Chapter 16 Section Three: The Lord of the Rings Southbound

Later that day the hobbits themselves had a little party in Bilbo's room.When Merry and Pippin heard that Sam had slipped into the council and had been chosen as Frodo's partner, they were both resentful. "It's so unfair," said Pippin, "that Elrond, instead of throwing him out and tying him up, rewarded him with this wonderful treatment!" "A reward!" replied Frodo, bewildered. "I cannot conceive of a harsher punishment. You must have lost your mind again; a journey doomed to despair. Is that a reward? I dreamed of it yesterday." My work is finally over, and I can rest here forever."

"No wonder," said Merry, "I wish you could, too, but it's Sam we envy, not you. If you decide to go, it would be best for us to stay in Rivendell." Severe punishment, we have lived and died with you for such a long time, we want to continue." "That's what I mean," said Pippin, "we hobbits must band together, and I'll die unless they tie me up, and there must be some resourceful fellows in the party." "You have no share, old Peregrin Took!" said Gandalf, leaning in through the window. "Don't worry, nothing is decided yet!"

"It hasn't been decided yet!" Pippin yelled, "Then what were you doing just now? A group of people closed the door and negotiated secretly for several hours." "It was just talk," said Bilbo. "We talked a lot, and everyone had their own astonishing stories, even old Gandalf. I guess Legolas' news of Gollum's escape made him Startled, even though he's well disguised." "You guessed wrong," said Gandalf, "you were not paying attention then. I have heard the news from Gwenhe. If you really want to know, it was you and Frodo who really surprised me, and I But the only old guy who survived."

"Well, anyway," said Bilbo, "everything is still undecided, except that there will be poor Frodo and Sam. I'm afraid even that would not be possible if I hadn't insisted on it. But if you Ask my opinion, and I will guess that Elrond will send quite a few men when the intelligence comes back. Gandalf, have they set off?" "Yes," said the wizard, "some scouts have already set off. Tomorrow more elves will set off, and they will make contact with the rangers, and even join up with Thranduil's subordinates in Mirkwood. After making We must gather all our intelligence before any decision is made. Be cheerful, Frodo! You may be here a long time."

"Ah!" said Sam sullenly, "we might wait until winter." "It can't be helped," said Bilbo. "It's partly your fault, Frodo boy, for insisting on not leaving until my birthday. I can't help but say, it's a weird commemoration indeed." Way, that's not the day I'd let the Saba live in Bag End. Anyway, that's the way it is, we can't wait until next spring, and we can't start until the intelligence comes back." Waiting for the frost and snow to fly in the sky, When the leaves are all gone, the pool is black Waiting for the rock to break due to low temperature,

Come into the wilderness and witness winter in full swing. "However, I am afraid that only you are blessed to enjoy it." "I am afraid it is so," said Gandalf, "and we must not set off until we are sure of the Black Rider." "I thought they were all wiped out in the flood," Merry said. "That alone will not destroy the Ringwraiths," said Gandalf, "they have within them the power of their Master, and therefore they share a destiny with him. We can only hope that they have lost their mounts, and their disguises have been exposed, and their They are dangerous, but we must be absolutely sure. In the meantime, you should try to relax and forget these burdens, Frodo. I don't know if I can be of help, but I would like to share this with you. Bottom line. Someone said resourcefulness is needed in the ranks, and he was right, I think I should go with you."

The look of ecstasy on Frodo's face when he heard this made Gandalf jump down from the ledge, take off his hat and bow to everyone. "I'm just saying [HTPH] I think [HT] should go with you, it's not decided yet. Elrond will have a lot of opinions on this matter, and your friend Strider, it makes me think One thing, I must see Elrond quickly." "How long do you think I can stay here?" said Frodo to Bilbo, when Gandalf had gone. "Oh, I don't know. I don't count days in Rivendell," said Bilbo, "but I bet it will be a long time, and we'll have time to talk. Help me finish this book, by the way." How about starting a new book? Have you thought about the ending?"

"Yes, several endings, but each is dark and terrible," said Frodo. "Oh, that's not right!" replied Bilbo. "The book must have a happy ending. What do you think: they settled down, and lived happily ever after." "I think it would be nice, if possible," said Frodo. "Ah!" interrupted Sam, "but where are they going to live? I can't stop thinking about that often." After some time the hobbit still talked of the journeys past and the dangers ahead; but slowly the power of Rivendell took effect, and the fear and tension melted away.Whether it is a good future or a bad future, it has not been forgotten, but it cannot affect people's current mood for the time being.They begin to feel energized and hopeful, enjoying life to the fullest every day, savoring the food and listening to every conversation and song.

And so the days went by, each clear morning, each evening clear and cool.But autumn was drawing to a close, and the golden light was slowly giving way to silvery light, and the leaves were falling from the bare trees, and the icy east wind was beginning to blow down the Misty Mountains.The constellation Orion's Moon bloomed brightly in the sky, obscuring the other smaller stars, but in the south, a red star grew brighter, and not even the moonlight could obscure its edge.Frodo can see it every day, it is like a giant eye that never tires, overlooking everything in the world. The hobbits lived in Elrond's dwelling for almost two months, and autumn followed November's footsteps, and slowly entered December.The scouts began to return to the starting point.Some crossed the Howling River to the Moor of Eaton, others went west, and with the aid of Aragorn and the Ranger, searched the valley of the Gray Flood as far as Tabard, where the Northern Road crossed the Ash An abandoned town in Panhe.Other spies went east and south, some over the Misty Mountains and into Mirkwood, others followed the streams to the source of the Gladden, and then set foot on the Great Wilderness, across the Gladden Plains, and at last came To the hometown of Redagast.Redagast was not there.So they came back to the place they had come across, over the steep slope that is called the Dimrill Ladder.The two sons of Elrond, Eladan and Elrohor, were the last to return, and they went along the Silver River to a strange country; but they would not reveal to anyone but Elrond the true purpose of their quest.

These messengers found no trace of the Black Knight or the other minions of the Demon King at all. Even the giant eagle in the Misty Mountains had no updated information, and no one heard the news about Gollum, but the wolves were still gathering and reunited. Start hunting along the great river.Not far from the ferry, the bodies of three drowned horses were soon found; on the rocks of the rapids below, the searchers found five more, and a tattered black cloak.Other than that, there was no trace of the Black Knights, and their existence could not be sensed. It seemed that they had left the North.

"We have traced eight of the nine," said Gandalf, "and there is no way of judging too soon, but I think that the Nazgul may have been scattered and forced to give up form and return to their masters of Mordor as soon as possible. " "If this is the case, it may take a while for them to hunt around. Of course, the Demon King has other minions. But they all have to go all the way to Rivendell to track down our tracks .If we're careful, they'll have a hard time finding even that, and I don't think there should be any further delay." Elrond called all the hobbits together, and he looked at Frodo with a sad face. "The time has come," he said, "if the Ring must leave here, it must go at once. But whoever goes with it cannot expect an army or any force of arms. They must go deep into the Lord's domain alone. .Frodo, will you still be the Bearer of the Ring?" "I will," said Frodo, "I will go with Sam." "Then, I can't help you much," Elrond said, "I can't see your future, and I don't know how to accomplish your mission. The Specter has reached the foot of the mountain, and even crossed the Gray River Watershed, everything under the shadows is beyond my sight. You will meet many enemies, some open, some sneaky and disguised. You will find allies in the most unexpected places .I will send out messages as much as possible to inform my friends in this vast world. However, this land has fallen into an unprecedented crisis. How fast." "Therefore, I will choose companions for you, and decide the journey with you according to their wishes and fate. The number should not be too many, because the key to the success of this mission is speed and secrecy. Even if I have the elf heavy armor of ancient times Troops will only cause the army of Mordor to retaliate, and will not have much effect." "The Fellowship of the Ring must be nine in number, nine living against nine evil undead. Besides you and your faithful servant, Gandalf will take part, for this is a mission he has been part of all along, and it may be The end of his efforts." "As for the others, it will have to represent the free and peaceful peoples of this world: Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Legolas represents the Elves, and Gimli son of Gloin represents the Dwarves, who are at least willing to cross the Misty Mountains, and even to Farther. As for Men, you should choose Aragorn son of Arazon, for the ring of Isildur is bound to him." "The Strider!" cried Frodo joyfully. "Yes," he said, laughing, "I beg your permission again to be your companion, Frodo." "I would have begged you to come with me," said Frodo, "only I thought you would go to Minas Tirith with Boromir." "I do," said Aragorn, "and I must reforge the Broken Sword before I go to battle. But your ways and mine overlap for hundreds of miles, and therefore Poe Romo will join our team too, he is a brave man." "Then there are two vacancies left," said Elrond. "I'll think it over again, and I should be able to find two good men here to go with you." "But then there will be no place for us!" cried Pippin disapprovingly. "We don't want to be left behind, we want to go with Frodo." "It's because you don't understand and don't know what's on the road in front of you." Elrond retorted mercilessly. "Neither Frodo," said Gandalf, unexpectedly supporting Pippin, "nor do we. It is true that these hobbits would not have dared to go if they had known the danger. But they Still wanting to go, or wishing I dared to go with my friends, or be ashamed and unhappy. Elrond, I think you should let their friendship trump your wisdom in this matter. Even if you choose For an elven noble like Glorfindel, it is impossible for him to go straight to the evil tower, or rely on his power to open the way to the doomsday rift." "Your tone is very heavy indeed," said Elrond, "but I doubt very much that the Shire is not safe from danger, and I would have sent these two back to be messengers, to save as much as they could, in their tradition. And custom warns the countrymen, and see what can be done. At any rate, I think that the younger of the two, Peregrin Took, should stay, and I always feel he should not go with him." "Then, Lord Elrond, you must lock me up, or tie me in a bag," said Pippin, "or I shall die with me." "Then, so be it. You are one of them," sighed Elrond. "Now, the Nine are gathered, and in seven days you must go." The holy sword of Elendil was reforged by the elven craftsman.There are seven stars between the patterns of the sun and the moon on the body of the sword.There are many runes with mysterious power on the sword, because Aragorn is going to fight Mordor this time, so he must have a strong guardian.When the sword was reforged, it shone blindingly, the symbol of the sun shone red, the moon shone softly silver, and the edge of the sword seemed sharp.Aragorn renamed the sword Anduril, Flame of the West. Since then, Aragorn and Gandalf have often secretly discussed the dangers they will encounter in the future, and they have searched and read many legends and ancient maps in Elrond's house.Sometimes Frodo was with them, but mostly he trusted their leadership and spent his time with Bilbo. In the last few days, the hobbits often sat around in the Hall of Flames, listening to the story of Lucien and Beren recovering the beautiful elf diamond together.In the daytime, while Pippin and Merry were running about, Frodo and Sam would stay in Bilbo's little study.Bilbo would read sentences from his book (it seemed a long way from being finished), or sing his poems, or record the details of Frodo's adventures. On the last morning Frodo and Bilbo were alone.The old hobbit drew a box from under the bed.He opened the lid and rummaged through the box. "Here is your sword," he said, "but it is broken. I put it away for you just in case. But I forgot to ask the blacksmith if it could be reforged. No time, so, I thought, maybe you can take this weapon, do you know what it is?" From the box he took out a weapon in a battered leather sheath.When he drew his short sword, the sharp, carefully cared weapon gleamed coldly. "This is the sword lancet," he said, inserting it deep into the pillar without any effort. "Take it, if you like, I don't think I'll need it again." Frodo accepted the gift with joy. "And, there's this!" Bilbo went on to bring out a stack of things that looked heavier than they looked.After unpacking several layers of cloth bags, he produced a chain mail vest.It is made of many metal rings, it has the elasticity like cloth, the low temperature like ice, and the hardness like steel.It shone like silver and was studded with white gems.Complementing the vest was a pearl and crystal belt. "It's pretty, isn't it?" Bilbo moved it up to the light, "and it's useful too. It's the dwarven chain mail that Thorin gave me, and I got it back from Michul before I set out, Packed with my luggage. I took all the souvenirs from my last trip with me except the Lord of the Rings. But I didn't expect to use it one day in the future. I don't need this thing other than looking at it occasionally. If You wear it and you hardly feel the extra weight." "I look like it should--I think it should," said Frodo. "That's what I tell myself," said Bilbo, "but don't care what it looks like. You can wear it under your coat. Come! You can only share this secret with me. Don't tell it to me." Anyone! I know you'll feel better wearing it all the time, I always thought it would hold up against the Black Knight's weapons," he whispered. "Yes, I will take it," said Frodo emotionally.Bilbo put it on for him, and stuck the quill in the flashing Flashing people's belt.Finally, Frodo put on his weather-beaten shirt, trousers, and coat again. "You look like any hobbit," said Bilbo, "but inside you are one." The average person is different.good luck! He turned and looked out the window, trying to hum an out-of-key tune. "I don't know how to thank you, Bilbo, for you have been so kind to me," said Frodo. "Then don't say thanks!" The old hobbit turned and patted him on the back. "Whoa!" he yelled, "you're slapping hard now! But let me tell you one thing, the hobbits have got to stick together, especially the Bagginses. I only ask for one thing: Take care of yourself as best you can, and bring the news back to me, and please also jot down any rhymes or verses you come across. I'll try to finish the book before you get back, and if I have time, I'll think Hurry up and write a second book." He went to the window again and began humming softly. I sit by the fire and think about all that I've been through, Looking at the flowers and butterflies everywhere, And the world of midsummer; yellow leaves and gossamer, appeared in that past autumn, Silvery sun and morning mists, The breeze blows my hairline. I sat by the fire and thought, the future of the world, When will winter solstice and spring not come, Just like I've seen it before. There are countless things in the world, I haven't been able to see: Every forest, every spring, Both are very different worlds. I sat by the fire and thought, People from long ago, and future generations, Those who have seen the world I have not seen. I sit in a chair and think, the passing time, While listening to the sound of the door, There is also the faltering of the wanderer returning home. It was a cold, gray day near the end of December.The east wind swept the bare tree trunks through the dark pine forests of the hills.Broken clouds rolled low and dark in the sky.When the early evening begins to cast shadows, the team is ready to go.They were going to set out as soon as it was dark, for Elrond advised them to make use of the night as much as possible, till they were far from Rivendell. "You must beware of Sauron's many eyes and ears," he said. "I believe he has learned of the black knight's wounded, and he will be furious. Soon the northern lands will be flooded with spies on foot and in flight." On the ground. When you set off, even the birds in the sky must be careful." The people did not carry many weapons, because the key to this journey was stealth rather than open killing.Aragorn had no weapons but Anduril, and he was clothed in rust green and brown like any ranger.Boromir carried a long sword, similar in shape to Anduril, but of lesser origin; he also carried a shield and the great horn. "This will resound through the mountains and the valleys," said he, "and let all the enemies of Gondor flee!" Dale's people immediately jumped up when they heard the sound. "You'd better not blow the horn next time, Boromir," said Elrond, "unless you again Returning to the country, and there is great danger. " "Maybe," said Boromir, "maybe we'll have to move in the dark someday, but I blow my horn every time I set out, and I don't like sneaking around like a thief." Only Gimli the Dwarf wore chain mail from the beginning, for they were good at carrying loads, and he had a broad battle-axe at his side.Legolas carried a bow and a barrel of arrows on his back, and a long knife stuck in his waist.The young hobbits carried swords from the tombs, but Frodo carried a sword and a needle.And his chain mail slipped on under his clothes, as Bilbo had hoped.Gandalf is holding a cane, but he is wearing a Granary-enemy fencing sword on his waist, which is exactly the same as the beast-biting sword buried with Thorin in the Lonely Mountain. Elrond bade every one put on warm coats, too, and both coats and cloaks were trimmed with furs.Extra equipment and clothing and food were put on a pony, the same poor little animal they had bought at Bree. The days in Rivendell had done wonders on it, and it became plump and seemed to be young again.It was Sam who insisted that it must come, or Bill (as he called him) would not eat or sleep well. "This animal can almost talk," he said. "If he stays here any longer, he might. He looks at me like Mr. Pippin said: If you won't let me follow, I will Do it yourself." So Bill took over the work of the camel, but he was the only member of the team who seemed to be having a good time. Their farewell had been in the great hall, and they waited only for Gandalf to come out of the house.Warm yellow light streamed from the open doors, and many windows shone with light.Bilbo shrank in his fur cloak and stood beside Frodo.Aragorn sat on the ground with his head between his legs; only Elrond knew what it meant to him.The others are a few unnoticeable gray shadows in the darkness. Sam stood beside the pony, tucking and staring gloomily at the rushing water below; his thirst for adventure was at its lowest point. "Bill, old friend," he said, "you shouldn't have come with us. You can stay here and eat the best hay, and when spring comes next year there will be fresh pasture again." Bill wagged his tail and said nothing. Sam adjusted the backpack, nervously reading all the contents inside, hoping he didn't forget anything.His most precious treasures, kitchen utensils, a little salt box that fills up whenever he gets a chance, a heap of tobacco (but I bet there won't be enough in the end), flints and tinder boxes, woolen socks, sheets, and many future masters will He can confidently take out the miscellaneous things he needs from his pockets at that time.He counted them one by one. "Rope!" he muttered, "Forgot the rope! Last night you were saying to yourself, Sam, how about a piece of rope? If you don't have one, you'll want it. Look, I want to now." I wanted to, but it was too late.” At that very moment Gandalf came out with Elrond, and he called the procession to him: "This is my last order," he said in a low voice, "The Lord of the Ring's mission this time is to go to the Last Days." Shan. He has only one responsibility, absolutely not to discard the Lord of the Rings, or let it fall into the hands of any devil's minions. Only in the most critical time, can it be handed over to the companions around him, or those who have participated in our meeting Members. The others have no obligation but to assist him as best they can. Given the opportunity, you may disperse, come back, or go in other directions. The further you go, the harder it is to turn back. But you You are not bound by any oath, and no one can force you to take a path you don't want to take. Because you don't know where your strength lies, and you don't know what you will encounter in the future." "When the road is dark, the one who says goodbye is the one who has no faith," Kim Li said. "Perhaps," said Elrond, "but I hope that no one who has not seen the sunset will swear to walk on dark paths." "But a vow can strengthen a shaken heart," Kimli said. "Or let it break," replied Elrond. "Don't look too far! Just hope! Farewell, and may Men and Elves and all who love freedom bless you. May the stars shine on you always face!" "I wish...good luck to you!" Bilbo said, trembling with cold. "It seems that Frodo boy can't keep his diary. However, I want you to give me a complete report when I come back. Don't delay too much." It's been a long time! Goodbye!" Many of Elrond's men stood in the shadows watching them go, blessing them in whispers.There was no music or laughter in the crowd seeing them off.Finally, they turned around quietly and merged into the darkness. A group of people crossed the bridge, walked slowly on a steep passage, and left the Rivendell Valley. They came to a high place where a strong wind howled; and after taking a look at the last shelter, they trudged off into the night. At Brunan's Ferry they left the Highway and followed a footpath over the rolling hills, their aim being to keep this direction for many days towards the Misty Mountains.This road is very desolate. Compared with the river valley on the Great Wasteland, it looks lifeless here, and their actions can't be fast.However, they hope to avoid many unfriendly eyes by taking this road less traveled.Sauron's spies were rarely seen in this empty land, because outsiders except the people of Rivendell almost didn't know this road at all. Gandalf went first, followed by Aragorn who could run blindfolded over the land.The others lined up, with the sharp-eyed Legolas in charge of the rear.The first part of the journey was so wearisome that Frodo could remember nothing but the strong wind that kept blowing.On many sunless days, there will be gusts of icy cold wind blowing from the mountains to the east, and no amount of clothing seems to be able to block its icy touch.Although the members of the expedition team wore heavy clothing, they felt as if they were soaking in icy water when they were walking or resting.During the day, they rest restlessly in river valleys, or in thorn bushes.When the time came, they would be woken up by the man on duty to eat their customary cold meal - because they dared not risk a fire.At night they continued on foot again, going south as long as there was a way. In the beginning, it seemed like no progress was being made for the hobbits, despite their daily groping in the dark until their limbs became limp.The surrounding scenery looks exactly the same every day, but the mountains seem to be getting closer.The terrain under their feet rose higher and higher, and began to bend westward, and when they came to the edge of this terrain, they came to a place full of hills and deep valleys.There are very few roads here, and they are all very winding, often making them step into the edge of a cliff, or the depths of a certain swamp. On the evening of the tenth day, the weather suddenly changed.The wind slowed down and changed direction to the south.The clouds running in the sky also stopped and melted into the clear blue air.The pale but bright sun also ran out.A cold, clear dawn greeted them after a long night of trekking.At last they came to a lowland surrounded by ancient holly trees, which seemed to be one with the rock.Their dark leaves reflect the light at sunrise, and the plums on the trees glow red. Frodo could see far to the south stretches of indistinct mountains, now beginning to block the way of all.To the left of these ranges are three particularly tall peaks, the tallest and closest peak looking like a snow-covered fang, and its northern exposed cliffs still largely in shadow, shimmering in sunlight With red light. Gandalf stood next to Frodo, covered the sun with his hands and looked into the distance: "We are making good progress, and now we have reached the border of the area that humans call the Forest. In the more peaceful days of the past, there were many elves Dwelling here, when the place was called Erejan. We have traveled a hundred and thirty-five miles, if we reckon the straight flight of birds; evidently our feet have traveled farther. The weather and terrain are now It all seems benign, but it might just be a harbinger of danger." "Dangerous or not, I am glad to see the real sunrise," said Frodo, drawing his hood, letting the morning light shine upon his face. "But there are mountains ahead of us," said Pippin. "We must have accidentally turned eastward during the night." "You are mistaken," said Gandalf. "It is only because the weather is clearer that you can see farther. After these peaks the mountain ranges to the southwest. There were many maps in Elrond's dwelling, I guess you didn't take the time to look at it?" "No, I'll look at it sometime," said Pippin, "but I don't remember very well, and Frodo was better at it." "I don't need a map," Gimli said, following Legolas, with a strange light in his sunken eyes, "this is where our ancestors sweated and bled, and we carved the shapes of these mountains into many rocks They are also woven into many songs and stories. They are the three unreachable peaks in my family's dream: Balas, Sirak, and Xiaser." "Only once in my life have I seen these three mountains from a distance while awake, but I have long memorized their names and shapes. Because under these three peaks is Khasad-dum, the homeland of the dwarves, which is now called the Black Pit; in the Elvish language it is called Moria. The three peaks that stand there are Barasimba, Redhorn, and Calahorras the Cruel; Also known as Serabdil the White, Pharudhor the Grey; in the Dwarven language Siraxsigil, and Pondushath." "Since then the Misty Mountains have split in two, and between the arms of these two mountains lies a valley covered with shadows, a place we must never forget: that is Asanubisa, the Vale of Dimrill , and the elves are called the Southern Capital Cirion." "It is the Dimrill Vale that we aim for," said Gandalf; "if we pass the Redhorn Pass on the other side of Calahoras, we shall come to the Dimrill Stairs, and then into the Dwarves' Deep. There is a mirror lake there, and the Yinguang River we know originates from the icy mountain spring there.” "The lake of Khaled-Sarum is dark," Gimli said. "The mountain spring of Kibili-Nala is icy cold. The thought of seeing them soon makes my heart bear it." Shaking slightly." "May your heart be filled with joy when you see them, my good dwarf!" said Gandalf. "But whatever you think, we cannot stay in that valley. We must follow the Silver River in secret into the woods. , go to the big river, and then..." He pauses. "And where?" Merry asked. "At last we shall come to our end," said Gandalf, "and we shall not be able to see too far. Let us first celebrate the completion of the first part of our journey. I think we may rest here all day today. Kind of like Lin An atmosphere of reassurance. If elves ever lived in a place, it would have taken a great evil to make the earth completely forget the joy they brought." "True," said Legolas, "but the Elves here are strange to us who dwell in the forest, and the grass and the trees here have forgotten them. I hear only the rocks whispering : They dug us deep, fashioned us to perfection, built towering buildings; but they are gone. They are long gone. Long ago, these spirits set foot on ships that went to sea, and left out of this world." That morning they lit a campfire in the valley, surrounded by thick holly trees, and that combined dinner and breakfast was the happiest they had ever had since they set out.After eating they were in no hurry to go to bed, for they had all night to rest, and would not set out again until the evening of the next day.Only Aragorn walked up and down without a word.Soon after, he left the crowd and stood on a high ground.He stood in the shadow of the trees, looking west and south, as if listening to something.Then he returned to the edge of the valley, looking down at the others laughing and chatting. "Skywalker, what's the matter?" Meili raised her head and shouted, "What are you looking for? Don't you miss the cold east wind?" "Not really," he replied, "but I feel like something is missing. I've been to Helin in many different seasons. The place is now deserted, but there are many other creatures making noise here all the time; especially Birds. But now, with nothing but you, I can feel that something is wrong. There is no sound for miles around, and your voice seems to echo in this empty space. I don't understand. " 甘道夫饶富兴味的抬起头：「你猜是什么原因呢？」他问道：「有没有可能是因为看到四名哈比人，还有我们这几种极少出现的生物才让他们噤若寒蝉？」 「我希望有这么简单，」亚拉冈说：「但我有种不安，有种恐惧的感觉，以前我在此地从来没感受到这状况。」 「那么我们得更加小心一点，」甘道夫说：「如果你和游侠同行，就务必要听他的话。如果这名游侠又刚好是亚拉冈，那就更确定了。我们必须设立哨兵，减低音量，开始休息。」 那天轮到山姆站第一班哨，但亚拉冈还是陪著他一起不睡觉。众人尽沈沈睡去。四野的沈寂现在连山姆都可以清楚地感觉到，他们可以清楚听见众人的呼吸声，山姆甚至可以听见自己关节动作的声音。他们被一片死寂所包围， 头上是一片清朗的天空，太阳也悄无声息的渐渐往西方走。在南方出现了一个黑点，渐渐变大，如同烟雾一般的被吹向北方。 「神行客，那是什么？看起来不像是乌云，」山姆压低声音，对亚拉冈耳语道。对方没有回答，只是专注的瞪著天空。不久以后，连山姆也可以看清楚到底是什么东西正在靠近。一大群黑压压的鸟以高速飞行，不停的翻滚、打转， 彷佛在搜寻著什么东西，而且这群鸟还越来越靠近。 「趴下不要动！」亚拉冈拉著山姆躲进冬青树的阴影中。有一整群的飞鸟脱离了主队，朝著这块高地飞来。山姆认为它们是某种巨大的乌鸦，当它们飞过众人头上时，密集的数量连天地也被黑影给遮蔽了，空中不停的传来刺耳的呱呱声。 它们渐渐飞远，朝著北方和西方散去，天空也恢复原来的清澈。亚拉冈这才站起来，立刻飞奔向前，并且叫醒甘道夫。 「有一大群的乌鸦，在迷雾山脉和灰泛河之间飞翔，」他说：「它们刚飞过和林上空，它们不是出没在此地的生物，而是来自于登兰德一带。我不知道它们的目的是什么，或许是逃离南边的危险；但我认为它们是在监视这块土地。 我也看见了天空有许多飞鹰翱翔。我认为今天晚上应该继续出发，和林已经不再是我们的避风港：它已经受到监视了。」 「所以，红角隘口多半也是一样的状况，」甘道夫说：「我们怎么可能无声无息的通过那里？唉，只能等到事情临头时再来担心了。至于说到天一黑就行动这件事，我也同意你的看法。」 「幸好我们的营火没有多少烟，而且在那些乌鸦出现之前也已经快熄灭了，」亚拉冈说：「我们最好赶快把营火熄灭，不要再点燃它们。」 「哼，这可真是要人命！」皮聘嘀咕著。不能生火和晚上必须马上进发的坏消息，让下什刚醒来的皮聘一听到立刻陷入情绪低潮：「一切都只是为了一群乌鸦而已！搞什么鬼嘛！我本来还以为今天晚上可以好好吃顿热的。」 「这样说吧，你可以继续期待下去，」甘道夫说：「未来可能有很多意外的大餐呢。我自己则是只想要有根烟斗抽抽，有火堆暖暖脚。幸好我们有一件事是可以确定的：越往南走天气就会越暖。 「恐怕到时会太暖了，」山姆对佛罗多抱怨道：「但我开始认为这也该是看见火山，或是走到大道尽头的时候了。我一开始还以为这个什么红角山就是人家说的火山，但是在金雳霹哩啪啦讲了一堆之后，我才知道不是。他可还真爱讲说起来喀拉喀拉的矮人语！」地图和山姆的小脑袋就是犯冲，这些遥远的事物更是严重干扰了他对距离的概念。 这一整天远征队的成员都低调行事。那些黑色的飞禽一次又一次的在他们头上盘旋。不过，等到太阳渐渐西沈时，它们才全都消失在南方。天色一黑， 众人就立刻出发。现在他们把方向改变为面向东，朝向卡拉霍拉斯山的方向前进。太阳的余晖依旧照在卡拉霍拉斯的山坡上，映射出炙红的光芒来，白色的星斗一颗接一颗的跳进渐暗的天空中。 在亚拉冈的引导之下，他们来到了一条易走的小径上。佛罗多觉得这似乎是条远古道路的遗迹；应该是曾经从和林通往隘口，经过完整规划的道路。满月从山后升起，苍白的光芒让岩石投射出深邃的黑影。很多岩石看起来似乎经过人力的雕凿，但现在却都幽怨的横躺在毫无人烟的荒郊野外。 夜色渐深，当佛罗多抬头看著天空时，正好是黎明前最寒冷的时刻。突然间，他感觉到空中的星辰似乎被某种黑影遮蔽了，彷佛它们消失了瞬间，又再度回复到这个世间。他打了个寒颤。 「你有看到什么东西经过吗？」他低声询问就在前面的甘道夫。 「没看到，但我也感觉到了那股不知名的力量，」他回答道：「或许那不是什么，只是云朵而已。」 「那么它的速度还真快，」亚拉冈喃喃自语著：「而且还不需要跟著风的方向走。」 当晚没有再发生任何的事情，第二天一早的曙光甚至比前一天还要明亮。 但空气又恢复了原先的冰冷，又开始吹起了东风。他们继续跋涉了两晚，沿著蜿蜒的小路继续往山里面走。山势越来越高、越来越靠近。到了第三天的早晨， 卡拉霍拉斯就矗立在他们面前，巨大的山峰顶尖覆盖著积雪，两旁却是裸露的陡峭悬崖，在阳光下彷佛沾血似的泛著红光。 天色有些阴暗，太阳显得无精打采。风现在是从东北方吹来。甘道夫嗅了嗅，回头看著大家。 「我们身后正在迈入深冬，」他悄悄的对亚拉冈说：「北方的山脉积雪比以往都还要多，连隘口的部分也被阻挡了。今晚我们应该就可以朝向红角隘口进发。我们可能在路上被发现，或是在狭窄的隘口受到阻碍；但我个人认为， 天气可能是最大的敌人。亚拉冈，你还是坚持这条路可以走吗？」 佛罗多偷听到两人之间的对话，很明显这是从旅程刚开始两人就争论不停的话题。他紧张地听著。 「我从一开始就没有坚持任何东西，甘道夫，你应该也清楚才对，」亚拉冈回答道：「随著我们的推进，未知或已知的危险都会越来越多。但我们还是得继续下去，把时间耽搁在山脉中没有多大的用处。再往南的道路上连隘口都没有， 我们只能走山路；要过很长一段距离之后才有洛汗隘口。由于你带给我们有关萨鲁曼的坏消息，所以我对那里也抱持著存疑的态度。谁知道牧马王的将军们现在听从谁的号令？」 「是啊，谁能知道呢！」甘道夫无奈的回答：「但我们还有另外一条路，可以不用通过卡拉霍拉斯，我们之前也曾经讨论过这条黑暗的密道……」 「现在不要再提这件事情！时候还没到。我求你在确定走投无路之前，千万不要告诉其他人。」 「我们迟早都要决定的，」甘道夫回答。 「就让我们在心里思考，让其他人好好的睡觉吧，」亚拉冈说。 时间是下什，众人正在用早餐。甘道夫和亚拉冈一起走到旁边去，看著雄伟的卡拉霍拉斯山。它现在透露出一股阴郁之气，山头也被灰云所笼罩。佛罗多看著两人，怀疑他们之间的争论到底什么时候会水落石出。 两人不久后回到众人身边，甘道夫开口对大家解释。佛罗多这才确定他们已经决定面对卡拉霍拉斯严酷天气的挑战。He breathed a sigh of relief.虽然他猜不出来两人口中的黑暗密道是什么，但光看亚拉冈的表情就让人感到不安；他很庆幸最后放弃了这个计画。 「从我们最近看到的迹象显示，」甘道夫说：「我担心红角隘口可能已经受到监视，同时，我也担心后面直扑而来的严寒。或许会有场风雪。我们必须尽全力赶路。即使是这样，我们至少还得花上两天才能够到达山路的顶端。今天晚上天会黑得很快，只要你们一准备好，我们就立刻出发。」 「请容我补充一句话，」波罗莫说：「我过去居住在白色山脉的阴影之下， 对于如何在高地山脉中旅行略知一二。在我们越过隘口之前，我们将会遭遇到相当严酷的低温。如果我们被冻死，不管再如何保密也没有意义。当我们离开这个还有一些树木的地方时，每个人应该都尽量多带柴火走。」 「比尔可以再多背一点，对吧，小马？」山姆说。小马哀伤的看著他。 「好的，」甘道夫说：「但是，除非我们遇到的是生死交关的情况，我们绝对不能够使用这些柴火。」 众人继续上路，一开始的速度还很快，但很快的，他们的前程就变得陡峭难行。曲折的小道在许多地方都几乎消失，被众多落石给遮挡住了。夜色在大量的乌云底下显得越来越黑。岩石间吹送著刺骨的寒风。到了半夜，他们刚好爬到半山腰。这时，他们所走的小径已经变得险恶无比，右边是一落千丈的悬崖，众人必须面对卡拉霍拉斯陡峭的岩壁，左边则是深不见底的深渊。 一行人历经千辛万苦才好不容易爬上一个斜坡顶上，为了恢复元气，决定暂时停下来休息。佛罗多觉得有东西飘到手臂上，他伸手一摸，看见袖子上沾著许多白色的雪花。 他们被迫继续赶路。在不久之后，大雪来袭，天空中满是飞舞的雪花，让佛罗多几乎看不见道路。甘道夫和亚拉冈弯腰驼背的身影，几乎消失在白茫茫的夜色中。 「我一点也不喜欢这个样子，」山姆气喘吁吁的在后面说：「在晴朗的早晨看到雪是很好的一件事情，但我喜欢躺在床上等雪下完。真希望这场雪会下到哈比屯，我们老家的人们一定会很喜欢这情形的。」除了在夏尔北区的高地之外，一般来说哈比人很少看见大雪的情景；因此，下雪也被视为难得的美景和适合作乐的机会。除了比尔博之外，没有任何人记得一三一一年的严冬事件，那年白狼越过冻结的烈酒河，大肆入侵夏尔，造成极重大的损失。 Gandalf stopped.他的兜帽和肩膀上盖满了雪花，地上的积雪也几乎已经盖过了脚踝。 「我就担心这个，」他说：「亚拉冈，现在你觉得该怎么办？」 「我担心的也是这个，」亚拉冈说：「但这比不上另外一个选择危险。虽然南方除了高山之外极少有这种大雪，但我知道雪的危险在哪里。事实上，我们还没有爬到多高的地方，以目前的高度来看，即使在冬天，道路应该也是不会被封冻的。」 「不知道这是不是魔王的安排，」波罗莫说道：「在我的故乡，他们说他可以指挥魔多边境黯影山脉上的暴风雪，他拥有许多诡异的力量和神秘的盟友。」 「那么，如果他能够从近千哩之外操控这里的风雪，」金雳说：「他的力量确实增进不少了。」 「他的能力确实增进不少了……」甘道夫喃喃自语道。 当一行人停下来的时候，强风也跟著停息，大雪几乎完全消失不见。于是， 他们又继续前进。他们走不了多远，暴风雪又再度来袭。这次呼啸的强风挟带著大朵大朵的雪花，触面生疼。很快的，连波罗莫都觉得举步维艰，哈比人以快要趴到地面的姿势跟在高大的队员身后前进。不过，众人也都看得出来，如果风雪持续下去，他们可能撑不了多久了。佛罗多觉得脚像铅一样重，皮聘有气无力的走在后面。即使拥有矮人超强耐力的金雳，也禁不住一边嘀咕一边前进。 众人突然不约而同停了下来，彷佛在无声的沟通中达成了协议。他们听见身旁的黑暗中传来诡异的声响。这可能只是风吹过岩壁的结果，但这听起来更像是凄厉的喊叫声和尖锐的吼声，还挟杂著狂野的大笑声。众多的岩石开始从山侧落下，呼啸著掠过他们耳边，或是发出轰然巨响砸在他们身边。除此之外， 他们还可以听见岩石从山边被推下来的低沈隆隆声。 「我们今晚不能再前进了，」波罗莫说：「就让那些怪物在狂风中喊叫吧。我觉得那些声音中带著敌意，而石头也都是瞄准我们丢过来的。」 「我认为那只是风声，」亚拉冈说：「但这也不代表你说的不对。这世界上有很多势力痛恨两只脚走路的生物，却又不是和索伦结盟，而有著自己的目的。有些势力比他还要早出现在这世间。」 「这里被称作残酷的卡拉霍拉斯山，不是没有道理的，」金雳说：「从很久以前，还没有任何关于索伦的消息时，这里就是个不祥之地。」 「如果我们无法抵抗这种攻击，谁是敌人都不重要了：」甘道夫无可奈何地回答。 「但我们能怎么办？」皮聘可怜兮兮地大喊。他正浑身发抖靠在梅里和佛罗多身上。 「我们可以选择停下来，或是回头，」甘道夫说：「继续下去没有意义了。 如果我没有记错，再走不远就可以越过隘口，来到一座陡峭往下的斜坡。 我们在那里将找不到任何的掩蔽，不管是风雪和落石都会对我们造成极大的危险，更别提这些出现在风雪中的生物了。」 「我们也不能够在大风雪中往回走，」亚拉冈说：「我们沿路上并没有经过任何比这个峭壁更能够保护我们的地方。」 「这算什么掩蔽嘛！」山姆咕哝著：「如果这算是掩蔽，那没有屋顶的墙就能叫作房子了。」 众人尽可能靠近峭壁。峭壁面对南方，底端微微的伸出。因此，一行人希望能够靠著这天然的地势遮挡严酷的北风和落石。不过，寒风依旧从四面八方席卷而来，雪花更是毫不留情地从乌云中持续落下。 他们瑟缩著靠在峭壁上。比尔坚忍地站在哈比人前面保护他们，替他们挡下不少的寒风。但很快的，大雪开始在它背上累积起来，如果没有队伍中其它人的帮助，这些哈比人可能早就被活埋了。 佛罗多突然觉得十分疲倦。他觉得自己慢慢沈入温暖、熟悉的梦乡。他感觉到有堆温暖的火正烘烤著他的脚趾，他似乎看见附近的阴影中出现了比尔博的声音；他对佛罗多说道：我对你的日记很不满意，他说，一月十二号大风雪，你没必要大老远跑回来只为了报告这件事吧！ 可是比尔博，我好想要睡觉喔，佛罗多发现自己竟然痛苦地恢复了意识，只得勉强回答道。波罗莫正好将他从一堆雪里面抱出来。 「甘道夫，这些小家伙会死的！」波罗莫气急败坏的说，「光是坐在这边等著被大雪活埋于事无补，我们得要想些办法救救我们自己才行。」 「给他们这个，」甘道夫从行囊中掏出一个皮水壶：「我们每个人都应该喝一口，这非常珍贵。这是米卢活（译注一），是伊姆拉崔的提神药爱隆在出发前把它交给我。赶快传下去。」 佛罗多一吞下那香气四溢、热呼呼的液体，立刻觉得精神一振，四肢百骸都变得十分轻盈。其他人似乎也都恢复了体力，显得神采奕奕。但大雪并没有轻易消退。它继续以前所未有的威势袭击众人，风势也变得更强劲。 「你们觉得生火怎么样？」波罗莫突然间说道：「这已经是生死关头了， 甘道夫。如果大雪把我们掩盖，的确可以遮挡敌人的视线，但我们也活不了多久了！」 「如果你生得起火，尽管去做，」甘道夫无奈地回答：「如果有任何间谍能够忍受这种大雪，他们看不看得见我们都无所谓了。」 虽然他们在波罗莫的先见之明下带来了柴火，但不管是矮人或是精灵，都没办法在强风中利用潮湿的木柴生火；最后，别无选择的甘道夫只得接手。他拿起一根木柴凝视了片刻，接著念诵著咒文naur an edraith ammen!，随即将手杖插进地上的大堆木柴中。蓝色和绿色的火焰立刻从柴薪堆中冒出，变成了熊熊烈火。 「如果有人在注意我们一行人的动向，我这可是自曝行踪，」他说：「从安都因河口到瑞文戴尔，任何拥有相当能力的人都会知道甘道夫出马了。」 不过，大夥根本没有余力在乎这些该死的旁观者。一看见火光，他们都高兴得乐不可支。烈火熊熊，虽然大雪依旧肆虐，地上因为火焰的高热而有泥泞聚集，但他们依旧满足地烘烤著双手。他们就这样围绕著舞动的火焰站立著，每个人疲倦和紧张的脸上都映射著红光，而夜色像是座高耸的墙壁一样紧紧地笼罩著他们。 但是，柴薪烧得很快，大雪却没有丝毫的让步。 火焰渐渐变弱，连最后一捆柴薪都丢了进去。 「越来越冷了，」亚拉冈说：「黎明应该不远了。」 「前提是，黎明的曙光要能够穿透这些厚云才行。」金雳说。 波罗莫踏出圆圈外，瞪著这一片黑暗：「雪变小了，」他观察道：「风也变弱了。」 佛罗多在渐弱的火光中，疲倦地瞪著黑暗中漫天飞舞的雪花，实在看不出来雪哪里变小了。突然间，正当他快要睡著的时候，他意识到风速真的降低了， 雪花变得更大、更稀了，微弱的光芒开始射进这一团漆黑中。最后，雪花终于完全消失了。 在越来越亮的曙光之下，他们看见的是一片死寂的世界。除了他们躲避风雪的地方以外，原先的小径只剩下一堆堆的积雪，根本完全没办法分辨之前的足迹。头上的山坡则依旧笼罩在厚重云朵之间，还是隐隐透露著大雪的威胁。 金雳往上看去，摇摇头说道：「卡拉霍拉斯山并没有原谅我们，」他说：「如果我们继续下去，它恐怕还有很多雪花可以丢到我们头上，我们最好赶快回头。」 众人都同意这一点，但现在要回头可没这么简单。甚至困难到让人怀疑它的可行性。距离他们的火堆不过几尺远的地方，积雪就厚达好几尺深，比这些哈比人都还要高，有些地方还因为强风的吹拂而变成了靠著峭壁的小丘。 「如果甘道夫愿意愿意举著火把在前面开路，搞不好可以融化出一条路给你们走，」勒苟拉斯说道。大雪对他只造成了一些困扰，远征队中只剩他还有心情开玩笑。 「如果精灵可以飞过这座山，那他们或许可以把太阳抓下来救命，」甘道夫回答：「这太强人所难了，我得要有一些东西做媒介才行，我没办法只烧雪。」 「好吧，」波罗莫说：「我们国家的人说：既然脑袋都想不出办法，那身体只好先动了。就由我们之中最强壮的人来开路吧。你看！虽然一切都在大雪覆盖之下，但我们的道路还可以隐隐藉著转角的那块大石来分辨。在大雪开始之前我就注意到那块石头了。如果我们可以走到那边，或许稍后的旅程会变得轻松一点，看起来应该没有多远才对。」 「那就由你和我来开路吧！」亚拉冈说。 亚拉冈是远征队中最高的成员，波罗莫虽然身高略逊，但身形比较壮硕。 因此他带路，而亚拉冈跟在后面。他们的速度很慢，又常常受到积雪的拖累。 有些地方，积雪甚至到胸口那么高。波罗莫看起来好像是用他满是肌肉的手臂，在雪地中游泳一样。 勒苟拉斯笑著打量著他们，然后转过身面对其他人：「你们刚刚说应该由最强壮的人来找路，对吧？不过，我认为，该耕田的就去耕田，擅水性的去游泳，至于要踏雪无痕、在森林中穿梭，还是交给我们精灵吧！」 话一说完，他就一跃而出。佛罗多这才第一次注意到，这名精灵如同以往一样，只是穿著普通的鞋子，没有穿著在野外必备的长筒靴，而他在雪上几乎没有留下任何脚印。 「再会啦！」他对甘道夫开玩笑道：「我去找太阳罗！」接著，他彷佛踏在坚实的泥土地上一般飞快的奔跑著，很快地就超越了两名步伐笨重的人类， 如风般消失在转角的岩石旁。 其他人瑟缩地聚在一起，看著波罗莫和亚拉冈慢慢变成雪地上的两块黑点。不久之后，他们就消失在众人的视线中。随著时间的流逝，云朵渐渐地降低，偶尔还会有小朵的雪花落在众人面前。 或许经过了一个小时，但在众人的感觉中似乎过了很久；勒苟拉斯这才出现在众人面前。同一时间，波罗莫和亚拉冈也出现在转角处，吃力地走上斜坡。 「好啦，」勒苟拉斯跑过来的时候不禁大喊：「我把太阳带回来了。她正照耀在南方的大平原上，这点小雪完全不会让她感到困扰。除此之外，我还有一些好消息要告诉那些得用脚走路的倒楣家伙。转过弯之后有一个大雪丘，我们强壮的人类差点就被活埋在那边。幸好我回来即时告诉他们，那个雪丘不过只比一道墙宽不了多少。而在雪丘的另一边，因为大部分的风势都被挡住，因此雪少多了，更远的地方大概只够给哈比人泡泡脚而已。」 「啊，果然跟我说的一样，」金雳低吼道：「这可不是一般的暴风雪，这是卡拉霍拉斯山的怒吼。它不喜欢精灵和矮人，而那座雪丘就是为了阻挡我们逃离此地。」 「不过，幸好你的卡拉霍拉斯山忘记还有人类跟在你们身边，」波罗莫这时正好赶上来：「不是我自夸，我们还是力可拔山的角色；不过，如果是一群普通人拿著铲子，可能成绩会好多了。我们刚刚已经在雪丘中开出一条道路来， 这里没办法像精灵一样健步如飞的人，都应该感谢我们。」 「即使你们打穿了雪丘，我们又要怎么样下去？」皮聘说出了所有哈比人内心的想法。 「不要放弃希望！」波罗莫说：「我蛮累的，但应该还有一些体力，亚拉冈多半也是。我们可以背你们这些小家伙，其他人则可以轮流跟在我们后面。 来吧，皮聘先生！我就从你开始好了。」 他扛起哈比人：「抓住我的背！我手得要空出来才行。」他边说边大步走向前。亚拉冈背著梅里走在后面。皮聘看著眼前他徒手弄出的通道，不禁暗自咋舌。即使他现在背著皮聘，还是毫不松懈地持续将积雪推开，让后面的人更好走一些。 他们最后终于到了那座雪丘面前。初看之下，它像是一座高墙一样挡住了山路，还挂著锐利如同刀剑一样的冰柱，中间则已经被打出了一条高低起伏的通道。梅里和皮聘被放在另一边，等待著勒苟拉斯和队伍的其他人抵达。 过了不久之后，波罗莫又背著山姆过来了。甘道夫跟在他身后，领著比尔和行李走过来。金雳则是坐在比尔背上，最后则是扛著佛罗多的亚拉冈。them 走过小径，佛罗多刚踏上雪地，突然间就传来天崩地裂的巨响，大量的落石伴随著积雪砸到众人面前，被积雪遮住视线的远征队只能靠著峭壁摸索前进。当积雪落定之后，他们回头看见道路已经又再度被风雪遮断了。 「够了，够了！」金雳大喊著：「我们会赶快离开！」的确，在发泄了最后的怒气之后，卡拉霍拉斯山就此平息下来。彷佛很高兴地看见自己击垮了这些入侵者，让他们如丧家之犬一样离开。风雪停了下来，乌云散去，阳光开始穿透云层。 正如同勒苟拉斯的消息一样，他们发现积雪越来越浅，连哈比人都开始可以靠著自己行走了。很快地，每个人又都走到了当初风雪初落下的山坡上。 现在已经快要中什了。从他们所站的高地往回看去，可以看见底下很远的地方是他们开始攀爬这座小径的谷地。 一想到还要走那么多路，佛罗多就觉得双腿一软。他又冷又饿，刚刚那段下山的跋涉让他觉得头晖脑涨，他眼前金星乱冒。佛罗多试图揉揉眼睛，赶跑这些东西，但却赶不走这些黑点。他这才发现，在脚下的原野上，那些乱窜的黑点是之前的乌鸦。 「又是那些鸟！」亚拉冈指著底下说。 「我们别无选择了，」甘道夫回答：「不管它们是好是坏，或者和我们完全无关，我们都一定得下山。我们绝对不能在卡拉霍拉斯的山脚下过夜！」 当他们转身离开红角隘口时，一阵冷风吹过，彷佛在朝笑著他们的失败。 众人脚步沈重、疲倦地走下斜坡。这次，卡拉霍拉斯确实击败了他们。 译注一：精灵语中的「天神琼浆」之意。