Chapter 28

Still invisible, Bilbo runs down the mountain after the rest of the Company. Far in front of him, Gandalf pauses to count how many dwarves are with him. The dwarves pause to collect their breath. "Five, six, seven, eight...Bifur, Bofur...that's ten...Fili, Kili...that's twelve...and Bombur - that makes thirteen. St. Anel – fourteen. Where's Bilbo? Where is our Hobbit? Where is our hobbit?!"

Dwalin yelled, "Curse the halfling! Now he's lost?!"

Gloin said, "I thought he was with Dori!"

Dori yelled, "Don't blame me!"

Gandalf asked, "Well, where did you last see him?"

Nori said, "I think I saw him slip away, when they first collared us."

Gandalf asked, "What happened exactly? Tell me!"

Bilbo, still invisible, has caught up to the rest of the group. He hides behind a tree as Thorin speaks. "I'll tell you what happened. Master Baggins saw his chance and he took it! He's thought of nothing but his soft bed and his warm hearth since first he stepped out of his door! We will not be seeing our Hobbit again. He is long gone."

Bilbo, who is still invisible, hears everything Thorin said. He leans on the tree as he ponders what he has just heard. The dwarves look at each other. St. Anel was about to scold him when they heard. "No, he isn't."

Bilbo steps out from behind the tree, no longer invisible. The dwarves look up in shock and relief. Gandalf laughs as he speaks. "Bilbo Baggins! I've never been so glad to see anyone in my life!"

Bilbo strides forward into the group; he pats Balin affectionately on the shoulder. Kili yelled, "Bilbo, we'd given you up!"

Fili asked, "How on earth did you get past the Goblins?!"

Dwalin said, "How, indeed."

There is an awkward silence as Bilbo tries to think what to say. In the end, he gives a nervous laugh and puts his hands on his hips. Gandalf is the only one to notice Bilbo sliding the Ring into his waistcoat pocket. Gandalf looks a bit perturbed as St. Anel held Gandalf's hand. She saw it too but luckily it's power isn't strong enough to get her. "Well, what does it matter? He's back!"

Thorin yelled, "It matters! I want to know: why did you come back?"

Bilbo said, "Look, I know you doubt me, I know you always have. And you're right, I often think of Bag End. I miss my books. And my armchair. And my garden. See, that's where I belong. That's home. And that's why I came back, cause you don't have one. A home. It was taken from you. But I will help you take it back if I can. And plus, I'm your lucky charm." He pulled out the lucky coin. "Before this, I would hit my head, stub my feet and have rude guest. But I have to say, thanks to St. Anel I can give you all luck." He put the coin in his mouth again. St. Anel glared at him. "Although I need stop putting this in my mouth." After Bilbo speaks, there is silence as the dwarves think about what Bilbo said. Gandalf smiles slightly, happy that Bilbo has changed so much - for the better.