lerbook #170 - Chapter 16: The Wolf's Daughter (Part 2)
#170 - Chapter 16: The Wolf's Daughter (Part 2)
The arrival of King Robert and Duke Eddard stopped the situation from escalating further.
This time, there were too many onlookers, and Joffrey couldn't possibly twist the truth. The Hound recounted the events to the adults, and after understanding the situation, Robert didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Originally, the two of them were drinking and reminiscing, but their own children ended up fighting. The worst part was that his own stupid son didn't win. He really didn't know what to say. Should he praise the Stark child for being too excellent, or criticize his own son for being too useless?
Eddard noticed that his son and daughter were missing, leaving only a bewildered Sansa. Regardless, he had to find the children first! As a result, the entire camp became lively again. The soldiers who had gathered earlier all dispersed to search for the two lost children, only the guards from House Dayne remained in place.
After hearing these things, Liu Yuan continued to lament the powerful inertia of the plot. In the original drama, this scene took place near Saltpans, but unexpectedly, it happened just after crossing the Neck. The process was roughly the same, but due to the large number of onlookers, the situation had some other changes.
Liu Yuan looked at the fat butcher's apprentice. This incident had nothing to do with him, and the kid managed to save his life. He turned to Grig and said, "Notify Barristan and Bob, release the falcons! Find the two children as soon as possible. Everyone else, prepare the horses. We'll set off immediately after finding their tracks!" These two were skinchangers among his guards who could communicate with falcons and specialize in reconnaissance. The Children of the Forest had a potion that could induce the 'wolf dream' effect in some people with First Men blood, but only those with outstanding spiritual power.
Only Liu Yuan and Jaime were left at the scene, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward. Liu Yuan whispered, "Don't think too much about it. Children born from incest will have some problems. Go back and appease Cersei. Try to keep this matter low-key. You know my bottom line."
Jaime sighed helplessly, "I will persuade Cersei, but Joffrey is injured, and Cersei will definitely not let it go."
Liu Yuan: "That's your problem. Figure it out yourself."
Soon, Grig came to report: "Lord, we have found the two children. They were walking in the water, so they didn't leave footprints on the shore. They have already gone downstream and are hiding in a forest."
Liu Yuan: "Let's go! Let's set off. It's going to be dark soon. Let's bring them back early and not miss dinner. Nina, make something delicious to reward them. I'm very satisfied with Arya's performance today."
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In a small forest, Arya and Rickon used their belts to hang Summer and Shaggydog on the tree branches. They left traces in the north, and then waded back downstream to the south. The lush canopy of the trees perfectly concealed their figures. To prevent themselves from being exposed, they also put the two wolves up in the trees.
Thanks to Liu Yuan's many years of teaching, the children generally carried emergency supplies, including self-defense weapons, biscuits, drinking water, and a small amount of dried meat. At this time, Arya was cutting jerky with a dagger, eating some herself and feeding a little to the little wolves.
Rickon didn't quite understand: "Sister, we're in the right, why are we still running?"
Arya: "I injured that idiot prince. Although we're in the right, they have more people. The teacher and father are not here. If we get caught on the spot and they put the blame on us, we won't even have a chance to defend ourselves. It's better to slip away first, and then go back when things get bigger. Shh~ Someone's coming." The two quickly hugged their little wolves to prevent them from making noise.
Four Lannister cavalrymen arrived here. Two of them walked around in the small forest and nodded to their companions outside. Then, they went to the next place to continue searching.
Arya complained: "I really don't know what Sansa that idiot is thinking? How could she like Joffrey that waste. Forget it, you wouldn't understand even if I told you." Rickon looked over with a blank expression. He spread out his cloak, and the siblings snuggled together.
The sky darkened, and a burst of rapid hoofbeats came. The two little wolves alertly pricked up their ears, alarming Arya and Rickon. A voice came from under the tree: "Have you two played enough? Can't you see that it's already dark? Don't you want to eat dinner?"
Arya said in surprise: "It's the teacher! I knew he would come to find us." The guards took the two little ones and the wolves down from the tree.
Rickon: "Sorry, Godfather (in the Common Tongue, adoptive father, stepfather, and godfather are all 'adoptive father'). I made you worry!"
Liu Yuan: "Alright, don't run away next time you encounter something! Stick close to Nina and Grig, they can guarantee your safety. And you too, Arya, you did a good job this time. If Joffrey dares to cause you trouble in the future, keep beating him up."
When they returned to the camp, they were stopped by several Lannister soldiers. The leading knight said, "By order of the Queen, bring the culprit who injured the prince over."
Liu Yuan shouted: "Get out of the way!" He rode straight past them, and the guards behind him didn't stop either. These people were almost knocked down by the warhorses. If it was the king summoning him, he would have gone. It was obvious that Jaime hadn't managed to settle Cersei, so he didn't need to give her face.
Ser Arys Oakheart of the Kingsguard and Ser Boros Blount came to Liu Yuan's camp. Arys said politely, "Ser Galon, hello. We are under the King's orders to bring Miss Arya and Master Rickon over. Lord Stark is also there, please don't delay."
Liu Yuan arrived at the king's residence, which used to be a knight's keep, but was later abandoned due to war. There were quite a few people in the hall. The Lannisters all had their hands on their sword hilts, staring at them with ill intentions. The Stark guards fearlessly met their gaze, as if they would start fighting at the slightest disagreement. After Grig came in with his head lowered, he pushed aside several Lannister guards who were blocking the way to the wall with a big wave of his hand. He cleared a path, and Liu Yuan led the two children in.
Robert seemed completely unaware and was drinking with Eddard. Seeing Arya's heroic appearance, he was instantly a little dazed. Robert seemed to see the shadow of another girl, and the stern look on his face relaxed. He said with a smile, "Oh! Our little wolf girl is here. I heard you're good at swordsmanship. And you injured our prince. Tell me, how should I punish you?"
Arya said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "He deserved it! Joffrey ambushed me from behind, and he used a real sword. I was just defending myself." Hearing this, Liu Yuan covered his face with one hand, "Ugh!" The words he had given Arya earlier, this girl had completely forgotten.