Bard II was the son of Brand of Dale, and ally to Thorin III of Erebor.

After his father was killed in the Battle of Dale during the War of the Ring, Bard was forced to retreat to Erebor, where his folk, and those of Thorin III were besieged by servants of Sauron.

At last, news reached them of Sauron's defeat, and they were able to emerge from Erebor and drive out his forces.
Encyclopedia entry originally written by Nienna-of-the-Valar