~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Today, we finish off the book! with Chapter 19, of The Hobbit.

With the journey at last drawing to a close, Bilbo and Gandalf head towards the Last and First Homely House. The House of Elrond, and his fair people.  It feels as though a lifetime has passed for the small and now weary Hobbit and he daren't tarry long in the halls of the Elrond and his more than hospitable merry folk. Home calls to him, and he so dearly wishes for the comfort of his own armchair, and his own handkerchiefs at that! It seems, though, that it is not to be an uneventful ending! Bilbo sees a great commotion happening at his residence in Bag- End, as the other Hobbits had presumed him dead and begun to auction his belongings just earlier that morning. Indeed, it was enough time for him to have a rather difficult time of getting everything back in order again. Yet, he was well and truly home now. Over the years that followed, he would remain a good friend to the Elves, Dwarves, Wizards, and even Men that he had met on his travels; and the rest of Hobbiton never regarded him with much respect for it. It didn't matter though, for he had had such a great, terrible, long, terrifying, wondorous, and wearisome journey as he would never forget it. Not much later, Balin pays our friend Bilbo a visit, and Gandalf and Balin explain to him all that has become of the once desolate land of Dale and the Lonely Mountain. The land was green and prosperous were its people. One could hope that a time of peace would prevail for at least a little while longer again...

And that's it! Thank you all so much for joining me, and I look forward to the next Book Club book reading with you all! Take Care!

~Have a wonderful day, and thanks for listening~

~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Apologies in advance for my slightly hoarse voice! Also, I might've spoken in rather a hurry, so if need be, I can rerecord this at a later date!

Today, we continue with Chapter 18, of The Hobbit.

After the Eagles are spotted poor Bilbo had taken a knock to the head, and awakes to find himself all alone in a quiet battlefield. Indeed, he had been unconscious for many an hour and the Battle had been won in their favour. However, many had lost their lives or sustained grievous injuries, of which number Thorin Oakenshield himself was included. Just in time, Bilbo makes it back to the camp to make amends with Thorin, but he is much too injured to hold on for long. With that, the great battle was concluded and it would take a while for the Mountain Halls to be restored, and cheer to bloom once more in the Mountains. After a while Bilbo says a fond farewell to the remainder of his travelling companions and Thorin is laid to rest in the deep heart of the Mountain, with The Arkenstone and the sword Orcrist. Dain is the New King Under The Mountain, long may he reign. Bard receives funds for the rebuilding of Esgaroth and Dale, and the Elvenking also prepares to depart. Riches and rewards are offered to those who deserve them, and Bilbo cannot find it in himself to take more than a little gold back with him. With the Elvenking parting ways with them at Mirkwood, Bilbo continues on and travels with Beorn and Gandalf at his side. With Beorn, they linger a while, for his home and the Yuletide spirit are a welcome change from the weariness of travel. Until they can, delay no longer and set off yet again, making for Bilbo's home- Bag-End.

There's only one chapter left, so please stay tuned!

~Have a wonderful day, and thanks for listening~

~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Apologies in advance for my slightly hoarse voice! Also, I might've spoken in rather a hurry, so if need be, I can rerecord this at a later date!

Today, we continue with Chapter 17, of The Hobbit.

With the Arkenstone of Thrain and Thror now in the hands of Bard, the King of Dale, an audience is called with Thorin, King Under The Mountain. Such, is the rage of Thorin upon discovering his heirloom in the hands of another- he almost dashes the poor hobbit Bilbo to the rocks below! Thorin decides to delay the exchange of gold and silver for the arrival of his cousin Dain of Nain, Lord of the Iron Hills. With this in mind, he dismisses the Elvenking and Bard with arrows at their backs. Something far more sinister is lurking beyond the horizon, something none of the gold- seeking parties are expecting. In the hopes to settle things peacefully, the Elvenking stays the archers hands. However, it is too late, for War is at their doorstep whether they wish it or not! The Battle of the Five Armies is upon them and poor Bilbo can but watch and wait in fear as everyone charges forth against the masses of Wargs and Goblins seeking vengeance. What of Gandalf, will he be able to offer yet more aid and counsel?

~Have a wonderful day, and thanks for listening~

~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Apologies in advance for my slightly hoarse voice!

Today, we continue with Chapter 16, of The Hobbit.

The days grew slow, in the absence of parley from either party. Thorin and company spend their days ordering and piling the Dragon tainted gold, all in search of the one gem Thorin values above all else- The Arkenstone. News comes that Dane of the Iron Hills is but two days from Dale with over five hundred fierce and seasoned warriors at his disposal. At this news, it appears as though war is nearer and nearer and no doubt the Elvenking and Bard (who have raised no arms against The Mountain King since their besiegement began) are utterly clueless as to how things will soon be escalated. It is with this in mind, that little Bilbo slips out into the bitter night to provide counsel and a bargaining chip to the noble cause of Bard the Bargeman (now called as Bard the Dragon Slayer or King Bard by his people). He is met with suspicion, and rightly so, until he unveils exactly what he came to deliver. The Arkenstone that he secreted away from the Dragon's hoard so long ago now sits in tattered wrappings and is offered to Bard (and by extension the Elvenking) who sit mesmerized. Surely, it is the rarest of rare jewels. Moonlight seems to light it from within, and Bilbo knows he has done something which is irrevesible. No doubt, Thorin will not see his intentions as peace keeping but he wants nothing more than to avoid war. With that in mind, he hastens to return to guard duty, and after a brief run-in with Gandalf- At last! Dear Gandalf!- he settles in for the night. What will dawn bring? he wonders until sleep brings him simpler thoughts of bacon and eggs, and the comforts of home.

~Have a wonderful day, and thanks for listening~

~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Apologies in advance for my slightly hoarse voice!

Today, we continue with Chapter 15, of The Hobbit.

With Smaug slain, and recompense sought, the old Thrush travels back to the Mountain to give news to Thorin, son of Thror. However, the dwarves have no means of deciphering the quick speech of Thrushes. Luckily, Ravens (though few) still retained the wisdom and knowledge of their parentage and from the aged offspring of the once great Raven Carc, they learn all the news they had been without. Tensions arise as the party bearing the banner of the Elvenking and the Men of the Lake reach their destination in the ruins of Dale of yore. Thorin has sent for his cousin Dane and the loom of war makes Bilbo feel ill at ease. Negotiations fall on deaf ears as Thorin searches blindly for The Arkenstone, and it seems as though the Dragon-sickness has taken hold of him. Will everything fall to ruin, because of Thorin's greed? Or is there yet, something to be done?

~Have a wonderful day, and thanks for listening~

~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Today, we begin with The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, Chapter 17

The final chapter!

Please sit back, and get comfortable!

I appreciate your tuning in!~

~~ Have a wonderful day!

~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Today, we begin with The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, Chapter 15

Please sit back, and get comfortable!

I appreciate your tuning in!~

~~ Have a wonderful day!

~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Today, we begin with The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, Chapter 16

Please sit back, and get comfortable!

I appreciate your tuning in!~

~~ Have a wonderful day!

~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Apologies in advance for my slightly hoarse voice!

Today, we continue with Chapter 14, of The Hobbit.

If you, like Thorin's company wished to understand what had happened to Smaug you need look no further. Here we learn of all the rage and fiery fury he seeks to unleash upon the poor Lake Town of Esgaroth. Luckily, all is not as bad as could be as the dragon is sighted from far away and a Thrush sees to it that the last arrow strung upon the bow of a brave bargeman is sure and true. Such was the rage of Smaug though, that the destruction of Esgaroth did great damage to the people and the once floating quays. It appears there is nothing more for it, but to hope to brave the oncoming cold weather, build shelter, rally the spirits and seek aid. It is then, that aid comes from Mirkwood. For the king could also communicate with the fairer birds in these parts, and they have imparted a knowledge most powerful unto him. The Dragon was indeed slain, and the Mountain was occupied by the company of Dwarves (should they be alive) and now all eyes turn to the Mountain. Seeking to lay claim to the vast riches now thought to be unguarded! The King of the Woodland Elves was not so stupid or heartless to turn away from the Men of the Lake in their time of need. In doing so, Bard and the able bodied men, alongside the Woodland Elves and their King set off towards the ruins of Dale, and further, for the Mountain Hall of yore. Whatever shall become of the end of this story...and where on Middle Earth has Gandalf gotten to? It seems he will be rather needed sooner rather than later...

~Have a wonderful day, and thanks for listening~

~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~

Today, we begin with The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, Chapter 14

Please sit back, and get comfortable!

I appreciate your tuning in!~

~~ Have a wonderful day!