DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THAT BELONGS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS
a/n: Oh wow thank you for those responses from the last chapter that means a lot to me! Now for those of you wishing me good luck with the lava thank you so much, but I don't live on that side of the island. THANK GOD! I live on the opposite side where the volcanic smog called VOG resides. It kind of looks like any polluted city right now but trust me being home because of it is no fun at all. Now I have do deal with storms and wildfires. Can't a dragon have a break….nope!
Ok on with the story
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 11: The Missing Stark
It was around midday of the following day that the group found themselves surrounded by friends and the host families. The Whitehills who had come as guests to the Foresters for once are not fighting. Instead they are with Ramsey who represents their high lord of House Bolton. Being the bastard son of Lord Bolton does have some advantages. One of them is being respected throughout their region of the North, and House Whitehill who is on the other side of the Wolf's Wood knows from whom you pay homage too.
The Foresters however are a different matter. They are feeling rather ashamed that their main guest of honor was stolen from their own home. Mira Forester was there weeping with some of the Whitehill girls while Asher and Rodrick were discussing things with Lord Whitehill and a few other lords.
Dany, Jon, and the Greyjoys were watching this with solem looks. Ghost was by Jon's side whining while Dany had the dragon eggs in the fire beside her. She and Jon refuse to let the dragon eggs go from their sight.
"I want to help," said a voice in front of them. They all looked up to see young Ethan Forester with a boy that they didn't know standing there. Both of them looked like they want to go hunting, but from what they knew the boys were in full armor.
"Ethan what are you doing?" Lord Forester said from his perch on the dais.
"I want to help find Lady Sansa! It is not fair that we have to sit here and wait for Lord Stark's reply!" Ethan said sounding rather distraught.
"No you will not!" Lady Forester finally spoke from the side. She lifted her skirts and walked towards them, "You are not ready yet Ethan, and you hardly can shoot straight much less go after kidnappers," with that she pulled him by his ear and dragged him from the front.
"But mother!" he called much to the others good humor.
"Sorry about my twin brother," said another voice and this time it was Thalia Forester who spoke. Right beside her was a girl with Whitehill colors on her dress.
"It is alright Thalia your brother means well," Jon tried to reason.
"I know, but he worries about people. I think one day he would make a great warrior. I hope to study the healing arts one day when I come of age. When I complete my journey across the North I want to study healing at Winterfell." Thalia said.
"I want to study healing too that is why Thalia and I wanted to get to know each other better. She is into surgery and I want to get into herbology," said the girl.
"Who are you?" asked Theon.
"I am Abigail Whitehill I am Lord Whitehill's niece. My uncle is taking care of me as his charge after my father and mother passed away last winter. Thalia and I were talking about the marriage alliance and hope it works out." Abigail said.
"We hope so too," said Dany.
"We hope you find Lady Sansa soon I heard she is one of the best warriors in all of Winterfell," said Abigail.
"She is one of the best and if I am right as soon as she is free she will make those men pay for what they did." said Asha trying to sound brave though her eyes speak otherwise.
"Taught by Shifu herself," said Theon trying to add to the bravado.
"Theon you twit everyone knows that! Sansa was trained by the best and the best make her strong." Asha said.
"A true wolf of the North," said Jon.
WINTERFELL
"My Lord a raven from Ironrath," said Maester Luwin as he ran across the field from the castle. Both he and Robb were in the process of harvesting the latest wheat when Luwin came.
Putting down their scythes both men looked on with grave faces when they read the raven.
"Luwin summon the council I want to speak to them at once," he said and the Maester bowed before running back towards the castle.
It didn't take them long to come into the solar. Everyone was present as Lord Tyrion, the Septa, Catelyn, Robb, Maester Luwin, Ser Rodrick, and Lord Cassel to the solar they were also greeted by some visiting lords and those who are also on staff.
When they sat down Lord Stark was the first to speak.
"Yesterday at Ironrath there was a wedding to unite House Forester and House Whitehill to end the feud between them. However this was no longer the case as my daughter Sansa was taken." Lord Stark said.
Gasps could be heard around the room.
"Who would dare!" One person roared and that person was none other then the visiting Lord Karstark of Karhold far to the Northeast.
The uproar was clearly felt as the other lords started to mutter to themselves and also members of the staff. When Lord Stark raised his hand however all sound ceased allowing him to speak.
"This is grave news indeed for Sansa was on her journey throughout the North. She has visited a number of western holds across the west coast. But have yet to make her way east. This is also unacceptable. Lord Forester has done all he can along with Lord Whitehill. I will send word to the other lords to keep an eye out for anyone looking like they are transporting goods or carrying something other then trade. I want everyone with a hound to find Lady Sansa at all costs. Now is not the time to deal with this. I want everyone of you lords to send word to your vassals. Should anyone of them come across those men kill them immediately." Lord Stark said.
The other lords muttered to themselves for a bit before silencing once again.
"Those slavers are still here. According to this report also by Lord Forester several splinter groups were seen just in the wolfswood alone. I want patrols around Winter Town increased especially near the woods. I want the city watch to take account of all the family members in the city. Send word to all the western coastal cities and the those at the neck and east. I want Sansa found and if possible that she did escape I want her protected understood," he said.
The lords all agreed to it.
"You also need to remember that Sansa is also a skilled warrior, and has been battle hardened by fighting off the slavers at Bear Island. I'd say she is well enough to take care of herself," said the Septa.
"Though it is true Shifu you must remember that she is a Stark and the pack takes care of their own." Lord Stark said.
"Well then who do you think might have stolen her?" asked Lord Tyrion.
"I have no idea, but whoever did this obviously are working with the slavers, or had an idea of what they were dealing with," said Lord Stark.
"Who would want a war with the North and the Iron Islands?" asked one of the minor lords.
"Obviously someone who would benefit quite a bit from it. I doubt it was Lynesse Hightower. Even if she instigated it she does not have the brains to orchestrate the kidnapping of Sansa Stark." Lord Tyrion said.
"How so my lord?" asked Robb.
"It is simple, I've known the Hightowers for sometime. Having traveled around between King's Landing and the Reach. Sometimes I would stop at Old Town on my way back to Casterly Rock. Father never knew this of course seeing as I was discrete because I wanted to get some Arbor Gold for home. But while there I would often stop by Hightower to rest before continuing on to Lannisport. The Hightowers are just like any other member of the nobility in the Reach. They love to show off their wealth whenever they can. The Tyrells are no different whenever I visited Highgarden. Though Lord Hightower at least has some sense his daughter Lynesse is the most dimwitted one of the bunch. Thank the Gods none of the other family members are like her," Lord Tyrion replied.
"At least Lord Hightower had some honor in warning Lord Jorah of the attack even if the raven arrived too late," another minor lord stated.
"Yes I have to agree at least he holds some form of honor. However what does this have to do with Lady Sansa's kidnapping?" asked another lord.
"It just might be connected somehow. Think about it two nations had been attacked in the recent months since King Robert departed down south. This puts the other kingdoms on guard. We don't know if they other then the Iron Islands had been attacked and we had no word from them yet. What I do know is that if they attacked us and the Iron Islands. It is no doubt they attacked the other nations along the Sunset Sea as well," Lord Manderly who was visiting from White Harbor on the Eastern Coast said.
"I would have to agree with Lord Manderly. If the Slavers attacked the other nations then messages are late getting here. The King would have his hands full by now," said Catelyn.
"He should be in King's Landing by now since he left nearly three moons ago," said Maester Luwin.
"What do you think? Did they take her by land or by sea? I doubt they would want to remain in the North." said another voice this one belonging to Jojen Reed who was studying magic and Greenseeing at Winterfell.
"You are right Lord Reed they would not want to remain in the North. Not when Sansa's Direwolf would find her. No the best bet would be to head south at least along the coast where the ocean can hide their scent from the wolves." said the Septa speaking up for the first time.
"If they were smart that is," replied Robb.
"And if they weren't or are not able to get passage south then the best bet would be to travel by land along the coast. Also to avoid any towns such as Kracken Town or any of the holds along the way. Then book a passage either to the Riverlands or the Westerlands with some smugglers. My guess is that they knew their target and wanted to take her somewhere to hold her hostage," said Lord Cerwin who sat directly next to Lord Glover sweaty from being out in the fields with Lord Stark.
"They would find out the hard way that Sansa is not going to roll over and play the damsel in distress. Unless they keep her drugged they are going to be in for a surprise," said Robb.
"That is true Sansa was one of my best students and when she and her sister get together to cause mischief then things don't go so well," the Septa said.
"How will we find them then," said Lord Reed.
"Can you see them with your sight my Lord?" asked Lord Stark.
Jojen shook his head, "I've tried but someone placed some sort of cloak on them as if they knew that we would be able to see them from Greenseeing."
"It seems as if someone who has knowledge of the North knows how we operate. Either they are Northerners themselves or had lived amongst us for quite sometime before sharing their knowledge to outsiders. This makes them oathbreakers and traitors to be dealt with," said Lord Stark.
"If that is the case then I want every hold along the western coast be on the lookout for any ships that appears suspicious. I will ask Lady Asha to once again help us since she has helped us before. The Ironborn would be looking for a fight after what has happened to their homeland. I would gladly allow them this privilege just this once to bring Sansa home." Lord Stark said.
"Can we trust the Ironborn now that they are in disarray?" asked Robb.
"Well for this instance we can since they and us share a common goal. I will also send word to my father in Casterly Rock to be on the lookout for Sansa. If they do enter the Westerlands then as a representative of House Lannister it is my duty to aid my neighbors," Lord Tyrion replied.
"I will send word to my father and brother also to be on the lookout. I am also going to Riverrun since my father is not doing so well. I had just received word of it right before we had gotten the raven of Sansa's disappearance. So Lord Tyrion I think we can accompany each other if you are also heading that way." Catelyn said to Lord Tyrion.
"It would be my pleasure Lady Stark. I have to make a stop in King's Landing anyways for I needed to bring somethings down for Varys. I feel as if the information I provide would be more use if delivered in person. Varys has been good at keeping secrets so far and has every right to ask for assistance from me." Lord Tyrion replied.
"And what does the Spider want?" asked Lord Small Jon Umber.
"Varys has requested something concerning the Long Night and asked Lord Tyrion for books on the subject. Since the North holds such knowledge we are glad to be able to give him some more accurate advice. And since he has written to me first before consulting with Lord Tyrion for permission. I would be glad to say that he has no quarrels with us. Plus Varys is in possession of a black mirror. He has found it in the black cells of King's Landing. That is how I keep in touch with him," Lord Stark replied.
"We will leave in a few days with Yoren of the Night's Watch. He is staying in Wintertown for a few days before making his way down to King's Landing for recruitment. I will send word to him to let him know that he will have some companions to go with him," Lord Stark said to both his wife and Lord Tyrion.
Both bowed to him before leaving.
"Robb call your sister here I wish to speak with her once the meeting is over," Lord Stark said and Robb gave a short bow before exiting to look for Arya.
"As for the rest of you send word to your holds to keep an eye out for Sansa. Even by chance they head east I want all the coastal towns on the lookout," Lord Stark said.
They all bowed before standing up to leave.
The only ones in the room are Lord Stark, Maester Luwin and the Septa.
Lord Stark then pulled out a parchment and started to write. It was a lengthy letter and when he was done he quickly sealed it before starting another. This one was not as long but it was lengthy. The third letter was shorter then the previous two, but still it was a good three paragraphs. When he was done with sealing them with wax he gave them to the Maester.
"Send them by Eagle they should be there as soon as possible," Lord Stark said.
The man bowed before leaving.
He saw the door open and Arya stepped in. The girl's face was covered in soot from cleaning the kitchens as well as dirt covered hands from washing vegetables.
"Arya," Lord Stark's voice was firm.
Arya was nervous as she stepped closer and kept silent the entire time.
"Come closer I am not going to scold you for anything." he said and his youngest daughter stepped up.
"Your Septa has told me that you have done well with your combat skills is this true?" Lord Stark asked.
Arya's eyes lit up as she nodded, "I beat Torrhen Karstark today father," she said.
"I also told your father how proficient you had become in your tracking skills and your ranged weapons," The Septa said.
"Arya do you know why I called for you and mentioned these skills?" Lord Stark asked her.
"No father," Arya said.
"You are to do a mission for me. One that requires you to travel south. Though I don't like it I would not ask you to do this unless it is important." Lord Stark said.
"Alright what do I have to do father," Arya said to him.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Arya was packing her bags with Nymeria next to her. She put away her daggers and small sword. She forged the sword herself calling it Needle for it looks like a Needle. Shaping it in the Bravoosi style of swords Needle is good for stabbing as well as slicing. But unlike the normal swords it is Valyrian Steel. She managed to achieve this in her smithing class which delighted her instructors very well. The daggers also were Valyrian Steel making them stronger and lighter then ordinary daggers.
But Arya's main weapon is her bow made from weirwood and dragonbone. The bow itself is stained black to protect it from wear and tear, but also to hide it from anyone wishing to steal it. The Stark Direwolf was carved into the bow to show who owns it as well as the string made from reptile hide.
Nymeria sat just off to the side her tail wagging as she watched her mistress pack the essentials. When she was done and her pack was slung over her shoulder she began to walk out. Nymeria is now the size of a normal wolf and growing still. Though she is a lot stronger then a normal wolf as was proven when Arya mounted her. Her small lightweight size made her ok with riding the wolf at this stage and Nymeria is set to grow even larger.
With her pack on her back as well as a small pack on Nymeria Arya walked her wolf out. There her father and mother were waiting.
Catelyn already had tears in her eyes when she saw her daughter. She knew that no matter how she would argue her husband would have no other way. And besides she was strong in knowing that Arya can protect herself. She was trained since the day she could walk to be a warrior. Her husband knows this as well as her eldest son. Robb was late when he appeared he was dressed as he normally does in plain clothes. He gave his sister a hug. Grey Wind at his side barked happily with Nymeria and even exchanged gentle licks to the face to know that they will be thought of.
"Remember what you learned my little warrior," Catelyn's voice said to her.
"I will mother," Arya said. With that she urged Nymeria on as the wolf raced out into the night.
Catelyn held her husband's hand and he gave her a gentle squeeze. Robb looked on knowing that if he were to depart things were just getting uglier.
IRONRATH
The sound of an eagle filled the air as the bird landed at the rookery of Ironrath. The bird held a necklace with the sigil of House Stark meaning the message came from Winterfell. Looking at the notes and who it was addressed to the Maester quickly ran down towards Lord Forester's room. Knocking on the door he was greeted by his lord emerging.
"What is it?" he asked.
"News sir from Winterfell," said the lord.
AN HOUR LATER
The Forester Family with the exception of the younger children and those from House Whitehill were gathered in Lord Forester's Solar. The Solar was much smaller then that of Winterfell or Bear Island for that matter so the room was a bit cramped. However the nobles in that room made due with what they got.
"I had just gotten this letter from Lord Stark regarding Lady Sansa's disappearance. He has decreed that all the major roads as well as the major ports in the North be thoroughly checked and has asked that the Ironborn provide some assistance when necessary. Lady Sansa is important to all of us and if found please have her returned to Winterfell where she is sorely missed. Lord Forester you are asked to provide escort to both Prince Jon and Princess Daenerys to the Northern Grove. It is important now more then ever to have them receive their dragon training. With the disappearance of Sansa forces are working against us for the Long Night." he said.
All five of Sansa's companions were shocked by this.
"But how will we help Sansa?" asked Dany.
"Lord Stark has given me several letters delivered by eagle to me to give to you regarding your mission. He stated that each of you have individual orders as to what you are to do for Sansa and the North. As of now House's Forester and Whitehill are joined in this agreement. Lady Sansa was my responsibility and it was under my watch that she was taken. However Lord Stark reminded me that she is also a skilled warrior and negotiator so hopefully she could talk her way out of it. He had sent his youngest daughter Arya to help in tracking down Sansa Stark. She is on her way here right now to help with the direwolf. When the wolf is well they both will travel south to find Lady Sansa." Lord Forester replied.
"You said he wanted the Ironborn to help we don't answer to him." Asha said to Lord Forester.
"He said everything is explained in the letter." he replied.
LATER
"I can't believe we are leaving so soon after just arriving not even two days ago," complained Ramsey as he was once again dressed in his travelers clothes.
"I know Ramsey and I am bummed too but Lord Stark was clear. We need to help Arya find Sansa and protect the sea ports of the North from any more invasions," Theon replied.
Ramsey looked down and felt a hand on his shoulder, "Don't look at us like that Ramsey, remember you are coming with us too. Once Arya gets here we are going to make our way south with Lady. We need to get to Kracken Town and from there work our way back the way we came to find the kidnappers. Dany and Jon are to go North to deal with their dragons. They have no other choice," Theon said to him.
"I suppose you are right," said Ramsey.
"Besides I think we will have someone else accompany us as well," said Asha.
"What do you mean sister?" asked Theon.
"Mira Forester is to head back to Highgarden the same time we leave. So she will be with us for part of the journey. We don't know where those men went but we sure as hell will make their lives miserable when we find them," replied Asha.
"We will give a generous offering to the Drowned God," Theon said.
"By feeding them to Timmy," Ramsey replied.
"Oh that would be fun," said Asha as she smiled at the thought.
They laughed at the thought when both Jon and Dany knocked on the door their mood somber.
"Hey don't look at us that way we need to find a way to rescue Sansa, and Lord Stark believes that when you hatch them they would help both you and Dany with your dragon dreams." Theon said to Jon when he sat down with Ghost on his heels.
"I am just going to miss you guys," he said.
"We will miss you two Prince Snow," Asha said.
Ramsey started to sniff as he was on the verge of tears.
"I will miss all you guys," he said and grabbed the nearest person who was Jon and gave him a huge hug.
Jon feeling embarrassed hugged him back, but even he had tears in his eyes. Dany who was also crying hugged the duo and then slowly but surely everyone hugged. It was a very sad moment for everyone.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING
A howl could be heard in the distance as a lone wolf approached Ironrath. The howl was greeted by Ghost who replied back. A lone figure made her way towards them riding a large wolf. That wolf was being ridden like a horse. Ghost ran up to the wolf and offered her a greeting.
Nymeria the direwolf also replied by licking her brother's face. Ghost was about the same size if not slightly larger. Both ran towards the rest of the group with Nymeria showing signs of weariness from her travels. Arya too showed signs of fatigue. Lord Forester greeted her as she entered and did not waste time with pleasantries. She unsaddled Nymeria before retiring to her room with the other girls.
"Arya it has been a while," Dany said as she greeted the younger Stark.
Arya hugged Dany and also gave Asha a hug, "I miss you guys," she said.
"I know we missed you too so how was it with the King in Winterfell," Dany asked and Arya began her tale of what happened at Winterfell while they were gone.
By the time they went to dinner the girls were laughing so hard that they choked on their food.
"You, Robb and Bran had to clean toilets because you were spying?" said Dany between laughs.
"It was worth it," said Arya and she also produced a black mirror for them to see it for themselves. The girls laughs were soon stopped by showing looks of disgust. The scene of the Queen and Ser Jaime played into their minds. They watched the scene of Bran being pushed out of the window which made Jon very angry. He wanted to be there for his cousin but Arya shook her head. "It is not worth killing him for. Besides watching him get his ass handed to him by the Septa was worth it even more." she said.
"Wait the Septa beat the shit out of Ser Jaime?" asked Dany.
"Oh yes hold on," Arya said and showed the fight once more.
"Shit! Septa sure as hell kicks ass!" said Theon.
"Oh yes she is so fast look Ser Jaime never stood a chance and the worst part was she was toying with him," said Dany.
"Man you should have seen the look on the Queen's face when she saw that she was furious. But you can't kill the Septa she is too smart for that. Besides Bran is on his way to make a full recovery. The healers and the Maesters are making Bran do some workouts to make sure he does not lose any muscle from not doing anything." Arya said.
"Can he walk?" asked Theon.
"No, he can't put any weight on his spine for the next several months." was the reply.
"So are they using water treatments? Is that what they are using?" asked Asha.
"Yes, Bran was going to start it after I left Winterfell but that is what it was," Arya said.
"So Lord Stark sent you to help us find Sansa?" Theon said.
"Yep, he thinks the kidnappers are aiming for the Southern Border knowing the ocean is going to be guarded by Ironborn and the Northern Fleet. He believes that Sansa is intended for King's Landing because anywhere else would be too noticeable." Arya replied.
"Smart, King's Landing is a cesspool of crooks and smugglers. All sorts of trash live there and if anyone wants to disappear it would be there," Asha replied.
"So we have to hopefully get to King's Landing before they do?" Ramsey asked.
"If Sansa has not escaped till then." Asha replied.
"Alright we will wait for tomorrow since Lady Mira is joining us. She will be heading back to Highgarden and since the sea is going to be her friend we will join her. That way if they are going over land we can cut them off around Kracken Point. It is too dangerous to go through the Borrowlands and the swamps so most likely they will try to stick to the coast. Unless they are foolish enough to go on the road," Asha said.
"If they are then they are going to be dealing with the patrols around the area," Arya said.
"Worst is in the swamps especially around the neck and the southern part of the North. If that were the case then we need to watch the southern border," Asha explained.
"Then its set then we will head south with Lady Mira in the morning. Dany and Jon what are your plans?" asked Ramsey.
"We head towards the Shadow Tower since that is the closest Night's Watch castle and use the entrance to get to the True North. There we meet up with several of the Free Folk who will take us to the Northern Grove to help hatch our dragons and to teach us dragon care and dragon riding techniques." Jon said.
"I wish we could go with you," said Dany.
"I know but Father said that this is the best for you both. You are the Last Valyrians though Jon is only half Valyrian he still has the blood of the First Men and Old Valyria which is a potent mix. That and his warg connection to Ghost also aids him. Father stated in his letter that he also needs to receive Warg training while he is up there. The Shamans of the Free Folk know how to do it so they can teach him. Bran will meet him up there when he fully recovers from his ordeal in a year or so." Arya replied.
"Well it is getting late and we all better head to bed I will inform Lady Mira of our plans and hopefully we can get going at first light," Asha said as she stood up.
The others did the same with Theon, Jon and Ramsey heading out leaving Arya and Dany in the room. Asha had gone out the door to inform Mira of their plans and when they are leaving. Dany chose this time to wrap her arms around her legs as Arya went into the other room for a bath. When she emerged she was clean and waited for Dany to do the same. When she was changed into her sleeping clothes both girls just stared into the fire where the dragon eggs were being kept. Nymeria was sleeping with Lady in the Maester's tower so that left the two alone.
"Do you think she is ok?" Arya asked Dany.
Dany wrapped her arms around Arya, "I know that she would be ok she is a Stark of Winterfell and a skilled warrior. I know she will be ok."
With that the two looked into the fire together till sleep claimed them.
SOMEWHERE ALONG THE ROAD NEAR THE RILLS
Through the woods a single wagon was being pulled by a horse. On it a hooded figure was hitting the horses to allow them to keep up the pace. In back his partner kept a steady pace on his Pinto galloping around and keeping watch. From inside the wagon hidden in a trunk a single figure was struggling with her bindings. Sansa Stark was not happy at all for the containment and she struggled to get out of her predicament.
As she has done so she felt the familiar Tully anger build inside her. She could not scream because her mouth was gagged she could not move because she was tied. And worse she could barely breathe because of how stuffy the trunk was. They were pretty adamant of about keeping her tied up as if they knew what she could do. Sansa could not move and her muscles were already cramped from the lack of use.
She wanted to break out and to fight but to do so would put her at risk. Moving was out of the question so that left her to sulk and to wait till the time was right to run.
It was then that she heard the wagon stop and the men began to talk.
OUTSIDE THE WAGON
The wagon was stopped by a group of soldiers heading north along the road.
"Halt!" One soldier said to them and the wagon stopped.
"What can we do for you sir?" they asked.
"Where are you heading with that?" one soldier asked.
"I was asked to send supplies down to Kracken Town. They said they were running low with medical supplies and the shipping lanes are chocked full of pirates so they asked us to carry this over land." he said and was prepared for the soldiers. They pulled up the tarp that covered the wagon and showed the crates full of supplies. Satisfied the men let them go leaving the one trunk that was hidden to keep rolling.
As they soldiers rolled away the two men in the wagon gave a sign of relief before riding on. The road was well paved with stone so it was easy for them to travel. The North had one of the best roads outside of the capital and Dorne so it made traveling easier. They passed by several more soldiers along the way but kept going. The wagon's goods of course were all good till they got to their destination.
IRONRATH
The first light of the sun brought with it much activity as people made preparations for several departures. The first was Jon and Dany who was in full riding gear. The sigil of their house shown on their armor while Ghost trotted beside Jon. They were the first to leave just before the light broke the horizon. The dragon eggs were kept once again in their special pouch and Dany insisted that she carry them this time as Jon would be the one tending to Ghost.
The second group consisted of Arya, Theon, Asha and Ramsey with Mira riding beside them for part of the journey. Theon, Asha, Ramsey and Mira rode on horses while Arya rode on Nymeria. Since she was small enough she could ride her wolf much earlier then Jon. Jon had to wait till Ghost had gotten a bit bigger before he could ride the wolf.
By now Lady was fully recover and she too ran up to Nymeria as if knowing she was to go with her sister. With the two groups exchanging hugs and thoughts of goodbye Jon was glad that Arya had become a formidable warrior. The bow slung onto her back as well as the short sword to her side made her formidable. She wore her spider's silk clothes which doubles as a very strong and flexible armor. Her hair was braided into a warrior's braid which wrapped around her head to help with keeping it out of her eyes. Asha with her shorter hair had it up in a pony tail as she too sported new Spider's Silk clothes. Though they look like the typical rough spun clothes of the Ironborn. Underneath the clothes keep her both warm and cool and offer her extra protection.
Theon and Ramsey both sported the same types of clothes with Theon's showing more of House Greyjoy's colors while Ramsey more of his Bolton heritage. The dark blues of his tunic and trousers made him look more like a sailor then a warrior but Ramsey didn't mind. In fact he was more proud of it since the flayed man was splayed across his shirt.
They watched as Mira hugged her family goodbye as well as the newlyweds and their family. Leaping onto her horse this time she was armed with a bow and a staff. The colors of House Forester on her clothes as she leaped onto her horse. Then like lightning she was off with the others behind her. Arya proved she was the better rider with Nymeria as her steed. The direwolf was just as fast as the horses with Lady right beside her.
Into the forest they went leaving House Forester's home of Ironrath behind them as they journeyed south. To parts unknown for their journey.
WINTERFELL
At the same time another group was making their way out of the southern gates of Wintertown. The people were not up at this time but they knew that when riders leave early in the morning it was important. In this case they though it was because of the disappearance of Lady Sansa Stark. Word had gotten to the people of the small city and as such people prayed to the gods for their safe journey.
Lady Catelyn Stark and Lord Tyrion Lannister with a group of over a hundred men raced southwards. Beside them was Yoren of the Night's Watch with his wagon for recruitment and supplies for the journey. As they raced out down the King's Road a howl could be heard followed by two more. Shaggy Dog, Grey Wind and Bran's wolf that he had named Summer howled their farewells.
On the wall was the newly awakened Bran with Lord Stark behind him, Robb to his right and young Rickon to his left. Though Rickon is only six he is starting to understand that his grandfather needs his mother's attention. So luckily Lord Stark stayed at Winterfell to help with parenting duties. With the constant chores and studies Rickon was distracted enough not to notice his mother's lack of presence. It was a way for his parents to ease him away from being overly dependent on them and to allow them to attend their duties without him worrying about them.
Bran who had awakened about two days ago was up and about. But his lack of enthusiasm has Lord Stark worried. But no matter though his wife was leaving and she wished her children well before riding off. Lord Stark would have never imagined his wife to ride off carrying a weapon with her. When she first arrived she was everything a lady should be but now….things had changed much in the course of nearly twenty years. His wife had become a stronger woman since then and as such she would carry with her the hope of the North.
But first he must attend to matters at hand such as his younger son.
SOMEWHERE IN THE BORROWLANDS
As they got further south the two men grew increasingly worried. There were more patrols out for them and more still for the ocean borders. Ironborn patrol the borders probably still angered by the recent Slaver attack but the men were not worried. That was the distraction now comes the extraction.
As they neared the rendezvous point the men were quick to displace any worries. They knew that once they exchange the goods then they are free men. The package would be delivered and the men would be brought to good fortune. Unknown to them however they were being carefully watched from high above.
Sansa who was trapped inside was unable to see what was going on. But her lessons in warging do help. As part of the requirement of the nobility of Winterfell the teachings of the ancient magics of the world are part of the lesson curriculum. Since Winterfell and the Wall were built with strong magic in them it was fair that magic be part of the lesson plan. As descendants of the Warg King and the Kings of Winter they had to make do with learning all they can about their powers. Sansa may not be good at it but she does have the power of Warging like her other siblings. It like all forms of magic are a muscle that needs exercise. Since her journey began she practiced with Lady whom she has a connection with.
Now she is practicing on a raven high above. The bird is a wild bird and Sansa gently used it to help see where she was heading off to. All she could see through the raven's eye was a long road and an all too familiar plain.
The Borrowlands she thought.
Just as she saw it she lost the connection. Sansa's face was sweating and her head was hurting. Warging takes a lot to work to maintain and once the connection is broken it leaves one fatigued and exhausted.
It was much easier practicing on Lady since she is my direwolf and my familiar. But something like a raven that took a lot out of me, Sansa thought. She could not move so she didn't know how to make herself more comfortable.
But sleep eventually came and she dreamed she was Lady running beside Arya and Nymeria with Asha, Theon, Ramsey and Mira riding beside her. Arya was in her battle clothes with her weapons clearly showing. She was riding her wolf proudly. Sansa smiled in her sleep as she dreamed of her sister and wished she could do the same.
TBC
Whew! Hows that for a plot builder. So you see now that everyone is out looking for Sansa, but she is not completely defenseless. I had one review actually compliment the fact that I brought out the wolf in Sansa. I wanted to show her in that light. And remember she is only thirteen in this story so she has not bled yet. Oh how things are going to get fun from now on.
On as a reminder the contest started on the 4th of this month so have fun.
OH and please leave a review and now BASHINGS, LORE MONGERS AND FLAMERS PLEASE! Thank you.