Chapter 40

The evening is quiet and cool. The fruit trees were fragrant and inviting as Sandor and Shalene walked from the stables. Sansa and Bronn had been out walking the orchards when she sees Sandor and Sansa quickly runs to them, " Sandor, who do you have?"

Sandor eyes Bronn and asks," What are you doing out here with Sansa, in the dark, without a chaperone?"

Sansa laughed and said, "Sandor, please. I am a woman grown, I am sixteen years old. You have nothing to worry about with Bronn. And you haven't told me, who do you have here?"

Sandor's deep raspy voice must have awakened Elezbeth because she sat up, still having one arm around Sandor's neck, and looked at Sansa and Bronn. Her eyes went back to Sansa and she leaned in and said quietly in Sandor's ear," She's beautiful. She has pretty hair. Is she a princess like Lady Shalene?"

Sansa can't help but blush as Sandor says, "This is Lady Sansa Stark, of Winterfell. That is a very long way from here. She is beautiful, isn't she."

Elezbeth squirms to get down so Sandor kneels and stands her on the ground, Elezbeth moved a few steps from Sandor and tries her best to curtsy but only manages an awkward bow but to Sansa, it is the most beautiful thing. Elezbeth says," My name is Elezbeth, I'm five. Sandor needs me to kiss his hurts and make them better. I like your hair."

Sandor, Shalene and Bronn watch as Sansa's face lights up and her eyes sparkle. She gives Elezbeth the most perfect curtsy and says," I am so very pleased to meet you Lady Elezbeth. I like your hair also. Will you let me take you to the kitchens to get a snack and then we'll find you a room?"

Elezbeth turned to Sandor and Shalene, she hugged Shalene and looked Sandor right in his eyes and asked," Is it alright? Will you be safe if I go with Lady Sansa?"

Sandor laughed softly and said," Go on with her lass. I'll be fine. I'm sure that Lady Shalene can take care of me." She placed her little girl hands on his face again and kisses his scarred cheek," I love you, Sandor. Thank you for not forgetting me."

Shalene took his hand as Sansa and Elezbeth head off. Bronn said," Normally it's the children who bring home the stray hounds, not the hounds bringing home stray children. She is a pretty little thing, I have to admit."

Sandor smiles and says, "You're right, if Sansa has her way, you may be escorting two ladies around."

Bronn just laughs and says," I would be more than honored. By the way, Tyrion needs to see you, he received two ravens today."

Shalene leaves to check on Shae and then the twins. Sandor headed to the dining hall, where he was told that Tyrion was. A meal was brought to him and as he's eating, Tyrion says," Well, Clegane, I hear you brought home a stray. Tell me about it."

Sandor looks at him and says, "Does that fuck, Bronn, tell you everything?" Tyrion just laughs and shakes his head. Sandor tells him about the orphanage and his thoughts on building a place where those there can be taught a trade. Also about having the children twelve or older coming to the palace for jobs. Tyrion said that he thought Sandor had made wise choices and decisions. And he would make out some plans for Sandor to go over, to give him a direction to go with this endeavor. He then handed Sandor a scroll that hadn't been opened. The wax seal was a plain red, no sigil was evident.

Lord Clegane,
I am in dire need of your assistance. I find myself not only at your mercy but an apparent deserter as well. You seem to not be the only one who has grown tired of being kicked around and used until there is no sense of reason. I am on my way to your palace, with my companion Lady Brienne of Tarth of Ser Brienne of Tarth, which ever you prefer to call her. I would be forever grateful to you if you could find it in that big, black heart of yours to help out and old comrade.

Sincerely,
KS

Sandor looks at Tyrion a minute then tosses the scroll to him. As Tyrion finished it, he rubbed his head and said," Well, I received one also only it was from King's Landing. My Father has been assassinated. What will you do about my brother? Will you help him?"

Sandor leaned back in his chair and drinks his wine, as looks at Tyrion. "You don't seem to be upset about Lord Tywin."

Tyrion raised his goblet in a toast and said," Clegane, Valar Morghulis. The Gods saw fit to give you two and only took one. Now The Stranger has his full payment."

Sandor toasts him back and says," Valar Dohaeris. Decide how many you want to send after the Lion and get him here safe. I'll tell Mathew to follow whatever orders you give. And by the way, there is a new flower running around, her name is Elezbeth. Sansa has fallen in love with her and the little thing is as smart as I've ever seen. I'll see you at dawn."

Sandor makes his rounds as he usually does, checking on Jonete' then OnIeese, he found Jaxell sitting on the floor playing with Jaxsan, he smiled at them and thought how big that little babe is getting. You can definitely see the Clegane in his size. He stopped by the twins nursery and saw that K' Alenedor was awake. He took her from the wet nurse and walked to the veranda holding his daughter, breathing in her sweet baby smell. She was so small in his huge arms, he ran a rough, calloused finger over her soft black hair as her little fist found his tunic and gripped it tightly. Her green eyes were so focused on him he felt like she could understand every word he said to her. He kissed her forehead as she fell asleep. He couldn't believe the amount of love he felt for these little helpless creatures.

He doesn't deserve anything that he's been given. Out of all the horrible, evil things he's done, how is it that he has ended up with a gorgeous woman, one that will soon be his wife. She is everything and more. Never had he ever dared dream that anyone would want him for anything other than a killing machine. He has such trusting friends, very good people. He has a Son that is growing into a very strong, intelligent young man, and these little twins, Gods, he would die if anything happened to any of them. The wet nurse came to take his daughter, he gave her one last kiss. Before he leaves, he leaned over his son, touching his soft blonde hair, and kisses him.

Once in the hall, he decided to check to see where Elezbeth had settled in, as he approached Sansa's room, he sees Norlec standing outside her door and finds out that the two ladies are asleep, he peeks inside and smiles. Sansa is curled around the little girl, they are sleeping peacefully. He thinks," Maybe she is for the Little Bird to love. Doesn't matter, cause she is ours now." He glances at Norlec and says, " Looks like you might have another Lady to watch over."

Norlec proudly says," This One will guard them with my life, No harm will come to them. This One would be honored to watch over Lady Elezbeth."

He walks to the barracks and finds Mathew, he says," I will be down here at dawn but I suspect that Lord Tyrion will send for you soon. You will be leaving out to go towards the Marches. Jaime Lannister is on his way here and I need you to keep him and his companion safe. However many men the Lord orders you to take, bring one hundred more. Take what you need, tell the kitchen staff you're acting on my orders, they are to provide all the provisions you need. I don't know exactly where he's at. The message was four days old. I'll leave it to you."

"I'll take care of it all, My Lord."

The days seemed to go by too quickly. Bronn had left one morning with several men and when he returned, Sandor was pleasantly surprised to see that he was as good as his word. He proudly herded eight of the best looking mare destriers that Sandor had ever seen, into the paddock near the stables. Shalene joined him as he inspected the prize horses. She watched him as he and the horse master discussed the new mares and how the younger horses were coming along, she decided then that she would tell him about Jade Mist. It would be a good wedding gift for Lucian, she had already suspected that he would ask Jonete' to marry him, He wasn't ready, yet, for the responsibility of his own holdings, but he would be.

They were on their way to their chambers when Sansa stopped them and asked Sandor," Will you get a Septa for Elezbeth? She needs one to teach her."

Sandor looked at her for a moment and said," Hells. no. I will send for you to have a maester even a Septon, but no Septa. Look at the fool things they teach you girls. Nothing but falseness and weakness. NO. If you want to teach her to be a Lady, feel free to do so, you are the perfect one to do it. But if I hear any foolish things about Knights and fair maidens and the things that cloud a girls mind to what life is truly like, I'll put a stop to it. I'm sorry if you get angry but remember where all that nonsense got you. I won't have it, Little Bird."

Sansa looked as if she might cry, but Sandor would not budge on the subject. Sansa felt the wolf stir in her a bit, she tilted her chin up and said," Fine, Lord Clegane. I'll teach her to be a Lady." She turned and stomped away from him, leaving him smiling at how stubborn she had started to be. It's about time, he thought.

Before they could make it to their rooms, they were informed that the search party would arrive at the palace that evening and they were successful. Shalene sent Edgar to make arrangements for their rooms and to have a feast ready. They then found Tyrion and informed him of Jaime's arrival. Shalene could see that he was happy, but she felt he was somewhat reserved. She didn't question him. She had never met Jaime Lannister, she had heard so many stories about him but she knew that there was always the story, then the truth. She didn't judge anyone.

The rest of the afternoon went fast, as the returning party neared the grounds, everyone was there to greet them. The soldiers families were happy and loud. Then as Sandor and Shalene moved forward to greet Jaime and his party, they were all surprised to see a young, blonde headed boy with them. Shalene watched Sansa and Tyrion's faces light up as the boy was helped off of his horse and he ran to them, " Uncle Tyrion! Lady Sansa! Hound! I have missed you!"

Tyrion gasped," Tommen?" Jaime had smuggled Tommen out of the capitol.

Shalene's eyes went to the man on the horse and her steps slowed. Sandor hadn't noticed when she fell behind him. She couldn't take her eyes off of this golden vision in front of her. She watched every move he made. He was tall, lean, very well muscled. His hair was a crown of thick, lazy, spun gold. Graying at the temples. His skin was tan and smooth. Shoulder wide and strong. He held himself as proudly as any God from the Heavens. His smile was elegant and easy, beautiful white teeth. His features were finely chiseled, strong and very noble. His eyes were sparkling and the most vivid green she had ever seen. His voice was deep and relaxed, with a hint of mirth. As he started walking towards them, she noted that his gate was confident and commanding. She felt her breathing increase as their eyes met, each taking in the other to full measure. She instantly liked the way he smirked at her like he had a secret to tell her. She didn't even notice when Sandor turned to look at her.

Sandor was about to introduce her to Jaime but when he turned, he saw how she was looking at Jaime. He instantly felt his old anger and insecurities start boiling. He began to think it was a bad idea to let the Kingslayer come here. He knew how Jaime could be, Hells, he had known him for twenty years. Shalene was his and he wouldn't let anyone mess that up.

When they were all together, Tyrion asked," How did you get Tommen out of the capitol? Why didn't you tell us?"

Jaime replied," Well, sweet brother. I felt it was best. That place is at it's end, I felt it best to get Tommen to safety, I assume that Myrcella is still safe in Sun Spear? You have no idea. You thought it was bad when you were there. This is Lady Brienne of Tarth or Ser Brienne, which ever you choose, she doesn't like to be called a wench. That is just a private thing between us. She is Tommen's sworn shield."

Tyrion looked her over and said," You are the Warrior Maid of Tarth, am I right? I've heard so much about you. An honorable Knight you are. My thanks to you for protecting my nephew." He watched as Brienne blushed but he could also see pride in her eyes.

She said," Thank you, My Lord Tyrion. I am that person. You can call me Brienne. I need no titles, it is an honor to protect the young Lord."

Tyrion said," Well met, Brienne. Since it seems our Lord Clegane had swallowed something vile, by the look on his face, let me introduce you, the big, angry man is Lord Sandor Clegane of Emerald Bay, the lovely minx staring at my brother is Princess Shalene Martell, this is Bronn, Shae, my Lady wife, Sansa, the young man there is Lucian Clegane, his betrothed Jonete', the dark lovely is OnIeese and her son Jaxsan. These little darlings are Dexcian and K'Alenedor Clegane, and this beautiful flower is Lady Elezbeth, Sandor's ward although I believe my lady wife might have claimed her for her own. The handsome elderly chap is Edgar, he is the steward and a very capable friend. I am Tyrion, I'm sure you know."

Jaime moved toward Shalene with the grace of the stalking lion that he was, he accepted Shalene's hand and softly kissed the top of it, their eyes never breaking contact. They both recognized the predator in the other. As the others moved away to rest and ready for the feast, Jaime said," Who would have ever guessed that I would ride across the sands of Dorne and find myself in the presence of the most beautiful woman my worthless soul has ever met. I am ever at your mercy, My Lady."

Shalene knew the art of seduction too well not to know his game. She knew his history, had heard all the rumors. Unlike others, she wasn't repulsed by him and his past, she knew well how others looked upon him and his sister. It always amazed her that no one bothered to make an issue of the Targaryen families but quickly judged this one. Western culture, so prudish and judgemental. She gave him a dazzling smile and said," We are well met, Ser Jaime, I do hope you'll save a dance for me." Jaime gave her a roguish wink and moved off to find his rooms. Shalene looked up at Sandor and saw his eyes black with rage and jealousy. She wasn't concerned, he could get mad all he wanted, she was no one's property. She asked," Would you like to go rest before the feast?"

Sandor was barely keeping his rage in check, he didn't even answer, she was marrying him, she shouldn't look at Jaime like that. He knew it was too good, it always came back to the handsome Knights! He stormed off to the stables, a small part of him hoping she would follow, but when he turned to look back, she was gone.