The news was everywhere. It was all anyone could talk about and it sickened Rhaena to the core. Having eventually managed to find not just a town but a grand seaport, Rhaena had quickly learned that they were in Seagard. Somehow Rhaena and Sansa had managed to escape the Twins and appear south, though she still was not entirely certain how. The only logical answer she possessed, however illogical it sounded, was magic. She brushed the thought aside, continuing to listen as she held Sansa's hand. The people of Seagard talked of what was now being called the Red Wedding, devised by Tywin Lannister in the hopes of capturing and killing Robb Stark to end the war. It had failed, but Lord Frey and Lord Bolton had butchered their guests regardless, even killing the king's own mother, Catelyn Stark, and his pregnant queen. They sorrowed for the losses, but the people continued with their lives which remained largely unaffected. Rhaena wished now she had brought Lady with her to snarl at the gossiping fishwives just to make them shut up as she heard increasingly horrible things, such as what they had done to the bodies of Catelyn and Talisa. Tossed into the river. Defiled by soldiers. Cut up and sent to Robb in boxes. Rhaena could not bear to hear it. Instead she forced herself to continue onwards, aiming for the castle of Seagard as it was the seat of House Mallister, who were loyal to House Tully.
Hoping that they would offer them sanctuary and respite, Rhaena steeled herself against the whisperings of the people and continued to make her way down the main street for the portcullis of the castle. The guards, however, only saw two filthy looking common girls and turned them away even as Rhaena cursed at them, grasping her hair and showing it to them as she cried out. "I am Rhaena Targaryen! All who know my name and House know that Targaryen children are born white of hair! If I say this is Sansa Stark then my word is true! Open the gates and allow is passage inside, I would speak with your lord!" But they continued to deny her entrance, either too ignorant to see the truth before them or simply did not care enough to notice. Incensed, Rhaena pulled Sansa away in order to sit her down safely upon the low wall which ran along the road before turning back to the guards. Then her tongue tore free and she released a torrent of insults and curses so crude and insulting she was certain Bronn would have laughed himself to death had he heard her. Her voice carried itself aloft, rising high into the winds before being snatched away. The guards gaped at her stupidly as she did not even pause to take breath, continuing her endless tirade of seething fury until finally she was spent, gasping for air but still trembling with anger, fists clenched and shaking at her sides.
Clearly her voice had carried further than she had realised, because the next thing the guards knew, there was a deep bellied snarl which caused their hands to clench their pikes and lower them defensively as Lady slinked into the light from where she had been concealing herself, having heard Rhaena's voice on the wind and come to investigate. Somehow, she had remained unseen until now and Rhaena silently praised her. However, the presence of the direwolf was enough to convince the guards that perhaps there was some truth in Rhaena's words. They did not allow her to enter directly, but waited for the decision of their lord, a man by name of Lord Jason Mallister who was head of the house. They waited some time, but eventually the gates were open and the girls along with Lady allowed inside. They were met by Lord Jason himself, a fair faced man with greying hair and kind eyes. He welcomed them both warmly and ordered that both Sansa and Rhaena be attended to immediately. Lord Jason ushered them inside, allowing Lady to follow also, and escorted them personally to the guest chambers. "Forgive me, my ladies, I cannot begin to imagine the grief you must feel. Especially you, Lady Sansa. I knew your mother well, ever since she was a young girl. Her loss is a tragic cruelty of the gods." He said to them though neither girl gave any real response. His heart ached for them. They both seemed to tired and so…dead. That was the only word to describe them. Dead. Dead to feeling. Dead to hunger. Dead to everything.
Knowing there was little else he could do, Lord Jason simply had them tended to by his servants who helped the girls to bathe, fed them hot broth and gave them new clothes to wear. Sansa had to be moved and guided every step of the way whilst Rhaena slowly grew back into herself, murmuring her thanks to the servants as Sansa was set to rest in a bed whilst Rhaena sat in quiet contemplation, Lady guarding over Sansa as she rested though Rhaena was not entirely certain she slept. Awake or asleep, she still did not speak or move. It was here Lord Jason requested their presence but as Sansa was unable to go, Rhaena went alone and left Lady with her, knowing that nothing would hurt Sansa with Lady watching over her. Lifting herself up and drawing back her shoulders, Rhaena sought to present herself to Lord Jason with as much courage as she could muster. He was attentive and gentle, offering Rhaena his own seat by the fire in his study which she gratefully accepted for her feet still ached from so much walking. "Lady Rhaena, I must apologise for this but I must be honest with you. Neither you or Lady Sansa are safe here." Immediately Rhaena was on edge. "Whereas I would never do harm to either of you, I am afraid that Lord Walder Frey has already sent word of what happened at the wedding. My son, Patrek…he has my boy." Pain swelled within Lord Jason's expression and Rhaena softened towards him in silent understanding. "I have already sent a raven with my surrender. Frey soldiers will soon arrive to imprison me within my own castle with my son. If they find you here, there will be nothing I can do to protect you."
"Then we shall go. Immediately." Rhaena decided though she said so with exhaustion in her tone whilst raking a hand down her face. Lord Jason felt unbearably inadequate as a man to be unable to offer protection to Lady Sansa, a granddaughter of Holster Tully, and Lady Rhaena, one whom the Starks claimed as their own. The danger to their lives was unmistakable, however, and Lord Jason would not see them become prisoners or victims to Lord Walder as Lady Catelyn and Queen Talisa had. "Have you heard word from King Robb? Has he assaulted Casterly Rock as of yet? Does he…do you know if he has received word of what happened?" This at least Lord Jason could tell her.
"I sent word myself when I received the news. No doubt others have done the same. Last I heard he had indeed begun the siege against Casterly Rock, however I do not know what became of his attempt. I imagine the Frey soldiers would have abandoned him once word reached them of the aftermath of the wedding, such was their plan all along no doubt. Unless of course they stayed to turn on their king and…" Lord Jason caught himself before he could complete his sentence but already it was too late. The words were spoken and now the thought hung in the air between them. At best the Frey army would abandon Robb. What would be worse, however, would be if they turned upon their allies and cut them down as Lord Walder had done. Rhaena pressed her eyes shut and buried her face in her hands, trying to shut out the images of Robb lying dead in the mud with his bannermen around him. "Forgive me, my lady. I spoke too liberally."
"I must find him." Rhaena whispered through her fingers. "Sansa will be safe with him. We must know. We must know for ourselves. Otherwise…otherwise I shall take her somewhere no one will recognise us. We shall find somewhere safe to stay until…until I do not know." It was all Rhaena could think to do and Lord Jason was determined to help her however he could. He ordered for new boots for the girls for their silk slippers would do them no favours on the road. They had to give them boots meant for young squires to ensure that they fit, but they were worn and comfortable when Rhaena put them on. They were given clothes wrapped in bundles, blankets and cloaks, purses of silver each and provisions to last them two weeks apiece. Lord Jason saw to the provisions personally, ordering his men to keep watch for Frey soldiers approaching as their time was running short. He expected their arrival any day now, perhaps even this very moment, and he did not want Lady Sansa or Lady Rhaena found with him before they came. He gave them both a horse from his stables, and although surprised by the request, gladly gave Rhaena a pair of daggers, a short sword and a bow with a quiver of arrows to use for hunting and protection. Having weapons in her hand made Rhaena feel far more self-assured, seemly growing six inches taller as she strapped the sword to her belt and secured the first dagger to the small of her back and the second into her boot before having the bow hooked over the quiver and fastened the strap across her chest. Upon seeing this transformation, Lord Jason wondered just how much hardship these girls had faced to see a young woman readying herself for battle with a look of utter nonchalance. It seemed as if she no longer cared about anything other than survival and with that fierce look in her eye, Lord Jason pitied any man who might stand in her way. He gave Rhaena a pair of bracers crested with the eagle of Seagard upon them and a pair of gloves to protect her hands from the bowstring, still feeling that all of this was entirely insufficient.
"I apologise it is not more, my lady. My men will escort you until you find King Robb, but they will be unable to protect you from an army of Frey soldiers. Stay clear of the roads and hide yourselves until you know your way. Follow the coast to the south until you reach Oldstones, you might be able to gather new information there. Keep going south until you find the River Road. Do not travel upon it but keep it within your sight. With any luck you will find Robb upon it. If he is wise, he will abandon Casterly Rock and return to Riverrun to defend it." Taking hold of Rhaena's hands, Lord Jason bowed over them and kissed her fingers lightly as they still clutched the gloves and bracers. "I wish you and Lady Sansa well, may the gods preserve you."
"You do us a great kindness, Lord Mallister." Rhaena returned to him and although she could not manage a smile, her eyes were gentle and gracious. "I will not forget this." Waving away her gratitude, Lord Jason helped her upon her horse himself. The mare was far finer than the one she had ridden from Maidenpool and much taller too, but she quickly gathered her seat and settled upon the saddle. The horses whickered nervously at Lady, unnerved by her presence but she ignored them, looking at Sansa as she was placed upon her own horse and one of Lord Jason's men mounted up behind her as she was still too frail and unresponsive to be trusted to keep her own seat. "Blessings of the Seven upon you and your heirs, Lord Mallister. Gods be good, you will not suffer the Freys for long." Clasping the bracers over her wrists and drawing them tight over the gloves, Rhaena nodded to Lord Jason who placed his hand over his heart. "Farewell."
"Do not look back, my lady. Keep riding until this place is far behind you." The appearance of Lady Rhaena and Lady Sansa was like a whirling wing which had risen from out of the ocean and then vanished just as swiftly. They were gone within moments, galloping out of the city and back onto the road in order to disappear onto quieter and wilder roads, avoiding sight of the main path which would no doubt soon be crawling with Frey soldiers. They road south as Lord Jason had suggested and did not stop until they reached Oldstones. There was little to be had, so Rhaena had the group continue onwards. There were five men accompanying them in total. Four guards and one captain, who went by the name of Selwyn. Rheana soon had learned all their names and greeted them in turn, speaking to them in muted tones whenever there was a need to speak at all. Selwyn was an experienced soldier and had lived a long time in service to Lord Jason, hence he had been trusted with the protection of such important ladies. He felt for them keenly, and his men pitied them also though did not know how to comfort them or what to say, so for the most part they rode in silence. They road until they reached Fairmarket, where accommodation was secured and the ladies went to rest, though Rhaena came down after settling Sansa in bed in order to pay for a good meal and ales for her escorts as well as rooms for them all.
"My lady please, it is unnecessary. My men and I shall be comfortable enough in the barn…"
"I will not hear of it." Rhaena insisted, already paying the silver to the innkeeper. "You are here to look after us, so at least allow me to return the kindness. You will sleep in beds, not upon straw like animals. Now please, do not make any further arguments on the subject. Enjoy your ale and your food, I hope it tastes as pleasant as it smells." The first small creep of a tilt touched Rhaena's lips as she inclined her neck to Ser Selwyn, meeting his gaze once more before returning to her room which she shared with Rhaena. Her gentleness only furthered the men's intension to protect both her and the Stark girl, a warmth overcoming each man who then enjoyed good ale and a thick, meaty stew for their evening supper. It was more than they ever would have expected, and the action was not lost upon them. They went to bed satisfied, but agreed to take turns guarding the door of the young ladies in rotation so that they were never unprotected, thus their watch during the night began, both girls sleeping unaware of the dedication their protectors took to their safety.