Chapter 36

Two days later, Shalene was awakened by Kolenee's maid, "My Lady, please! You have to come! Something is wrong, there is so much blood! I have already sent for the healer!" Shalene jumped up and hastily dressed in her breeches and tunic, she sent the maid to get Jonete' and Hecnok, and to the kitchens to rouse the cooks for hot water and not to alert anyone else.

Shalene ran to the rooms, the healer was already there, Kolenee was so weak, she kept apologizing to Shalene. Hecnok arrived and Shalene asked him to guard the door and not to allow anyone in except the maid, no exceptions. He looked at Kolenee and nodded, he stepped outside the door and took up his post.

They worked with Kolenee for several hours, her strength slowly fading. The healer pulled Shalene out into the garden off of the rooms and quietly said," Little Lady, she carries two babes. I can feel their spirits. She will not linger much longer. If these babes are not brought forth, they too will die. You have to decide what to do." Shalene felt a part of herself crumble, but she couldn't be weak, her friend needed her and if this was the price to be paid, Sandor's children had to live. She had known this, deep inside, ever since Tomaerys had spoken his words about his dream. She nodded and they went back to Kolenee. Kolenee weakly took Shalene's hand and brought it to her dry lips. Her eyes were glazed in fever and pain but she said," My Sister, I know that I am dying, I can feel the Red God watching me. He isn't so unkind. He said that The Burned Warrior will be your husband, he will take a life from him but in his blessing, he will give him two. Sandor will have a son and a daughter. You must promise me that you will love my children as your own. I know you will have your own with Sandor, but love my children as your father loved me." Shalene nodded and as she watched, Kolenee took her last breath.

The healer grasped her shoulder harshly to shake her from her thoughts and said," Little Lady, we have no time, we have to do this or her babes will die." They worked quickly and quietly, with the maid crying silently, they brought forth a chubby little boy first, as soon a he entered the world he screamed. This was Sandor's son, just by this size of him. He was healthy, had thick, sandy blonde hair and when he finally opened his little eyes, they were the same stormy, dark grey of his father's. The maid took him, cleaning him and wrapping him warmly. The second babe was a daughter. She was small but healthy, the Healer said that the boy must have been shielding his sister, a good omen! Shalene was immediately drawn to her. She didn't
cry, just opened her eyes and looked around. She was beautiful! Her hair was black and wavy, her eyes were so vibrantly green, it was as though she was looking into Shalene's soul. She loved them both instantly.

Edgar had been called to the rooms and he sent for the Elder and Holy Sisters to come for Kolenee's body, as well as wet nurses as Shalene had insisted that although the babes would be in the same nursery, they would each have their own maids and wet nurse.

She went to her chambers to bathe and then wrote Sandor. She sent her Gyro Falcon, Leelou, as that would alert Genett to the urgency of the message. She had asked that everyone meet in the dining hall, Sansa, pregnant Shae, Tyrion, OnIeese, little Jaxsan, Jonete' and Edgar were there when she arrived, carrying not one babe but two. They were told of what happened and though there were tears, the love they all shared pulled them through. Laughter was soon in the hall when "Uncle Tyrion" had his short arms full of three little babies. He had never been so happy in all his life. He kissed soft little cheeks and fat little hands. Sansa was drawn to the little girl. She held her, touching her little fingers and asked," Have you named them?"

Shalene shook her head," I don't know what Kolenee and Sandor discussed. Their time was their own. He never shared it with me as was his right. Though these are my children now, he is their Father, he will know. It's his right to name his children." This seemed to be enough for them all. Before the morning was over, Sansa had started calling the little girl, Lady Bug.

Sandor and his troops came upon a camp after travelling for ten days. After sending scouts out it was determined that this was not only raiders but deserters from various Houses in the South and Westerlands. There were about one hundred and fifty men, maybe a few more. The outlaws didn't have any idea that they were found out. Sandor felt The Hound coming to life. Plans were made for a dawn attack, and Sandor felt that old, familiar battle lust fall into place. Gods, he loved this feeling. Bronn glanced at him and asked," Is the Hound ready to feed?"

Sandor looked at him with those deadly grey eyes that Bronn had seen during so many battles. Sandor glanced at Lucian and saw a man, not a boy. A man that was soon to be blooded. He was tall, coming to Sandor's shoulder. His arms were thick, well muscled and strong. His shoulders broad and well defined. A very handsome young man. His unruly, sandy blonde hair fell down his back. In his armor, he was a striking presence. He turned and looked at Sandor, meeting grey eyes with his vivid sapphire ones, and said," Father, stay close. I know you're getting older you might need my protection." The biggest smile greeted Sandor's growl. Before Lucian closed the visor of his helm he said," I love you, Father. Thank you for my life. Thank you for loving me. I'll make you proud. Now, let's show these traitors and thieves what happens when you cross a Clegane." Sandor drew his greatsword, the deadly Valaryian steel, in his right hand and his Kris in his left, he gave the call and the battle began.

They did take the outlaws unawares but it was a good battle. Genett had sneaked into the encampment, and with his knowledge and ability to tame horses, was able to cut the horse lines in quietness and with his steed, herded them away, he the joined the battle. Sandor was in his element upon Stranger's back, as the deadly beast bit, stomped and kicked, The Hound had his own taste of blood.

It seemed that too soon it was over, the survivors, what few there were, were gathered up. Sandor walked through the battlefield with his Son at his side, both bloody, deadly bringers of death. He watched as Lucian gave the gift of mercy to several mortally wounded soldiers and then led him to the captives there were forty of them. Sandor wasn't surprised to see some that he knew though they were surprised to see him. With Bronn on his left and his Son on his right, He said," You have made the unfortunate mistake to decide to come onto Clegane lands and harass and steal from my people. Some of you knew me, but now, you will know me as who I am and have been for a long while now. I am Lord Sandor Clegane. Lord and
Master of Emerald Bay and Emerald Harbor. This is my Son, Lord Lucian Clegane, you have been judged by me and found guilty of your actions. The sentence is death. Jaxell, prepare them for execution.

Sandor turned to his Son and said," A brave and honorable man told me once that the man who passes the sentence must wield the sword. It was the ways of the First Men. As my Son, I will not ask you to pass the sentence." Lucian looked into his Father's eyes, "I will do my part. If I am to be your Son, I must follow your teachings and make them my own to pass to my own sons. There is wisdom in what this man told you. Who was he, I know the Old Ways are still practiced in The North, yet you were a Westerman." Sandor glanced away to see the prisoners ready, some crying and begging. He had no feelings at all for them. He said," It was Lady Sansa's Father."

The executions were swift. Sandor beheaded twenty five men, his Valaryian steel easily slicing flesh and bone. As he sat on a wagon, cleaning his sword and Kris, he watched Lucian finish the executions of the last fifteen. Lucian was a man now. He never turned away from any part of the battle or his part in defending his lands. They returned to their camp as the corpses were stripped and lain in a row. He wouldn't have them buried, but he wasn't going to leave his lands littered in refuse. He allowed his troops to keep what they looted.

As he returned back to his tent, Genett was there and he had a Gyro Falcon on his arm. He had a sinking feeling as Genett told him that it was Shalene's and she only sent her out when there was extremely important news. His hands felt numb as he took the message and read it. He had known. He had felt it, but to read the words was devastating. He crushed the note in his shaking hand and sat down hard in a chair beside his tent, he didn't try to hide his tears. He said," Genett, son, go find my boy, and Bronn." Genett said some soft words to the falcon and she flew up to the the top of Sandor's tent.

When the men arrived, Sandor went inside, asking Genett to stay. They could tell something was wrong but all Genett knew was that Shalene had sent an urgent message. Sandor handed the message to Lucian, Bronn read it over his shoulder. Lucian yelled, "No! Father, no!" And he wrapped his arms around his dad and cried, shoulders heaving with his heavy sobs as Sandor held him close. Bronn patted Sandor on the arm in a brother's loving way and said," I'm sorry, my friend. I'm here for you." He turned to Genett and said," Look, son, uhhh.., Kolenee has died in childbirth." Before he could finish, Genett ran to Sandor and Sandor took this young man into his strong arms also. Bronn said," Clegane, I know your grief is new and heavy. I am only
saying this from love as brother to brother. She is gone. She has given you the greatest gift a woman can give a man, don't let old habits take this from you. You have a new Son and a new daughter. That is her gift to you. Don't tarnish her memory and love by losing yourself in drink, I beg you." Sandor heard his words and met his gaze. He nodded at Bronn with a fierce determination.

Lucian moved away and wiped his face, "I have another brother AND a sister? Kolenee had twins?" Sandor nodded. This seemed to bring some sort of new life into the young man. Pride and love blazed in his blue eyes as he turned and went out the tent. Genett quietly left to tend to the horses. Sandor heard Lucian directing the troops and ordering them to be ready to leave at night fall. He sat and penned a message to Shalene that Bronn promptly sent off.