A/N: Wow. My little tale has gotten over 5000 views. I'm truly blown away and I can't thank y'all enough for your continued support. This chapter is a tad shorter but I'm fighting a bad cold or something and can't sit at my desk for too long. I hope you still like it.

Beth D: Thank you for your constant words of praise and encouragement! They mean the world coming from you!

ro781727: Thank you for your continued help finding my spelling mistakes and your suggestions! And yes, she'll be getting the sword back!

Just4Me: I try hard to create conversations that I can really see the different characters saying. I don't want my story to merely be a regurgitation of the story word for word; I want to put something that works in there. Thank you for your continued support and reviews!

MyPetalHeart: Thank you! I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

Sigh...as always...all the credit goes to Tolkien, PJ, and the actors that brought these characters to life on screen (because I picture each of them as I write this).

Rhae almost whimpered in relief when she felt the water begin to calm and slow. She was amazed she hadn't gotten sick yet.

"Anything behind us?" she heard Thorin call.

Balin's voice answered from nearby. "Not that I can see."

"I think we've outrun the orcs."

"Not for long," Thorin huffed in response to Bofur. "We've lost the current. Make for the shore. Come on, let's go!" Rhae slowly came to her feet and attempted to paddle to the shore with the others. It was a pretty feeble effort but she eventually felt the wooden bottom scrape along the sand. Getting out was another story; she just didn't have the strength.

"Let me help you, lass." Dwalin's strong hands reached under her arms and lifted her free, placing her gently on the ground. "You're looking a bit green," he said with a smirk. She couldn't do anything but nod in response. He helped her to a spot next to Thorin and she sank gratefully to the ground. It still felt like she was spinning in that cursed barrel. She closed her eyes in relief, resting her head on her knees. That was not something she wanted to ever repeat. It felt like every bit of energy had been drained from her body; she didn't know how she was going to get her legs moving again.

"Kíli's wounded. His leg needs binding." Fíli's voice brought her head up and she found where the brothers were seated closer to the river, worry clear on his face as he looked up at their uncle. Somehow she came to her feet, dragging herself over to where the princes were surrounded by several members of the company. Kíli was gripping his thigh, the leg of his trousers soaked with blood, his face pale and tense with pain, despite his words to the contrary. Looking closer she saw what remained of an orc arrow lodged in the skin.

"There's an orc pack on our tail; we keep moving," Thorin told them.

Balin looked at him incredulously. "To where?"

"To the mountain, we're so close," Bilbo answered hopefully.

"A lake lies between us and that mountain," the elderly dwarf said despondently. "We have no way to cross it."

The hobbit persisted. "So then we go around."

Dwalin shook his head, crossing his arms across his chest. "The orcs will run us down sure as daylight. We have no weapons to defend ourselves."

Thorin glanced down at his nephew for another moment. "Bind his leg quickly. You have two minutes." Rhae watched him walk away, uncertainty crossing her features. Dwalin and Balin were right so just where exactly was he planning on leading them? She stayed by Kíli as Oín cleaned the wound as best he could and rebound it. They needed to find somewhere safe so the point could be removed and the wound properly cleaned; there was no telling what filth was on that arrow. A sudden cry of alarm from the other dwarves had her jumping to her feet. There was a man standing above them on the rocks, an arrow pointed at Ori. Dwalin stepped between them, a branch in his hand and the arrow landed in the wood between the dwarf's hands. Somehow Kíli got to his feet, raising a rock to throw but the man shot it out of his hand.

"Do it again and you're dead."

Everyone froze where they stood, staring at the dark haired man.

"Excuse me, but you're from Lake-Town if I'm not mistaken?" Balin asked, stepping forward cautiously with his hands held up so the man could see he meant no harm. "That barge over there, it wouldn't be available for hire by any chance?" The man lowered his bow but continued to eye the dwarves in silence. He finally hopped down from the rock he was on, heading for the water's edge. The company followed him. Thorin wrapped an arm around Rhae's waist as he noticed her staggering along.

"What makes you think I will help you?"

"Those boots have seen better days," Balin observed. The man shot him a hard stare before beginning to load the empty barrels onto his barge. "As has that coat. No doubt you have some hungry mouths to feed. How many bairns?"

A pause. "A boy and two girls."

"And your wife, I imagine she is a beauty."

The man's face fell slightly at Balin's words. "Aye, she was."

Balin cringed at his slip up. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to -"

"Oh come on, come on, enough with the niceties," Rhae heard Dwalin whisper to Thorin. She shot him a quick glare. Unfortunately the bargeman had heard him as well.

"What's your hurry?"

"What's it to you?"

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

Balin gave his brother a look before speaking. "We're just simple merchants from the Blue Mountains journeying to see our kin in the Iron Hills."

"Simple merchants, you say?" It was obvious the man didn't believe them.

"We'll need food, supplies, weapons. Can you help us?" Thorin asked, taking a step forward, bringing Rhae with him. The man continued loading the barrels, examining the various nicks and cuts that peppered their surfaces.

"I know where these barrels came from."

"What of it?" Rhae squeezed Thorin's hand, imploring him to watch his tone. This bargeman was their only hope.

"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 leave of the Master. All his wealth comes from trade with the Woodland Realm. He will see you in irons before risking the wrath of King Thranduil." With those words he hopped onto his barge and tossed a rope to Balin.

"Offer him more," Thorin whispered urgently to the elderly dwarf.

"I'll wager there are ways to enter that town unseen."

"Aye, but for that you'll need a smuggler."

Balin took another step forward. "For which we will pay double."

The man eyed the motley group in front of him. He was tempted to leave them, not interested in involving himself in the trouble they would probably bring, but the offer of extra money swayed him. It would make the coming long winter a bit easier to bare if they had a way to buy food. The female also looked like she was about to collapse. Despite the pale skin and being supported by the black haired dwarf, there was still fire in her eyes that reminded him of his wife; he knew what she would've expected of him. He sighed in resignation and motioned to them to hurry.

Rhae sagged against Thorin in relief as he helped her onto the barge. She knew they would never have outrun the orcs. There was a low bench at the back and he lowered her onto it.

"Are you alright?" The paleness of her face worried him.

"I'm just cold and still reeling from that barrel ride. I'll be okay." He squatted in front of her, taking her hands between his own, and began rubbing, trying to bring some warmth back into them. She pressed her forehead against his, closing her eyes with a smile. If someone had told her a year ago that she'd be accepting and enjoying the tender care of Thorin Oakenshield she'd have laughed. Once the barge was gliding through the water, Thorin moved to the front to stand with Dwalin and Balin, leaving Rhae on the bench with Bilbo.

"Thank you for your assistance, Master Bargeman," she whispered, no strength in her voice.

"You're welcome, my lady."

Bilbo snickered a bit and she smiled. "I'm only Stryker. I'm no lady."

"And I am Bard." He gestured towards her cloak, having recognized the clasp. "You are a Ranger?"

"Aye."

"Do Rangers commonly travel this far east with dwarves?"

She frowned at him. "Rangers go wherever they are needed. I have been this way before. This time I am accompanying my husband and his kin to the Iron Hills." It was Bard's turn to frown. He'd never heard of a dwarf marrying someone not of their race. For a moment he doubted the woman's words but then recalled how the dark haired dwarf had supported her and tried to warm her hands. He shrugged slightly to himself; as long as they paid him he really didn't care where they were going.

Rhae gripped her cloak closer around her body and made her way to where the dwarves were gathered. The cold air around them spoke more of winter than autumn. There was ice on the lake as well. She hoped they would make it to the mountain before the weather turned on them. Durin's Day was closing in; they were slowly running out of time.

"Watch out!" Bofur's voice rang out. She looked up to see large stone formations appearing out of the fog. Bard never flinched, expertly poling the barge between the rocks. Studying them for a moment she realized they weren't natural rock - they were the remains of Esgorath. She watched them in amazement as they passed by; she'd had no idea any of the ancient city remained.

Thorin turned in anger. "What are you trying to do, drown us?"

Bard smirked. "I was born and bred on these waters, Master Dwarf. If I wanted to drown you I wouldn't do it here."

Dwalin growled deep in his throat. "Oh I've had enough of this lippy lakeman. I say we throw him over the side and be done with him." Rhae rolled her eyes.

"And just how do you plan on getting into the town without him," she hissed.

"Bard, his name is Bard," Bilbo said in a huff, his arms wrapped around his chest in an attempt to get warm.

"How do you know?"

"Uh, he told us," the hobbit relied, aggravation clear in his tone.

"I don't care what he calls himself, I don't like him," Dwalin huffed, arms crossed.

"We do not have to like him, we simply have to pay him," Balin answered his brother. "Come on now lads, turn out your pockets."

"How do we know he won't betray us?" Dwalin whispered to Thorin.

"We don't."

Rhae shook her head at them. "He gains nothing by turning us in." The burly dwarf looked at her skeptically.

Balin's voice interrupted them. "There's just a slight problem: we're ten coins short."

"Gloin, come on. Give us what you have," Thorin said without hesitation, a small smile on his face.

"Don't look to me!" the red haired dwarf cried in fake indignation. "I have been bled dry by this venture. And what have I seen for my investment? Naught but misery and grief and -"

No one was listening. Rhae had noticed the dwarves' attention was caught by something behind her and turning she saw the Lonely Mountain appear through the thinning fog. It was a magnificent sight. She stepped next to Thorin, taking his hand. He looked down at her, awe still clear in his eyes. She couldn't imagine what he was feeling at the moment.

Finally realizing no one was listening Gloin looked up and stared, coming quickly to his feet. "Bless my beard. Take it. Take all of it," he said hurriedly, tossing a pouch at Balin. Bilbo coughed and made a quick gesture to them to be quiet.

"The money, quick, give it to me," Bard urged, coming to their end of the barge.

Thorin shook his head. "We'll pay you when we get our provisions, but not before."

"If you value your freedom you'll do as I say. There are guards ahead." Rhae nudged Thorin who reluctantly nodded at Balin. "Quickly, get back in the barrels," Bard told them. The dwarves groaned and complained.

"Just do it!" Rhae snapped. She was wet and freezing and just wanted to go to sleep. The dwarves' propensity for arguing over absolutely everything had finally gotten to her. Her tone worked though and they all clambered back in the barrels.

"Come sit here," Bard told her, taking her arm as she started to get into one as well. "Your presence can be easily explained and won't raise as many questions. Just go along with whatever I say." She did as he asked without comment. Not that she would have argued with him over this in the first place but she just didn't have the energy to do anything at this point.

Rhae was still chuckling to herself as Bard poled the barge away from the dock and towards the city gates. She could hear some of the company grumbling in their now fish filled barrels. Bard kicked the one closest to him.

"Quiet! We're approaching the toll gate."

"Halt! Goods inspection, papers please. Oh, its you, Bard." The gatekeeper gave him a weak smile.

"Morning, Percy."

"Anything to declare?"

"Nothing but that I am cold and tired and ready for home." He handed the man some papers.

"You and me both." The gatekeeper stepped back into his house to stamp the papers, returning quickly and handed them back to Bard. "Here we are. All is in order."

"Not so fast," a slimy looking man called, appearing out of nowhere, taking Bard's papers. He glanced over them, though Rhae doubted he actually read anything. "Consignment of empty barrels from the Woodland Realm. Only they're not empty, are they Bard?" He tossed the papers aside and advanced towards the bargeman, a few of Lake-Town's soldiers behind him. "If I recall correctly you're licensed as a bargeman, not a fisherman."

"That's none of your business."

"Wrong. It's the Master's business which makes it my business."

"Oh come on, Alfrid. Have a heart. People need to eat."

"These fish are illegal." Rhae glared at him from under the hood of her cloak. If this nasty little man was any indication of the Master of Lake-Town she sincerely hoped they wouldn't have any dealings with him. Alfrid seemed to notice the figure seated on the bench at the back of the barge. "And who is this?"

"I found her by the river. She had nothing with her and merely asked to come across the lake."

Alfrid frowned as he studied her. She pushed her hood off with an annoyed sigh and stared at the greasy man with a blank face, opening her cloak to show him that she had no weapons. He stood there for a moment longer before turning back to his soldiers.

"Empty the barrels over the side."

Rhae felt panic bubbling up inside as the soldiers stepped to the first barrel and started to tip it over the side.

"Folk in this town are struggling. Times are hard. Food is scarce," Bard said, turning to the man, his voice calm.

"That's not my problem."

Bard took a step closer. "And when people hear the Master is dumping fish back in the lake, when the rioting starts, will it be your problem then?" Alfrid stared up at Bard, loathing clear on his face.

"Stop," he commanded, throwing a hand up. The soldiers seemed a bit relieved and quickly hopped off the barge. "Ever the people's champion, eh Bard? Protector of the common folk? You might have their favor now, bargeman, but it won't last." He sent Bard a last look and hurried off down the docks.

"Raise the gate," the gatekeeper ordered. Rhae wouldn't allow herself to relax even as the portcullis raised and Bard poled the barge into the channel.

"The Master has his eye on you, you'd do well to remember. We know where you live." Alfrid's slimy voice called from one side. Rhae wished she had her bow and one arrow.

Bard didn't even turn. "It's a small town, Alfrid. Everyone knows where everyone lives."

Finally allowing herself to sigh in relief she looked up at Bard. "Pleasant chap, isn't he?"

"A paragon of kindness." She laughed, glad to see there was a bit of lightheartedness in their bargeman. It wasn't long before Bard docked the barge. He helped Rhae off before going down the line of barrels, knocking each one over, dwarves and fish spilling all over the deck. The dock keeper looked on in shock. She supposed it wasn't everyday he watched thirteen dwarves and a hobbit pour out of barrels full of fish. Bard flipped a coin to the man.

"You didn't see them, they were never here. The fish you can have for nothing." He turned to the company. "Follow me."

"What is this place?" Bilbo asked, trying to take in as much as possible as they hurried along.

"This, Master Baggins, is the world of Men," Thorin told him in a low voice. Rhae saw the look of repulsion on the hobbit's face. It certainly wasn't a very impressive sight, she mused.

"Not all cities of Men are like this," she assured him. "I've stood within Minas Tirith and been awed by its beauty. Don't judge all based on one."

A guard stepped out of nowhere and ordered them to stop. They took off running but were cornered by another guard. The dwarves attacked with anything they could lay their hands on, which happened to be pots and pans. It didn't take long for them to overpower the two and, with the help of some of the townspeople, they hid the guards and themselves under market stalls. Rhae remained by Bard's side. As she had been seen with him on the barge it would seem odd for her to have disappeared. Another guard stepped in front of them. Bard grabbed something off a nearby table as the man looked around.

"Here Braga, your wife would look lovely in this." Rhae noticed what Bard was holding up and her eyes widened in surprise.

"What do you know of my wife?" Braga demanded, swatting the undergarment away.

"I know her as well as any man in this town," Bard said, his voice full of innocence. Braga glared at him and then stormed off. Rhae raised an eyebrow as Bard motioned to the rest of the company. He simply shrugged with a grin. A few minutes later a boy ran up to Bard.

"Da! Our house, its being watched!" He stared at the dwarves behind his father.

Bard pressed his lips together in irritation. He didn't respond for several moments but then turned to Thorin.

"I have a plan. It's not the most pleasant, I know, but it's the only thing I can think of to get you into my house." Thorin glanced at Rhae who nodded weakly at him.

"What do you have in mind?"

After the dwarves and Bilbo slipped into the water Bard lead Rhae the short distance to his home. He opened the door, ushering her inside, and she was greeted with the surprised stares of two girls.

"Da, where have you been?" the younger of the two cried in greeting, hurrying to wrap her arms around him.

"Father, there you are. I was worried," the other said, giving Bard her own hug. She then turned to Rhae, politely saying hello, curiosity clear in her eyes.

"Stryker, at your service," she managed between chattering teeth.

"Here's something to eat," Bard said, tossing his bag to the oldest girl. "Get our guest a blanket, please, Tilda. Bain, get them in." The youngest girl hurried back with a blanket which Rhae took gratefully. She watched as Bain went down some steps to the lowest level of the house. She could hear some conversation and then Dwalin appeared at the top of the stairs, soaking wet and with an expression that could cause rock to crumble. The rest of the company slowly followed.

"Da, why are there dwarves climbing out of our toilet?"

Tilda looked up in excitement. "Will they bring us luck?" Rhae couldn't help but smile at the girl.

"Sigrid, Tilda, help me find blankets and dry clothes for the rest of our guests. Bain, put more wood on the fire." The children obeyed their father without question and soon the dwarves and Bilbo were sitting near the flames wearing borrowed clothes, their wet things spread out to dry, blankets over their shoulders. Sigrid approached Rhae and held something out to her.

"I think these will fit you," she said, giving the strange woman a shy smile.

"Thank you, Sigrid."

"You can change in my room," the girl offered politely. Rhae nodded and followed her up the narrow staircase. She thanked her again before closing the door the girl indicated. It didn't take her long to strip her wet clothes off and pull the dry ones over her head. She stared down at the dark blue woolen dress with a sigh. At least it was warm and dry, she thought as she grabbed her things and headed back down the steps.

Thorin heard her coming and looked up to see her emerge from the stairwell. A gentle smile came over his face and he motioned for her to join him at the window. How was it she kept appearing in the color of his house? He placed a blanket around her, pulling her tight against him. It had been too long since he had been able to feel her next to him; not since Beorn's had they found a moment to be with each other in peace. She rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes in exhaustion.

"Here is something warm for you to drink," he said softly a little while later. She looked up to see Sigrid standing next to them, a steaming mug in her hand.

"Thank you." She took the mug with an appreciative smile. It was hot cider and her sigh of contentment was audible to many in the room. Thorin chuckled slightly, keeping an arm around her. He was glad to see some color coming back into her face. Ever since she had tumbled out of that barrel he had been worried; he'd never seen her so pale or weak. He turned back to the window, finally taking in the town around them. Rhae felt him stiffen in shock.

"A dwarvish wind-lance," he breathed.

Bilbo looked up from his own mug. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"He has," Balin said, coming to stand near the window. "The last time we saw such a weapon a city was on fire. It was the day the dragon came."

Rhae settled more comfortably against Thorin, sensing a story coming on. She had never heard the particulars of what had actually happened when the dwarves lost their home.

Balin sighed. "The day that Smaug destroyed Dale, Girion, the lord of the city, rallied his bowmen to fire on the beast. But a dragon's hide is tough, tougher than the strongest armor. Only a black arrow, fired from a wind-lance could have pierced the dragon's hide, and few of those arrows were ever made." He paused, memories of that day flashing before his eyes. "His store was running low when Girion made his last stand."

"Had the aim of Men been true that day, much would have been different." There was a hint of bitterness in the sadness of Thorin's voice.

Bard approached them. "You speak as if you were there."

"All dwarves know the tale."

Bain stepped up next to 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."

"That's a fairy story, lad, nothing more," Dwalin replied quietly. There was no derision in his voice for once, just regret. Thorin finally released Rhae and went up to Bard.

"You took our money. Where are the weapons?"

"Wait here." The man disappeared down the stairs they had come up earlier. Thorin found Rhae a place to sit, wrapping the blanket around her again. She surveyed the group when he strode over to Balin, her gaze finally landing on Kíli. Even with dry clothes and a warm drink he was still deathly pale. He was grimacing in pain and clutched at his thigh every so often. She would have to get Oin to check him again; their dip in the nasty water under Lake-Town surely did his injury no good. She caught Fíli's eye and saw the concern there.

"Kíli, you should get your leg re-bandaged," she told him, moving to sit next to the brothers.

"No, I'm alright. It's fine."

"Kíli -" his brother started but the younger Durin interrupted him.

"No, I said I'll be fine." He looked up as his uncle and Balin approached.

"The last day of autumn is quickly approaching," Thorin told them.

"We have two weeks. We must reach the mountain before then." Balin's voice was firm.

"And if we do not? If we fail to find the hidden door before that time?"

Fíli answered his brother. "Then this quest has been for nothing."

Bard reappeared with a long, dripping package over his shoulder. The dwarves crowded around the table he dumped it on. Rhae remained where she was. She did not care about weapons at the moment. All she cared about was staying warm and getting some rest. She slid down so she was laying across the small bench, closing her eyes. However it didn't take long for the sound of the dwarves' disgust to reach her ears. Finding she didn't have the energy to join them, she forced herself to at least sit up and observe the situation.

"What is this?" her husband asked incredulously.

"A pike-hook. Made from an old harpoon."

"And this?" Kíli lifted something else from the pile.

"A crow-bill we call it, fashioned from a smithy's hammer. Its heavy in hand, I grant, but in defense of your life these will serve you better than none." She saw the look Thorin and Dwalin exchanged and she slowly came to her feet, knowing an argument was forthcoming. Rhae didn't want to deal with that here.

Gloin frowned. "We paid you for weapons, iron forged swords and axes!"

"It's a joke!" Bofur exclaimed, tossing the one he had in his hand back on the table. The other dwarves followed suit and began complaining. For the first time in her life Rhae felt like banging her head against a wall. The obstinacy of the dwarves was beyond belief.

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

"Why?" Rhae wanted to know.

Bard gave her a look that revealed much. "The Master prefers to keep his citizens unarmed."

"Thorin, why not take what's been offered and go?" Rhae did not miss the way Bard's head shot up when Balin uttered his name. "I've made do with less, so have you. I say we leave now."

"You're not going anywhere."

"What did you say?" Dwalin snarled at Bard.

"There's spies watching this house and probably every dock and wharf in town. You must wait until nightfall." The dwarves seemed to settle down at the man's words. Thorin nodded briefly; he didn't want to delay, Erebor was within sight, but they couldn't afford being spotted leaving the town. He looked at Rhae who was half asleep, swaying on her feet.

"Very well. We will rest until then." He went to her side, carefully steering her back to the fire.

"I have a more comfortable place for you and your wife," Bard said in a kinder voice. Thorin didn't want to accept anymore help from the bargeman but one look at Rhae's face killed the refusal that was on his lips.

"Thank you, Master Bargeman. As you can see my wife is exhausted." She tried to smile at him but felt it probably looked more like a grimace. Thorin swept her into his arms and followed Bard up the stairs. He opened a door at the farthest end of the tiny hall, ushering them in without a word and closing the door behind them. Thorin laid her gently down on the bed, covering her with several blankets, then sat next to her.

"We'll be there soon, Thorin," she mumbled, her eyes already closing. He kissed her softly on the lips, watching over her as she drifted into sleep.

Revised/Edited March 2016