~~~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~