Chapter 3 Section 3: Three people go together

"You had better make no noise, and get out of here," said Gandalf.Two or three weeks had passed, and it seemed that Frodo was not yet ready to go. "I know! But it's not easy to have the best of both worlds," he protested. "If I disappear as mysteriously as Bilbo did, it won't be long before word gets around the Shire." "Of course you can't disappear mysteriously!" said Gandalf. "That won't work! I'm talking about hurrying up, not telling you to leave immediately. If you can't think of a way to leave Shire quietly for the time being, it's worth our delay. But we can't delay for too long."

"How about going again in the autumn? After my birthday?" asked Frodo. "I think by then I'll probably be able to arrange some plans." To be honest, at this point, he was a little reluctant to make preparations.Bag End had suddenly become a warm home, and he wanted to enjoy his last summer in the Shire as much as possible.When autumn comes, he knows that he will be more psychologically prepared. Autumn is a good start to say goodbye to old things.He made up his mind to leave on his fiftieth birthday: Bilbo's one hundred and twenty-eighth birthday, too.It seemed the most fitting day to follow in Bilbo's footsteps.Following Bilbo was the most important thought in his mind, and it was thanks to it that he felt better.He tried not to think about the ring, or where the ring might take them.But he did not tell Gandalf what was in his heart.How much the wizard guessed will never be known.

He looked at Frodo, and smiled. "Okay," he said. "I think that's fine, but there must be no delay. I'm getting nervous. During this time, take care of yourself and don't let anyone know where you're going! And tell Sam not to talk too much. If If he dares to talk nonsense, I will really turn him into a toad." "As for where I am going," said Frodo, "it will be hard to tell. For I do not know where I am going." "Don't worry about it!" said Gandalf. "I'm not saying you can't leave a contact address at the post office here! But you must never let anyone know that you're leaving the Shire until you're gone. In short, you must leave here, whether it's going south or north, From west to east, your whereabouts should not be known.”

"I was so absorbed in getting out of Bag End, and how to say goodbye to everybody, that I forgot to consider which way I was going," said Frodo. "Where should I go? What way should I go? What is my purpose? Bilbo is going to find the treasure, and come back from the adventure; but I am going to lose the treasure, and may never come back." "Nor can you know what the future holds," said Gandalf. "I can't either. Your task may be to find the doomsday rift, but this task may also be handed over to someone else: I don't know yet. You are not ready to travel anyway."

"Not yet!" said Frodo. "But what should I do next?" "Indirect, roundabout steps towards danger," replied the wizard. "If you are willing to take my advice, go to Rivendell. Although the recent road is less safe than in the past, this journey should not be too thrilling. In the foreseeable future, travel will become more and more Danger." "Rivendell!" exclaimed Frodo. "Excellent: I'm going east, to Rivendell. I can take Sam to visit the elf, he will be very happy." Although his voice was very low, a strong desire suddenly surged in his heart, To see where Elrond the Half-elf dwells; to breathe the air of the valleys where the noble folk still dwell.

One summer afternoon, a startling message arrived at the Inn of the Periwinkle Grove and the Green Dragon.Rumors of moving soup and giants on the Shire's borders were overshadowed by more important news: Mr. Frodo was selling Bag End, and had already sold it to the Sackville Bagginses! "It sold for a good price," someone said. "The haggling was fierce," said another, "Ma'am Robella's tricks are not for nothing." (Osor died a few years ago, not untimely, but not long enough; only a hundred Only two years old.) Mr. Frodo's reasons for selling the beautiful cave are more debatable than the price it paid for.Several people's theories have been verified by Mr. Baggins himself nodding and hinting: Frodo's financial resources are not as good as before. The relatives of Jiulu's family. "The farther away from the Sackville Bagginses the better," one added.But the legend of the mountainous treasure in Bag End has long been deeply rooted in people's hearts, and it is really hard for them to believe this sudden change.No matter how reasonable the reason is, they will naturally think that there is an unimaginable force behind it, and many people even think that this is another evil conspiracy of Gandalf.Although his visit was very low-key this time, everyone already knew that he was "hiding in Bag End".But even though there might be a magical conspiracy behind it, at least one thing was known for sure: Frodo Baggins was returning to Buckland.

"Yes, I'm moving out this fall," he said. "Merry Brandybuck is looking for a warm little cave for me, maybe even a small house." In fact, Merry had bought a small house in the country valley outside Bucklebury.Frodo claims to everyone except Sam to actually move in.The idea of ​​going east had given him the idea, since Buckland was already close to the Shire's eastern border, and it made sense for him to go back to where he lived when he was young. Gandalf stayed in the Shire for more than two months.One night towards the end of June, after Frodo's plans were at last settled, he announced suddenly that he must leave early next morning. "Hopefully it's just for a while," he said. "But I have to go beyond the southern border to gather some intel. I've wasted a lot of precious time here."

His voice was relaxed, but he seemed melancholy to Frodo. "Did something happen?" he asked. "Nothing, but I've heard some disturbing news and must see it for myself. If I think you should leave immediately, I'll be right back, or at least send you a message. In the meantime Still, you continue to act according to the original plan. But please be careful, especially about this Lord of the Rings! I repeat: *DO NOT USE IT*!" He left early the next morning. "I could be back anytime," he said. "At least I'll be back for the farewell party. I guess you'll need my company on this journey."

In the days that followed, Frodo was at first very anxious, and often wondered what news Gandalf had heard; but he gradually relaxed, and the mild summer weather made him forget his worries.The Shire has seldom experienced such mild summers, and seldom so rich autumns.Apples are on their branches, honey is full of honeycombs, and corn is tall and strong. It was late autumn when Frodo began to worry about Gandalf again.Into September there was still no news of Gandalf.Frodo's birthday and the date of moving are approaching, and there is still no news from Gandalf.Bag End got busy.Some of Frodo's friends came to stay and help him with the packing; Fredegar Borg and Fargo Boffin certainly didn't miss it; his close friends Pippin Took and Merry Brandybuck naturally Will not be absent either.The gang nearly turned Bag End upside down.

On the twentieth of September, two tarp-covered wagons drove slowly to Buckland, carrying all of Frodo's unsold furniture, to his new home by the Bridge of Brandy.The next day Frodo began to get really nervous, looking from time to time to see if Gandalf's figure appeared.Thursday, Frodo's birthday, was as clear and bright as the day of Bilbo's party.Still Gandalf did not appear.In the evening Frodo gave his farewell feast; this time it was very austere, and he and his four helpers dined alone.But he was so disturbed that he could barely eat.The thought of being separated from this group of friends soon weighed heavily on his mind.He didn't know how to tell them yet.

The four young hobbits were very excited; even if Gandalf did not come, the banquet quickly heated up.There was nothing in the dining room except tables and chairs.But the food was not inferior, and the good wine was not absent: Frodo's wine was not sold to the Sackville Baggins family together. "Whatever the rest of my stuff may be destroyed by those Sebas, at least this wine is appreciated!" Frodo gulped it down.This is the last treasure of the old winery. They sang and laughed, and talked of many crazy things they had done together, and at last they did as Frodo was wont to do, wishing Bilbo a happy birthday first, and then doing Frodo.Then, they went outside to breathe the fresh air and look at the beautiful starry sky.Frodo's feast is over, but Gandalf still does not appear. Early the next morning, they were busy loading the remaining luggage into another vehicle.Merry is in charge of this part, and Chubby (oh, that's Federica Borg's nickname) delivers the delivery. "There's always someone to warm up your house before you move in," Merry said. "Goodbye, see you the day after tomorrow, I hope you don't fall asleep on the way and delay the moving time!" Fargo went home after lunch, and only Pippin remained.Frodo was very restless and nervous, and Gandalf's promise to arrive unexpectedly fell through.He decided to wait until dark.After that, if Gandalf was in a hurry to find him, he had to go to the house in the Dale, and possibly even get there before them.For Frodo was going on foot.His plan was to prepare to walk from Hobbiton to Bucklebury Ferry, taking one last easy look at the Shire. "I should get myself to practice more, too," he said, looking at himself through the dusty mirror in the empty room.He hasn't hiked for a long time, and the image in the mirror seems a bit bloated. After lunch, the Sackville Baggins family, including Robella and his blond son Rosso, showed up.The presence of these two uninvited guests greatly displeased Frodo.It was abrupt and a breach of contract; the transfer of ownership of Bag End didn't take effect until midnight.But Robella couldn't really be blamed; after all, she'd been looking forward to Bag End for seventy-seven years and was a hundred years old now.Anyway, the purpose of her appearance is to ensure that the things she bought with money are not taken away, and at the same time get the key to the house.It took Frodo a long time to satisfy her, for she also barged in like nowhere with a whole lot of stuff with her.At last, after much trouble, she took her son and the spare key, and Frodo had to promise to leave the other keys at Janji's in the Bagside Road.She snorted, clearly expressing suspicion that the Janji family would come to steal things at night.Frodo did not even offer her tea. He, Pippin and Sam drank tea by themselves in the kitchen, trying to put the unhappiness behind them.The word was that Sam was going to Buckland, "to take care of Mr. Frodo, and tend his little garden." The old fellow agreed to do so, but there was always some grumbling that Robella would be his neighbor in the future. "This is our last meal at Bag End!" said Frodo, pushing his chair up.They gave Robella the job of washing the dishes.Pippin and Sam packed up the three knapsacks and piled them in the hall.Pippin slipped into the garden for his last visit.Sam disappeared without a trace. The sun is setting.Bag End looked very lonely and empty.Frodo walked in the familiar room, watching the afterglow of the setting sun fade away, and the shadows slowly surrounded the room.The room began to darken.He went out of the house and across the garden to the Hill Road, expecting to see Gandalf walking slowly in the twilight. The sky was very clear and the stars began to shine. "Tonight is going to be a comfortable night," he said aloud. "Fit for a fresh start. I want to take a walk, I can't bear to be idle any longer. I must go, and Gandalf will follow." He turned to leave, but suddenly stopped; Because he seemed to hear something.The source of the sound is in the direction of the bottom of the bag side road.One voice was clearly the old guy's, and the others were strange, even unpleasant.He couldn't hear the other party's question clearly, but the old guy's answer was unexpectedly sharp.The old man seemed very angry. "No, Mr. Baggins has gone. Gone this morning, my Sam went with him; he took everything. Yes, sold and gone. I promise. Why? It's none of your business why they moved out of my business. Where? It's nothing to keep secret. He moved to Bucklebury, which is a long way from here. Yes, it's not close, myself Never run that far before. There are too many weirdos in Buckland. Can't help, I don't have time to leave a message for you. Good night!" The sound of footsteps gradually went down the mountain.For some reason Frodo was relieved that they had not come up the hill. "I guess I'm tired of being asked questions," he thought. "These guys are so curious!" He wanted to ask the old guy who he was, but after a second thought, he turned back and walked back to Bag End. Pippin was sitting on his knapsack in the hall.Sam isn't there.Frodo went through the dark door. "Sam!" he yelled. "Sam! Time to go!" "Here we come, master!" The voice came from a distance in the house, and Sam followed suit.Judging from the flush on his face, he had just said goodbye to the beer kegs in the cellar. "Has it all been put away, Sam?" asked Frodo. "Yes, master. I have checked one last time." Frodo locked the round door and gave the key to Sam. "Run and put this key home, Sam!" he said. "Then take the side road and meet us at the gate outside the lawn. We can't walk through the middle of the town tonight, too many people are watching us." Sam rushed away immediately. "Well, it's time to go at last," sighed Frodo.They shouldered their knapsacks and their walking sticks and walked around the house to the west side of Bag End. "Farewell!" said Frodo, looking into the darkened window.He waved, turned (which happened to be following Bilbo's old path), and followed Pippin along the garden path.They leaped over the low part of the hedge, slipped into the meadow, and departed as soundlessly as a breeze. On the west side at the foot of the hill they came at last to a low gate at the mouth of a narrow path.The two stopped and adjusted the shoulder straps of their backpacks.At this moment, Sam ran over panting, his heavy backpack swaying from side to side, and there was still a lump of limp rags on his head, which seemed to be a hat.He looked a lot like a dwarf in this twilight. "I thought you had given me all the heavy things," said Frodo. "I really sympathize with the snails who run around with their homes on their backs." "My lord, I can carry more. It feels very light," Sam said defiantly. "Sam, don't mess around!" said Pippin. "It would be nice to give Frodo a little exercise. He's got nothing but what we've helped him pack. The fellow has been a little sluggish lately, and he'll do better with a little more walking." "Don't do too much with me, old hobbit!" said Frodo, laughing. "If I do what you say, I'll be as skinny as a willow tree before I get to Buckland. Haha, I'm just kidding! Sam, I think you've got too much stuff on your back, next time we'll pack it again It's best to share it evenly." He picked up his cane again and said. "We both like to travel at night," he said. "Let's drive a little more before sleeping rough." At first they walked west along the path, then turned left off the path, and walked quietly onto the grassland.They walked in single file along the hedge and the bushes, and the night slowly surrounded them.Since they were all wearing black cloaks, they looked as if they were all invisible in the night.With the talent of the hobbits and their deliberate silence, the actions of the three of them can be said to be undetectable even to the hobbits.Animals in the grasslands and forests were unaware of their presence. A short time later they crossed the creek west of Hobbiton on a plank bridge.The creek looked like a black ribbon surrounded by alder trees.They walked a few more miles to the south, and at last hurried across the Bridge of Wine onto the road.They have now entered Tuke District, and after walking southeast for a while, they came to Luqiu Township.As they began to climb the hill they looked back to see the lights of Hobbiton glowing against the valley.Soon, the lights disappeared into the darkness, and then the waterfront area also disappeared from sight.When the lights of the last farmstead were far behind, Frodo turned and waved goodbye. "I don't know if I will have a chance to see this scene again in the future." He whispered. They continued walking for another three hours before resting.The night sky was clear, cold, and star-studded, and mist drifted out from the valleys and streams that surrounded the mountains.Thin birch trees shaded the sky and became their roofs.They had a light supper (not much for a hobbit) and moved on.They soon embarked on a path that followed the ups and downs of the mountain.In the darkness ahead were their targets: Timberhall, the Starks, and Bucklebury's Ferry.The trail gradually turned away from the main road, skirting the Green Hills and leading to a deserted place in the eastern Shire. After a while they came upon a path surrounded by tall trees, where the only sound was the rustling of leaves.You can't see your fingers here.After getting away from the crowd, at first they tried to talk or sing, and then they walked on in silence, and Pippin began to break away from the group.Finally, as they began climbing a steep incline, he stopped and yawned. "I want to sleep," he said. "If I don't rest I'm going to roll down the hill. Are you going to sleep standing up? It's almost midnight." "I thought you liked walking at night," said Frodo. "However, it doesn't matter. It's not in a hurry anyway. Meri thought we wouldn't arrive until the day after tomorrow, and we still have nearly two days. We'll rest as soon as we find a suitable place." "Westerly winds blow here a lot," said Sam. "If we can get to the other side of the hill, we should be able to find some sheltered and comfortable ground, my lord. There's some firewood up ahead, if I remember correctly." Sam knew the geography of Hobbiton for twenty miles. Palm, but this is also the limit of his ability. No sooner had they crossed the hill than they found a pile of firewood.The three of them left the road and walked to a flat land surrounded by darkness with a strong scent of woods.They collected some pine needles and dead wood, and soon a roaring campfire was lit under a big tree.After sitting around the campfire for a while, everyone began to doze off.Then, everyone found a comfortable corner of the tree trunk and leaned back, wrapped in blankets and clothes, and soon fell asleep.They kept no watch, not even Frodo, for they were still in the heart of the Shire.There were even a few creatures running up to sniff them as the flames died down.A fox ran through the trees and stopped to smell them. "The hobbit!" it thought. "Wow! What's going to happen next? I've seen all kinds of things here, but I've never seen a hobbit sleeping under a tree. There are three more! There must be some conspiracy behind it It works." It is right, but it will have no chance to know the future development. .The pale, sticky morning came again.Frodo awoke first, and found that the back of his clothes had been torn by a tree root, and his neck felt stiff. "Walking, hiking! How did I end up like this?" He thought, this is the grumble that always precedes an adventure. "Sold my beautiful feather bed to the Sackville Baggins family! These roots are a good substitute." He stretched. "Everyone wake up!" he yelled. "The sun shines on your ass!" "What's a good ass shot?" said Pippin, peeping one eye from under the blanket. "Sam! Have breakfast ready by nine-thirty! Is the bath water hot?" Sam jumped up sleepily. "No, my lord, it's not done yet, my lord!" he said. Frodo snatched Pippin's blanket, forced him to wake up, and walked to the edge of the wood by himself.The sun had risen in the east, shining on the thick mist in the woods.The trees in autumn are stained with golden red, like a sailboat sailing in the boundless ocean.Beneath their feet were steep slopes and paths leading to a valley. When he came back, Sam and Pippin were on fire. "Water!" cried Pippin. "Where is the water?" "I have no water in my pocket," said Frodo. "We thought you were looking for water," said Pippin, busily arranging food and cups. "You'd better go now." "Follow me too," said Frodo, "and remember to bring your water bottles." There was a brook at the foot of the hill.The two filled a small cascade under a limestone rock.The water there was really chilling, and the two couldn't help but rinse their hands and faces well. After the group had finished their breakfast and packed their backpacks, it was about ten o'clock, and the weather had already started to heat up.They went down the slope, across the creek, and over the slope of another hill.After such a struggle, their cloaks, blankets, water, food, and other gear were a serious liability. After such a walk in the morning, they realized that today might not be too easy.After a few miles, the road began to slope downward.They had crossed the winding path before, and now they finally started to go down.Before them was a forested plain, and beyond the horizon were brown forests.What they saw was Forest End, and beyond that was the Spirits River.The road made a sharp turn before them, bending like a bowstring. "This road seems to never end," Pippin said. "I can't walk anymore. It's just right for lunch." He sat on the side of the road, looking at the hazy distance where he spent most of his life. place and that familiar river.Sam stood before him.He stared blankly with his eyes wide open; the scene in the distance was something he had never seen before. "Will elves live in that forest?" he asked. "I've never heard of it," said Pippin.Frodo was silent.He also looked towards the east, as if he had never seen such a scene before.Suddenly, he spoke, slowly as if talking to himself: *The road is long and long Stretch from the house. The road is not far away, I have to hurry up, run, run, run, ran to a fork in the road, Extending in all directions, the stream is endless, What will happen then?How would I know. * "That sounds a lot like old Bilbo's poetry," said Pippin. "Or is this your imitation? That doesn't sound very uplifting." "I don't know," said Frodo. "It came to me suddenly, as if I made it; but it's possible I've heard it many years ago. It does remind me of Bilbo's last days before he left. He used to say there's only one road in the world , is like a great river: every door is the source of a mountain spring, and every fork in the road is a tributary of the great river. "You must be alert when you step out of the door, Frodo," he once said. "When you step On the high road, if you don't watch your step, you don't know where you will be carried. Do you know that this is the way to Mirkwood? If you don't hold on, it may send you to the Lonely Mountain; Even farther, worse!" he said to me every time he stood at the front door of Bag End, especially when he came back from his hike." "Well, at least the road won't get to me for an hour," said Pippin, unfastening his knapsack.The others immediately saw Xian Siqi, put their backpacks on the side of the road, and stretched their little feet on the road.After resting for a while, they had a big lunch, and then continued to rest hard for a while. The sun began to sink gradually, and the afternoon sun shone lazily on the downhill road.So far, they have met no one on the road.This road is not suitable for vehicles, so it is sparsely populated; not many people usually go to Linwei.They jogged for more than an hour in a relaxed mood, but Sam suddenly stopped and looked alert.They had already reached the flat land, and the road that had been twisting and turning before became a flat and straight avenue, with pleasant grass on both sides, and a few tall trees dotted beside the forest. "I think I hear hoofbeats behind me," Sam said. Everyone turned their heads together, but the road was not straight enough so they couldn't see too far. "I wonder if Gandalf has come after me," said Frodo.Even when he said this, there was a sense of uneasiness in his heart, and he didn't want the knight to find out his whereabouts. "Perhaps you don't care," he said apologetically, "but I don't want to be found by anyone on the road. I'm tired of being gossiped. If that's Gandalf," he added, "we can still give him A surprise to reward him for being so late. Let's hide!" The other two quickly ran to the bushes not far to the left of the road, and immediately got down on the ground.Frodo hesitated for a moment: it seemed that curiosity or some special power hindered his action.The sound of hooves was getting closer.At the last second he hid in a pile of long grass under a big tree beside the road.Then he raised his head and looked up from the tree roots curiously. A black horse appeared from the other side of the road, not a small hobbit horse, but a tall horse used to ride by men.Sitting on a horse is a tall man, wrapped in a long cape and a hood, who seems to be lying on the horse's back.There was a sniffing sound from the shadows under the hood; what should be a human face looked left and right at the grass beside the road. Frodo was seized suddenly by a sudden, unaccountable dread of being discovered, and of the Ring on his body.He didn't dare to vent his breath, but a strong desire kept calling him to take out the magic ring; his hand even started to move slowly.Gandalf's advice became trivial.Bilbo had used the Lord of the Rings before, anyway. "And I'm still in the Shire," he thought, his hand already on the handle of the Ring.At this moment, the knight straightened up and flicked the reins a few times.The black horse moved forward slowly at first, and finally began to gallop. Frodo crawled to the side of the road and watched the knight disappear into the distance.From the distance he was not quite sure what he saw; but he seemed to see the knight galloping into the woods to the right. "It is strange indeed, and disturbing," said Frodo to himself, as he walked back to his companions.Pippin and Sam lay prostrate in the grass, seeing nothing; and Frodo explained to them both the way and appearance of the knight. "I don't know why, but I feel like he's sniffing me, and I just don't want him to find me. I've never seen or felt like this in the Shire before." "But how could any big fellow be interested in the three of us?" said Pippin. "What is he doing on our land?" "There have indeed been rumors of Men of late," said Frodo. "There seems to be some conflicts with these big guys in the southern part of the Shire. But I have never heard of a human being like this knight. I don't know where this guy came from." "Bring me in," said Sam suddenly, "I know where the fellow comes from. Unless there's more than one such knight, he must be from Hobbiton. I know where he's going, too." "What do you mean?" asked Frodo in surprise. "Why didn't you say it earlier?" "My lord, it's because I just remembered. Well, when I brought the keys back to our house last night, my dad said to me: *Hello, Sam!* He said. *I thought you'd Gone with Mr. Frodo early in the morning. Mr. Baggins at Bag End was asked by a strange visitor just now. I told him to meet you at Bucklebury. But I really don't like him. Look. He looked so disappointed when I told him Mr. Baggins had moved out of his hometown. He also hissed at me. It gave me the chills. What kind of a guy is he? *I am Dad said. *I don't know,* he said; *but he's definitely not a hobbit. He's tall and dark, and he's looking down at me. I think he might be a big fellow from far away, because he has a weird way of talking accent.*" "My lord, I couldn't continue to ask, because you were all waiting for me, and I also thought it was just a trivial matter. The old guy is old enough, and his old eyes are dim. He must have been outside when the man in black came up to him Going for a walk and it was pretty dark. Hope my dad and I didn't do anything wrong." "It's not the old man's fault," said Frodo. "In fact, I just happened to overhear him talking to a stranger who seemed to be asking me for information; I almost walked out to greet him. Wish I had figured out who he was, or at least you'd told me first Talked about it. That way I'll be more careful on the road." "This knight probably has nothing to do with the stranger the old fellow met," said Pippin. "Our whereabouts are already secret enough, I don't think he should be able to follow us." "My lord, what's that *sniff* thing you said?" Sam said. "The old guy also mentioned that person is black." "I wish I could have waited for Gandalf," muttered Frodo. "However, it might just make things worse." "Do you know anything about the knight?" asked Pippin, hearing Frodo muttering to himself. "I am not sure, nor do I wish to guess," said Frodo. "Well, dear Frodo! You wish to remain mysterious, so keep it to yourself. But what shall we do now? I would like to rest and eat, but feel that it would be best to go on without wasting time. The description you just said about the knight sniffing with an invisible nose made my hair stand on end." "Yes, I think we had better go on," said Frodo; "but not on the high road, lest we meet the returning knight, or his company. We must go a little farther today, Buckland is far away." The long shadows of the trees dragged across the grass as they set out again.They were now walking on the grass some distance to the left of the road.After the bend just now, the road now runs straight for several miles.At the next left turn, the path continued into the area of ​​the Border Lowlands, near Stark.But there is another fork to the right, winding into an old oak forest, leading to the giant wooden hall. "This is the way we will go," said Frodo. Not far from the intersection, they came to the huge branches of a big tree; although most of the big tree had been broken, the branches and green leaves protruding around it indicated that it was still full of vitality.However, the main body of the tree trunk is already empty, and it can be drilled through the cracks on both sides of the road.The hobbit crawled in and sat down on a soft carpet of dead wood and leaves.They took a break, had a light meal, and kept their ears open as they chatted in low voices. When they got out of the tree trunk and returned to the road, the sky had become very dark again.The west wind began to shuttle among the treetops, and the leaves rustled in a low voice.The whole road was slowly shrouded in twilight.From the fading east a star rises and shines in the tops of the trees.They walked side by side, trying to lift their spirits.After a while, the sky was filled with brilliant stars, and the uneasiness began to go away from them, and they no longer worried about the sound of horses' hooves.At last the three resumed their hobbit habit of returning home from travel, and began humming.Most hobbits would be humming a supper song or a bedtime song at this point, but these three hobbits hummed a walk song (although, of course, there was no shortage of supper and bedtime descriptions).The words were written by Bilbo Baggins, and the tune was a folk song long since the land; Frodo had learned the song as they walked along the Waterdale Path, talking of each other's adventures. Red flames shine on my furnace, There's a bed under the eaves, My feet are not tired yet. Who can predict the turn of the mountain, Tall trees and boulders protrude, Only the two of us can see it. Trees and flowers, green leaves and grass, Enjoy it and don't let it go!Don't let it go! Beautiful mountains and rivers under the clear sky, Walk all the way to get a better view!Take a closer look! Who can predict the turn of the mountain, Unknown paths or secret doors, Although not found today, I may have a chance to visit tomorrow, Step on the path and never look back, Flying to the moon to pick the sun, whoever said no. Apples and brambles, nuts and berries, Enjoy it and don't let it go!Don't let it go! 沙岩池谷美景呈， 一路顺风不迟疑啊！不迟疑！ 老家在后头，世界在前方， 无数道路任我颺， 披星戴月行色匆。 世界在后家在前， 归人返家好睡觉。 迷雾和黎明，云雾和阴影， 终将隐匿不得见呀！不得见！ 炉火和油灯，甜肉和面包， 吃完立刻扑上床啊！扑上床！ * 歌一唱完，「＊现在＊立刻该上床啊！该上床！」皮聘敞开喉咙大声唱。 「嘘！」佛罗多说。「我想我又听到马蹄声了。」 他们突然间停下来，一声不发，彷佛融入阴影之中。后面路上的确传来马蹄声，阵阵的微风正好将这微弱但清晰的声音一波波的传来。他们又悄无声息的飞快躲进路旁橡树下的阴影中。 「小心点！」佛罗多说。「我不想要被发现，可是我想要看清楚这是不是另一名黑骑士。」 no problem! 」皮聘说。 「不要忘记对方会闻来闻去啊！」 蹄声越来越近。他们已经没时间找别的地方躲藏了。皮聘和山姆蹲在大树旁，佛罗多则是趴在离小径几码远的地方。天空的星星很多，但没有月光。 蹄声停了下来。佛罗多注意到似乎有道阴影通过两树间较明亮的地方，然后停了下来。看起来像是由一个比较矮的黑影牵著一匹黑马。黑影就停在他们离开小径之处的地方，不停打量著四周。佛罗多认为自己又听见对方嗅闻的声音。黑影弯身趴在地上，开始匍匐朝他爬来。 佛罗多脑中又再度升起想要戴上魔戒的欲望；这次比上次还要强烈。强烈的欲望让他竟然在自己毫无所觉的状况下就伸手捏住口袋。但就在那关键的片刻，突然间传来了含糊的歌谣和笑语声。星光下的森林中传来嘹亮的声音。黑影直起身，退了回去。黑影爬上了影子般的黑马，瞬即消失在道路另一边的黑暗中。佛罗多松了一口气。 「精灵！」山姆沙哑著嗓音说。「大人，是精灵耶！」如果另两人没有把他拉回来，这兴奋过度的家伙可能已经冲到路上去了。 「没错，他们是精灵，」佛罗多说。「在林尾的确可能会遇到他们。他们不住在夏尔，但春天和冬天的时候他们会离开塔丘外的领地，漫游到我们这边来。幸好他们来到我们附近！你刚刚没看到，但是在那首歌开始之前，黑骑士就站在这边，准备朝我爬过来。一听到精灵的声音，他就立刻溜走了。」 「那这些精灵呢？」兴奋的山姆才管不了什么黑骑士呢！「我们可不可以去看看他们？」 「你听！他们往这边走了，」佛罗多说。「我们在这边等著就好。」 The singing is getting closer.一个清亮的声音盖过其它的歌声。他用的是动听的精灵语，连佛罗多都只能勉强听懂一些，另两个人则是完全不明白。但这美妙的歌声和曲调彷佛拥有自己的意念，在三人的脑中转化成无法完全理解的语言。佛罗多听到的歌是这样的： 白雪！白雪！呵，圣洁之女士！ 呵，那西方海外精灵之后！ 呵，光明照拂于森林漫游的吾等！ 姬尔松耐尔！喔，伊尔碧绿丝！ 卿之瞳清澈，卿之息辉光， 白雪！白雪！容吾等献曲飨海外仙境之神后。 喔，无日之年乃有星 赖后之手点天明， 平原风起光明现， 卿之银花缀天边！ 喔，伊尔碧绿丝！姬尔松耐尔！ 纵居远境郁林中， 吾等未有或忘， 卿之星光耀西海。 * 歌曲结束了。「这些是高等精灵！（译注二）因为他们提到了伊尔碧绿丝！（译注三）」佛罗多惊讶万分的说。「在夏尔我们极少有缘得见这些贵族中最高贵的种族。在大海以西的中土世界也仅剩屈指可数的高等精灵。这真的是机缘凑巧才让我们遇上！」 哈比人就这样躲在路旁的阴影中。不久之后，精灵们走上小路，开始朝向山谷迈进。他们好整以暇的走著，哈比人可以看见他们头发和眼中反射著闪耀的星光。他们不会发光，却散发出一种闪耀迷朦的气质，彷佛像是月亮升起前山缘反射的柔光一般落在他们脚边。精灵们沈默下来，当最后一名精灵走过他们面前时，对方突然转过头，看著哈比人的方向，开朗的大笑。 「你好啊，佛罗多！」他大喊道。「你这么晚了还在外面晃。难道你迷路了吗？」接著他叫唤其他人，所有的同伴们现在都停下脚步，聚集到哈比人身边。 「这真是太有趣了！」他们说。「三个哈比人晚上躲在森林里！自从比尔博走了之后我们就没有看过这景象了。这会代表什么意思呢？」 「高贵的人儿啊，这代表的是，」佛罗多说，「我们刚巧和你们方向相同。我喜欢在星光下漫步。但我更欢迎你们的陪伴。」 「可是我们不需要人陪伴，哈比人好无聊唷，」他们笑著说。「你不知道我们要去哪里，怎么会说我们和你们同路呢？」 「你们又是怎么知道我名字的？」佛罗多反问道。 「我们知道的可多了呢，」他们说。「我们以前经常看到你和比尔博走在一起，不过你多半没有发现我们。」 「你是谁？你们的王上是哪一位？」佛罗多追问道。 「在下吉尔多，」率先和佛罗多打招呼的带头精灵说，「芬萝家族的吉尔多?印格洛瑞安。我们是漫游者，其它大多数的同胞都早已离开，我们也只是在前往海外仙境之前多享受一下自然美景而已。不过，我们还是有些同胞住在祥和的瑞文戴尔。佛罗多，不要客气，告诉我们你在做什么。因为我们看的出来你身上有著恐惧的气息。」 「喔，睿智的人儿呀！」皮聘紧张的插嘴道。「可否告诉我们黑骑士的事情？」 「黑骑士？」他们低声说。「你们为什么会问到黑骑士？」 「因为今天就有两名黑骑士追上我们，或者是一名黑骑士来了两次，」皮聘说，「不久之前，他听到你们的声音，就溜走了。」 精灵们没有立刻回答，而是先柔声用自己的语言交谈了片刻。最后，吉尔多转身对哈比人说道，「在这里不方便谈，」他说。「我们觉得你最好现在立刻跟我们走。这不是我们的作风，但这次我们会带你一起走；如果你愿意的话，今夜最好和我们一起度过。」 「喔，高贵的人们！这真是天大的荣宠，」皮聘说。山姆高兴的说不出话来。「多谢您的慷慨，吉尔多?印格洛瑞安，」佛罗多鞠躬道。「Elen s□la l□menn omentilmo,幸运之星祝福我们会面的时刻，」他以高等精灵语说道。 「小心点，朋友们！」吉尔多笑著说。「可别在他面前透露什么秘密！我们遇到了一位精通古代语的学者了。比尔博果然是位好长辈。精灵之友，我向你致敬！」他对佛罗多鞠躬道。「和你的朋友一起加入我们的行列吧！你们最好走在中间，免得落队。在我们停下来之前你们可能会觉得有些累唷。」 「为什么？你们要去那里？」佛罗多问道。 「今夜我们要去巨木厅旁山丘上的森林。距离有些远，不过到了之后你们应该可以好好休息一下。这也会让你们明天要走的路短一些。」 最后，一行人又再度沈默的开始跋涉，如同影子一般在暗沈的夜里出没著。精灵（在这方面甚至比哈比人更厉害）只要有意，就可以无声无息的行走。皮聘很快就开始觉得睡眼惺忪，步履踉跄了两三次；不过，每次都有旁边那名高大的精灵即时伸手扶他一把。山姆走在佛罗多身边，觉得自己彷佛身处梦中，脸上带著半是恐惧半是惊喜的表情。 路两旁的森林变得越来越密，树木变得越来越年轻，越来越密集；小径则是越来越低，开始进入山谷之间的低地。两旁的山坡上有越来越多的榛树。最后，精灵们终于离开了小径。右方的密林中竟然出现了翠绿的山脊，在这黑夜中几乎难以发现。精灵们沿著曲折的山脊爬上在这片河谷中鹤立鸡群的山丘。众人突然间脱离了树木的遮荫，来到一大块在夜色下灰扑扑的草地。这草地三边都被树木所包围，但东边的地势骤然下降，底下高大的树木正好因此而落在众人的脚底。极目望去，这块低地在星光的照耀下显得十分宽广平坦。巨木厅的聚落中还有几个闪烁著的灯火。 精灵们在草地上坐了下来，低声交谈著；他们似乎不再注意哈比人的存在。佛罗多和伙伴们盖上毯子和斗篷，任凭睡意袭来。夜越来越深，山谷中的灯火跟著熄灭。皮聘枕著一团树叶睡著了。 东方高挂著雷米拉斯星，又被叫做天网星。红色的波吉尔星慢慢升起，彷佛火焰打造的珠宝一般。夜空中一阵波动，所有的迷雾都像是面纱一般被揭开，为爬上天际的曼奈瓦葛星，配著闪亮腰带的苍穹剑客清出一条大道来。精灵们随即以歌谣赞颂这美景。树下突然间迸出红色的火焰来。 「来吧！」精灵们呼喊著哈比人。「快来！现在该是欢唱享受的时候了！」 皮聘坐了起来，不停的揉著眼睛。他打了个寒颤。「大厅中生起了火焰，也有美食供饥饿的宾客享用，」一名站在他旁边的精灵说。 在这块绿地的南边有一个开阔处。绿地一路延伸进森林中，构成了一个像是大厅一样的地形，屋顶是由老树的枝枒充当，巨大的树干则像是雄伟的柱子罗列在两侧。中间是堆温暖的营火，两旁的树干上插著发出金光和银光的火把。精灵们绕著营火席地而坐，有些则是靠著树干坐著。更有些精灵忙进忙出地摆设酒杯，倒入饮料；还有些精灵则是布置碗盘，将食物铺放其上。 「这实在很寒酸，」他们对哈比人说，「因为我们住在离家甚远的绿林中。如果你们有朝一日能够来我们的家中接受招待，我们会用更周到的礼数款待你的。」 「在我看来，这已经好到足以举办生日宴会了，」佛罗多惊讶的说。 一段时间之后，皮聘发觉自己几乎想不起任何有关当天饮食的记忆；因为他的眼中充满了光芒照在精灵细致面孔上的美景，以及无数种婉转动听的乐音，这一切都让他觉得好似身处梦中。但他还记得眼前有比饥饿时看到的白面包更美味厚实的面包；像是野莓一样甜美，更比花园中的水果肥满的野果；他还记得自己一口气喝光了一杯甜美的液体，它冰凉清澈如同山泉，金黄诱人如同夏日午后。 当山姆想要回忆这一晚时，他既无法用言语来形容，也无法在脑中构思出清楚的影像；但他只知道，这是他这辈子最重要的一刻。他勉强可以说出的只是：「哇，大人，如果我能够种出这种苹果，我才敢称自己为园丁。不过，对我来说，真正让我心花怒放的是他们美妙的歌声。」 佛罗多跟著席地而坐，快乐的吃喝，和精灵们交谈著。但他全副的注意力都集中在对方谈话的内容上。他懂得一些精灵语，因此十分专注的倾听著。偶尔他也会对送食物和饮料给他的精灵用精灵语道谢。他们会笑著回答：「这位可真是哈比人中之宝啊！」 过了不久之后，吃饱喝足的皮聘一下就睡著了；精灵们好心的将他抱开，放在树下厚实树叶所铺成的床上。接下来的大半夜他都在呼呼大睡中度过。山姆拒绝离开主人身边。当皮聘被抱走之后，他走到佛罗多身边坐著，最后终于闭上眼睛，开始打起盹来。佛罗多和吉尔多交谈著，直到深夜。 他们讨论了许多事情，包括刚发生或是已经发生的事件；佛罗多询问吉尔多许多有关夏尔之外的广大世界到底发生了什么事情。世局十分的动汤不安：黑暗势力聚集、人类彼此征战不休，精灵远颺中土大陆。最后，佛罗多终于问出憋了很久的问题： 「告诉我，吉尔多，自从比尔博离开之后，你有见过他吗？」 吉尔多笑了。「有的，」他回答。「两次。一次他就是在这里和我们道别。但我后来又在距此甚远的地方再和他不期而遇。」由于他不愿意再讨论比尔博的行踪，佛罗多也跟著沈默起来。 「佛罗多，你有很多心事没有和我分享，」吉尔多说。「不过我已经从你的脸上，和你所问的问题中知道了一些。你准备离开夏尔，但你不确定自己是否能找到所追寻的、完成被托付的，甚至不知是否能够重返此地。没错吧？」 「没错，」佛罗多说；「但是我以为我的远行只有甘道夫和我忠实的山姆知道。」他低头看著发出低微鼾声的山姆。 「魔王不会从我的口中得知这秘密的，」吉尔多说。 「魔王？」佛罗多吃了一惊。「那么你知道为什么我要离开夏尔罗？」 「我不知道魔王为什么要追踪你，」吉尔多回答，「即使我觉得这很不寻常，不过他的目标真的就是你。我必须警告你，你的前方和后路都有无比的危险。」 「你指的是那些骑士？我担心他们会是魔王的手下。这些黑骑士到底是什么东西？」 「甘道夫没有告诉过你吗？」 「他没提过这样的生物。」 「那我想我也不该多说些什么，否则你可能会害怕的不敢继续前进。因为在我看来，如果时间真的还来得及的话，你出发的时间真是千钧一发。你现在得要尽快赶路，不能停留，不能回头；因为夏尔已经不再是你的避难所了。」 「我实在很难想像还有什么消息会比你的暗示和警告更让人恐惧的了，」佛罗多不安的说。「我当然知道前方有危机潜伏，但我没料到连在我们的夏尔都会遇到这些恐怖的事情。难道哈比人已经不再能够安心的从临水区走到河边了吗？」 「这并不是专属于你们的夏尔，」吉尔多说。「在哈比人定居之前，还有其他人居住在此地。当哈比人成为过往云烟之后，还是会有其他人前来此定居。世局动汤、时代变迁，你可以把自己关在小圈圈内，却不可能永远阻止他们进来。」 「我明白，但我心中还是一直认为这里是安全和温馨的。我现在该怎么办？我的计画是准备秘密离开夏尔，悄悄前往瑞文戴尔。但是在我抵达雄鹿地之前，追兵就已经紧追不舍。」 「我认为你还是应该保持原订计画不变，」吉尔多说。「我不认为前路的凶险能够阻挡你的勇气。但，如果你想要更深入的分析，你应该去找甘道夫。我不知道你逃亡的原因，因此也无法得知你的敌人会如何追击你。甘道夫对这些事情一定了若指掌。我猜你在离开夏尔之前会去找他吧？」 「我希望能找到他。但有另外一件事情让我坐立不安。我已经等甘道夫等了很多天了。他最慢也该在两天前抵达哈比屯，但他根本没有出现。我现在开始担心他是否遭遇了什么状况。我应该继续等他吗？」 吉尔多沈默了片刻。「这消息让我很担心，」他最后终于说。「甘道夫迟迟未出现并不是个好兆头。不过，俗谚有云：不要插手巫师的事务，他们重心机，易动怒。要等、要走，关键都看你。」 「我记得谚语中还有一句话，」佛罗多回答：「别向精灵询问，因为他们会不置可否。」 「真的吗？」吉尔多笑了。「精灵们很少会给人直接了当的忠告。忠告是种危险的礼物，即使是智者送给智者的忠告都会因为命运的作弄而出轨。但你不也是一样？你没有告诉我背后的真相，我怎么能够作出比你更正确的决定？如果你真的坚持要我给你建议，看在友情的份上我还是愿意给你一点提示。我认为你应该即刻动身。如果在你离开前甘道夫依旧没有出现，我还必须建议你不要单独行事。带著值得信任、自愿的朋友上路。你该很感激我才是，因为我并不是心甘情愿的介入你的事情。精灵们有自己的目标和包袱，我们极少关切哈比人，或是世界上其它生物的命运。不管是巧合或是刻意，我们和其他人的命运都极少交会。我们的会面可能不只是巧合，但我还不太明白背后的意义；恐怕我已经说了太多了。」 「我非常感激你，」佛罗多说。「但我希望你可以直接了当地告诉我这些黑骑士的身份。如果我接受你的建议，有很长的一段时间无法见到甘道夫，至少我该知道这些追兵是什么来头。」 「知道他们是魔王的爪牙还不够吗？」吉尔多回答。「躲开他们！不要和他们说话。他们是致命的敌人。不要再问了！德罗哥之子佛罗多，但愿在一切结束之前，你对这些堕落者的所知不会比吉尔多?印格洛瑞安要多！愿伊尔碧绿丝保佑你！」 「我该怎么鼓起勇气？」佛罗多说。「这是我最需要的。」 「勇气往往藏在你所不注意的地方，」吉尔多说。「要怀抱希望！睡吧！早上我们就会离开了；但我们会把消息散播出去。漫游者们会知道你们的行踪，站在正义这一方的人将会时时看顾你们。我赐给你精灵之友的称号；愿星光时时照耀你的旅途！我们极少能在陌生人的身上获得这么多的快乐，从其他旅者口中听见古代语更是让我们庆幸不已。」 吉尔多一说完，佛罗多就觉得睡意悄悄来袭。「我现在要睡觉了，」他说。精灵们领著他来到皮聘身旁的树荫下，他躺了下来；立刻进入安祥的梦乡中。 译注一：由于哈比人的身高远矮于人类，所以一般来说他们都将人类称为大家伙，而将精灵称作高贵人种。 译注二：在主神瓦拉们击败了意图奴役精灵的主神「黑暗之王」马尔寇（此名意为「以力服人者」）之后，瓦拉们对精灵发出召唤，邀请他们前来海外仙境居住。在这段漫长艰辛的迁徙中，精灵们发展出许多的分支和歧异。高等精灵是其中最强大优雅的精灵，也是第一批踏上海外仙境的精灵。 译注三：姬尔松耐尔、白雪、伊尔碧绿丝都是对这世界的主神之一「星辰之后」瓦尔达的称呼。她是所有的主神瓦拉之中最美丽的神后。她又被称作「光明之后」，因为传说中是她创造并点亮了星辰，将月亮与太阳置放到天空中，而精灵就正是在这星光召唤之下进入这世界。因此，她是十五名主神中最受精灵敬爱的一位。姬尔松耐尔是精灵语中的「点亮星辰者」之意，而伊尔碧绿丝则是精灵语中的「星辰之后」。