"Where were those two brats?" Tywin asked.
Ser Addam lowered his head. "Neither brat was among them. The Stark boy may already have crossed the Twins and ridden to relieve Riverrun with the northern cavalry. As for that schemer Gendry, the prisoners said he escorted the Winter Wolf Army part of the way, then returned to Luan River Castle that evening. Gendry told Rickard to keep his wits about him and advance or retreat as opportunities arose. It seems that did little good. But the Northern Army is resting and streamlining its main infantry force. Gendry will lead them south again."
"This..." Tywin was thoroughly sickened. Young men who combined courage with wisdom were truly frightening. He could not catch either brat's main force, nor did he dare extend his lines to Luan River Castle. It would be safer to station his men at Harrenhal, across the river.
"Withdraw. Return to Harrenhal. It seems we need to build a new army in the Westerlands," Tywin commanded. "Also, tell King's Landing that we won a victory and inflicted heavy casualties on the Northern Army."
"As you command," Ser Kevan said. The gods had made him a follower rather than a commander.
King's Landing, the Red Keep.
Sansa watched the great comet's long tail, plainly visible through the racing clouds, like a bloodied sword. The flatterers called it "King Joffrey's Comet," while the servants simply called it the dragon's tail.
"Hurry along, little bird. Keep him waiting too long and he'll beat you harder," Sandor Clegane warned Sansa Stark. The Hound wore the snowy white cloak of the Kingsguard, fastened across his broad shoulders with a jeweled clasp. The white cloak looked somewhat out of place with his coarse brown tunic and studded leather vest.
The Hound had become utterly dispirited,