Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in the battle; and Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape the rest of the company were attacked by Orcs. Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin – alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.