The White Rider - Returning to Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas, the story finds them hunting for clues to the mysterious old man's identity. Aragorn searches, but is unable to find footprints. And he recalls the horses didn't make sounds as if frightened.

They do find more evidence that Pippin and Merry escaped and are somewhere in the forest, including a leaf from Lothlórien with a few crumbs of the Elves' lembasbread. Following signs of Merry and Pippin's presence, they go deeper into Fangorn. As they track the two hobbits, Aragorn also sees some puzzling footprints (which are, of course, Treebeard's).

Suddenly, Legolas sees a mysterious old man approaching. At first, the three seem to think the man may be Saruman, and are not sure if they should defend themselves. But soon, the man reveals he is Gandalf, miraculously returned from the dead. He is now wearing white robes, a change from the gray he used to wear. Gandalf shares news, reassuring them Aragorn's decisions have not caused disaster: Merry and Pippin are safe with the Ents, and the Ring-bearer is on his own path, beyond their help. He confirms Saruman is corrupt with desire for the Ring, and tells them Sauron is so occupied with preparing for war he may not notice what Frodo is doing. He also tells them what happened after he fell into the chasm in Moria, and brings prophetic messages from Galadriel.

Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, and Legolas decide to present themselves to Théoden, the king of Rohan, in the city of Edoras. Gandalf summons his white horse, Shadowfax, who arrives accompanied by the two horses Éomer lent them. They mount the horses and depart.