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#342 - Chapter 76 The Road Home (V)

One day, Arya and Nymeria steadily advanced through the forest. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, creating patches of dappled light. The surroundings were tranquil, with only the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the peaceful air. Arya instantly became alert, quickly drawing her sword and cautiously approaching the direction of the sound. With each step, she was extra careful, fearing what dangers she might encounter.

As she got closer, Arya keenly sensed some unusual movement in the undergrowth ahead. She stopped, held her breath, and warily observed her surroundings.

Behind a dense thicket, Arya was shocked to find a man covered in blood and seriously injured. A trace of surprise and fear flickered in the man's eyes, and when he saw Arya, he trembled slightly, as if trying to struggle to get up and flee. However, his injuries were too severe for him to move.

Arya cautiously stepped forward and softly asked, "You're injured. What happened?"

The man gasped, struggling to speak, "I... was with a caravan... We encountered a band of ruthless robbers... They... they killed my companions... wounded me, and stole all our valuables..."

Arya stared at the man, noticing that his wounds were caused by arrows, and his attire didn't resemble that of a common merchant. This aroused her vigilance, and a hint of doubt arose in her heart.

The man pleaded, "Please, save me! If you can save my life, I'll pay you any reward you ask."

"I'm sorry, I have other matters to attend to. Here's some medicine for your wounds, take care of yourself!" Arya shook her head, decisively refusing. As someone trained as an assassin, she knew the importance of not meddling in other people's affairs.

However, Nymeria seemed to sense something amiss, baring her teeth at the man and emitting a threatening growl. Seeing this, Arya frowned slightly. Just then, an arrow suddenly whistled through the air like lightning, flying straight towards the vial of medicine in her hand.

Arya's reaction speed was extremely quick. Her right hand flicked out, accurately grasping the arrow shaft. Immediately after, she lightly tapped the ground with her toes, her body quickly leaping to the side and rear, while her left hand swiftly grabbed the longbow from her back, the movements flowing smoothly in one go. In the blink of an eye, she had nocked an arrow, aimed at the direction from which the arrow had come, and shot it back without hesitation.

At the same time, Nymeria also darted away with astonishing speed, like an arrow released from a bowstring, quickly leaving her original position and plunging into the nearby woods.

The arrow shot back was like a bolt of lightning, carrying a fierce momentum, embedding itself deeply into a distant tree trunk. The archer clearly hadn't anticipated that Arya could dodge so easily and counterattack, and a look of astonishment appeared on his face.

Arya fixed her gaze, and saw a figure wearing a brown-gray cloak slowly walking out of the forest not far away.

When the person saw Arya, a trace of surprise appeared on his face, but he quickly regained his composure, lowered his bow, and said in a calm tone, "Quite skilled! But, if I were you, I'd stay away from that thief."

Arya also slowly lowered her bow. She was no stranger to the person who had appeared before her—Anguy, a skilled archer from the Brotherhood Without Banners. Her gaze was as cold as ice, sweeping over the wounded man, noticing that the arrows in his body were identical to those in Anguy's hand. Her face darkened, and she coldly responded, "Why isn't the Brotherhood Without Banners bothering the Lannisters? What are you doing in this wilderness?"

"Hahahaha..." A burst of hearty laughter came from the woods, followed by a dozen figures emerging, led by Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr.

The corners of Arya's mouth turned up slightly, revealing a faint smile. "So it's you! Thoros, after more than a year, it seems your head has become even smoother."

"Hahahaha..." The members of the Brotherhood Without Banners burst into laughter, mixed with some unfriendly jeers.

Beric Dondarrion pointed to the person on the ground, a playful smile on his face, and said, "Hehe, Miss Stark, you see, that man is a robber. They've been looting and harming innocent people in this area. Luckily, we happened to run into them. The other accomplices have already been subdued by us, leaving only this cunning fellow who escaped relatively quickly. But it doesn't matter, we'll take care of it!"

Arya didn't even turn her head to look at the person on the ground; her gaze remained firmly fixed ahead. She effortlessly released the taut bowstring, and the arrow sped out like lightning, instantly piercing the man's throat. The man's face was filled with disbelief, and the short sword in his hand fell to the ground. He clutched his neck tightly with trembling hands, then slowly collapsed to the ground.

Her sudden strike shocked everyone present. The innocent little girl of the past had now grown into a decisive female warrior.

"Miss Stark, what a shot!" Anguy exclaimed with a laugh, "My skills at your age back then were far inferior."

Arya stared at him expressionlessly, calmly replying, "If you had come any later, he would have already died."

"In any case, thank you for your help." Beric Dondarrion said sincerely, "But, I'm a little curious, why are you here?"

"That's none of your business!" Arya replied indifferently, her eyes revealing a kind of indifference and resoluteness. Seeming unwilling to waste any more words with the people in front of her, "Is there anything else? If not, please don't disturb me."

Beric Dondarrion shook his head, trying to make his tone more sincere. "Miss Stark, you don't need to be so wary of us. We really don't have any malice. You should know that we accepted your father's commission to pursue the Mountain in the Riverlands. However, since your father's unfortunate passing, our goals have changed. We are determined to protect the civilians of the Riverlands and fight against the Lannister family."