A Clash of Kings-Chapter 64

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Arya X
A Clash of Kings chapter
AClashOfKings.jpg
POV Arya Stark
Place Harrenhal
Page 648 UK HC (Other versions)
Chapter chronology (All)
Arya IX
Daenerys V  ← Arya X →  Sansa VIII

A Storm of Swords
Arya I

Synopsis

After aiding in the fall of Harrenhal, Arya is now serving Lord Roose Bolton as his cupbearer, "Nan". She is bothered by the killing and head-staking of many of the servants who worked for Lord Tywin, most of them inherited from Lady Shella Whent who held Harrenhal prior to Lord Tywin.[1] Arya does not wish to reveal herself to the Lord of the Dreadfort, even though she knows Roose to be one of King Robb Stark's bannermen.

Arya overhears a meeting between Bolton and his advisors, mainly Freys. The Freys believe that Robb will lose, and that they should sue for peace and leave Harrenhal. Roose states that he is not a man to be undone, like Stannis Baratheon was. Arya learns that Winterfell has fallen and is horrified when she finds out that her brothers are dead. Roose dismisses the Freys and has Arya remove the leeches.

Qyburn reads a letter from the Lady Walda, Roose's s new wife. Lord Bolton orders the letter burned, and a message sent to Helman Tallhart, who has recently taken Darry from the Lannisters. Roose orders Helman and Robett Glover to burn the castle and put the people within to the sword in the name of King Robb, and then to strike east for Duskendale. Roose says that both men will wish vengeance for what has transpired to their families and homes in the north.

Roose announces that he will hunt wolves that day, for he cannot sleep with all the howling at night. Meanwhile, Arya practices her water dance in the godswood of Harrenhal.

In order to escape Harrenhal, Arya Stark slits the throat of the guard at postern gate - © Tim Tsang

That evening, Lord Bolton returns with nine dead wolves, and he tells Arya that he means to give Harrenhal to Vargo Hoat when he returns to the north. Arya is to remain at Harrenhal to serve the goat. Outside the Wailing Tower, which is occupied by the Freys, she hears much shouting within and sees Elmar crying on the steps. The young son of Lord Walder Frey says, "We’ve been dishonored. There was a bird from the Twins. My lord father says I'll need to marry someone else." Elmar was promised a princess originally, but whether or not he knows it to be Arya[2] is unknown.

Arya decides to flee Harrenhal, and eventually convinces Gendry and Hot Pie to come with her that night. They meet at the Tower of Ghosts, Gendry says the postern gate is guarded, and Arya says she will get rid of the Bolton guard. She approaches him openly and tells him that Lord Roose has her giving a silver piece to all the guards for their service. She takes out the coin Jaqen gave her and drops it, when the guard reach for it, she slits his throat and the three ride out through a sally port and away from Harrenhal.

References and Notes

  1. Maester Tothmure, Lucan the armorer, Goodwife Harra, and Lady Shella Whent's former steward.
  2. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 59, Catelyn IX.