Strider
The Ringwraiths attack and the hobbits go with Strider
- Frodo:
- takes off the ring and is dragged off by Aragorn
- Aragorn:
- You draw far too much attention to yourself, Mr. Underhill.
- Frodo:
- What do you want?
- Aragorn:
- A little more caution from you, that is no trinket you carry.
- Frodo:
- I carry nothing.
- Aragorn:
- Indeed. I can avoid being seen if I wish, but to disappear entirely - that is a rare gift.
- Frodo:
- Who are you?
- Aragorn:
- Are you frightened?
- Frodo:
- Yes.
- Aragorn:
- Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you.
- the three hobbits
- come in, threatening Aragorn if he has hurt Frodo
- Aragorn:
- You have a stout heart, little hobbit, but it will not save you. You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo. They are coming.
- Four of the Nine arrive at Bree, break down the gate and squash the doorkeeper. They find the room where hobbits appear to be sleeping and stab them, become angry when they find they have been tricked. Frodo is awake already, watching Aragorn watching out the window. The others wake at the noise.
- Frodo:
- What are they?
- Aragorn:
- They were once men. Great kings of men, but Sauron the Deceiver gave them nine rings of power, and, blinded by their greed, they took them without question, one by one falling into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the ring, drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you.
- The party leaves Bree, avoiding the roads.
- Frodo:
- Where are you taking us?
- Aragorn:
- Into the wilds.
- They walk for a while.
- Merry:
- How do we know this Aragorn is a friend of Gandalf?
- Frodo:
- We have no choice but to trust him.
- Sam:
- Where is he taking us?
- Aragorn:
- To Rivendell, Master Gamgee, the home of Elrond.
- Sam:
- Did you hear that? Rivendell! We're going to see the elves!
- the hobbits:
- stop
- Aragorn:
- Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.
- Pippin:
- What about breakfast?
- Aragorn:
- You have had it.
- Pippin:
- We've had one, yes, what about second breakfast?
- Merry:
- I don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.
- Pippin:
- What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? Do you think he knows about them?
- Merry:
- I wouldn't count on it.
- Aragorn throws an apple to Merry, who catches it, and Pippin, who gets hit in the head.
Forward