.Ididnotwanthimtieduplikethis.Ihopeitwillbeallright;butIhatethewholebusiness.’
‘SodoI,’saidSam.‘Andnothingwilleverbeallrightwherethatpieceofmiseryis.’
Amancameandbeckonedtothehobbits,andtookthemtotherecessatthebackofthecave.Faramirwas
sittingthereinhischair,andthelamphadbeenrekindledinitsnicheabovehishead.Hesignedtothemtositdownonthestoolsbesidehim.‘Bringwinefortheguests,’hesaid.‘Andbringtheprisonertome.’
Thewinewasbrought,andthenAnborncamecarryingGollum.HeremovedthecoverfromGollum’sheadandsethimonhisfeet,
standingbehindhimtosupporthim.Gollumblinked,hoodingthemaliceofhiseyeswiththeirheavypalelids.Averymiserablecreaturehelooked,drippinganddank,smellingoffish(hestillclutchedoneinhishand);hissparselockswerehanginglikerankweedoverhisbonybrows,hisnosewassnivelling.
‘Looseus!Looseus!’he
said.‘Thecordhurtsus,yesitdoes,ithurtsus,andwe’vedonenothing.’
‘Nothing?’saidFaramir,lookingatthewretchedcreaturewithakeenglance,butwithoutanyexpressioninhisfaceeitherofanger,orpity,orwonder.‘Nothing?Haveyouneverdoneanythingworthyofbindingorofworsepunishment?However,thatisnotformeto
judge,happily.Buttonightyouhavecomewhereitisdeathtocome.Thefishofthispoolaredearlybought.’
Gollumdroppedthefishfromhishand.‘Don’twantfish,’hesaid.
‘Thepriceisnotsetonthefish,’saidFaramir.‘Onlytocomehereandlookonthepoolbearsthepenaltyofdeath.IhavesparedyousofarattheprayerofFrodo
here,whosaysthatofhimatleastyouhavedeservedsomethanks.Butyoumustalsosatisfyme.Whatisyourname?Whencedoyoucome?Andwhitherdoyougo?Whatisyourbusiness?’
‘Wearelost,lost,’saidGollum.‘Noname,nobusiness,noPrecious,nothing.Onlyempty.Onlyhungry;yes,wearehungry.Afewlittlefishes,nastybony
littlefishes,forapoorcreature,andtheysaydeath.Sowisetheyare;sojust,soveryjust.’
‘Notverywise,’saidFaramir.‘Butjust:yesperhaps,asjustasourlittlewisdomallows.UnloosehimFrodo!’Faramirtookasmallnail-knifefromhisbeltandhandedittoFrodo.Gollummisunderstandingthegesture,squealedandfelldown.
‘Now,Sméagol!’saidFrodo.‘Youmusttrustme.Iwillnotdesertyou.Answertruthfully,ifyoucan.Itwilldoyougoodnotharm.’HecutthecordsonGollum’swristsandanklesandraisedhimtohisfeet.
‘Comehither!’saidFaramir.‘Lookatme!Doyouknowthenameofthisplace?Haveyoubeenherebefore?’
SlowlyGollumraisedhiseyesandlookedunwillinglyintoFaramir’s.Alllightwentoutofthem,andtheystaredbleakandpaleforamomentintotheclearunwaveringeyesofthemanofGondor.Therewasastillsilence.ThenGollumdroppedhisheadandshrankdown,untilhewassquattingonthefloor,shivering.‘Wedoesn’tknowandwedoesn’twantto
know,’hewhimpered.‘Nevercamehere;nevercomeagain.’
‘Therearelockeddoorsandclosedwindowsinyourmind,anddarkroomsbehindthem,’saidFaramir.‘ButinthisIjudgethatyouspeakthetruth.Itiswellforyou.Whatoathwillyouswearnevertoreturn;andnevertoleadanylivingcreaturehitherbywordorsign?’
‘Masterknows,’saidGollumwithasidelongglanceatFrodo.‘Yes,heknows.WewillpromiseMaster,ifhesavesus.We’llpromisetoIt,yes.’HecrawledtoFrodo’sfeet.‘Saveus,niceMaster!’hewhined.‘SméagolpromisestoPrecious,promisesfaithfully.Nevercomeagain,neverspeak,nonever!No,precious,no!’
‘Areyousatisfied?’saidFaramir.
‘Yes,’saidFrodo.‘Atleast,youmusteitheracceptthispromiseorcarryoutyourlaw.Youwillgetnomore.ButIpromisedthatifhecametome,heshouldnotbeharmed.AndIwouldnotbeprovedfaithless.’
Faramirsatforamoment
inthought.‘Verygood,’hesaidatlast.‘Isurrenderyoutoyourmaster,toFrodosonofDrogo.Lethimdeclarewhathewilldowithyou!’
‘But,LordFaramir,’saidFrodobowing,‘youhavenotyetdeclaredyourwillconcerningthesaidFrodo,anduntilthatismadeknown,hecannotshapehisplansforhimselforhiscompanions.Yourjudgementwas
postponeduntilthemorning;butthatisnowathand.’
‘ThenIwilldeclaremydoom,’saidFaramir.‘Asforyou,Frodo,insofarasliesinmeunderhigherauthority,IdeclareyoufreeintherealmofGondortothefurthestofitsancientbounds;saveonlythatneitheryounoranythatgowithyouhaveleavetocometothisplaceunbidden.Thisdoomshallstandfora
yearandaday,andthencease,unlessyoushallbeforethattermcometoMinasTirithandpresentyourselftotheLordandStewardoftheCity.ThenIwillentreathimtoconfirmwhatIhavedoneandtomakeitlifelong.Inthemeantime,whomsoeveryoutakeunderyourprotectionshallbeundermyprotectionandundertheshieldofGondor.Areyouanswered?’
Frodobowedlow.‘Iamanswered,’hesaid,‘andIplacemyselfatyourservice,ifthatisofanyworthtoonesohighandhonourable.’
‘Itisofgreatworth,’saidFaramir.‘Andnow,doyoutakethiscreature,thisSméagol,underyourprotection?’
‘IdotakeSméagolundermyprotection,’saidFrodo.Samsighedaudibly;andnot
atthecourtesies,ofwhich,asanyhobbitwould,hethoroughlyapproved.IndeedintheShiresuchamatterwouldhaverequiredagreatmanymorewordsandbows.
‘ThenIsaytoyou,’saidFaramir,turningtoGollum,‘youareunderdoomofdeath;butwhileyouwalkwithFrodoyouaresafeforourpart.YetifeveryoubefoundbyanymanofGondor
astraywithouthim,thedoomshallfall.Andmaydeathfindyouswiftly,withinGondororwithout,ifyoudonotwellservehim.Nowanswerme:whitherwouldyougo?Youwerehisguide,hesays.Whitherwereyouleadinghim?’Gollummadenoreply.
‘ThisIwillnothavesecret,’saidFaramir.‘Answerme,orIwillreversemyjudgement!’StillGollum
didnotanswer.‘Iwillanswerforhim,’
saidFrodo.‘HebroughtmetotheBlackGate,asIasked;butitwasimpassable.’
‘ThereisnoopengateintotheNamelessLand,’saidFaramir.
‘Seeingthis,weturnedasideandcamebytheSouthwardroad,’Frodocontinued;‘forhesaidthatthereis,ortheremaybe,a
pathneartoMinasIthil.’‘MinasMorgul,’said
Faramir.‘Idonotknowclearly,’
saidFrodo;‘butthepathclimbs,Ithink,upintothemountainsonthenorthernsideofthatvalewheretheoldcitystands.Itgoesuptoahighcleftandsodownto–thatwhichisbeyond.’
‘Doyouknowthenameofthathighpass?’saidFaramir.
‘No,’saidFrodo.‘ItiscalledCirithUngol.’
Gollumhissedsharplyandbeganmutteringtohimself.‘Isnotthatitsname?’saidFaramirturningtohim.
‘No!’saidGollum,andthenhesquealed,asifsomethinghadstabbedhim.‘Yes,yes,weheardthenameonce.Butwhatdoesthenamemattertous?Mastersayshemustgetin.Sowemusttry
someway.Thereisnootherwaytotry,no.’
‘Nootherway?’saidFaramir.‘Howdoyouknowthat?Andwhohasexploredalltheconfinesofthatdarkrealm?’HelookedlongandthoughtfullyatGollum.Presentlyhespokeagain.‘Takethiscreatureaway,Anborn.Treathimgently,butwatchhim.Anddonotyou,Sméagol,trytodiveintothe
falls.Therockshavesuchteeththereaswouldslayyoubeforeyourtime.Leaveusnowandtakeyourfish!’
AnbornwentoutandGollumwentcringingbeforehim.Thecurtainwasdrawnacrosstherecess.
‘Frodo,Ithinkyoudoveryunwiselyinthis,’saidFaramir.‘Idonotthinkyou
shouldgowiththiscreature.Itiswicked.’
‘No,notaltogetherwicked,’saidFrodo.
‘Notwholly,perhaps,’saidFaramir;‘butmaliceeatsitlikeacanker,andtheevilisgrowing.Hewillleadyoutonogood.Ifyouwillpartwithhim,Iwillgivehimsafe-conductandguidancetoanypointonthebordersofGondorthathemayname.’
‘Hewouldnottakeit,’saidFrodo.‘Hewouldfollowaftermeashelonghasdone.AndIhavepromisedmanytimestotakehimundermyprotectionandtogowhereheled.Youwouldnotaskmetobreakfaithwithhim?’
‘No,’saidFaramir.‘Butmyheartwould.Foritseemslesseviltocounselanothermantobreaktroththantodosooneself,especiallyifone
seesafriendboundunwittingtohisownharm.Butno–ifhewillgowithyou,youmustnowendurehim.ButIdonotthinkyouareholdentogotoCirithUngol,ofwhichhehastoldyoulessthanheknows.ThatmuchIperceivedclearlyinhismind.DonotgotoCirithUngol!’
‘WherethenshallIgo?’saidFrodo.‘BacktotheBlackGateanddeliver
myselfuptotheguard?Whatdoyouknowagainstthisplacethatmakesitsnamesodreadful?’
‘Nothingcertain,’saidFaramir.‘WeofGondordonoteverpasseastoftheRoadinthesedays,andnoneofusyoungermenhaseverdoneso,norhasanyofussetfootupontheMountainsofShadow.Ofthemweknowonlyoldreportandthe
rumourofbygonedays.ButthereissomedarkterrorthatdwellsinthepassesaboveMinasMorgul.IfCirithUngolisnamed,oldmenandmastersoflorewillblanchandfallsilent.
‘ThevalleyofMinasMorgulpassedintoevilverylongago,anditwasamenaceandadreadwhilethebanishedEnemydweltyetfaraway,andIthilienwasstill
forthemostpartinourkeeping.Asyouknow,thatcitywasonceastrongplace,proudandfair,MinasIthil,thetwinsisterofourowncity.ButitwastakenbyfellmenwhomtheEnemyinhisfirststrengthhaddominated,andwhowanderedhomelessandmasterlessafterhisfall.ItissaidthattheirlordsweremenofNúmenorwhohadfallenintodarkwickedness;
tothemtheEnemyhadgivenringsofpower,andhehaddevouredthem:livingghoststheywerebecome,terribleandevil.AfterhisgoingtheytookMinasIthilanddweltthere,andtheyfilledit,andallthevalleyabout,withdecay:itseemedemptyandwasnotso,forashapelessfearlivedwithintheruinedwalls.NineLordstherewere,andafterthereturnoftheir
Master,whichtheyaidedandpreparedinsecret,theygrewstrongagain.ThentheNineRidersissuedforthfromthegatesofhorror,andwecouldnotwithstandthem.Donotapproachtheircitadel.Youwillbeespied.Itisaplaceofsleeplessmalice,fulloflidlesseyes.Donotgothatway!’
‘Butwhereelsewillyoudirectme?’saidFrodo.‘You
cannotyourself,yousay,guidemetothemountains,noroverthem.ButoverthemountainsIambound,bysolemnundertakingtotheCouncil,tofindawayorperishintheseeking.AndifIturnback,refusingtheroadinitsbitterend,wherethenshallIgoamongElvesorMen?WouldyouhavemecometoGondorwiththisThing,theThingthatdroveyourbrother
madwithdesire?WhatspellwoulditworkinMinasTirith?ShalltherebetwocitiesofMinasMorgul,grinningateachotheracrossadeadlandfilledwithrottenness?’
‘Iwouldnothaveitso,’saidFaramir.
‘Thenwhatwouldyouhavemedo?’
‘Iknownot.OnlyIwouldnothaveyougotodeathorto
torment.AndIdonotthinkthatMithrandirwouldhavechosenthisway.’
‘Yetsinceheisgone,ImusttakesuchpathsasIcanfind.Andthereisnotimeforlongsearching,’saidFrodo.
‘Itisaharddoomandahopelesserrand,’saidFaramir.‘Butattheleast,remembermywarning:bewareofthisguide,Sméagol.Hehasdonemurder
beforenow.Ireaditinhim.’Hesighed.
‘Well,sowemeetandpart,FrodosonofDrogo.Youhavenoneedofsoftwords:IdonothopetoseeyouagainonanyotherdayunderthisSun.Butyoushallgonowwithmyblessinguponyou,anduponallyourpeople.Restalittlewhilefoodispreparedforyou.
‘Iwouldgladlylearnhow
thiscreepingSméagolbecamepossessedoftheThingofwhichwespeak,andhowhelostit,butIwillnottroubleyounow.Ifeverbeyondhopeyoureturntothelandsofthelivingandwere-tellourtales,sittingbyawallinthesun,laughingatoldgrief,youshalltellmethen.Untilthattime,orsomeothertimebeyondthevisionoftheSeeing-stonesofNúmenor,
farewell!’Heroseandbowedlowto
Frodo,anddrawingthecurtainpassedoutintothecave.
Chapter7
JOURNEYTOTHECROSS-ROADS
FrodoandSamreturnedtotheirbedsandlaythereinsilencerestingforalittle,whilemenbestirredthemselvesandthebusinessofthedaybegan.Aftera
whilewaterwasbroughttothem,andthentheywereledtoatablewherefoodwassetforthree.Faramirbrokehisfastwiththem.Hehadnotsleptsincethebattleonthedaybefore,yethedidnotlookweary.
Whentheyhadfinishedtheystoodup.‘Maynohungertroubleyouontheroad,’saidFaramir.‘Youhavelittleprovision,but
somesmallstoreoffoodfitfortravellersIhaveorderedtobestowedinyourpacks.YouwillhavenolackofwaterasyouwalkinIthilien,butdonotdrinkofanystreamthatflowsfromImladMorgul,theValleyofLivingDeath.ThisalsoImusttellyou.Myscoutsandwatchershaveallreturned,evensomethathavecreptwithinsightoftheMorannon.Theyallfinda
strangething.Thelandisempty.Nothingisontheroad,andnosoundoffoot,orhorn,orbowstringisanywheretobeheard.AwaitingsilencebroodsabovetheNamelessLand.Idonotknowwhatthisportends.Butthetimedrawsswiftlytosomegreatconclusion.Stormiscoming.Hastenwhileyoumay!Ifyouareready,letusgo.TheSunwillsoonrise
abovetheshadow.’Thehobbits’packswere
broughttothem(alittleheavierthantheyhadbeen),andalsotwostoutstavesofpolishedwood,shodwithiron,andwithcarvenheadsthroughwhichranplaitedleathernthongs.
‘Ihavenofittinggiftstogiveyouatourparting,’saidFaramir;‘buttakethesestaves.Theymaybeof
servicetothosewhowalkorclimbinthewild.ThemenoftheWhiteMountainsusethem;thoughthesehavebeencutdowntoyourheightandnewlyshod.Theyaremadeofthefairtreelebethron,belovedofthewoodwrightsofGondor,andavirtuehasbeensetuponthemoffindingandreturning.MaythatvirtuenotwhollyfailundertheShadowintowhichyougo!’
Thehobbitsbowedlow.‘Mostgracioushost,’saidFrodo,‘itwassaidtomebyElrondHalfelventhatIshouldfindfriendshipupontheway,secretandunlookedfor.CertainlyIlookedfornosuchfriendshipasyouhaveshown.Tohavefounditturnseviltogreatgood.’
Nowtheymadereadyto
depart.Gollumwasbroughtoutofsomecornerorhiding-hole,andheseemedbetterpleasedwithhimselfthanhehadbeen,thoughhekeptclosetoFrodoandavoidedtheglanceofFaramir.
‘Yourguidemustbeblindfolded,’saidFaramir,‘butyouandyourservantSamwiseIreleasefromthis,ifyouwish.’
Gollumsquealed,and
squirmed,andclutchedatFrodo,whentheycametobindhiseyes;andFrodosaid:‘Blindfoldusallthree,andcoverupmyeyesfirst,andthenperhapshewillseethatnoharmismeant.’Thiswasdone,andtheywereledfromthecaveofHennethAnnûn.Aftertheyhadpassedthepassagesandstairstheyfeltthecoolmorningair,freshandsweet,aboutthem.Still
blindtheywentonforsomelittletime,upandthengentlydown.AtlastthevoiceofFaramirorderedthemtobeuncovered.
Theystoodundertheboughsofthewoodsagain.Nonoiseofthefallscouldbeheard,foralongsouthwardslopelaynowbetweenthemandtheravineinwhichthestreamflowed.Tothewesttheycouldseelightthrough
thetrees,asiftheworldcametheretoasuddenend,atabrinklookingoutonlyontosky.
‘Hereisthelastpartingofourways,’saidFaramir.‘Ifyoutakemycounsel,youwillnotturneastwardyet.Gostraighton,forthusyouwillhavethecoverofthewoodlandformanymiles.Onyourwestisanedgewherethelandfallsintothegreat
vales,sometimessuddenlyandsheer,sometimesinlonghillsides.Keepneartothisedgeandtheskirtsoftheforest.Inthebeginningofyourjourneyyoumaywalkunderdaylight,Ithink.Thelanddreamsinafalsepeace,andforawhilealleviliswithdrawn.Fareyouwell,whileyoumay!’
Heembracedthehobbitsthen,afterthemannerofhis
people,stooping,andplacinghishandsupontheirshoulders,andkissingtheirforeheads.‘Gowiththegoodwillofallgoodmen!’hesaid.
Theybowedtotheground.Thenheturnedandwithoutlookingbackheleftthemandwenttohistwoguardsthatstoodatalittledistanceaway.Theymarvelledtoseewithwhatspeedthesegreen-cladmen
nowmoved,vanishingalmostinthetwinklingofaneye.TheforestwhereFaramirhadstoodseemedemptyanddrear,asifadreamhadpassed.
Frodosighedandturnedbacksouthward.Asiftomarkhisdisregardofallsuchcourtesy,Gollumwasscrabblinginthemouldatthe
footofatree.‘Hungryagainalready?’thoughtSam.‘Well,nowforitagain!’
‘Havetheygoneatlast?’saidGollum.‘NasstywickedMen!Sméagol’sneckstillhurtshim,yesitdoes.Let’sgo!’
‘Yes,letusgo,’saidFrodo.‘Butifyoucanonlyspeakillofthosewhoshowedyoumercy,keepsilent!’
‘NiceMaster!’said
Gollum.‘Sméagolwasonlyjoking.Alwaysforgives,hedoes,yes,yes,evenniceMaster’slittletrickses.Ohyes,niceMaster,niceSméagol!’
FrodoandSamdidnotanswer.Hoistingtheirpacksandtakingtheirstavesinhand,theypassedonintothewoodsofIthilien.
Twicethatdaytheyrestedandtookalittleofthefood
providedbyFaramir:driedfruitsandsaltedmeat,enoughformanydays;andbreadenoughtolastwhileitwasstillfresh.Gollumatenothing.
Thesunroseandpassedoverheadunseen,andbegantosink,andthelightthroughthetreestothewestgrewgolden;andalwaystheywalkedincoolgreenshadow,andallaboutthemwas
silence.Thebirdsseemedalltohaveflownawayortohavefallendumb.
Darknesscameearlytothesilentwoods,andbeforethefallofnighttheyhalted,weary,fortheyhadwalkedsevenleaguesormorefromHennethAnnûn.Frodolayandsleptawaythenightonthedeepmouldbeneathanancienttree.Sambesidehimwasmoreuneasy:hewoke
manytimes,buttherewasneverasignofGollum,whohadslippedoffassoonastheothershadsettledtorest.Whetherhehadsleptbyhimselfinsomeholenearby,orhadwanderedrestlesslyprowlingthroughthenight,hedidnotsay;buthereturnedwiththefirstglimmeroflight,androusedhiscompanions.
‘Mustgetup,yesthey
must!’hesaid.‘Longwaystogostill,southandeast.Hobbitsmustmakehaste!’
Thatdaypassedmuchasthedaybeforehadgone,exceptthatthesilenceseemeddeeper;theairgrewheavy,anditbegantobestiflingunderthetrees.Itfeltasifthunderwasbrewing.Gollumoftenpaused,sniffing
theair,andthenhewouldmuttertohimselfandurgethemtogreaterspeed.
Asthethirdstageoftheirday’smarchdrewonandafternoonwaned,theforestopenedout,andthetreesbecamelargerandmorescattered.Greatilexesofhugegirthstooddarkandsolemninwidegladeswithhereandthereamongthemhoaryash-trees,andgiant
oaksjustputtingouttheirbrown-greenbuds.Aboutthemlaylonglaundsofgreengrassdappledwithcelandineandanemones,whiteandblue,nowfoldedforsleep;andtherewereacrespopulouswiththeleavesofwoodlandhyacinths:alreadytheirsleekbell-stemswerethrustingthroughthemould.Nolivingcreature,beastorbird,wastobeseen,butin
theseopenplacesGollumgrewafraid,andtheywalkednowwithcaution,flittingfromonelongshadowtoanother.
Lightwasfadingfastwhentheycametotheforest-end.Theretheysatunderanoldgnarledoakthatsentitsrootstwistinglikesnakesdownasteepcrumblingbank.Adeepdimvalleylaybeforethem.Onitsfurthersidethe
woodsgatheredagain,blueandgreyunderthesullenevening,andmarchedonsouthwards.TotherighttheMountainsofGondorglowed,remoteintheWest,underafire-fleckedsky.Totheleftlaydarkness:thetoweringwallsofMordor;andoutofthatdarknessthelongvalleycame,fallingsteeplyinanever-wideningtroughtowardstheAnduin.
Atitsbottomranahurryingstream:Frodocouldhearitsstonyvoicecomingupthroughthesilence;andbesideitonthehithersidearoadwentwindingdownlikeapaleribbon,downintochillgreymiststhatnogleamofsunsettouched.ThereitseemedtoFrodothathedescriedfaroff,floatingasitwereonashadowysea,thehighdimtopsandbroken
pinnaclesofoldtowersforlornanddark.
HeturnedtoGollum.‘Doyouknowwhereweare?’hesaid.
‘Yes,Master.Dangerousplaces.ThisistheroadfromtheToweroftheMoon,Master,downtotheruinedcitybytheshoresoftheRiver.Theruinedcity,yes,verynastyplace,fullofenemies.Weshouldn’thave
takenMen’sadvice.Hobbitshavecomealongwayoutofthepath.Mustgoeastnow,awayupthere.’Hewavedhisskinnyarmtowardsthedarklingmountains.‘Andwecan’tusethisroad.Ohno!Cruelpeoplescomethisway,downfromtheTower.’
Frodolookeddownontotheroad.Atanyratenothingwasmovingonitnow.Itappearedlonelyandforsaken,
runningdowntoemptyruinsinthemist.Buttherewasanevilfeelingintheair,asifthingsmightindeedbepassingupanddownthateyescouldnotsee.Frodoshudderedashelookedagainatthedistantpinnaclesnowdwindlingintonight,andthesoundofthewaterseemedcoldandcruel:thevoiceofMorgulduin,thepollutedstreamthatflowedfromthe
ValleyoftheWraiths.‘Whatshallwedo?’he
said.‘Wehavewalkedlongandfar.Shallwelookforsomeplaceinthewoodsbehindwherewecanliehidden?’
‘Nogoodhidinginthedark,’saidGollum.‘It’sindaythathobbitsmusthidenow,yesinday.’
‘Ohcome!’saidSam.‘Wemustrestforabit,evenifwe
getupagaininthemiddleofthenight.There’llstillbehoursofdarkthen,timeenoughforyoutotakeusalongmarch,ifyouknowtheway.’
Gollumreluctantlyagreedtothis,andheturnedbacktowardsthetrees,workingeastwardforawhilealongthestragglingedgesofthewood.Hewouldnotrestonthegroundsoneartheevilroad,
andaftersomedebatetheyallclimbedupintothecrotchofalargeholm-oak,whosethickbranchesspringingtogetherfromthetrunkmadeagoodhiding-placeandafairlycomfortablerefuge.Nightfellanditgrewaltogetherdarkunderthecanopyofthetree.FrodoandSamdrankalittlewaterandatesomebreadanddriedfruit,butGollumatoncecurledupandwentto
sleep.Thehobbitsdidnotshuttheireyes.
ItmusthavebeenalittleaftermidnightwhenGollumwokeup:suddenlytheywereawareofhispaleeyesunliddedgleamingatthem.Helistenedandsniffed,whichseemed,astheyhadnoticedbefore,hisusualmethodofdiscoveringthe
timeofnight.‘Arewerested?Havewe
hadbeautifulsleep?’hesaid.‘Let’sgo!’
‘Wearen’t,andwehaven’t,’growledSam.‘Butwe’llgoifwemust.’
Gollumdroppedatoncefromthebranchesofthetreeontoallfours,andthehobbitsfollowedmoreslowly.
Assoonastheywere
downtheywentonagainwithGollumleading,eastwards,upthedarkslopingland.Theycouldseelittle,forthenightwasnowsodeepthattheywerehardlyawareofthestemsoftreesbeforetheystumbledagainstthem.Thegroundbecamemorebrokenandwalkingwasmoredifficult,butGollumseemedinnowaytroubled.Heledthemthroughthicketsand
wastesofbrambles;sometimesroundthelipofadeepcleftordarkpit,sometimesdownintoblackbush-shroudedhollowsandoutagain;butifevertheywentalittledownward,alwaysthefurtherslopewaslongerandsteeper.Theywereclimbingsteadily.Attheirfirsthalttheylookedback,andtheycoulddimlyperceivetheroofsofthe
foresttheyhadleftbehind,lyinglikeavastdenseshadow,adarkernightunderthedarkblanksky.ThereseemedtobeagreatblacknessloomingslowlyoutoftheEast,eatingupthefaintblurredstars.Laterthesinkingmoonescapedfromthepursuingcloud,butitwasringedallaboutwithasicklyyellowglare.
AtlastGollumturnedto
thehobbits.‘Daysoon,’hesaid.‘Hobbitsmusthurry.Notsafetostayintheopenintheseplaces.Makehaste!’
Hequickenedhispace,andtheyfollowedhimwearily.Soontheybegantoclimbupontoagreathog-backofland.Forthemostpartitwascoveredwithathickgrowthofgorseandwhortleberry,andlowtoughthorns,thoughhereandthere
clearingsopened,thescarsofrecentfires.Thegorse-bushesbecamemorefrequentastheygotnearerthetop;veryoldandtalltheywere,gauntandleggybelowbutthickabove,andalreadyputtingoutyellowflowersthatglimmeredinthegloomandgaveafaintsweetscent.Sotallwerethespinythicketsthatthehobbitscouldwalkuprightunderthem,passing
throughlongdryaislescarpetedwithadeeppricklymould.
Onthefurtheredgeofthisbroadhill-backtheystayedtheirmarchandcrawledforhidingunderneathatangledknotofthorns.Theirtwistedboughs,stoopingtotheground,wereoverriddenbyaclamberingmazeofoldbriars.Deepinsidetherewasahollowhall,rafteredwith
deadbranchandbramble,androofedwiththefirstleavesandshootsofspring.Theretheylayforawhile,tootiredyettoeat;andpeeringoutthroughtheholesinthecoverttheywatchedfortheslowgrowthofday.
Butnodaycame,onlyadeadbrowntwilight.IntheEasttherewasadullredglareundertheloweringcloud:itwasnottheredofdawn.
Acrossthetumbledlandsbetween,themountainsoftheEphelDúathfrownedatthem,blackandshapelessbelowwherenightlaythickanddidnotpassaway,abovewithjaggedtopsandedgesoutlinedhardandmenacingagainstthefieryglow.Awaytotheirrightagreatshoulderofthemountainsstoodout,darkandblackamidtheshadows,thrustingwestward.
‘Whichwaydowegofromhere?’askedFrodo.‘Isthattheopeningof–oftheMorgulValley,awayovertherebeyondthatblackmass?’
‘Needwethinkaboutityet?’saidSam.‘Surelywe’renotgoingtomoveanymoretoday,ifdayitis?’
‘Perhapsnot,perhapsnot,’saidGollum.‘Butwemustgosoon,totheCross-roads.Yes,
totheCross-roads.That’sthewayoverthere,yes,Master.’
TheredglareoverMordordiedaway.ThetwilightdeepenedasgreatvapoursroseintheEastandcrawledabovethem.FrodoandSamtookalittlefoodandthenlaydown,butGollumwasrestless.Hewouldnoteatanyoftheirfood,buthe
drankalittlewaterandthencrawledaboutunderthebushes,sniffingandmuttering.Thensuddenlyhedisappeared.
‘Offhunting,Isuppose,’saidSamandyawned.Itwashisturntosleepfirst,andhewassoondeepinadream.HethoughthewasbackintheBagEndgardenlookingforsomething;buthehadaheavypackonhisback,
whichmadehimstoop.Itallseemedveryweedyandranksomehow,andthornsandbrackenwereinvadingthebedsdownnearthebottomhedge.
‘Ajobofworkforme,Icansee;butI’msotired,’hekeptonsaying.Presentlyherememberedwhathewaslookingfor.‘Mypipe!’hesaid,andwiththathewokeup.
‘Silly!’hesaidtohimself,asheopenedhiseyesandwonderedwhyhewaslyingdownunderthehedge.‘It’sinyourpackallthetime!’Thenherealized,firstthatthepipemightbeinhispackbuthehadnoleaf,andnextthathewashundredsofmilesfromBagEnd.Hesatup.Itseemedtobealmostdark.Whyhadhismasterlethimsleeponoutofturn,righton
tillevening?‘Haven’tyouhadno
sleep,Mr.Frodo?’hesaid.‘What’sthetime?Seemstobegettinglate!’
‘Noitisn’t,’saidFrodo.‘Butthedayisgettingdarkerinsteadoflighter:darkeranddarker.AsfarasIcantell,itisn’tmiddayyet,andyou’veonlysleptforaboutthreehours.’
‘Iwonderwhat’sup,’said
Sam.‘Isthereastormcoming?Ifsoit’sgoingtobetheworstthereeverwas.Weshallwishweweredownadeephole,notjuststuckunderahedge.’Helistened.‘What’sthat?Thunder,ordrums,orwhatisit?’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidFrodo.‘It’sbeengoingonforagoodwhilenow.Sometimesthegroundseemstotremble,sometimesitseemstobethe
heavyairthrobbinginyourears.’
Samlookedround.‘Where’sGollum?’hesaid.‘Hasn’thecomebackyet?’
‘No,’saidFrodo.‘There’snotbeenasignorsoundofhim.’
‘Well,Ican’tabidehim,’saidSam.‘Infact,I’venevertakenanythingonajourneythatI’dhavebeenlesssorrytoloseontheway.Butit
wouldbejustlikehim,aftercomingallthesemiles,togoandgetlostnow,justwhenweshallneedhimmost–thatis,ifhe’severgoingtobeanyuse,whichIdoubt.’
‘YouforgettheMarshes,’saidFrodo.‘Ihopenothinghashappenedtohim.’
‘AndIhopehe’suptonotricks.AndanywayIhopehedoesn’tfallintootherhands,asyoumightsay.Becauseif
hedoes,weshallsoonbeinfortrouble.’
Atthatmomentarollingandrumblingnoisewasheardagain,loudernowanddeeper.Thegroundseemedtoquiverundertheirfeet.‘Ithinkweareinfortroubleanyhow,’saidFrodo.‘I’mafraidourjourneyisdrawingtoanend.’
‘Maybe,’saidSam;‘butwherethere’slifethere’shope,asmygafferusedto
say;andneedofvittles,ashemostwaysusedtoadd.Youhaveabite,Mr.Frodo,andthenabitofsleep.’
Theafternoon,asSamsupposeditmustbecalled,woreon.Lookingoutfromthecoverthecouldseeonlyadun,shadowlessworld,fadingslowlyintoafeatureless,colourlessgloom.
Itfeltstiflingbutnotwarm.Frodosleptunquietly,turningandtossing,andsometimesmurmuring.TwiceSamthoughtheheardhimspeakingGandalf’sname.Thetimeseemedtodraginterminably.SuddenlySamheardahissbehindhim,andtherewasGollumonallfours,peeringatthemwithgleamingeyes.
‘Wakeup,wakeup!Wake
up,sleepies!’hewhispered.‘Wakeup!Notimetolose.Wemustgo,yes,wemustgoatonce.Notimetolose!’
Samstaredathimsuspiciously:heseemedfrightenedorexcited.‘Gonow?What’syourlittlegame?Itisn’ttimeyet.Itcan’tbetea-timeeven,leastwaysnotindecentplaceswherethereistea-time.’
‘Silly!’hissedGollum.
‘We’renotindecentplaces.Time’srunningshort,yes,runningfast.Notimetolose.Wemustgo.Wakeup,Master,wakeup!’HeclawedatFrodo;andFrodo,startledoutofsleep,satupsuddenlyandseizedhimbythearm.Gollumtorehimselflooseandbackedaway.
‘Theymustn’tbesilly,’hehissed.‘Wemustgo.Notimetolose!’Andnothingmore
couldtheygetoutofhim.Wherehehadbeen,andwhathethoughtwasbrewingtomakehiminsuchahurry,hewouldnotsay.Samwasfilledwithdeepsuspicion,andshowedit;butFrodogavenosignofwhatwaspassinginhismind.Hesighed,hoistedhispack,andpreparedtogooutintotheever-gatheringdarkness.
VerystealthilyGollumled
themdownthehillside,keepingundercoverwhereveritwaspossible,andrunning,almostbenttotheground,acrossanyopenspace;butthelightwasnowsodimthatevenakeen-eyedbeastofthewildcouldscarcelyhaveseenthehobbits,hooded,intheirgreycloaks,norheardthem,walkingaswarilyasthelittlepeoplecan.Withoutthecrack
ofatwigortherustleofaleaftheypassedandvanished.
Foraboutanhourtheywenton,silently,insinglefile,oppressedbythegloomandbytheabsolutestillnessoftheland,brokenonlynowandagainbythefaintrumblingasofthunderfarawayordrumbeatsinsome
hollowofthehills.Downfromtheirhiding-placetheywent,andthenturningsouththeysteeredasstraightacourseasGollumcouldfindacrossalongbrokenslopethatleaneduptowardsthemountains.Presently,notfarahead,loominguplikeablackwall,theysawabeltoftrees.Astheydrewnearertheybecameawarethatthesewereofvastsize,very
ancientitseemed,andstilltoweringhigh,thoughtheirtopsweregauntandbroken,asiftempestandlightning-blasthadsweptacrossthem,buthadfailedtokillthemortoshaketheirfathomlessroots.
‘TheCross-roads,yes,’whisperedGollum,thefirstwordsthathadbeenspokensincetheylefttheirhiding-place.‘Wemustgothatway.’
Turningeastwardnow,heledthemuptheslope;andthensuddenlythereitwasbeforethem:theSouthwardRoad,windingitswayabouttheouterfeetofthemountains,untilpresentlyitplungedintothegreatringoftrees.
‘Thisistheonlyway,’whisperedGollum.‘Nopathsbeyondtheroad.Nopaths.WemustgototheCross-roads.Butmakehaste!Be
silent!’Asfurtivelyasscouts
withinthecampmentoftheirenemies,theycreptdownontotheroad,andstolealongitswestwardedgeunderthestonybank,greyasthestonesthemselves,andsoft-footedashuntingcats.Atlengththeyreachedthetrees,andfoundthattheystoodinagreatrooflessring,openinthemiddletothesombresky;
andthespacesbetweentheirimmenseboleswerelikethegreatdarkarchesofsomeruinedhall.Intheverycentrefourwaysmet.BehindthemlaytheroadtotheMorannon;beforethemitranoutagainuponitslongjourneysouth;totheirrighttheroadfromoldOsgiliathcameclimbingup,andcrossing,passedouteastwardintodarkness:thefourthway,theroadthey
weretotake.Standingtherefora
momentfilledwithdreadFrodobecameawarethatalightwasshining;hesawitglowingonSam’sfacebesidehim.Turningtowardsit,hesaw,beyondanarchofboughs,theroadtoOsgiliathrunningalmostasstraightasastretchedribbondown,down,intotheWest.There,faraway,beyondsadGondor
nowoverwhelmedinshade,theSunwassinking,findingatlastthehemofthegreatslow-rollingpallofcloud,andfallinginanominousfiretowardstheyetunsulliedSea.Thebriefglowfelluponahugesittingfigure,stillandsolemnasthegreatstonekingsofArgonath.Theyearshadgnawedit,andviolenthandshadmaimedit.Itsheadwasgone,andinitsplacewas
setinmockeryaroundrough-hewnstone,rudelypaintedbysavagehandsinthelikenessofagrinningfacewithonelargeredeyeinthemidstofitsforehead.Uponitskneesandmightychair,andallaboutthepedestal,wereidlescrawlsmixedwiththefoulsymbolsthatthemaggot-folkofMordorused.
Suddenly,caughtbythelevelbeams,Frodosawthe
oldking’shead:itwaslyingrolledawaybytheroadside.‘Look,Sam!’hecried,startledintospeech.‘Look!Thekinghasgotacrownagain!’
Theeyeswerehollowandthecarvenbeardwasbroken,butaboutthehighsternforeheadtherewasacoronalofsilverandgold.Atrailingplantwithflowerslikesmallwhitestarshadbounditself
acrossthebrowsasifinreverenceforthefallenking,andinthecrevicesofhisstonyhairyellowstone-cropgleamed.
‘Theycannotconquerforever!’saidFrodo.Andthensuddenlythebriefglimpsewasgone.TheSundippedandvanished,andasifattheshutteringofalamp,blacknightfell.
Chapter8
THESTAIRSOFCIRITHUNGOL
GollumwastuggingatFrodo’scloakandhissingwithfearandimpatience.‘Wemustgo,’hesaid.‘Wemustn’tstandhere.Makehaste!’
ReluctantlyFrodoturnedhisbackontheWestandfollowedashisguideledhim,outintothedarknessoftheEast.Theylefttheringoftreesandcreptalongtheroadtowardsthemountains.Thisroad,too,ranstraightforawhile,butsoonitbegantobendawaysouthwards,untilitcamerightunderthegreatshoulderofrockthattheyhadseenfromthedistance.Black
andforbiddingitloomedabovethem,darkerthanthedarkskybehind.Crawlingunderitsshadowtheroadwenton,androundingitsprangeastagainandbegantoclimbsteeply.
FrodoandSamwereploddingalongwithheavyhearts,nolongerabletocaregreatlyabouttheirperil.Frodo’sheadwasbowed;hisburdenwasdragginghim
downagain.AssoonasthegreatCross-roadshadbeenpassed,theweightofit,almostforgotteninIthilien,hadbeguntogrowoncemore.Now,feelingthewaybecomesteepbeforehisfeet,helookedwearilyup;andthenhesawit,evenasGollumhadsaidthathewould:thecityoftheRingwraiths.Hecoweredagainstthestonybank.
Along-tiltedvalley,adeepgulfofshadow,ranbackfarintothemountains.Uponthefurtherside,somewaywithinthevalley’sarms,highonarockyseatupontheblackkneesoftheEphelDúath,stoodthewallsandtowerofMinasMorgul.Allwasdarkaboutit,earthandsky,butitwaslitwithlight.Nottheimprisonedmoonlightwellingthroughthemarble
wallsofMinasIthillongago,ToweroftheMoon,fairandradiantinthehollowofthehills.
Palerindeedthanthemoonailinginsomesloweclipsewasthelightofitnow,waveringandblowinglikeanoisomeexhalationofdecay,acorpse-light,alightthatilluminatednothing.Inthewallsandtowerwindowsshowed,likecountlessblack
holeslookinginwardintoemptiness;butthetopmostcourseofthetowerrevolvedslowly,firstonewayandthenanother,ahugeghostlyheadleeringintothenight.Foramomentthethreecompanionsstoodthere,shrinking,staringupwithunwillingeyes.Gollumwasthefirsttorecover.Againhepulledattheircloaksurgently,buthespokenoword.Almosthe
draggedthemforward.Everystepwasreluctant,andtimeseemedtoslowitspace,sothatbetweentheraisingofafootandthesettingofitdownminutesofloathingpassed.
Sotheycameslowlytothewhitebridge.Heretheroad,gleamingfaintly,passedoverthestreaminthemidstofthevalley,andwenton,windingdeviouslyuptowardsthecity’sgate:ablackmouth
openingintheoutercircleofthenorthwardwalls.Wideflatslayoneitherbank,shadowymeadsfilledwithpalewhiteflowers.Luminoustheseweretoo,beautifulandyethorribleofshape,likethedementedformsinanuneasydream;andtheygaveforthafaintsickeningcharnel-smell;anodourofrottennessfilledtheair.Frommeadtomeadthebridgesprang.Figures
stoodthereatitshead,carvenwithcunninginformshumanandbestial,butallcorruptandloathsome.Thewaterflowingbeneathwassilent,anditsteamed,butthevapourthatrosefromit,curlingandtwistingaboutthebridge,wasdeadlycold.Frodofelthissensesreelingandhisminddarkening.Thensuddenly,asifsomeforcewereatworkotherthanhisownwill,he
begantohurry,totteringforward,hisgropinghandsheldout,hisheadlollingfromsidetoside.BothSamandGollumranafterhim.Samcaughthismasterinhisarms,ashestumbledandalmostfell,rightonthethresholdofthebridge.
‘Notthatway!No,notthatway!’whisperedGollum,butthebreathbetweenhisteethseemedtoteartheheavy
stillnesslikeawhistle,andhecoweredtothegroundinterror.
‘Holdup,Mr.Frodo!’mutteredSaminFrodo’sear.‘Comeback!Notthatway.Gollumsaysnot,andforonceIagreewithhim.’
Frodopassedhishandoverhisbrowandwrenchedhiseyesawayfromthecityonthehill.Theluminoustowerfascinatedhim,andhe
foughtthedesirethatwasonhimtorunupthegleamingroadtowardsitsgate.Atlastwithaneffortheturnedback,andashedidso,hefelttheRingresistinghim,draggingatthechainabouthisneck;andhiseyestoo,ashelookedaway,seemedforthemomenttohavebeenblinded.Thedarknessbeforehimwasimpenetrable.
Gollum,crawlingonthe
groundlikeafrightenedanimal,wasalreadyvanishingintothegloom.Sam,supportingandguidinghisstumblingmaster,followedafterhimasquicklyashecould.Notfarfromthenearbankofthestreamtherewasagapinthestone-wallbesidetheroad.Throughthistheypassed,andSamsawthattheywereonanarrowpaththatgleamedfaintlyat
first,asthemainroaddid,untilclimbingabovethemeadsofdeadlyflowersitfadedandwentdark,windingitscrookedwayupintothenorthernsidesofthevalley.
Alongthispaththehobbitstrudged,sidebyside,unabletoseeGolluminfrontofthem,exceptwhenheturnedbacktobeckonthemon.Thenhiseyesshonewithagreen-whitelight,reflecting
thenoisomeMorgul-sheenperhaps,orkindledbysomeansweringmoodwithin.OfthatdeadlygleamandofthedarkeyeholesFrodoandSamwerealwaysconscious,everglancingfearfullyovertheirshoulders,andeverdraggingtheireyesbacktofindthedarkeningpath.Slowlytheylabouredon.Astheyroseabovethestenchandvapoursofthepoisonousstreamtheir
breathbecameeasierandtheirheadsclearer;butnowtheirlimbsweredeadlytired,asiftheyhadwalkedallnightunderaburden,orhadbeenswimminglongagainstaheavytideofwater.Atlasttheycouldgonofurtherwithoutahalt.
Frodostoppedandsatdownonastone.Theyhadnowclimbeduptothetopofagreathumpofbarerock.
Aheadofthemtherewasabayinthevalley-side,androundtheheadofthisthepathwenton,nomorethanawideledgewithachasmontheright;acrossthesheersouthwardfaceofthemountainitcrawledupwards,untilitdisappearedintotheblacknessabove.
‘Imustrestawhile,Sam,’whisperedFrodo.‘It’sheavyonme,Samlad,veryheavy.I
wonderhowfarIcancarryit?AnywayImustrestbeforeweventureontothat.’Hepointedtothenarrowwayahead.
‘Sssh!ssh!’hissedGollumhurryingbacktothem.‘Sssh!’Hisfingerswereonhislipsandheshookhisheadurgently.TuggingatFrodo’ssleeve,hepointedtowardsthepath;butFrodowouldnotmove.
‘Notyet,’hesaid,‘notyet.’Wearinessandmorethanwearinessoppressedhim;itseemedasifaheavyspellwaslaidonhismindandbody.‘Imustrest,’hemuttered.
AtthisGollum’sfearandagitationbecamesogreatthathespokeagain,hissingbehindhishand,asiftokeepthesoundfromunseenlistenersintheair.‘Nothere,
no.Notresthere.Fools!Eyescanseeus.Whentheycometothebridgetheywillseeus.Comeaway!Climb,climb!Come!’
‘Come,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘He’srightagain.Wecan’tstayhere.’
‘Allright,’saidFrodoinaremotevoice,asofonespeakinghalfasleep.‘Iwilltry.’Wearilyhegottohisfeet.
Butitwastoolate.Atthatmomenttherockquiveredandtrembledbeneaththem.Thegreatrumblingnoise,louderthaneverbefore,rolledinthegroundandechoedinthemountains.Thenwithsearingsuddennesstherecameagreatredflash.Farbeyondtheeasternmountainsitleaptintotheskyandsplashedtheloweringcloudswithcrimson.Inthat
valleyofshadowandcolddeathlylightitseemedunbearablyviolentandfierce.PeaksofstoneandridgeslikenotchedknivessprangoutinstaringblackagainsttheuprushingflameinGorgoroth.Thencameagreatcrackofthunder.
AndMinasMorgulanswered.Therewasaflareoflividlightnings:forksofblueflamespringingupfrom
thetowerandfromtheencirclinghillsintothesullenclouds.Theearthgroaned;andoutofthecitytherecameacry.Mingledwithharshhighvoicesasofbirdsofprey,andtheshrillneighingofhorseswildwithrageandfear,therecamearendingscreech,shivering,risingswiftlytoapiercingpitchbeyondtherangeofhearing.Thehobbitswheeledround
towardsit,andcastthemselvesdown,holdingtheirhandsupontheirears.
Astheterriblecryended,fallingbackthroughalongsickeningwailtosilence,Frodoslowlyraisedhishead.Acrossthenarrowvalley,nowalmostonalevelwithhiseyes,thewallsoftheevilcitystood,anditscavernousgate,shapedlikeanopenmouthwithgleamingteeth,
wasgapingwide.Andoutofthegateanarmycame.
Allthathostwascladinsable,darkasthenight.AgainstthewanwallsandtheluminouspavementoftheroadFrodocouldseethem,smallblackfiguresinrankuponrank,marchingswiftlyandsilently,passingoutwardsinanendlessstream.Beforethemwentagreatcavalryofhorsemenmovinglike
orderedshadows,andattheirheadwasonegreaterthanalltherest:aRider,allblack,savethatonhishoodedheadhehadahelmlikeacrownthatflickeredwithaperilouslight.Nowhewasdrawingnearthebridgebelow,andFrodo’sstaringeyesfollowedhim,unabletowinkortowithdraw.SurelytherewastheLordoftheNineRidersreturnedtoearthtoleadhis
ghastlyhosttobattle?Here,yeshereindeedwasthehaggardkingwhosecoldhandhadsmittendowntheRing-bearerwithhisdeadlyknife.TheoldwoundthrobbedwithpainandagreatchillspreadtowardsFrodo’sheart.
Evenasthesethoughtspiercedhimwithdreadandheldhimboundaswithaspell,theRiderhalted
suddenly,rightbeforetheentranceofthebridge,andbehindhimallthehoststoodstill.Therewasapause,adeadsilence.MaybeitwastheRingthatcalledtotheWraith-lord,andforamomenthewastroubled,sensingsomeotherpowerwithinhisvalley.Thiswayandthatturnedthedarkheadhelmedandcrownedwithfear,sweepingtheshadows
withitsunseeneyes.Frodowaited,likeabirdattheapproachofasnake,unabletomove.Andashewaited,hefelt,moreurgentthaneverbefore,thecommandthatheshouldputontheRing.Butgreatasthepressurewas,hefeltnoinclinationnowtoyieldtoit.HeknewthattheRingwouldonlybetrayhim,andthathehadnot,evenifheputiton,thepowertoface
theMorgul-king–notyet.Therewasnolongeranyanswertothatcommandinhisownwill,dismayedbyterrorthoughitwas,andhefeltonlythebeatinguponhimofagreatpowerfromoutside.Ittookhishand,andasFrodowatchedwithhismind,notwillingitbutinsuspense(asifhelookedonsomeoldstoryfaraway),itmovedthehandinchbyinch
towardsthechainuponhisneck.Thenhisownwillstirred;slowlyitforcedthehandbackandsetittofindanotherthing,athinglyinghiddennearhisbreast.Coldandharditseemedashisgripclosedonit:thephialofGaladriel,solongtreasured,andalmostforgottentillthathour.Ashetouchedit,forawhileallthoughtoftheRingwasbanishedfromhismind.
Hesighedandbenthishead.Atthatmomentthe
Wraith-kingturnedandspurredhishorseandrodeacrossthebridge,andallhisdarkhostfollowedhim.Maybetheelven-hoodsdefiedhisunseeneyes,andthemindofhissmallenemy,beingstrengthened,hadturnedasidehisthought.Buthewasinhaste.Alreadythehourhadstruck,andathis
greatMaster’sbiddinghemustmarchwithwarintotheWest.
Soonhehadpassed,likeashadowintoshadow,downthewindingroad,andbehindhimstilltheblackrankscrossedthebridge.SogreatanarmyhadneverissuedfromthatvalesincethedaysofIsildur’smight;nohostsofellandstronginarmshadyetassailedthefordsof
Anduin;andyetitwasbutoneandnotthegreatestofthehoststhatMordornowsentforth.
Frodostirred.AndsuddenlyhisheartwentouttoFaramir.‘Thestormhasburstatlast,’hethought.‘ThisgreatarrayofspearsandswordsisgoingtoOsgiliath.WillFaramirgetacrossin
time?Heguessedit,butdidheknowthehour?AndwhocannowholdthefordswhentheKingoftheNineRiderscomes?Andotherarmieswillcome.Iamtoolate.Allislost.Itarriedontheway.Allislost.Evenifmyerrandisperformed,noonewilleverknow.TherewillbenooneIcantell.Itwillbeinvain.’Overcomewithweaknesshewept.Andstillthehostof
Morgulcrossedthebridge.Thenatagreatdistance,
asifitcameoutofmemoriesoftheShire,somesunlitearlymorning,whenthedaycalledanddoorswereopening,heheardSam’svoicespeaking.‘Wakeup,Mr.Frodo!Wakeup!’Hadthevoiceadded:‘Yourbreakfastisready,’hewouldhardlyhavebeensurprised.CertainlySamwasurgent.‘Wakeup,Mr.Frodo!
They’regone,’hesaid.Therewasadullclang.
ThegatesofMinasMorgulhadclosed.Thelastrankofspearshadvanisheddowntheroad.Thetowerstillgrinnedacrossthevalley,butthelightwasfadinginit.Thewholecitywasfallingbackintoadarkbroodingshade,andsilence.Yetstillitwasfilledwithwatchfulness.
‘Wakeup,Mr.Frodo!
They’regone,andwe’dbettergotoo.There’ssomethingstillaliveinthatplace,somethingwitheyes,oraseeingmind,ifyoutakeme;andthelongerwestayinonespot,thesooneritwillgetontous.Comeon,Mr.Frodo!’
Frodoraisedhishead,andthenstoodup.Despairhadnotlefthim,buttheweaknesshadpassed.Heevensmiledgrimly,feelingnowasclearly
asamomentbeforehehadfelttheopposite,thatwhathehadtodo,hehadtodo,ifhecould,andthatwhetherFaramirorAragornorElrondorGaladrielorGandalforanyoneelseeverknewaboutitwasbesidethepurpose.Hetookhisstaffinonehandandthephialinhisother.Whenhesawthattheclearlightwasalreadywellingthroughhisfingers,hethrustitintohis
bosomandhelditagainsthisheart.ThenturningfromthecityofMorgul,nownomorethanagreyglimmeracrossadarkgulf,hepreparedtotaketheupwardroad.
Gollum,itseemed,hadcrawledoffalongtheledgeintothedarknessbeyond,whenthegatesofMinasMorgulopened,leavingthehobbitswheretheylay.Henowcamecreepingback,his
teethchatteringandhisfingerssnapping.‘Foolish!Silly!’hehissed.‘Makehaste!Theymustn’tthinkdangerhaspassed.Ithasn’t.Makehaste!’
Theydidnotanswer,buttheyfollowedhimontotheclimbingledge.Itwaslittletothelikingofeitherofthem,notevenafterfacingsomanyotherperils;butitdidnotlastlong.Soonthepathreacheda
roundedanglewherethemountain-sideswelledoutagain,andthereitsuddenlyenteredanarrowopeningintherock.TheyhadcometothefirststairthatGollumhadspokenof.Thedarknesswasalmostcomplete,andtheycouldseenothingmuchbeyondtheirhands’stretch;butGollum’seyesshonepale,severalfeetabove,asheturnedbacktowardsthem.
‘Careful!’hewhispered.‘Steps.Lotsofsteps.Mustbecareful!’
Carewascertainlyneeded.FrodoandSamatfirstfelteasier,havingnowawalloneitherside,butthestairwaywasalmostassteepasaladder,andastheyclimbedupandup,theybecamemoreandmoreawareofthelongblackfallbehindthem.Andthestepswere
narrow,spacedunevenly,andoftentreacherous:theywerewornandsmoothattheedges,andsomewerebroken,andsomecrackedasfootwassetuponthem.Thehobbitsstruggledon,untilatlasttheywereclingingwithdesperatefingerstothestepsahead,andforcingtheirachingkneestobendandstraighten;andeverasthestaircutitswaydeeperintothesheermountainthe
rockywallsrosehigherandhigherabovetheirheads.
Atlength,justastheyfeltthattheycouldendurenomore,theysawGollum’seyespeeringdownatthemagain.‘We’reup,’hewhispered.‘Firststair’spast.Cleverhobbitstoclimbsohigh,verycleverhobbits.Justafewmorelittlestepsandthat’sall,yes.’
DizzyandverytiredSam,andFrodofollowinghim,crawledupthelaststep,andsatdownrubbingtheirlegsandknees.Theywereinadeepdarkpassagethatseemedstilltogoupbeforethem,thoughatagentlerslopeandwithoutsteps.Gollumdidnotletthemrestlong.
‘There’sanotherstairstill,’hesaid.‘Muchlonger
stair.Restwhenwegettothetopofnextstair.Notyet.’
Samgroaned.‘Longer,didyousay?’heasked.
‘Yes,yess,longer,’saidGollum.‘Butnotsodifficult.HobbitshaveclimbedtheStraightStair.NextcomestheWindingStair.’
‘Andwhatafterthat?’saidSam.
‘Weshallsee,’saidGollumsoftly.‘Oyes,we
shallsee!’‘Ithoughtyousaidthere
wasatunnel,’saidSam.‘Isn’tthereatunnelorsomethingtogothrough?’
‘Oyes,there’satunnel,’saidGollum.‘Buthobbitscanrestbeforetheytrythat.Iftheygetthroughthat,they’llbenearlyatthetop.Verynearly,iftheygetthrough.Oyes!’
Frodoshivered.Theclimb
hadmadehimsweat,butnowhefeltcoldandclammy,andtherewasachilldraughtinthedarkpassage,blowingdownfromtheinvisibleheightsabove.Hegotupandshookhimself.‘Well,let’sgoon!’hesaid.‘Thisisnoplacetositin.’
Thepassageseemedtogoonformiles,andalwaysthe
chillairflowedoverthem,risingastheywentontoabitterwind.Themountainsseemedtobetryingwiththeirdeadlybreathtodauntthem,toturnthembackfromthesecretsofthehighplaces,ortoblowthemawayintothedarknessbehind.Theyonlyknewthattheyhadcometotheend,whensuddenlytheyfeltnowallattheirrighthand.Theycouldseevery
little.Greatblackshapelessmassesanddeepgreyshadowsloomedabovethemandaboutthem,butnowandagainadullredlightflickeredupundertheloweringclouds,andforamomenttheywereawareoftallpeaks,infrontandoneitherside,likepillarsholdingupavastsaggingroof.Theyseemedtohaveclimbedupmanyhundredsoffeet,ontoawideshelf.A
cliffwasontheirleftandachasmontheirright.
Gollumledthewaycloseunderthecliff.Forthepresenttheywerenolongerclimbing,butthegroundwasnowmorebrokenanddangerousinthedark,andtherewereblocksandlumpsoffallenstoneintheway.Theirgoingwasslowandcautious.Howmanyhourshadpassedsincetheyhad
enteredtheMorgulValeneitherSamnorFrodocouldanylongerguess.Thenightseemedendless.
Atlengththeywereoncemoreawareofawallloomingup,andoncemoreastairwayopenedbeforethem.Againtheyhalted,andagaintheybegantoclimb.Itwasalongandwearyascent;butthisstairwaydidnotdelveintothemountain-side.Herethe
hugecliff-faceslopedbackwards,andthepathlikeasnakewoundtoandfroacrossit.Atonepointitcrawledsidewaysrighttotheedgeofthedarkchasm,andFrodoglancingdownsawbelowhimasavastdeeppitthegreatravineattheheadoftheMorgulValley.Downinitsdepthsglimmeredlikeaglow-wormthreadthewraith-roadfromthedeadcitytothe
NamelessPass.Heturnedhastilyaway.
Stillonandupthestairwaybentandcrawled,untilatlastwithafinalflight,shortandstraight,itclimbedoutagainontoanotherlevel.Thepathhadveeredawayfromthemainpassinthegreatravine,anditnowfolloweditsownperilous
courseatthebottomofalessercleftamongthehigherregionsoftheEphelDúath.Dimlythehobbitscoulddiscerntallpiersandjaggedpinnaclesofstoneoneitherside,betweenwhichweregreatcrevicesandfissuresblackerthanthenight,whereforgottenwintershadgnawedandcarvedthesunlessstone.Andnowtheredlightintheskyseemedstronger;though
theycouldnottellwhetheradreadfulmorningwereindeedcomingtothisplaceofshadow,orwhethertheysawonlytheflameofsomegreatviolenceofSauroninthetormentofGorgorothbeyond.Stillfarahead,andstillhighabove,Frodo,lookingup,saw,asheguessed,theverycrownofthisbitterroad.Againstthesullenrednessoftheeasternskyacleftwas
outlinedinthetopmostridge,narrow,deep-clovenbetweentwoblackshoulders;andoneithershoulderwasahornofstone.
Hepausedandlookedmoreattentively.Thehornupontheleftwastallandslender;andinitburnedaredlight,orelsetheredlightinthelandbeyondwasshiningthroughahole.Hesawnow:itwasablacktowerpoised
abovetheouterpass.HetouchedSam’sarmandpointed.
‘Idon’tlikethelookofthat!’saidSam.‘Sothissecretwayofyoursisguardedafterall,’hegrowled,turningtoGollum.‘Asyouknewallalong,Isuppose?’
‘Allwaysarewatched,yes,’saidGollum.‘Ofcoursetheyare.Buthobbitsmusttry
someway.Thismaybeleastwatched.Perhapsthey’veallgoneawaytobigbattle,perhaps!’
‘Perhaps,’gruntedSam.‘Well,itstillseemsalongwayoff,andalongwayupbeforewegetthere.Andthere’sstillthetunnel.Ithinkyououghttorestnow,Mr.Frodo.Idon’tknowwhattimeofdayornightitis,butwe’vekeptgoingforhours
andhours.’‘Yes,wemustrest,’said
Frodo.‘Letusfindsomecorneroutofthewind,andgatherourstrength–forthelastlap.’Forsohefeltittobe.Theterrorsofthelandbeyond,andthedeedtobedonethere,seemedremote,toofaroffyettotroublehim.Allhismindwasbentongettingthroughoroverthisimpenetrablewallandguard.
Ifoncehecoulddothatimpossiblething,thensomehowtheerrandwouldbeaccomplished,orsoitseemedtohiminthatdarkhourofweariness,stilllabouringinthestonyshadowsunderCirithUngol.
Inadarkcrevicebetweentwogreatpiersofrocktheysatdown:FrodoandSama
littlewaywithin,andGollumcroucheduponthegroundneartheopening.TherethehobbitstookwhattheyexpectedwouldbetheirlastmealbeforetheywentdownintotheNamelessLand,maybethelastmealtheywouldevereattogether.SomeofthefoodofGondortheyate,andwafersofthewaybreadoftheElves,andtheydrankalittle.Butof
theirwatertheyweresparingandtookonlyenoughtomoistentheirdrymouths.
‘Iwonderwhenwe’llfindwateragain?’saidSam.‘ButIsupposeevenovertheretheydrink?Orcsdrink,don’tthey?’
‘Yes,theydrink,’saidFrodo.‘Butdonotletusspeakofthat.Suchdrinkisnotforus.’
‘Thenallthemoreneedto
fillourbottles,’saidSam.‘Butthereisn’tanywateruphere:notasoundoratricklehaveIheard.AndanywayFaramirsaidwewerenottodrinkanywaterinMorgul.’
‘NowaterflowingoutofImladMorgul,werehiswords,’saidFrodo.‘Wearenotinthatvalleynow,andifwecameonaspringitwouldbeflowingintoitandnotoutofit.’
‘Iwouldn’ttrustit,’saidSam,‘nottillIwasdyingofthirst.There’sawickedfeelingaboutthisplace.’Hesniffed.‘Andasmell,Ifancy.Doyounoticeit?Aqueerkindofasmell,stuffy.Idon’tlikeit.’
‘Idon’tlikeanythinghereatall,’saidFrodo,‘steporstone,breathorbone.Earth,airandwaterallseemaccursed.Butsoourpathis
laid.’‘Yes,that’sso,’saidSam.
‘Andweshouldn’tbehereatall,ifwe’dknownmoreaboutitbeforewestarted.ButIsupposeit’softenthatway.Thebravethingsintheoldtalesandsongs,Mr.Frodo:adventures,asIusedtocallthem.Iusedtothinkthattheywerethingsthewonderfulfolkofthestorieswentoutandlookedfor,
becausetheywantedthem,becausetheywereexcitingandlifewasabitdull,akindofasport,asyoumightsay.Butthat’snotthewayofitwiththetalesthatreallymattered,ortheonesthatstayinthemind.Folkseemtohavebeenjustlandedinthem,usually–theirpathswerelaidthatway,asyouputit.ButIexpecttheyhadlotsofchances,likeus,ofturning
back,onlytheydidn’t.Andiftheyhad,weshouldn’tknow,becausethey’dhavebeenforgotten.Wehearaboutthoseasjustwenton–andnotalltoagoodend,mindyou;atleastnottowhatfolkinsideastoryandnotoutsideitcallagoodend.Youknow,cominghome,andfindingthingsallright,thoughnotquitethesame–likeoldMr.Bilbo.Butthosearen’t
alwaysthebesttalestohear,thoughtheymaybethebesttalestogetlandedin!Iwonderwhatsortofatalewe’vefalleninto?’
‘Iwonder,’saidFrodo.‘ButIdon’tknow.Andthat’sthewayofarealtale.Takeanyonethatyou’refondof.Youmayknow,orguess,whatkindofataleitis,happy-endingorsad-ending,butthepeopleinitdon’t
know.Andyoudon’twantthemto.’
‘No,sir,ofcoursenot.Berennow,heneverthoughthewasgoingtogetthatSilmarilfromtheIronCrowninThangorodrim,andyethedid,andthatwasaworseplaceandablackerdangerthanours.Butthat’salongtale,ofcourse,andgoesonpastthehappinessandintogriefandbeyondit–andthe
SilmarilwentonandcametoEa¨rendil.Andwhy,sir,Ineverthoughtofthatbefore!We’vegot–you’vegotsomeofthelightofitinthatstar-glassthattheLadygaveyou!Why,tothinkofit,we’reinthesametalestill!It’sgoingon.Don’tthegreattalesneverend?’
‘No,theyneverendastales,’saidFrodo.‘Butthepeopleinthemcome,andgo
whentheirpart’sended.Ourpartwillendlater–orsooner.’
‘Andthenwecanhavesomerestandsomesleep,’saidSam.Helaughedgrimly.‘AndImeanjustthat,Mr.Frodo.Imeanplainordinaryrest,andsleep,andwakinguptoamorning’sworkinthegarden.I’mafraidthat’sallI’mhopingforallthetime.Allthebigimportantplans
arenotformysort.Still,Iwonderifweshalleverbeputintosongsortales.We’reinone,ofcourse;butImean:putintowords,youknow,toldbythefireside,orreadoutofagreatbigbookwithredandblackletters,yearsandyearsafterwards.Andpeoplewillsay:‘‘Let’shearaboutFrodoandtheRing!’’Andthey’llsay:‘‘Yes,that’soneofmyfavouritestories.
Frodowasverybrave,wasn’the,dad?’’‘‘Yes,myboy,thefamousestofthehobbits,andthat’ssayingalot.’’’
‘It’ssayingalottoomuch,’saidFrodo,andhelaughed,alongclearlaughfromhisheart.SuchasoundhadnotbeenheardinthoseplacessinceSauroncametoMiddle-earth.ToSamsuddenlyitseemedasifallthestoneswerelisteningand
thetallrocksleaningoverthem.ButFrododidnotheedthem;helaughedagain.‘Why,Sam,’hesaid,‘tohearyousomehowmakesmeasmerryasifthestorywasalreadywritten.Butyou’veleftoutoneofthechiefcharacters:Samwisethestouthearted.‘‘IwanttohearmoreaboutSam,dad.Whydidn’ttheyputinmoreofhistalk,dad?That’swhatIlike,
itmakesmelaugh.AndFrodowouldn’thavegotfarwithoutSam,wouldhe,dad?’’’
‘Now,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam,‘youshouldn’tmakefun.Iwasserious.’
‘SowasI,’saidFrodo,‘andsoIam.We’regoingonabittoofast.YouandI,Sam,arestillstuckintheworstplacesofthestory,anditisalltoolikelythatsomewill
sayatthispoint:‘‘Shutthebooknow,dad;wedon’twanttoreadanymore.’’’
‘Maybe,’saidSam,‘butIwouldn’tbeonetosaythat.Thingsdoneandoverandmadeintopartofthegreattalesaredifferent.Why,evenGollummightbegoodinatale,betterthanheistohavebyyou,anyway.Andheusedtoliketaleshimselfonce,byhisownaccount.Iwonderif
hethinkshe’stheheroorthevillain?
‘Gollum!’hecalled.‘Wouldyouliketobethehero–nowwhere’shegottoagain?’
Therewasnosignofhimatthemouthoftheirshelternorintheshadowsnear.Hehadrefusedtheirfood,thoughhehad,asusual,acceptedamouthfulofwater;andthenhehadseemedtocurlupfora
sleep.Theyhadsupposedthatoneatanyrateofhisobjectsinhislongabsencethedaybeforehadbeentohuntforfoodtohisownliking;andnowhehadevidentlyslippedoffagainwhiletheytalked.Butwhatforthistime?
‘Idon’tlikehissneakingoffwithoutsaying,’saidSam.‘Andleastofallnow.Hecan’tbelookingforfooduphere,notunlessthere’ssome
kindofrockhefancies.Why,thereisn’tevenabitofmoss!’
‘It’snogoodworryingabouthimnow,’saidFrodo.‘Wecouldn’thavegotsofar,notevenwithinsightofthepass,withouthim,andsowe’llhavetoputupwithhisways.Ifhe’sfalse,he’sfalse.’
‘Allthesame,I’dratherhavehimundermyeye,’said
Sam.‘Allthemoreso,ifhe’sfalse.Doyourememberheneverwouldsayifthispasswasguardedorno?Andnowweseeatowerthere–anditmaybedeserted,anditmaynot.Doyouthinkhe’sgonetofetchthem,Orcsorwhatevertheyare?’
‘No,Idon’tthinkso,’answeredFrodo.‘Evenifhe’suptosomewickedness,andIsupposethat’snotunlikely.I
don’tthinkit’sthat:nottofetchOrcs,oranyservantsoftheEnemy.Whywaittillnow,andgothroughallthelabouroftheclimb,andcomesonearthelandhefears?HecouldprobablyhavebetrayedustoOrcsmanytimessincewemethim.No,ifit’sanything,itwillbesomelittleprivatetrickofhisownthathethinksisquitesecret.’
‘Well,Isupposeyou’re
right,Mr.Frodo,’saidSam.‘Notthatitcomfortsmemightily.Idon’tmakenomistake:Idon’tdoubthe’dhandmeovertoOrcsasgladlyaskisshishand.ButIwasforgetting–hisPrecious.No,Isupposethewholetimeit’sbeenThePreciousforpoorSméagol.That’stheoneideainallhislittleschemes,ifhehasany.Buthowbringingusupherewillhelp
himinthatismorethanIcanguess.’
‘Verylikelyhecan’tguesshimself,’saidFrodo.‘AndIdon’tthinkhe’sgotjustoneplainschemeinhismuddledhead.IthinkhereallyisinparttryingtosavethePreciousfromtheEnemy,aslongashecan.Forthatwouldbethelastdisasterforhimselftoo,iftheEnemygotit.Andintheotherpart,
perhaps,he’sjustbidinghistimeandwaitingonchance.’
‘Yes,SlinkerandStinker,asI’vesaidbefore,’saidSam.‘ButthenearertheygettotheEnemy’slandthemorelikeStinkerSlinkerwillget.Markmywords:ifeverwegettothepass,hewon’tletusreallytakethepreciousthingovertheborderwithoutmakingsomekindoftrouble.’
‘Wehaven’tgotthereyet,’saidFrodo.
‘No,butwe’dbetterkeepoureyesskinnedtillwedo.Ifwe’recaughtnapping,Stinkerwillcomeoutontopprettyquick.Notbutwhatitwouldbesafeforyoutohaveawinknow,master.Safe,ifyoulayclosetome.I’dbedearlygladtoseeyouhaveasleep.I’dkeepwatchoveryou;andanyway,ifyoulaynear,with
myarmroundyou,noonecouldcomepawingyouwithoutyourSamknowingit.’
‘Sleep!’saidFrodoandsighed,asifoutofadeserthehadseenamirageofcoolgreen.‘Yes,evenhereIcouldsleep.’
‘Sleepthen,master!Layyourheadinmylap.’
AndsoGollumfoundthemhourslater,whenhereturned,crawlingandcreepingdownthepathoutofthegloomahead.Samsatproppedagainstthestone,hisheaddroppingsidewaysandhisbreathingheavy.InhislaplayFrodo’shead,drowneddeepinsleep;uponhiswhiteforeheadlayoneofSam’sbrownhands,andtheotherlaysoftlyuponhismaster’s
breast.Peacewasinboththeirfaces.
Gollumlookedatthem.Astrangeexpressionpassedoverhisleanhungryface.Thegleamfadedfromhiseyes,andtheywentdimandgrey,oldandtired.Aspasmofpainseemedtotwisthim,andheturnedaway,peeringbackuptowardsthepass,shakinghishead,asifengagedinsomeinterior
debate.Thenhecameback,andslowlyputtingoutatremblinghand,verycautiouslyhetouchedFrodo’sknee–butalmostthetouchwasacaress.Forafleetingmoment,couldoneofthesleepershaveseenhim,theywouldhavethoughtthattheybeheldanoldwearyhobbit,shrunkenbytheyearsthathadcarriedhimfarbeyondhistime,beyondfriendsand
kin,andthefieldsandstreamsofyouth,anoldstarvedpitiablething.
ButatthattouchFrodostirredandcriedoutsoftlyinhissleep,andimmediatelySamwaswideawake.ThefirstthinghesawwasGollum–‘pawingatmaster,’ashethought.
‘Heyyou!’hesaidroughly.‘Whatareyouupto?’
‘Nothing,nothing,’saidGollumsoftly.‘NiceMaster!’
‘Idaresay,’saidSam.‘Butwherehaveyoubeento–sneakingoffandsneakingback,youoldvillain?’
Gollumwithdrewhimself,andagreenglintflickeredunderhisheavylids.Almostspider-likehelookednow,crouchedbackonhisbentlimbs,withhisprotrudingeyes.Thefleetingmoment
hadpassed,beyondrecall.‘Sneaking,sneaking!’hehissed.‘Hobbitsalwayssopolite,yes.Onicehobbits!Sméagolbringsthemupsecretwaysthatnobodyelsecouldfind.Tiredheis,thirstyheis,yesthirsty;andheguidesthemandhesearchesforpaths,andtheysaysneak,sneak.Verynicefriends,Oyesmyprecious,verynice.’
Samfeltabitremorseful,
thoughnotmoretrustful.‘Sorry,’hesaid.‘I’msorry,butyoustartledmeoutofmysleep.AndIshouldn’thavebeensleeping,andthatmademeabitsharp.ButMr.Frodo,he’sthattired,Iaskedhimtohaveawink;andwell,that’showitis.Sorry.Butwherehaveyoubeento?’
‘Sneaking,’saidGollum,andthegreenglintdidnotleavehiseyes.
‘Overywell,’saidSam,‘haveityourownway!Idon’tsupposeit’ssofarfromthetruth.Andnowwe’dbetterallbesneakingalongtogether.What’sthetime?Isittodayortomorrow?’
‘It’stomorrow,’saidGollum,‘orthiswastomorrowwhenhobbitswenttosleep.Veryfoolish,verydangerous–ifpoorSméagolwasn’tsneakingaboutto
watch.’‘Ithinkweshallgettired
ofthatwordsoon,’saidSam.‘Butnevermind.I’llwakemasterup.’GentlyhesmoothedthehairbackfromFrodo’sbrow,andbendingdownspokesoftlytohim.
‘Wakeup,Mr.Frodo!Wakeup!’
Frodostirredandopenedhiseyes,andsmiled,seeingSam’sfacebendingoverhim.
‘Callingmeearlyaren’tyou,Sam?’hesaid.‘It’sdarkstill!’
‘Yesit’salwaysdarkhere,’saidSam.‘ButGollum’scomeback,Mr.Frodo,andhesaysit’stomorrow.Sowemustbewalkingon.Thelastlap.’
Frododrewadeepbreathandsatup.‘Thelastlap!’hesaid.‘Hullo,Sméagol!Foundanyfood?Haveyouhadany
rest?’‘Nofood,norest,nothing
forSméagol,’saidGollum.‘He’sasneak.’
Samclickedhistongue,butrestrainedhimself.
‘Don’ttakenamestoyourself,Sméagol,’saidFrodo.‘It’sunwise,whethertheyaretrueorfalse.’
‘Sméagolhastotakewhat’sgivenhim,’answeredGollum.‘Hewasgiventhat
namebykindMasterSamwise,thehobbitthatknowssomuch.’
FrodolookedatSam.‘Yessir,’hesaid.‘Ididusetheword,wakingupoutofmysleepsuddenandallandfindinghimathand.IsaidIwassorry,butIsoonshan’tbe.’
‘Come,letitpassthen,’saidFrodo.‘Butnowweseemtohavecometothe
point,youandI,Sméagol.Tellme.Canwefindtherestofthewaybyourselves?We’reinsightofthepass,ofawayin,andifwecanfinditnow,thenIsupposeouragreementcanbesaidtobeover.Youhavedonewhatyoupromised,andyou’refree:freetogobacktofoodandrest,whereveryouwishtogo,excepttoservantsoftheEnemy.AndonedayI
mayrewardyou,Iorthosethatrememberme.’
‘No,no,notyet,’Gollumwhined.‘Ono!Theycan’tfindthewaythemselves,canthey?Onoindeed.There’sthetunnelcoming.Sméagolmustgoon.Norest.Nofood.Notyet.’
Chapter9
SHELOB’SLAIR
Itmayindeedhavebeendaytimenow,asGollumsaid,butthehobbitscouldseelittledifference,unless,perhaps,theheavyskyabovewaslessutterlyblack,morelikeagreatroofofsmoke;while
insteadofthedarknessofdeepnight,whichlingeredstillincracksandholes,agreyblurringshadowshroudedthestonyworldaboutthem.Theypassedon,Golluminfrontandthehobbitsnowsidebyside,upthelongravinebetweenthepiersandcolumnsoftornandweatheredrock,standinglikehugeunshapenstatuesoneitherhand.Therewasno
sound.Somewayahead,amileorso,perhaps,wasagreatgreywall,alasthugeupthrustingmassofmountain-stone.Darkeritloomed,andsteadilyitroseastheyapproached,untilittowereduphighabovethem,shuttingouttheviewofallthatlaybeyond.Deepshadowlaybeforeitsfeet.Samsniffedtheair.
‘Ugh!Thatsmell!’he
said.‘It’sgettingstrongerandstronger.’
Presentlytheywereundertheshadow,andthereinthemidstofittheysawtheopeningofacave.‘Thisisthewayin,’saidGollumsoftly.‘Thisistheentrancetothetunnel.’Hedidnotspeakitsname:TorechUngol,Shelob’sLair.Outofitcameastench,notthesicklyodourofdecayinthemeadsof
Morgul,butafoulreek,asiffilthunnameablewerepiledandhoardedinthedarkwithin.
‘Isthistheonlyway,Sméagol?’saidFrodo.
‘Yes,yes,’heanswered.‘Yes,wemustgothiswaynow.’
‘D’youmeantosayyou’vebeenthroughthishole?’saidSam.‘Phew!Butperhapsyoudon’tmindbad
smells.’Gollum’seyesglinted.
‘Hedoesn’tknowwhatweminds,doeshe,precious?No,hedoesn’t.ButSméagolcanbearthings.Yes.He’sbeenthrough.Oyes,rightthrough.It’stheonlyway.’
‘Andwhatmakesthesmell,Iwonder,’saidSam.‘It’slike–well,Iwouldn’tliketosay.SomebeastlyholeoftheOrcs,I’llwarrant,with
ahundredyearsoftheirfilthinit.’
‘Well,’saidFrodo,‘Orcsorno,ifit’stheonlyway,wemusttakeit.’
Drawingadeepbreaththeypassedinside.Inafewstepstheywereinutterandimpenetrabledark.NotsincethelightlesspassagesofMoriahadFrodoorSam
knownsuchdarkness,andifpossiblehereitwasdeeperanddenser.There,therewereairsmoving,andechoes,andasenseofspace.Heretheairwasstill,stagnant,heavy,andsoundfelldead.Theywalkedasitwereinablackvapourwroughtofveritabledarknessitselfthat,asitwasbreathed,broughtblindnessnotonlytotheeyesbuttothemind,sothateventhememoryof
coloursandofformsandofanylightfadedoutofthought.Nightalwayshadbeen,andalwayswouldbe,andnightwasall.
Butforawhiletheycouldstillfeel,andindeedthesensesoftheirfeetandfingersatfirstseemedsharpenedalmostpainfully.Thewallsfelt,totheirsurprise,smooth,andthefloor,saveforastepnowand
again,wasstraightandeven,goingeverupatthesamestiffslope.Thetunnelwashighandwide,sowidethat,thoughthehobbitswalkedabreast,onlytouchingtheside-wallswiththeiroutstretchedhands,theywereseparated,cutoffaloneinthedarkness.
Gollumhadgoneinfirstandseemedtobeonlyafewstepsahead.Whiletheywere
stillabletogiveheedtosuchthings,theycouldhearhisbreathhissingandgaspingjustinfrontofthem.Butafteratimetheirsensesbecameduller,bothtouchandhearingseemedtogrownumb,andtheykepton,groping,walking,onandon,mainlybytheforceofthewillwithwhichtheyhadentered,willtogothroughanddesiretocomeatlasttothehighgate
beyond.Beforetheyhadgonevery
far,perhaps,buttimeanddistancesoonpassedoutofhisreckoning,Samontheright,feelingthewall,wasawarethattherewasanopeningattheside:foramomenthecaughtafaintbreathofsomeairlessheavy,andthentheypasseditby.
‘There’smorethanonepassagehere,’hewhispered
withaneffort:itseemedhardtomakehisbreathgiveanysound.‘It’sasorc-likeaplaceasevertherecouldbe!’
Afterthat,firstheontheright,andthenFrodoontheleft,passedthreeorfoursuchopenings,somewider,somesmaller;buttherewasasyetnodoubtofthemainway,foritwasstraight,anddidnotturn,andstillwentsteadilyup.Buthowlongwasit,how
muchmoreofthiswouldtheyhavetoendure,orcouldtheyendure?Thebreathlessnessoftheairwasgrowingastheyclimbed;andnowtheyseemedoftenintheblinddarktosensesomeresistancethickerthanthefoulair.Astheythrustforwardtheyfeltthingsbrushagainsttheirheads,oragainsttheirhands,longtentacles,orhanginggrowthsperhaps:theycould
nottellwhattheywere.Andstillthestenchgrew.Itgrew,untilalmostitseemedtothemthatsmellwastheonlyclearsenselefttothem,andthatwasfortheirtorment.Onehour,twohours,threehours:howmanyhadtheypassedinthislightlesshole?Hours–days,weeksrather.Samleftthetunnel-sideandshranktowardsFrodo,andtheirhandsmetandclasped,and
sotogethertheystillwenton.AtlengthFrodo,groping
alongtheleft-handwall,camesuddenlytoavoid.Almosthefellsidewaysintotheemptiness.Herewassomeopeningintherockfarwiderthananytheyhadyetpassed;andoutofitcameareeksofoul,andasenseoflurkingmalicesointense,thatFrodoreeled.AndatthatmomentSamtoolurchedandfell
forwards.Fightingoffboththe
sicknessandthefear,FrodogrippedSam’shand.‘Up!’hesaidinahoarsebreathwithoutvoice.‘Itallcomesfromhere,thestenchandtheperil.Nowforit!Quick!’
Callinguphisremainingstrengthandresolution,hedraggedSamtohisfeet,andforcedhisownlimbstomove.
Samstumbledbesidehim.Onestep,twosteps,threesteps–atlastsixsteps.Maybetheyhadpassedthedreadfulunseenopening,butwhetherthatwassoornot,suddenlyitwaseasiertomove,asifsomehostilewillforthemomenthadreleasedthem.Theystruggledon,stillhandinhand.
Butalmostatoncetheycametoanewdifficulty.The
tunnelforked,orsoitseemed,andinthedarktheycouldnottellwhichwasthewiderway,orwhichkeptnearertothestraight.Whichshouldtheytake,theleft,ortheright?Theyknewofnothingtoguidethem,yetafalsechoicewouldalmostcertainlybefatal.
‘WhichwayhasGollumgone?’pantedSam.‘Andwhydidn’thewait?’
‘Sméagol!’saidFrodo,tryingtocall.‘Sméagol!’Buthisvoicecroaked,andthenamefelldeadalmostasitlefthislips.Therewasnoanswer,notanecho,notevenatremoroftheair.
‘He’sreallygonethistime,Ifancy,’mutteredSam.‘Iguessthisisjustexactlywherehemeanttobringus.Gollum!IfeverIlayhandsonyouagain,you’llbesorry
forit.’Presently,gropingand
fumblinginthedark,theyfoundthattheopeningontheleftwasblocked:eitheritwasablind,orelsesomegreatstonehadfalleninthepassage.‘Thiscan’tbetheway,’Frodowhispered.‘Rightorwrong,wemusttaketheother.’
‘Andquick!’Sampanted.‘There’ssomethingworse
thanGollumabout.Icanfeelsomethinglookingatus.’
Theyhadnotgonemorethanafewyardswhenfrombehindthemcameasound,startlingandhorribleintheheavypaddedsilence:agurgling,bubblingnoise,andalongvenomoushiss.Theywheeledround,butnothingcouldbeseen.Stillasstonestheystood,staring,waitingfortheydidnotknowwhat.
‘It’satrap!’saidSam,andhelaidhishanduponthehiltofhissword;andashedidso,hethoughtofthedarknessofthebarrowwhenceitcame.‘IwisholdTomwasnearusnow!’hethought.Then,ashestood,darknessabouthimandablacknessofdespairandangerinhisheart,itseemedtohimthathesawalight:alightinhismind,almostunbearablybrightat
first,asasun-raytotheeyesofonelonghiddeninawindowlesspit.Thenthelightbecamecolour:green,gold,silver,white.Faroff,asinalittlepicturedrawnbyelven-fingers,hesawtheLadyGaladrielstandingonthegrassinLórien,andgiftswereinherhands.Andyou,Ring-bearer,heheardhersay,remotebutclear,foryouIhavepreparedthis.
Thebubblinghissdrewnearer,andtherewasacreakingasofsomegreatjointedthingthatmovedwithslowpurposeinthedark.Areekcameonbeforeit.‘Master,master!’criedSam,andlifeandurgencycamebackintohisvoice.‘TheLady’sgift!Thestar-glass!Alighttoyouindarkplaces,shesaiditwastobe.Thestar-glass!’
‘Thestar-glass?’mutteredFrodo,asoneansweringoutofsleep,hardlycomprehending.‘Whyyes!WhyhadIforgottenit?Alightwhenallotherlightsgoout!Andnowindeedlightalonecanhelpus.’
Slowlyhishandwenttohisbosom,andslowlyheheldaloftthePhialof
Galadriel.Foramomentitglimmered,faintasarisingstarstrugglinginheavyearthwardmists,andthenasitspowerwaxed,andhopegrewinFrodo’smind,itbegantoburn,andkindledtoasilverflame,aminuteheartofdazzlinglight,asthoughEa¨rendilhadhimselfcomedownfromthehighsunsetpathswiththelastSilmariluponhisbrow.Thedarkness
recededfromit,untilitseemedtoshineinthecentreofaglobeofairycrystal,andthehandthathelditsparkledwithwhitefire.
Frodogazedinwonderatthismarvellousgiftthathehadsolongcarried,notguessingitsfullworthandpotency.Seldomhadheremembereditontheroad,untiltheycametoMorgulVale,andneverhadheusedit
forfearofitsrevealinglight.AiyaEa¨rendilElenionAncalima!hecried,andknewnotwhathehadspoken;foritseemedthatanothervoicespokethroughhis,clear,untroubledbythefoulairofthepit.
ButotherpotenciesthereareinMiddle-earth,powersofnight,andtheyareoldandstrong.AndShethatwalkedinthedarknesshadheardthe
Elvescrythatcryfarbackinthedeepsoftime,andshehadnotheededit,anditdidnotdaunthernow.EvenasFrodospokehefeltagreatmalicebentuponhim,andadeadlyregardconsideringhim.Notfardownthetunnel,betweenthemandtheopeningwheretheyhadreeledandstumbled,hewasawareofeyesgrowingvisible,twogreatclustersofmany-windowedeyes–the
comingmenacewasunmaskedatlast.Theradianceofthestar-glasswasbrokenandthrownbackfromtheirthousandfacets,butbehindtheglitterapaledeadlyfirebegansteadilytoglowwithin,aflamekindledinsomedeeppitofevilthought.Monstrousandabominableeyestheywere,bestialandyetfilledwithpurposeandwithhideous
delight,gloatingovertheirpreytrappedbeyondallhopeofescape.
FrodoandSam,horror-stricken,beganslowlytobackaway,theirowngazeheldbythedreadfulstareofthosebalefuleyes;butastheybackedsotheeyesadvanced.Frodo’shandwavered,andslowlythePhialdrooped.
Thensuddenly,releasedfromtheholdingspelltorunalittlewhileinvainpanicfortheamusementoftheeyes,theybothturnedandfledtogether;butevenastheyranFrodolookedbackandsawwithterrorthatatoncetheeyescameleapingupbehind.Thestenchofdeathwaslikeacloudabouthim.
‘Stand!stand!’hecrieddesperately.‘Runningisno
use.’Slowlytheeyescrept
nearer.‘Galadriel!’hecalled,and
gatheringhiscourageheliftedupthePhialoncemore.Theeyeshalted.Foramomenttheirregardrelaxed,asifsomehintofdoubttroubledthem.ThenFrodo’sheartflamedwithinhim,andwithoutthinkingwhathedid,whetheritwasfollyor
despairorcourage,hetookthePhialinhislefthand,andwithhisrighthanddrewhissword.Stingflashedout,andthesharpelven-bladesparkledinthesilverlight,butatitsedgesabluefireflickered.Thenholdingthestaraloftandthebrightswordadvanced,Frodo,hobbitoftheShire,walkedsteadilydowntomeettheeyes.
Theywavered.Doubt
cameintothemasthelightapproached.Onebyonetheydimmed,andslowlytheydrewback.Nobrightnesssodeadlyhadeverafflictedthembefore.Fromsunandmoonandstartheyhadbeensafeunderground,butnowastarhaddescendedintotheveryearth.Stillitapproached,andtheeyesbegantoquail.Onebyonetheyallwentdark;they
turnedaway,andagreatbulk,beyondthelight’sreach,heaveditshugeshadowinbetween.Theyweregone.
‘Master,master!’criedSam.Hewasclosebehind,hisownsworddrawnandready.‘Starsandglory!ButtheElveswouldmakeasongofthat,ifevertheyheardofit!AndmayIlivetotellthem
andhearthemsing.Butdon’tgoon,master!Don’tgodowntothatden!Now’souronlychance.Nowlet’sgetoutofthisfoulhole!’
Andsobacktheyturnedoncemore,firstwalkingandthenrunning;forastheywentthefloorofthetunnelrosesteeply,andwitheverystridetheyclimbedhigherabovethestenchesoftheunseenlair,andstrengthreturnedto
limbandheart.ButstillthehatredoftheWatcherlurkedbehindthem,blindforawhile,perhaps,butundefeated,stillbentondeath.Andnowtherecameaflowofairtomeetthem,coldandthin.Theopening,thetunnel’send,atlastitwasbeforethem.Panting,yearningforarooflessplace,theyflungthemselvesforward;andthenin
amazementtheystaggered,tumblingback.Theoutletwasblockedwithsomebarrier,butnotofstone:softandalittleyieldingitseemed,andyetstrongandimpervious;airfilteredthrough,butnotaglimmerofanylight.Oncemoretheychargedandwerehurledback.
HoldingaloftthePhialFrodolookedandbeforehim
hesawagreynesswhichtheradianceofthestar-glassdidnotpierceanddidnotilluminate,asifitwereashadowthatbeingcastbynolight,nolightcoulddissipate.Acrossthewidthandheightofthetunnelavastwebwasspun,orderlyasthewebofsomehugespider,butdenser-wovenandfargreater,andeachthreadwasasthickasrope.
Samlaughedgrimly.‘Cobwebs!’hesaid.‘Isthatall?Cobwebs!Butwhataspider!Haveat’em,downwith’em!’
Inafuryhehewedatthemwithhissword,butthethreadthathestruckdidnotbreak.Itgavealittleandthensprangbacklikeapluckedbowstring,turningthebladeandtossingupbothswordandarm.ThreetimesSam
struckwithallhisforce,andatlastonesinglecordofallthecountlesscordssnappedandtwisted,curlingandwhippingthroughtheair.OneendofitlashedSam’shand,andhecriedoutinpain,startingbackanddrawinghishandacrosshismouth.
‘Itwilltakedaystocleartheroadlikethis,’hesaid.‘What’stobedone?Havethoseeyescomeback?’
‘No,nottobeseen,’saidFrodo.‘ButIstillfeelthattheyarelookingatme,orthinkingaboutme:makingsomeotherplan,perhaps.Ifthislightwerelowered,orifitfailed,theywouldquicklycomeagain.’
‘Trappedintheend!’saidSambitterly,hisangerrisingagainabovewearinessanddespair.‘Gnatsinanet.MaythecurseofFaramirbitethat
Gollumandbitehimquick!’‘Thatwouldnothelpus
now,’saidFrodo.‘Come!LetusseewhatStingcando.Itisanelven-blade.TherewerewebsofhorrorinthedarkravinesofBeleriandwhereitwasforged.Butyoumustbetheguardandholdbacktheeyes.Here,takethestar-glass.Donotbeafraid.Holditupandwatch!’
ThenFrodosteppeduptothegreatgreynet,andheweditwithawidesweepingstroke,drawingthebitteredgeswiftlyacrossaladderofclose-strungcords,andatoncespringingaway.Theblue-gleamingbladeshorethroughthemlikeascythethroughgrass,andtheyleapedandwrithedandthenhungloose.Agreatrentwasmade.
Strokeafterstrokehedealt,untilatlastallthewebwithinhisreachwasshattered,andtheupperportionblewandswayedlikealooseveilintheincomingwind.Thetrapwasbroken.
‘Come!’criedFrodo.‘On!On!’Wildjoyattheirescapefromtheverymouthofdespairsuddenlyfilledallhismind.
Hisheadwhirledaswitha
draughtofpotentwine.Hesprangout,shoutingashecame.
Itseemedlightinthatdarklandtohiseyesthathadpassedthroughthedenofnight.Thegreatsmokeshadrisenandgrownthinner,andthelasthoursofasombredaywerepassing;theredglareofMordorhaddiedawayinsullengloom.YetitseemedtoFrodothathelookedupon
amorningofsuddenhope.Almosthehadreachedthesummitofthewall.Onlyalittlehighernow.TheCleft,CirithUngol,wasbeforehim,adimnotchintheblackridge,andthehornsofrockdarklingintheskyoneitherside.Ashortrace,asprinter’scourse,andhewouldbethrough!
‘Thepass,Sam!’hecried,notheedingtheshrillnessof
hisvoice,thatreleasedfromthechokingairsofthetunnelrangoutnowhighandwild.‘Thepass!Run,run,andwe’llbethrough–throughbeforeanyonecanstopus!’
Samcameupbehindasfastashecouldurgehislegs;butgladashewastobefree,hewasuneasy,andasheran,hekeptonglancingbackatthedarkarchofthetunnel,fearingtoseeeyes,orsome
shapebeyondhisimagining,springoutinpursuit.ToolittledidheorhismasterknowofthecraftofShelob.Shehadmanyexitsfromherlair.
Thereagelongshehaddwelt,anevilthinginspider-form,evensuchasonceofoldhadlivedintheLandoftheElvesintheWestthatis
nowundertheSea,suchasBerenfoughtintheMountainsofTerrorinDoriath,andsocametoLúthienuponthegreenswardamidthehemlocksinthemoonlightlongago.HowShelobcamethere,flyingfromruin,notaletells,foroutoftheDarkYearsfewtaleshavecome.Butstillshewasthere,whowastherebeforeSauron,andbeforethe
firststoneofBarad-dûr;andsheservednonebutherself,drinkingthebloodofElvesandMen,bloatedandgrownfatwithendlessbroodingonherfeasts,weavingwebsofshadow;foralllivingthingswereherfood,andhervomitdarkness.Farandwideherlesserbroods,bastardsofthemiserablemates,herownoffspring,thatsheslew,spreadfromglentoglen,
fromtheEphelDúathtotheeasternhills,toDolGuldurandthefastnessesofMirkwood.Butnonecouldrivalher,ShelobtheGreat,lastchildofUngolianttotroubletheunhappyworld.
Already,yearsbefore,Gollumhadbeheldher,Sméagolwhopriedintoalldarkholes,andinpastdayshehadbowedandworshippedher,andthe
darknessofherevilwillwalkedthroughallthewaysofhiswearinessbesidehim,cuttinghimofffromlightandfromregret.Andhehadpromisedtobringherfood.Butherlustwasnothislust.Littlesheknewoforcaredfortowers,orrings,oranythingdevisedbymindorhand,whoonlydesireddeathforallothers,mindandbody,andforherselfaglutoflife,
alone,swollentillthemountainscouldnolongerholdherupandthedarknesscouldnotcontainher.
Butthatdesirewasyetfaraway,andlongnowhadshebeenhungry,lurkinginherden,whilethepowerofSaurongrew,andlightandlivingthingsforsookhisborders;andthecityinthevalleywasdead,andnoElforMancamenear,onlythe
unhappyOrcs.Poorfoodandwary.Butshemusteat,andhoweverbusilytheydelvednewwindingpassagesfromthepassandfromtheirtower,evershefoundsomewaytosnarethem.Butshelustedforsweetermeat.AndGollumhadbroughtittoher.
‘We’llsee,we’llsee,’hesaidoftentohimself,whentheevilmoodwasonhim,ashewalkedthedangerousroad
fromEmynMuiltoMorgulVale,‘we’llsee.ltmaywellbe,Oyes,itmaywellbethatwhenShethrowsawaythebonesandtheemptygarments,weshallfindit,weshallgetit,thePrecious,arewardforpoorSméagolwhobringsnicefood.Andwe’llsavethePrecious,aswepromised.Oyes.Andwhenwe’vegotitsafe,thenShe’llknowit,Oyes,thenwe’llpay
Herback,myprecious.Thenwe’llpayeveryoneback!’
Sohethoughtinaninnerchamberofhiscunning,whichhestillhopedtohidefromher,evenwhenhehadcometoheragainandhadbowedlowbeforeherwhilehiscompanionsslept.
AndasforSauron:heknewwhereshelurked.Itpleasedhimthatsheshoulddwelltherehungrybut
unabatedinmalice,amoresurewatchuponthatancientpathintohislandthananyotherthathisskillcouldhavedevised.AndOrcs,theywereusefulslaves,buthehadtheminplenty.IfnowandagainShelobcaughtthemtostayherappetite,shewaswelcome:hecouldsparethem.Andsometimesasamanmaycastadaintytohiscat(hiscathecallsher,but
sheownshimnot)Sauronwouldsendherprisonersthathehadnobetterusesfor:hewouldhavethemdriventoherhole,andreportbroughtbacktohimoftheplayshemade.
Sotheybothlived,delightingintheirowndevices,andfearednoassault,norwrath,noranyendoftheirwickedness.Neveryethadanyflyescaped
fromShelob’swebs,andthegreaternowwasherrageandhunger.
ButnothingofthisevilwhichtheyhadstirredupagainstthemdidpoorSamknow,exceptthatafearwasgrowingonhim,amenacewhichhecouldnotsee;andsuchaweightdiditbecomethatitwasaburdentohimto
run,andhisfeetseemedleaden.
Dreadwasroundhim,andenemiesbeforehiminthepass,andhismasterwasinafeymoodrunningheedlesslytomeetthem.Turninghiseyesawayfromtheshadowbehindandthedeepgloombeneaththecliffuponhisleft,helookedahead,andhesawtwothingsthatincreasedhisdismay.Hesawthatthe
swordwhichFrodostillheldunsheathedwasglitteringwithblueflame;andhesawthatthoughtheskybehindwasnowdark,stillthewindowinthetowerwasglowingred.
‘Orcs!’hemuttered.‘We’llneverrushitlikethis.There’sOrcsabout,andworsethanOrcs.’Thenreturningquicklytohislonghabitofsecrecy,heclosedhis
handaboutthepreciousPhialwhichhestillbore.Redwithhisownlivingbloodhishandshoneforamoment,andthenhethrusttherevealinglightdeepintoapocketnearhisbreastanddrewhiselven-cloakabouthim.Nowhetriedtoquickenhispace.Hismasterwasgainingonhim;alreadyhewassometwentystridesahead,flittingonlikeashadow;soonhewouldbe
losttosightinthatgreyworld.
HardlyhadSamhiddenthelightofthestar-glasswhenshecame.Alittlewayaheadandtohislefthesawsuddenly,issuingfromablackholeofshadowunderthecliff,themostloathlyshapethathehadeverbeheld,horriblebeyondthehorrorof
anevildream.Mostlikeaspidershewas,buthugerthanthegreathuntingbeasts,andmoreterriblethantheybecauseoftheevilpurposeinherremorselesseyes.Thosesameeyesthathehadthoughtdauntedanddefeated,theretheywerelitwithafelllightagain,clusteringinherout-thrusthead.Greathornsshehad,andbehindhershortstalk-likeneckwasherhuge
swollenbody,avastbloatedbag,swayingandsaggingbetweenherlegs;itsgreatbulkwasblack,blotchedwithlividmarks,butthebellyunderneathwaspaleandluminousandgaveforthastench.Herlegswerebent,withgreatknobbedjointshighaboveherback,andhairsthatstuckoutlikesteelspines,andateachleg’sendtherewasaclaw.
Assoonasshehadsqueezedhersoftsquelchingbodyanditsfoldedlimbsoutoftheupperexitfromherlair,shemovedwithahorriblespeed,nowrunningonhercreakinglegs,nowmakingasuddenbound.ShewasbetweenSamandhismaster.EithershedidnotseeSam,orsheavoidedhimforthemomentasthebearerofthelight,andfixedallher
intentupononeprey,uponFrodo,bereftofhisPhial,runningheedlessupthepath,unawareyetofhisperil.Swiftlyheran,butShelobwasswifter;inafewleapsshewouldhavehim.
Samgaspedandgatheredallhisremainingbreathtoshout.‘Lookoutbehind!’heyelled.‘Lookout,master!I’m’–butsuddenlyhiscrywasstifled.
Alongclammyhandwentoverhismouthandanothercaughthimbytheneck,whilesomethingwrappeditselfabouthisleg.Takenoffhisguardhetoppledbackwardsintothearmsofhisattacker.
‘Gothim!’hissedGolluminhisear.‘Atlast,myprecious,we’vegothim,yes,thenasstyhobbit.Wetakesthisone.She’llgettheother.Oyes,Shelobwillgethim,
notSméagol:hepromised;hewon’thurtMasteratall.Buthe’sgotyou,younasstyfilthylittlesneak!’HespatonSam’sneck.
Furyatthetreachery,anddesperationatthedelaywhenhismasterwasindeadlyperil,gavetoSamasuddenviolenceandstrengththatwasfarbeyondanythingthatGollumhadexpectedfromthisslowstupidhobbit,ashe
thoughthim.NotGollumhimselfcouldhavetwistedmorequicklyormorefiercely.HisholdonSam’smouthslipped,andSamduckedandlungedforwardagain,tryingtotearawayfromthegriponhisneck.Hisswordwasstillinhishand,andonhisleftarm,hangingbyitsthong,wasFaramir’sstaff.Desperatelyhetriedtoturnandstabhisenemy.But
Gollumwastooquick.Hislongrightarmshotout,andhegrabbedSam’swrist:hisfingerswerelikeavice;slowlyandrelentlesslyhebentthehanddownandforward,tillwithacryofpainSamreleasedtheswordanditfelltotheground;andallthewhileGollum’sotherhandwastighteningonSam’sthroat.
ThenSamplayedhislast
trick.Withallhisstrengthhepulledawayandgothisfeetfirmlyplanted;thensuddenlyhedrovehislegsagainstthegroundandwithhiswholeforcehurledhimselfbackwards.
NotexpectingeventhissimpletrickfromSam,GollumfelloverwithSamontop,andhereceivedtheweightofthesturdyhobbitinhisstomach.Asharphiss
cameoutofhim,andforasecondhishanduponSam’sthroatloosened;buthisfingersstillgrippedthesword-hand.Samtorehimselfforwardandaway,andstoodup,andthenquicklyhewheeledawaytohisright,pivotedonthewristheldbyGollum.Layingholdofthestaffwithhislefthand,Samswungitup,anddownitcamewithawhistlingcrack
onGollum’soutstretchedarm,justbelowtheelbow.
WithasquealGollumletgo.ThenSamwadedin;notwaitingtochangethestafffromlefttorighthedealtanothersavageblow.QuickasasnakeGollumslitheredaside,andthestrokeaimedathisheadfellacrosshisback.Thestaffcrackedandbroke.Thatwasenoughforhim.Grabbingfrombehindwasan
oldgameofhis,andseldomhadhefailedinit.Butthistime,misledbyspite,hehadmadethemistakeofspeakingandgloatingbeforehehadbothhandsonhisvictim’sneck.Everythinghadgonewrongwithhisbeautifulplan,sincethathorriblelighthadsounexpectedlyappearedinthedarkness.Andnowhewasfacetofacewithafuriousenemy,littlelessthan
hisownsize.Thisfightwasnotforhim.Samsweptuphisswordfromthegroundandraisedit.Gollumsquealed,andspringingasideontoallfours,hejumpedawayinonebigboundlikeafrog.BeforeSamcouldreachhim,hewasoff,runningwithamazingspeedbacktowardsthetunnel.
SwordinhandSamwentafterhim.Forthemomenthe
hadforgotteneverythingelsebuttheredfuryinhisbrainandthedesiretokillGollum.Butbeforehecouldovertakehim,Gollumwasgone.Thenasthedarkholestoodbeforehimandthestenchcameouttomeethim,likeaclapofthunderthethoughtofFrodoandthemonstersmoteuponSam’smind.Hespunround,andrushedwildlyupthepath,callingandcallinghis
master’sname.Hewastoolate.SofarGollum’splothadsucceeded.
Chapter10
THECHOICESOFMASTERSAMWISE
Frodowaslyingfaceupwardonthegroundandthemonsterwasbendingoverhim,sointentuponhervictim
thatshetooknoheedofSamandhiscries,untilhewascloseathand.AsherusheduphesawthatFrodowasalreadyboundincords,woundabouthimfromankletoshoulder,andthemonsterwithhergreatforelegswasbeginninghalftolift,halftodraghisbodyaway.
Onthenearsideofhimlay,gleamingontheground,hiselven-blade,whereithad
fallenuselessfromhisgrasp.Samdidnotwaittowonderwhatwastobedone,orwhetherhewasbrave,orloyal,orfilledwithrage.Hesprangforwardwithayell,andseizedhismaster’sswordinhislefthand.Thenhecharged.Noonslaughtmorefiercewaseverseeninthesavageworldofbeasts,wheresomedesperatesmallcreaturearmedwithlittleteeth,alone,
willspringuponatowerofhornandhidethatstandsaboveitsfallenmate.
Disturbedasifoutofsomegloatingdreambyhissmallyellsheturnedslowlythedreadfulmaliceofherglanceuponhim.Butalmostbeforeshewasawarethatafurywasuponhergreaterthananyshehadknownincountlessyears,theshiningswordbituponherfootand
shoreawaytheclaw.Samsprangin,insidethearchesofherlegs,andwithaquickupthrustofhisotherhandstabbedattheclusteredeyesuponherloweredhead.Onegreateyewentdark.
Nowthemiserablecreaturewasrightunderher,forthemomentoutofthereachofherstingandofherclaws.Hervastbellywasabovehimwithitsputrid
light,andthestenchofitalmostsmotehimdown.Stillhisfuryheldforonemoreblow,andbeforeshecouldsinkuponhim,smotheringhimandallhislittleimpudenceofcourage,heslashedthebrightelven-bladeacrossherwithdesperatestrength.
ButShelobwasnotasdragonsare,nosofterspothadshesaveonlyhereyes.
Knobbedandpittedwithcorruptionwasherage-oldhide,buteverthickenedfromwithinwithlayeronlayerofevilgrowth.Thebladescoreditwithadreadfulgash,butthosehideousfoldscouldnotbepiercedbyanystrengthofmen,notthoughElforDwarfshouldforgethesteelorthehandofBerenorofTúrinwieldit.Sheyieldedtothestroke,andthenheavedup
thegreatbagofherbellyhighaboveSam’shead.Poisonfrothedandbubbledfromthewound.Nowsplayingherlegsshedroveherhugebulkdownonhimagain.Toosoon.ForSamstillstooduponhisfeet,anddroppinghisownsword,withbothhandsheheldtheelven-bladepointupwards,fendingoffthatghastlyroof;andsoShelob,withthedrivingforce
ofherowncruelwill,withstrengthgreaterthananywarrior’shand,thrustherselfuponabitterspike.Deep,deepitpricked,asSamwascrushedslowlytotheground.
NosuchanguishhadShelobeverknown,ordreamedofknowing,inallherlongworldofwickedness.NotthedoughtiestsoldierofoldGondor,northemostsavageOrcentrapped,had
everthusenduredher,orsetbladetoherbelovedflesh.Ashudderwentthroughher.Heavingupagain,wrenchingawayfromthepain,shebentherwrithinglimbsbeneathherandsprangbackwardsinaconvulsiveleap.
SamhadfallentohiskneesbyFrodo’shead,hissensesreelinginthefoulstench,histwohandsstillgrippingthehiltofthesword.
ThroughthemistbeforehiseyeshewasawaredimlyofFrodo’sface,andstubbornlyhefoughttomasterhimselfandtodraghimselfoutoftheswoonthatwasuponhim.Slowlyheraisedhisheadandsawher,onlyafewpacesaway,eyeinghim,herbeakdrabblingaspittleofvenom,andagreenoozetricklingfrombelowherwoundedeye.Thereshecrouched,her
shudderingbellysplayedupontheground,thegreatbowsofherlegsquivering,asshegatheredherselfforanotherspring–thistimetocrushandstingtodeath:nolittlebiteofpoisontostillthestrugglingofhermeat;thistimetoslayandthentorend.
EvenasSamhimselfcrouched,lookingather,seeinghisdeathinhereyes,athoughtcametohim,asif
someremotevoicehadspoken,andhefumbledinhisbreastwithhislefthand,andfoundwhathesought:coldandhardandsoliditseemedtohistouchinaphantomworldofhorror,thePhialofGaladriel.
‘Galadriel!’hesaidfaintly,andthenheheardvoicesfaroffbutclear:thecryingoftheElvesastheywalkedunderthestarsinthe
belovedshadowsoftheShire,andthemusicoftheElvesasitcamethroughhissleepintheHallofFireinthehouseofElrond.
GilthonielAElbereth!
Andthenhistonguewasloosedandhisvoicecriedinalanguagewhichhedidnotknow:
AElberethGilthonielomenelpalan-diriel,lenallonsídi’nguruthos!Atironin,Fanuilos!
AndwiththathestaggeredtohisfeetandwasSamwisethehobbit,Hamfast’sson,again.
‘Nowcome,youfilth!’he
cried.‘You’vehurtmymaster,youbrute,andyou’llpayforit.We’regoingon;butwe’llsettlewithyoufirst.Comeon,andtasteitagain!’
Asifhisindomitablespirithadsetitspotencyinmotion,theglassblazedsuddenlylikeawhitetorchinhishand.Itflamedlikeastarthatleapingfromthefirmamentsearsthedarkairwithintolerablelight.Nosuchterroroutofheaven
hadeverburnedinShelob’sfacebefore.Thebeamsofitenteredintoherwoundedheadandscoreditwithunbearablepain,andthedreadfulinfectionoflightspreadfromeyetoeye.Shefellbackbeatingtheairwithherforelegs,hersightblastedbyinnerlightnings,hermindinagony.Thenturninghermaimedheadaway,sherolledasideandbeganto
crawl,clawbyclaw,towardstheopeninginthedarkcliffbehind.
Samcameon.Hewasreelinglikeadrunkenman,buthecameon.AndShelobcowedatlast,shrunkenindefeat,jerkedandquiveredasshetriedtohastenfromhim.Shereachedthehole,andsqueezingdown,leavingatrailofgreen-yellowslime,sheslippedin,evenasSam
hewedalaststrokeatherdragginglegs.Thenhefelltotheground.
Shelobwasgone;andwhethershelaylonginherlair,nursinghermaliceandhermisery,andinslowyearsofdarknesshealedherselffromwithin,rebuildingherclusteredeyes,untilwithhungerlikedeathshespun
oncemoreherdreadfulsnaresintheglensoftheMountainsofShadow,thistaledoesnottell.
Samwasleftalone.Wearily,astheeveningoftheNamelessLandfellupontheplaceofbattle,hecrawledbacktohismaster.
‘Master,dearmaster,’hesaid,butFrododidnotspeak.Ashehadrunforward,eager,rejoicingtobefree,Shelob
withhideousspeedhadcomebehindandwithoneswiftstrokehadstunghimintheneck.Helaynowpale,andheardnovoice,anddidnotmove.
‘Master,dearmaster!’saidSam,andthroughalongsilencewaited,listeninginvain.
Thenasquicklyashecouldhecutawaythebindingcordsandlaidhisheadupon
Frodo’sbreastandtohismouth,butnostiroflifecouldhefind,norfeelthefaintestflutteroftheheart.Oftenhechafedhismaster’shandsandfeet,andtouchedhisbrow,butallwerecold.
‘Frodo,Mr.Frodo!’hecalled.‘Don’tleavemeherealone!It’syourSamcalling.Don’tgowhereIcan’tfollow!Wakeup,Mr.Frodo!Owakeup,Frodo,medear,
medear.Wakeup!’
Thenangersurgedoverhim,andheranabouthismaster’sbodyinarage,stabbingtheair,andsmitingthestones,andshoutingchallenges.Presentlyhecameback,andbendinglookedatFrodo’sface,palebeneathhiminthedusk.Andsuddenlyhesawthathewas
inthepicturethatwasrevealedtohiminthemirrorofGaladrielinLórien:Frodowithapalefacelyingfastasleepunderagreatdarkcliff.Orfastasleephehadthoughtthen.‘He’sdead!’hesaid.‘Notasleep,dead!’Andashesaidit,asifthewordshadsetthevenomtoitsworkagain,itseemedtohimthatthehueofthefacegrewlividgreen.
Andthenblackdespaircamedownonhim,andSambowedtotheground,anddrewhisgreyhoodoverhishead,andnightcameintohisheart,andheknewnomore.
Whenatlasttheblacknesspassed,Samlookedupandshadowswereabouthim;butforhowmanyminutesorhourstheworld
hadgonedraggingonhecouldnottell.Hewasstillinthesameplace,andstillhismasterlaybesidehimdead.Themountainshadnotcrumblednortheearthfallenintoruin.
‘WhatshallIdo,whatshallIdo?’hesaid.‘DidIcomeallthiswaywithhimfornothing?’Andthenherememberedhisownvoicespeakingwordsthatatthe
timehedidnotunderstandhimself,atthebeginningoftheirjourney:Ihavesomethingtodobeforetheend.Imustseeitthrough,sir,ifyouunderstand.
‘ButwhatcanIdo?NotleaveMr.Frododead,unburiedonthetopofthemountains,andgohome?Orgoon?Goon?’herepeated,andforamomentdoubtandfearshookhim.‘Goon?Is
thatwhatI’vegottodo?Andleavehim?’
Thenatlasthebegantoweep;andgoingtoFrodohecomposedhisbody,andfoldedhiscoldhandsuponhisbreast,andwrappedhiscloakabouthim;andhelaidhisownswordatoneside,andthestaffthatFaramirhadgivenattheother.
‘IfI’mtogoon,’hesaid,‘thenImusttakeyoursword,
byyourleave,Mr.Frodo,butI’llputthisonetoliebyyou,asitlaybytheoldkinginthebarrow;andyou’vegotyourbeautifulmithrilcoatfromoldMr.Bilbo.Andyourstar-glass,Mr.Frodo,youdidlendittomeandI’llneedit,forI’llbealwaysinthedarknow.It’stoogoodforme,andtheLadygaveittoyou,butmaybeshe’dunderstand.Doyouunderstand,Mr.
Frodo?I’vegottogoon.’
Buthecouldnotgo,notyet.HekneltandheldFrodo’shandandcouldnotreleaseit.Andtimewentbyandstillheknelt,holdinghismaster’shand,andinhisheartkeepingadebate.
Nowhetriedtofindstrengthtotearhimselfawayandgoonalonelyjourney–
forvengeance.Ifoncehecouldgo,hisangerwouldbearhimdownalltheroadsoftheworld,pursuing,untilhehadhimatlast:Gollum.ThenGollumwoulddieinacorner.Butthatwasnotwhathehadsetouttodo.Itwouldnotbeworthwhiletoleavehismasterforthat.Itwouldnotbringhimback.Nothingwould.Theyhadbetterbothbedeadtogether.Andthat
toowouldbealonelyjourney.
Helookedonthebrightpointofthesword.Hethoughtoftheplacesbehindwheretherewasablackbrinkandanemptyfallintonothingness.Therewasnoescapethatway.Thatwastodonothing,noteventogrieve.Thatwasnotwhathehadsetouttodo.‘WhatamItodothen?’hecriedagain,
andnowheseemedplainlytoknowthehardanswer:seeitthrough.Anotherlonelyjourney,andtheworst.
‘What?Me,alone,gototheCrackofDoomandall?’Hequailedstill,buttheresolvegrew.‘What?MetaketheRingfromhim?TheCouncilgaveittohim.’
Buttheanswercameatonce:‘AndtheCouncilgavehimcompanions,sothatthe
errandshouldnotfail.AndyouarethelastofalltheCompany.Theerrandmustnotfail.’
‘IwishIwasn’tthelast,’hegroaned.‘IwisholdGandalfwashere,orsomebody.WhyamIleftallalonetomakeupmymind?I’msuretogowrong.Andit’snotformetogotakingtheRing,puttingmyselfforward.’
‘Butyouhaven’tputyourselfforward;you’vebeenputforward.Andasfornotbeingtherightandproperperson,why,Mr.Frodowasn’t,asyoumightsay,norMr.Bilbo.Theydidn’tchoosethemselves.’
‘Ahwell,Imustmakeupmyownmind.Iwillmakeitup.ButI’llbesuretogowrong:that’dbeSamGamgeeallover.
‘Letmeseenow:ifwe’refoundhere,orMr.Frodo’sfound,andthatThing’sonhim,well,theEnemywillgetit.Andthat’stheendofallofus,ofLórien,andRivendell,andtheShireandall.Andthere’snotimetolose,orit’llbetheendanyway.Thewar’sbegun,andmorethanlikelythingsareallgoingtheEnemy’swayalready.NochancetogobackwithItand
getadviceorpermission.No,it’ssitheretilltheycomeandkillmeovermaster’sbody,andgetsIt;ortakeItandgo.’Hedrewadeepbreath.‘ThentakeIt,itis!’
Hestooped.VerygentlyheundidtheclaspattheneckandslippedhishandinsideFrodo’stunic;thenwithhisotherhandraisingthehead,
hekissedthecoldforehead,andsoftlydrewthechainoverit.Andthentheheadlayquietlybackagaininrest.Nochangecameoverthestillface,andbythatmorethanbyallothertokensSamwasconvincedatlastthatFrodohaddiedandlaidasidetheQuest.
‘Good-bye,master,mydear!’hemurmured.‘ForgiveyourSam.He’llcomebackto
thisspotwhenthejob’sdone–ifhemanagesit.Andthenhe’llnotleaveyouagain.RestyouquiettillIcome;andmaynofoulcreaturecomeanighyou!AndiftheLadycouldhearmeandgivemeonewish,Iwouldwishtocomebackandfindyouagain.Goodbye!’
Andthenhebenthisownneckandputthechainuponit,andatoncehisheadwas
bowedtothegroundwiththeweightoftheRing,asifagreatstonehadbeenstrungonhim.Butslowly,asiftheweightbecameless,ornewstrengthgrewinhim,heraisedhishead,andthenwithagreateffortgottohisfeetandfoundthathecouldwalkandbearhisburden.
AndforamomentheliftedupthePhialandlookeddownathismaster,andthe
lightburnedgentlynowwiththesoftradianceoftheevening-starinsummer,andinthatlightFrodo’sfacewasfairofhueagain,palebutbeautifulwithanElvishbeauty,asofonewhohaslongpassedtheshadows.AndwiththebittercomfortofthatlastsightSamturnedandhidthelightandstumbledonintothegrowingdark.
Hehadnotfartogo.Thetunnelwassomewaybehind;theCleftacoupleofhundredyardsahead,orless.Thepathwasvisibleinthedusk,adeeprutworninagesofpassage,runningnowgentlyupinalongtroughwithcliffsoneitherside.Thetroughnarrowedrapidly.SoonSamcametoalongflightofbroadshallowsteps.Nowtheorc-towerwasrightabovehim,
frowningblack,andinittheredeyeglowed.Nowhewashiddeninthedarkshadowunderit.HewascomingtothetopofthestepsandwasintheCleftatlast.
‘I’vemadeupmymind,’hekeptsayingtohimself.Buthehadnot.Thoughhehaddonehisbesttothinkitout,whathewasdoingwasaltogetheragainstthegrainofhisnature.‘HaveIgotit
wrong?’hemuttered.‘WhatoughtItohavedone?’
AsthesheersidesoftheCleftclosedabouthim,beforehereachedtheactualsummit,beforehelookedatlastonthepathdescendingintotheNamelessLand,heturned.Foramoment,motionlessinintolerabledoubt,helookedback.Hecouldstillsee,likeasmallblotinthegatheringgloom,
themouthofthetunnel;andhethoughthecouldseeorguesswhereFrodolay.Hefanciedtherewasaglimmeronthegrounddownthere,orperhapsitwassometrickofhistears,ashepeeredoutatthathighstonyplacewhereallhislifehadfalleninruin.
‘IfonlyIcouldhavemywish,myonewish,’hesighed,‘togobackandfindhim!’Thenatlastheturned
totheroadinfrontandtookafewsteps:theheaviestandthemostreluctanthehadevertaken.
Onlyafewsteps;andnowonlyafewmoreandhewouldbegoingdownandwouldneverseethathighplaceagain.Andthensuddenlyheheardcriesandvoices.Hestoodstillasstone.
Orc-voices.Theywerebehindhimandbeforehim.Anoiseoftrampingfeetandharshshouts:OrcswerecominguptotheCleftfromthefarside,fromsomeentrytothetower,perhaps.Trampingfeetandshoutsbehind.Hewheeledround.Hesawsmallredlights,torches,winkingawaybelowthereastheyissuedfromthetunnel.Atlastthehuntwas
up.Theredeyeofthetowerhadnotbeenblind.Hewascaught.
Nowtheflickerofapproachingtorchesandtheclinkofsteelaheadwasverynear.Inaminutetheywouldreachthetopandbeonhim.Hehadtakentoolonginmakinguphismind,andnowitwasnogood.Howcouldheescape,orsavehimself,orsavetheRing?TheRing.He
wasnotawareofanythoughtordecision.HesimplyfoundhimselfdrawingoutthechainandtakingtheRinginhishand.Theheadoftheorc-companyappearedintheCleftrightbeforehim.Thenheputiton.
Theworldchanged,andasinglemomentoftimewasfilledwithanhourofthought.
Atoncehewasawarethathearingwassharpenedwhilesightwasdimmed,butotherwisethaninShelob’slair.Allthingsabouthimnowwerenotdarkbutvague;whilehehimselfwasthereinagreyhazyworld,alone,likeasmallblacksolidrock,andtheRing,weighingdownhislefthand,waslikeanorbofhotgold.Hedidnotfeelinvisibleatall,buthorribly
anduniquelyvisible;andheknewthatsomewhereanEyewassearchingforhim.
Heheardthecrackofstone,andthemurmurofwaterfaroffinMorgulVale;anddownawayundertherockthebubblingmiseryofShelob,groping,lostinsomeblindpassage;andvoicesinthedungeonsofthetower;andthecriesoftheOrcsastheycameoutofthetunnel;
anddeafening,roaringinhisears,thecrashofthefeetandtherendingclamouroftheOrcsbeforehim.Heshrankagainstthecliff.Buttheymarcheduplikeaphantomcompany,greydistortedfiguresinamist,onlydreamsoffearwithpaleflamesintheirhands.Andtheypassedhimby.Hecowered,tryingtocreepawayintosomecrannyandtohide.
Helistened.TheOrcsfromthetunnelandtheothersmarchingdownhadsightedoneanother,andbothpartieswerenowhurryingandshouting.Heheardthembothclearly,andheunderstoodwhattheysaid.PerhapstheRinggaveunderstandingoftongues,orsimplyunderstanding,especiallyoftheservantsofSauronitsmaker,sothatifhegave
heed,heunderstoodandtranslatedthethoughttohimself.CertainlytheRinghadgrowngreatlyinpowerasitapproachedtheplacesofitsforging;butonethingitdidnotconfer,andthatwascourage.AtpresentSamstillthoughtonlyofhiding,oflyinglowtillallwasquietagain;andhelistenedanxiously.Hecouldnottellhownearthevoiceswere,the
wordsseemedalmostinhisears.
‘Hola!Gorbag!Whatareyoudoinguphere?Hadenoughofwaralready?’
‘Orders,youlubber.Andwhatareyoudoing,Shagrat?Tiredoflurkingupthere?Thinkingofcomingdowntofight?’
‘Orderstoyou.I’min
commandofthispass.Sospeakcivil.What’syourreport?’
‘Nothing.’‘Hai!hai!yoi!’Ayell
brokeintotheexchangesoftheleaders.TheOrcslowerdownhadsuddenlyseensomething.Theybegantorun.Sodidtheothers.
‘Hai!Hola!Here’ssomething!Lyingrightintheroad.Aspy,aspy!’There
wasahootofsnarlinghornsandababelofbayingvoices.
WithadreadfulstrokeSamwaswakenedfromhiscoweringmood.Theyhadseenhismaster.Whatwouldtheydo?HehadheardtalesoftheOrcstomakethebloodruncold.Itcouldnotbeborne.Hesprangup.HeflungtheQuestandallhis
decisionsaway,andfearanddoubtwiththem.Heknewnowwherehisplacewasandhadbeen:athismaster’sside,thoughwhathecoulddotherewasnotclear.Backherandownthesteps,downthepathtowardsFrodo.
‘Howmanyarethere?’hethought.‘Thirtyorfortyfromthetoweratleast,andalotmorethanthatfromdownbelow,Iguess.Howmany
canIkillbeforetheygetme?They’llseetheflameofthesword,assoonasIdrawit,andthey’llgetmesoonerorlater.Iwonderifanysongwillevermentionit:HowSamwisefellintheHighPassandmadeawallofbodiesroundhismaster.No,nosong.Ofcoursenot,fortheRing’llbefound,andthere’llbenomoresongs.Ican’thelpit.MyplaceisbyMr.Frodo.
Theymustunderstandthat–ElrondandtheCouncil,andthegreatLordsandLadieswithalltheirwisdom.Theirplanshavegonewrong.Ican’tbetheirRing-bearer.NotwithoutMr.Frodo.’
ButtheOrcswereoutofhisdimsightnow.Hehadhadnotimetoconsiderhimself,butnowherealized
thathewasweary,wearyalmosttoexhaustion:hislegswouldnotcarryhimashewished.Hewastooslow.Thepathseemedmileslong.Wherehadtheyallgottointhemist?
Theretheywereagain!Agoodwayaheadstill.Aclusteroffiguresroundsomethinglyingontheground;afewseemedtobedartingthiswayandthat,
bentlikedogsonatrail.Hetriedtomakeaspurt.
‘Comeon,Sam!’hesaid,‘oryou’llbetoolateagain.’Heloosenedtheswordinitssheath.Inaminutehewoulddrawit,andthen—
Therewasawildclamour,hootingandlaughing,assomethingwasliftedfromtheground.‘Yahoi!Yaharrihoi!Up!Up!’
Thenavoiceshouted:
‘Nowoff!Thequickway.BacktotheUndergate!She’llnottroubleustonightbyallthesigns.’Thewholebandoforc-figuresbegantomove.Fourinthemiddlewerecarryingabodyhighontheirshoulders.‘Yahoi!’
TheyhadtakenFrodo’sbody.Theywereoff.Hecouldnotcatchthemup.Still
helabouredon.TheOrcsreachedthetunnelandwerepassingin.Thosewiththeburdenwentfirst,andbehindthemtherewasagooddealofstrugglingandjostling.Samcameon.Hedrewthesword,aflickerofblueinhiswaveringhand,buttheydidnotseeit.Evenashecamepantingup,thelastofthemvanishedintotheblackhole.
Foramomenthestood,
gasping,clutchinghisbreast.Thenhedrewhissleeveacrosshisface,wipingawaythegrime,andsweat,andtears.‘Cursethefilth!’hesaid,andsprangafterthemintothedarkness.
Itnolongerseemedverydarktohiminthetunnel,ratheritwasasifhehadsteppedoutofathinmistinto
aheavierfog.Hiswearinesswasgrowingbuthiswillhardenedallthemore.Hethoughthecouldseethelightoftorchesalittlewayahead,buttryashewould,hecouldnotcatchthemup.Orcsgofastintunnels,andthistunneltheyknewwell;forinspiteofShelobtheywereforcedtouseitoftenastheswiftestwayfromtheDeadCityoverthemountains.Inwhatfar-off
timethemaintunnelandthegreatroundpithadbeenmade,whereShelobhadtakenupherabodeinagespast,theydidnotknow;butmanybywaystheyhadthemselvesdelvedaboutitoneitherside,soastoescapethelairintheirgoingstoandfroonthebusinessoftheirmasters.Tonighttheydidnotintendtogofardown,butwerehasteningtofindaside-
passagethatledbacktotheirwatch-toweronthecliff.Mostofthemweregleeful,delightedwithwhattheyhadfoundandseen,andastheyrantheygabbledandyammeredafterthefashionoftheirkind.Samheardthenoiseoftheirharshvoices,flatandhardinthedeadair,andhecoulddistinguishtwovoicesfromamongalltherest:theywerelouder,and
nearertohim.Thecaptainsofthetwopartiesseemedtobebringinguptherear,debatingastheywent.
‘Can’tyoustopyourrabblemakingsucharacket,Shagrat?’gruntedtheone.‘Wedon’twantShelobonus.’
‘Goon,Gorbag!Yoursaremakingmorethanhalfthe
noise,’saidtheother.‘Butlettheladsplay!NoneedtoworryaboutShelobforabit,Ireckon.She’ssatonanail,itseems,andweshan’tcryaboutthat.Didn’tyousee:anastymessallthewaybacktothatcursedcrackofhers?Ifwe’vestoppeditonce,we’vestoppeditahundredtimes.Solet’emlaugh.Andwe’vestruckabitofluckatlast:gotsomethingthat
Lugbúrzwants.’‘Lugbúrzwantsit,eh?
Whatisit,d’youthink?Elvishitlookedtome,butundersized.What’sthedangerinathinglikethat?’
‘Don’tknowtillwe’vehadalook.’
‘Oho!Sotheyhaven’ttoldyouwhattoexpect?Theydon’ttellusalltheyknow,dothey?Notbyhalf.Buttheycanmakemistakes,eventhe
TopOnescan.’‘Sh,Gorbag!’Shagrat’s
voicewaslowered,sothatevenwithhisstrangelysharpenedhearingSamcouldonlyjustcatchwhatwassaid.‘Theymay,butthey’vegoteyesandearseverywhere;someamongmylot,aslikeasnot.Butthere’snodoubtaboutit,they’retroubledaboutsomething.TheNazgûldownbeloware,byyour
account;andLugbúrzistoo.Somethingnearlyslipped.’
‘Nearly,yousay!’saidGorbag.
‘Allright,’saidShagrat,‘butwe’lltalkofthatlater.WaittillwegettotheUnder-way.There’saplacetherewherewecantalkabit,whiletheladsgoon.’
ShortlyafterwardsSamsawthetorchesdisappear.Thentherewasarumbling
noise,andjustashehurriedup,abump.AsfarashecouldguesstheOrcshadturnedandgoneintotheveryopeningwhichFrodoandhehadtriedandfoundblocked.Itwasstillblocked.
Thereseemedtobeagreatstoneintheway,buttheOrcshadgotthroughsomehow,forhecouldheartheirvoicesontheotherside.Theywerestillrunningalong,deeperand
deeperintothemountain,backtowardsthetower.Samfeltdesperate.Theywerecarryingoffhismaster’sbodyforsomefoulpurposeandhecouldnotfollow.Hethrustandpushedattheblock,andhethrewhimselfagainstit,butitdidnotyield.Thennotfarinside,orsohethought,heheardthetwocaptains’voicestalkingagain.Hestoodstilllisteningforalittle,
hopingperhapstolearnsomethinguseful.PerhapsGorbag,whoseemedtobelongtoMinasMorgul,wouldcomeout,andhecouldthenslipin.
‘No,Idon’tknow,’saidGorbag’svoice.‘Themessagesgothroughquickerthananythingcouldfly,asarule.ButIdon’tenquirehowit’sdone.Safestnotto.Grr!ThoseNazgûlgivemethe
creeps.Andtheyskinthebodyoffyouassoonaslookatyou,andleaveyouallcoldinthedarkontheotherside.ButHelikes’em;they’reHisfavouritesnowadays,soit’snousegrumbling.Itellyou,it’snogameservingdowninthecity.’
‘YoushouldtrybeingupherewithShelobforcompany,’saidShagrat.
‘I’dliketotrysomewhere
wherethere’snoneof’em.Butthewar’sonnow,andwhenthat’soverthingsmaybeeasier.’
‘It’sgoingwell,theysay.’‘Theywould,’grunted
Gorbag.‘We’llsee.Butanyway,ifitdoesgowell,thereshouldbealotmoreroom.Whatd’yousay?–ifwegetachance,youandme’llslipoffandsetupsomewhereonourownwitha
fewtrustylads,somewherewherethere’sgoodlootniceandhandy,andnobigbosses.’
‘Ah!’saidShagrat.‘Likeoldtimes.’
‘Yes,’saidGorbag.‘Butdon’tcountonit.I’mnoteasyinmymind.AsIsaid,theBigBosses,ay,’hisvoicesankalmosttoawhisper,‘ay,eventheBiggest,canmakemistakes.Somethingnearly
slipped,yousay.Isay,somethinghasslipped.Andwe’vegottolookout.AlwaysthepoorUrukstoputslipsright,andsmallthanks.Butdon’tforget:theenemiesdon’tloveusanymorethantheyloveHim,andiftheygettopsidesonHim,we’redonetoo.Butseehere:whenwereyouorderedout?’
‘Aboutanhourago,justbeforeyousawus.A
messagecame:Nazgûluneasy.SpiesfearedonStairs.Doublevigilance.PatroltoheadofStairs.Icameatonce.’
‘Badbusiness,’saidGorbag.‘Seehere–ourSilentWatcherswereuneasymorethantwodaysago,thatIknow.Butmypatrolwasn’torderedoutforanotherday,noranymessagesenttoLugbúrzeither:owingtothe
GreatSignalgoingup,andtheHighNazgûlgoingofftothewar,andallthat.Andthentheycouldn’tgetLugbúrztopayattentionforagoodwhile,I’mtold.’
‘TheEyewasbusyelsewhere,Isuppose,’saidShagrat.‘Bigthingsgoingonawaywest,theysay.’
‘Idaresay,’growledGorbag.‘Butinthemeantimeenemieshavegotupthe
Stairs.Andwhatwereyouupto?You’resupposedtokeepwatch,aren’tyou,specialordersorno?Whatareyoufor?’
‘That’senough!Don’ttryandteachmemyjob.Wewereawakeallright.Weknewtherewerefunnythingsgoingon.’
‘Veryfunny!’‘Yes,veryfunny:lights
andshoutingandall.But
Shelobwasonthego.MyladssawherandherSneak.’
‘HerSneak?What’sthat?’‘Youmusthaveseenhim:
littlethinblackfellow;likeaspiderhimself,orperhapsmorelikeastarvedfrog.He’sbeenherebefore.CameoutofLugbúrzthefirsttime,yearsago,andwehadwordfromHighUptolethimpass.He’sbeenuptheStairsonceortwicesincethen,butwe’ve
lefthimalone:seemstohavesomeunderstandingwithHerLadyship.Isupposehe’snogoodtoeat:shewouldn’tworryaboutwordsfromHighUp.Butafineguardyoukeepinthevalley:hewasuphereadaybeforeallthisracket.Earlylastnightwesawhim.AnywaymyladsreportedthatHerLadyshipwashavingsomefun,andthatseemedgoodenoughforme,untilthe
messagecame.IthoughtherSneakhadbroughtheratoy,orthatyou’dperhapssentherapresent,aprisonerofwarorsomething.Idon’tinterferewhenshe’splaying.NothinggetsbyShelobwhenshe’sonthehunt.’
‘Nothing,sayyou!Didn’tyouuseyoureyesbackthere?
ItellyouI’mnoteasyinmymind.WhatevercameuptheStairs,didgetby.Itcut
herwebandgotcleanoutofthehole.That’ssomethingtothinkabout!’
‘Ahwell,butshegothimintheend,didn’tshe?’
‘Gothim?Gotwho?Thislittlefellow?Butifhewastheonlyone,thenshe’dhavehadhimofftoherlarderlongbefore,andtherehe’dbenow.AndifLugbúrzwantedhim,you’dhavetogoandgethim.Niceforyou.Butthere
wasmorethanone.’AtthispointSambeganto
listenmoreattentivelyandpressedhisearagainstthestone.
‘Whocutthecordsshe’dputroundhim,Shagrat?Sameoneascuttheweb.Didn’tyouseethat?AndwhostuckapinintoHerLadyship?Sameone,Ireckon.Andwhereishe?Whereishe,Shagrat?’
Shagratmadenoreply.‘Youmaywellputyour
thinkingcapon,ifyou’vegotone.It’snolaughingmatter.Noone,noonehaseverstuckapininShelobbefore,asyoushouldknowwellenough.There’snogriefinthat;butthink–there’ssomeoneloosehereaboutsasismoredangerousthananyotherdamnedrebelthateverwalkedsincethebadold
times,sincetheGreatSiege.Somethinghasslipped.’
‘Andwhatisitthen?’growledShagrat.
‘Byallthesigns,CaptainShagrat,I’dsaythere’salargewarriorloose,Elfmostlikely,withanelf-swordanyway,andanaxeaswellmaybe;andhe’slooseinyourbounds,too,andyou’veneverspottedhim.Veryfunnyindeed!’Gorbagspat.
Samsmiledgrimlyatthisdescriptionofhimself.
‘Ahwell,youalwaysdidtakeagloomyview,’saidShagrat.‘Youcanreadthesignshowyoulike,buttheremaybeotherwaystoexplainthem.Anyhow,I’vegotwatchersateverypoint,andI’mgoingtodealwithonethingatatime.WhenI’vehadalookatthefellowwehavecaught,thenI’llbeginto
worryaboutsomethingelse.’‘It’smyguessyouwon’t
findmuchinthatlittlefellow,’saidGorbag.‘Hemayhavehadnothingtodowiththerealmischief.Thebigfellowwiththesharpsworddoesn’tseemtohavethoughthimworthmuchanyhow–justlefthimlying:regularElvishtrick.’
‘We’llsee.Comeonnow!We’vetalkedenough.Let’s
goandhavealookattheprisoner!’
‘Whatareyougoingtodowithhim?Don’tforgetIspottedhimfirst.Ifthere’sanygame,meandmyladsmustbeinit.’
‘Now,now,’growledShagrat,‘Ihavemyorders.Andit’smorethanmybelly’sworth,oryours,tobreak’em.Anytrespasserfoundbytheguardistobeheldatthe
tower.Prisoneristobestripped.Fulldescriptionofeveryarticle,garment,weapon,letter,ring,ortrinketistobesenttoLugbúrzatonce,andtoLugbúrzonly.Andtheprisoneristobekeptsafeandintact,underpainofdeathforeverymemberoftheguard,untilHesendsorcomesHimself.That’splainenough,andthat’swhatI’mgoingtodo.’
‘Stripped,eh?’saidGorbag.‘What,teeth,nails,hair,andall?’
‘No,noneofthat.He’sforLugbúrz,Itellyou.He’swantedsafeandwhole.’
‘You’llfindthatdifficult,’laughedGorbag.‘He’snothingbutcarrionnow.WhatLugbúrzwilldowithsuchstuffIcan’tguess.Hemightaswellgointhepot.’
‘Youfool,’snarled
Shagrat.‘You’vebeentalkingveryclever,butthere’salotyoudon’tknow,thoughmostotherfolkdo.You’llbeforthepotorforShelob,ifyoudon’ttakecare.Carrion!IsthatallyouknowofHerLadyship?Whenshebindswithcords,she’saftermeat.Shedoesn’teatdeadmeat,norsuckcoldblood.Thisfellowisn’tdead!’
Samreeled,clutchingatthestone.Hefeltasifthewholedarkworldwasturningupsidedown.Sogreatwastheshockthathealmostswooned,butevenashefoughttokeepaholdonhissenses,deepinsidehimhewasawareofthecomment:‘Youfool,heisn’tdead,andyourheartknewit.Don’ttrustyourhead,Samwise,itisnotthebestpartofyou.The
troublewithyouisthatyouneverreallyhadanyhope.Nowwhatistobedone?’Forthemomentnothing,buttoprophimselfagainsttheunmovingstoneandlisten,listentothevileorc-voices.
‘Garn!’saidShagrat.‘She’sgotmorethanonepoison.Whenshe’shunting,shejustgives’emadabinthe
neckandtheygoaslimpasbonedfish,andthenshehasherwaywiththem.D’yourememberoldUfthak?Welosthimfordays.Thenwefoundhiminacorner;hanginguphewas,buthewaswideawakeandglaring.Howwelaughed!She’dforgottenhim,maybe,butwedidn’ttouchhim–nogoodinterferingwithHer.Nar–thislittlefilth,he’llwakeup,
inafewhours;andbeyondfeelingabitsickforabit,he’llbeallright.Orwouldbe,ifLugbúrzwouldlethimalone.Andofcourse,beyondwonderingwhereheisandwhat’shappenedtohim.’
‘Andwhat’sgoingtohappentohim,’laughedGorbag.‘Wecantellhimafewstoriesatanyrate,ifwecan’tdoanythingelse.Idon’tsupposehe’severbeenin
lovelyLugbúrz,sohemayliketoknowwhattoexpect.ThisisgoingtobemorefunnythanIthought.Let’sgo!’
‘There’sgoingtobenofun,Itellyou,’saidShagrat.‘Andhe’sgottobekeptsafe,orwe’reallasgoodasdead.’
‘Allright!ButifIwereyou,I’dcatchthebigonethat’sloose,beforeyousendinanyreporttoLugbúrz.It
won’tsoundtooprettytosayyou’vecaughtthekittenandletthecatescape.’
Thevoicesbegantomoveaway.Samheardthesoundoffeetreceding.Hewasrecoveringfromhisshock,andnowawildfurywasonhim.‘Igotitallwrong!’hecried.‘IknewIwould.Nowthey’vegothim,thedevils!
thefilth!Neverleaveyourmaster,never,never:thatwasmyrightrule.AndIknewitinmyheart.MayIbeforgiven!NowI’vegottogetbacktohim.Somehow,somehow!’
Hedrewhisswordagainandbeatonthestonewiththehilt,butitonlygaveoutadullsound.Thesword,however,blazedsobrightlynowthathecouldseedimly
initslight.Tohissurprisehenoticedthatthegreatblockwasshapedlikeaheavydoor,andwaslessthantwicehisownheight.Aboveitwasadarkblankspacebetweenthetopandthelowarchoftheopening.ItwasprobablyonlymeanttobeastopagainsttheintrusionofShelob,fastenedontheinsidewithsomelatchorboltbeyondthereachofhercunning.Withhis
remainingstrengthSamleapedandcaughtthetop,scrambledup,anddropped;andthenheranmadly,swordblazinginhand,roundabendandupawindingtunnel.
Thenewsthathismasterwasstillaliverousedhimtoalasteffortbeyondthoughtofweariness.Hecouldnotseeanythingahead,forthisnewpassagetwistedandturnedconstantly;buthethoughthe
wascatchingthetwoOrcsup:theirvoicesweregrowingneareragain.Nowtheyseemedquiteclose.
‘That’swhatI’mgoingtodo,’saidShagratinangrytones.‘Puthimrightupinthetopchamber.’
‘Whatfor?’growledGorbag.‘Haven’tyouanylock-upsdownbelow?’
‘He’sgoingoutofharm’sway,Itellyou,’answeredShagrat.‘See?He’sprecious.Idon’ttrustallmylads,andnoneofyours;noryouneither,whenyou’remadforfun.He’sgoingwhereIwanthim,andwhereyouwon’tcome,ifyoudon’tkeepcivil.Uptothetop,Isay.He’llbesafethere.’
‘Willhe?’saidSam.‘You’reforgettingthegreat
bigElvishwarriorthat’sloose!’Andwiththatheracedroundthelastcorner,onlytofindthatbysometrickofthetunnel,orofthehearingwhichtheRinggavehim,hehadmisjudgedthedistance.
Thetwoorc-figureswerestillsomewayahead.Hecouldseethemnow,blackandsquatagainstaredglare.Thepassageranstraightat
last,upanincline;andattheend,wideopen,weregreatdoubledoors,leadingprobablytodeepchambersfarbelowthehighhornofthetower.AlreadytheOrcswiththeirburdenhadpassedinside.GorbagandShagratweredrawingnearthegate.
Samheardaburstofhoarsesinging,blaringofhornsandbangingofgongs,ahideousclamour.Gorbagand
Shagratwerealreadyonthethreshold.
SamyelledandbrandishedSting,buthislittlevoicewasdrownedinthetumult.Nooneheededhim.
Thegreatdoorsslammedto.Boom.Thebarsofironfellintoplaceinside.Clang.Thegatewasshut.Samhurledhimselfagainsttheboltedbrazenplatesandfellsenselesstotheground.He
wasoutinthedarkness.FrodowasalivebuttakenbytheEnemy.
MAPS
WORKSBYJ.R.R.TOLKIENTheHobbit
LeafbyNiggleOnFairy-Stories
FarmerGilesofHamTheHomecomingof
BeorhtnothTheLordoftheRingsTheAdventuresofTom
BombadilTheRoadGoesEverOn(withDonaldSwann)
SmithofWoottonMajor
WORKSPUBLISHEDPOSTHUMOUSLY
SirGawainandtheGreenKnight,PearlandSirOrfeoTheFatherChristmasLetters
TheSilmarillionPicturesbyJ.R.R.Tolkien
UnfinishedTalesTheLettersofJ.R.R.Tolkien
FinnandHengestMrBliss
TheMonstersandtheCritics&OtherEssays
RoverandomTheChildrenofHúrin
TheLegendofSigurdandGudrún
THEHISTORYOFMIDDLE-EARTH–BYCHRISTOPHERTOLKIENITheBookofLostTales,
PartOneIITheBookofLostTales,
PartTwoIIITheLaysofBeleriandIVTheShapingofMiddle-
earthVTheLostRoadandOther
WritingsVITheReturnoftheShadowVIITheTreasonofIsengardVIIITheWaroftheRingIXSauronDefeatedXMorgoth’sRing
XITheWaroftheJewelsXIIThePeoplesofMiddle-
earth
COPYRIGHT
HarperCollinsPublishers77–85FulhamPalaceRoad,Hammersmith,LondonW68JB
www.tolkien.co.ukwww.tolkienestate.com
PublishedbyHarperCollinsPublishers2008
1
Thiseditionisbasedonthereseteditionfirstpublished2004
FirstpublishedinGreatBritainbyGeorgeAllen&Unwin1954SecondEdition1966
Copyright©TheTrusteesoftheJ.R.R.Tolkien1967Settlement1954,1966
and‘Tolkien’®areregisteredtrademarksofTheJ.R.R.TolkienEstateLimited
EpubEditionMarch2009ISBN:978-0-007-32250-3
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*SeeTheReturnoftheKing,AppendixFunderEnts.
*Everymonthinthe
Shire-calendarhad30days.