A/N: So we are back with SanSan and company. I like to think of this as a transition chapter, so keep with me here and we will be entering phase two of their little journey. Thanks everyone for following, reviewing, or having this story as one of your favorites. It means the world to me and is really encouraging to see as a new writer. Keep it up!
"Soldiers. Looks like Borin might get raped sooner than I thought. We need to get back to the horses. Quickly!"
Sandor then pushed Sansa towards their camp and they both retreated hastily, not wanting to find out what banner the soldiers flew. The pounding of hooves came faster and faster until the ground beneath them shook and the noise of dozens of horses and clanging metal rang in their ears. Camp is only yards away. Damn, why did it have to come to this?
Knowing that the soldiers would soon be upon them, Sandor stopped and turned to face the unknown and yelled out, "BORIN! Get your fucking ass up here now, you lazy cunt!" Stark better show up as well, wouldn't dare call out his name, though. That way they don't know Stark and Sansa are here. He gripped his sword even tighter when he thought of her and looked back. She stood behind him and stared in horror at the tree line they had just come from. Wanting to reach out and assure her that everything would be alright, Sandor stopped himself. In good conscience, he could not guarantee it this time.
The sound of a sword unsheathing caught Sandor's attention and he turned his attention away from Sansa, the sight of Ned Stark running towards them putting a smile on his face.
"What's the trouble, Clegane?"
"Soldiers. We were spotted and ran out of there before seeing the banners. We are outnumbered for sure. Where the fuck is Borin? Three people are better than two"
Ned glanced back and turned his attention back to the tree line. "He should be along."
Before Ned could finish his thought, Borin charged forward, wielding two swords and an expression that showed his eagerness for battle.
"Hope I didn't miss out on any of the fun," he said with a smile. Borin then turned and winked at Sansa. Sandor saw her wrap her arms around herself and pull back slightly under the other man's gaze. How dare that prick make my little bird uncomfortable.
Just as Sandor was about to say something, the soldiers broke through the trees and skidded to a stop in front of the fugitives. He stood, sword ready, with adrenaline coursing through his veins and then took a step back when he saw what sigil was sewn onto the banners. These are Stark men?
As if to confirm it, Ned instantly lowered Ice and Sandor could see the stress and fear melt from his features. The man in front jumped from his horse and began to walk towards them. Still on alert, Sandor stood with his sword ready, just in case this was some kind of trick. The man began to look at them cautiously and then muttered under his breath in disbelief, "Gods, it really is them!"
Ned stepped forward and said in a booming voice, "Janier, you sure are a sight for sore eyes."
"Lord Stark," Captain Janier said and bent his knee to the Lord of Winterfell. Soon, all the other soldiers dismounted and followed suit. The captain's voice broke the silence. "We are ready to serve you, my Lord, and to escort you and Lady Sansa back to the safety of the North."
Sandor looked back and saw a smile cross Sansa's face. He turned to walk back towards her when someone shouted out, "Don't take one more step, Hound."
He turned around and faced the soldiers. A man was riding past the men behind Captain Janier. Jumping from his saddle, he stepped forward and placed his hand on his sword, ready to draw. "If you take one more step towards the Lady we are going to have to take action."
Sandor looked at the man and smiled, allowing the Hound to come back to life once more. "And what the fuck does that mean you little shit?"
"Excuse me?"
"You heard what I said. You look like a green boy, too anxious to spill some blood with his shiny new sword. Saw a lot of boys like you. You know what happened to them? I gutted them and heard them cry out for their mamas." He took a large step backwards towards Sansa. "Are you going to cry out for your mama when I slice you open?"
The new man was enraged. At the same time, both men gripped their swords tight and took up a defensive stance, ready to fight one another.
"NO, STOP!" Sansa yelled and ran out from behind Sandor to stand between the two men before Ned had a chance to react. He looked at his daughter in shock and was about to interfere, then stood back, curious to see how she was going to handle herself.
Sansa realized that everyone's attention was now on her and she began to draw into herself once more. "Well, I just don't want any fighting amongst ourselves," she said in a voice much quieter than before. "Please put your swords away. Sandor was only doing his duty as he saw fit as my sworn shield, I'm sure." She gave him a look that pleaded with him to agree with her.
What else can I do? I am a damn boy again when she looks at me like that. "Aye, that was the way of it. Can't have someone, even a Stark bannerman such as yourself, interfere with that."
The man look slightly amused. "Sworn shield you say? Lord Stark, is this true?"
Ned looked down upon the man for presuming to speak in such a manner to his lord and said, "Sandor Clegane IS my daughter's sworn shield. He has taken a vow to protect her and give his own life if need be. No harm will come to him."
"Of course, Lord Stark. We will do nothing to deprive Lady Sansa of the protection she needs," Janier finally spoke up.
"On the contrary, Janier," the man said while taking off his gloves. "I have been given strict orders by King Robb that once the Hound is apprehended he is to be chained and brought before him to account for his crimes."
"My son gave these orders? I am the Lord of Winterfell and you are under my command," Ned said angrily.
"My apologies, Lord Stark, but it was your son that appointed me and put me in charge of your rescue. I follow HIS orders."
Before anyone could argue, the man snapped his fingers and several men stepped forward with some manacles. Sandor was about to fight back when he saw a crossbow pointed right at his chest. No use to Sansa dead. He saw Sansa's pleading gaze once more and he stared at her until she said, "Please, Sandor. I don't want you to get hurt."
I will go along with their little plan for now. He held out his hands to the Stark men and soon felt the cool metal against his wrists. They began to walk him away when Sandor stopped in front of the unknown man and spat at his feet. "If she is harmed in any way, I am coming after you."
"By all means," he said and stepped aside, allowing the men and their prisoner to walk past.
"Wait, stop," Borin yelled and ran to catch up to them. Sandor turned around and glared at him. Can this day get any worse?
"What do you want you little prick?"
Borin moved in closer to the Hound and whispered, "Looks like I'll be able to take good care of Sansa after all." He took a step back and winked before running over to her. Now I have two men I have to kill.