Chapter 7 – And The Times I've Been Mistaken, It's Impossible To Say

o – o – o – o

Bard guided his barge to a nearby dock, checking the surrounding area before tipping over the first barrel. Nori couldn't help coughing and gagging as he was finally freed of his fishy container. The next one liberated was Dori. When he started to tip over the next barrel, Dwalin popped his head up snapping at the Bargeman.

"Get your hands off me."

Bard lifted his hands from the rim and backed off.

One by one the Dwarves and Bilbo came up finally for some fresh air. Jasmine had to stop the giggle that threatened to escape when Bifur slowly came out of his barrel…with a large fish speared on his axe.

Pursing her lips to keep from grinning, she helped him out and quickly removed the dead fish, tossing it away. When he looked at her he seemed utterly shattered.

An older gentleman was watching the proceeding when Bard came over and handed him some coins. "You didn't see them. They were never here." He turned to leave but stopped and added, "The fish you can have for nothing."

He nodded but said nothing.

Bard crossed by everyone until he was in the front of the group. "Stay close" He led them around corners and random buildings trying to avoid any confrontations. He paused briefly before saying, "Follow me."

Bilbo looked around with some trepidation. "What is this place?"

Still feeling he couldn't trust Bard, Thorin replied, "This Master Baggins is the World of Men."

Chatter and conversations from the many people and venders filled the air, Jasmine held on to Bifur's hand as the group weaved through and around everything.

Speaking quietly, Bard said, "Keep your head's down, keep moving. Quickly now!"

The Company unfortunately did not go unnoticed. One man asked, "God, how many more are there?"

Suddenly what Bard was afraid might happen…happened. One of the local guards appeared yelling, "Halt!"

Thorin immediately took over, saying, "Come on, Move!"

The guard started toward them still yelling, "In the name of the Master of Lake-town, I said Halt! Halt!"

"Stop them!"

Following Thorin, the Dwarves and Jasmine began to run through the stalls of the different vendors, trying to lose the guard. Instead, the group ran into more of them on the other side.

Thorin pulled up short, yelling, "Get back"

To Bard's dismay, the Dwarves fought back. Finding whatever items that could be used for self-defense, mops, boat paddles, Fili and Kili stretched boat rope across, tripping one guard... one even got slammed with a large cast iron frying pan. The people of Lake-town watched on in amazement, not bothering to even intervene. That is until a large company of soldiers appeared.

"What's going on here? Stay where you are. Nobody leaves."

The one in charge began looking around to find out what had happened. Thorin and the others remained hunkered down, ready to begin the fight again if necessary.

Trying to take the heat off the Dwarves, Bard walked out and spoke, "Braga."

The man stared at Bard, saying, "Sorry?" Then realizing it was Bard added, "You…what are you up to Bard?"

"Me? Nothing. I'm looking for nothing."

At that exact moment, one of the original guards began to wake. It didn't last long as one of the ladies observing everything decided to become involved. She knocked a planter onto his head rendering him unconscious again.

Braga pushed past Bard in search of the sound, but by the time he found the area, the guard had been safely hidden from sight.

Trying to draw his attention away from the Dwarves, Bard said, "Hey Braga. Your wife would look lovely in this." He held up a piece of lacey ladies underwear.

Feeling irritated the man replied, "What do you know of my wife?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Bard said, "I know her as well as any man in this town."

Now feeling beyond irritated, Braga snatched the garment from Bard and tossed it away before storming off.

Bard gave a heavy sigh closing his eyes for a moment. He turned and watched as the guards disappeared. Once they were out of sight, he motioned the Dwarves to follow him again.

Bard's son Bain suddenly appeared, calling to him. "Da…our house, it's being watched."

Bard turned and looked in different directions, searching for who it might be. This was turning into a nightmare just trying to reach his home.

O – O – O – O – O – O

Bard, his son Bain and Jasmine walked through the different docks heading to his home. Bain and Bard cast their eyes around as they walked wondering who was watching and how many spies were there. Jasmine, for her part, was damp and cold. As she followed father and son, she wrapped her arms around herself, tucking her hands into her arm pits for warmth. She kept her eyes lowered and her head down, hoping that nothing more would stop them.

She did however feel extremely bad for what was about to happen to Bilbo and the Company.

As they walked up the wooden steps to enter the house, Bard couldn't resist taking a jab at the spies sitting in a boat just below. Whistling to them, he tossed one of the potatoes he carried. "You can tell the Master I'm done for the day."

The man sneered up at the Bargeman at being discovered.

Upon entering his home, the younger of his two girls smiled and came over to him. "Da! Where have you been?" She gave him a big hug.

The other also spoke. "Father! There you are! I was worried." His oldest child, Sigrid also hugged him. He returned it and gave her the bag he was carrying.

"Sigrid, Tilda, this is Jasmine. Make her welcome." He then turned to his son, "Bain, get them in."

His son went swiftly down some stairs to the lower part of his house and knocked on a wall near their toilet.

Rising up out of it was an extremely upset Dwalin. As he lifted the lid, he growled, "If you speak of this to anyone, I'll rip your arms off." The pissed off Dwarf threw open the lid and climbed out.

Bain kept an emotionless face trying to help him out, but Dwalin slapped his hand away, hissing, "Get off!"

Bain pointed to the stairs, "Up there."

The next to appear was poor Bilbo, with an utterly shocked and stunned expression covering his face. Then one by one the members of the Company climbed up and out and then climbed the stairs.

Confused, Sigrid asked, "Da, why are there Dwarves coming out of our toilet?"

Tilda on the other hand was fascinated. "Will they bring us luck?"

Jasmine stood off to the side feeling so bad for all of them. When Bifur appeared she wanted to comfort him, but he shook his head and waved her off. He smelled terrible. Between the fish and having to swim through toilet water, he wanted to keep her as far away from him as possible. She knew he was so miserable, but there wasn't really anything she could do to help. She gazed mournfully at him, wanting him to know she understood.

Sigrid took Jasmine off to one side and said, "You look cold. I do have some things that might help. We look to be about the same size. The clothes may make you feel better."

Smiling at the young girl, she said, "Thank you so much. Anything you can spare would be very much appreciated."

Taking her arm, she led her over to a small chest and pulled some things from it. "Try these on." Pointing to small corner of the house, she added, "There is a small dressing area over there where you can change."

Thanking her again, Jasmine went over and peeled off her wet clothes and put on the dry pieces Sigrid had given her. She was right. They did fit.

Bard began handing out dry clothes to the Dwarves and Bilbo. "They may not be the best fit, but they'll keep you warm.

Bilbo was grateful. "Thank you very much."

Thorin stood staring out a window when he noticed something. Under his breath, he whispered, "A Dwarvish windlance."

Bilbo leaned over Thorin's shoulder before saying, "You look like you're seen a ghost."

Balin came over and said, "He has. The last time we saw such a weapon, a city was on fire. It was the day the dragon came. The day that Smaug destroyed Dale."

Jasmine stood off to one side listening to Balin's story. Horrified as he recalled what happened that day so long ago.

Balin continued, "Girion, the Lord of the City rallied his bowman to fire upon the beast. But a dragon's hide is tough…tougher than the strongest armor. Only a Black Arrow fired from a windlance could have pierced the dragon's hide. And few of those arrows were ever made. The store was running low when Girion made his last stand."

Thorin picked up the end of the tale, "Had the aim of Men been true that day…much would have been different."

Bard came forward. "You speak as if you were there."

Thorin looked at him, replying, "All Dwarves know the tale."

Bain walked around his father. "Then you would know that Girion hit the dragon. He loosened a scale under the left wing. One more shot and he would have killed the beast."

Dwalin gave a dubious chuckle, "That's a fairy story, lad. Nothing more."

Thorin approached Bard saying, "You took our money. Where are the weapons?"

The bargemen replied, "Wait here."

He left to retrieve the weapons he had promised.

Thorin gave him a skeptical stare as he left. He then gathered Balin, Fili and Kili around the table to discuss what lay ahead.

"Tomorrow begins the last days of autumn."

Balin nodded, "Durin's Day falls the morn after next. We must reach the mountain before then."

Kili spoke up adding, "And if we do not? If we fail to find the hidden door before that time?

Fili replied, "Then this quest has been for nothing."

Bard reentered his home dropping a large bundle on the table. As he began to unroll it, the Dwarves gathered around to see what was inside. It was obvious they were not pleased with what was revealed.

Thorin picked up one of the items and glared at it. "What is this?"

Bard replied, "Pike hook. Made from an old harpoon."

Kili picked up another weapon. "And this?

"A crowbill, we call it. Fashioned from a smithy's hammer. It's heavy in hand, I grant, but in defense of your life, these will serve you better than none."

"We paid you for weapons…iron-forged swords and axes!" grumbled Gloin.

Even the normally upbeat Bofur threw down the weapon he had picked up. "It's a joke!"

"You won't find better outside the city armory. All iron-forged weapons are held there under lock and key," responded Bard.

Thorin and Dwalin glanced back and forth to each other, already planning.

Ever the most level headed of the group, Balin said, "Thorin, why not take what's on offer and go? I've made do with less…so have you. I say we leave now."

Bard began wrapping up the offered weapons before saying, "You're not going anywhere."

Dwalin growled back, "What did you say?"

"There are spies watching this house and probably every dock and wharf in the town. You must wait till nightfall."

Jasmine could see that everyone was not happy. She understood what was happening, so did Bilbo, but both felt it best to remain quiet. Dwalin, Thorin and Balin stood together whispering to each other. She felt certain something was a foot, but what exactly remained unknown for the time being. She looked at Bifur, but he seemed to be staring off into space.

O – O – O – O – O – O – O – O

Thorin and the Company waited until Bard was well gone before leaving the house. Bain tried to stop them, but they refused to listen. They made their way to the city armory. Thorin, Bilbo, Bofur, Nori and Kili, went inside to collect the weapons needed.

Jasmine waited outside with the others. She stood in between Fili and Bifur. Leaning over to her friend, she said, "I'm not sure Kili should have gone in with them. He doesn't look very good."

Fili crossed his arms, "It wasn't my decision. Thorin asked him to go, but I think you're right. He needs to be attended to. Hopefully we can locate medical items inside the mountain."

"He looks bad, Fili. He needs help now."

A loud crash and something falling filled the air. All the Dwarves froze. Then the sound of guards shouting in the distance was heard.

Dori screamed, "RUN!"

The group turned on the plank to move away from the armory, but had to stop short as guards appeared in front of them. Bifur put up his fist to fight back, but Jasmine grabbed his shoulders and whispered, "Stop, my love."

He turned to look at her and nodded.

O – O – O – O – O – O

With their hands bound in front of them, the Company was led into the square in front of the Master of Lake-town's house. They were pushed and shoved along, fighting back the whole way.

Snow had begun to fall making the air around them much colder. Jasmine made sure she stayed by Bifur's side unsure what would happen to them now.

The doors to the house flung open as the Master along with his toady Alfrid strode out. Irritated at being disturbed, he shouted, "What is the meaning of this?"

Braga answered, "We caught them stealing weapons, sire."

"Ah. Enemies of the state, eh?"

Standing off to the side of the Master, Alfrid joined in. "A desperate bunch of mercenaries, if ever there was, sire."

A large crowd of towns' folk began to gather, surrounding Thorin and his group.

Unable to take any more, Dwalin stepped forward. "Hold your tongue! You do not know to whom you speak. This is no common criminal. This is Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror!"

The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves with that pronouncement.

Thorin now stepped forward. "We are the Dwarves of Erebor. We have come to reclaim our homeland."

More murmurs rose up from the assembled crowd.

Jasmine suddenly felt Bifur grab her hand and squeeze it. She turned to look at him as he mouth one word. 'Amrâlimê.'

She smiled at him and squeezed his hand back.

Thorin walked to the center of the semi-circle. "I remember this town in the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbor, filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forsaken town on a lake. This was the center of all trade in the North!"

The crowd responded by chattering louder…agreeing with his words.

"I would see those days return. I would relight the great forges of the Dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the Halls of Erebor!"

The crowd began to cheer.

Out of the center of the crowd, Bard appeared. "Death! That is what you will bring upon us!" He walked through the crowd, between the Dwarves and toward Thorin.

"Dragon fire and ruin. If you waken that beast it will destroy us all."

Thorin faced off with the Bargeman. "You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this: If we succeed, all will share in the wealth of the mountain. You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth 10 times over!"

The crowd let out a thunderous cheer of agreement.

Always looking to stir the pot, Alfrid said, "Why should we take you at your word? We know nothing about you. Who here can vouch for your character?"

Everyone fell silent until Bilbo stepped forward. "Me." he stated. "I'll vouch for him."

Raising his voice so he could be heard, the Hobbit continued. "I have traveled far with these Dwarves through great danger and if Thorin Oakenshield gives his word then he will keep it."

Gratefully, Thorin nodded at Bilbo for his words.

Bard turned to everyone surrounding the group, shouting, "All of you! Listen to me! You must listen! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm?! And for what purpose? The blind ambition of a Mountain King so riven by greed, he could not see beyond his own desire!"

The crowd began to talk and chatter some agreeing with Bard, some unsure.

The Master, who had remained mostly silent, realized he might have a way to rid himself of two problems at once.

"Now, now! We must not, any of us, be too quick to lay blame. Let us not forget that it was Girion, Lord of Dale…your ancestor who failed to kill the beast!"

Deciding to pile on Alfrid added, "It's true, sire. We all know the story. Arrow after arrow, he shot…each one missing its mark."

Angry at what he knew was coming, Bard stood in front of Thorin. "You have no right. No right to enter that mountain."

Looking up at the taller man, Thorin replied, "I have the only right."

Turning away from the Bargeman, Thorin faced the Master. "I speak to the Master of the Men of the Lake. Will you see the prophecy fulfilled? Will you share in the great wealth of our people?" Pausing, he added, "What say you?"

Pondering for only a moment, the Master of Lake-town waggled his finger at the Dwarf before saying, "I say unto you…Welcome! Welcome! And thrice…welcome…King Under the Mountain!"

Roaring cheers broke out as everyone smiled. Everyone, but Bard.

O – O – O – O –O –O

As a way of keeping track of the Dwarves, The Master decided to throw a party. He reasoned he could make sure Thorin and his group actually followed through with their plans to retake Erebor. Also he invited several members of the local community as a way to broker as much good will as possible for himself. Food and drink began to flow as the party amped up.

Jasmine lost track of Bifur at one point, not sure where he had gone. Several times while she searched for him, she had to flee from the uninvited attentions of Alfrid. The creepy little goon wouldn't leave her alone.

Hiding in one corner of the room, she thought she might have to move again, when Bifur returned touching her arm. Smiling, she hugged him and whispered, "Where did you go? I've missed you."

Putting a finger against her lips, he took one of her hands leading her away from the party. They walked down two corridors and then up a flight of stairs before stopping in from of a door. Opening it, he took her inside. Once in the room, he turned and locked the door behind them.

Candles flickered around the room, casting a golden glow everywhere. A fireplace occupied one wall with a cozy fire burning, filling the bedroom with warmth. A very comfortable looking bed took up the other wall. On a small table some food and drinks had been laid out.

Looking around her, Jasmine finally turned and gazed tenderly at Bifur.

"Did you do all this?"

He nodded.

Bifur put his arms around Jasmine and pulled her to him. He kissed her mouth, her face, her neck making a shiver run down her spine. She also realized how enticing he smelled…like he had taken a bath. She drew back from him and made a sniffing sound.

Smiling at her, he gave a sheepish grin.

"Is that why I couldn't find you?"

He nodded. Looking into her eyes, he pointed first at her, then to himself, and finally at the bed.

Jasmine gazed back, whispering, "Are you wanting us to make love?"

He nodded slowly.

Sighing, she asked, "Are you concerned about what might happen when you go to Erebor or have you decided you don't wish to wait?"

He nodded yes to both questions.

She closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, she caressed his face, trailing her fingers lightly over his jaw-line and his lips.

Bifur sighed and kissed her hand.

Wrapping her arms around him, she captured his mouth, passion beginning to overwhelm her. Softly she said, "Please…make love to me."

They began to remove their clothing, kissing and fondling each other as each piece hit the floor. When Bifur's tunic came off, she saw his chest for the first time. He had tattoos along his arms and a few spots on his chest. She kissed her way across, murmuring, "One day you'll have to tell me about these…if they mean something."

Bifur began to moan as she left a fiery trail over his body. He took off her blouse and skirt seeing her for the first time. He said something in his language as he kissed and caressed her, but Jasmine could no longer hear him. She arched her back as he ran his hands down her sides and across her thighs.

Slowly, he backed her toward the bed removing her bra and panties along the way.

Jasmine undid his trousers and he quickly stepped out of them. Feeling him push against her she trembled in anticipation. Her body felt like it was on fire. She put one hand on his groin, stroking him. His moans became even louder.

Starting at her throat he began kissing her leaving a flaming trail down to the hollow between her breasts before lifting her up onto the bed. Lying half on and half off Jasmine, he parted her legs preparing to enter her. His hunger for her ignited a fever deep inside his loins, making him crazed with desire.

Jasmine ached for him; her desire too was almost unbearable.

When Bifur finally claimed her, the feelings that swept over her were startling in their intensity. She let the pleasure he was giving her be known. Their bodies rose and fell toward a fiery climax as their shared passions left them both reeling in total ecstasy.

O – O – O – O – O

Bifur gazed at Jasmine sleeping peacefully in his arms and wondered how he had ever become so blessed. He loved this woman beyond all reason.

She was his one…his heart and soul.

Their lovemaking had been vigorous. When their bodies joined together for the first time, her eyes and face held a look of true wonder. Even now as she slept, her lips curved upward in a soft smile as if she was remembering.

She was his perfect love, his sanâzyung…his blonde haired, blue eyed beauty.

Yet…there had been another. One he had not thought about in a very long time.

Her name had been Eira.

It was a long time ago, when he was a much younger Dwarf. He had lived in the Blue Mountains with his cousins Bofur and Bombur, their parents and his Mother.

He had become enamored with a young Dwarf woman that lived in his village. She too had long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He had contemplated asking if he could court her. He had considered if she might be his one, but he would never find out for sure…

It had been an ordinary fall afternoon. He and Bofur had been working in the nearby mines when the alarm call went up. Orcs had entered their small village and were slaughtering everyone in sight.

He, Bofur and a handful of the miners had tried to get back to defend their home, but it was almost over by the time they arrived. The lost that was suffered that day was beyond measure. His cousins lost both parents. He lost his mother…and he lost Eira.

She had been taken from him in a most brutal fashion. The Orcs that had found Eira savaged her mercilessly before she was beheaded.

It was also the day he received the wound to his head. After finding the bodies of his mother and Eira, he had gone berserk, killing every Orc he came across. Unfortunately for him, he missed one.

He was barely conscious when Bofur found him. He was trying to crawl back to his mother's body. The Orc had struck him with an axe, embedding it deep into his skull. Blood poured from the wound, blinding him. His cousin told him later it was a miracle that he had survived. From that day forward, any words he spoke were in Khuzdul.

Gazing at Jasmine again, he recalled how upset he had been back in Mirkwood upon finding her missing. The memories of that terrible day so long ago had come crashing back.

For a long time after the loss of Eira and his mother, he had blamed himself, feeling if he had only been there they would still be alive. It took many years before he finally realized there was nothing he could have done to stop that tragic day. Still it didn't quell the fear that seized him of possibly losing his new love. The terror had been real almost to the point of overwhelming his senses.

As he began to fall asleep his last thoughts were of the day they first met. When Jasmine had turned her beautiful blue eyes on him to say hello, he had felt something awaken deep inside. It had been more intense than anything he had ever felt before…even more than what he suspected he had for Eira. And while it had taken him time to understand, he realized what he sensed was love…love everlasting.

Sighing, he finally closed his eyes, his beloved snuggled softly against him.

O – O – O – O – O – O

Jasmine sighed quietly as she slowly opened her eyes. It took her a moment to remember where she was. Bifur was already awake dressing himself near the fireplace. She sat up, pulling the covers around her.

"Good morning, my love."

He looked at Jasmine and smiled. Walking over, he kissed her.

"Is it time for us to go?"

Nodding, he placed her clothes on the bed. As he went back to finish his own preparations, she slid from the bed picking up her underwear slipping them on. As she put on her remaining clothes, a strange shiver coursed through her. She paused taking a quick breath before placing a hand over her heart. Something felt off, but she couldn't decide what. Shaking her head to clear it, she decided perhaps she was just feeling nervous for what was coming.

Realizing there was one more thing that needed to be done before they left the room, she turned to Bifur. "I have something for you."

Curious, he came over to her.

Pulling the courting bead from her bag, she said, "I have a courting bead for your beard. May I put it on you?"

He nodded.

She quickly created the braid and attached the bead to it. "I hope you like it."

Taking her into his arms, he smiled, kissing her deeply.

Making sure all the candles were extinguished and the fire was out, Jasmine and Bifur went to join the Company.

O – O – O – O – O – O

"You do know we're one short. Where's Bofur?" asked Bilbo.

Determined to keep going, Thorin replied, "If he's not here, we leave him behind."

Walking behind, him Balin said, "We'll have to. If we're to find the door before nightfall, we can risk no more delays."

Bifur walked quickly toward the small boat the Dwarves were taking across the lake. Holding tightly to his hand Jasmine followed, but couldn't stop the shiver she had felt earlier. She knew this was where her journey with the Company was ending. Bifur – through his cousin – had said under no circumstances could she come to Erebor. And while she knew this decision was for the best, it still bothered her. She was terrified for him.

Before stepping onto the boat, Bifur took Jasmine into his arms and kissed her deeply. She couldn't keep the tears from welling up in her eyes. "You're gonna come back to me, right?" she whispered

He nodded. Putting his forehead against hers, he whispered back, 'Amrâlimê.'

He stepped onto the boat holding her hand as long as he could before he had to let go.

As each of the Dwarves stepped onto the boat, Thorin put up his hand and stopped Kili. "Not you. We must travel at speed. You will slow us down."

Kili was obviously not well, but still stared back at his uncle, not happy with his statement. "What are you talking about? I'm coming with you."

As Thorin handed weapons to the others already aboard, he answered, "Not now."

Kili scrunched up his face. "I'm going to be there when that door is opened. When we first look upon the Halls of our Fathers, Thorin…"

Thorn touched his nephew's shoulder saying, "Kili, stay here. Rest. Join us when you're healed."

Realizing he would not change his mind, the young Dwarf backed away from the boat.

'Oin having listened to the conversation got off the boat and went after him. "I'll stay with the lad. My duty lies with the wounded."

Jasmine also went over to him, hoping she could be of some assistance.

Fili approached Thorin, upset with the turn of events. "Uncle…we grew up on tales of the mountain. Tales you told us. You cannot take that away from him."

Kili, hearing his brother tried to tell him it was alright. "Fili!"

But Fili was not to be deterred. "I will carry him if I must!"

Thorin spoke to his older nephew. "One day you will be king and you will understand. I cannot risk the fate of this quest for the sake of one Dwarf. Not even my own kin."

Kili struggled with 'Oin, still upset he was being left behind.

Fili watched from the boat, angry with what was happening. He suddenly made a decision and got off the boat.

Thorin grabbed his nephew's arm. "Fili, don't be a fool. You belong with the Company."

Angrily, Fili pushed back. "I belong with my brother."

The Master stood up on a platform above the Dwarves and the assembled crowd, his musicians playing a short tune before he spoke.

"Go now with our goodwill and good wishes. And may your return bring good fortune to all."

The crowd cheered wildly.

Jasmine walked forward to watch as the boat pulled away from the dock. She couldn't stop a few tears from rolling down her face.

Bifur turned and gave one last look at Jasmine.

Somewhere in the crowd a voice could be heard. "Out of the way! No! No!"

Bofur burst from the gathered people, realizing he had missed the boat. Turning he spied 'Oin, Fili, Kili and Jasmine. "Ha. So you missed the boat as well?"

Kili's face turned an awful shade of grey as he collapsed against his brother. "Kili? Kili!" He groaned in extreme pain.

Both Fili, 'Oin and Jasmine all grabbed the young Dwarf before he toppled over.

O – O – O – O

The Master and Alfrid were walking up the stairs to his house when a voice called out.

"Please wait." Fili and Bofur came up to them with Kili supported between them. 'Oin and Jasmine followed closely. "Please, we need your help. My brother is sick."

The Master took a step back putting a cloth to his face. "Sick? Is it infectious? Get back!" He flapped the cloth at them shouting, "Alfrid, Alfrid, don't let them come any closer."

'Oin stepped forward, "Please…we need medicine."

Alfrid gave all of them an incredulous glare. "Do I look like an apothecary? Haven't we given you enough? The Master's a busy man. He hasn't got time to worry about sick Dwarves." Sneering at them, he added, "Be gone with you. Go on. Clear off."

With that, both the Master and Alfrid turned their backs and continued up the stairs. The guards came forward and shoved the Dwarves and Jasmine away from them.

As they carried Kili, Jasmine said, "We need to take Kili to Bard's house. I think he will help us."

O – O – O – O

Bofur knocked hard on Bard's door.

When he opened it and saw who was standing there, he was angry. 'Rightfully so,' thought Jasmine, but she hoped his true kindness would override any bad feelings he might harbor for the Dwarves.

"No, I'm done with Dwarves. Go away." He tried to close his door, but Bofur was persistent.

"No! No! Please! No one will help us. Kili's sick. He's very sick."

Bard saw the young Dwarf's face and could tell he spoke the truth. He was very ill. Taking a deep breath, he held the door and let them all inside…not sure how he would be able to help.

Jasmine was the last one to enter, but she turned briefly gazing across the lake toward the mountain. Her heart pounded in her chest as she whispered, "Please bring him back to me."