21. The Final Goodbye

Sansa felt angered at her mother's refusal to accept her wish. She all but rushed from the hall when the meal was over, frustration and fear running through her. Fear for what lay ahead if her mother and Rob attended the upcoming wedding and frustration that the one thing she had ever clearly wanted in life was being resisted. She headed to her room and slammed her door in a huff. A few minutes later there was a hesitant knock.

"Who is it?" she asked miserably.

To her surprise, it was Rob who answered. Sansa let him in, already feeling ashamed for having stormed off like a silly child.

"I'm sorry," she said, looking at the ground. "I ought not to have acted so childishly."

"It's alright," Rob said, pulling her into his arms. "Mother is still mother, no matter how many wars we fight or kidnappings we overcome. She wants to protect you now more than ever."

Sansa sighed as Rob released her. "I know. But Sandor will protect me, I know it. He always protected me, even when he risked everything."

"That's very curious," Rob said. "I wonder why such a man took such a liking to you."

Sansa blushed but didn't answer. Rob caught the expression and raised his eyebrows at her. He gave her such a brotherly expression of criticism that she let out a great puff of air and said haltingly, "well it's just that we've become very…close over the past months."

Rob shook his head. "Sansa!" he said, partly in indignation and partly in amusement.

"You're one to talk," Sansa muttered. "It's not like Lady Jeyne was your fiancé or anything."

Rob gave her a playful nudge. "You have me there. How about you wait until after Edmure's wedding to give mother your news then?"

Sansa bit her cheek. "Rob, that wedding is a lot more dangerous than it looks. Must you and mother really attend?"

Rob smiled sadly. "Being a King isn't a whole lot of fun it turns out. Mostly I get to attend weddings and meetings these days."

Sansa wished she could say something to change his mind, or her mother's. But the very next day as she watched her only close family remaining to her ride away, she felt more helpless than a babe. She and Lady Catelyn had not broached the subject of the Hound since that breakfast though she had grudgingly agreed that he would guard her while she was away. Sansa had not wanted there to be any anger between them at this parting, so she tried to be agreeable to all points that she could. But she knew how this would end. Something in her heart had already informed her that her dream meant exactly what she feared it meant.

When the news came two days later of what had befallen, Sansa didn't cry immediately, for she had known what news the raven would bring. She spent all that week cycling between misery, anger and grief. The Hound stayed by her side. One night they stood upon the battlement together, gazing into the westering sunset.

"I'm going home to Winterfell," Sansa informed him. She had decided it that past night as she lay in his arms, failing to sleep once again.

The Hound stared at her hard. "You won't take back the castle without an army," he said slowly.

"I'll find one. There are those in the North who will remember the Starks and what we have done for our country. We will take back our lands once again from those who have tried to steal them. I'll write Jon at the Wall and tell him of my intentions once I have a plan in motion. He's…the last brother I have left now."

"It will take time," the Hound cautioned.

"I won't make any rash moves. Trust me, not even a common wedding invitation will escape scrutiny after-what has happened. I'll make for Greywater Watch. House Reed was ever our strong ally. My brother Bran was good friends with the Reed heirs. Also the Manderlys and the Umbers will support me for my father's sake, or so I hope."

The Hound stared for a moment longer and then smirked for the first time since they had received the raven.

"It'll be a long road."

"You've taught me well enough. I will manage."

"Not alone you won't. I'm coming with you."

Sansa shook her head. "You're a free man Sandor. I gave my word, you shall never have to follow another order again."

"And I gave my word to protect you. To your mother and brother. To your uncle and to you. Besides, it isn't an order if I go of my own free will."

Sansa looked up at him and smiled softly. "I can't deny I will be grateful for your company."

Sandor took her into his arms and kissed her forehead. "Then let us prepare. We have a great journey ahead."

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