The Council of Elrond

           NextdayFrodowokeearly,feelingrefreshedandwell.Hewalkedalongtheterracesabovetheloud-flowingBruinenandwatchedthepale,coolsunriseabovethefarmountains,andshinedown.Slantingthroughthethinsilvermist;thedewupontheyellowleaveswasglimmering,andthewovennetsofgossamertwinkledoneverybush.Samwalkedbesidehim,sayingnothing.butsniffingtheair,andlookingeverynowandagainwithwonderinhiseyesatthegreatheightsintheEast.Thesnowwaswhiteupontheirpeaks.

           OnaseatcutinthestonebesideaturninthepaththeycameuponGandalfandBilbodeepintalk."Hullo!Goodmorning!"saidBilbo."Feelreadyforthegreatcouncil?"

           "Ifeelreadyforanything,"answeredFrodo."ButmostofallIshouldliketogowalkingtodayandexplorethevalley.Ishouldliketogetintothosepine-woodsupthere."HepointedawayfarupthesideofRivendelltothenorth.

           "Youmayhaveachancelater,"saidGandalf."Butwecannotmakeanyplansyet.Thereismuchtohearanddecidetoday."

           Suddenlyastheyweretalkingasingleclearbellrangout."ThatisthewarningbellfortheCouncilofElrond,"criedGandalf."Comealongnow!BothyouandBilboarewanted."

           FrodoandBilbofollowedthewizardquicklyalongthewindingpathbacktothehouse;behindthem,uninvitedandforthemomentforgotten,trottedSam.

           GandalfledthemtotheporchwhereFrodohadfoundhisfriendstheeveningbefore.