A/N: This one turned big so it was a bitch to edit. If you spot errors I will fix them. I probably should have split it but I didn't want to hold the action back for yet another chapter, it would have meant a cliffhanger and I didn't want to do that to you guys.
Smut and violence in this one, I don't tend to go really graphic but I just thought I'd mention it for those who are not keen. I edited the action stuff over and over. It is not my forte but I did my best.
Thanks again for the lovely reviews, I do enjoy hearing from the readers :-)
Chapter 61
Arya sat in her bed, her knees pulled up to her chest. She dragged the furs up around her but she did not really need them. A brazier had been lit in her tent and the heat it generated was almost uncomfortably warm. She was of the North and she did not feel the cold that much. It had been no use saying that though, the brazier had been lit regardless.
She did not think she would sleep well. The banker had asked questions of her, he wanted to know why a servant of the House of Black and White was aiding one of the Targaryens. Arya had not corrected him. One thing she had figured out was that the Braavosi did not like the Targaryens. It made her wonder why the banker had come.
A raven squawked and flapped outside the tent. The bird had stayed close to her ever since they crossed the Trident. It liked to mimic words people said but Arya had been unimpressed when one of its favourite words became Queen. She had enough of people calling her that, she did not need a bird doing it too.
The men laughed at the bird and made japes about its presence. Arya kept silent, thinking of her new secret. She still slipped into Nymeria's skin often, especially now that the direwolf was not as close to her but she had also seen through the raven's eyes now more than once. She did not know how it had happened and it had only been for a second each time. Now it seemed that she and the bird were more connected. It was like what had happened with the cat in Braavos. She had told no one of the cat then and she told no one of the bird now.
Her thoughts were interrupted by footsteps entering the tent. Aegon's voice called out to her hesitantly. He stopped still when he saw her in bed.
"I'm sorry" he said quickly. "I did not know you had already retired."
"It doesn't matter. I keep you awake often enough. What is it?"
He hesitated and did not come closer until she got annoyed and told him to sit on the stool by her bed. When he took his seat Arya shifted to look at him as he spoke. His eyes flicked over her briefly then he looked away.
"Lord Connington told me you did something to the banker. I did notice that he changed. I had begun to think he was going to make things very difficult."
Aegon was behaving strangely. He ran his hand through his hair and began to inspect the calluses on his fingers. Arya squirmed a little closer.
"I lied a little" she confessed. "The way he was speaking to you made me angry. I let him think I was still with the House of Black and White. That was what the coin meant."
"Oh" he smiled and kept looking at his fingers. "Thankyou for doing that."
She tried to suppress a frown. He was being so formal. Ever since she had told him of her conversation with the faceless man they had been friendly. It had been as it was at Storm's End. Aegon was affectionate to her when they were alone or with Duck and it had been comfortable. It was not comfortable now.
"Is something wrong Aegon?"
Arya tried to think of what had passed during the day. He had seemed happy to see her when she joined him in the meeting with the banker. Did I do something wrong? She reached out to him but her timing was bad. He was beginning to move away. As he stood his eyes roamed over her and she felt her pulse quicken. It was too warm with the brazier to stay dressed to sleep and Arya was only wearing a linen shift. When she had moved in bed the furs slipped. He wants me.
Aegon shook his head and began to step away. "I should go. You need sleep and somebody might see me and think I am..."
Arya lunged towards him, catching his wrist. He looked at her hand in surprise.
"Cara is visiting her lover" she blurted, earning a brief grin from him. "My uncle is with the outriders talking about a man on a black horse who looks as though he is following us. He will not come here and everybody else thinks I am trying to sleep. You don't have to leave."
Aegon returned to the stool and she settled back on the bed. The awkwardness did not go away as he spoke of things which did not really matter and continued his efforts not to look at her. Arya suddenly remembered what she had said to him. She had accused him of wanting to use her when she was trying to drive him away. He is trying to prove that he is not like that. She felt a surge of guilt and grabbed for his wrist again, tugging at him to try and bring him closer.
"I didn't mean it Aegon" she blurted. "You don't have to pretend that you are Baelor the Blessed if you want to fuck me."
For a moment he just looked at her in stunned silence. The silence was followed by him laughing and Arya felt herself flush. She let go of his wrist, feeling embarrassed and grabbed for the furs to pull them around her. She turned her face away until she felt his weight on the bed and his breath tickled her neck. He took hold of the furs and pulled them from her grasp before brushing her hair back from her ear.
"You have such a way with words" he whispered.
Aegon pressed a small kiss on her jaw before burying his face in her hair. One arm circled around her, his hand splayed across her stomach while the other had caught the bottom of her shift. All he did was rest his hand on her thigh but the heat from his touch was almost unbearable. She knew he must have felt it too because he sighed into her hair and moved his hand up to her hip. His lips grazed her temple before moving to her neck. Arya could not suppress a whine when his tongue flicked out and caught a sensitive spot they both knew she liked.
"I've missed this" he said, his voice husky but she could hear the slight hesitation.
Arya squirmed so that she could face him and cupped his face in her hands. His eyes were dark with desire as his gaze wandered up her body but she could also see something else. Aegon was a confident man despite the doubts he shared with her about ruling. She had not realised the power she held over him, not really. Arya was the one who usually feared rejection but she could see the worry he still felt and she wanted to remove it.
She kissed him hard and he responded eagerly, his tongue brushing her bottom lip before she gave him entry to her mouth. He tasted of something sweet and she pulled back, licking her lips and trying to figure out what it was.
"What have you been eating?" she asked him.
"Candied ginger" he replied with a smile, fingering the straps on her shift. "It was a gift. I was going to bring you some."
"I would like that" she whispered as she helped him pull the shift over her head. He looked at her for a moment in that way that made her feel as though she really was beautiful. She didn't want to interrupt it but she wanted to feel him against her. "You are wearing too many clothes."
He chuckled and quickly shed the layers he wore. "It is too hot in here to wear these anyway" he pronounced as he tossed them out of the way, his breeches the only clothing left between them.
Arya flung her arms around his neck and arched into him as he gripped her waist to pull her closer. He kissed her hungrily, his hands running up and down her back. When she wriggled into his lap his grip tightened, closing the space between them so that her breasts were pressed against his chest. He all but panted her name and Arya could feel him hard against her hip as she shifted in his grasp.
While he kept kissing her she snaked her hand down between them tracing the well-defined muscles of his stomach before her fingers found the laces on his breeches. His intake of breath made her smile. When the laces gave way and she pushed her hand inside it elicited a soft moan and Aegon nuzzled and nipped gently at her neck, his breathing coming faster the longer she stroked him. She didn't stop until he got carried away and bit her a little too hard.
He murmured an apology and she silenced him with a kiss, letting him push her onto her back. She closed her eyes and waited, listening to his movements and making sure she could hear nothing coming from outside before she felt him climb over her. His lips brushed hers as his fingers began their familiar exploration. Arya bit her lip as he began to lick and kiss his way down her body.
"Don't mark me anymore" she said softly. "I will have to hide it from Cara."
His calloused fingers brushed over her belly and she trembled and looked down at him. He was looking up at her, a small smile on his face and his eyes glinting with amusement.
"I will try."
"Do more than try" she retorted back.
She clutched the sheet, arching her back and biting her lip even harder when he began to focus his attention on her breasts. His fingers traced patterns lower and lower until he ran his hand from her knee along her inner thigh agonisingly slowly, his touch light as a feather. Biting her lip was no longer enough and Arya moaned. She was grateful when he climbed back over her, his mouth hot on hers as their hips aligned and they finally became one.
He held her as he moved inside her, his hand on her thigh as her legs wrapped snugly around his hips. "You feel so good" he whispered. "You always feel so good." His lips barely left hers, helping to silence her. She wound her fingers through his silvery hair as her other hand clawed at his back, trying to keep him close. His violet eyes locked on hers and did not waver as he quickened his pace, their kisses becoming shorter and more desperate. Her whole world shrunk to Aegon and her need for him and she clutched him to her as her peak brought on his.
They remained there, a mess of tangled limbs and sweat while they caught their breath and the last waves of her release ebbed away. Aegon smiled at her and brushed his nose against hers before catching her hand and pressing his lips to her palm. It seemed like no time before he rolled onto his side and she had to move to rest her head against his chest. His fingers began to comb through her hair and she could hear his steady heartbeat.
It was just beginning to lull her to sleep when his voice roused her.
"Have you ever thought of wearing scale armour instead?"
Arya was baffled. Aegon paused, waiting for her answer. "You are asking me this now?" she said, annoyed.
She shifted to look into his face and he gave her a lopsided cheeky grin. "I think I'd like you in scale."
Arya snorted. "You have me wearing nothing right now. You should be pleased enough with that."
He was not deterred and pressed on. "So, have you ever thought about it?" His fingers began tracing down her spine and it made her shiver a little. "The armourers would be happy to make it for you. You could look like a warrior queen, like Visenya."
Arya was trying to decide whether to tell him off for the comparison but something in his expression stopped her. He was not just being playful, he was at least partly earnest. She remembered him asking her to marry him and the talk of the first Aegon. The dragons coming had raised a lot of interest in history. Visenya was not just Aegon's sister, she was his wife.
"I'm not Targaryen" she said gently. "The North is wool, leather and ringmail."
He sighed and his lips brushed the top of her head. "It is a shame. If you wore scale you could even choose the colour."
This time she knew he was teasing. She gave him a gentle shove. "Do I strike you as a woman who cares about the colour of my armour? You can be so stupid sometimes."
He laughed. "So you keep telling me."
She settled back down, enjoying the peace for a little. His playful teasing stayed with her. At least Aegon talked with her about alternative forms of armour. She still had men who would mock her for not wearing a dress. It happened far less often now but it still happened. Arya got frustrated by people who tried to change her.
Aegon was just letting her know in a less than subtle way that he wanted her again when the raven squawked outside. That bird should be sleeping. Arya tensed and grabbed for her shift, wrenching it over her head. A scene flashed before here, so sharp and vivid that she knew she had seen a figure approaching her tent through the bird's eyes. They were quick and quiet, cloaked and moving with stealth. Arya reached for the blades she had hidden near her bed.
Aegon had scrambled from the bed and was looking at her with wide eyes as he yanked his breeches back on. He was not quick enough and the intruder had entered the tent. They did not identify themselves and Arya was quick to shift to the offensive. The struggle was fierce. Arya managed to rip the hood back to reveal a beautiful woman with black hair and dark eyes but even though Arya was quick her foe had managed to draw a dagger to match hers. They ducked and dodged each other then there was a mad grapple during which the woman tried to trip Arya but she sidestepped it. She is quick but I am quicker. She read the next move before it happened and had her blade at her opponent's throat.
"Who sent you?" she hissed.
The woman burst out laughing and put her hands in the air in a gesture of surrender.
"You drew first. I just wanted to see how well you could use it. I am glad neither of us was trying to shed blood. I don't think cousin Aegon would have been pleased."
Cousin Aegon.Arya lowered the blade and shot a glance at him. He was lacing his breeches and looking at the visitor with a curious albeit still worried expression.
"Which one are you?" he asked. "I've met Elia, I can see the resemblance."
"They call me Lady Nym, cousin" she smirked and Arya realised she was looking at the shift Arya wore. In her haste Arya had put it on backwards. "My father would have been most impressed with your choice of paramour, even if she is a Stark."
Arya felt embarrassed and tried to cover it, grabbing a cloak to wrap around herself. Aegon however was displeased. He thrust his tunic over his head and looked at Lady Nym with a scowl.
"Don't call her that."
"I suppose I should call her Your Grace then."
Arya had heard a little about Nymeria Sand. She is a Dornish princess. It did not feel right to insist on titles. "If you want to" Arya said slowly.
"I wanted to test whether the tales about you were true." Nymeria said in an airy tone. "I see they are. I suppose I also know now why the wolf queen won't marry." Arya hid her reaction but Aegon did not. His unhappiness was clearly visible.
"Arya won't marry anybody" he said stiffly.
She wanted to scold him for being so careless. Nymeria looked at him with a certain understanding but thankfully the Dornishwoman did not comment on it. "I went to your tent first" she said to Aegon in a pleasant voice. "When you were not there I thought I would pay a visit to the mysterious Arya Stark. When Lord Connington tried to dissuade me I became rather more determined and thought I would see what he was trying to hide."
"He did not know." Arya said calmly. "He probably thought you would find me teaching Aegon how to see lies."
Aegon was pulling his boots on and he paused and gave a snort. "That is true. He always looks as though he caught us in bed when he sees that."
Nymeria Sand was looking at them curiously but she did not ask what they were talking about.
"Lady Nym" Arya began, hating the question she had to ask "the men do not know about us."
Nymeria smiled. "You want me to keep quiet."
Aegon had finished pulling his boots on and now moved to Arya's side. She could see the tension in his body. "Please cousin."
There was a pause before the Lady Nym finally replied in the sweetest tone. "Of course, I can keep a secret. I am here on other business. Our uncle sent me." She gave Arya a sharp look.
"Where is the direwolf?"
Arya wondered what stories she had heard. "Nymeria is hunting with other wolves."
Lady Nym let loose with a peal of laughter. "You named the direwolf after the Rhoynish warrior queen? That is just lovely that I share my name with something almost as dangerous as I am."
Arya took a deep breath and kept her face still. She was already sure Nymeria Sand was going to be unpredictable but her sweet tone did not fool Arya.
"You were in Kings Landing" Aegon said.
"I was" Lady Nym replied. She glanced at Arya. "Did you know Cersei is even more anxious about the little wolf queen than she is about you dear cousin? She has been foaming at the mouth for the news of her death for some time now."
Arya sat on a stool and inspected her blade to try and keep her mind calm. It needs to be sharpened again. "Cersei should be worried" she said, taking the effort to keep her voice level. "If I did not have other duties she would be dead already."
Aegon moved close again and put his hand on her arm. "It will be done." She looked up at him and then at Lady Nym. The Dornishwoman had a gleam in her eye and Arya realised she was genuinely pleased.
"I came because my uncle asked me to but I am glad to be here. Lannisters murdered my father, my Aunt and my little cousin Rhaenys. My uncle waited too long. I want my vengeance."
She sounds like me. "Why did you not kill her while you were there?" That is what I would have done.
Nymeria tossed her braid. "I had duties too." She turned to Aegon. "Come with me cousin, we have much to speak of."
Aegon left with her, casting a wistful glance over his shoulder at Arya as he exited the tent.
Arya rose early the next morning. When the Blackfish came to her tent he informed her that the man on the black horse was still being sighted but he was eluding them when they approached. She broke her fast with Duck. It was a habit she had begun to fall into. Now that he had resumed his Kingsguard duties she saw him less. They talked a little during the march but it was not the same. The Northmen and the She-Bear did not object to his presence in her tent after his time spent in the North. The men even laughed along at his stories.
She knew she fussed over him and she knew she was not meant to but he was her friend. Arya heard much more than she was meant to. She knew what was being said of her by some of Aegon's men and Duck was her defender. He was loyal to Aegon first but that had not stopped him being loyal to her too. He knew she had not asked to be queen and she saw it irked him when people judged her for taking the crown. It was because of their friendship that she had tolerated his nickname for her. He was the only one allowed to call her little queen.
Arya still remembered what he had said to her back when he was staying in Winterfell.
"Nobody has ever looked after me the way you do."
It had made her feel sad. She hadn't done much, just tried to make sure he was comfortable. The North had been an adjustment for him.
They barely finished eating before a messenger came to ask for them to attend a meeting. Arya stopped to see the maester on the way. She gave him letters to be sent to Lord Wyman Manderly and Rickon. Her advisors accompanied her to the gathering along with Duck. She had shared with them the news that Nymeria Sand was in the camp. She kept the circumstances how she had met the Sand Snake to herself.
The gathering was larger than usual. Arya could see that Aegon did not wear his usual smile. He looked drawn and tired. Nymeria Sand had a seat close by him and she was watching everybody closely. Lord Connington began the meeting by introducing her. He then proceeded to share news she had brought of Kings Landing.
Arya listened and watched but sensed that most of it was either already known, already suspected or not very important. Kings Landing feared the attack. Their preparations would not withstand the combined forces Aegon had at his disposal. The small council was ineffectual. It was known that Cersei and Myrcella disagreed on the rule. Cersei had made enemies of almost all the Lannisters former allies. All of these pieces of information did not overly interest Arya. Even if she had not known Connington she would have been able to tell straight away that he was angry about something. It was clear in the way he held his shoulders and the downturn in his mouth.
Lady Nym knew something of the defences of the city. Arya knew that was important but she wanted to know what they were keeping back. They called on Arya and she told them of her letter sent that morning.
"I wrote to Lord Manderly. Ser Wylis said their warships have been ready for some time. I do not expect he will refuse my request for aid."
Ser Wylis had received a raven from his father. It had been brought by messenger from the Twins after he heard of the North crowning Arya and Aegon's acceptance of it. Lord Wyman was exceedingly pleased. He reported that Rickon was not but things seemed to be reasonably peaceful at Winterfell nonetheless.
They asked Arya how many warships there were. When the answer given was almost fifty she heard them murmuring approval. Arya did not care about their approval. She wanted to know what Connington, Aegon and Nymeria were holding back. Aegon only looked at her twice and when he did she knew whatever was coming was going to be bad.
Lord Connington began to talk about the guard around the queens, Cersei and Myrcella both. Arya tried to hide her reaction when he said Ser Meryn was still a member of the Kingsguard. Others died, why couldn't he be one of them? He spoke of Jaime Lannister being missing and most other members reportedly being rather poor specimens. When he began to speak of Ser Robert Strong Arya paid more attention.
Tales had spread of Ser Robert. Arya had heard of him before she even came to Westeros. He was Queen Cersei's champion when she was on trial. Arya had been angry when he won. She had been so hopeful that her prayer would be answered and that Cersei would be no more. After the trial she did not hear anything else of Ser Robert. There was clearly something to it. Lady Nym was looking murderous, Aegon had tensed and Lord Connington's words were coming out through gritted teeth.
"It is believed that Ser Robert Strong is Gregor Clegane."
Arya was still as a statue for half a dozen heartbeats. He is dead, it can't be right. The men around her were muttering darkly. She looked at Aegon and he was looking back at her. He believes it. Arya shot to her feet and ignored her uncle's startled expression. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. Calm as still water. She heard Nymeria Sand speaking.
"The Lannisters played us false" she said, her words bitter and her gaze locked on Arya. "They sent a skull to Dorne and claimed it was justice. My uncle thought the blood debt to be paid. I know my father poisoned Clegane. He should not have survived and yet this Robert Strong hides behind a helm. I hear he does not eat and does not sleep. He hides his face so that he can hide their lies."
Arya gripped her stool until her knuckles turned white.
"No" she cried. "He is dead. He has to be!"
They all looked at her as though she was hysterical. They didn't understand. Everybody knew Ser Gregor was dead. If he was alive then... Lord Beric she could understand and her mother too. They were good before they died but Gregor Clegane was an evil man. He should be burning in hell. Arya could not stay there any longer. She whirled around and as her men began to protest and try to stop her she spun away from them.
She ran through the camp not knowing where she was headed at first. When she was alone she stopped to think. It was not long before she heard running footsteps. It was Aegon with her uncle trailing behind him.
"I'm sorry" he said, putting his hand on her arm. "I wanted to tell you first but Lord Connington had already called the meeting and I could not get away."
Ser Brynden drew along her other side and put his hand on her shoulder. His craggy face was full of concern.
"Is there something you have not told us?"
Arya tried to find the words but Aegon beat her to it. He related what she had told him of her time as one of Ser Gregor's captives. The Blackfish looked suitably horrified.
"He was meant to be dead" Arya spat. "I was glad when I heard he was dead."
"You were not the only one" Aegon said quietly.
Ser Gregor killed his family. Arya touched her fingers to his before realising and pulling back. She darted a glance at her uncle. He seemed too distracted by the news about the Mountain to care. Others were beginning to walk in their direction and Arya realised the meeting must have finished. She knew what she had to do.
"I need to be alone."
Aegon looked like he was going to protest and she shook her head.
"You won't get long" Ser Brynden said. "The march will resume as soon as everybody is organised."
Arya did not need long. She darted away from them with a focused mission this time. Thoros was standing by a recently dismantled tent preparing for their departure. He looked surprised to see her.
"Would R'hllor raise Ser Gregor?" she blurted.
Thoros looked troubled. "Gregor Clegane is dead child."
Arya shook her head. "They say he isn't. They are saying he is Robert Strong. Is it possible?"
Thoros looked thoughtful. "I do not think so. I have not heard of a red priest in King's Landing." He sighed. "This is grave news. I cannot believe R'hllor would raise a soul such as his. These are darker forces at work and we have reason to fear."
"If he is alive we will kill him." Arya said determinedly.
"You should not be so eager to court death" Thoros told her in a disapproving voice. "Your Lord Father would not wish it."
"My Lord father died" Arya said flatly "and he sent you and Lord Beric to kill Ser Gregor."
She left Thoros and joined her men in packing up to begin travelling. She was not as talkative as usual when she took her place in the host. Her uncle had joined the outriders but her personal guards were staying close. Arya knew by the looks on their faces that they had been told. She did her best to pretend as though nothing was the matter. It was a relief when Nymeria Sand caused a disruption amongst Aegon's guards and the focus was shifted.
Arya was not sure what the Dornishwoman had done but she heard the laughter. Lady Nym drew alongside Arya and Arya admired her horse. It was a sand steed, not well suited for riding through winter snows but Arya still felt envious. He must be so fast. She glanced at Nymeria and saw the woman looking at her curiously.
"You make me think a little of my sisters. I did not expect that."
Arya did not know how to answer her. I have a sister too. She wondered what Sansa was doing right now. They were completely different people even though they shared blood. From what Arya had heard the Sand Snakes were all fiery. They had more in common with each other than just blood.
"My sister Tyene may join us" Lady Nym continued. "She is... busy right now but our time is near."
The She-Bear shot Nymeria a distrustful look and distracted Arya for a time. When Arya looked back over at Lady Nym she was close by Aegon. She watched her until the woman caught her looking. She would be a better guard than most of his others if she truly is on his side.
They were closing in on Riverrun. When it was time to make camp Arya could almost see the castle in the distance. Her uncle was not so pleased as he might have been about it. He told her the Lannisters might kill her Uncle Edmure if they attacked the castle.
"Should we leave it then?" she asked.
"Yes but not for that reason child" he replied. When he realised by her silence that she was confused he explained. "They will kill him anyway. It may have already been done. The reason we should not assault Riverrun is because thousands will die. It is too well defended."
Arya wanted to protest. "It is your home" she said in dismay. "It is where mother grew up."
Ser Brynden put his arm around her and gave her one of his brightest smiles, the kind that made the corners of his eyes crinkle. "You are a sweet child for all your insistence on vengeance. It is not like the Dreadfort, the rivers will stop us gaining access. There are other ways to take the castle back. The prince must take the Iron Throne."
She knew he was right. "Aegon will give you Riverrun. You can go home after he takes the throne."
He nodded. "If Edmure is still alive they will exchange him for other prisoners. That is how war works."
Arya went through her usual routine of meeting with her advisors while the camp was being assembled. The Umbers were itching for a fight and had been for some time. They were not impressed with leaving a castle in enemy hands. The Glovers were more reasonable. Most of the leading men agreed to continue on to Pinkmaiden. Ser Marq Piper needed to return to the castle, even if only temporarily. His father needed to see he was safe and well.
They quickly discussed the other Riverlands Houses. It was decided that a contingent of men should be sent to Raventree Hall and Seagard to treat with the Blackwoods and Mallisters. The idea was not a new one but the time had come for action to be taken. Arya was torn over not being able to go herself and struggling to listen to too many suggestions being thrown at her. Before she could make sense of who was volunteering and who might be a good choice she heard alarmed shouting and saw dozens of horses running loose through the not yet secured camp.
The Blackfish cursed more than Arya had ever heard from him before. All around her men were looking confused. The air was pierced by the shrieks of dying horses and still more were scattering through the camp. Arya set off at a run before they could stop her. It was a scene of chaos. Something is wrong. She knew she had to find Aegon.
Nobody paid much attention to her as she ran past them, her heart feeling as though it was in her throat. Everybody was distracted with trying to round up the horses. Arya tried to breathe and to calm herself. Fear cuts deeper than swords. Horses were still running past her. She didn't understand it. The first thing the men did was secure the horse lines. Aegon's pavilion was in view, only half erected and Arya could hear Connington shouting orders. In the middle of it Aegon was arguing with Duck who had drawn his sword.
He won't stay out of it she realised with dismay he is too stubborn.
Through the mess of confusion came a man mounted on a bay stallion. He was huge and armoured in heavy white plate. It was heavily dented where he had clearly taken blows but it did not seem to have affected him. A white cloak streamed from his shoulders and Arya knew who it was. This is Ser Robert Strong. The greatsword in his hand ran red with blood and in his wake was a trail of men who had tried to stop him, all dead or dying. While Arya was looking at him two more men stumbled into his path. His horse did for one and the other was sliced from navel to breastbone.
Many of the men were only lightly armoured, an attack was not anticipated. Of those who were wearing plate, the lack of a helm or gorget was their undoing. He is only one man she thought to herself. How can one man beat so many? They might have stood a better chance against him if mounted but the horses were far away or loose.
While Arya kept drawing closer to Aegon she saw another man swing at the knight. She wanted to cheer as the sword hit Ser Robert in the chest but the knight did not seem to feel it. He wasn't even unhorsed. It slowed him down but that was all and in the end another man was dead. The blow that felled him took his head clean off.
Arya had received the best of training but she was not stupid. She was better at stealth. Her training allowed her to kill men in their tents, in castles, at dinner, in their beds. It was easy if they weren't aware. She could also kill in combat but not something like this. Not a man on a horse in steel from head to toe, not this man. She was not sure he even could be killed.
I cannot fight that.
She screamed to Aegon as the knight approached him and she saw the fear in his face as he spotted her. He shook his head in horror and she could hear him tell her to run. The sound of pounding hooves behind her had Arya glancing over her shoulder and what she saw made things worse. Another man on a black horse was approaching riding fast. He was almost as big as the knight and armoured too and Arya could see he was well armed. He was headed straight for her.
He is the man who has been following us.
She turned back to Aegon and saw men fan out in front of him. They were trying to help him retreat but there was nowhere to go. He would not be able to outrun the man on the horse. Connington's voice rang out.
"Protect the Prince."
The man on the black horse drew closer and Arya felt a spark of recognition. It can't be him, he's dead. She remembered another battle, men dying in tents, that song, Grey Wind howling and a man on a black courser just like this one. Mother and Robb died but she survived. The horse is Stranger.
Arya edged closer to Aegon. It was all happening as if in slow motion. The bay stallion was still coming but the man on Stranger was going to get to them first. She was dumbstruck when he stopped and held his hand out to her. His horse wheeled around her, nostrils flaring at the scent of blood in the air. He isn't here to kill us. Arya dodged the offered hand and heard a familiar voice cursing, growling and recognisable even from under a plain helm.
"Still a stupid little wolf bitch. Do I have to hit you with the flat of an axe again?"
It is him. He was still trying to make her leave and he was blocking her view of Aegon. Arya screamed at him to go to Aegon. He shouted more curses at her before wheeling Stranger around and doing just that.
He could not get there in time. Arya felt something try to break inside her as she saw the knight on the bay horse sheathe his sword through Duck's throat. She howled as his body fell to the ground. His snowy white cloak that he was so proud of was stained red with his life's blood. He was Aegon's last protector. While she had been distracted by Sandor, Ser Robert had killed the rest. Aegon was retreating but Arya could see blood pouring down his face. The grief and shock was etched in his features and his gaze was fixed on Duck. Lord Connington was unarmed for some reason and trying to urge Aegon to move faster. Other men were making futile attempts to stop the mounted knight but all it did was slow him down.
Arya's fear melted away and was replaced with rage. She heard the wolves before she saw them. Nymeria is coming. The direwolf leapt at the rear of the bay stallion just as Sandor Clegane put himself between Aegon and what used to be his brother. Stranger was the better horse even if the other had not been injured. Nymeria lunged at the bay again as Sandor turned aside a blow from the greatsword. The horse began to crumple and Sandor finished the job.
Once the knight was on the ground his advantage was lessened. Sandor leapt from Stranger's back. She could hear Aegon yelling to her but he sounded far away. He will be safe now. He has to be. The Mountain had fallen heavily when his horse fell but he found his feet. Sandor was better than he had been in the inn when he had fought Polliver. He isn't drunk this time. Ser Robert swung blow after blow at Sandor but Sandor hammered back at him just as fiercely.
Now that he did not have the advantage of being on horseback Arya made her move. She heard Sandor cursing her for being a fool as she drew the bravo blade she wore at her hip. Ser Robert appeared to be distracted by Sandor but looks were deceiving. As soon as Arya moved within range he swung at her. Arya had the advantage of speed but Ser Robert had superior reach. She only barely evaded the greatsword. She could hear Nymeria growling and the direwolf snapped at the knight's feet. He paid her no notice.
No sooner had she ducked the first swing of the greatsword then Ser Robert was swinging at her again. He moved faster than Arya had expected. He paid little regard to Sandor raining a blow to the back of him. The heavy plate prevented damage. One particularly vicious cut knocked the knight off balance but he kept coming for Arya. She suddenly realised what was happening. He was not merely attacking her because she was an obstacle, he was after her. Arya began to back away as Ser Robert continued his brutal attempts to kill her. She could hear Aegon still. He was screaming to her. Sandor managed to land a blow in the joints of the heavy plate but instead of the sword coming away red with blood, it was black and unnatural. He really is dead.
"Get out of here she-wolf" Sandor bellowed.
Arya was torn between wanting to go and being determined to stay. I'm not a little girl any more, I've killed loads of people. Nymeria still growled in front of her but the direwolf did not attack Ser Robert. Men ran to join them and Arya saw that some of the best Northern warriors had come to assist. Her uncle's voice sounded almost harsh in her ear as he tried to pull her away, turning the blows from the greatsword with his own sword. She heard Thoros speaking in the midst of it too.
Somebody swung a Morningstar while Ser Robert was distracted and his helm bore the brunt of the impact. The steel crumpled under the blow and she heard a string of curses from all the men followed by Sandor shouting "Seven bloody hells!" The helm had given way and left nothing behind. It had been empty. Nymeria Sand had said that a skull was sent to Dorne. She labelled it a lie but it wasn't.
He has no head.
Arya glanced at Thoros and remembered the conversation she had with him. R'hllor cannot raise a man without a head. More men were falling, even with armour and Sandor had leapt into the fray again. They won't be able to kill him. Arya remembered Lord Beric and her mother, they had not been like this. They were a different sort of walking dead person.
There was a flap of wings near Arya's head and she realised it was the raven. Her uncle was still trying to urge her away but the bird was shrieking, demanding attention. "Fire" it cried. "Fire, Fire."
She looked around at all the bodies as she barely dodged another vicious slash aimed at her head. Her sword was knocked from her hand and she tried not to panic as she felt pain radiate up her wrist. She recalled what Jon had told her of the creatures beyond the Wall. They were walking dead men too and they could not be killed. They were only beaten by one thing.
"Fire" she shouted out. Her uncle was still trying to make her leave but she resisted. "You need to burn him."
She pulled out of Ser Brynden's grasp, rolling across the ground and picking up a discarded sword. It was bigger than what she was used to, a longsword but her own blade had dropped too far away for her to reach it. She called to Thoros. "He has to burn."
Nymeria was still between Arya and Ser Robert and the other wolves, her pack had joined them and were circling. They had been attracted by the smell of the blood and she could see some of them fighting over the corpses. She understood why Nymeria held back from attacking the knight after one wolf leapt forward and after biting Ser Robert in one of the few weak points in his armour fell back on its haunches and whimpered. His blood is poisoned.
Arya tossed the sword to Thoros and he ran the blade along his hand, muttering words in valyrian. The sword took fire just as it had all those years ago in the Hollow Hill. Thoros charged forward and the sword rang against the plate of Ser Robert's armour. Arya could read the fear in Sandor's body language as he saw the flames.
"Fuck you Thoros" he growled. "He's mine."
Arya darted forwards again into the fray. She ducked and evaded grasping hands though she did wear an unintentional blow to her face which had her reeling.
"He has to burn Sandor" she shouted "It is the only way."
Thoros had been knocked to his knees and Arya reached for the flaming sword. She took it in her hand but before she could try to use it she saw the huge knight coming for her again. Arya tried to evade the blow but she was dazed and she had no shield. There was a crunch from the glancing blow from a mailed fist and the wind was knocked out of her followed by intense pain. Arya could feel herself falling and things started to go black.
"Give me that" Sandor snarled and she felt the sword being pulled from her grasp.
The last thing she saw through her fading vision was the Mountain on fire.
Postscript: This is likely wildly AU but I think it would be epic to have Sandor clash with Ser Robert Strong. His fondest desire after all was to kill his brother.
A closing quote for you all from Aegon taken from the second Connington chapter of A Dance with Dragons:
"Duck will die for me if need be"
Sad to say I expect he will.