The creature formerly known as Bran arrives at Winterfell.
I must say, it's been a challenge to write Sansa chapters now. I usually write in chunks, based on location, so the fact that she's basically alone in Winterfell doesn't help. It should get better as I add more characters, though.
I have written a handful of chapters with Dany, Jon and Tyrion, but Sansa's arc can't just happen in the background because some stuff happens there that also involves Winterfell. I won't spoil too much here, but I'll think about what to skip later on.
21. Three-eyed Raven - Sansa
"Where's he?" The loud voice of Tormund Giantsbane broke her concentration. "I was only gone for a few days. I come back, everything's different." Brienne made a disapproving sound, but remained silent by her side.
Sansa had been in the middle of writing a letter to her uncle Edmure Tully, who had taken control of both Riverrun and the Twins. Older reports from the Riverlands had told of a massacre involving most of the male Freys, and her uncle had clearly taken advantage of the confusion to restore order. She hoped to convince him to send soldiers North and help in the battle against the dead. I can't convince him with words alone, though. That's why she had sent for Tormund.
"If you mean Jon, he's just left for Dragonstone." She replied evenly. "To treat with Daenerys Targaryen."
The wildling frowned, confused. "Isn't he your king? I thought you kneelers loved to order other people to do your jobs for you."
She sighed. Sansa knew Jon had an affection for wildlings, but unless they learned how to show proper respect, they would never be accepted anywhere south of the Wall.
"I'm the queen now. He's gone on my behalf. And speaking of orders…" She hesitated, knowing he wouldn't like to be commanded to do something. "I need your help." Yes, that should work. "Before he left, Jon had an idea. He wants to capture one of those dead soldiers. What do you call them, again?"
"Wights." He shook his head. "But that's a terrible idea. How would we find them? If we do find them, how would we pick up just one? And then carry it back…" When he laid it out like that, it really seemed unlikely to work. "No, it doesn't make sense. Unless we could know for sure where to find a small group, this will never work." He finished, waving a hand.
She bit her lip. "Have you seen how the White Walkers raise the dead?" He nodded, so she continued, "Would it be possible to simply carry a dead body with you to a safe distance beyond the Wall and wait for it to rise?" She had no idea how any of this worked, but she couldn't simply give up. If we can't convince anyone to help, the North will fall first.
The bearded man scratched his chin. "Might be. We'd have to be careful of an ambush, but I reckon it could work."
"Good. I'll send a raven to Lord Commander Tollett and see if he can help." She nodded. "And before you leave, have you given any thought to where you and your people will stay?"
"When the little crow was Lord Commander, he let us settle in the Gift." He replied. Sansa knew the history about the lands immediately south of the Wall. Brandon the Builder had given up twenty-five leagues to the Night's Watch. Which was then increased by another twenty-five leagues by King Jaehaerys I, forming the New Gift.
The lands in the Gift weren't subject to any ruler other than the Night's Watch, so the taxes and goods they produced wouldn't come to Winterfell. That won't do.
"What if I gave you the Dreadfort?" Sansa asked him. She wanted to destroy the castle and every memory of House Bolton, but that would be a waste of resources. "There are good lands surrounding it, and the castle is a strong fortress. I'll need a loyal bannerman there."
Tormund narrowed his eyes. "You want us to kneel?"
She smiled, hoping it seemed genuine. "You won't have to kneel, but if you wish to live south of the Wall you'll have to compromise. I cannot treat you differently than any of my other lords."
He barked a laugh. "So if we go to this Dreadfort, I'll be a lord?" His eyes were shining with glee.
"You or whoever else your people choose to follow." She nodded. "And one of the most powerful lords in the North, given the importance of the castle."
"I'll have to talk it over with the rest of the freefolk." He seemed cautious. "I'm not sure they're ready to give up their freedom."
"Very well." She was satisfied with the answer. Anything else would be too easy. "But you must consider the future. If we win the war against the Army of the Dead, there should be something left to rebuild." She spoke with passion in her voice. Jon had been too focused on the war to be able to see anything beyond it. She loved him with all her heart, yet a ruler needed to worry about more than wars.
He nodded and left the room.
After a while, Brienne coughed. "Are you sure about this, Your Grace? He doesn't seem ready for such responsibilities."
Sansa grinned. He'll never get anywhere with her. "He's loyal. For now, that should be enough. He can learn the rest in time. And if he doesn't, his children will." She sighed. "What we can't have is such a large area without anyone to defend it and make it productive." She started writing another letter. "Because winter is here."
Bran arrived only a few days after Jon had left for White Harbor. However, her younger brother had changed. He was the Three-eyed Raven now. She had no idea what that meant, but he spoke it like a title. Sansa had talked to him only once after his arrival, and that time was enough to unnerve her.
He seemed to know things nobody else should know. Animals acted strangely around him, their eyes turning a pale white color. He liked to stay at the godswood, near the Winterfell Heart Tree, so she had decided to keep her distance.
"Bran is gone." Meera Reed said, in a sad voice. They were meeting in her solar, as Sansa had invited both Reeds to talk.
"What happened to him?" She didn't know much about their journey beyond the Wall.
Lady Reed sighed. "He was fine until we reached the old man in the tree." She had a distant look in her eyes, as if recalling the memory. "Then the Night King attacked, and all hell broke loose. The Children died, Summer died, and Hodor…"
Lord Howland put a hand over her shoulder, in a comforting way. "The Old Gods have their reasons." The man said, quietly.
Sansa held the urge to roll her eyes. She had stopped praying a long time ago. If the gods are real, they're cruel beasts unworthy of worship. Looking for meaning in the tragedy of life seemed like a waste of time to her. It's up to men and women to shape the world, not gods. However, she knew enough to keep silent. If my people need to believe in something, let them.
"He says he's the Three-eyed Raven." She said, turning to face Lord Howland. "What does that mean?"
He hesitated, frowning. "I remember Jojen mentioning him several times when he was younger. The boy used to have many dreams of a crow with three eyes, who guided his visions." He scratched his chin. "I was curious, so I went to the godswood to speak to Bran. From what I could gather, he's the most powerful greenseer alive at any time. The Three-eyed Raven holds this world's memory, and he's able to recall everything that has happened, or is happening right now. Perhaps even glimpses of the future." Then he took a deep breath. "So long as he knows where to look." He added, shrugging.
Everything? "That does sound intriguing." Sansa had been unnerved by her earlier conversation with Bran, but if what Lord Reed just said was true, he could become her greatest asset. I won't need spies if he can see everything. "I'll have to figure out a way to adapt. My brother is gone, but he's still here at Winterfell. We'll have to get along." She said, trying to figure out the best way to use his powers.
Lord Reed cleared his throat. "Well, now that Meera has returned, I think it's a good time for us to go back to Greywater Watch." He said quietly, fixing her with those green eyes.
She took a deep breath, gaining time to think. Do I still need him here? She considered. He was the only living witness to Jon's birthright, but now that everyone else in the North knew… No, he can go. She smiled. "I'm sorry to see you leave, my lord. You and Meera will always find a home in Winterfell." She added, putting a hand on the young woman's shoulder.
Meera gave her a weak smile. "Thank you, Your Grace. I'm really sorry about Bran." Her eyes were still watery. Poor girl.
"Don't be." Sansa shook her head and reached for the girl's hand, holding it with both of hers. "And I'm the one who should be thanking you. I promise you that House Stark will never forget the debt we owe to you and your family." She turned to look at Lord Reed as well. "For all that you've done."
Lord Howland grinned. "Ned was my dearest friend in the world. If there's anything I can do to keep his children safe, I won't hesitate."
She nodded. "For now, just make sure the Neck is well-fortified. Jon went south to treat with Daenerys, but the North still has enemies." Sansa wouldn't rest until she saw Cersei Lannister dead at her feet. And maybe not even then.
"As you wish, Your Grace." He said, bowing slightly. As Meera got up to leave, he continued, "But this isn't goodbye. When the Night King comes, House Reed will answer the call."
As she approached the boy sitting by the Winterfell Heart Tree, Sansa couldn't help feeling a sense of loss. He's not Bran, she had to remind herself. My brother is gone.
A movement to her right caught her attention. She spotted a blur of white between the trees, and soon enough Ghost came bounding towards her. She smiled, removing a glove to pet the wolf. His warm fur offered her some measure of comfort.
"He knows how you feel." Bran's monotone voice made her raise her head. "Direwolves are sensitive creatures." His face held no expression. The blue eyes she remembered being so full of joy when they were younger, now seemed dull and empty.
"What happened to Bran?" She wanted to know. Surely there must still be something left of her little brother in there?
"Much and more." Was the vague reply. "Brandon Stark has fulfilled his purpose. You should be happy for him."
She wasn't happy at all. He was just a boy who wanted to be a knight. Sansa felt like screaming at his face, or slapping him until she could see her brother again. But then she sighed. I can't change this. Let's focus on the future.
"I was told you can see everything. Is that right?"
He nodded slowly. "I know you want to use my powers to counter and remove Petyr Baelish. Have you considered that might not be in your best interests?"
"Why not?" She asked, confused.
"Despite his mistakes, the man is in love with you." He paused. "Obsessed is a better word to describe it. Regardless, he remains focused on increasing your power. Why not allow him to continue?"
If he has to ask, he doesn't really know everything. She made a mental note of that. "The last time I allowed him to dictate my future, I was tortured by a monster." She would never allow anyone else to control her. "Whatever power I desire to wield, it should come from my own efforts. And it won't come by killing innocents." She said, remembering the plan to kill Robin Arryn.
"Nothing in this world comes without sacrifice." He droned on. "Sometimes a single death can provide a far better outcome for thousands of innocents."
She raised her eyebrows high into her forehead, surprised at his words. "Are you suggesting that Littlefinger's plan is the right thing to do?"
"Right and wrong are merely words." He replied, still in that monotone voice. "If you were to follow his plan, you would rule over two kingdoms and still be free to marry whomever you desire. With further planning, you could even extend your reach. Does that not interest you?"
Sansa couldn't deny his cold logic. Too cold for me. "What interests me is protecting the North and its people. I sincerely doubt Lord Baelish cares about that."
"True. He only cares about you. And sitting on the Iron Throne." He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "So many have cared about that chair, and with such intensity…" He opened his eyes again. "If you truly want him gone, I suggest you wait three days."
She frowned. "Why? What happens in three days?"
"Arya Stark arrives at Winterfell."
I was wrong about Bran earlier. He's actually rather interesting to write about. I'm working on a new endgame for him, after figuring out a few things during this chapter.
And next chapter I can finally write about Arya! She's of my favorites, but I'm a little hesitant. She's kinda like Bran right now, in the sense that they're both overpowered. She could easily solve most of the conflicts going on, so I'll have to find a way to limit her powers.
Or just solve every conflict and move on. Let's see what's more interesting.
The date is 29/05/2019