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Here is your bonus chapter, since everyone kindly refrained from wanting to string me up over the last cliff hanger. ha ha.

Remember, Viking speech is in regular, while Saxon speech is in italics.

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Let's see if we can free Willy...er...I mean Fili...or if he's truly destined to become a slave!

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Chapter 53

~X~


The following day, just before dawn, Kara and the rest of the Vikings landed in the bay Dwalin had guided them to. More than anxious get off the ship and start searching for Fili, she was frustrated by Thorin and Dwalin's instance that she wait, not allowing her to leave the longboat until they made sure all was safe. However, not long after Kara was at last allowed to disembark, she was quickly shoved into the center of a protective circle when the sound of someone coming loudly through the bushes alerted the men to danger. Yet, everyone lowered their weapons when Bofur came crashing into the clearing, looking both tired and more than a bit disheveled.

"BOFUR!" Dwalin cried out, coming forward to greet the man with a hearty grip to his forearm. "Good to see you again, old friend. Any news about Fili?"

"There is indeed," the hatted man growled in response, yet when his eyes fell up on the worried face of Kara, he seemed to hesitate. "Yet…I fear it's not all good news."

"Is he alive?" was Kara's only question, stepping forward as she braced herself for his answer.

"Yes…he lives," Bofur confirmed, watching as she nearly collapsed into Thorin's arms at hearing this. "But he's…well, they tortured him something awful."

"THOSE BASTARDS!" Dwalin roared, his hands balling into fists, wanting to strangle those who had done such a thing.

"Where is he now?" Thorin demanded, the hate in his voice thick and menacing. "Can we get to him?"

"Nori's been watching from a distance, learning what he could, and he says they've taken him to the slave market late last night," he told them. "Up until then we had no idea if he was alive or dead, and from the way he was being dragged…Nori thought he was dead at first. I believe they plan on selling him today."

"Then we will simply have to attack and get him out!" Thorin concluded.

"That would not be wise," Bofur said with a shake of his head. "The king showed up the other day, along with even more soldiers. Nori and I believe that's where the first bunch came from that had us trapped within the walls. Their king was in the area, apparently making a tour of his realm, and when they got word that we were attacking their shores, he sent his soldiers to the village's aid."

"Thethe king?" Kara asked in disbelief. "King Cedric, Lord of Wessex?"

"Yeah, I guess that's him," Bofur said with a shrug of his shoulders. "How many kings do they have over here?"

"Is this the man you were betrothed to?" Tauriel questioned, instantly recognizing the name. "If he's the one in charge…could you convince him to release Fili?"

"I've never actually met him," Kara admitted. "I have no idea if he would even believe I was the one he was to marry, let alone be willing to hand Fili over to me. He could be unjust and cruel for all I know."

"Seeking favors from such a man would be unwise, for Saxons cannot be trusted," Thorin sneered, clearing his throat and looking away when Kara gave him a hard glare. "Well…most Saxons."

"I would do anything to help Fili, but I fear attempting to speak with the king would not be prudent, and it might only get him in more trouble than he is right now," Kara said with a heavy sigh. "We need to find a safer way to get inside the walls and rescue him. And we can't do that standing around here!"

"Agreed," Dwalin nodded, turning to bark out orders to the men, instructing several to remain with the longboat and keep it safe, while the rest hefted their weapons and supplies, ready to head out upon Thorin's orders.

"Then, let's go save Fili," the Jarl agreed, positioning himself at Kara's side, determined to keep his promise to Olane…to protect her niece.

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They had traveled for about an hour, with Bofur leading the way to where Nori had set up camp between spying on the village and reporting back to him. They were making their way silently through a crop of trees on a small ridge when there came a strange bird-call, causing the company to freeze in place and crouch down, recognizing that as a Viking signal to halt. Their actions paid off when they saw Nori crouching in some bushes not far ahead, motioning for them to come closer, yet remaining low. Once they had managed to crawl their way to where he was, he held his finger to his lips, then pointed at something not very far away.

"Look," Nori instructed in a hushed tone. "There on the road…someone's fancy wagon busted a wheel."

And sure enough, down on the small muddy road, a wooden, box-like coach, and what appeared to be five guards, had come to a halt, now busy with repairs.

"We'll have to wait until they're gone," Nori explained. "This is the only road into the village where they're holding Fili."

"Is there no other way?" Thorin demanded, hating to be held up in any manner.

"Sure, if you want to swim across a river and then walk an extra four miles or so," Nori said with a shrug. "I personally, would prefer to just wait them out. They've got two women in that contraption that are none too happy to be stopped, so you can bet they'll work extra fast to get back on the road. It shouldn't take long."

"Or…" Kara said, her voice betraying that she had an idea. "What if we use their coach to get inside the walls ourselves? No one would suspect Vikings to be rolling in with two ladies, would they?"

"You mean to take them hostage and use the lasses to get us inside?" Dwalin asked, looking skeptical.

"No!" Kara said with a roll of her eyes. "We take the wagon, but Tauriel and I will be the two ladies inside, with our fine and brave soldiers escorting us."

"You mean disguise ourselves as Saxon guards?" Gloin asked, looking rather disgusted by the idea.

"Why not?" Kara questioned, looking from one man's face to the next in puzzlement. "Does anyone else have a better idea?"

When no one spoke, it became painfully clear that none did. Leaving Thorin to nod in agreement.

"Dwalin, you take half our men and approach from behind," he ordered. "I will take the rest and come at them from the front."

"But…don't kill them if you don't have to!" Kara pleaded. "It's certainly not necessary, and they honestly don't pose any threat to you."

"They are our enemies! They have tortured your husband!" Nori reminded her.

"You think I need to be reminded of that?" she hissed, the very idea of Fili in pain leaving her sick to her stomach. "Yet, it was not those men who did it," Kara countered, silencing the disgruntled warrior. "And since it's my plan…I say no killing unless you are forced to do so. Understand?" Here she looked to Thorin for support, and even if he did roll his eyes at her preposterous request, he gave the order to abide by her wishes.

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"Are you finished yet?" came a demanding female voice from inside the coach. "How much more incompetent could you possibly be? At this rate we will never arrive in time to meet the king!"

"We are working as quickly as possible, My Lady," one of the tired men assured her, for what felt like the hundredth time. "We will have it fixed very soon."

"You better, or there will be hell to pay!" she squawked, sticking her head out the window as she glowered at her guards. "The king won't remain in this area for long, and this might be my only chance to meet him!"

"Yes, My Lady," another man replied, hefting the newly repaired wheel as he reattached it to the axel. Yet before another word could be spoken, the sound of feet running through the brush stopped them dead, each one raising their hands in surrender as they were instantly surrounded by armed Vikings.

"Lay down your weapons and your lives will be spared," Kara boldly informed them, stepping out from behind Thorin in order to convey her instructions to the men. "Yet attempt to resist or flee, and your lives will be forfeit."

Each man reluctantly complied, seeing the wisdom in Kara's words, since they were heavily outnumbered. Once they had been disarmed, and rounded into a small group, Dwalin stepped over to the coach and yanked the door open, instantly being met by a pair of screeching women. One of them threw a shoe at him, striking him directly between the eyes and causing him to stumble backwards, falling onto the muddy ground with a cry of rage.

"Oh, no, now the lass has done it," Nori laughed, watching as the bald warrior rose to his feet in a fit of rage and grabbed the unshod woman by the ankle and began to drag her out of the coach.

"NO! NO! HELP!" she screamed, clawing at anything that might stop her from being pulled out by this heathen.

However, Dwalin was not listening, and soon he had her dangling from her one leg, held aloft by his powerful arm, her head only inches from the ground. The lady's skirts had fallen around her shoulders, giving the men around her a fine view of her dainty underthings. Most of the Vikings were laughing by now, while the woman did her best to shove her skirts back in place, which of course was a hopeless cause.

"OH! My Lady!" the second woman cried out, leaping from the coach and attempting to aid her mistress, but Gloin quickly snatched her up before she could reach the still squealing woman, holding her hostage until Thorin gave them direction.

"PUT ME DOWN!" the upside down woman screeched. "Do you know who I am? I am the Lady Ælfwyn, of Mercia, and my father is a great lord! I demand you release me, you pig!"

"Dwalin! Put her down!" Kara yelled, mortified by her friend's actions. "NOW!"

At this, Dwalin just shrugged, and let go of her leg, depositing her into a puddle of mud, which only caused the irate woman to scream more.

"Shut the banshee up, will ya?" Thorin ordered, waving his hand towards the now filthy lass. "Her voice could curdle milk!"

Nori quickly complied, not only gaging her, but binding her hands as well. Gloin had done the same to the other woman, picking them both up and carrying them to a nearby tree. Once they, along with the five men, were lashed to the trunks of several trees, they proceeded with their rescue mission, including a few of Thorin's men finishing the mending on the coach's wheel.

"So…what now?" Bofur asked, looking at Kara expectantly.

"Tauriel and I will borrow some of these fine ladies' clothes," she explained, lifting a fine silk dress from one of the trunks tied to the back of the coach. "While five of you strip down the men and put on their uniforms."

"Wait…we're supposed to pass for Saxon soldiers?" Gloin asked, looking stricken by the idea. "But…but, they have no beards! Look at them, their faces are as smooth as a bairn's backside!"

"Does that mean we have to…to…shave?" Bofur gasped, reaching up and covering his long mustache with his hands in horror.

Everyone was silent for a few moments, no one wanting to speak, until Thorin stepped forward.

"Do any of you think that Fili would hesitate to cut off his beard for one of you?" he asked with a growl. "Your hair will grow back! But Fili might not survive another day as these foul men's prisoner. Now…strip the men, and then strip your faces! That's an order from your Jarl!"

Kara was so proud of her uncle-in-law that she could have burst. To think that he, or any one of his fellow warriors, would sacrifice their beloved beards for Fili was very touching. And to think, when she had first arrived in Erebor, she thought them heartless and without compassion. Yet, this would cost them dearly…and still, they all quickly agreed it was more than worth it.

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Tauriel and Kara were soon properly attired as a lady and her handmaiden, with the red-headed woman acting somewhat uncomfortable in the fine gown.

"How am I expected to fight in this?" she questioned, rolling her shoulders and twisting left and right as she tested her range of motion.

"Hopefully you won't need to fight," Kara pointed out. "The idea is to get in, get Fili, and then get out without raising a sword."

"If you say so," Tauriel mumbled, still not feeling at ease in so many layers. "But I suppose there is one advantage," she said with a smile. "I can hide quite a few weapons under all these skirts!" Here she lifted the fabric to her waist, showing Kara that she still wore her leggings, as well as sported her throwing knives, a sword, and several other blades, all strapped to her waist and thighs.

"Fili would be very proud," Kara laughed, yet the thought of her husband quickly stole away her smile, leaving her worried and anxious once more.

"Don't worry…we will find him," Tauriel assured her. "And Nori says he still lives. So keep hold of that, and let it strengthen you."

"I will," Kara nodded, knowing her friend was right.

"Well, how do we look?" came the not so pleased voice of Thorin, causing the two women to turn and stare opened mouthed at what stood before them.

Thorin, Dwalin, Nori, Bofur, and Gloin, were all dressed in the Saxon guards' clothes, and their faces as clean shaven as their knives would allow. They had been spared from cutting their hair, since they would be wearing helmets and their locks were easily tied up and stuffed underneath out of sight. None of them looked happy about all of this, but neither had they hesitated when Thorin had reminded them that it was a small price to pay for the life of their comrade.

Kara wasn't sure exactly how to describe them, for each one looked amazingly different. While Thorin and Dwalin retained much of their fierceness, looking no less strong and brave, Bofur now appeared to be the jolliest of fellows. Nori still looked sly and sneaky, and Gloin, who once had the longest and most impressive beard of them all, just looked depressed.

"You…you look…like…well…" Kara stammered, still unable to find the right words.

"Like newborn babes?" Dwalin supplied, rubbing his hand from the top of his head to his now bare chin. "I'm sure we all look like still-wet-behind-the-ears lads who are unfamiliar with a woman!" he grumbled.

"Just don't go acting like one as well," Thorin barked, apparently just as insecure with his looks as the rest of them, but attempting to make the best of it.

"Well, I think you all look just fine," Tauriel spoke up. "In fact, you now resemble the men from my homeland, for they choose to shave their beards so as not to hamper their archery skills."

And while her words had been said in order to bolster their confidence, being compared to Thranduil did not have the desired effect on any of them, leaving them grumbling even more over their lack of whiskers.

Still, all pouting aside, they did resemble Saxon soldiers quite nicely, and after instructing the remaining men to guard their prisoners well, they mounted up and began their trek to the village, with Gloin driving the horse-drawn coach. They had found a small chest hidden under the floorboards, carrying a rather sizeable sum of money – this being something that Kara felt might come in handy in while rescuing Fili.

"I can only hope that we are not too late," Kara moaned, the knot in her stomach now the size of a pumpkin, her worry for Fili growing every moment. Was he hurt terribly? Would he heal? Could they save him? Would he live? These questions and so many more raced through her mind, nearly bringing Kara to tears.

"Do not give up hope!" Tauriel said sternly. "Fili needs your belief and support right now, not your doubts or fears. This is a solid plan…and we will not be leaving here without him."

"No…we won't!" Kara nodded, straightening up as she regained her confidence. She then looked out the window, wishing the coach could go faster. "We're coming for you, Fili…do you hear?" she whispered. "Hold on just a little longer, my love."

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Fili had not thought it possible, but he now felt even worse than when he had awoken the first time in the Saxon prison. Edmond had been both meticulous and merciless while carving on Fili's flesh, and though he had been careful never to cut too deeply and cause him to bleed out, each slice had been done for optimal pain. He hadn't bothered to look at what the man had done to him, yet the way his shirt now stuck to his bloody flesh only proved that he was a mess.

Vikings believed that scars were nothing to be ashamed of, and yet, Fili found himself wondering what his Kara would say if she could see him now. Would she be disgusted? Would she pity him and treat him like an invalid? Fili wanted neither of those reactions to come from his lovely bride, and yet, with her so far away, and him about to be sold into slavery, the chances of him ever seeing her again were slim to none.

As he lay in a corner, not moving and attempting to keep his breathing shallow, Fili wondered what his life would soon become. To go from a proud and free warrior to a slave was inconceivable, and yet, that was exactly what was about to happen. It made him think of all the thralls in Erebor, how they must have felt when captured and taken from their lands to work in the fields or warm the beds of his people. Had they not once been free men and women as well? What about Kara? She had been raised as a highborn lady, and yet, without any consideration to her feelings, Fili himself had stolen her liberty and lowered her existence to that of a slave. He had been taught to hate the Saxons, to view them as inferior and cruel, and yet, was his people any better? Both raided - both killed - and both took and used slaves. And unless someone stood up and chose to change things, the vicious cycle would go on for years and years to come.

"EVERYONE UP!" came the loud voice of the guard who had been watching the men set to be sold that day. They were all crowded in a small wooden shack, some chained, some bound by ropes, and others, like Fili, left unfettered due to the assumption that they were far too weak or wounded to cause trouble. "Time for the buyers to see the goods." He emphasized his point with the crack of a whip, motivating those within the room to stumble to their feet.

It took Fili a little longer to comply, but eventually, he got his battered body to stand, leaning against the wall for support. Walking would be another story, but one he knew he must force himself do as well. Perhaps, if he was lucky, no one would want to buy him, seeing as how he was in such bad shape. Yet, what did one do with a slave that was unsellable? Fili could only pray that his death would come swiftly.

As the men were shuffled out of the shack, the bright afternoon sun nearly blinding them, they were led to a platform in the middle of the square – not unlike the slave market in Erebor. Here they were spread out in a long line, giving all those gathered around a chance to inspect them thoroughly. Fili saw the turned up noses and looks of disgust from those who came by, apparently finding him less than acceptable as a worthy slave. That was fine by him, for at this point, all Fili wanted was to either escape or die. Was this how Kara had felt when she was being sold by Ingulf? He cringed at the memory, finding himself bitterly angry at the idea of what she must have suffered.

As the auction began, Fili let the voices die away around him, ignoring all except his own thoughts, attempting to come up with a way to escape. He didn't have the strength to run, that was a given, nor did he have access to a weapon – his own beloved twin blades now in the hands of that smug King Cedric. Fili took satisfaction in the fact, that while he might have his swords, that bastard had never had his Kara! At the very least, that knowledge put a smile on his bruised and battered face.

Soon, however, it became his turn, being pulled forth as he stumbled to the center of the platform. This was it. Would his fates change, or would he be sentenced to a life of utter misery? Only Odin knew.

"And what will you bid for this fine specimen of manhood?" the large man with the whip cried out over the crowd. "He might not look like much now, but he will make a fine field hand or a strong oarsman for your ship. I'm told that the king himself wants to see this dog sold quickly, thus I'm willing to let him go cheap. Who will give me three silver coins for him?" When there was not a single word from those standing around, he made a counter offer. "Two silver coins? Come now, someone must need a strong back and a weak mind to provide a service for them."

"I will offer you one silver coin!" came a voice from the crowd. "But not a penny more."

Fili thought he must have gone mad, or at least his ears were playing tricks on him, for he could have sworn the woman sounded just like Kara! Lifting his eyes, he strained to see where the voice had come from, desperate to see if he had somehow lost his mind.

"I have a bid of one silver coin…anyone wish to offer more?" the man called out, also searching for any other who would up the bid. When no one spoke, the man gave a sigh of resignation. "No one? Very well, then he is sold for one silver coin to the fine lady."

Here the people parted as a woman in a fine silk gown stepped from the crowd. She had long raven hair, plaited down her back in an impressive braid, and while she looked more than determined, her steps were light and graceful, telling all that she was a woman of breeding. Once she had made her way up the steps and onto the platform, she stopped in front of Fili, staring at the man she had just purchased.

"Upon closer inspection, I consider this highway robbery, asking a full silver coin for this…man," she said with a look of disgust on her face. "I'm appalled that you would sell such inferior goods, for no one wants a slave that is puny and sickly looking."

Fili had to force himself to hold back his laughter, both from the pure joy of seeing his beloved Kara standing before him, but also at hearing her repeat the same derogatory words he once used to describe her. He couldn't believe this was happening, and not in a million years would he have dreamed that she would come for him, looking every inch the brave shield maiden she was.

"You had the opportunity to inspect him before you bid," the man reminded her gruffly. "You made the offer and it was accepted. You can't go back on your word now."

"Very well," Kara huff, handing over the silver coin. "I suppose I can find a use for him, even in the shape he is." She then turned and signaled to someone in the crowd.

Fili's eyes followed her movements, quite perplexed when he saw two Saxon guards step forward, willing to do her bidding. Where had his wife found men who would follow her orders? Yet when they got closer, he nearly fell over from shock! Thorin? Dwalin? Thankfully, he had the presence of mind not to shout out their names, but the look on his face must have been rather comical, for he heard the bald-headed - and now bald-faced - warrior give a snort of amusement.

"Have this slave taken to my ship and chained at the oars with the other slaves," Kara instructed with an air of superiority he had never seen her display. "And see what you can do about cleaning him up a bit, I don't want him stinking up my vessel with his filth."

"Yes, My Lady," Thorin said with a bow, his voice steady and calm - for he had been practicing that one phrase over and over in his mind for several hours now.

And with each taking hold of Fili's arms, they escorted him off the platform and back through the crowd, with Kara leading the way as if she were a queen. He attempted to look displeased by all this, but in actuality, Fili was so stunned he could hardly think straight. He had just been rescued…and by none other than his beautiful and brave wife! His amazement only continued when he caught sight of Tauriel, dressed as a Saxon lady's maid, as well as Bofur and Nori, the two of them also nearly unrecognizable without their beards and mustaches. And while all he wanted to do was shout for joy, or ask how in the name of Thór all of this had come about, Fili wisely kept his mouth shut and his feet moving.

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Kara had been completely horrified by the sight of her husband, the bruises and cuts that littered his body making her heart cry out for his pains. All she wanted to do was take him in her arms, cradle him to her, as she kissed his hurt away. Yet, knowing that now was not the time or the place, she had played her part and acted like a snooty lady of breeding, and bought herself a slave at the bargain price of one silver coin. Granted, Kara would have paid a king's ransom for Fili, but it had appeared much more believable that she would have attempted to bargain for him.

As they made their way to the coach, Kara tried to appear calm and steady, though inside she was anything but. Getting inside the walls of the village had been relatively easy, a few words and a suggestive smile directed at the guards at the gate had been all that was needed. She could only hope that getting out, and back to the longboat, would prove just as effortless. For right now, all Kara wanted was to get Fili as far away from this place as possible and begin tending to his wounds. It enraged her to think that the people she had been raised to believe were her own, would have done something so horrible to him. If she could have gotten her hands on whomever had treated him this way, she wasn't sure they would walk away from the encounter alive!

Unfortunately, before they could reach the coach where Gloin waited, nervously minding their means of escape, they were halted by a group of men, stepping in their path and causing them to stop in their tracks.

"Might I have a word with you, My Lady," King Cedric requested, stepping forward as he gave her a small nod of his head.


OH SCHNIKIES! Just when they thought they were home free! Wonder what will happen now?

So, looks like our boys shaved off their facial hair in order to save Fili...talk about a sacrifice! But if you google what the actors all look like out of costume, Thorin, Dwalin, and Nori look pretty hot. Bofur is just too sweet no matter what, and Gloin...well, I do feel bad for him since his beard WAS pretty impressive.

And look at that...Kara now has her very own thrall! Whatever will she do with him? ha ha. I did love the suggestion made by the reader named 'syeern', about how funny it would have been if Tauriel had to help buy him and then SHE owned a part of Fili...Kili would have had a cow! ha ha. But, as you can see, Fili went for a song, so Kara didn't need any help in buying him. ha ha.

Well...now you must wait till Monday to find out how they get out of THIS little sticky situation! But at least they have Fili, and let's hope it stays that way.


Guest Reviews:

abc: Wow! You reviewed quickly! NOT that I'm complaining, mind you, especially since this was a bonus chapter and posted ahead of schedule. And death threats to Edmond are perfectly acceptable...just keep them aimed away from me. ha ha. And as you have just read...you got the bonus chapter, and thanks for asking so sweetly. T.O.W.G.

Nina: You can't look? But you have to...otherwise how will you know what happens to our boy? Or do you have that cool thing where your computer reads the chapter to you? Then I suppose you don't have to look. ha ha. Thanks!