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幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil - Carlo Zen (Light Novels)幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil (Manga)幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil (Anime)A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin
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Sansa StarkTanya von DegurechaffNed StarkArya StarkTyrion LannisterRobert BaratheonJon SnowLady | Sansa Stark's DirewolfJaime Lannister
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Political Sansa StarkPolitical AlliancesBetrayal
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Published:2026-04-12Updated:2026-05-29Words:86,854Chapters:18/?Comments:344Kudos:687Bookmarks:188Hits:20,211
A Young Warg's Game of Thrones
Failninjaninja
Chapter 12
Chapter Text
Chapter 12
Arya knew something had Father worried when Ser Barristan began escorting them to the throne room. His face looked carved from ice and he spoke quietly with the old knight. Nymeria and Visha were with them, so Arya wasn't worried, even if the guards eyed them nervously. The guards were stupid; Nymeria and Visha were well behaved. They wouldn't get bit.
"What do you think this is about? Why's Father so nervous?" Arya whispered to Sansa.
"Father resigned as Hand due to a difference of view on an important policy. That he should be summoned back the next day along with us is a bit strange. If the king wanted to argue with our father further, why bring us? I am curious as well. If you do speak with the king, remember to call him 'Your Grace' and of course remember your oath to me about what I spoke of."
Arya remembered, of course. Her sister reminded her every day! She would keep to it, not telling anyone until Sansa said it was acceptable. Not her father, or her mother, or her brothers. No one. That was just like Sansa, always expecting others to mess things up. She was almost ten, she wasn't some small child!
Before they made it into the throne room, the guard halted.
"My lord, the king has requested to see your daughters first, then you."
"My daughters are to be put to the question without my presence? What is this, Ser Barristan?"
"Those are the king's commands." The old knight hesitated, "It is not a sharp question, but I cannot say more. As the king commands, so must we all obey."
Their father was furious and he knelt down next to them.
"Answer the king truthfully. I do not understand what this is about, but I urge you both to speak honestly." His eyes left Arya and then met Sansa's. "As honestly as you can."
Arya clearly saw something pass between Sansa and Father and she was once again confused by it all.
Arya nodded solemnly and left her worried father behind as the tall oak-and-bronze doors opened. There were few people in the hall. Only some bald man, the king's younger brother, some really old maester, the golden knight of the Kingsguard and one of the regular ones.
Sansa approached confidently and Arya did her best to mirror her graceful movements. Having experienced what it was like to be a cat a few times now, and all of Syrio's training, had made this easier than what it had once been like. She hated being uncertain, but she didn't shame herself by stumbling on the carpet like someone clumsy. Arya felt good about even matching the curtsy that Sansa performed.
"Forgive us for not wearing finer clothes, Your Grace," Sansa said smoothly, "but we were not expecting an audience with you."
The king waved the issue aside with one big hand, narrowly avoiding one of the spikes of the throne he sat on. Arya did like the look of it. All those swords melted together. She wondered about what story was behind each blade that made up the Iron Throne.
"You know I don't care about all that. But I do have questions for the both of you and I expect you to be honest with your answers. It is a great crime to lie to one's king, do you understand?"
"Of course, Your Grace," Sansa replied and Arya echoed her, trying to match her voice to hers, but it sounded a bit off as she wasn't used to making her voice like that.
The king looked at her, instead of Sansa, first.
"Arya Stark, what do you think of the city? Do you like it here?"
"It smells, but I'm used to it now. It's too crowded. I like some of the buildings, though. And the food's good."
Robert gave a small laugh. "Aye, it does smell like shit. Most nobles figure out the way to block it out is with scents and perfumes, but in the heat… bah, that isn't the point. My girl and the boy, have they treated you well? Myrcella? Tommen?"
Arya nodded. "I guess, I don't spend a lot of time with them. I hate needlework, and Father says I don't have to do it as much if I don't want to. That I can focus on dancing and spending time with my sister. Myrcella is nice, but she's boring."
The bald man tittered and the old maester made a mumbling sound.
If the fat king found offense, he didn't show it.
"What does your father think of my wife's family?"
"He says the Kingslayer is not a true knight and that we shouldn't trust the Lannisters. I like Tyrion, though. He's funny."
The king looked amused, but the golden knight stiffened. Arya brought a hand to her face and looked at Sansa for direction, but her face was bland and was no help.
"Did your Father say why you shouldn't trust the Lannisters or the queen specifically?"
"He probably did, but I don't recall. I do remember he thought the Kingslayer should have gone to the Wall for breaking his oaths."
The king seemed to accept that and turned his attention to Sansa.
"And you, Sansa, how have you enjoyed your stay in King's Landing? Have I been a good host?"
"We have been made to feel most welcome. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with Princess Myrcella. My time has been shaded by sorrow for my betrothed, but your court has been kind and welcoming. The queen, even amidst her grief, has taken time to speak with me. I feel honored by her regard. More than that, I found the tourney fascinating, and I was delighted to discover so many wonderful books here."
The man on the throne seemed a bit surprised.
"I'll ask the same of you. What does your father, Lord Stark, feel about my wife's family?"
Sansa smiled. "I mean no offense, Ser Jaime, but I will repeat what my father's views are. He is a very honorable man and believes oaths must always be obeyed. Jaime Lannister slew the Mad King, avenging the deaths of many low and high, including my own grandsire. And for that, he has my thanks, but because of the oath the Kingsguard must take when selected, my father will never view Ser Jaime as being honorable."
Arya knew that Jon thought he shouldn't count as a Kingsguard either.
"My father and mother both thought Her Grace's choice of colors for your household was overproud. The Lannister red matched with the Baratheon gold. Those are the same colors as the Lannister house. They felt it would have been better to match the black and the red, and they suggested she had chosen the color scheme to honor her own house. Whether that is true or not, or whether my father's perception of the Lannisters has been colored by Ser Jaime's actions, I cannot say for certain."
The king gave a grunt.
"Beyond that, Father dislikes much of everything south of the Neck. He does not like the games of intrigue and false loyalties. The empty flattery and the attempt to position oneself ahead of one's peers. He believes that the Lannisters, like many southern houses, view honor as a secondary consideration."
"Yes, yes, but has he accused them of somethin' more?"
The words the king spoke came out a touch thick.
"Accused? I wouldn't go so far as to say that, Your Grace. He has bemoaned the state of the treasury on more than one occasion. Father is not a man to regularly share everything with his daughters, but over supper he would occasionally talk of his time as Hand. He did not like that there was so much debt held by the Lannisters."
"Gods," the king's brother said, "I told you Stark was a bore, brother. What kind of man bemoans improper copper counting to his children over supper. This is a mummer's farce, what is even the point of this?"
The king gave his sibling a glare.
"Aye, perhaps it is. All right, escort them out and bring in Ned."
Arya was still confused about what that had all been about, but she supposed she would find out later.
***
Ned had been shocked that he and his daughters had been summoned to the king. That his children were to be questioned without him there was worrying. He just could not think of any possible reason for it. Fortunately, he did not have to stew long, as soon as the great doors opened and Sansa and Arya were ushered out. He wanted to embrace them but Ser Barristan led him inside instead.
"What is the meaning of this, Robert? Why have you questioned my daughters?"
"Stark," the Kingslayer said, "I believe it is customary, perhaps even honorable, to address your King properly."
"Your Grace," Ned said with a short jerk of his head.
"Seven Hells, I don't care about that. Ned, you've slept on it, that's enough. Words were said, by you and by me. Let it lie. Take up the office again and we'll have no more of it."
"Have you rescinded the order to murder a child and her unborn babe?"
"No. And I will not discuss this with you again. It is done. Will you accept being my Hand again?"
Ned looked around the room. It was curiously empty. The Kingslayer was there, but no Baelish, no queen, and none of the rest of court.
"My position is unchanged."
Robert sighed. "Who do you think I should make Hand in your place? My wife has some suggestions, do you?"
An icy chill crept over him despite the heat. The queen would see her father or brother ascend to that position; both would be terrible. This was Robert's attempt to force him to capitulate. To sacrifice his honor to avoid the Lannisters ruling the realm utterly.
"This is beneath you, Robert. Make Stannis your Hand. Or Hoster Tully. Mayhaps Yohn Royce."
Renly clutched at his chest.
"Royce deserves a mention above me?"
Robert snarled at his brother. "Stop making jest of everything, Gods damn you."
Renly blinked and stiffened. "My apologies, Your Grace."
Robert fidgeted in his seat. "I'm told you think Jon Arryn was murdered. By my wife, no less. And you've been sniffing after it. Why wasn't I told?"
Ned stared at Robert for a long moment.
"Because, I did not think you would believe me. I did not have evidence, only suspicion, and I would not cause discord and acrimony unnecessarily."
Robert stood up from his throne, a little unsteady.
"But you have! Cersei wasn't even in King's Landing when Jon sickened! Jon Arryn regularly advised me to keep my wife's family happy." Robert paced back and forth. "I won't have my lions and my wolves at each other's throats. Not now, not when Jon's gone and his mad widow has fled to the Eyrie. Do you know much of this realm still calls me usurper? Do you?"
Ned did his best not to look at Varys or Pycelle. Baelish could have also been the one to have told Robert.
"What is it that you want, Your Grace? I had suspicions and sought to prove or disprove them. As I am no longer Hand and you have dismissed me from your city, my investigation is at a halt and I will return to rule and manage Winterfell."
"I WANT YOU TO BE MY HAND AND DO AS YOU'RE BLOODY WELL TOLD!"
The roar caught the few that were gathered off guard.
Robert sighed heavily, the sound wet and weary. He continued in a softer voice after collapsing back into the Iron Throne. "Ned, you've been my friend since boyhood. You're a stubborn damn fool. I will not stop until all the dragonspawn are dead. Unbend that icy honor of yours and do what needs to be done. If you have any proof of this absurd claim about my wife poisoning Jon, I'll give it an 'onest look. But otherwise, make your peace and let the damn king slaying from so long ago be put to rest. Someone had to kill the bloody king. We all broke our oaths when we raised our banners against him. Can you do that?"
Ned was tempted to lay everything on the table. All of it. The attempt to murder the king during the tourney that Varys believed was a legitimate attempt at murder. Lysa's hidden message indicating the Lannisters. The plot by Renly to replace Cersei and the idea that Jon was doing something similar with Stannis. Only… too much stopped him. If Varys was attempting to keep the king alive, then he could not do anything to endanger the eunuch's position. Lysa had sent word at great danger to herself. Renly had a way to cut through the knot that kept him paralyzed from voicing the concern that Cersei's children were bastards.
"I cannot, Your Grace. I cannot help you murder children."
Robert looked sad and Ned felt a pang in his chest.
"So be it." Robert made a gesture. "Tell him."
The Grand Maester made a clearing sound in his throat.
"Lord Stark, ahem, you are commanded to leave here within the week. You are commanded to return to Winterfell. You are, yes, let's see, after you leave with all haste, you are not to share these calumnies with any other or seek to raise your banners unless the king gives his leave. In times past, ahem, when lords have shown their disloyalty, they have been required to have their children fostered to, ahem, ensure their good behavior."
Ned's eyes began to widen.
"Your Grace…"
"Let him finish."
"As… as such, the ladies Sansa and Arya will remain, in, ah, within King's Landing. Upon reaching the age of five, Rickon Stark will be fostered either at Storm's End, Dragonstone, or, ahem, Casterly Rock."
"You cannot be serious. Robert, I disagree with you, but these are my children. Surely you cannot think that I mean to raise my banners against you?"
"I've made my decision, Lord Stark. You have thrown my hand of friendship away. I thought I knew you, aye, I did, and even now I do less than what some would suggest."
Oh, I can be sure it is the queen who has some choice suggestions!
"It is a pity," Renly said with a knowing look, "but perhaps even this can be mended in time. All you need to do in order to prove yourself loyal, is to do nothing. Sansa and Arya will be well-cared for. They are lovely ladies who the young prince and princess are fond of. The choice is also yours for your youngest, there's no need to send him to the Rock, I made sure of that."
Ned shifted. Renly still intended to follow his plan with Margaery, and if not, Rickon should be safe in Storm's End. Rickon was only three, so there would be time for Catelyn to accept another of her children being sent to the south.
This was intolerable on every front. But he could not see a way out of it now.
"At least let my guard stay with them. They will be comforted by them."
Robert shifted on the throne. "I'll ignore the insult of your words, Stark. You can pick a few… no, I 'spose a half-dozen. The girl Sansa brings to the womanly gatherings can stay as well, and any attendants she or Arya likes. I am fond of your daughters. They've never insulted me repeatedly to my face." He gave a rough chuckle. "I promised you I'd help find a match for Sansa, but you and your lady wife will be sought for your approval."
Ned was sorely tempted to reply again in words that would only reignite Robert's anger, but he held himself back. For his daughters' sakes, if nothing else.
"I have heard my king's decrees, and my only choice is to heed them. Sansa and Arya should not be separated, but Sansa should also not be without a parent. Not after what happened to her."
"She's safe here. And I asked both of your daughters if they were happy here. My daughter is fond of Sansa. She doesn't have any problem with Lannisters. If they had said no, I would have sent them to Storm's End or Dragonstone. Despite your repeated statements to the contrary, I am no ogre who would see your children dissatisfied."
Was that the reason you asked to speak with my daughters alone?
There was nothing further to say. He had no choice but to leave his precious daughters in the hands of a king who ordered the murder of children and in a city that was actively plotting against his family and that same king. He didn't think Robert would truly harm them but… he feared that if the lions did pull down the king, they would then have the perfect pair of hostages. His mind quailed at the thought of them in their power, but again, he knew the bitter draught of powerlessness.
***
When we were safely back in the Tower of the Hand my father spoke with me privately and let me know what was going on. The king was sending him away, and Arya and I were going to be held as hostages to his good behavior and later Rickon would be fostered elsewhere.
"That seems a rather extreme rebuke to you, Father. In other times that would be reason enough to call the banners, not that I would recommend it here, but it is still odd."
"I know. Someone got to Robert first and told him I had suspected the Lannisters of poisoning Jon Arryn. It was all the extra push he needed after yesterday's small council meeting. I am sorry. I have failed you and Arya."
I gave a small shrug.
"We will miss you, but nothing much has changed. Robert doesn't bear us any ill will. We are actually quite safe in the Red Keep. My worry is for you and the north. Jaime Lannister was there so he knows that you suspect his family of poisoning Jon. If you still believe in what was told to you in confidence, then now the Lannisters know that you know and may move against you. Security at Winterfell must be improved and I would highly suggest you take an unexpected route on the way home."
My father's eyes widened. "I do not think they would take that approach given they have already succeeded in their immediate aim of removing my ability to do anything, but you are right. We must be cautious. He looked troubled. "Sansa, the Lannisters are dangerous. You need to be careful and do nothing to cause them to think you are involved in scheming. Do not allow Renly or Margaery or anyone else to involve you in their southern plotting."
"Father, I have little power to do anything, but I will listen and learn. Try not to worry, there is little to gain from striking at your children."
My father was still for several long moments.
"Sansa, I hesitate even to tell you this, but I fear you are still underestimating the danger."
I waited, eager to know more about what the hell was actually going on. I had not expected to learn someone had tried to send assassins after my brother. A spike of pure rage suffused me to learn that many of my precious books were burned, my brother nearly killed, and my mother scarred.
When Ned finished speaking, he took a step back. Was it to give me space? No, the poor man was reliving the horror of the news, his normally taciturn face was filled with concern and relived fear for what had nearly happened to his wife and son.
"Sansa?" Father's voice was an odd mixture of uncertainty and some other emotion.
"I heard you, Father, I was just processing the horrid news. That does make your certainty that Lord Arryn was murdered make more sense."
He gave a shake of his head. "Sansa, I need you to listen to me. This news has not been shared with others, and I don't even want you to tell Arya. You can be… stubborn. And this news has clearly affected you."
I'm not screaming or crying, why does he look so concerned? No matter, he's probably just emotional about feeling that he has failed us and is abandoning us. It isn't his fault, well in a way it is, but his value system is really incompatible with being effective here in King's Landing.
"Father, I know you worry. But to be very clear, my goal is to network… ah, build friendships with as many people I can, the king included. Your departure has created a fantastic emotional angle for me to work with, and I can learn more about stories of you from him, as a balm to heartfelt grief over your departure. Robert is a man who wears his heart on his tunic. It should not be difficult for me to stay within his good graces. Meanwhile, the queen thinks I respect and admire her, while Renly sees me as a useful tool with Margaery. All will be well; however, I do appreciate you informing me about Bran. And as thanks…"
I opened the door and let Anna in.
"I'd like you to take my pet cat with you on your return to Winterfell."
He looked bemused at the sudden turn in the conversation.
"Even now, you can surprise me, Sansa. I appreciate the gesture…"
I smiled. "No, Father, you misunderstand. This cat is special, and I'd like to demonstrate. First, don't move, and in a moment Anna will climb atop your shoulder."
She did so, and my father was still looking at me oddly. While anyone could train a pet to do something like that, I intended to show him far more. What was interesting was that, while I was not riding within Anna's skin, I still had a facsimile of control. It wasn't precise, and I couldn't have her perform complicated tasks, but simple commands like follow me or approach someone could be done with mental impulses.
"You surprise me in yet a different manner. I don't see…"
"Father. What I am going to tell you is something that you must not share outside of this family. But, there was some truth to Old Nan's tales. I can slip my skin. When I dream, I can enter into an animal's mind and control them. Doing so repeatedly creates a bond and as best as I can tell, distance does not seem to play a factor. As such, this represents the perfect way for us to stay in communication."
"When you dream?" His voice took on a note of disbelief.
"Yes, but it is something I can control. Allow me to demonstrate."
I told him to come up with subtraction or addition problems and quiz the cat after I slipped my skin into hers. My cat would then nod the appropriate number of times. After a few more tests, he finally believed.
"But a cat cannot speak? How will you be able to inform me of what is happening in King's Landing?"
"Simple, set some words on parchment or chalk in a room as well as letters. While I am wearing Anna's skin, I will paw the words and letters as necessary in order. It is somewhat tedious, but can be done quickly enough. It is of utmost importance that you tell no one, as outside of you and Arya, no one knows. If people were to know of this power it would be catastrophic for two reasons. The first is that many would brand this as a form of sorcery. That endangers our reputation and our safety. Secondly, it loses so much of its utility if people are aware of the danger."
He was amazed. "I have so many questions, how long have… when did… how?"
I grinned. "When we found the pups. I started having the oddest dreams. I suspect my brothers will also have the ability, but it took my guidance with Arya for her to learn it herself. Her abilities aren't as far along, and I don't know if that has to do with age, temperament or something else. Arya can slip her skin into other animals but she says it is a queer feeling and mislikes doing it with any beast save for Nymeria. I am not sure how many animals I can 'bond' but I've made progress with Visha, Anna, and lately a raven. That has been… interesting for a variety of reasons, but for now, take care of Anna and perhaps every third day I can warg into her at night and allow information to be exchanged."
My father was still deeply discombobulated by the reveal. He had many questions. Which was a good distraction, because I didn't want to have him to try to make me swear not to do something. I hated breaking my word, but if I did swear, I'd have to. Because someone tried to murder Bran, destroyed my property, and hurt my mother. That meant there was more killing to be done.
Author's Note - This one got some feedback when I first posted it elsewhere. Some additional things will get explained in the next chapter. As a reminder as well, the setting is Westeros and not the actual medieval time period of our real world.
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