[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We have been trudging through these seemingly endless hills since we parted from the Company, unable to find a way down. The weather has been cold and damp and, since we dare not light a fire, my two small companions cannot seem to stay warm. At night, the two not on watch huddle together for warmth. I would take all of the watches, but they insist on sharing this task.

We have had to journey north and east along the Emyn Muil seeking a path to the lower ground. Late yesterday, we found a slope we could manage with the aid of the rope Sam brought from Lórien. But once down, the hobbits were too exhausted to travel further, and we sheltered next to a boulder not too far from where we descended.

I took first watch but before either Frodo or Sam could fall asleep, we discovered Gollum creeping down the cliff-face. We had seen no sign of him over the past few days, although I had at times fancied I could hear the sounds of someone following us. And there he was...

We were able to capture him, although the wretch gave Sam quite a nasty bite before it was over. We had three choices: to kill him outright; to tie him up and leave him to die in the wilderness; or to take him with us. Sam and I felt it was too dangerous to take him with us, and I would have slain him on the spot, but Frodo stayed my hand.

I continue to be amazed by the determination, the courage, and the integrity of these small folk and my admiration for the Ringbearer daily increases. That he can show pity and mercy to such a creature as Gollum--when I would not--shames me. Frodo has accepted Gollum as our guide, and made him swear by the Ring to help us and not betray us. I will abide by his decision, but I do not trust this creature--I will be watching him! If he betrays Frodo, even Sauron cannot save him from my vengence.

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"No," said Frodo. "If we kill him, we must kill him outright. But we can't do that, not as things are. Poor wretch! He has done us no harm."

"Oh hasn't he!" said Sam rubbing his shoulder. "Anyway he meant to, and he means to, I'll warrant. Throttle us in our sleep, that's his plan."

"I daresay," said Frodo. "But what he means to do is another matter." He paused for a while in thought. Gollum lay still, but stopped whimpering. Sam stood glowering over him.

It seemed to Frodo then that he heard, quite plainly but far off, voices out of the past:

What a pity Bilbo did not stab the vile creature, when he had a chance!

Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need.

I do not feel any pity for Gollum. He deserves death.

Deserves death! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some die that deserve life. Can you give that to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends.

"Very well," he answered aloud, lowering his sword. "But still I am afraid. And yet, as you see, I will not touch the creature. For now that I see him, I do pity him."