6: Bard the Bowman

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You all continued downstream, killing orcs when possible. Legolas and Tauriel had followed you over the wall and were chasing down the orcs. There was even a time when Legolas stood on Dori and Dwalin. You were shocked that Dwalin did not break Legolas's leg. Eventually, the orcs chasing you thinned then disappeared. Legolas and Tauriel fell behind, killing the orcs. Everyone seemed to calm down a bit. The current slowed.

"Head to the shore!" Ordered Thorin. Everyone began pedaling with their hands. "We have to hurry. Time is running out and the orcs will not be far behind."

"Kili is injured," Fili protested. "As well as (Y/N)."

"I am fine. It is just a scratch." You looked at your shoulder. There seemed to be a dark bluish tint around the wound.

"Bind his leg," Thorin said firmly. "You have two minutes." Fili started on Kili's leg. You went down to the river to wash your wound before binding it yourself. You heard shouts and clang. You turn around to see a man's silhouette against the sun. He was pointing his bow and arrow at each of you in turn.

"Try it again and you are dead." The man looked at Kili, who looked like he was going to throw something, yet nothing was in his hand. 

"You are from Laketown correct?" Balin stepped forward.   

"Yes." The man answered lowering his weapon.

"That barge over there," Balin motioned towards the barge a bit downstream. "It wouldn't be able for hire, by any chance."

"What makes you think that I would help you?" The man started to move the barrels you escaped in, into his barge.

"Those boots have seen better days. As has that coat." Balin followed the man down to the barge. "And no doubt that you have some hungry mouths to feed. How many is there?"

"A boy and two girls." He continued to load the barrels neatly onto the barge.

"And your wife, I imagine, she's a beauty." Balin continued.

"Aye," The man's expression grew sad and he slowed his work. "She was."

"I'm sorry," Balin's face fell too. "I didn't mean to-"

"Oh come on! Enough with the niceties!" Dwalin cut in with annoyance.

"What's your hurry?" The man stood up straight.

"What's it to you?" Dwalin glared.

"I want to know who you are, and what you are doing in these lands." The man looked at each member of the company, one by one.

"We are simple merchants, from the Blue Mountains." Balin swiftly lied. "Journeying to see our kin in the Iron Hills."

The man looked at you. You were obviously not a dwarf. Bilbo did not fit in either. He must not believe the lie, for he said, "Simple merchants, you say."

"We need food, supplies, and weapons." Thorin stepped forward. "Can you help us?"

"I know where these barrels came from." The man did not answer Thorin's question.

"What of it?"

"Whatever business you had with the elves," The man ran his hand over a nick in the wood where an arrow had been. "I don't think it ended well." He paused for a moment before continuing, "No one enters Laketown but by the leave of their master. All his wealth comes from trade with the Woodland Realm. He would see you in irons before risking the wrath of King Thranduil."

"I'll wager there are ways to get into that town unseen." Balin got back to getting across the lake.

"Aye, but for that, you would need a smuggler." The man stated.

"And for which we would pay double." Balin offered. This seemed to convince the man, though he still looked at you, wondering what you were doing with these dwarves. You all got on the barge. The dwarves started to count up their money. You did not have any money, one reason why you joined the company, so you got out of the way.

"So what is a human woman doing with thirteen dwarves and, I believe he said he was a hobbit." The man questioned you.

"Just the idea of an adventure, and nothing to do at home." You stated clearly.

"My name is Bard."

"(Y/N)."

The shuffling and loud talking of the dwarves drew your attention. Gloin was refusing to add in his money. Right at that moment, the clouds parted to show the Lonely Mountain. Gloin hastily added his money to the pile.

"Give me the money and everyone get in a barrel," Bard commanded the dwarves. "There are guards ahead." They all climbed into a barrel. "You," He turned to face you. "I will tell everyone that you are a cousin visiting from the Brown Lands." He scans your face. "I'm sure there must be some resemblance somewhere."


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