Of Captive Hearts

Chapter 8

They traveled on another two days. As they neared the Westerlands, Jaime began to notice that he had been correct in his assessment of the local lords' loyalty. He had figured that they would be more aligned to their close fealty than to the crown. It seemed they encountered fewer and fewer of Cersei's troops, however Jaime was still not ready to let down his guard. He sat tense on the wagon bench keenly alert to every sound, every rustle of every leaf. He feared that the longer they moved without skirmish, and the closer they drew to Casterly Rock without detection, the tighter they were straining their luck.

Brienne's back was killing her from lying in the wagon bed for days. She longed to be sitting above with Jaime, adding her eyes and ears to their defense. However, she understood that as much as her innate skills ached to take over, her new role now was to protect her child. She would keep still and hidden for the rest of her life if it meant keeping her babe safe. She was thankful that at least there were moments when the straw could be brushed away from her face and she could hold her child close in the warm sunlight. From time to time Jaime would feel it safe enough to look back at her, and his smile gave her the courage to go on.

Jaime felt much more at ease with Podrick riding point. It was good to have another set of eyes to watch for dangers. Save for himself and her father, there was no in the world he would have trusted more with Brienne's well being than Pod. Jaime remembered how the young man had proven himself during the battle at Winterfell. He had grown into an excellent soldier. Tyrion trusted him implicitly, which added to Jaime's opinion of Brienne's former squire. He knew that Podrick would give his own life to see Brienne and Galladon kept from harm. He prayed it would not come to that.

They rode cautiously along a rocky mountain pass somewhere between Deep Den and Hornvale, Jaime trying his best to keep the wagon straight along the steep path. There were more miles behind them, and fewer to go until they reached their destination. Even at that thought, Jaime fought the urge to feel any relief. He would not feel completely at ease until they rode through the gates of Casterly Rock. Podrick drew his mount to a stop, and motioned toward a secluded spring through a stand of trees that filled a small but inviting looking pool.

"We should water the horses." He nodded to Jaime.

"And give Brienne a chance to stretch her legs." Jaime agreed.

They guided the wagon off the road and into the trees. Podrick took over resting the horses, removing their bits and harnesses, and guiding them to tiny pond to drink. Jaime helped Brienne down from the wagon. She stretched luxuriously, feeling the blood pumping back into her cramped muscles. Jaime rubbed her back, trying to help her feel more comfortable.

"I am so sorry you have to be confined back there." He whispered, resting his forehead against hers. They did not see the wide smile that crossed Podrick's face, as he caught a glimpse of their intimate familiarity.

"It's alright." Brienne assured him. "We're closer to Casterly Rock, now." She wanted to give him a brave face. "I'm sure it won't be too much longer." She smiled.

Jaime returned her smile. "I am so proud of you." He told Brienne. "You have endured enough to make the Gods themselves cry out in agony, and still you hold more hope in your heart than anyone I have ever seen." He told her wrapping his arms around her.

"Of course I have hope." She rewarded him with a brilliant smile. "My child is alive. We are together. And soon we will all be safe." She proclaimed bravely.

"I swear, soon I will erase all of this from your memory." Jaime promised her. "You will never need to worry about anything again." He swore.

Brienne brought her hand to his face, and accepted his declaration warmly. "All I want is for us all to be together." She smiled, and rested closer to him.