Chapter 5: Dwarven Invasion

Thorin and I got some vegetable stew and freshly baked bread at a couple of the stalls further down the roads of Bree. I did have to avoid certain stalls and vendors because some hated me and my family so deeply that I would have been lucky if they only refused to serve me. The stew did hit the spot on the cool, fall day after all those rainy days.

After eating we did some more wandering about the town where I told some of my stories I accumulated over the years from living there. I pointed out people here and there and told him the stories attached to them. He seemed to listen intently, nodding and asking questions, so I didn't think I bored him too much. It was also an effective time waster. I don't think either of us wanted to head back to the Prancing Pony until it was time for me to take over for the night. The less interactions I had with Master Ferdinand the better. The time did come when I knew we needed to start heading back so I could prepare and make sure everyone was out in time for the dwarves to show up.

I told Thorin to wait a few minutes before heading into the tavern and went inside, carrying some food that I hoped would tide over the dwarves for the night. It wasn't much but I figured it would do if it was just going to be a few of them.

I was relieved and also disappointed that the tavern was pretty slow since it meant that it would be easy to kick people out, but then it was also incredibly easy for Fern to spot me walking in. I was half tempted to sprint upstairs while I still had the chance, but I knew I was going to have to take over for him at some point. Sooner rather than later was better, I suppose.

"Good day Master, should I do any restocking before taking over?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation short.

He looked up from his spot by the fire and gave me a smirk. "Ah, little Miss Barclay, welcome! Looking forward to your little escapade tonight?" It's so beyond creepy that he's trying to be so pleasant to me, or whatever sarcastic pleasantness he was portraying.

"It's hardly an escapade," I crossed my arms, "I'm still working. Do I need to do any restocking before they come in? And can we please start closing everyone's tabs so this place is ready to go by the time they show up? I'll need to do some cleaning."

"Damn, you're such a buzz kill." He stood up from the chair and nodded to Joseph who was watching us in silence. "You, close out the tabs and head out of here."

The door creaked and we all turned to see Thorin walking into the tavern.

Ferdinand quickly jumped on it. "Hey you, we're closing the tavern tonight for a private event. You can't loiter here." He didn't say a thing, just jerked his head towards the stairs then went up. "I am so ready for that bastard to be on his way, I hate seeing his stupid face around here."

"I think this is his final night here," I said, going behind the bar to see for myself if I needed to restock.

"Then tomorrow will be a fantastic day for a couple different reasons," he chuckled. I felt sick to my stomach.


I was honestly so relieved to spend the rest of my time cleaning and stocking the tavern by myself once the customers, Joseph, and Master Ferdinand left for the night. I hiked up my dress, wiped down tables, mopped the floors in certain areas, and made sure we were full on beer, ale, and wine for the evening. I had also grabbed some food to stock the kitchen a little so I didn't have to babysit a bunch of sick dwarves.

I had finished lighting the last few candles when I heard the tavern door open and the sound of heavy footfalls creaked on the wooden floors. I had to lean against a few tables to catch a glimpse at the sturdy and intimidating looking dwarf that has entered my establishment.

"Good evening Sir! I assume you're part of Thorin's company?" I called, pulling down my skirt while I was still mostly out of sight.

The bald dwarf seemed to pay little attention to me as he sat at the bar. "Yes, the name is Dwalin."

I hurried behind the bar and gave him a large smile. "A pleasure Dwalin, I'm Lydia. What can I get you this evening? We have a bit of everything."

"A beer. And anything you're serving for dinner."

Also a man of few words I see.

I grabbed a mug and started preparing his beer. "I unfortunately don't have much to offer in the realm of dinner, but I will definitely grab you some rice and potatoes I got from town. That should help warm you up and fill your belly."

He gave a simple nod and accepted the drink when I brought it to him. I planned on getting him his food from the back then run upstairs to let Thorin know his company was starting to show up, but before I could even bring Dwalin his food there was another creak at the door.

"Balin, my brother," Dwalin said warmly.

"Dwalin! How are you?"

I figured Balin would also be hungry so I quickly prepared some rice and potatoes as well. I hurried back to the bar and gave the older, white haired dwarf a dimpled smile before giving them both their dinner. "Good evening! I am Lydia, your barkeep for the evening. Is there anything else I can get you, Love?"

"Good evening to you as well, Miss Lydia. Aren't you a delight on my old eyes," he said kindly. "If you could be a dear and get me a deep red? I know this area is known for it. Oh and a heavy pour, we're among friends tonight after all!"

"Of course!"

Almost like they were waiting for their turn, as soon as I had retrieved Balin's wine a couple of younger looking dwarves stumbled inside like they had already started drinking. One with blonde hair, the other with a dark brown, both definitely handsome but a load of trouble without a doubt. They all greeted each other loudly, slapping each other's shoulders and comparing it to the last time they saw each other. Somewhere in their conversation I caught that the young ones were named Fili and Kili. I recognized the names as Thorin's nephews. They struck me as beer drinkers so I prepared a few for them and placed them on the bar.

The dark haired one leaned across and smiled at me, holding out his hand. "Kili at your service my lady! And this is my brother Fili."

"Hello!" the blonde waved.

"Good evening Lads, my name is Lydia." I handed them both their drinks. "I know since the both of you are cute that you're going to be the biggest trouble here tonight. If you play nice I will give you as much beer as you want. Do we have a deal?"

They both nodded eagerly, already drinking away at their beers.

"Good Lads. Now can you tell me how many more we're expecting? I may have to run out and get some more food if there's going to be a lot more of you to come."

Fili laughed and said, "Oh yeah, maybe like one or two?"

"Or three of four," Kili added.

I was immediately nervous about running out of supplies and regretted not asking Thorin how many he was expecting to have here.

"Damn, maybe I should run out quickly before all the stalls are closed and I'm sure you boys don't want to run out of food!"

All of them shook their heads vehemently. I'm sure dwarves normally eat a lot, perhaps even as much as hobbits, and they had to be starving from being out on the road to get here. So, I left from behind the bar and went over to the door, already making a mental list of what I could buy for cheap to fill up all these dwarves that were going to be taking over the tavern. It wasn't ideal to leave a bunch of strangers alone with the bar, but I figured Thorin would have been down shortly to keep them straight and behaving properly.

I opened the door and there stood two more dwarves and my tall wizard friend about to enter the tavern. I was so happy to see Gandalf again, but I was even happier to see that the three of them were carrying food, as if I had willed them into existence.

"Three handsome men have saved the night! Please come in, come in! Can I help carry anything?"

"Nay Lass, thank you." The one with the large, bright red hair adjusted the baskets and sacks in his arms to shake my hand. "Gloin."

"Lydia, thank you Sir!" I shook his hand and looked at the other dwarf who had braided gray hair. "I'm Lydia, is there anything I can get you tonight?"

"Do I know how to fight? I'm a dwarf, madam! Of course I know how to fight!"

"Use your ear horn, you old goat!" Gloin laughed. "Lydia, that's Oin and you shouldn't try talking to him until he can hear you."

"Thanks for the tip. Can I get either of you anything then?"

"Beer and beer!"

"Will do," I nodded. I turned to Gandalf and bowed my head slightly, "Welcome back, Tall Sir. I wish I could promise that we'll have time to catch up tonight but it appears I will be much busier than I expected."

"I feel welcome, Miss Lydia. There's still a few more dwarves who appear to not be here yet so the both of us will be busy tonight I think."

"More? I thought we were having a little get together, not a carnival. Thank goodness you brought more food."

"I had a feeling that since the owner of this place was serving bread and little else for dinner when I was here that it would have been a good idea to bring a few things."

I helped them unload the fruit, vegetables, bread, smoked meats, and more onto a few open tables. Those who were already there started digging in and demanded more to drink. A few more dwarves arrived as well, a large fellow named Bombur, one with an impressive mustache named Bofor, and Bifur who had crazy black and gray hair. I couldn't believe that there were still more that were supposed to arrive!

I got back behind the bar and kept making drinks. Cups of ale, beer, and wine were flowing. Fili and Kili insisted that I have a few drinks with them and I honestly couldn't resist. I was working hard so I deserved it! I broke out some mead bottles and the final three dwarves arrived, Dori, Nori, and Ori. Everyone cheered and greeted them warmly, saying how amazing it was to have everyone together again. Ori partook of the mead as well and I was happy to share, he seemed much more sweet than the other dwarves.

"Where is our fearless leader?" Gandalf asked.

"I'm surprised he hasn't heard us and come down yet," I said. "Does someone want to run upstairs and bring him down?"

"I'll go get him!" Kili offered. He was already half-way up the stairs before anyone else could offer.

Once he was off, the room did seem to shift as they prepared for Thorin to come down. The excitement rose even higher and everyone seemed to prepare to see him, making sure there was a plate of food made for him and some drinks were ready as well. I was confused why everyone was making such a fuss until Bombur made a comment to Bofur.

"It's been so long since I've seen the king, I hope he's doing well."

King? He did say 'king' right?

"Having all of us gather has to be a good sign right? Or a terrible sign I suppose. He doesn't sign letters with his full title unless something big is happening."

I leaned across the bar and butted into their conversation. "I think Thorin might have left that info out when he introduced himself. What is his full title?" I asked.

"The rightful King of Erebor of course. Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain," Bofur explained.

I felt the blood drain out of my face but somehow still managed to turn bright red. Thinking of all my overly casual and friendly behavior the past few days mortified me, realizing I had done such things to true blood royalty. I flashed my legs, flirted, and probably annoyed the shit out of him! Thank goodness I trusted him enough to help him, otherwise who knows what could have happened to me. Any of these dwarves could have shown up and absolutely destroyed me.

"Huh," I squealed out weakly. "I suppose he probably didn't want word going around while he was here in Bree. A king, go figure."

"Are you quite alright Lass?" Bombur asked.

"Perfectly, who wouldn't be excited by the fact that they've been serving a king the past few days while you admitted completely embarrassing things about yourself?" I grabbed a mug and poured myself a tall drink.

"The past few days huh?" Bofur looked at Bombur with a sly look. "I wonder what a good looking girl like you has been doing with his highness during that time."

"Don't let your imagination go too far, Lads." I took a long drink then wiped my mouth on my sleeve. "As much as I would love to weave a fantastic story for the both of you, nothing more than trading stories occurred."

Gloin leaned into the conversation and stole my mug. "Well we do know that Thorin is such a talker."

We all laughed and I said, "You got me there."

The sound of heavy feet coming down the stairs got everyone's attention and we all turned. First came Kili, of course, and then out came Thorin where he went immediately into greeting everyone with slaps on the back, hand shakes, well-intentioned punches and the most smiles I had seen from him during his whole stay. I poured a bunch more beers as it seemed like the real celebration was just starting. The singing started, as did the dancing, and the drinking and eating became more profuse.

I sang along with the songs I knew, but I mostly was kept busy behind the bar. Well, that was until I was swept up by Bifur into a dance I had never seen before. I laughed and attempted to keep up but I'm sure I looked hilarious. Not that dwarves were the most graceful creatures, but I'm sure they looked quite impressive in comparison to me tripping over my big feet.

A good bunch of the dwarves wanted to take their turns dancing with me so I allowed them to feel free to have access to the bar to pour their own drinks. I made the decision under the influence of quite a few drinks at that point, so it was probably not the grandest idea I ever had. I think I rationalized it by figuring that Gandalf and Thorin would be honest enough to pay for the drinks that were taken, though I had no idea how we could possibly keep track.

I did have so much fun though, swinging my way around the tavern, singing and dancing and drinking the night away. I couldn't remember the last time I had been that intoxicated since I couldn't afford it if I was paying for it. I decided to myself though that I'd throw my drinks on their tab too. Didn't think they'd notice or care.

I hadn't noticed however that throughout the evening Thorin was gathering small groups of the dwarves and speaking with Gandalf about something. They obviously didn't want to break up the celebration but something important was happening. Though, when I was between dances I did hear a bit of their conversation.

Thorin and most of the group sat around the fire as he said, "They won't be joining us, they said this quest is only ours."

"A quest?" I asked, joining them by the fire and sitting on the arm of the chair Thorin sat in. "That sounds quite exciting, what kind of quest?"

Thorin seemed hesitant to speak of it, but Gloin wasn't shy with the details. "A quest we have been waiting for, for ages it feels like." He handed me a map and pointed at a spot on it labeled 'Erebor: The Lonely Mountain'. "All the signs are there. 'When the birds of yore return to Erebor, the reign of the beast will end'."

I saw the red dragon on the map near the summit of the mountain and my eyes widened. I think my buzz had worn off quite quickly.

Fili said, "That slimy salamander he refers to is Smaug the Terrible. The worst thing to happen to our people in written history. A horrible beast the size of a city, rows of jagged teeth, and breath of incinerating flame."

"Fili!" Thorin warned.

"What? Does she know what a dragon is?"

"Of course," I said, "only from far fetched tales though. Why in the world would you all want to go hunt down a dragon of all things?"

Balin explained, "The filthy creature thought our home was another shiny thing it would take. Any of us would give anything to take our home back from the likes of Smaug, but without an army behind us we might as well be serving ourselves as it's dinner."

Thorin said sharply, "Rumors have already begun to spread because we are not the only ones aware of the prophecy. Many look east to the mountain, wondering if the hoard of our people is lying unprotected by a dragon no one has seen in decades. Do we wait for someone else to claim it while we sit complacent and wait another sixty years to return home? I don't know about you lot, but I'd rather have my final rest among my motherland than adding myself to the soil of the dusty roads."

The dwarves clamored and stomped their feet on the ground in approval. Balin was not satisfied with that answer though.

"Even if we have a map and the key as you say, and if we somehow manage to find another way in without being turned to ash, how the hell are we supposed to get rid of the damned thing? If it is still alive, it would only need a hint that we're there and we'd be dead!"

Gandalf pulled up one of the chairs, smoking away on his pipe, "With what I have in mind, we will require someone who has a great deal of stealth, and no small amount of courage. But, if they are careful and clever, I believe that it can be done."

"A burglar?" Oin asked.

I handed the map back to Gloin and got back up onto my feet with a laugh, "A stealthy dwarf, I don't think I'll live to see the day." They all looked at me confused as I went back to the bar to pour myself another drink. "What? I've danced with nearly all of you tonight and I can't say any of you are particularly quiet on your feet."

Oin looked to Thorin and Gandalf. "You mean to say you haven't even asked her yet?"

A chill of a realization washed over me and I froze, hoping they weren't insinuating what I thought they were. The king looked at me, his mouth agape but nothing coming out, which only cemented my worries.

"I am not a burglar, thief, or whatever you want to call it!"

"Yes, she hardly strikes me as burglar material," Balin agreed.

Dwalin added, "Aye, the gentlefolk such as she wouldn't make it to the end of the road. Can neither fight nor fend for themselves."

"Hey now, I would not go that far, Sir," I said sternly.

Gandalf quickly brought back the conversation. "Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet! In fact, they can go unseen. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of a hobbit is all but unknown to him which gives us a distinct advantage. And we could use any advantage we can get. So, you asked me to find the final member of this company and I have chosen Miss Barclay, who Thorin has already agreed to coming with us. You must trust me on this."

I stared as they all seemed to nod in agreement, or at least gave up on the argument. Balin approached me with a thick scroll and handed it to me.

"The contract, Miss Barlcay."

I was stunned into silence and looked back to Thorin who gave me nothing with his expression. A part of me felt betrayed by the look, which made my shock turn to absolute fury.

This was his plan the entire time. Get me to make that fucking promise to Ferdinand so if I didn't want to uphold my end of the bargain I had to leave! He made me blackmail myself!

I held my tongue tight but I could feel the tips of my ears to the tips of my toes turning red from the built up pressure. I squeaked out, "Goodnight," then hurried up the stairs to my room.

I didn't care for a moment that I left the bar unattended; I needed to get away before my head blew off my shoulders.