Author's Notes: Hey everyone, glad you liked the last chapter. For this fight Brienne will have the armor that Jamie gave her and the same type of helmet that she had when she served Renly but just a regular sword, let's face it Tywin would hit the roof if he saw that. As always I own nothing.
Several days later it was finally time for the duel that would decide Sansa's fate was to be fought. From Varys Sansa knew that the news that she was to be championed by a women had caused a great deal of comment. Lord Tywin had opposed it at first but had been persuaded to go along with it by an unlikely coalition of the Queen and Lord Tyrell, he also informed her that Prince Oberyn would be championing her husband. It had been determined that her battle would be fought first and Tyrion's the day after.
On the day of the duel she was taken from her cell and taken to where the duel was to be fought. The stands were filled with people come to watch her fate be determined and yet there seemed in places almost an atmosphere of merriment. One either end of the space where the battle was to be fought two pavilions were set up and each was provided with a table on which refreshments were set. Sansa and her guards arrived first but they were not alone for long, before long her champion arrived. Brienne was clad in plate armor of a bluish color and under her arm she carried a helmet of the same color, she carried no shield but at her waist hung her sword and a long dagger.
As she came into view the crowd's noise rose higher, clearly the knowledge that a woman would be fighting had spread from the palace. There were sounds of displeasure at what some clearly saw as unseemly, there where cries of derision but mostly there was laughter. Now Sansa understood the earlier merriment, they saw her as a joke, a fool dressed up in armor for their amusement. She looked up and saw that while Brienne made no acknowledgement of the crowd's abuse her jaw was clenched as if this was something that she had endured before. Her father had once said that many men would rather take a wound to their body than to face humiliation and for Brienne it seemed to be the case.
Unable to offer any other comfort to the woman who was going to risk her life for her Sansa went up to her champion, made aware once again how much shorter she was compared to Brienne, and placed a hand on the other woman's arm.
"I am sorry that you have to endure this." The other woman looked at her and nodded.
"You are very kind my lady but fear not, I have endured far worse than this." Just then there was a commotion behind them turning she saw her husband coming up, escorted by several guards. He came up to them and bowed.
"My ladies," he said to them; "I was granted permission come and witness my wife's battle." Just then there was movement on the other pavilion. Sir Trant, accompanied by his squire, had entered and was making last-minute preparations. Seeing him Sansa felt herself filled with a familiar mixture of fear and hate, at least part of what she felt must have been clear on her face as Brienne gave her a reassuring smile.
"Fear not my lady, on my honor I will not fail you." Before Sansa could say anything the Grand Maester came to stand between the two combatants.
"My lords, my ladies. We are gathered here, in the sight of gods and men, to determine the guilt or innocence of this lady. May the Father judge the justice of these two combatants' claims. May the Mother grant her mercy to the deserving. May the Maiden defend the innocent of the one who deserves it. May the Warrior strengthen the arm of the champion whose cause is just. May the Smith guide the sword of the righteous. May the Crone grant the wisdom that will reveal the truth of the claims made here. And may the Stranger claim the one who is false." With that he bowed and headed off the field of battle. Brienne nodded once to Sansa and then put her helmet on and walked onto the battle space.
"Don't worry my lady." Tyrion said, in a tone of voice that suggested that he was trying to convince himself as much as her. "Jamie had seen her fight and he assured me she was quite formidable and believe me my brother would not give praise when it was not earned and perhaps not even then." Sansa could only nod.
The two combatants came to within a few feet of one another and stood in silence for a moment then Sir Trant spoke.
"So the wolf-girl couldn't find a man to fight for her, though you hardly look like a woman either."
Brienne did not bother to reply but simply attacked. She swung a powerful blow to his left side, he blocked but the force of the impact staggered him. She took advantage of this by aiming a second blow at his right leg, forcing him to fall back. He recovered himself and launched a savage counter attack by thrusting at her mid-section. She knocked it aside but he took the opportunity to twist to the side and ram his shoulder into her, clearly hoping off nock her off her feet. She staggered back a step but kept her footing. They were too close for her to use her sword so she let go of it with her left hand and used it to backhand him, causing him to fall back.
He recovered himself quickly and the two began to trade blows back and as both moved about trying to get an advantage. It quickly became obvious that Brienne was the stronger of the two, each blow causing Sir Trant to either stagger or give ground. He, however, had more experience and was not without a certain cunning as he continually probed for weak points in her defenses.
Brienne brought her sword up over her head and brought it down with all of her strength. As she was the taller of the two Sir Trant had to bring his own sword up over his head to block. The blades met with such force that he staggered and was almost forced to one knee. She took advantage of this by lashing out with a kick to left knee, it buckled with the impact and he went down on one knee, one hand going to the ground to support himself. She began to deliver the final blow but he launched himself at her knees and they both went down in a heap.
They struggled for a moment then she was on top of him, ripping his helmet off. She straddled him and grabbed both sides of his head. Raising it up as far as it would go she slammed it down, producing an audible crack, she did this again and again. Sansa watched, her breath coming in ragged gaps, determined not to miss a second of her tormentor's suffering and willing Brienne to continue. At last Brienne ceased, blood flowing freely from his head and covering her hands. She released his head and it fell to the ground without resistance, his eyes rolling upward, she then pulled her dagger free of its sheath and used it to open up his throat ear to ear. For a moment there was complete silence, then Lord Tywin rose and spoke, in a tone that made it clear he was not pleased.
"The gods have spoken. Lady Sansa is innocent of the charges against her. She is hereby released."
As the crowd broke into a buzz of noises Brienne rose and returned to were Sansa and Tyrion stood.
"You were magnificent!" Sansa exclaimed as Brienne came up. Brienne removed her helmet and bowed to Sansa.
"I thank you my lady, I told you I would allow no harm to come to you."
Author's Notes": Hey everyone, I hope you liked it. It seemed to me that she usually relied more on strength and taking advantage of opportunities than technical skill do you agree? Please let me know. Till next time please pray for the sick, those held unjustly and all who need it. Bye and may Jesus bless you.