Chapter 45

Tyrion sat in his solar, lost in thought. Everything was in place, if only Sandor would stop his jealous nonsense, if Shalene would just not act as irrationally and impulsively as she has all her life. As much as he loved her, she had needed a mother figure while she grew up, Prince Oberyn most definitely wasn't the one to base a relationship on. Tyrion understood Sandor's side, the man had never had anything that was truly his, but he also knew how Shalene was. He had hoped that Jaime wouldn't get caught in the middle of something, but he knew his brother couldn't back down from a challenge.

He was so very thankful to have Jaime and Tommen safe. Now he just had to figure out how to keep them alive once they were in Meereen. He had received numerous ravens from White Harbor, the Great John and the Wall, from Lord Commander Snow. He had also received word that Lord Varys would be meeting them in Braavos. They would be meeting that afternoon to go over this new information and begin preparations to leave for Braavos. Already there were a vast number of ships in Emerald Harbor and anchored offshore. He laughed to himself at the thought of how it would look to an outsider seeing that fleet and knowing what it's true purpose was.

Jaime and Shalene returned later that day, Sandor wanted to go to her, but he was determined to control his jealousy and anger, as he watched, he knew he was going to be sorely pressed to do so. Already, he could feel his sword hand clenching and un-clenching. It was almost more than he could bear as he watched the casual way Jaime laughed and talked to everyone, when he approached Sandor, he was greeted with the same scowling, hate filled gaze that Jaime had seen so often over the years that it didn't even phase him any longer, Sandor just turned and walked away from him.

Sandor, Shalene, Tyrion, Bronn, Jaime, Mathew, Lucian and Edgar met in Sandor's solar. Everyone was surprised at how much information Tyrion had and who he was in contact with. Lord Manderly, The Blackfish, and The Great John were all working together in the North, secretly gathering forces and trying to build up store for the Winter, snows were already deep and gave no indication of stopping. Though they all knew that it definitely wouldn't be a bloodless conquest, it would not be the same as the War of the Five Kings had been. Tyrion and Jaime gave information that the only areas they felt would be a problem were The Crownlands, The Stormlands and reports from The North.

Lord Commander Snow was needing men, as always, but was in desperate need of supplies, he had made a pact with the wildlings and allowed them to settle on the Gift. A great many of them had helped repair and man the castles but he also sent ominous reports that made Jaime and Sandor laugh but Tyrion seemed concerned as he had been to The Wall and spent time with Jon Snow. He knew that Snow was too serious to joke and worry over tales and folk lore.

There were reports of another Targaryen, Aegon, The Mad King's son, apparently had been smuggled away as a babe. Rumors were that he had hired The Gold Company to help him take back The Iron Throne. Jaime had a hard time believing this rumor, he had seen the babies, wrapped in red cloaks, murdered by Gregor Clegane. The more he thought on it, the more he wondered, the babies had been unrecognizable.

There were also reports of a Greyjoy fleet attacking the Northern coasts. The mood of the gathering quickly sobered. Tyrion had also hired the notorious Lysene pirate Salladhor Saan. It was decided to supply White Harbor and Jon Snow with any provisions and supplies they needed. The ships carrying it would be escorted by some of Salladhor Saan's trusted captains. Once they reached Braavos, Bronn would be arranging for cargo to be sent to help both places. Mathew and Edgar left to tend to this.

Shalene was very much aware of Sandor's gaze, she knew she had caused quite a bit of damage to him but she also felt he deserved it. He should have known better. He knew she wasn't a helpless little girl, Hells, he had fought with her in training before. He always acted like someone was going to take her or steal her away, like she was something he owned. He was so possessive and insecure at times, she was at a loss as to how to make him believe different, she decided just to let him be, might be he just needed to figure it out. She wasn't prepared for the feelings of guilt that weighed on her. That was a new emotion, why couldn't she have just controlled herself and talked to him? She knew he wouldn't have hurt her. She couldn't even explain to herself why she had to have Jaime other than the fat that he was different from other men she had bedded. She couldn't meet Sandor's gaze, was she the one in the wrong? Damn it, when did I start feeling guilt?

Tyrion decided that this was the best time to try and decide what to do about Jaime meeting Daenarys Targaryen. He had been in contact with her over the months, he knew his brother very well, he had to have had a reason, a very good reason, for what happened, but if he had one, he never had revealed it to anyone as far as Tyrion knew. He looked at Jaime for so long, his brother began to squirm, which amused Tyrion. He asked," Jaime, my tall, handsome brother. Why do you look so uncomfortable?"

"You're looking at me as if I've done something I should be ashamed of, but for the life of me, I can't figure out what it may be."

Sandor snorted his disgust at this. Shalene turned her head and gave him a questioning look. Sandor looked away, knowing that if he kept going, he would just push Shalene further away. He didn't say anything.

Tyrion said, "Jaime, what are you going to do about meeting Daenarys Targaryen? We have to decide if you will go or if we need to keep you and Tommen away."

They all quietly watched Jaime as he stretched out his long legs, glanced at them for a moment and was quiet. It was as if his eyes lost focus, seeing into the distant past. The look on his face was of someone who was reliving a nightmare that he couldn't seem to awaken from. His voice was quiet and halting as he told them the horrors of his past.

Sandor could feel cold seep into his bones as he listened and remembered the dream he had and hearing the true madness of Aerys Targaryen. By the time Jaime was finished, there were tears in Tyrion's eyes. Shalene held his hand, Jaime took comfort in this.

Sandor watched him for a moment then said, "I had a dream about that. I haven't thought about it since then but this woman came to me and I dreamed what you just told us. She told me that I would be your protector. Her name was.." they both say Quaithe at the same time.