Chapter 34
The next weeks passed in a hurry for Sandor who was near overwhelmed at all he was Lord over. The destriers that were being raised were growing and filling out well. The horse master was very happy but thought it might be wise to acquire a few mature mares since the fillies wouldn't be ready to breed for a few more years. Bronn assured Sandor he would have them brought in from the Westerlands as he knew the man that Sandor had bought Stranger and Lucian's war horses from. Sandor was highly pleased with his desert herd. They were highly prized and one of the most sought after bloodlines in Dorne.
He came home that afternoon to an excited flurry, OnIeese was in labor. He knew enough to know that this could go on for a while, having been around Cercei when she gave birth each time. He tried to get Jaxell to come with the men, he refused and stood guard outside the door of the birthing room. He promised to come back soon and sit with him.
Sandor found himself outside of Kolenee's rooms. He was very worried about her. This pregnancy was taking its toll on her. She continued to lose weight. She had dark circles under her eyes, her feet and legs remained swollen. Sometimes so much, he came to carry her around. He quietly entered her room and found Jonete' sitting there, watching Kolenee sleep. She looked up and met Sandor's eyes. He went to her and they both sat on the couch, talking, watching Kolenee. Sandor had his thoughts confirmed that she and Lucian were very fond of each other. She had been true to her promise to Sandor and wouldn't allow Lucian more than kisses and touches, teaching him but not going too far. He wanted to be sure that she understood why he didn't seek her out like he used to. She held his hand and leaned against his chest, she knew why and a different bond was formed with them that evening. Lucian had asked her to marry him when he came of age. She told him that his son loved him so much. He wanted Sandor to always be proud of him. Sandor knew these things but it felt good to hear. They talked for a while longer then he went to see about OnIeese.
Hours passed, a short time before dawn, OnIeese was having heavy, painful contractions. Sandor had moved a couch into the hall and had been dozing when he heard the first scream. Jaxell refused to relax. As dawn approached, Sandor could tell it wouldn't be much longer. He watched Jaxell and as OnIeese's next scream died, Sandor saw the sweat rolling down Jaxell's body. He knew it was nerves as it was a very pleasant night. Jaxell met his gaze and asked," Master, this one would ask you how a woman can bear such pain when they are so small and loving? How can they do this when men will cry and beg over a knife wound. This one would ask, are they stronger than a man?"
Sandor had to admit that these were excellent observations. He replied," Jaxell, my friend, I think that in so many ways they are stronger than we are. You must admit that if they can put up with some of the problems we can cause and still love us, they have to be very strong indeed. The only answer I can give you about how they can bear it is what a woman told me when I asked her many years ago, she said that once she had her babe in her arms, nursing at her breast, the pain was forgotten because she has her reward."
He could tell that Jaxell was contemplating this. As the sun approached mid morning, they heard the lusty wail of a baby. Sandor smiled and patted Jaxell on the back and to his surprise, he saw tears falling down the man's face. A short time later, Sansa opened the door and took Jaxell's hand to bring him inside. Sandor had turned away, to allow the family time for themselves when Jaxell grasped his arm and said, "Master, please we would not have a child, but for you. This is your baby as much as ours. This one needs you here...please."
Sandor followed him into the room and found OnIeese sitting up in bed smiling. Jaxell knelt beside the bed and kissed her. Sandor leaned against the wall and smiled at her and said," Well, Woman, do you have a son or a daughter? OnIeese removed the babe from her breast and unwrapped the blanket and swaddling, Jaxell had a son. Sandor was very proud. The baby was fat and healthy, larger than other babies he had seen. He couldn't help but smile. The little boy was colored like Shalene, about half between Sandor and OnIeese's coloring. He had a head full of black wavy hair. As he was trying to find his little mouth with his fat little fist he opened his eyes and Sandor saw the softest light brown eyes he had ever seen.
He heard someone running in the hall and then Lucian came bursting in the room. He saw the baby and ran to OnIeese, he kissed her forehead and hugged Jaxell. He had the biggest smile and asked," Is he my brother or nephew and what is his name?" OnIeese wrapped the baby back up and allowed Lucian to hold him, as he was playing with his fingers and kissing his fat little cheeks he said," This is my brother. I will love him like he's my brother. I will teach him all that you have taught me. I will protect him as long as I live."
Jaxell was afraid to hold his son, after much encouragement, Shalene showed him how to hold the baby. Jaxell sat on the floor, just looking at the child as he slept. Sandor saw tears drop onto the blanket and looked away, he wanted to give the man his privacy. He stood up and pushed everyone towards the door and as they were leaving, he heard Jaxell say," My Lord, this one would thank you for what you have done. This beautiful son you have given me and my wife. This one would never have happened if you had not become my Master. This one would name our son, Jaxsan, if it please you, My Lord." Sandor turned and met Jaxell's eyes, " You are free to name your son as you chose, my friend. That is a fine name. You will be an excellent father."