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As he lay there, thinking and
getting a hold of himself, he noticed all at once that the darkness was slowly giving way:
a pale greenish light was growing round him. It did not at first show him what kind of a
place he was in, for the light seemed to be coming out of himself, and from the floor
beside him, and had not yet reached the roof or wall. He turned, and there in the cold
glow he saw lying beside him Sam, Pippin, and Merry. They were on their backs, and their
faces looked deathly pale; and they were clad in white. About them lay many treasures, of
gold maybe, though in that light they looked cold and unlovely. On their heads were
circlets, gold chains were about their waists, and on their fingers were many rings.
Swords lay by their sides, and shields were at their feet. But across their three necks
lay one long naked sword.
....But the courage that had been awakened in him was now too strong; he could not leave
his friends so easily. He wavered, groping in his pocket, and then fought with himself
again; and as he did so the arm crept nearer. Suddenly resolve hardened in him, and he
seized a short sword that lay beside him, and kneeling he stooped low over the bodies of
his companions. With what strength he had he hewed at the crawling arm near the wrist, and
the hand broke off; but at the same moment the sword splintered up to the hilt. There was
a shriek and the light vanished.
