Chapter 4
Path of the Assassin
She was silent, surefooted and deadly. The men of the brotherhood without Banners were oblivious. There were three of them. one was a soldier with a yellow cloak and a broken nose. Another was an Archer. But it was the third of them who had her attention. He was a big man about 18 or more with bulging muscles and very dark hair. His eyes were just like his father. They had no idea she was above them on the thin yew branch.
It was nearly dusk and they were preparing to leave. The Rain had stopped some time ago. She slid down the tree as they turned their back. The slight scraping sound though was enough for the archer to whip around with an arrow nooked on his bow. His mouth went wide.
Arya was amused by the reaction of the three war Hardened men. They were in the middle of terrified and bewildered beyond their wits. "Who are you?" Was Lem's question. He had his sword in hand at the ready. She scoffed, "I am offended Lem, Only 2 years back you were bent on selling me for ransom and now you don't even know me?
She looked at their agape faces. Well finding a 12 year old girl leaning against a tree whilst dressed like a man and looking like one was a shock. A boy actually but still. The stupid Bull was the first to see it "Lady Arya!" you'd think he was a knight from the way he said it.
"Yes stupid." They all jumped back. "It's me." Anguy took down his arrow. "How, what, I mean…" He trailed off. "We thought you were dead. "Gendry told her,Stepping close. "We searched and searched but there was simply no trace of you or the hound."
"I am not surprised stupid." Arya retorted. "Anyway take me to Lord Beric." I am a little tired. Or have you forgotten I am a princess?" Arya flashed them a devilish smile. They all looked at each other. "Now stupids." She barked and they started to walk.
Hollow Hill wasn't more than a three hour walk though Arya had her horse. They arrived after nightfall. Passing through the hill brought back memories. At last they reached the center room where a bonfire was roaring. The room was filled with people chanting prayers led by Thoros of Myr. After it was done Anguy stepped forward. "Boys look who's come back. The wolf girl."
Everyone turned and stared. It didn't bother Arya as it might once had. Such trivial matters were forgotten in the house of Black and white. She walked up to Thoros. He for some obscure reason bowed "Princess Arya" "What a surprise." Arya snorted." You're a Camels cunt Thoros, you knew." The priest smiled. "I had some news from the flames but not exact ones." Arya looked around. There were nearly 100 men around her. She gently stroked needle concealed within her cloak.
"Where is Lord Beric?" A boy of nearly 16 spoke up. "He's here." He helped the man beside him up. He was gaunt and scarred and his eyes were unseeing . But still he was confident. They came up to her.
"Lady Arya." The man who was once Lord Beric dondarrion of black haven whispered. His voice was dry and raspy. " What are you doing here? More importantly what happened the last 2 years? Where were you"?
"Where I was I am afraid does not concern you ser. But I suspect Thoros knows." Thoros bent and whispered to his leader. "Ah" He said. "You were ever spirited". "Aye, I was. Spirited, naive and foolish. But no more. She is dead." Arya went on raising her voice. "As for why I am here the reason is twofold." The young man who was Edric Dayne, the lord of starfall asked her. "And that is?" "You" Arya shouted. "The brotherhood without banners." It is time for you to leave the riverlands and join my brother. Afterwards you shall face his justice as well."
Thoros looked at her "Why would we do that my lady? We only serve the rightful king. None but him." Arya had her response ready. "And who is that? Do you see anyone? This war has been going on for four years now. This war is not about kingdoms anymore. There are bigger forces at play. You know this Thoros. winter is coming with all its might to take away every breath of life."
There was some low mutterings among the men. Arya faced them now. "You prided yourself before as being men of honor. Kings men. Now the king does not call you but the kingdom does. Will you answer?" Turning to lord Beric she softly repeated "will you answer? Will you pay the price?" Beric and Thoras looked at each other for a long time. Finally Lord Beric looked back at Arya. He smiled a true smile and nodded. "Valar Morgulis" Arya whispered to him as needle slipped between his ribs.
The roar was deafening. Everyone drew swords and made to come at her. Thoros Jumped in. "STOP" he roared sounding oddly menacing as the bonfire leapt up high. The room went silent. "The girl is right. It is time for us to face the light again." He knelt beside Lord Beric's body. "Goodbye friend." He whispered as he pushed it into the fire. Arya watched fascinated.
She stayed in the hollow hill that night with everyone giving her a wide Berth. Grendry also kept his distance which puzzled Arya but she didn't let it bother her. He had deserted her before. Besides her pack was out there and he wasn't a part of it. 2 years ago when she had left Westeros she had thought they were all dead. But now she knew better which is why she had returned. She felt them all the time. How? The answer was out in the night moving stealthily through the forest, edging ever closer. I shall see her again. Elated by the thought Arya curled up.
Two & a half months later:-
The man with the Arryn badge on his chest laughed at her demand to see the king of winter. It was good her brother had managed to influence the vale lords into disobeying her Aunt Lysa's wishes in joining him. But if the man wasn't careful some basilisk venom might just find its way into his blood.
"The king is too busy boy." He sneered at her. "We fought and subdued Kevan Lannister's army only a week ago." Arya saw sweet talk won't do it. She gave the man a sweet smile and whistled. A few minutes later she was being escorted by a knight of the vale to her brothers tent with Nymeria loping beside her.
The brotherhood followed discreetly. They arrived in Robb's tent and the two of them went in. She nearly didn't recognize Robb who was seated on a camp stool. Gone was the cheerful boy to be replaced by a tall man with a weary face.
"Your grace, This girl claims to be your sister." The knight said from the entrance. Robb who had been pouring over a map with a man she assumed was her great uncle Ser Brynden tully chocked back a scream. "Arya." He finally managed to utter.
"Yes stupid." She crashed into him, hugging him with all her strength while they both laughed like crazy. She didn't care there were people gathering outside the tent or that she might seem weak.
She was finally back with her pack and woe betide anyone who came between them.
After the initial jubilation had passed Arya had been hugged and wept over by both her mother and Sansa she proceeded to tell her family what happened the last two years.
She told them everything. When she had been in the twins and saw the fight she had been dragged off by clegane who thought Robb and his bannermen would surely die. In bravos she had learn t that they had survived but she kept on with the house of black and white.
She also told them how she had been deemed unfit by the kindly man who said if she could not give up her identity she could not be accepted. But she had learn t enough from them so she left.
After all of this there was another bout of tears from her mother who looked very ill indeed. She did not voice any complaints. It was good to be back and she had a very large list to work on.
