He was relieved to hear that he wouln't be conscripted, but Sam's expression turned thoughtful as the Elf spoke. He'd volunteered to go with Frodo, after all, and even when the road had been hard and he'd longed for the comfort and safety of home, he'd never really considered turning back.

"I suppose that's true enough," he allowed, but shook his head. "Anyhow I doubt I'd be much use on any excursion - not if it means fighting demons. I could go along if the soldiers needed someone to rescue, perhaps; but I don't see how I'd be of much use otherwise."