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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!
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~~ 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!
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~~ 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
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~~~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
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~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~
Today, we continue with Chapter 13, of The Hobbit.
After the riddles, and roaring fire, and the unshakeable feeling Bilbo had, the Hobbit and the Dwarves decided it was best to shut themselves inside the secret tunnel, and avoid his wrath. There was no knowing if they'd survive otherwise...
Smaug left in a fiery rage the night or so before, but the company of Thorin Oakenshield still sat quiet as mice wondering when the great Dragon would attack next! Brave little Bilbo decided there was nothing for it, but to investigate the Dragon's hall yet again, and see how it looked. To his surprise there was no Dragon, no more than there was light. Stumbling in the darkness, he pockets the Arkenstone, (or so he supposes it is) and makes his way to the far end of the treasure hall. They all wander out after some time, hoping to investigate further while the Dragon appears to be away. It is while doing this they think of planning their next move. With the help of Balin and Thorin, they safely traverse the ruins of the once prosperous and impressive castle and make towards the guard tower in old RavenHill. The desolation of Smaug was so great and solemn; they all struggle to think of how they will best him. Many many years have passed, and yet the barren land is just as desolate as that fateful day when the Wyrm first came down from the North, and sealed their fates. Indeed, where has Smaug gotten to...no matter which direction they look they cannot see him in the looming distance...
~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 13
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Today, we continue with Chapter 12, of The Hobbit.
Having now happened upon the hidden door, the company of Thorin Oakenshield stood upon the threshold of the Mountain Halls of Thror, and Thrain before him. There was undoubtedly, no return from this point onwards, as if there had ever been since little Bilbo had first left Bag-End. An eon ago in our tales telling, to be sure. Bilbo knows what is to be asked of him, and heads deep into the Mountain passage with little to keep him company, after Balin sees him off. He is grateful at least that the passage was made by expert dwarves, without crags and stones to usher sound or catch his footing. Reaching the treasure was another spectacle entirely, as he can now grasp what it is that persuaded Thorin and his kin to embark on such a foolhardy quest in the first place. The dragon's hoard is breathtaking, and the Dragon himself fiercely unsettling. Perhaps, our little friend would have known greater caution, had the dragon not been asleep when he first stole in. As it is, the great and wily dragon Smaug will not be fooled for a moment after his hoard has a changed scent. Which leaves us here, Bilbo unsettled and wary, a great enraged Dragon flying towards Esgaroth, and the dwarves on a mission to take back what was theirs while fire encompasses the mountainside. And what of our dear Gandalf, will he ever see the Burglar-Hobbit again? We can only hope...
~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 12
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Today, we continue with Chapter 11, of The Hobbit.
Leaving the Lake Town of Men far behind them, the company of Thorin Oakenshield make their way nearer and nearer to the looming Lonely Mountain. What awaits them there saps their enthusiasm fairly quickly, as the sight of the ruins of Dale, and the Desolation left by Smaug are bleak to say the least. The surroundings are grim, and there doesn't seem much hope. Bilbo however, is able to keep his spirits up only a little higher than the rest of his dwarfish friends. He is determined to find the great door that will grant them access to the gloomy Mountain. Even now, it is uncertain whether the dragon is still in residence or not, and the thought weighs heavily on them all. After many failed searches, Bilbo finds a narrow path leading up the mountain, and while this brings them all some small hope. It quickly fizzles out, puzzled and lonesome, Bilbo sits and gazes Westward, towards home. Something tells him, he ought not to give up just yet...The Last day of Durin is coming, will they still have no luck?
~Have a wonderful day, and thanks for listening~
~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~
Today, we continue with Chapter 10, of The Hobbit.
Headed at last back towards the dragon-mountain, the company of dwarves and Poor Mr. Baggins -who had yet to stop feeling worse for wear- were ferried by the unwitting raftsmen and elves of the Mirkwood Forest. The Forest River opens out into the Long Lake and for the first time Bilbo is properly faced with the looming mountain in the distance. Thoughts of the dragon, and how far he had come so far, do little to raise Bilbo's spirits, but perhaps the Lake Town can provide some help for the battered and bruised barrel riding dwarves. At the very least, Thorin seeks the Master of Lake Town, this town of Men, and word spreads like flame quicker than a thought. Soon, song is ringing throughout the town, and everyone is feeling as if the treasure is all but theirs... Bilbo, however, has an unsettled feeling about the last segment of their journey.
~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 11
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Today, we continue with Chapter 9, of The Hobbit.
The company of dwarves, and our friend Mr Baggins, have barely had a moment, before they think of pushing themselves to both: look for the lost path, and look for their missing leader. It is this, which leads them straight into the Wood-elves path; for they have been sent for by the King. Escorted none too gently, they dwarves follow along and are questioned by the King. Bilbo, meanwhile, has slipped into the shadows and is trying not to be seen. If all of his friends are captured, their only hope of escape is for Bilbo to free them, but if only he knew how... If only Gandalf were here to help! But alas, it is up to Bilbo alone to free them from their imprisonment, and take them onto the last stage of their journey. Will he be able to save them all, unaided...?
~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 10
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~~~Hello and welcome to the Busy Bee's Book Club Podcast!~~~
Today, we continue with Chapter 8, part 2 of The Hobbit.
In the deep darkness of the Mirkwood Forest, our poor friend Mr. Bilbo Baggins finds himself-not for the last time- well and truly alone. Meanwhile the sinister residents of the forest have captured his unwitting dwarf friends. And as for the honourable Thorin Oakenshield...well, he seems to be nowhere to be found! Bilbo will at last find his sense of adventure and bravery as he strives to fend of the Mirkwood spiders and bring his friends to safety. Perhaps, the dwarves will discover yet another side of our interesting Hobbit friend. But nothing good can last too long in a place as dark as this, and they are reminded all too soon how worse for wear they are. If only they could find those merrymaking Woodland Elves again...
~Have a wonderful day, and thanks for listening~
