Our first non-Jonsa chapter. Her meddling is going to affect the rest of Westeros, so we will start to have occasional chapters coming from other parts of the Seven Kingdoms. Anyways, if we can't have Jonsa, who else but Jaime and Brienne to satisfy our thirst for angst. The chapter is short, but it keeps you up to speed with what happens elsewhere.
Brienne
Brienne was glad she and Pod had sailed to The Crag. She'd had enough of riding through the snow and ice, at least winter hadn't settled in the Westerlands and Riverlands, although from the feel of the chill in the air, it wouldn't be long before the first flurries of winter arrived. The ship had taken a fortnight to reach The Crag and then they had ridden east for another fortnight to Riverrun. Once back on dry land, Brienne told Pod the story Sansa had instructed them to spread. From then on, in every inn they stayed at, they regaled the tale of the Lord Commander who had risen from the dead. What did surprise Brienne was that the story of the dead Lord Commander of the Night's Watch was already rumoured, therefore when Brienne and Pod spoke of it, they already had quite an audience, wanting to know whether it was true or not. She just hoped Ser Jaime would hear the entire fable before she left Riverrun.
Eventually Brienne and Pod arrived at the ancestral home of the Tully's, where, as Sansa had predicted, they found rows and rows of perfectly red tents pitched up where Jaime's Lannister forces and a scattering of the less impressive looking Frey army had laid siege to the castle. The Red Fork River, a dominant feature overlooking the landscape as it split off forming a tributary called Tumblestone.
"Looks like a siege, my lady." Pod stated the obvious while Brienne tried her best not to roll her eyes.
"You have a keen military mind, Podrick." Brienne couldn't hide the sarcasm from her voice, although it held no malicious intent, after all Pod was still only a squire. Off in the distance, Brienne was distracted by the sight of Ser Jaime riding a white horse among his men.
"My lady. My lady." Pod called out as four Lannister soldiers encircled them.
"Who goes there? State your business!" one of the Lannister soldiers demanded.
"My name is Brienne of Tarth. Please inform Ser Jaime Lannister I've come to speak with him. Tell him I have his sword." Brienne replied.
The soldiers escorted them to the largest red tent in the field, passing through rows of red tents, the Lannister sigil atop, blowing in the wind, men sharpening their swords, while others marched through the mud. Brienne was escorted inside the tent, while Pod was forced to wait outside.
Jaime stood opposite Brienne, he looked far more like the handsome soldier she knew than the man who nearly died in her arms in a bath.
"Ser Jaime." Brienne bowed her head.
"How can I help you, Lady Brienne?" Jaime asked.
"Lady Sansa Stark sent me." Brienne replied.
"I never thought you'd find her. I just assumed Sansa was dead." Jaime looked surprised.
"Why would you assume that?" Brienne frowned.
"In my experience, girls like her don't live very long." Jaime replied.
"I don't think you know many girls like her." Brienne realised this was going to be a much more difficult conversation than she'd expected, Jaime was back under the clutches of Cersei.
"Well, I'm proud of you. I am. You fulfilled your oath to Catelyn Stark against all odds." he complimented her. Her eyes dropped, trying not to blush. Jaime walked around the table and came to a stop on Brienne's other side. "Of course my sister wants Sansa dead. The girl is still a suspect in Joffrey's murder, so there is that complication." Brienne couldn't make out whether it was a threat or not. "What the hell are you doing here?" he asked.
"I've come with some information for you, from Lady Sansa."
"Go on." Jaime sat down.
"Lady Sansa desires to take her ancestral seat back from the Boltons and assume her rightful position as Lady of Winterfell." Brienne started.
"With what army does she plan on taking Winterfell?" Jaime asked.
"Have you ever heard of Jon Snow?" Brienne asked.
Jaime frowned. "I met him once. Short fella, earnest lad, a bit too eager to sign his life away to the watch if I remember."
"Did you know he became the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch?" Brienne asked.
"That is a surprise. Didn't think he'd last a week." Jaime shrugged, confusing Brienne. Jon had clearly changed a lot since Jaime met him. "Has Lady Sansa recruited the Night's Watch to fight her battles? I thought they took no part in the wars of the realm."
"Jon Snow is no longer a man of the Night's Watch." Brienne started to explain.
"I thought it was for life. In fact, I remember warning him of that little fact myself. Is he dead or a deserter?"
"Their oath ends with their death. Jon Snow was murdered by his men." Brienne explained.
"Should I send my condolences?" Jaime asked, his voice holding a hint of sarcasm.
"He was resurrected by a red priestess, the one who travelled with Stannis Baratheon." Brienne spit his name from her mouth, despite being the one to end his life, she still hated the man.
"How convenient, can this be proven?" Jaime raised an eyebrow.
"He has seven stab wounds to his chest, one to the heart. Unsurvivable wounds." Brienne explained. "They have rallied men in the north, they also have help from... Lord Arryn, Lady Sansa's cousin."
"You mean Lord Baelish." Jaime corrected her, Brienne nodded.
"As I have already stated, she has information she would like to share with you." Brienne was nervous as this was where matters would get tricky.
"Why would she share them with me?" Jaime looked confused.
"Because you were the one to arm me to save her. And I vouched for your honour." Brienne tilted her chin back.
Jaime laughed. "Nobody has vouched for my honour in a long time. Go on then, humour me. What information does she have that I would find useful." he rolled his eyes.
"I have it on good authority that there is wildfire under the Sept of Baelor." Brienne told him. "It could be what was placed there by the Mad King. However, of late there has been...activity, which suggests it is intended to be used at some time in the near future. There is a trial due to be held in the Sept in just over a moon's turn. I suspect your sister would endeavour to keep herself and King Tommen safe, but I cannot say the same for the rest of those on trial."
"Good authority? Littlefinger's spies I presume?" Jaime asked, Brienne nodded.
"Lady Sansa was close friends with Queen Margaery and she fears her friend would get caught up in any attempts on the life of the royal court. Lady Sansa believes the Tyrell's need to be removed from the capital for their own safety."
"Are you sure this is Cersei's doing?" Jaime frowned.
"It may be the work of Daenerys Targaryen, after all, Lord Tyrion is her hand...However, they are currently in Meereen and I believe it would be a difficult operation to organise from such a distance." Brienne continued. "Whoever is organising this, you being away from the capital make it easier to cause mayhem." Brienne offered. "If you could return and persuade those who are in danger to leave. They might listen to you."
Jaime looked around. "As you can see, I am quite busy right now. Not that I think you are lying to me, although I still can't understand why Lady Sansa would trust me. Unless of course, she or more importantly, Littlefinger, wanted me to leave Riverrun. You see, I am here to help Lord Frey reclaim Riverrun, which is currently defended by the Tully rebels. Does it not seem strange to you a Tully would want me to leave a Tully rebellion? Forgive me Lady Brienne but I'm sure you can see the conundrum."
"The Tullys are rebels because they're fighting for their home." Brienne frowned.
"Riverrun was granted to the Freys by royal decree." Jaime said calmly.
"As a reward for betraying Robb Stark and slaughtering his family." Brienne snapped.
"Exactly!" Jaime and Brienne stared at one another in silence. "We shouldn't argue about politics." Jaime shook his head.
"You're a knight, Ser Jaime. I know there is honor in you. I've seen it myself." Brienne insisted.
"I'm a Lannister. Don't ask me to betray my own house." Jaime snapped.
"I do no such thing. I'm asking you to save your house. If anything should happen to Queen Margaery, King Tommen would be devastated." Brienne retorted. "Take Riverrun without bloodshed. Ride south with your mission complete and your army intact, save your King and his wife."
"What do you propose?" Jaime asked.
Brienne knew she didn't have time to waste, it was too late to go to Highgarden to find Lady Olenna instead she would have to write to her and let her know why she was kidnapping her granddaughter. Having Jaime help her in Kings Landing would save time, as he would know of the secret passageways, but he was clearly not to be persuaded. Under any other circumstances, she would have tried to parley with the Blackfish, but Sansa had warned her it would be of no use and would instead lead to more bloodshed. The other plan, should Jaime refuse to help, was to keep the Lannister forces at Riverrun until the threat of Daenerys materialised, where Cersei would call them back to Kings Landing. This would allow Jon and Sansa to help the Tully's re-take Riverrun and bring the Blackfish into the fold. Therefore, Brienne needed to encourage Jaime to continue with the siege.
"I know there is no point in me attempting to parley with the Blackfish, he's too stubborn, or so I'm told. Continue with your siege, wait him out. In the meantime keep away from Kings Landing, I would not wish for you to get caught up in the wildfire." Brienne swallowed.
Jaime smirked, closing in on her. "One minute you ask me to risk my life, the next you ask me to stay away. Why would you do that?" he asked.
"Because I... hold you as a dear friend, I would not like you to end up dead." she whispered.
"A dear friend, is that all? Why, I'm almost offended." he raised an eyebrow and Brienne could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.
"Please." Brienne pleaded, not knowing what else to say, instead she unfastened her sword belt and handed Oathkeeper to Jaime, who looked at it and sighed.
"You gave it to me for a purpose. I've achieved that purpose." Brienne told him.
"It's yours. It will always be yours." Jaime's voice was tender. "When are you leaving?"
"You want me gone so soon?" Brienne suddenly feeling a little deflated. "Pod and I will leave as soon as we are finished here."
"It is getting late, you could consider resting the night here. I'm sure it won't take up too much more of your time. We could...reminisce." he offered. Brienne's heart almost burst, back was the man she knew was good and decent. Brienne stared into Jaime's beautiful green eyes, before tying Oathkeeper back on her waist.
"Thank you for your offer. That would be...nice." she smiled.
"Good." Jaime grinned. "I'll find your squire a tent." he said. "He can share with Ser Bronn, you can stay with me."
"Won't people talk." Brienne was shocked at Jaime's suggestion.
Jaime looked Brienne up and down. "I very much doubt it." he smirked.
That night, Brienne, Jaime, Pod and Ser Bronn, all shared their evening meal in Jaime's tent. The food was far more luxurious than anything Brienne had eaten since Joffrey's wedding. The first course was freshly caught rainbow trout from the Red Fork River. The main course was venison and finally they had a desert of apple cake, all washed down with the finest Dornish red. Pod appeared to be in heaven. The conversation was initially light-hearted, Bronn was regaling stories of his time with Tyrion and Pod, most specifically one which involved Pod visiting a whorehouse and not having to pay. The conversation soon changed when Bronn decided to discuss the gossip in the camp.
"You've come from the north." he said to Brienne and Pod.
"We have." Brienne eyed Bronn, she didn't trust him one bit, he was a cut-throat and had no morals.
"What do you know of Aegon Targaryen?" he asked.
Brienne looked to Jaime, who stared at her accusingly. "Which one? There have been five kings with the name Aegon Targaryen." Brienne decided to play stupid for a moment.
"This one claims he's Aegon the sixth." Bronn smiled.
"I have no knowledge of a King Aegon the sixth." Brienne said truthfully. "King Tommen sits upon the Iron Throne, although I do believe Daenerys Targaryen is vying to take it from him, along with her three fully grown dragons."
Bronn's eyes never left Brienne, she knew he was testing her and she couldn't win this type of battle against a man like him. Pod had already told her the tales of Ser Bronn of the Blackwater, stories she didn't like. "They say Ned Stark's bastard wasn't even his son, it was all a ruse."
"What?" Jaime looked flabbergasted.
"Aye, turns out he was the trueborn son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen." Bronn nodded. "I'm sure your Lady friend here must have been aware of the stories coming from the Neck."
"We sailed from Bear Island and docked at the Crag. Why would we know of the tales from the Neck?" Brienne asked.
"Lady Brienne?" Jaime was suddenly formal. "Is it true?" he asked.
Brienne's shoulders sagged. "So I'm led to believe. However I know Jon has no intention of taking the Iron Throne. He didn't even want to be Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Him being murdered by his own men has put him off vying for any sort of leadership, save that of leading armies."
"I can't imagine him commanding anything." Jaime raised an eyebrow.
"How long ago was it you last saw Jon Snow?" Brienne asked.
"About five years ago." Jaime admitted.
"Back then he was a boy." Brienne told him. "I believe he has changed somewhat. I doubt even I could best him with a sword." she admitted.
Jaime looked at her in shock. "That little squirt?" he laughed.
"Who in that time rose to be Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. He fought north of the wall with and against the wildlings." Brienne said.
"And he's fucking his sister." Bronn shrugged, smirking at Jaime, who suddenly looked uncomfortable. "Sounds like a proper Targaryen if you ask me."
"Is it true?" Jaime's voice was low.
"They are...close." Brienne nodded. "Although I doubt anything intimate would happen between them. Ramsey Bolton did terrible things to her...she suffers from nightmares. Jon seems to be the only who can offer any comfort."
Bronn snorted. "Yeah right. Sounds to me he's not like the honourable Eddard Stark. I wonder how old Ned would feel if he knew his daughter was fucking her half-brother." Bronn took out a dagger and began to clean his fingernails, Brienne looked away in disgust.
"They aren't... and anyway, they're cousins." Brienne corrected him.
"So you approve? I bet he does." Bronn nodded towards Jaime. "I'd fuck Sansa Stark."
Jaime looked angry. "Why are you really here? I've asked you this question a few times today."
"There is wildfire under the Sept of Baelor. Lady Sansa doesn't want her friend harmed." Brienne told him once more.
"So she can make an alliance with the Tyrells to take the Iron Throne?" Jaime asked.
"Aegon Targaryen, Jon Snow, is the last person you need worry about when it comes to the Iron Throne." Brienne frowned. "Daenerys Targaryen is the one who should concern you. After all, she has a hoard of Dothraki screamers, an army of Unsullied, three grown dragons and your brother and Lord Varys advising her. Lady Sansa's only concern is with the north."
"And I should believe you?" Jaime raised an eyebrow.
"It's the truth my Lord." Pod finally spoke.
"And what would you know of it?" Bronn frowned at Brienne's squire.
"You didn't see Lady Sansa after she escaped Ramsey Bolton. Prince Jon was there for her, helped her get well again. He'd just come back from the dead and I think she was the one who gave him purpose. I don't think Lady Sansa is prepared to lose Prince Jon, and Daenerys is a threat to them. If she can keep King Tommen on the throne, she keeps the man she loves." Pod smiled.
"I wouldn't call it love Podrick." Brienne chided her squire. Pod simply gave her a look to suggest there was more to Jon and Sansa's relationship, or at least would be in the future.
"How ro-fucking-mantic." Bronn sneered.
"The things we do for love." Jaime sighed, as if he were somewhere else. "Alright." he turned to Bronn. "Bronn you go to Kings Landing with Lady Brienne and Pod. You know the escape routes of the Maegor's Holdfast. Get Queen Margaery out and take her north to Winterfell."
"And Ser Loras?" Brienne asked.
"He is a prisoner of the Faith Militant." Jaime shrugged. "I'm sure the Queen of Thorns will be glad to see at least one of her grandchildren safe. Once you reach Winterfell, contact Lady Olenna. I'm sure she will understand why you needed to kidnap her granddaughter. I command the Lannister forces, not my sister. If what you say is true, nobody will march north to take Winterfell. They will be blocked from passing the Riverlands." Jaime agreed. "But I cannot stop my sister from her quest to kill Sansa Stark."
"It was Littlefinger." Brienne blurted out. "He was the one who killed Joffrey."
Jaime frowned. "He wasn't even at the wedding."
"He was the one who arranged it. I don't know who poisoned the wine, all I know is Joffrey's fool, Ser Dontos, was the one who helped Sansa escape." Brienne told him.
"Even if Littlefinger was responsible and told Cersei himself, I doubt the truth would change Cersei's mind." Jaime shrugged. "For you, I will continue here with the siege, and stay away from Kings Landing while you kidnap the Queen. Will you need anything else?" Jaime asked.
"If I may, I would like to send a raven to Dragonstone. There is someone is currently residing there who would be of some use in our endeavour." Brienne told him.
Jaime nodded. "Bronn, Pod, leave us." Jaime commanded.
"Yes My Lord. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Bronn smirked.
"Is there anything you wouldn't do?" Pod asked as they left the tent.
"Fuck his sister. She is one scary woman." Bronn laughed as the two men disappeared, while Jaime and Brienne stared at one another.
"Why are you helping me?" Brienne asked, truly intrigued by Jaime's change of heart.
Jaime took her hand and smiled. "You are one of the most honourable people I have met. Honourable to the point of stupidity. Only Ned Stark himself was more honourable, although it turns out he was a traitor to his best friend." Jaime chuckled. "Every time I asked you why you were here, you gave me the same answer. Even when the scenario was different, the reason was the same. So I have to assume that you are telling the truth and you have good intentions. What kind of father would I be if I let my son's wife be killed when I had some warning? How could I live with myself if I could have prevented her death?"
Brienne nodded. "Thank you." she squeezed his hand. "I'll do my best to help them." she stood up. "I'll go send that raven to Ser Davos. He'll get us out of Kings Landing and back to Winterfell." she smiled and left the tent to find the raven master.