Author's Notes: Hey everyone, sorry that it has been so long since I updated, not sure what to write and too many projects.
Though the declaration to march had been made it was not that simple. The camp had to be broken down, supplies had to be gathered and the order of march formulated. Though most of those involved were too busy to talk to talk at length with Sansa, but she was gradually able to glean enough information to figure out what was going on, or at least she thought she did. It appeared that the Queen had decided on a course of action which would both deal with her enemies and separate her feuding allies. What they were embarking on was not one, but multiple assaults.
The Dornish and half of the Unsullied under Prince Oberyn Martell was to march towards the Stormlands and lay siege to Storm's End. The Reachers and the second half of the Unsullied under Lord Mace Tyrell, assisted by Sir Barristan would head directly for King's Landing itself. The Dothraki, under someone whose name Sansa could not pronounce, were to ride between the two sieges and harass and attack any forces which might attempt to lift the sieges. The Queen herself would be with none of these groups. Instead she would be accompanying the combined Dornish and Reacher fleet and sail with them to blockade the mouth of the Black Water and aid in the siege of King's Landing. What went unsaid was the hope that they would meet up with the Iron Fleet, defeat it and reclaim her stolen dragon. If the campaign was to meet with success then the Queen could end up in possession of all of the Seven Kingdoms save the North and all her rivals, save for King Stannis and…the others. Sansa still did not like to think of them, instead she focused on her other problems.
She had hoped that she, with Arya's aid, to sow dissention between the various factions of the Queen's forces, but now she was not sure that that was possible now. The Queen's plan ensured that the various groups were separated and had actual enemies to unleash their aggression on. No, the situation had changed and her plans would have to change with it. The Dothraki left several days before the others as they were still preparing to march, after they left Arya, still in her disguise as the servant and Sansa went over what the best course of action was to take. Sansa began the conversation.
"It would appear that we will have to change our approach. With the various forces being apart that will no longer be an option we have to think of a different course of action." Arya did not appear to be surprised.
"We could kill the Queen that would bring this whole affair to an end. Without her this army would fall apart." Sansa shook her head.
"I do not think that that would be a wise course of action. Even if she dies Dorne and the Reach will still be in rebellion against the Iron Throne. And what of the Dothraki and the dragons? She is the only thing holding them in check, if she dies they will run ramped across the land. So it is better, at least for now, that she remain in power." Arya did not look entirely convinced and Sansa smirked a little.
"Besides, do you really think that you could reach her?" This caused Arya's expression to become one of rueful agreement.
Ever since the battle the Queen's followers had taken steps to ensure her safety. By day she was surrounded by knights of Westeros and by Dothraki warriors. As servant from across the sea tasted all that the Queen ate and drank before she did. At nights she was even better protected. She seemed to regard the dragons as more her children than her mounts and had taken the loss of one like the death of a child. This had resulted in her spending her nights nestled between the two creatures and Sansa doubted that even Arya could be able to slip up without being detected and it appeared that Arya agreed with her. She looked at Sansa and smiled.
"You have gotten rather good at this sort of thing." Sansa snorted and raised her nose in a haughty manner.
"I have always been adapt in such matters, you were merely too busy running around like a savage." Arya looked as if she were going to be angry and then she joined Sansa in giggling.
In truth Sansa had gleaned some of the insights to the situation from Tyrion. Though all had found it to be to their advantage that their marriage be set aside the two remained on civil terms. Indeed it could be said that they got along better now than when they had been married. Sansa often joined him and Margaery and various members of her family for dinners. Inevitably the talk would turn to politics, strategy and what would happen if various events did or did not occur. Sansa has, as always, mostly kept silent when these were discussed, but she had listened and she had learned. Her thoughts were interrupted by Arya speaking again.
"So what are we going to do?" Fortunately this had been another topic of conversation. She returned her attention to Arya.
"While we do not want the Queen dead, we also do not want her getting any stronger." At Arya's look Sansa elaborated.
"Of all the Seven Kingdoms only one, the Vale, has remained neutral. They are the only ones whose forces are still intact. They cannot stay neutral forever, they will have to choose a side and whichever side they chose will have a significant advantage. I believe the Queen will soon send a messenger to them, if she has not done so already and I believe that such a proposal will be well received, especially if the coming battles go well for her. That is where you come in."
"I do?"
"Indeed. I need to head to the Reach with all speed, with luck you will get there before them. You will observe any such negotiations and make sure that they do not succeed. I do not care how you do it, just make sur that the Vale does not enter the war on the Dragon Queen's side." There was another task that Arya needed to perform. It made Sansa feel guilt, but it had to be done.
"There is something else as well," she said.
"While you travel to the Vale I require you to spread tales of the Dothraki deprivations, their looting, burning and raping." Arya looked confused.
"I thought that the Queen had forbidden them to do any of those things."
"Yes, but people will assume that they are doing those things and what do you think will happen when the people being to attack them out of fear and desperation? The Dothraki will start to do those things and that will turn the population against her." Arya was giving her a look.
"I never thought you could be so ruthless." The words stung Sansa as she had told herself the same things. She forced a steely expression on her face and stated in a firm, flat tone of voice.
"It is necessary." It sounded as hollow when said aloud as when she said it in her head. Any further discussion was interrupted by the sound of someone approaching.
The tent flap parted and High Priestess Kinvara entered the tent. Sansa instinctively looked to Arya, but her sister was gone and in her place was the servant. Sansa suppressed a shudder, no matter how many times she saw it she doubted that she would ever be fully comfortable with her sister's abilities. The priestess gave a slight bow.
"Might you walk with me Lady Sansa?" Despite the phrasing Sansa doubted that it was actually a request. She rose and they walked out into the night. For a time they walked through the camp in silence until at last the priestess began to speak.
"The eunuch suspects that despite your condition," here she reached out and tapped the collar on Sansa's neck; "That you plot and scheme." Sansa remained quiet, though she was now more wary than ever.
"I will not ask whether that it is true or not, though I could learn the truth easily enough. I once told Lord Varys that everyone is what they are and where they are for a reason and that applies to you as well.
"You have no love for the Queen, but it matters not. She shall sit the Iron Throne and she shall defeat the servants of the Great Other. I have seen this in my fires. You too have a role to play, as do all the servants of the Lord of Light."
"I do not serve the Lord of Light." The other woman only smiled.
"Lady Stark, in this war there are no neutrals. All serve either the Lord of Light or the Great Other. You oppose the Great Other, in your own way. Thus, you are indeed a servant of the Lord of Light. I wish you a good night." With that she turned and was gone.
Author's Notes: Hey everyone, once again sorry that it has been so long since I last updated. What do you think of the Queen's plan? What do you think of Sansa's approach to the Dothraki? Is it in character? Finally, what about Arya? She seemed a bit overpowered in the show and I wanted it a bit more realistic. What did you think? Let me know in the comments. Till then please pray for the victims of the youtube shooting and all others who need prayer. Bye and may Jesus bless you.