NIP #316 - Chapter 50: A Place of Sadness
#316 - Chapter 50: A Place of Sadness
Standing tall in Blackwater Bay harbor, a beautifully designed three-masted merchant ship was slowly making its way to the dock. Its unique shape attracted the attention of many. This merchant ship, named 'Wind Witch,' frequently traveled between the two sides of the Narrow Sea from Braavos.
Captain Cos, with steady steps, walked towards the young man standing at the bow of the ship. A slightly flattering smile adorned his face as he softly spoke, "Young Master Arry, King's Landing has arrived. I wonder if this voyage has pleased you?"
The person called Young Master Arry gently lifted the hood on his head, revealing a handsome face. His gaze swept over the bustling harbor, fixing on the distant crimson buildings, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. The corners of his mouth slightly curved upwards, forming an inscrutable smile. He casually tossed a purse of coins to Captain Cos and said in a low voice, "Not bad, your ship is fast enough. This is your deserved reward!"
It turned out that this person was not the real Young Master Arry, but Arya in disguise. After countless hardships, she had finally returned to this familiar yet foreign city. Gazing at the magnificent Red Keep before her, memories buried deep in her heart surged like a tide, especially the events that had occurred two years ago, which were still vivid in her mind.
Captain Cos caught the purse with delight, weighing it in his hand and feeling its substantial weight. His face was filled with gratitude, and he hurriedly bowed, saying, "Thank you very much for your generosity! It is my greatest honor to serve such a distinguished guest like you. The 'Wind Witch' is always at your disposal, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you again in the future." After speaking, Captain Cos bowed to Arya and turned to greet the harbor officials who were approaching them.
Although the Hand of the King had changed several times, the various rules and regulations established by Lord Adrian had been well-maintained, including the tax police and the legal currency system. Due to the previous Battle of Blackwater Bay and the prolonged war, the buildings in the port area were severely damaged. King's Landing had become very desolate, and the port was no longer as prosperous as it once was, but various trade activities were still in full swing. The docks were crowded with people, merchants were shouting at workers to load and unload goods, and sailors were loudly directing ships to dock.
Arya silently watched the scene before her, her heart filled with endless emotions. Recalling the time she had spent here, the past filled with danger and challenges was still vivid in her mind. Although the current King's Landing showed signs of desolation, it still exuded a tenacious vitality.
Arya tidied up her luggage and walked towards the city with firm steps. After some repairs, the Mud Gate had become even taller and more magnificent. A team of gold cloaks stood neatly on both sides of the road, responsible for guarding the city gate. The two soldiers in gray uniforms who were collecting entrance fees were tax police, she recognized.
The streets inside the city were bustling with traffic, and people were hurrying about, each busy with their own affairs. Arya remained vigilant, paying attention to everything around her, and moved forward quietly. She knew that various forces and dangers lurked in this city. Her figure quickly disappeared into a dark alley, and when she reappeared, she had changed into a common local outfit, looking just like a boy who had grown up in Flea Bottom.
The Street of Silk is one of the most well-known places in King's Landing, and it is home to all kinds of brothels. Among them, Littlefinger's high-end brothel is located here. At the same time, it is also the place where all kinds of news gather and spread the fastest.
On this street, the people who come and go are either looking for pleasure, or poor children who come out of the slums. When these pleasure-seeking guests are in a good mood, they often generously reward the children with some change; and the various brothels also give them leftovers to fill their stomachs.
In the months that Arya had wandered around King's Landing, she had often visited this place with other children. Therefore, she knew everything about it very well. She walked into a narrow alley with ease, then gently knocked on a dilapidated door and issued a series of passwords according to a specific rhythm.
Before long, a scantily clad and heavily made-up woman slowly opened the door. After carefully examining Arya from head to toe, she娇声笑道: "Oh, you're so young and you already know how to come to this kind of place for fun? Come in quickly, sister will definitely take good care of you!"
Faced with the woman's teasing, Arya's expression remained calm. She answered calmly, "I want to hear the sound of 'Little Bird'......"
Seeing this, the woman snorted softly, twisted her waist, stepped aside to let her in, and pointed to the stairs in the corner, saying lazily, "Go up to the third floor, the innermost room is the one."
Arya followed the woman's instructions and stepped into the room. Inside the room, a petite girl sat behind a desk. When Arya entered, she raised her head and said in a low and mellow voice, "Guest, what do you want to know? I think you already know the rules here?" The voice revealed that she was not a little girl, but a dwarf.
Arya nodded, took out a purse of coins and pushed it over. "I want to know......"
Nightshade Alley, like a maze, winds and turns, extending to the foot of the Hill of Aegon. When Arya reappeared, she had transformed into a slightly hunched middle-aged man. She entered a tavern that also operated as an inn and booked a room. The reason for choosing this place was because the back window of the room faced the north gate of the Red Keep, allowing her to have a clear view of those entering and leaving the Red Keep.
Arya sat quietly in the hall enjoying dinner when suddenly a noisy argument came from nearby. She looked in the direction of the sound and saw two Lannister soldiers arguing fiercely about something. The two men looked tense, as if they disagreed on something and were arguing endlessly.
Arya pricked up her ears, trying to hear the reason for their argument. Unexpectedly, just at this moment, a hand quietly landed on her shoulder.
Arya tried her best to restrain the urge to insert the dining knife in her hand into the other person's eye socket, and squeezed out a friendly smile on her face. "Sir, is there anything I can do for you?"
It turned out that the person who came was a Lannister soldier, who said with a smile on his face, "There are no seats over there, can I squeeze in with you?"
Arya: "Please sit down, sir!"
The Lannister soldier waved his hand: "I'm just a soldier, not a sir. I'm almost exhausted after patrolling all day, so I came here to have a drink and relax. My name is Fabire Lances." This person was one of the guards who accompanied the Kingsguard Preston to the Thorn City to deliver the order, and also the lucky one who survived.