"Flight to the Ford" (VIII)

The clouds are still thick, but at least the rain has abated, so the hobbits won't have to put up with the humidity in their bones. The streaks of blue sky appearing behind the clouds are not enough to make up for their cheerlessness of their situation, even less so when Strider, after exploring their surroundings, realises that they have moved too far to the north and that they'll have to turn back southwards again. The going gets tough once more, and Frodo's wound becomes the main issue of conversation. Walking is particularly exhausting, and his arm remains lifeless, icy cold. Strider admits that he cannot do much for Frodo in the wilderness, that being the reason why he is so eager to reach Rivendell. If the wound is to be cured, it is in Elrond's hands that hope lies. As always, this is Strider's message to Sam: "Do not give up hope".

They lit a small fire for the night, the wind is chilly and the tree-tops seem to whisper and moan. Frodo cannot find rest; whenever he tries to sleep, the shadows of his pursuers haunt him. We must arrive soon at Rivendell if Frodo is to survive.