When Frodo and his party discover Gandalf is not at Bree to meet them as arranged, their plan to ferry the One Ring out of the Shire to safety seems doomed. Five Ringwraiths now dog their trail, but though the forces of darkness close in about them, all hope is not yet lost. Stepping from the shadows to lead them is Strider, a grim yet noble Ranger, a wanderer and swordsman, and friend to Gandalf the Grey. Under his guidance and protection, the Hobbits are lead by secret ways to the scarred hill of Weathertop, where Strider proves the manner of his mettle, standing fearlessly between Frodo and his five terrifying pursuers.