Chapter 201

Wearing the mask of a “loyal Night’s Watchman” and claiming the moral high ground, Aegor immediately placed himself in an unassailable position.

Undoubtedly, if any other Night’s Watchman dared to speak to nobles from anywhere in the Seven Kingdoms outside the North with such a tone, they might avoid immediate retaliation but would surely be dealt with later. Yet here and now, Aegor’s outburst had no adverse consequences. The room was already in an uproar, and he simply added his voice to the chaos, presenting his opinions rather than targeting anyone directly.

Given the natural closeness between Northerners and the Night’s Watch, the argument felt more like a family quarrel than a conflict with an outsider. It fit seamlessly with the context.

Though Aegor’s tirade didn’t intimidate anyone, it was clear that voices favoring negotiations with Tywin grew louder. The room remained noisy until Robb Stark had to pound on the table again to restore order.

“My chief logistics officer reminded me of something important,” Robb said, his tone firm. “I nearly forgot—our enemies aren’t just Renly and Tywin. We can’t afford to deplete too much strength or waste too much time in the South because, after all, winter is coming.” For the first time, Robb found his family’s words perfectly suited to the situation. He paused for a moment, then turned to the Night’s Watchman. “Aegor, I agree to let Jaime join the Night’s Watch. But can you guarantee he won’t escape or cause further trouble in the North?”

“If he deserts or violates Night’s Watch discipline, the Watch will handle him according to our rules. The lion’s wrath won’t reach the Wall.”

“Fine. If no one has any other objections, that’s settled. Return to your tasks. The army will rest here for two days and march for King’s Landing the morning after.”

With the leader’s decision made, the assembled lords had no grounds for further objections. The Tullys, Freys, and Arryns had already reaped significant benefits under Robb’s command. A commander who brought victories naturally commanded respect. Besides, sending Jaime to the Wall didn’t harm any noble’s interests; in fact, it was akin to giving the North a hostage. At least now, the Riverlands no longer had to fear raids by Western forces.

...

As the lords dispersed past Aegor, still standing by, they exited the room. The Night’s Watchman remained, waiting until Robb had finished discussing logistical matters with Edmure Tully before approaching.

“Robb, may I have a word?”

“What is it?” Robb asked, following Aegor to the corner of the room.

“Arya is with me.”

“Arya!?” Robb exclaimed, overjoyed. “Where is she? Is she unharmed? What happened? Why wasn’t she with Sansa and Stannis when they fled to Dragonstone?”

“She’s waiting outside.” Aegor recounted the events of Renly’s siege in detail before lowering his voice. “What I’m doing violates the Night’s Watch’s principle of non-interference in the affairs of the Seven Kingdoms. Just quietly take her with you and don’t make it public. Wait until my unit has returned to the North to announce that you’ve found your sister. Say she escaped King’s Landing and found her way to you.”

“Understood. My room is upstairs in this tower. I’ll clear everyone out shortly—bring her there.” Robb gripped Aegor’s arm in excitement. “You don’t know how much I’ve worried about that wild little sister of mine. I owe you, Aegor. If you ever run into trouble in the North, let me know. If I can help, I will.”

“Thanks in advance. I’ll fetch her shortly.”

“Good.”

...

Aegor left the council chamber but couldn’t find Arya outside. He turned to his guards. “Where is Arya? Didn’t I tell you to stay here?”

“A large gray dog came out of the room earlier, and she followed it...”

Another guard added, “That wasn’t a dog; it was a wolf!”

They must’ve meant Grey Wind, Robb’s direwolf. Aegor felt somewhat reassured. With the wolf around, Arya should be safe—for now. Damn that girl. Why does she always run off when someone is looking for her?

No, it wasn’t just when someone was looking for her—she ran off constantly.

Cursing under his breath, Aegor began asking soldiers about the wolf’s whereabouts. Grey Wind was well-known among the army, and after some effort, Aegor found Arya in the stables a few hundred meters away.

“Arya, what are you doing here?” She was squatting with her back to him, playing with Grey Wind. For a squire of the Night’s Watch, her familiarity with Robb Stark’s wolf was suspicious. “Come on, let’s go.”

“No, leave me alone!” Arya turned, her eyes red as if she’d been crying. The massive direwolf nudged her gently with its nose, almost as if comforting her.

“What’s wrong?” Aegor cautiously approached. He couldn’t help but marvel at how large the wolf had grown—it was barely a year old, yet its shoulder was already at his waist.

Grey Wind bared its teeth at him briefly but didn’t attack, perhaps because Arya held onto its neck.

“I miss Nymeria...” Arya muttered, burying her face into the wolf’s fur.

Ah, Nymeria. Aegor recalled the wolf Arya had been forced to send away. Seeing her tear-streaked face, he sighed. “Nymeria is probably thriving in the wild. Don’t dwell on it. Come on, let’s go see your brother.”

“No.” Arya stood and patted Grey Wind, who wagged his tail before sniffing at Aegor and running back toward the tower. “He sold me off. I’m not going back.”

“Sold you off? What are you talking about?”

“I suddenly have a betrothed—one Robb picked without even asking me!”

So that’s what this was about. She must’ve overheard soldiers gossiping while the Northern lords were arguing earlier.

“This is a family matter. My job is to deliver you safely to your kin. Talk to Robb if you have complaints. Even if you can’t change anything, it’s not like he’s marrying you off immediately.”

With Grey Wind gone, Aegor felt no need to hold back. He reached out to pull her along.

“Don’t touch me! I’m not going!” Arya darted toward the stables. Aegor, confirming the wolf wasn’t nearby, chased after her.

“Stop! Accepting a marriage arrangement is a duty for any noble. Don’t follow your aunt’s example—it’ll only harm everyone, including yourself!”

“I don’t care! I want freedom to marry who I love!” Arya shouted, weaving through the soldiers like a slippery fish.

Freedom to marry? Wasn’t that part of the stories Aegor had once told her to gain her trust? Now it felt like his words had come back to bite him. He shoved through the crowd, keeping pace until he finally cornered Arya in a dead-end alley. When she tried to slip past, he grabbed her.

“You little troublemaker!” Aegor growled, dragging her back.

“Master! If you side with Robb and sell me off, I’ll... I’ll...”

“You’ll what?”

“I’ll tell Robb and my betrothed that you groped me!”

“When have I ever groped you?!”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll say you did.” Arya wriggled like a fish. “Take me back to Winterfell. I won’t see Robb!”

This girl was too clever for her own good. She even knew how to use threats. Groping a noblewoman was a grave crime—at best, he’d lose a hand. At worst, he’d be executed by the Starks or Arya’s future husband.

Good intentions truly got you nowhere. Aegor’s patience snapped. He hoisted Arya over his shoulder and gave her two sharp smacks on the backside. “Not only will I touch you, but I’ll also spank you! Keep acting up, and you’ll get worse!”

The blows landed hard, making Arya flinch and nearly cry out. Finally, some deterrent for this impossible girl. Sniffling but silent, she let Aegor carry her back to Robb’s tower.

...