A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 34: ARYA
Overview
Arya is brought to the Brotherhood’s hollow hill as Sandor Clegane is presented for judgment. Beric Dondarrion orders trial by combat; Thoros ignites Beric’s blade with a blood prayer. Despite being driven back by fire, the Hound kills Beric—only for Thoros to revive Beric, revealing the Brotherhood’s miraculous power and deepening Arya’s turmoil.
Summary
Arya, Gendry, and other captives arrive hooded at the Brotherhood’s hollow hill, a weirwood-rooted cave crowded with outlaws and refugees. The Mad Huntsman delivers Sandor Clegane. Thoros of Myr, now lean and fervent, and the scarred Beric Dondarrion confront the Hound amid accusations of Lannister atrocities and the Brotherhood’s mission.
When Sandor mocks knighthood and denies collective guilt, Arya charges that he murdered Mycah. Beric rules that none present can judge the truth and sentences Sandor to trial by combat, offering freedom if he proves innocence. Beric removes his breastplate, revealing a mortal lance wound scar, and Thoros cautions archers as the duel is arranged.
After a prayer to the Lord of Light, Beric bloods his hand and sets his sword aflame. They fight fiercely: Beric’s burning blade and shield-work drive the fire-fearing Hound back toward the great firepit. Sandor’s shield catches fire and his arm ignites, stoking his terror, while the Brotherhood chants for judgment.
At the brink, Beric closes to finish it, but Sandor smashes down with both hands; Beric’s flaming sword shatters and the Hound’s steel shears into Beric’s shoulder and chest, killing him. Sandor collapses weeping, pleading for help as his arm burns. Thoros and comrades bear Beric’s body into a tunnel while others tend the Hound’s wounds, declaring R’hllor has judged him.
Arya seizes a dagger, confronting Sandor as he admits killing Mycah and taunts her with Stark sufferings. Lem disarms Arya. Then, to the cave’s astonishment, Beric reappears alive, supported by Thoros—revealing that the red priest has returned him from death, reshaping the stakes of the Brotherhood’s cause and confounding Arya’s hunger for vengeance.
Who Appears
- Arya StarkCaptive with the Brotherhood; accuses Sandor of murdering Mycah; nearly attacks him; witnesses Beric’s death and revival.
- Sandor Clegane (the Hound)Captured by the Brotherhood; tried by combat; overcomes fire terror to kill Beric; begs aid for burns; admits killing Mycah.
- Lord Beric DondarrionLeader of the Brotherhood; orders trial by combat; fights with a flaming sword; slain by Sandor; returns from death.
- Thoros of MyrRed priest of R’hllor; conducts prayers; ignites Beric’s sword with blood; later revives Beric after the duel.
- Lem LemoncloakProminent Brother; confronts Sandor, disarms Arya, helps move Beric’s body.
- GreenbeardBrotherhood member; escorts Arya, urges Beric to finish Sandor; chided by Arya for R’hllor’s judgment.
- Tom SevenstringsSinger of the Brotherhood; calms tensions; helps support the injured Hound.
- The Mad HuntsmanDelivers Sandor as captive; argues for harsh punishment; watches the combat.
- GendryWith Arya; observes the duel, recognizes the sword’s magic, tries to restrain Arya.
- HarwinBrotherhood man who restrains Arya; affirms R’hllor’s judgment after the duel.
- AnguyArcher assigned to shoot Sandor at any treachery; joins Brotherhood chants.
- Jack-Be-LuckyBrotherhood member; helps carry Beric’s body; accuses Cleganes of killings.
- Ned (Beric’s squire)Young squire who arms and aids Beric; follows Thoros after the killing blow.
- MellyWoman asked by Thoros to tend Sandor’s burns.