The Road

Frodo shivered. The cold crept up from his feet and invaded the hidden places in his body. It stifled his chest. His teeth chattered and an icy pain shot through his head. He stared along the road. Whatever caused the abrupt change in temperature emanated from there. Branches shuddered, as if some unseen hand shook them violently, the movement finally releasing the Hobbit from his stupor.

“Get of the road,” he almost whispered the words.

“What’s that? What did you say Frodo?” Merry’s voice rose over the chattering of the other two.

“Get off the road!” Frodo shouted.

“What! And leave these mushrooms, no fear!”

“Get off the road, you fools!”  Frodo dived over the tree roots into the ditch, dragging Merry and Pippin with him. Sam followed, dropping mushrooms on the soft mossy floor.

LBJ