Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

xxvi. Returning Home

I rode my horse as fast as I could, desperate to get to my destination. The steed was slower than I would have liked, especially after riding the Dothraki horses, but I was not going to complain. I needed to get there...

Only three days ago I arrived in the Saltpans, which is located in the Riverlands, just to be informed that my brother was at war. My heart dropped when I heard that from a sailor and although I was not sure if it was true, I had to know. So I stole a horse and I have been riding ever since. I have only stopped to let the horse rest and once to get some sleep.

The smell of death was strong as I neared Oxcross. There were even fires that could be seen blazing. There were people crying out in pain, horses screaming, and a sound of commotion that I had never heard before. The battle had already happened.

No one stopped me as I rode onto the battlefield. Thankfully the fires were dying out, but there was also dead people everywhere, as well as people who were injured and could not move. Healers and the Silent Sisters were tending to the wounded - Stark and Lannister alike. It looked like a scene from a nightmare.

As I rode further into the battlefield I have to manoeuvre around bodies and debris. No one really paid me any attention, which I was grateful for. I was just trying to take in everything around me and understand it.

Although the Dothraki went to battle whilst I was with them, it was not quite like this. The dead were immediately pulled aside to be burned, horses were put out of their misery, and there was not this level of chaos. This was not at all like that. This reminded me of stories I once used to read about hell.

I ended up getting off my horse and walking it through the battlefield. That drew the attention of some men, but they did not stop me. They just allowed me to continue up to the slight hill that a group of people were standing on. I was hoping to see my brother.

"Halt!" A guard yelled, running down to me with about five other men. "Who are you and what business do you have here?"

"I am Alessia Stark," I announced, pushing the hood of my cloak off my head. "Please, I wish to see my brother. Is he well? He did survive, right?"

"Do not play us, girl," another guard said. "Turn back around and leave."

"What if she is a Lannister spy?" A third guard asked. "We should take her prisoner."

I pulled my cloak closer to myself, so that my hands were closer to my sword and arakh. As well as those being on my weapons belt, my dagger was strapped onto my outer thing. The men were clearly wary of me, but they were also unsure.

Slowly, I took my satchel off of my shoulder and placed it on the ground. I was not sure that my horse would not take off, so I was not going to trust the creature. I do not want any of my things being stolen. My letter of pardon is in there.

"Please, allow me to see my brother and you will know I am who I say I am," I insisted, feeling desperate. "Or even one of his lords. Lord Umber perhaps?"

"What is taking you bloody idiots so fucking long!" A familiar voice boomed.

When I looked up I saw Greatjon Umber marching down the hill. Tears welled in my eyes upon seeing the familiar face. He looked the same as ever - nearly seven feet tall, heavily muscled, and with brown hair and eyes. His hair was greying and he was carrying his ugly great sword on his belt.

He stopped when he saw me and looked at me closely before taking a few more steps in my direction. Then he stopped again and really took in my looks. I knew he was trying to figure out whether or not I really was who he thought I was, but I did not care. I was just grateful to finally see a familiar face after all this time away from home.