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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