towers

Chapter 7
JOURNEY TO THE CROSS-ROADS
Frodo and Sam returned to their beds and lay there in silence
resting for a little, while men bestirred themselves and the
business of the day began. After a while water was brought
to them, and then they were led to a table where food was
set for three. Faramir broke his fast with them. He had not
slept since the battle on the day before, yet he did not look
weary.
When they had finished they stood up. ‘May no hunger
trouble you on the road,’ said Faramir. ‘You have little provision,
but some small store of food fit for travellers I have
ordered to be stowed in your packs. You will have no lack of
water as you walk in Ithilien, but do not drink of any stream
that flows from Imlad Morgul, the Valley of Living Death.
This also I must tell you. My scouts and watchers have
all returned, even some that have crept within sight of the
Morannon. They all find a strange thing. The land is empty.
Nothing is on the road, and no sound of foot, or horn, or
bowstring is anywhere to be heard. A waiting silence broods
above the Nameless Land. I do not know what this portends.
But the time draws swiftly to some great conclusion. Storm
is coming. Hasten while you may! If you are ready, let us go.
The Sun will soon rise above the shadow.’
The hobbits’ packs were brought to them (a little heavier
than they had been), and also two stout staves of polished
wood, shod with iron, and with carven heads through which
ran plaited leathern thongs.
‘I have no fitting gifts to give you at our parting,’ said
Faramir; ‘but take these staves. They may be of service to
those who walk or climb in the wild. The men of the White
Mountains use them; though these have been cut down to