Pale Fire Ch. 14
Sansa followed behind her husband, for the last couple of weeks she watched as the royal family prepared for their departure to the land of Essos. She was terrified, the thought of Joffrey taking the country made her skin crawl. With his grandfather leading his army, there was a real chance he could succeed, and they would soon feel the cruelty that he so generously bestowed upon his people of Westeros.
Keeping her head down, she could hear Joffrey snapping at the Hound, snorting, if it wasn't for that man, Joffrey would have been killed when the people started their riot, but of course he didn't see it that way. She wanted to defend the man, but knew if she even looked up from the cobble stones that were leading towards the armada, he would do something horrible to her, or worse force her to come along.
Sparing a glance at her husband, she knew that he hated the fact that Joffrey was taking the whole family, but if he was to keep his position as the Voice of the King, he would need to keep his mouth shut.
Joffrey watched as his army boarded their ships, it was time for them to set sail to Essos, he knew that his grandfather and his generals said that he would have been safer staying in Kings Landing, but that would be cowardice, and he wanted to be like his father. He was the driving force behind the Rebellion, even before, Robert Baratheon was a soldier, a warrior, and a leader amongst his men. That was who he wanted to be, a real leader to his people, and have them worship him as the great king he was.
Looking at his dog, "You are to stay here in Kings Landing, protect the throne at any cost." He snapped.
Hearing the little cunt speak almost made him drive his sword through the little shit's eyes, but he stayed his hand. Just nodding at him.
Joffrey wanted to bring him along as well, but he needed someone that was obedient and fierce. Looking down the plank he could see that his brother Ser Gregor was coming along, "I've taken the liberty of having Ser Gregor come as my personal guard, does that make you jealous dog?" he taunted him.
Closing his eyes, Sandor could hear the loud thuds of his monstrous brothers feet, feeling his rage build, not because of what little boy king said, but his memories of what kind of monster Gregor is. "No my Lord, he will serve you well."
Slowly walking past his little brother, Gregor couldn't help but smile at seeing the burns on his face, "You look good brother." He taunted. Enjoying the memory of his brother screaming as he held his face down over the coals.
Refusing to let the monster see him react in anyway, Sandor looked down at the King, "What else is needed, Your Grace?" he asked the shit. Perhaps Gregor would lose his temper with Joffrey's attitude and kill him before he even reacted Essos, smirking at the thought. One could only hope.
Smirking Joffrey could see the tension between the two brothers, looking up at the man they called the Mountain, "Board the ship, you'll be on mine as my guard."
Nodding, he turned to his brother, "When we conquer the savages, I'll bring you back a Dothraki whore as a wife, might be fun." Bowing to the king, he made his way up on the vessel, knowing that he would be well taken care of on the Kings ship.
Joffrey smirked at his comment, "He's right you know, Father told me stories of the horse whores, bending over, taking everyone's cock." Seeing the last of the men, and his family loaded on their ships, "Your job is to ensure my uncle protects the Throne and it's interests."
Smirking down at the boy, not taking in to consideration of who is uncle was, and what he would be doing to remove Joffrey from the throne, and remove his family from the seat of power. "I will, your Grace." That was a promise, he wanted to serve a King worthy of him, not one who was a spoiled cunt.
Looking over that the Lords and Ladies of Westeros, Joffrey felt like a real King in this moment, he was leaving to conquer new lands for his country, and once they bent the knee to his might, they would fly the Baratheon flag high above their city.
Clearing his throat, Joffrey stood high on the podium, his eyes watching his uncle and the Stark bitch, his uncle had the decency to look worried for his family, Sansa looked like a well-beaten dog, good.
His eyes falling to his intended, "I will be back within a year's time, we will wed, then you will be the Queen Consort of Westeros and Essos, that is my gift to you."
Bowing to her fiancé, Margaery was thrilled knowing that he was leaving, while she was happy that he seemed to care for her and treated her far better than he did Sansa, being Queen and his wife wasn't worth all of his cruel behavior. "I look forward to your return, Your Grace."
Joffrey nodded, turning his attention to the people on the dock, "TODAY, YOUR KING AND HIS BEST SOLIDERS ARE GOING TO SAIL THE NARROW SEA, TAKE ESSOS FROM THE SAVAGES, AND BRING THE CITIES TO HEEL!" He bellowed out. Smiling as the crowd cheered him.
"IN MY STEAD, TYRION LANNISTER THE HAND OF THE KING WILL NOW STAND IS AS MY VOICE, YOU WILL ALL OBEY HIM AS THOUGH YOU ARE HEARNIG ME SPEAK!" Smirking at their surprise, but enjoying their fear. "PRAY TO THE GODS FOR OUR VICTORY!"
As he turned on his heels it was the resounding sound of his name being called out by his people; this was just the proof he needed to know that he was making the right choice.
Cersei watched as her son boarded the ship, her heart filled with fear and rage, this was reckless, and the fact that her father wasn't even trying to dissuade him, made her wonder if he was taking this seriously.
"Father, you do know that this is dangerous, bringing our entire family with him on this campaign. Why haven't you tried to explain this better to him?" She whispered to him.
Tywin resisted the urge to slap her, perhaps when they were far from shore he would remind her of her place, "There is nothing to fear, we have the Lannister army with us, we have the Mountain at his side, you have my brilliant mind leading this campaign." Turning his attention to her, "You may be the Queen Mother, but I am still in charge of this family, then it will be Jaime."
Biting her cheek, "Of course, Father." Her eyes falling to the sails that were starting to descend, "Tell me this, with our small army, how are you planning on taking the Dothraki hordes? Who will watch our interests here in Westeros?"
Snatching her arm, he pulled her close to his body, "To be clear, the only reason I will speak on this matter with you is because I will assume your panic is with your children being on this trip."
Exhaling his frustrations, "When we land, we will be outside of Myr, once we secure that city, I will send one of the lieutenants to Astapor and buy the entirety of the unsullied, then on my orders they will burn the city, take control, and then march towards Vaes Dothrak and wait for each horde to enter the city, and kill them. As for our interests here, House Frey will watch over our lands, like loyal dogs they are. Does this satisfy your curiosity?" he asked her.
Feeling a shred of relief, "Thank you father." It was all she could say to the man. Heading down below, she made sure to check on her children, pray to the Gods for their safety, and that her eldest child didn't do something stupid or reckless that not only cost him the campaign, but the lives of their House.
Jaime watched his sister, his lover, go below to be with their children, looking at his eldest, praying to the Gods that he would listen to his grandfather. As much as Jamie thought he was a fucking asshole, he had a strong military mind.
Moving closer to the man, "How long are you guessing it takes to get to Myr?" he asked, curious about the length of the voyage.
Feeling the Tradewinds, "If we can keep the wind to our backs, no more than 7 days. I need you Jaime, when we land, I need you to stay behind with your sister, and my grandchildren, I want you to be on the ship until we secured Myr, once the city is ours, I will set them up in the palace with our newly appointed army, and that is where they will remain until the end of the campaign."
Resisting the urge to smile, Jamie could only agree. "Of course, once they are secured, am I to ride with the army or stay?" Hoping that his father would allow him to stay.
Holding his tongue, he refused to read more into what he was feeling, the rumors of their incestuous relations have spread, a part of him wanted to deny such things, but they were always closer than they should have been.
This was to end now, Cersei and her daughter will be moved to Pentos once they've secured the city, Tommen would come back to King's Landing, and Jamie will be at his side until his death, and when they get back, he will marry, perhaps striking an arrangement with Yara Greyjoy combining their two houses.
"No, you will ride with me, it's time to take your place as the heir to House Lannister." Turning on his heels, he looked over his shoulder, "Let me be clear boy, you will forget whatever feelings you have, for if you do not, I will kill her."
Keeping his face as neutral as he could, Jamie watched as his father made sure that Joffrey was set up in in room. If his father knew, Cersei would be in danger if he continued, and if he told her what father was planning or that he knew, she would do something reckless getting herself killed or worse betraying the House of Lannister.
Heading to the bow of the ship, Jamie watched as the head ship lead the way out of the bay, sparing a glance behind him, he could see the 500 ships sailing behind them, pleased to know that when they landed on Myr's beach, they would be overrun with their numbers, and that the boats would sail North to Pentos securing that city for his son.
Tyrion watched as his family sailed off, a part of him knew that they would never be successful, and that he would be the last remaining Lannister. It was time to right the wrongs of his family, first and more importantly would be to get Sansa out of King's Landing, and back to the North, rumors of Jon Snow being the King of North was travelling fast through the Seven Kingdoms.
"Come my dear, there is much to do, and I will need your help." He said to her. Turning to the Hound, "It is time to earn your keep."
Looking down at her husband, she could only nod, and follow behind him.
Sandor chuckled, he was right, the little Imp was going to fix what the Targaryen's and Joffrey had broken and restore balance to the Seven Kingdoms. "Look forward to knowing what you'll have me do."
Sparing the man, a look, "Soon, my friend. Soon." Now that Joffrey was gone, he would take Sansa to the High Sparrow, demanding their divorce. Second, he would kill Littlefinger, he was a snake, it was time to cut the head off of the man who has been manipulating the anger and in-fighting of Westeros because Lady Stark married Ned. Finally, he would confirm the rumors of his sister's children, which would give them cause to legitimize Gentry Baratheon as the only true heir.
Once they were in the carriage, he looked at his wife, and then the Hound, "This is the only place where we will be able to speak freely without ears." Grabbing some wine, he turned to the man, "Are you loyal to House Lannister or Joffrey?" he asked him.
Taking the glass the Imp was holding for him, "I am loyal to House Lannister, you know this Imp."
Smirking, "Good, you know that they will never come back, I've heard rumors that the unsullied have already been acquired by the Khal Drogo, who set them loose on the city. If they make it past Myr alive, I will be surprised."
Gasping, Sansa looked over at her husband, "This is for certain?" she asked, not meaning to sound so happy about his family's demise.
Giving her a small smile, "Yes, Varys has spies all over the world, he shared this. He like Ser Sandor here, want a righteous king to serve." Eyeing the man, "Unless I have grossly misjudged you."
Drinking his wine, Sandor could only nod, "Aye."
Tipping back the rest of his wine, "We are heading to the High Septon now, you and I are to divorce, I will state that it is my issue, not yours. Then," looking over at Sandor, "You will kill Lord Baelish, he is crooked, and most of our strife has been because of his manipulations." Seeing Sandor nod.
"Sansa, once he is dead, I will have Ser Sandor escort you home, your bastard brother, Jon Snow is now the Warden of the North, he has led the armies to defeat the Greyjoy's and Boltons when they attempted to march on Winterfell, until Bran is returned home, he is Lord of Winterfell. He will protect you." Smiling when he saw tears in her eyes.
Lightly touching her hand, "I told you the night we wed, I will never hurt you, and will take care of you. I hope that you felt I've kept my promise."
Wrapping her arms around the man, "Thank you. I owe you so much." Crying into his shoulder.
Patting her shoulder, "You suffered enough for one lifetime," leaning back, "Sandor, when you have taken care of Baelish, leave this." Handing him Shae's bracelet, "She has been using the information she's gotten as Sansa's handmaiden and reporting back to my father, it will be only a matter of time before she truly betrays me. Her life is forfeit."
Sansa looked down at him, impressed that he was able to maneuver them into better positions to defend, "Your family has underestimated you, and I regret to say, so have I. I beg your forgiveness."
Waving his hand, "You are but a 14-year-old girl, you were scared, and doing what you must to survive." Looking at Sandor, "I have a letter for the Starks, proclaiming that the North will be free, and in good standing with the High Septon. You will get the letter once Baelish is dead." Not leaving anything to chance.
Feeling the carriage stop, Sandor looked down at the smaller man, "I will do that now, he's usually alone in the gardens at this time," looking at the girl, "I will return for you, and then we ride to Winterfell, it will be a long journey, I will not touch you, or harm you, but you must listen to me if we are to survive. Understood?"
Nodding to him, "I understand, thank you Ser Clegane."
Bowing to the both of them he tucked Shae's bracelet in his pocket and jumped out, taking his horse, it was time to get the ball rolling, and get the Stark girl safely tucked away before anymore tragedy could befall her family.
Tyrion looked over at Sansa, "Are you ready?" Extending his hand to hers.
Closing her eyes, she placed her hand in his, "I am. What do you plan for yourself when you have succeeded?" Curious about his intentions.
Smiling, "Simple, be appointed the Master of Coin, keep the realm from falling into disarray. Simple life." Placing a kiss on her cheek, "No more talking about this to anyone, at least until you are home, until we can weed out the snakes, best not show our hand, yes?"
Nodding, "Yes."
Leading her into the High Septon, his eyes found the High Sparrow mulling around, "Good afternoon, Great Priests." He said with a slight bow.
Turning his attention to the King's Voice, "My Grace, what brings you by this afternoon?"
"I humbly ask for a divorce," hearing their gasps, "The fault is of mine, Lady Stark is perfect in every way, but alas, my condition as a dwarf makes the prospect of consummating our marriage nearly impossible. She should be released from this obvious attempt to torment her, allow her to be properly matched with a Lord that can fulfill his duties."
Gasping, the old man looked between the Imp and the statuesque young woman, she was tall for a woman, especially one of 14. Rubbing his beard, "You never consummated the marriage?"
Shaking his head, "No your holiness, I have not been able to." Trying his best not to roll his eyes or laugh.
His eyes found the young Stark girl watching, calling for the priestess, "You will be examined, if you are pure as your husband says, the Gods will grant your divorce."
Sansa nodded and followed behind the priestess. After being instructed to spread her legs, she stared at the ceiling as the woman poked and prodded her, hissing when she pushed to hard. "OUCH." She gasped out.
Looking up, she nodded, "You may return." Washing her hands, she followed behind the young woman, her eyes landing on the leader, "She is pure."
"Thank you." Taking a second, "As the High Sparrow of the Seven Kingdoms, l absolve your marriage, you will no longer be married in the eyes of the Gods," turning to the scribe, "Please write the letters, sending out to Westeros that young Lady Stark is no longer married to Tyrion Lannister Hand & Voice of the King."
Reviewing the letters, he gave Lady Stark one, "Keep this with you for the next year, for it can take time for it to be distributed throughout the land."
Bowing to the man, "Thank you, your holiness." Putting the letter into her cloak, this was the only thing from King's Landing that she was really going to take with her.
Tyrion could see the joy radiating off her body, so far so good, if he kept this up, his plans would hopefully bring peace to the world. Bowing, "Your help with this matter is greatly appreciated, I will be taking my leave, it is time to get the Lady Stark home."
The High Sparrow could only nod. It was his job to speak for the Gods, and if a union could not be formed with a proper marriage and future children, it was a crime against the Seven Kingdoms, "I do expect to see you married in the next year, my Lord, as a male Lannister you need to propagate the line." Giving him a stern look. Looking back at Sansa, "As the daughter of a traitor, it maybe hard to find a match." Feeling sorry for the girl.
Tyrion saw her tense at the words, squeezing her hand, pleased that she stayed quiet, "My Lord, once I have her sent away, I have much to discuss," sparing her a glance, "it is too much for a young lady."
Rubbing his face, the High Sparrow was curious, "I look forward to seeing you again, My Lord." Indicating it was alright for him to leave.
The pair bowed again and made their way to the carriage, once he had her secured, "I will get your father's name removed from the histories as a traitor, it will take time, but I will do this." Knowing that was all the girl wanted.
Wiping her face, "Thank you again, my lord." For the first time in a year, she's felt the world finally lift off her shoulders. The first thing that she was going to do was hug Jon, she was so awful to him, and knowing how that felt, she would never treat others like they didn't matter again.
Heading into the Red Keep, Tyrion kept Sansa near him, "Go get some of your clothes ready, I do believe Ser Clergane will be with us shortly. We must be in the stables soon my dear." Knowing that the man wasn't going to waste time killing Lord Baelish.
Sandor watched the man he was sent to kill, he walked with arrogance. Keeping to the shadows, he was waiting for an opportune time, and like a sign from the Gods, the whore Shae appeared, while he couldn't hear what was really being said, only catching every other word or so. But what he was able to get it was a full report on Tyrion.
Pulling out her bracelet, smiling, the Imp knew who she was, and felt no guilt in what was going to happen. If the man was able to get his divorce from the High Sparrow, anything this whore said would be considered a lie, of a jealous woman. She would be executed.
Watching the pair more, she was trying to get more money from Baelish, and with a swift backhand, he silenced her. This was almost too perfect; he couldn't have planned it better himself.
Shae looked up at her former employer, "My apologies my Lord, I forgot my place." Resisting the urge to spit at his feet.
Petyr looked down at the whore, "I told you before, never to step out of line again. I will kill you, who would miss one little whore." He snapped. Taking a second to calm himself, "Now that Tywin is gone, you are to report all of Lady Sansa's movements to me, as well as the voice, they trust you."
Picking herself off ground, Shae kept her head low, "Of course, is there anything else?" Hoping that he was done with shuttling her around.
Rubbing his beard, "The Hound, he is staying behind on the King's orders, get close to him, learn his secrets, I can't have him too close to Sansa." Worried that she would start going to him for her protection, that couldn't happen, he's spent the last year manipulating the girl, soon she would be putty in his hands, and once the Greyjoy's took Winterfell, killing the bastard, he would convince Sansa to marry him, then Joffrey would make him warden of the North.
Bowing, "As you wish." Making her leave, she made her way towards her quarters, wanting to prep herself, she's spent too much time with Tyrion recently, and his heart was obviously not for her, perhaps he was falling for the Stark girl, that was the only reason why she continued to spy, if she couldn't have him, no one would.
Petyr watched her scurry off, he was so close, he knew the Imp wasn't fucking the girl, for which he was grateful, she wasn't tainted yet, and with Joffrey gone, as well as his mother, he knew that the Imp would relax, knowing that he wouldn't have to lie to his father any longer, well at least until they sailed back.
So, for now he would gather this information, and when the conquering king finally returned, he would be rewarded, and he would ask for Sansa. To Sansa it would look like he's trying to protect her from Joffrey's rage, Tyrion would face justice for lying to the King, Cersei would finally get her revenge for the little beast killing her mother, and Tywin would finally be free of his son. All thanks to him, the Lannister's would open their vaults in gratitude.
Baelish was wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't hear nor see The Hound come up until the giant man was upon him.
Jumping back when he finally saw him, trying not to appear scared, "What brings you to the gardens?" He asked the man.
"I'm hear to kill you." He said, enjoying the look of shock on his face. Not wanting to draw this out, Sandor punched him in the nose, and wrapped the man's sash around his neck, squeezing him until his face was turning purple.
Swinging his arms, Baelish tried hard to hit him, but he was bent at such a weird angle, trying to yell only served to make the sash tighter. His vision was starting to blur, black edges crept into his vision, and he could feel the shit running down his backside. With a last gasp, "Why?"
Sandor could see the foam on the side of his mouth, "You and your poisonous words help killed Lord Stark, for what, a woman that didn't choose you, and now you look to groom her daughter. That's why, you fucking cunt."
Squeezing his neck, a bit tighter, Sandor felt the life leave his body, but to be sure he crushed this throat enjoying how it squished beneath his fingers. Tossing him to the ground, he made sure to leave the bracelet near his feet but to the side, wanting to make it look like it came off in the struggle.
Double checking his surroundings, he quickly made his way towards the stables, wanting to be as far from King's Landing, not that he was worried about any implications, for him nor Sansa. Without the protection of Tywin or Cersei, Shae was utterly alone. Smart little Imp.
Sansa paced back and forth, her satchel was filled with clothes, while they weren't the fine garments she was used to wearing, it would help her go unnoticed until she was at home with her family.
"Relax Sansa, for all of his faults, Ser Sandor is a capable man." He said from the other side stable.
Gently petting the horse, "I'm sorry, after everything that has happened, I'm just ready to leave." Realizing how that sounded, "You're the only reason that I was able to survive, I hope you know how grateful I am for your kindness."
"You are most welcome Lady Stark."
"You two are just fucking sweet." A voice said from behind them.
Tyrion turned quickly at the sound of his voice, "Lord Baelish?"
Entering the barn, he could see that Sansa was nervous, but ready to go, "Dealt with," looking down at the man, "Without any complications she should be in Winterfell within the month, and I will ride back as fast as I can."
Waving his hand, "No, I need you to lead the remaining army that we have in the northern territory and take the Frey House. It is time they come to heel." Pulling out two letters, "This is for the Lords of Winterfell, it is a document saying that I will honor their freedom and succession from the 7 Kingdoms if that is their wish." Handing it to Sansa, smiling at her stunned face.
Taking the other, "This is giving you command of the Army that is stationed at the Frey House, once secured, leave a few men behind, so to keep them in line, and march them back to Casterly Rock, they are no longer to be used for war mongering. Once you are there, you can stay or you can come back to King's Landing, that would be up to you."
Tucking the letter in his breast plate, "I probably will come back, need to see with my own eyes how you're turning Westeros on it's head." Extending his hand, "See you soon, Imp."
Chuckling at him, while anyone else would have referred to him that way, he'd retaliate, but perhaps with his obvious disfigurement, and his size, they were two misshapen men of this world, they did have something in common. "See you soon, dog."
Taken a second to laugh, Sandor looked over at Lady Stark, "Mount your horse," reaching for his animal's reign, swinging himself up, watching her get on hers, "Stick close, keep your hood up once we leave the city, and most importantly girl, you need to listen to me."
Moving herself closer to him, Sansa looked into his eyes, "I swear, I will. I just want to get home." Looking down at her now ex-husband, "I will send word once I'm home, you will always have my respect, and if there is anything the Starks can do you for you, please let me know."
Touching her leg, "You my dear, can do me one thing, find your happiness, and don't let what happened here change your soul. You are a strong woman Lady Sansa Stark." Stepping back, he swatted her horse, chuckling as it started to trot.
Looking over at Sandor, "Protect her."
Nodding, knowing exactly what Joffrey did to that girl, and to his shame, what he didn't stop, "On my own life." Getting the horse going, he carefully led them out of the city.
Tyrion watched as they rounded the corner, grateful that he was able to protect her as long as he could. Taking a deep breath, he made his way towards the Red Keep, it was time to make his presence known, and in the morning, start on the next stage of his plans.