For the first time in this story the mood turns decidedly somber. Although Strider has tended to Frodo's wound, it becomes almost immediately apparent that this is no ordinary wound and we wonder what lasting effects the wound will have on both Frodo and the rest of the tale.

This part of the journey through the thickets takes a full five days and starts on an alarming note. Even as Strider leads the Hobbits away from Weathertop and across the Road... "...they heard far away two cries: a cold voice calling and a cold voice answering." From there they plunge into the thickets for cover and the going is slow.

Frodo is ill almost immediately and the pain grows worse by day and night. They hear nothing further, but live in fear of the dark nights and what they might bring. Yet this five day part of their journey is without event, and it seems to be too good to be true that at this early stage of the story it is possible that we will not encounter the Black Riders again. All too soon Tolkien will show us that the Riders are still very much a force that must be reckoned with.

The Enemy is moving.