‘But if you would know what I think set the beacons ablaze, it was the
news that came yestereve out of Lebennin. There is a great fleet
drawing near to the mouths of Anduin, manned by the corsairs of Umbar
in the South. They have long ceased to fear the might of Gondor, and
they have allied them with the Enemy, and now make a heavy stroke in
his cause. For this attack will draw off much of the help that we
looked to have from Lebennin and Belfalas, where folk are hardy and
numerous. All the more do our thoughts go north to Rohan; and the more
glad are we for these tidings of victory that you bring.
     ‘And yet’ - he paused and stood up, and looked round, north, east, and
south - ‘the doings at Isengard should warn us that we are caught now
in a great net and strategy. This is no longer a bickering at the
fords, raiding from Ithilien and from An?rien, ambushing and
pillaging. This is a great war long-planned, and we are but one piece
in it, whatever pride may say. Things move in the far East beyond the
Inland Sea, it is reported; and north in Mirkwood and beyond; and
south in Harad. And now all realms shall be put to the test, to stand,
or fall - under the Shadow.
     ‘Yet, Master Peregrin, we have this honour: ever we bear the brunt of
the chief hatred of the Dark Lord, for that hatred comes down out of