Of Captive Hearts

Chapter 7

Jaime had been correct in his estimation. They had been close to a half day's journey from Stoney Sept when he and Brienne had found refuge with Mary and Aiken on their little farm. What he had not foreseen was that the town had become a magnet for Cersei's soldiers. As they neared the ancient hamlet, it became clear that it was undoubtedly overrun by the forces of the crown. Jaime felt his heart stop when he realized that if he had kept riding that evening a fortnight ago, instead of seeking shelter in the warm barn, he might have unknowingly delivered Brienne and their child into Cersei's hands. He swore, he would never come near to making a mistake like that again. Deciding it best to bypass the village, Jaime took them over a narrow and nearly hidden pathway to avoid detection. The route led them toward the north around the town and would add a day to their journey. It was a delay Jaime was willing to accept if it would keep Brienne and the baby protected. Even along the back road they had already encountered patrols. The last had paid far too much attention to the simple farmer's wagon, and Jaime was growing increasingly wary.

Brienne was hiding the baby as best she could beneath her cloak. However, she was still a striking figure even seated on the bench of the wagon. She and Jaime had both drawn themselves under their hoods, careful to keep their heads low and their eyes fixed on the ground. They could not afford to draw the scrutiny of eager guards. They needed to avoid detection at all cost. Unwilling to take any further chance, Jaime drove the cart away from the road and into an overgrown field. Pulling up behind a growth of small trees, he drew the horse to a stop, and gently took little Galladon from Brienne's arms. She too had seen the interest they had attracted from the soldiers along their way. Brienne feared how much longer they could manage without detection. She looked worriedly at Jaime, knowing his mind was troubled with the same thoughts.

"There are too many patrols for my liking." Jaime told Brienne with urgent concern. "I want you hiding under the straw with the baby." He urged. "Aiken was correct. They should not be alarmed by a lone farmer." Jaime confirmed. "Even concealed beneath your cloak you are..."

Brienne lowered her head, a defeated breath escaping her throat. "Conspicuous." She tried to finish his thoughts. It was not the first time her size had made it difficult for her, but now with her child's safety in question, it was more upsetting than all the other times she had felt so prominent. There was no way she could truly conceal herself out in the open.

Jaime slid his palm under Brienne's chin and lifted her self conscious eyes to his. He understood how sensitive she was about her height, and would never describe it in such problematic terms. "I was going to say that even under your cloak, you are still obviously a woman." He smiled lovingly at her, and then sweetly smoothed the crown of their son's head as he regarded him with pride. "And this little bulge beneath the fabric is unmistakably a babe in your arms." He smiled as Brienne relaxed, allowing the love for their little family to wash over them both.

Then Jaime's face grew troubled once more. "It is only a matter of time before someone takes an interest in us, and realizes who we are." He did not want to worry her, but they needed to be careful.

Brienne nodded, understanding the truth in his concern. She grasped his hand, and held it tightly in her lap. "How long until we reach Casterly Rock?" She asked, dread written on her features. She just wanted this all to be over.

"We still have several days travel ahead of us." Jaime answered her. He could not bear to see Brienne so discouraged. He moved closer to her, and forced her gaze to meet his again. "Listen to me." He drew her attention from her dire thoughts. "Think or how far we have already come." He smiled, trying to turn her spirits. "The Gods must be on our side." Jaime affirmed, hoping he was right. "They brought you back to me. They led us to Mary and Aiken. They made you well." He continued, unwilling to let her believe anything but certainty that their deliverance was already assured.