Pulling an old clump of vines off a stone statue, Gandalf saw that a large eye had been painted on it in red war paint. Galadriel's voice spoke to him in his mind.
"If our enemy has returned, then we must know. Go to the tombs in the mountains."
"The High Fells. So be it." Gandalf swallowed, turning quickly back to the group. "Not my horse, I need it!" he called.

"...You're not leaving us!" gasped Bilbo in horror.
"I would not do this unless I had to." Gandalf answered as he got onto the horse's back again. "I have business that needs attending to, and it cannot wait. No matter what happens, stay on the path!" he reminded them, before riding away.