Book 2: Hanging On [Thorin Oakenshield]

Chapter 11

As the Dwarf briefly explained why they were in search of a way across the lake, the bowman listened while loading the barge with the barrels they traveled in. Though not all had made it, as Poppy noticed. Some were destroyed in the rocks from the harsh combat.

"What makes you think I would help you?" the man finally questioned as Balin finished.

"Those boots have seen better days," the older Dwarf pointed out. "As has that coat. No doubt you have some hungry mouths to feed." He gave a warm smile and judging by the look on the bargeman's face he was right. "How many bairns?"

"A boy and two girls."

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

"Aye, she was."

The answer caused the words to die in the Dwarf's throat. Poppy and Bilbo instantly felt bad for the man that the subject had even been brought up. Just their luck that something didn't play into their favor, again.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to–"

"Oh, come on, enough with the niceties," Dwalin grumbled impatiently.

The comment broke the depressing atmosphere. "What's your hurry?" the man called over.

But his only answer was a glare and a, "What's it to you?"

"I would like to know who you are and what you are doing in these lands."

"We are simple merchants from the Blue Mountains journeying to see our kin in the Iron Hills," Balin merely stated before anyone else could. The last thing they needed was to insult their only chance at finding help across the lake.

Cocking a brow disbelievingly he stated, "Simple merchants, you say?"

"We need food, supplies, weapons," Thorin spoke up. They couldn't delay their travel any longer. "Can you help us?"

The man's attention traveled down to the nearest barrel, fingers rubbing against the surface and hitting the splintered wood and cracks. Clear signs an altercation of some kind occurred.

"I know where these barrels came from." The company visibly stiffened as the bargeman's eyes drifted towards them once more. "I don't know what business you had with the Elves, but I don't think it ended well. No one enters Lake-town but by the leave of the Master. All his wealth comes from trade with the Woodland Realm."

He began unwrapping the thick rope that held the barge to the small dock. They grew fearful of his eventual parting.

"He would see you in irons before risking the wrath of King Thranduil."

The man dropped the line roughly at Balin's feet, causing the Dwarf to shuffle back. "I'll wager there are ways to enter into that town, unseen," Balin spoke quickly. He could not allow this man to leave.

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

And the Dwarf had him, quickly moving forward to step into the bargeman's line of vision as he went to untie the last rope. "For which we would pay double."

His hands stilled, looking at the older Dwarf in surprise at such a promise. Their kind were known for their love of money and gold. Parting with it was something that troubled them deeply, especially when dealing with such a heavy price. But if Balin's words were true then he could not allow such a proposition to slip by. Money like that, his family would not have to struggle for weeks in the coming colder months. Looking towards the company, some nodded in agreement, while noticing some were not too keen on the idea. Still, the man could tell how desperate they were to cross the lake. They would pay him.