Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 69 - Qyburn calls it 'antimag'

               I ready my horse as Arrow paces in circles around me. The castle courtyard is a hive of activity. Soldiers who aren't running are saying their goodbyes to their loved ones.

               It is never an easy moment to leave one's family. But knowing that we might never see them again has an altogether different, more bitter taste. Though they will hold onto the hope of returning until a sword plunge into their chest.

"I have a feeling of déjà vu," Sansa says to me as she approaches.

"The last time, you left with me," I remind her.

"At least we weren't alone."

               We were accompanied by the Baratheon delegation, so we were perfectly safe. But I understand that Sansa is referring to our family. We were together, alongside our father. Except Father didn't survive. So, I will follow my own path.

"I am not alone," I reply. "Don't worry about me."

"I worry constantly about you and have for a decade. Like everyone else here."

               I furrow my brows. I've spent my life worrying about my little sisters. Especially about Sansa, whom I've always tried to protect, even if I happened to fail. It had never crossed my mind that they might do the same for me.

"When the snows fall and the white winds blow," Sansa whispers.

"The lone wolf dies. But the pack survives."

               I can still hear my father's voice. My sister is right; we have already lived through all of this. I've already left Winterfell to head South, and I returned with a few extra scars.

"The Starks have never had much luck in the capital," she confirms.

               Our tragic link to King's Landing is difficult to forget. Before us, other Starks went there without ever returning, like our grandfather and our uncle Brandon. I remember that my mother tried to prevent my father from leaving so he wouldn't meet the same fate.

"Sansa..."

               I take my sister in my arms. We have been through all this together, from the worst to the best. And the only time we were separated, Baelish tried to sell her to the Boltons. The idea of leaving Sansa behind does not delight me. I am, however, aware that we are no longer little girls.

♐︎

               The journey to White Harbor passed without incident, though we were slower than expected. The last time, given that Daenerys led the march, I was freer in my movements. Now, I am the one the men follow. And I am not used to traveling with such a large garrison.

               Once at White Harbor, we boarded Yara Greyjoy's Ironborn ships. Theon hasn't run out of praise for her, and she hasn't failed to earn it. I see now why Theon constantly used the excuse of his blood to explain his inappropriate behaviour. For Yara acts the same way.

               Life at sea suits me, unlike Arrow. The last time I brought her aboard a ship, she couldn't handle it. Because of this, she will join us with the rest of the men on land for the siege of King's Landing.

               I finally managed to persuade Jaime to accompany me. Despite Varys's warnings, we have grown even closer. According to my Master of Whisperers, our relationship will only stoke Cersei's hatred, in addition to the fact that he does not consider Jaime a potential future husband.

               Firstly, the angrier Cersei is, the better off I'll be. Let her lose control! I'll only have to use it against her. Secondly, since Jaime left the Kingsguard, he has become the legitimate Lord of Casterly Rock once more. I can imagine no better match.