A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 13: ARYA
Overview
Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie encounter Tom Sevenstrings, Lem Lemoncloak, and Anguy, who lead them to Sharna’s riverside inn. The outlaws move to take the children’s horses, but riders arrive—more of their band. Amid the confrontation, Harwin recognizes Arya as Eddard Stark’s daughter, shifting her from captive to protected charge.
Summary
While scavenging near the Trident, Arya hears singing and hides with Hot Pie and Gendry. Three armed travelers—Tom Sevenstrings, Lem Lemoncloak, and Anguy—discover them. Outmatched by Anguy’s bow, Arya agrees to accompany them to a nearby inn despite deep suspicion.
They reach Sharna’s inn, where Sharna and her husband quarrel with the outlaws over lost horses and trade. The children receive ale and rabbit while Arya eyes a boat, proposing to trade their horses for it. Tom instead offers an IOU for the horses “for the king’s cause,” revealing the men as organized outlaws.
When Arya refuses and tensions rise, Gendry warns that riders are coming. Lem restrains Arya after she strikes him, but a larger band of ragged fighters enters the inn, clearly allied with Tom, Lem, and Anguy. The room fills with armed men, confirming the children’s loss of leverage.
Among the newcomers is Harwin, once a Winterfell retainer. Arya, desperate, identifies herself and recounts fleeing Bolton. Harwin recognizes “Arya Underfoot” beneath her Bolton livery and kneels, naming her Arya Stark, daughter of the Hand—instantly changing her status among the outlaws.
Who Appears
- Arya StarkLeader of the trio; resists outlaws, seeks Riverrun and a boat; ultimately recognized by Harwin.
- Tom Sevenstrings (Tom o’ Sevens)Outlaw singer who lures the children to Sharna’s inn and offers an IOU for their horses.
- Lem LemoncloakBig outlaw in a yellow cloak; disarms and restrains Arya until Harwin intervenes.
- Anguy the ArcherDeadly bowman who demonstrates superior archery and helps bring the children in.
- GendryTravels with Arya; wary of the outlaws; warns of approaching riders; nearly intervenes for Arya.
- Hot PieEager for food; sings with Tom; critiques the bread; reveals details incautiously.
- SharnaSharp-tongued innkeep who feeds the outlaws and the children; skeptical but practical.
- HusbandSharna’s spouse; argues about traded horses and a skiff; serves and scolds patrons.
- HarwinFormer Winterfell retainer with the outlaws; recognizes Arya and confirms her identity.