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#240 - Chapter 14: The Hound Recognizes its Master

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the clouds, illuminating the land. Liu Yuan, riding his warhorse, led Sansa and Rickon on the road to the Twins. Behind them followed two full-strength cavalry battalions, the soldiers spirited and well-equipped, like an unstoppable force.

Along the way, they witnessed the devastation of war. Villages were burned, houses reduced to rubble, and fields lay barren. Occasionally, they saw ragged farmers desperately searching for usable items in the ruins. When these farmers spotted Liu Yuan and his company, their eyes reflected fear and vigilance, but more than that, a longing for peace. They quickly fled the scene, as if afraid of being caught in a new conflict.

Some time ago, the eastern army led by Roose Bolton achieved a major victory. They successfully captured Harrenhal and drove the Lannister forces out of the area. As of now, the war in this region has temporarily subsided.

However, the Northern army also paid a heavy price. The originally mighty army of 20,000 men marching south had suffered more than half casualties after more than a year of bloody fighting. In order to recover the land occupied by the Ironborn, Count Karstark was ordered to lead two thousand soldiers north to fight. Now, Robb had only eight thousand soldiers at his disposal.

Faced with such a severe situation, Robb knew that he must take action to reverse the situation. So, he and Edmure led fifteen hundred elite guards and hurried to the Twins. The purpose of this trip was to seek help from Marquis Walder Frey, hoping to enhance his strength with his power. Because Robb had not been able to fulfill any of the promises he had made, the Frey family not only lost thousands of soldiers, but also made the old Marquis Walder furious. In his rage, he resolutely recalled all his troops.

At this moment, Robb was really helpless and had no choice but to take his uncle Edmure to the Twins to complete the wedding. Both of them would marry women from the Frey family, and even in order not to offend the old Marquis Walder, they specially left two pregnant women in Riverrun.

Their faces were full of bitterness. After all, they had dealt with the Frey family too much and knew that most of their people looked like thieves. In this way, it was really hard to imagine what the daughters of the Frey family would look like? Not to mention those women who were touted as peerless beauties. Hehe...

Looking at the outline of the Twins gradually appearing in front of him, Edmure complained with displeasure: "Robb, it's just your own wedding, why do you have to drag me along? You know, since I was twelve years old, that old fox has been planning how to make me marry one of his daughters."

Hearing this, Robb grinned slyly: "Okay, Uncle Edmure, don't push back. I've accepted my fate."

Catelyn frowned and scolded: "You two, stop arguing! I've seen the Frey family's girls, and some of them are pretty good. We're almost at the Twins, so behave yourselves."

She turned to walk forward, thinking to herself about the importance of this marriage. Although she was unwilling in her heart, as a member of the family, she knew her responsibility.

At the same time, at the Crossroads Inn, after many years, Liu Yuan once again set foot on this land. The once familiar clock tower had now collapsed to the ground, and the inn building was scorched by flames, leaving patches of black marks.

As this large group of fully armed, menacing cavalry suddenly descended like a whirlwind, the originally peaceful and serene inn was plunged into a panic-stricken chaos! Countless travelers and women screamed in horror, running wildly out of the inn. Some were disheveled, some had their hair down, and their faces were full of fear and despair!

However, when these people escaped from the house, they were stunned by the sight in front of them. They saw that the road was already blocked by a large number of soldiers waiting in full battle, like an indestructible copper wall! Faced with such a tight encirclement, the last hope in these people's hearts was shattered, and they desperately realized that they had no way to escape. In the end, under great helplessness, these people had to hold their heads tightly and curl up in the corner, trembling.

At this time, Liu Yuan got off his horse expressionlessly. He handed the reins in his hand to the guard behind him, and then strode into the inn.

The originally lively and bustling courtyard became silent at this moment, as if time had frozen. All the travelers were huddled in various corners like frightened rabbits, not even daring to breathe. Only the two young women braced themselves and walked forward tremblingly, forcing a flattering smile on their faces: "Welcome, sir, to the Crossroads Inn. I wonder what your business is? As long as you ask, we will do our best to satisfy all your requirements!"

Liu Yuan slowly looked around, everything seemed to be no different from a few years ago. He frowned and asked softly, "Where's the landlady, Martha? Where did she go?"

The two women looked at each other, seeming a little hesitant. Finally, the older woman spoke and replied: "I...I'm sorry, sir. Aunt Martha has passed away. Now this inn is run by our sisters. My name is Jenny Hyde, and this is my sister, Willow."

Liu Yuan couldn't help but be surprised: "Dead? Martha is only in her forties, how did she die suddenly!"

Jenny explained tremblingly: "Reporting to sir, it happened several months ago. At that time, Duke Tywin came here and hanged Aunt Martha alive. The reason was that she failed to stop Tyrion from being kidnapped in the inn, and even threatened that the Lannister family would avenge any grievances."

Liu Yuan turned to look at Sansa and sighed helplessly: "Look, this is what your mother did. It's really a sin! It has implicated innocent people for no reason." Then, he pointed to the group of travelers who were trembling with fear and said in a deep voice: "We are just here for a short rest, you don't have to panic, just stay here."

At this moment, a heavy footstep came, and a tall and mighty figure slowly walked out of the inn. The armor made a creaking sound as he moved, as if telling the master's majesty and power. Liu Yuan's heart moved when he saw this scene - it turned out that this person was his old friend, the Hound Sandor Clegane!

When the Hound's eyes met Sansa's, they instantly lit up, and then he strode straight towards her. However, just a few steps away from Sansa, an equally tall and straight figure stood between them, it was Brienne who stood up! She steadily blocked the Hound's path, her eyes firm and resolute.

The Hound glanced at Brienne coldly, but did not stop, but reached out and pushed her away forcefully. Then, he knelt on one knee, lowered his head respectfully and said to Sansa: "Miss Sansa, now I have completely broken away from the control of the Lannister family. Please allow me to become your guardian knight, I will swear to defend your safety until the last moment of my life!"

In fact, for Sansa, the Hound had always treated her well. Especially in the difficult years in King's Landing, the Hound had protected her and maintained her many times at critical moments. Although the former Sansa, as a typical appearance control, may not be able to accept the Hound's ugly face; but after countless hardships, she has gradually matured and grown up. After glancing at Liu Yuan and seeing that he had no objection, she said: "Sir Sandor Clegane, I am honored that you can become my guardian knight, and I will definitely fulfill my obligations to you, from now on, no matter where or when."

"Thank you, Miss Sansa, for taking me in. From this moment on, I am the sword in your hand." Sandor grinned, revealing a big smile, and then glanced at Brienne provocatively.

Seeing this situation, Liu Yuan stepped forward and patted the Hound on the shoulder gently, and said earnestly: "Since you have decided to follow Sansa, you need to protect her wholeheartedly." After saying that, he turned and walked into the inn, found a quiet place to sit down.

At this time, the Hound brought good news - Arya is now safe and sound. It turned out that she was in the camp of the Brotherhood Without Banners and would be escorted to Riverrun by Beric Dondarrion.

Liu Yuan stared at her with a smile on his face and said slowly: "Sir Dondarrion has always been trustworthy. Presumably Arya has arrived in Riverrun at this moment, perhaps arriving at the Twins earlier than us."