The Phoenix and The Wolf (A Game of Thrones Fanfiction)

Nolan's First Man

(Hey, everyone... I must inform you that I had trouble locating the specific scene on YouTube where Arya retrieves Needle, hence the rushed depiction. The majority of the content is directly inspired by the television series. If you are wondering, this scene takes place in the latter part of season three and is leading into season four.) 

Days had drifted into the past since Sandor and Arya had stumbled upon Nolan, caught like a hapless bird in the gnarled limbs of that ancient tree. In the time that followed, the three had woven a silent tapestry of camaraderie, each thread binding them closer as they ventured forth. Oblivious to the true nature of their path, Nolan was consumed by his own troubles—the searing pain of a wound on his side that throbbed with every movement, and the fierce bruise on his chest that felt like fire with each breath he took. Yet, amidst his suffering, he clung to that flicker of hope, trusting that Sandor, the brooding figure walking beside him, held some knowledge of where they were going.

One bleak and dreary morning, they stumbled upon a wagon by the wayside. A man, appearing weathered and aged, was tinkering with it. However, before Arya or Nolan could utter a word to him, Sandor firmly seized their arms and compelled them to gaze upon his rugged countenance. 

"Remember what happens to children who run. To any fucker's knowledge, I'm your father and I'll do the talking." The man's voice retained its usual roughness.

Nolan was very-much aware that him even thinking about attempting to flee was a disaster waiting to happen; his injury would undoubtedly affect his escape, allowing Sandor to grab him with ease, akin to plucking a fruit from a low-hanging tree. However, Arya's prowess in running remained a mystery to the ten-year-old. She could possess the speed of a jaguar or the sluggishness of a sloth for all he knew.

The elderly man with a long, snowy beard gazed at Sandor as the warrior drew near, "The roads have gone right to hell, haven't they? Cracked three wheels this morning..."

"Need a hand?" Sandor inquired simply.

"I'll be needing about eight hands..." The elderly man responded, yet Sandor effortlessly hoisted the wagon as if it were a mere feather, allowing the gentleman the opportunity to fix the wheel that had come loose. "I got to get this all to The Twins in time for the wedding, I do." He rose to his full height, "Many thanks" before Sandor's fist connected with his jaw, knocking the unfortunate soul to the dirt.

Nolan and Arya caught the faint sound of a blade being unsheathed, prompting Arya to swiftly advance forward, "Don't! Don't kill him!" she exclaimed, pushing the boulder-like man back.

"Dead rats don't squeak..." The Hound uttered with indifference, his face devoid of any warmth or emotion.

"You're so dangerous, aren't you?" Arya sharply replied as Nolan approached them, "Saying scary things to little girls, killing little boys and old people. A real hard man you are."

"More than anyone you know."

Arya showed no fear as she pressed on, "You're wrong... I know a killer, a real killer. You'd be like a kitten to him. He'd kill you with his little finger."

"That him?" Sandor grunted, gesturing towards the elderly man lying on the ground, his nose bloodied from the force of the blow.

Arya looked back at the man sprawled on the ground, casting a quick glance at Nolan before delivering a sharp, "No."

"Good." Sandor advanced for the man again but Arya stood her ground.

"Don't kill him... Please. Please don't..."

Sandor let out a deep sigh, sheathing his sword with a grunt before murmuring softly, "You're very kind. Someday, it will get you killed."

At that moment, the aged man began to stir from his state of unconciousness, prompting Arya to seize a nearby branch. With a swift and decisive strike, she knocked him out once more, then turned on her heel and departed without a backward glance. Sandor and Nolan exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes flickering with unspoken thoughts. Nolan cast his gaze downward once more, scrutinizing the man's still form, seeking signs of life before the trio resolved to continue on their way, leaving the mystery behind them. But then the boy stopped.