Hooves crossed a gentle slope, and the wind blowing toward them gradually changed.
It was no longer the woodland wind, laden with the smell of rotting leaves and soil, but something more open, more humid, carrying a salty tang.
Sea wind.
They had been riding for who knew how long. The sun had risen and set.
By now, they had long since left Earl Redfort's domain. If they could smell the sea, perhaps they were already near the Fingers.
Arya tugged on the reins, slowing her horse.
She drew a deep breath, and the fresh sea breeze revived her spirits.
She turned to look at Aegon. He rode with his silver-white hair streaming back in the wind, his gaze fixed ahead, his face expressionless.
"Hey," Arya said.
Aegon did not turn. "I have a name."
"You never told me your real name." Arya pursed her lips. "Lott Hayne sounds fake."
Aegon was silent for two seconds, then sidestepped the subject. "What do you want to say?"
"You still haven't answered my question." Arya stared at him. "Why did you come back to help us? You could have left on your own."
Aegon did not answer immediately.
He fell silent for a while before speaking in an indifferent tone. "I just felt like killing someone."
Arya stared at him for a long moment, then pursed her lips. "Liar."
Aegon did not argue.
Unwilling to give up, Arya pressed him again. "Then why did you-"
"Why are you following me?" Aegon interrupted, turning to glance at her. "I remember saying we should part ways."
Arya faltered, then lifted her chin and declared with complete confidence, "I'll go wherever I want and follow whoever I want. Your family didn't build this road."
Aegon watched her for two seconds without speaking, then turned back