Flight to the Ford - Strider assesses the situation. He believes the Black Riders were more easily chased away because there were only five of them, not nine—their full number. He also thinks the Riders believe Frodo is fatally injured and will soon be in their power. Strider tends the wound with a healing herb called athelas, but notes they must make haste to Rivendell where Elrond can use his healing abilities to help Frodo.

For several days, the journey is uneventful but difficult, and Frodo's wound grows steadily more painful. As they travel, an Elf named Glorfindel appears and speaks urgently to Strider. Glorfindel has come from Elrond to help the hobbits reach Rivendell safely. He places Frodo on his horse and they continue on toward Rivendell. As they near Rivendell, the nine Black Riders catch up to them and pursue Frodo. Suddenly, the river forming a border of Rivendell rises up and scatters the Riders and their horses. The Company enters Rivendell; Frodo is unconscious.