~~~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~
