CHAPTER 11: A KNIFE IN THE DARK

Before dawn at Crickhollow, Black Riders break into Frodo’s decoy house. Fatty Bolger escapes, raises the Buckland horn-call, and the Riders flee, having learned the Ring is gone.

In Bree, Strider wakes Frodo to ransacked rooms and slashed beds. The stable is emptied; Bill Ferny alone will sell a poor pony, which Mr. Butterbur buys for them. After public farewells and an exchange of insults with Ferny, Strider leads the hobbits off the Road and into the Chetwood to evade pursuit.

They travel cautiously toward Weathertop, doubling tracks and crossing the Midgewater Marshes, plagued by insects and sleepless nights. Distant flashes suggest trouble. Leaving the marshes, they see the line of hills and decide to approach Weathertop from the north, wary of spies and the Road.

On Weathertop, they find the burned ring of Amon Sûl and fresh scratches likely marking Gandalf’s presence on October third, hinting he fought there. From the summit, Strider spies Black Riders assembling on the Road; he withdraws the party to a dell on the northern slope where Rangers had camped recently.

Despite misgivings, Strider chooses to remain concealed and use fire for protection. As night falls, he tells ancient tales, including the lay of Beren and Lúthien, to steady their spirits. Moonrise reveals ominous shapes. Black figures appear above the dell and advance, their presence chilling the company.

Overcome by terror and an irresistible urge, Frodo puts on the Ring and sees five Nazgûl unveiled. Their crowned leader charges; Frodo cries “O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!” and strikes, but the Witch-king stabs his left shoulder with a glowing knife. As Frodo collapses, Strider rushes in with flaming brands, scattering the attackers. Frodo removes the Ring and clutches it as he swoons.