Gollum leads Sam and Frodo around the mountains that guard Mordor and into the country of Ithilien, a region formerly controlled by Gondor that is now an empty land on the frontlines of the war. The hobbits are relieved by the more pleasant environment, featuring flowers, trees, and sweet-smelling herbs, but Gollum dislikes it. They stop to camp during the day and Sam begins to crave a meal of something other than lembas.

Sam asks Gollum to hunt for something that hobbits might like to eat. Gollum agrees and brings back two rabbits, which Sam cooks with herbs in his pans. Gollum is disgusted, preferring to eat raw meat. When Frodo wakes up, he and Sam eat the rabbit stew, but Gollum does not return. Sam realizes with horror that the smoke of his cooking fire is visible from far away.

A group of camouflaged men approach and find the hobbits, but they are from Gondor rather than servants of Sauron. Their leader introduces himself as Faramir, a captain of Gondor whose men patrol this region and attempt to hamper Sauron’s plans to raise an army. Faramir and his soldiers attack a group of Haradrim soldiers, men from the south who have allied with Sauron.