Northern Conqueror

Chapter 9: War Council

Chapter 9: War Council

White Harbor was large enough and had enough supplies to help arm their forces. They still lacked horses, but they had enough to make sure every man had a blade and a shield. They managed to whittle a tree into a cudgel for Wun Wun and gave him armor that was little more than shields bound together in places, but thick enough to stop most arrows and bolts.

Days after the Freys were killed, ships approached White Harbor's docks, and from them hundreds of Vale Knights disembarked. Jon greeted Lord Royce while Sansa smiled at Brienne and Podrick's return.

"You were missed."

"I heard some of the Manderly men speaking of a battle," Brienne said looking around, as if she would see dead men littering the streets.

"There was," Sansa nodded. "The Freys are gone from White Harbor. Feeding fish at sea."

Brienne frowned. "I should have been here."

Sansa shook her head. "I'm fine, Brienne. You did as I asked, you brought the Vale. I'm proud of you." She turned to gaze to Podrick. "You as well, Podrick."

"I thank you, my lady," he said bowing his head.

Sansa looked around to make sure they were too far for anyone to overhear before asking Brienne, "How was it?"

With a sigh, Brienne held the pommel of Oathkeeper. "Disturbing. She was as you said... worse, perhaps. Whenever I saw her she was clung to Baelish or frantic to find him. She even accused me of being a harlot come to take her beloved from her when we met."

Sansa frowned. "I'm sorry you had to deal with her."

Briene shook her head. "I've heard worse, my lady. Words like that mean little when spoken by people so lost." Her gaze shifted slightly, surprising Sansa with the hint of guilt that flashed across her face.

"What is it?"

"I know you told me to speak to Baelish before I tried to use him against your aunt, but I didn't." Brienne looked to Sansa sternly. "I couldn't stand to add another debt to him, so I suggested he come identify you himself."

"Was she angry?" asked Sansa, glancing at Podrick who gave a confused, uncertain nod.

"At first I thought she was choking him," Brienne told her, "but then she was kissing him and agreed to send the men. When we were leaving he found me and asked after you, said you should write to your aunt and cousin who miss you and that they'd want to see you when things settled. No doubt speaking for himself."

Sansa stepped forward, reaching for Brienne's hands. "Thank you, Brienne. That was a risk you didn't have to take. Thank you for taking it to keep me from another debt."

"Of course, my lady," Brienne said flush with pride. She turned her gaze to where Jon stood with Wyman Manderly, Yohn Royce, Barbrey Dustin and the stout, gruff Old Torghen Flint with hands as big as hams. Davos was speaking to them while Tormund arched his brow at Brienne and smirked, earning an eye roll before she turned back to Sansa. "Things have gone well on your end I assume?"

"For the most part," Sansa nodded. "The Glovers turned us away, but they're the only rejection we've gotten so far. The Hornwoods and Ryswells have sent ravens and will join us, but we haven't heard from the Lakes, Condons and Cerwyns. Everyone in the Neck as well."

"I'm glad to see you've done so well, Lady Sansa." Brienne looked the young woman over, a somber smile taking her lips. "Your mother would be proud. Your father as well. Anyone would." She glanced at Jon, adding, "Both of you."