Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Sansa Stark. The Kingsroad.

It's been a little over a week since we left Winterfell. There hasn't been much change in that time. I spent most of the journey with my father and Arya, playing with Foe and occasionally exchanging words with Prince Joffrey when he caught my eye.

Arya snuggled with Lady and Nymeria, refusing to let them go, while I strolled around the outskirts of the camp that had just gone to sleep, save for the sentries on watch. There was no point in worrying about safety, as I was sure Lord Solomon's gift could protect me. And Faw, who was getting his share of affection while in my arms, only further convinced me of that. I don't know why, but it seemed to me that there was some great mystery lurking behind that sweet, furry animal, given the occasional glances he received from Lady Kinvara.

Father was mostly busy with business, talking to the king or reading documents. Arya, Princess Myrcella, and Prince Tomen acted as one group, occasionally playing some poor fellow or chatting about something just between the two of them. Prince Joffrey only walked around and did nothing else, all the while keeping a haughty and annoying smirk on his face, which I've somehow learned to ignore, accompanied by his bodyguard Ser Clegane.

Lord Tyrion and Lord Jaime didn't seem particularly eager to do anything. However, while the latter could be described as a typical "Lannister" and coming from a lord's family, the former, in a way, appealed to me.

It's no secret that Tywin Lannister is not particularly fond of his youngest son and will only make him his heir if there is no one else left. Lord Tyrion understands this perfectly well and even manages to make jokes about it, which I've heard during the tributes. He also realizes his inability to hold a sword, and so has focused all his energies on knowledge.

Also, he knows his worth, no matter how small. No one would want to directly throw a challenge at Tywin Lannister, which means they won't touch him. At least as long as the family has power. All of this is flavored by his way of speaking, brash and ironic, which makes it nice to just talk to him about anything. At least for me, as I would definitely prefer his company over that of a queen or crown prince.

At one point, Fou raised his head abruptly and pointed it in a certain direction. Following his gaze, I saw Lord Tyrion drinking alone, sitting on a log and holding a book in his hand.

If the opportunity presented itself, why not take it? I wanted to get at least some up-to-date information about the Red Keep.

I made my way to the log and sat down a few feet away from Lord Tyrion. When he noticed me, he raised an eyebrow and took a sip from the bottle. There was silence between us for a few moments, until a tired sigh came out of his mouth.

- Even if this is the king's camp and only a madman would dare attack it, it is not safe for a girl like you to wander all alone, you know, Lady Sansa.

- But I am not alone, Lord Tyrion," I said with a smile and lifted Foe, showing him to Lord Tyrion, "He will protect me.

- Fou! - Fou chirped, raising his paw up, which made Lord Tyrion chuckle, and I chuckled.

- Well, if you think so, there's no problem," he took another sip and put the book aside, "What can this humble imp do for you, my lady? You came here for a reason, didn't you?

- Are you not getting drunk, Lord Tyrion? I doubt this is your first bottle.

- It's my sixth. What else is a smart, rich lord's son to do but not drink? But you haven't answered the question," he said, and when I was about to answer, he continued, "If you're wondering what awaits you at the Red Keep, don't even try. Those are questions for my sister. She knows how things work.

- What makes you think that's what I'm here for? - I asked with a smile on my face.

- You're not as subtle as you think," Lord Tyrion shrugged, "Your actions at court, your keeping company with my not-so-nice nephew, and your gaze speak volumes. Cersei is fond of her child, and that's why she can be blind. Your actions, while not bad, are not exactly discreet. Also, I don't want to step on anyone's toes. Especially not my sister's, just so you know.

He's perceptive. It's pretty hard to mine information when your opponent is someone like him.

Plus, the look on his face makes it look like he doesn't care. I don't think if it were anyone else in my shoes, it would change. It's pretty weird, even considering his situation. It's like he doesn't care about his family. Then again, maybe his family does too. It's worth adding the fact that he also doesn't want to get involved in anyone else's business. They just don't make sense to him.

- I'll keep that in mind, Lord Tyrion," I nodded, "Aren't you concerned about my actions? I could be planning something against your family.

- You? I don't think so," he grinned, "You're not interested in power or money, and there's nothing to avenge the Starks for. Rather, you care about your family's safety in the capital. That is the obvious conclusion from your actions. If it weren't, you'd be coming to my sister, not me, you devil. Besides, the Lannisters have enough enemies already. You won't be the first, and I don't think you'll be the last.

- Is there someone in particular you're referring to, My Lord?

- Who knows? - Lord Tyrion dismissed it and took another sip or two.

There was silence between us again, broken only by the breeze, the howling of wolves in the distance, and Fou's purring. My gaze turned to the endless starry sky as my mind fantasized about meeting Lord Solomon.

I wondered if he would already be there when we arrived at King's Harbor, or would we have to wait? There was so much I wanted to tell him and hear what he had to say. I wanted to tell him how Jon left and where he was going, how my mother had changed, how Robb and the others had become. But most of all, I wanted to show what I had become.

Thinking about the past me makes me uncomfortable. If I were here, what would I do? Most likely, I wouldn't have even approached the little lord, but would have gone to bed, dreaming of a prince who was nothing but a spoiled and stupid child.

I smiled cheerfully, remembering what Arya had called him, refusing to call him anything else. "The rooster prince, huh? Quite a fitting nickname when you think about it. Really, I'd change it to "Prince Chicken" for obvious reasons.

- Lady Sansa," Lord Tyrion called to me suddenly, looking at the nearly empty bottle, "How would you like to ponder a very interesting question I read in a book?

- What question? - I asked, as I didn't feel like sleeping yet. Fou was already sniffling against my chest, his head buried in it.

- What's more important, intentions or deeds?

I tilted my head to the side at the question and thought.

- I would say intentions.

- Oh? And why is that?" Lord Tyrion looked at me with interest.

- You've heard of the Wizard who lived in Winterfell, haven't you? - At first I didn't understand Ma... Lady Stark's outrage at his peculiar life lessons. But now, looking at Arya, it finally dawned on me. He took my childhood from me and shattered my girlhood dreams. He made me and my brothers grow up early.

I lowered my gaze to Faw and ran my hand softly over his fluffy fur.

- But I don't blame him, and I'm even grateful to him. After all, his intentions were purely good. Somehow he knew what I and the Stark family were going through, and so he decided to prepare us," I smiled and looked at Lord Tyrion. "How would you look at a typical little girl in a girl's body, dreaming of a prince, pretty dresses, and a happy, carefree life?

- As an idiot. The world is not as kind and beautiful as it seems. - Lord Tyrion grinned.

- You are right. And that's what Lord Solomon and Lady Kinvara have been saying," I grinned, "How did my attempt to elicit information turn into a discussion of my childhood?

- I have no idea, but I can tell you that I had nothing to do with it," he laughed and finished the bottle, and I chuckled softly, "I don't know about you, but I'm going back to my place. I'm out of wine, and without it I have a habit of brooding over my "demon" status. Good night, Lady Sansa.

- You too, Lord Tyrion. - I said the last of my words as I stared at his staggering figure, and a few seconds later, a lazy, short yawn escaped my mouth.

Well, I guess I should get some sleep, too. It's a long way to King's Landing, and I might be able to find out something. If not from Lord Tyrion, then from someone else. At least I hope so.

-0-

Shiro Kotomine. The Plains.

Khalasar reached the ruined city of Goian Dro and organized a pause to resupply, hunt, and refresh. The city itself had formerly belonged to the Roinar, a people who took their name from the Roina River that runs alongside the city and originates in the Velvet Hills.

The local scenery was no longer as desolate as it had been near Pentos. Blooming greenery is common in these areas, as the river runs alongside and the mountains are close by. A great place to stock up on provisions. For the most part, though, fish and meat were dried and left in the sun to maximize shelf life and to be able to eat on the go.

Near the camp, in the blazing sun, I watched one of the Khal's retainers, Kohollo, holding an arakh, a Dothraki sword with similarities to the Egyptian hopeshot. It had a crescent-shaped blade, giving the blade a high penetrating power if struck with the tip.

Seeing one of my skirmishes with the not-so-restrained Dothraki who wanted Seven's attention, Kohollo wanted to test my skills. The Servant's power hadn't been used in quite some time, so without much thought, I agreed to his offer as I might have gotten a little rusty.

Since we had moved a bit away from the set up camp, there was no one around. The princess was spending time with Fina, listening to her lectures on night matters, while Semi was mostly relaxing, occasionally joining them, and Khal was busy training.

Even despite the hardships Deni goes through, her childlike nature is still with her. She likes to visit Semi and me in our tent and complain, sometimes during lessons, the number of which had to be reduced.

From time to time she was accompanied by Jorah Mormont, who only watched silently and marveled at the knowledge that Semi and I were giving. I remember him asking us where we were able to get it, for some disciplines even he had never heard of. Of course, Ser Jorah got a vague answer, but it was enough to make him stop asking questions.

Anyway, time to get back to the fight.

Cohollo was a stocky, bald and crooked-nosed man in his thirties who had lost his teeth in one of the skirmishes. Despite his ambiguous appearance, he had a calm and poised nature that the princess liked better than any of the other blood riders-his, Haggo's, and Qotho's, the Khal's retainers.

After assessing the balance of the blade, its weight and shape, I looked at the patiently waiting Kohollo and nodded to him. Nodding back at me, he got into a fighting stance and prepared to attack.

A couple seconds later, he ran at me, swinging his blade wide and aiming for my torso. I took a step to the side and drew my sword so that the momentum of the blow would pass me by.

There was a clang of steel, and his blade slid through mine and into the void, but Kohollo didn't hesitate and quickly turned around to make another strike, which I blocked with my legs firmly spread. With some strength in my arm, I pushed him away from me, making him lose his balance for a moment, then sharply shortened the distance with him and hit him on the stomach with my fist, causing him to fall to the ground and grunt in pain.

- You're strong and fast as a demon, Shiro. I can't tell from your body. - Kohollo said impressed.

- Thank you for the compliment," I smiled and extended my hand to him, which he calmly accepted. "It's very useful in battle, because a warrior tends to judge his opponent by his appearance, isn't it?

- Your words are true," he nodded, and then he hung his sword on his belt, while I handed him mine - "Thank you for the fight.

- Of course, feel free to contact me anytime. - I said, and he made a short gesture with his head and headed toward the camp.

After standing a bit and waiting until there was no one around but me, I turned my head in the direction where there were only mountains and plains.

- Is something wrong, Semi? - I asked into the void. A couple of moments later, where my gaze was directed, Semi materialized with a frown on her face.

- Keep an eye on Mormont. He's suspicious.

- Hmm? - I raised an eyebrow - Sure, whatever you say. But why me?

- I'm lazy," Semi answered as a matter of course, "This journey is wearing me out, and I want my gardens, Shiro. Let the ring bearer give me mana or I'll go mad.

- I'll ask him for it, just be patient, Semi," I smiled and held out my hand, in which she put hers without a moment's hesitation. I'll fix you something. You like my cooking, don't you?

She didn't answer, only nodded briefly with an indifferent expression, but I noticed a tiny blush on her cheeks, which made me smile cheerfully.

The queen's wish is law, eh?

-0-

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