Chapter 33

Edgar had Sandor's day planned and as soon as the meal was done, the four men and Lucian set out on their rounds. Sandor had to order Norlec to go back to his unit for a while, assuring him that Sansa was safe but did give him leave to check on her from time to time.

The feast would be set up outside the gates as to accommodate everyone. Shalene encouraged Sansa to step up and see to the running of the affair, giving advice and watching her become more at ease and confident. Shalene had already talked with the servants so they knew why she did this, Sansa would need these skills to run her own Keep.

They were in the lemon orchard, Sansa and Shalene discussing the glass gardens that would be rebuilt at Winterfell and talking with the master arborist about the likelihood of growing the citrus, olive, date and figs there when Kolenee's hand maid came to Shalene, begging her to check on Kolenee .Shalene sent for the healer and she, Sansa, and Shae went to Kolenee's suite. She was lying in bed, very pale, she complained of a headache and her feet, legs, and hands were swollen. The maid said she hadn't eaten since the prior night. She tried to tell Shalene she fine but she was so weak. The healer made his exam, gave Shalene some herbs to make into a tea and told her to make sure Kolenee stayed in bed. He felt it was due to her pregnancy the baby was moving fine but he gave Shalene a look that made her fear for her friend and the baby.

Shalene asked Sansa to continue with the preparations, she reluctantly left, agreeing not to say anything to Sandor yet. Shae watched for a minute and then left with Sansa. Shalene stayed with her all day and as evening came, Kolenee felt well enough to sit up and ate a very small meal. She kept sipping the herbal tea the healer left but the swelling never went away. There was a knock at the door and Sandor let himself in, Sansa was behind him.

Shalene smiled and shook her head. Sansa was nervous but said," I'm sorry Shalene. I did wait as I said I would, but I care about Kolenee also and this is Sandor's child too. Please don't be angry." Shalene held her hand. She told Sandor what he should know and went to have a meal sent up so he could spend time with Kolenee, as the healer didn't want her walking around. She left with Sansa.

The evening meal was subdued but not sad, Shalene filled the men in on the happenings with Kolenee, OnIeese was getting so big they all teased her, saying her babe was going to be half grown when it was born if it took after Sandor. Jaxell took this with much pride saying that he prayed this child would grow to Sandor's size and strength. It would be a blessing.

Shalene went to bed expecting Sandor but she woke during the hour of the wolf and he wasn't there. She knew where he was, he was too loving and now she realized, more worried about Kolenee than she thought. She quietly made her way to the rooms and found Sandor sitting on the floor, leaned back against the bed, Kolenee was lying on her side with Sandor's head nestled against her belly. The scene was so touching. She kissed Kolenee softly on the forehead, noting how pale she was and gently touched Sandor's foot. He woke instantly and she touched her fingers to his lips to quieten him. He slowly stood up and stretched, looking at Kolenee with worry then followed Shalene to their rooms. She undressed him and pushed him back on the bed, he was asleep again before she could cover him with the bed sheets.

The next day was madness. People arrived for the feast and Sandor's troops made sure that tents were set up in an orderly manner. He couldn't tolerate disorder in a camp on the battlefield and he wouldn't lower his standards on his own holdings.

Prince Martell arrived in the late morning and readily praised Sandor for his actions thus far. Tomaerys seemed to appear from nowhere which caused Sandor to be on guard because he suddenly realized that he would never know when the man was around him, he changed his face and appearance too much. Prince Oberyn gave the sad news, as he smiled wickedly, that the young King had died after a lengthy illness, apparently from a sickness he had acquired at some point.

Tomaerys smirked and looked at Sandor and said," Valar Morghulis." Prince Oberyn nodded and replied,"Valar Dohaeris."

Shalene had walked up to them and translated for Sandor, " All men must die. All men must serve." She looked right at Tomaerys, Sandor knew that deadly look and wondered what it meant. She said," My Love, Tomaerys. Your God of Death has been fed. If he feels hunger again, I have but one name I'll speak if I feel his breath on my neck."

Tomaerys's eyes changed color for a brief second then he kissed her hand and nodded. He looked at Sandor and said," My Lord, I am always in your service, but with your leave, I must go to Braavos. I will be there, when you and the others arrive, I feel I will have a blessing for one of your party. Before I go, I would like to give you something." With that, he presented Sandor with a package wrapped in soft, fine leather. It was light and as Sandor unwrapped it, he found a scabbard just like the one for his Valaryian sword, only this one was somewhat smaller than a short sword. He removed the blade and was pleasantly surprised, He had never seen a blade like this.

Prince Oberyn grunted appreciatively it had been a while since he had seen a kris . The blade was deadly sharp on both sides and was wavy. He could imagine that it looked like the body of a snake undulating over the ground. It was very expertly made and balanced. Sandor easily handled it with one hand. The crossbar and hilt were bronze. The pommel matched the one on his Valaryian. Tomaerys told Sandor," This Hell Hound is a good luck talisman for you. I have had it blessed so that it may always bring you strength and luck. I am honored to know you, I will watch over you and yours, for all my days."

He looked at Shalene with such love and longing, but with acceptance and said," My Princess, you know me. Call my name if ever you need me, I will find you, as I always have." He bowed to Prince Oberyn, turned and headed towards the stables. Prince Oberyn told Sandor," You have been greatly honored. That blade is called a Kris. It is from the Shadowlands and when forged, protective spells are chanted continually and I am told that the rituals are so holy an powerful that once the blade has been blooded, it's spirit bonds with it's Master. Tomaerys must have deep respect for you, My Lord." Sandor was again struck at how little he knew of foreign customs and was honored by the gift. He strapped the Kris around his hips, he could wield a sword equally well with either hand.

The feast was a great time. Kolenee begged Sandor to let her come and he couldn't tell her no. While Lucian bade the servants to make her a soft and comfortable place to rest, Sandor carried her outside. He thought she looked more pale than the day before and even though her belly was very large, she didn't seem to weigh any more than Shalene. She continued to be plagued by a headache and the swelling was still very apparent.

Once she was comfortable, Sandor didn't leave her side but once. Shalene noted that he would rub her lower back and massage her feet from time to time. She didn't interfere, they needed this time together. Shalene was very worried about Kolenee, Tomaerys had whispered to her earlier in the morning a riddle and once she knew he was leaving, she knew the answer. They had all been together all of their lives and he looked at Kolenee as a
sister. He had said," I heard a whisper, five is what he loves, it became six then six became eight. The Dreamer dreams, when his eyes open, his dream will be of fire, and he will be less one." When she had seen the Kris, she knew for sure.

There was dancing, feasting and music long into the night. Sandor was widely and happily accepted by all. Everyone praised Sansa on her management skills and of course, she blushed. Sandor had asked to talk with Shae privately, Tyrion, of course, agreed. He didn't know how to ask her what he wanted but he knew he could trust her and that she would be honest with him, so he let go of his embarrassment and asked, "Shae, I, uh..I...Kolenee is wanting...Hells, Shae! Why is this so hard?! Kolenee is asking me to stay with her. She says she needs...Shae, help me out here!"

Shae took his big hand in her small ones and said," Kolenee wants you to please her. You fear touching her but you want to do as she asks and you want to know what to do and if she'll be hurt."

He visibly relaxes and let's out a breath. Shae can't help but laugh a bit. Sandor says," What's so funny, Shae? She's not well and she's so very heavy with my child. I know I can't fuck her, but do you think she's not too far along for other ways. I'm not wanting my own pleasure, I just want to make her happy."

Shae assured him that it would be fine, just to watch her reactions to judge whether she was comfortable or not. Sandor kissed her on the forehead, thinking, she's just like a little sister would be.

When he returned, Kolenee was ready to go back to her room. Shalene winked at him as he gathered Kolenee in his arms and took her back to the palace. Sandor helped her undress and into bed, he watched her eyes sparkle as he undressed and eased down beside her. He couldn't help but notice how tired she looked and pale. They talked quietly as he held her, he rested his hand on her belly, enjoying how active his baby was. They talked about names. He didn't care, as long as she was happy. She told him that if they had a son, she would like to name him Dexcian. If they had a daughter, K'Alenedor. He decided he liked the names and agreed. He kissed her so gently, filling his hand with a full, milk heavy breast. He felt her body respond to his touch like she was starved for affection, he stayed with her all night, gently touching , tasting and pleasing her. As dawn
broke, he watched her sleep, touching her hair. He eased himself, quietly off the bed and dressed. The maid was waiting in the hall when he left, she smiled at him and quietly said," Thank you, My Lord, for staying with her. Begging your pardon, she has missed you." Sandor patted her arm and asked her to let Kolenee rest a bit longer.