Dark Wings (Sandor Clegane)

Chapter Three

The next morning, Jaslin had need of some space from all the new arrivals at Winterfell. From the stupid Prince and his cruel mother. So before everyone had arisen to break their morning fast, Jaslin had dressed in a simple red dress and went for a  walk around grounds just outside Winterfell.

For a long time, Jaslin had been too scared to even leave the castle walls, but after what Lord Stark had done for her, helped her recover from the demons that tormented her dreams, Jaslin had become brave, a warrior and it took a great deal to truly scare her. Thanks to the man who had raised her as his own, Jaslin could now find comfort in the peace and solace of the surround gods wood and northern land.

The sun was now high in the fresh morning sky, and Jaslin knew everyone would have finished the food and be carrying on with their daily duties. Arya would be running around the castle like a wild cat, Jon, Robb and Theon would be training in the yard whilst Bran and Rickon watched. Sansa would be in her lessons, learning to become the perfect lady, or maybe nibbling on lemons cakes with her ladies in waiting.

Jaslins peace was not to last long though. Soon she heard the crack of branches breaking under foot. She was lay in the cool and slightly damp grass when she first heard it. Quickly she had leant up and placed her hand on the dagger she had secretly hidden in her underclothes.

She did not know what she had expected to see, but Sandor Clegane defiantly wasn't it. The man had a cold edge about him, silent and obviously deadly, his presence was enough to unnerve her.

Quickly, Jaslin jumped to her feet and began to walk deeper into the gods wood, where the Starks would come to pray to the old gods. Occasionly, she would turn around and see him still following her. Panicked she began to run, but Sandor only increased his strides.

"Leave me be" she called out to him.

Sandor had now ran up to the girl and managed to grab her by the hip. It's was holy inappropriate for a man to grab a woman in such a manner. Shocked by the body contact, Jaslin turned to face him and tried to show she was not scared of him.

"The King spent me girl" he hissed.

"So you decided to run me down like a crazed horse in heat" she scoffed.

"You were running, what was I suppose to do. Either way, the King sent me, the young Stark, Bran, he has fallen when climbing".

"What, seven hells. Does he live?" Jaslin cried and placed her hand on his chest without thinking.

"Aye, his mother and the Maester are with him. Lord Stark and the older boys have gone to investigate and asked that you see to the Stark children".

"Of course. Thank the gods he lives" she whispered as the thought of Bran in pain brought a burning tear to her eye.

Sandor had escroted Jaslin back to the Castle, this time she had allowed it, but quickly forgot of his presence when she reached the children and closed the door behind her.

Later that day, one of Lord Starks guards came to Jaslin.

"You wished to see me?" Jaslin smiled with sad eyes as she walked into Lord Starks study.

"Yes, child. Come sit down" Ned sighed.

Jaslin quickly entered the room and closed the door behind her before taking at seat at the other side of his desk.

"How do the children fare?"

"They worry for their brother, but have calmed down now. Maester says he will live, so we all pray for his recovery" Jaslin replied.

"Good, I am glad the children have you in this time of need. Especially the girls, Arya looks up to you a great deal".

"I love her as though she was my own sister"

"She is child. You may not be my true child, but I have raised you as my own. They are your family, that is why I need to ask upon you again. I am to become the kings hand and travel back to Kings Landing with him in three days. Jon has asked to join the nights watch, which I have agreed to, and Sansa and Arya are to join me in the capital. My lady wife is to Stay here with Robb and the boys. I brought you here to ask if you will also attend Kings Landing with me, the girls will find the change much more comforting if you are there. I must confess, I shall also find comfort in having you close".

Jaslin didn't not what to say, first she wanted to shout and cry, how could he let Jon join the nights watch. If he took the black she would hardly see him, if ever, and the thought was almost to much to bare. Jaslin was also thankful, thankful that her place had not been forgotten within the Stark family, and that she would be able to stay close to Arya, who she loved more dearly than all.

"My Lord, that is a kind offer. Of course I shall join you, but I must also plea with you, must Jon join the watch. I know him, he thinks it shall be a great and honourable position, but I have heard Benjen speak, I have heard him say there is nothing up there now except for runaways, thieves and rapist. I do not believe Jon will find the honour he seeks there".

"Jon is my bastard Jaslin. He does not share my name and will never come into the position of great wealth or lands. Correct, the nights watch may not be all it is spoken to be, but there is still great honour in taking the black. I know the pair of you grow close child, I maybe a man yet I see the way he looks at you, but Jaslin, he has made his choice".

"Yes my lord" Jaslin sighed.

"Jaslin, how many times must i tell you to call me Ned" he chuckled.