SWDnovel #343 - Chapter 77 The Road Home (VI)
#343 - Chapter 77 The Road Home (VI)
Arya's expression did not soften with the explanation; she remained cold, replying, "You've already said all this before, and I remember it clearly. But what does it have to do with me?" Her voice carried a hint of impatience, as if she had no interest in what was coming next.
Beric Dondarrion took a deep breath and continued, "Lady Stark, you must be aware that a peace agreement has been reached between the North, the Riverlands, and King's Landing. The war is over. Moreover, the Mountain has been killed by Marquis Garon. Thus, the Brotherhood Without Banners has lost its reason to exist, and we have decided to disband. Most members have chosen to return home, but those of us who are homeless do not know where to go. Fortunately, we learned important news: an evil force is rising in the North, and the Wall is in danger. Therefore, we have decided to go there to offer our meager support."
He gestured to the thirty or so people behind him, each with different expressions and mismatched clothing. Arya scrutinized them, then asked, puzzled, "You want to come to the North with me?"
Thoros stepped forward, a fawning smile on his face. "Yes, esteemed Lady Stark. It's far too dangerous for you to travel alone. We are all battle-hardened and can ensure your safety and escort you safely back to Winterfell. Of course, you would reward us accordingly."
Hearing this, Arya's lips curled into a sneer. "Hmph! You cunning bald man, you must still regret not delivering me to Riverrun for ransom, right? Now you want to sell me to Winterfell? No way!"
Thoros waved his hands frantically. "Oh, Lady Stark, please don't misunderstand! We are not kidnappers, and we wouldn't dare to lay a hand on you. Frankly, our funds are running low, and if things continue like this, we may not even reach the Wall. So, I'm just hoping you can provide us with food for the journey, as if you're hiring us."
Arya listened, pondered for a moment, and a subtle glint flashed in her eyes. She looked up at Thoros and said slowly, "Alright, I'll hire you. But I have one condition: you must obey my orders completely, without any disobedience."
Beric Dondarrion, standing beside them, nodded in agreement. "No problem, Lady Stark. Rest assured, from now on, you are our employer, and we will absolutely obey your orders, just like true mercenaries at your disposal. But all expenses along the way will be your responsibility. Don't worry, we won't ask for too much, just enough to fill our bellies, and if we can have a little wine once a week, that would be perfect."
"Absolutely no problem, it's settled then!" Arya agreed without hesitation, then pointed to the bandit lying lifeless on the ground and ordered expressionlessly, "Bury this guy's body first. Also, all the miscellaneous chores along the way are yours to handle."
Beric Dondarrion was very efficient and agreed without a word, then turned and called for his men to deal with the corpse.
Arya stood there, silently watching the busy group, secretly calculating her own plans. "This way, I can save a lot of trouble, and these people are all battle-hardened and experienced warriors. When I bring them to Jon, they should be very useful." Thinking of this, Arya couldn't help but smile.
Once everything was settled, Arya and her group set off again on their journey to Winterfell. Along the way, Thoros constantly told Arya about the earth-shattering changes that had taken place in the Riverlands over the past year.
Since the horrific Red Wedding, Robb and Edmure had jointly divided the Twins. The once-powerful Frey family in the Trident had been reduced to a third-rate family overnight. However, because they each married Frey women, they couldn't completely exterminate them. In the end, Walder Rivers, who had faithfully followed Robb, was granted the western castle of the Twins, and he and the remaining members of the Frey family resided there; while the eastern castle was granted to Brynden Tully, so that he could establish a new branch of the Tully family there.
The vast territory extending south from the ruined Harrenhal and Stone Hedge all the way to the west of the Kingsroad was all assigned to Liu Yuan. The fifteen knights who originally lived on this land had all become his vassals, successfully creating a buffer zone between the North and King's Landing. Now, the Riverlands had finally returned to peace, and the lords in various places had begun to clear out bandits and reassemble the scattered people, and the Riverlands had gradually recovered.
"Sounds like the Riverlands are doing well," Arya said casually.
"Indeed," Thoros nodded in agreement. "Your brother's rule is popular, and the officials he appointed are also capable. Now the people of the Riverlands can finally live and work in peace, and that's why we can leave with peace of mind."
"I hope this peace can last..." Arya murmured, and the war and suffering she had experienced couldn't help but flash in her mind.
The group continued on, passing through several villages. When the villagers learned that the visitors were from House Stark, they flocked out of their homes to welcome them. Arya smiled and waved to the crowd, a warm current surging in her heart.
As night fell, Arya and her companions arrived at an inn called "Old Stable" to rest. After dinner, Arya decided to go for a walk. Leading Nymeria, Arya came to a bridge. The river under the bridge shimmered silver in the moonlight, and a breeze brought a touch of coolness. She stopped, stared at the river, and her thoughts drifted away. She was very familiar with this place; it was where she hit Joffrey. Thinking of the scene at that time, she felt particularly comfortable.