CHAPTER 12: FLIGHT TO THE FORD

Frodo awakens after the Weathertop attack, clutching the Ring, while Strider investigates the Black Riders’ movements. At dawn Strider reveals a sundered Morgul blade that dissolves, and applies athelas to Frodo’s wound, easing the chill but not restoring his arm. Judging Weathertop unsafe, Strider leads them south, then east toward cover and fuel.

They cross the Road amid distant cold cries, traverse bleak country for days, and return to the Road near the River Hoarwell. At the Last Bridge Strider finds a beryl as a hopeful token and leaves the Road again through ruined northern lands. Rain, hard going, and Frodo’s deepening malaise slow them. In old troll-country they find an abandoned troll-hole and the three stone trolls from Bilbo’s tale; Sam sings a comic troll ballad, lifting spirits.

They regain the Road toward the Bruinen. Hoofbeats approach, but the rider proves to be Glorfindel of Rivendell, sent to find them. Learning of the Morgul wound, Glorfindel urges haste and sets Frodo on his horse, Asfaloth. He drives them onward through the night with an invigorating draught at dawn, yet Frodo’s sight dims and pain worsens as they near the Ford.

In a pine-cutting Glorfindel hears pursuit and cries “Fly!” The Nine appear; Glorfindel commands Asfaloth, who carries Frodo ahead. Four Riders try to cut him off, but the elf-horse wins the race to the Ford. Across the river, Frodo defies them, yet falters as their leader advances. A roaring flood rises in the Bruinen, sweeping Riders away. Frodo sees a shining figure and flames behind before darkness takes him and he collapses.