Властелин колец: Две башни
The Passage of the Marshes
Dryreedshissedandrattledthoughtheycouldfeelnowind.
Oneithersideandinfrontwidefensandmiresnowlay,stretchingawaysouthwardandeastwardintothedimhalf-light.Mistscurledandsmokedfromdarkandnoisomepools.Thereekofthemhungstiflinginthestillair.Faraway,nowalmostduesouth,themountain-wallsofMordorloomed,likeablackbarofruggedcloudsfloatingaboveadangerousfog-boundsea.
ThehobbitswerenowwhollyinthehandsofGollum.Theydidnowknow,andcouldnotguessinthatmistylight.thattheywereinfactonlyjustwithinthenorthernbordersofthemarshes.themainexpanseofwhichlaysouthofthem.Theycould,iftheyhadknownthelands,withsomedelayhaveretracedtheirstepsalittle,andthenturningeasthavecomeroundoverhardroadstothebareplainofDagorlad:thefieldoftheancientbattlebeforethegatesofMordor.Notthattherewasgreathopeinsuchacourse.Onthatstonyplaintherewasnocover,andacrossitranthehighwaysoftheOrcsandthesoldiersoftheEnemy.NoteventhecloaksofLórienwouldhaveconcealedthemthere.
’Howdoweshapeourcoursenow,Sméagol?’askedFrodo.’Mustwecrosstheseevil-smellingfens?’
`Noneed,noneedatall,’saidGollum.’NotifhobbitswanttoreachthedarkmountainsandgotoseeHimveryquick.Backalittle,androundalittle’-hisskinnyarmwavednorthandeast-`andyoucancomeonhardcoldroadstotheverygatesofHiscountry.
