Disclaimer: Not mine

People are saying Harry's presence hasn't changed anything…hello, Saruman is dead! That is a massive change. Plus, Kili and Tauriel got more time while he was wounded before she left with Legolas, before the dragon attacked. Yeah, Harry didn't defeat Smaug, he is limited in what he can do magically by the Valar, it's why big magic wears him out quicker plus he was coming straight from another major fight, so poor tired guy did his best. No barrel ride down the river, etc. so yes, his presence has changed things.

Chapter 13

Tilda gripped the small stone tightly as their boat pulled ashore. Sigrid got out and then lifted her out and Tilda's free hand gripped her sister's skirt tightly even as she looked around desperately for sight of Da or Bain. She hadn't lost the engraved stone Thorin had given her! She'd seen him carving it at the inn and he had told her the runes were for protection. She'd been surprised when he'd given it to her but she would keep it forever. Now all they had to do was find Da and Bain, they had to be alright!

"Fili?" Sigrid called as she saw the two dwarves working to get the boat turned and back in the water.

"I'm sorry Sigrid, but we have to go. We have to find them." He glanced to the mountain and she nodded in understanding.

"Wait!" She disentangled Tilda and then walked back to the water. She threw her arms around a surprised Fili, ignoring the sniggering of Kili from where he sat in the boat. "Be safe." She whispered in his ear, her lips brushing his cheek before she turned and returned to Tilda, the two disappearing amongst the survivors as they yelled for their Father and brother.

Fili touched his cheek before smiling slightly and jumping back in the boat. "Not one-word little brother." He warned as they began paddling across the lake.

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Thorin approached the Treasury only to be knocked back as the entrance shimmered. He got up and reached out, touching the shield and scowling as it refused to let him through. "WIZARD!"

"No need to shout Thorin." Hari walked towards him from the direction of the guard room the company had claimed as living quarters due to its closeness to the broken gates.

"What is the meaning of this?" He demanded angrily, that was dwarven treasure, how dare this wizard block him from it.

"Simple really," He leant on his staff, watching Thorin closely. He felt much better after several hours sleep as well as some food. "A dragon has sat on that treasure for many years. No one shall go near it until I, and hopefully Gandalf, have had the chance to ensure it is not enchanted or cursed in any manner. Would you risk falling to the same curse as your Grandfather did?" or had he already begun the slide into gold sickness and madness?

That brought Thorin up short. God sickness…. his hands balled into fists as he struggled with the good sense of the wizards' words and his need to see the treasure. He was spared any action as a shout went up from the gates. They both hurried out and Thorin stopped at the sight of his heirs, Kili leaning on his brother as they walked into the halls of their ancestors. They had survived the dragon!

"Uncle!" Kili cried in relief, moving as quickly as he could to Thorin who embraced him and then Fili.

"My sister-sons." He whispered in utter relief. The two younger dwarves clung to him, they had feared all within the mountain dead when the dragon had come for the town. Thorin lead them into the guard room and they settled Kili in where he fell asleep immediately. Hari and Oin both moved to check the youngest Prince over and Fili relaxed when they both nodded, he was healing well and the trip had not caused any harm.

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"I need that horse." Gandalf called out and the soldier immediately began resaddling it.

"What? Gandalf, where are you going?" Radagast asked, concerned. The elven armies were tending their wounded and recovering the dead. Elrond's men would return over the mountains, not wanting to get snowed in and have to rely on Thranduil for shelter. Elrond knew Thranduil partially blamed him for his wife's death despite the fact he had done all he could to save the Queen.

"To warn Erebor. They have no idea what is coming. I saw them... ...with my own eyes, rank upon rank of Moria Orcs. You must summon our friends, bird and beast. The battle for the Mountain is about to begin." Gandalf answered the other wizard even as he mounted the horse.

"But…."

"Elros!" Gandalf called and the elf appeared from the Mirkwood contingent, hair tangled and his tunic torn but he was among the walking wounded. "Send word to your King, war marches upon the Mountain. The orcs must be stopped." Elros nodded and turned to get his men moving while Gandalf urged his horse to a gallop.

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Bilbo watched as Thorin paced outside the Treasury, reminded of a hungry wolf as he moved and it scared him. Was this because of the Arkenstone? The dragon? He'd been so normal when the boys had returned but he was very concerned over how he kept returning to the gold, unable to enter thanks to Hari. The others were working to secure the gates, closing everyone out, but also locking them in.

"Dragon-sickness." A voice called softly, making Bilbo jump but he looked at Balin who was watching his King sadly. "I've seen it before. That look. The terrible need. It is a fierce and jealous love, Bilbo. It sent his grandfather mad." He admitted softly.

Balin, if Thorin had access to the gold would it help?"

"Would it stay his madness? No, laddie. I fear it would make him worse. Perhaps it is best none but the wizard may enter." He clasped Bilbo's shoulder, offering what comfort he could. He had lost one King to this madness, was he doomed to lose another?

Inside the Treasury, Hari moved slowly and methodically amongst the mountains of gold and gems. Death and destruction he was good at, cleansing things, not so much. But he was the only one available to do the work so he would do all he could. As he worked he also sorted the treasure to make things easier on whichever dwarf eventually had to deal with it all. He looked at something shining nearby and lifted the delicate necklace, loose stones around it and sighed, conjuring a velvet lined box to move the items to, perhaps returning these to Thranduil could help bring the dwarves and elves a bit closer. The Elven jewels were the only ones untainted by the dragons' presence.

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Bilbo played absently with the small acorn as he watched the heavy stone being moved into place. This was work he couldn't help with, he simply wasn't strong enough. So he contented himself with ensuring they had food and water when needed. But their stores would need replenishing soon, there was nothing left to eat within the mountain other than the food they had brought.

"What is that? In your hand." Thorin asked and Bilbo jumped at his sudden approach, nearly dropping his acorn.

"It's nothing."

"Show me." Thorin demanded and Bilbo held his hand out, revealing the acorn.

"I picked it up in Beorn's garden." He admitted and saw Thorin's eyes go wide in surprise.

"You've carried it all this way?" it was amazing he hadn't lost it in the forest.

"I'm gonna plant it in my garden. In Bag End." He smiled at Thorin who frowned.

"It's a poor prize to take back to the Shire."

Bilbo shrugged. "One day, it'll grow. And every time I look at it, I'll remember. Remember everything that happened, the good, the bad... ...and how lucky I am that I made it home. Thorin, I..."

"Thorin." Dwalin called from the upper walkway. "Survivors from Lake-town...they're streaming into Dale. There's hundreds of them." He yelled down as he watched the streams of people.

"Call everyone to the gate." Thorin called back and Dwalin cupped his hands around his mouth.

"To the gate! Now!" the Dwarf bellowed.

Hari heard the call from the Treasury and sighed, he was never going to get through it all if they didn't stop interrupting him. The stench of dragon was quite sickening though, so he was glad for a bit of fresh air.

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"Good morning, Alfrid. What news from the night watch?" Bard asked as he approached the snivelling man. He detested him but they needed everyone who had survived, he would just make sure to keep him too busy to get in the way.

"All quiet, sire. Not much to report. Nothing gets past me." Alfrid stated as they turned to look out over the outer courtyard towards the lake and they stared in shock.

"Except an army of Elves, it would seem." Bard took a deep breath and headed down, starting as the soldiers snapped to attention and then turned to create a path between their ranks. He walked down it and then bowed to the elf seated upon a majestic Elk. "My Lord Thranduil, we did not look to see you here." He greeted cautiously.

"I heard you needed aid." He waved his hand and several carts moved into view, revealing food.

"You have saved us. I do not know how to thank you."

"Your gratitude is misplaced. I did not come on your behalf. I came to reclaim something of mine. There are gems in the Mountain that I, too, desire. White gems of pure starlight. The White Gems of Lasgalen." Thranduil answered. Oh he had received Mithrandir's message but he did not believe it. The Wizard just wanted to keep the mountain secure. He was done allowing them to command him. He was King!

"Wait! Please wait! You would go to war over a handful of gems?" bard demanded, running to keep up with his elk.

"The heirlooms of my people are not lightly forsaken."

"We are allies in this. My people also have a claim upon the riches in that Mountain. Let me speak with Thorin."

"You would try to reason with the Dwarf?"

"To avoid war? Yes." Bard stated firmly, he would try everything to avert war, his people were not ready for such a thing, they were too tired and had too many young and wounded. At Thranduil's signal a horse was brought and bard mounted, he'd ridden before but not in several years so it took a bit to get used to the movement of the animal beneath him as they rode across the bridge and down the still paved road towards the Mountain. They drew their mounts to a stop on their side of the bridge into the Mountain, finding the destroyed gates replaced by well stacked rubble. He dismounted and approached on foot. "Hail, Thorin, son of Thrain. We are glad to find you alive beyond hope." He called out in greeting.

"Why do you come to the gates of the King under the Mountain armed for war?" Thorin yelled back.

"Why does the King under the Mountain fence himself in like a robber in his hold?" Bard fought the urge to sigh, what was it with the longer lived people's?

"Perhaps it is because I am expecting to be robbed."

"My lord we have not come to rob you but to seek fair settlement. Will you not speak with me?" he yelled and Thorin vanished form the walkway. Bard moved closer and saw him through a gap in the wall.

"I am listening."

"On behalf of the people of Lake-town I ask that you honour your pledge. A share of the treasure so that they might rebuild their lives."

"I will not treat with any man while an armed host lies before my door."

"That armed host will attack this Mountain if we do not come to terms." Bard answered, this was not the dwarf he remembered form the inn, the one who had talked and even played with Tilda.

"And your threats do not sway me."

"What of your conscience? Does it not tell you our cause is just? My people offered you help. And in return, you brought upon them only ruin and death. My children are huddled within a ruin with little food and winter swiftly approaching. You gave Tilda runes of protection yet now you will not aide them?" he made the request more personal, hoping his fondness for the children would help.

"When did Lake-town come to our aid but for the promise of rich reward?" Thorin growled after a hesitation and that gave Bard some hope.

"A bargain was struck!"

"A bargain? What choice did we have but to barter our birthright for blankets and food? To ransom our future in exchange for our freedom? You call that a fair trade? Tell me Bard the Dragon-Slayer why should I honour such terms?"

"Because you gave us your word. Does that mean nothing?"

"Be gone! Ere our arrows... ...fly!" Thorin warned.

"Enough!" Hari snapped as he approached the gates. "A bargain was struck Thorin and you will keep your word. But it is not possible for any to have the gold, not yet. I see King Thranduil with you Bard. He can tell you of the affect a dragon has on its hoard. Nothing will leave the Treasury until I am sure it is cleansed of Smaug's influence." He then tossed the box through and Bard caught it easily. "To ease Thranduil's temper." He smirked slightly. "Coin will do no one any good for there is no one close enough to trade with before winter closes in except Mirkwood and the Iron Hills. Antagonising each other will help no one."

"This is not your business Wizard." Thorin snapped.

"What are you doing? You cannot go to war." Bilbo butted in as he joined them.

"This does not concern you."

"Excuse me but in case you haven't noticed, there is an army of Elves out there. Not to mention several hundred angry fishermen. We are, in fact, outnumbered. And Hari is right, none of us have enough supplies. Please Thorin, we need to help each other."

"You should never underestimate Dwarves. We have reclaimed Erebor. Now we defend it." Thorin stated proudly. None of the other dwarves spoke, not even the young Princes, no one sure what to say with Thorin in such a mood.

"Bard?"

"Yes Master Baggins."

"Your people will be given gold."

"How dare you…"

"I signed a contract Thorin, one fourteenth of the treasure. I can do as I wish with it and I wish to give it to the survivors of Lake Town." He stated firmly, head high and Hari smiled softly in pride.

"We are honoured by your generosity Master Baggins and will accept such a gift gladly." Bard bowed his head to the hobbit who flushed in embarrassment.

"Problem solved. Once the gold is safe I will ensure you receive it."

"My thanks." Bard turned and walked back to where Thranduil waited.

"Well?"

"He will give us nothing."

"Such a pity. Still, you tried." Thranduil was not really concerned, he would take the mountain and his peoples treasure.

"I do not understand. Why? Why would he risk war?" Bard shook his head even as he mounted the horse and then tossed the box to the King who caught it. "From the Wizard."

Thranduil opened the box and stared in shock, the gems…. perhaps the Red Wizard at least had honour.

"That is what you came for, isn't it?" Bard asked as they rode back to the ruin of Dale. "Master Baggins has offered us his share of the treasure and Hari has returned your gems, there is no reason for war now."

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"Gundabad." Legolas whispered as they huddled close to the rock, staring up at the massive fortress.

"What lies beyond?" Tauriel asked as she searched for any threats.

"An old enemy. The ancient kingdom of Angmar. This fortress was once its stronghold. It is where they kept their great armouries. Forged their weapons of war." He explained and then Tauriel pointed.

"A light. I saw movement."

"We wait for the cover of night. It is a fell place, Tauriel. In another age, our people waged war on those lands. My grandmother died there. My father does not speak of it. There is no grave. No memory. Nothing." He whispered, he knew so little of his own family. He had never known his grandparents or mother and his Father never spoke of them. He felt Tauriel squeeze his hand in sympathy, she too knew little of her family.

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Gandalf road into the ruins of Dale to find the survivors of Laketown attempting to make the town liveable. He dismounted and looked around for any sign of a leader.

"No! Oi! You! Pointy hat! Yes. You. We don't want no tramps, beggars nor vagabonds here. We got enough trouble without the likes of you. Off you go. On your horse." Alfrid yelled as he saw the grey clad man dismount.

"Who's in charge here?" the Wizard demanded, where was Thranduil? It had been long enough that an advance party should have already arrived.

"Who is asking?" Alfrid demanded and Gandalf pushed him aside to enter the remains of the building behind.

He found a dark haired man, armed with a bow and sword as well as four children. "Are you in charge?"

"Aye, who are you?"

"I am Gandalf the Grey."

"Another wizard!" Tilda grinned and Gandalf smiled at the child.

"Yes. Have the elves arrived yet?"

"Arrived? Thranduil accepted his jewels and returned to the forest."

"What? That fool!" he hissed. "The dwarves?"

"Thorin is locked within the mountain, he is…changed from when we met in the town."

"And Hari?"

"With them, he was the one to give Thranduil his jewels while the hobbit has promised to fulfil Thorin's promise of gold. What is going on?"

"War is coming! The cesspits of Dol Guldur have been emptied. You're all in mortal danger. The elven armies have thinned the army some but we were more focused on a more dangerous foe."

Bard paled, they would be no match for such an army. "Can they not aide us?"

"By now Elrond and his men will be almost back to Rivendell. I sent Elros with a message to Thranduil but obviously he has chosen to ignore it. Those of the Golden Wood are now too few to be of much aide. Armies of Orcs are on the move. These are fighters, they have been bred for war. Our enemy has summoned his full strength."

"Why show his hand now?" And who was this 'enemy'?

"Because we forced him. We forced him when the Company of Thorin set out to reclaim their homeland. The Dwarves were never meant to reach Erebor. Azog the Defiler was sent to kill them. His master seeks control of the Mountain. Not just for the treasure within but for where it lies, its strategic position. This is the gateway to reclaiming the lands of Angmar in the North. If that fell kingdom should rise again Rivendell, Lorien, the Shire, even Gondor itself, will fall."

Tilda burrowed into Sigrid's arms at the Wizards words even as Bain paled and moved closer to his sisters, protectively. Bard looked at his children and then Gandalf. "What would you have us do? We are too few to face an army such as that. And we have too many women and children, not to mention wounded. They would be slaughtered.

"I will speak with Hari and then Thorin, we shall find shelter for the women and children within the Mountain." He promised. "Prepare the men for war." He left to see how things were within the mountain.

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"You should be inside. Out of the wind."

Bilbo jumped as Bofur walked out of the shadows and managed a small smile for him. "No, I... needed some air. Place still stinks of dragon."

Bofur nodded. "These are dark days. Dark days indeed. Hmm. No one could blame a soul for wishing themselves elsewhere." He whispered, he would miss the hobbit but he could not blame him for wanting to leave, not with how Thorin was acting. "Must be nearing midnight. Bombur's got the next watch. It'll take a bit to wake him." he moved away.

"Bofur?" Bilbo called after him and Bofur looked back. "I will see you in the morning."

"Goodbye, Bilbo." He doubted he'd see the hobbit again.

Bilbo leant over to look out only to grin as he saw familiar grey. "Gandalf!"

"Hello Bilbo, may I enter?"

"Please." He threw down some rope and the wizard climbed the wall to embrace the hobbit. "It is good to see you again Gandalf."

"As it is good to see you Bilbo. Where is Hari?"

"The Treasury. He's sealed it with magic to keep us out, said he's cleansing the treasure."

"Ah, that is good to hear. I fear he will not like the news I bring. I am sorry Bilbo, I never meant for you to be in such danger."

"Danger? But the elves left and the men will get their gold."

"I do not speak of them but of an army of orcs, led by Azog himself."

"Oh."

"I will speak with Hari of getting you to safety."

"No." Bilbo stated firmly and Gandalf stopped walking to look at him. "I won't run away Gandalf, they are my friends and I won't abandon them."

"As you will." He knocked on the barrier and it dropped long enough for him to enter.

Bilbo went back to where they had been sleeping but stopped as he saw light and movement in another room. He looked in to find it was an armoury and the dwarves were trying on armour.

"Master Baggins, come here." Thorin called when he spotted the hobbit watching them. "You're going to need this." He held up a mail shirt. "Put it on." He urged and Bilbo jheistated before pulling off his coat and vest to slip the mail on over his shirt. Thorin helped tug it into place. "This vest is made of silver steel. Mithril it was called by my forebears. No blade can pierce it." He smiled as he saw it fit Bilbo well.

"I look absurd. I'm not a warrior, I'm a Hobbit." He grumbled even as Thorin re-settled Sting over the mail.

"It is a gift. A token of our friendship. True friends are hard to come by." Thorin answered and Bilbo looked up at him, seeing that for now at least he was sane. So he nodded and put his coat back on, hiding the mail shirt from view.

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"Ironfoot." Dwalin called and they all raced to the walkway.

"Hey, Thorin!" Dain called from his war ram.

"Ironfoot has come!" Gloin called happily.

"Who is that? He doesn't look very happy." Bilbo whispered as he joined the two wizards.

"It is Dain, Lord of the Iron Hills. Thorin's cousin." Hari answered, at least now they had an army to fight the coming orcs with, though it was not going to be large enough, even with the Laketown men aiding them.

"Are they alike?" Bilbo asked and Gandalf snorted.

"I've always found Thorin the more reasonable of the two." He admitted, compared to his cousin Thorin was a very easy dwarf to deal with. Things were becoming more and more complicated by the hour.

TBC…