chapter 14
"Is there anyone who can help us?" Father asks. "Someone who might know how to find out where Bofur is? I'll pay whatever they ask."
"What about Legolas?" Mother says. "Is there anyone who knows how to communicate with elves?"
"I do not." Dwalin answers gruffly. "But Fíli does. The prince and Princess Galadriel have a connection to each other through our past. He could talk to her."
Father sighs heavily. "This is hopeless. Let's just go home."
Merry agrees. "Bilbo said that Fíli lived at Rivendell. Perhaps that will be better."
"I thought Gandalf was supposed to lead us there."
"He does." Bilbo responds quickly. "He does everything he can, but he doesn't always get to choose which task he gets sent on."
No one seems inclined to argue the point, although they are far from satisfied.
"I will search." Brother finally says. "But what if Gandalf changes his mind again?"
"There isn't time for that." Balin replies. "The three moons will be up soon. We can use the sun to determine the day and the stars to tell us the time."
"I will try." Frodo volunteers immediately.
When the others notice him trying to sit up and focus on the starry sky above, they decide to let him. It turns out to be an intelligent decision. Before long, the Valar send them down below.
When Frodo hears a knock on his door, he thinks he must be dreaming.
Before the third knock comes, he realizes it.