When Officer woke in the morning he was surprised to see Arya already up and packed for the days ride.
"What are you doing up so early?"
"I couldn't sleep."
"It's about the Varden, isn't it?"
Arya nodded her head in response.
"I don't know what we're going to do, the Empirial army is bad enough, But an army of Urgals? I don't know."
Officer looked at her for a little while before he answered.
"I don't know much about elves, but something I've noticed is that fate has a strange way of revealing things."
"I don't know."
"Fate has proven many time over that it never happens as expected"
"I've never heard an instance of that happening."
"I know of at least one."
"Oh, and what would that be?"
"Before I contacted you, you were convinced you were going to die."
He then turned around and started to pack up his things, leaving Arya to ponder what he said. It wasn't until mid-morning until everyone was packed up and ready to head out. It took them till mid-day to cross through the woods and reach the road leading to Teirm, once on the road they slowed their pace to look less conspicuous to the enemy soldiers. To Arya's relief Officer was right not one soldier questioned her or any of her followers. When the sun began to set is when they decided to make camp for the night. They found a small clearing off to the side of the road where they set up camp. After all the other soldiers went to sleep, Arya went over and sat next to Officer.
"Could you tell me anything else about the Empire?"
"Not when we're so close to the road. Wait until after Teirm. The Empire has ears where you would least expect it."
Arya nodded in understanding. She spent the next several minuites staring into the fire, before she remembered something.
"Officer."
"Yes."
"I never thanked you properly for rescuing me from Gil'ead."
"There's no need to thank me. If you were in my position, you would have done the same."
"Maybe so, but you recued me never the less, and for that I am forever grateful."
"In that case, your welcome."
He saw her give him a look.
"Don't, if you want to repay me, then let me help destroy the king."
Arya was stunned by his power of observation, so she only nodded.
"Now if you'll excuse me Arya I'm quit tired and going to bed."
Arya watch as he got up and walked over to his tent for the night. Arya wasn't tired yet so she watched the fire until it burned down to a bed of coals, when this happened she threw dirt on the coals and went to bed. The next day was much of the same as the day before. As they drew closer to Teirm, the number of guard patrols increased dramatically. They agreed when they stooped for lunch not to speak to each other until they left Teirm. To Arya's relief the rest of the day went by uneventful. It was around dusk when they found a place to camp for the nigh. Arya had found some local herbs and plants in the area so she made a nice soup for her and the soldiers. Even though it didn't have any meat, after four days of dried meat and stale bread, no one complained. Many of them complimented Arya on the delicious soup. Arya thanked them for their Appreciation. After everyone helped clean up after the meal they decided to call it a night. Officer joined Arya next to the fire.
"That was good. Thank you."
"It was nothing."
"You may see it as nothing, but that hot meal will go a long way to restore their moral. Never under estimate the power of a hot meal."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Officer nodded and bid her a good night before slumping off to his tent. Arya stayed up again, watching the fire bun down to a bed of coals before putting it out and heading to bed. The next morning the troops were greeted with the pleasant aroma of hot porridge. Arya explained to them that she fund some natural wheat nearby and found honey from a bees nest. They eagerly gulped it down before packing up for the ride ahead of them. Once on the road officer told her that they should arrive at Teirm little after mid-day, Arya nodded in reply. As the day went on she noticed that the troops were in better moods then before, this made her happy, because she knew what could happen if troops get to miserable. She decided to help when she could. When they arrived at Teirm it was indeed Past mid-day but not as far as evening. When they approached the main gates the guards didn't stop them and let them past unchallenged.
"Where are we going to spend the night?"
"There's a small Bunk house that I use, its big enough for all of use."
Arya nodded and let him lead the way. As they moved through the city Arya was impressed with its layout. All the buildings moving away from the citadel lowered down. She figured this was because if the city was attacked then archers would have an easier time hitting their targets. It took a little while to get to the building. It was a large three story building with stables in the back for their horses. Once dismounted Arya told them.
"I'll be back later I'm going to find my contact."
They all responded with, very well, or alright. After that Arya set off to find Jeod.
I'm on a role two chapters done and working on my third.
P.S. for those who might not know porridge, was their equivalent to oat meal.
