The Breaking of the Fellowship

           AragornledthemtotherightarmoftheRiver.HereuponitswesternsideundertheshadowofTolBrandiragreenlawnrandowntothewaterfromthefeetofAmonHen.Behinditrosethefirstgentleslopesofthehillcladwithtrees,andtreesmarchedawaywestwardalongthecurvingshoresofthelake.Alittlespringfelltumblingdownandfedthegrass.

           "Herewewillresttonight,"saidAragorn."ThisisthelawnofParthGalen:afairplaceinthesummerdaysofold.Letushopethatnoevilhasyetcomehere."

           Theydrewuptheirboatsonthegreenbanks,andbesidethemtheymadetheircamp.Theysetawatch,buthadnosightnorsoundoftheirenemies.IfGollumhadcontrivedtofollowthem,heremainedunseenandunheard.NonethelessasthenightworeonAragorngrewuneasy,tossingofteninhissleepandwaking.InthesmallhourshegotupandcametoFrodo,whoseturnitwastowatch.

           "Whyareyouwaking?"askedFrodo."Itisnotyourwatch."

           "Idonotknow,"answeredAragorn;"butashadowandathreathasbeengrowinginmysleep.Itwouldbewelltodrawyoursword."

           "Why?"saidFrodo."Areenemiesathand?"

           "LetusseewhatStingmayshow,"answeredAragorn.

           Frodothendrewtheelf-bladefromitssheath.Tohisdismaytheedgesgleameddimlyinthenight."Orcs!"hesaid."Notverynear,andyettoonear,itseems."

           "Ifearedasmuch,"saidAragorn."ButmaybetheyarenotonthissideoftheRiver.