This is an eventful day in the journey to Rivendell. Strider fears that the Last Bridge will be held by the Nine and the small company will not be able to cross the Mitheithel. Sam and Strider scout the Bridge first and find no evidence of the Enemy. So great is the fear of being overtaken by the Riders on the Road that Strider insists that the Hobbits hide in the bushes alongside until he can search the area around the Bridge.

Here they are able to also take heart when Strider finds a remarkable jewel in the mud on the Bridge. He identifies it as an elf-stone, and as Tolkien and his marvelous Elves never leave anything to chance, it is deemed a sign that they may cross the Bridge in safety...which they do quickly and quietly.

Immediately after their crossing, however, Strider, taking no chances, plunges them headlong in to the dark forest once again, and away from the open Road



Artwork: "Narrow Bridge of Stone" by Alan Lee