Matthew had an idea—one with both high risks and high rewards.
If he could get Stannis's help, half his plan would be complete.
But one step at a time.
Before that, he needed to slowly scatter the Little Birds' attention, breaking them up into smaller groups.
He had to admit, the news of Stannis leaving came at the perfect moment.
Add in the Kingswood Brotherhood, and there was no way the Little Birds wouldn't be distracted.
Matthew knew the petty minds of these people all too well.
He couldn't help but smile.
Stepping off the boat, Matthew immediately headed northwest, taking long strides.
His legs felt much better, just a little numb.
But if he took bigger steps, he'd land fewer times, meaning fewer jolts of numbness.
However, the weather in King's Landing changed fast.
Not long ago, there were cumulus clouds, but now dark storm clouds blotted out the sun.
The docks were packed with people rushing to get home or into the city.
Hot gusts of wind swirled, whipping everyone's clothes together with loud snap-snap sounds.
"Line up! Everyone get in line..."
The Gold Cloaks were swamped, shouting themselves hoarse in front of the Mud Gate.
At the city gate, people in all manner of dress were shoving against each other like ducks fighting for water.
Watching the scene nearly devolve into a brawl, Matthew thought these idiots might actually envy the "trash" like him who lived in the Fishmarket right about now.
But that was none of his business.
Gritting his teeth, he struggled to squeeze through the crowd piled up on the docks.
By the time he made it out, his clothes were a mess, pulled and tugged by countless hands.
Fortunately, he didn't have a single copper on him. He only had an axe, which he gripped tightly. No one was taking that.
Matthew straightened his clothes and prepared to leave.
Just then, a drop of rain hit his face.
His brisk walk turned into a jog.
Minutes later, Matthew returned to the tent, hands shielding his hair, clothes speckled with rain.
With just one glance, he noticed something off about a small shack nearby. He could feel eyes on him from that direction.
Matthew clicked his tongue, guessing that this was where the newly transferred Little Birds were stationed.
He lifted the tent flap, ready to ask someone in the know.
"Oh, such a warm welcome?"
As soon as he entered, Matthew raised both hands, flashing a contemptuous smile at Wald.
In Wald's hands, a loaded crossbow was aimed right at his head.
But Matthew knew Wald wouldn't dare kill him.
Wald glared furiously but hesitated to shoot. All he had to do was pull the trigger, and the bolt would pierce Matthew's flesh.
Sure enough, he eventually lowered the crossbow.
Matthew chuckled and took a few steps forward.
But just then, Wald suddenly threw an elbow at Matthew's jaw.
Matthew leaned back instinctively, barely dodging it.
He could feel the wind from the blow.
If that elbow had connected, my jaw would be gone, Matthew thought, eyes widening.
The next second, his own fist flew out.
Wald was knocked flat by the punch, rolling in the mud. Blood mixed with dirt on his face until you couldn't tell where one ended and the other began.
Not that Wald could tell either; his head was spinning.
Matthew was about to hit him again, but the other Little Birds rushed forward to hold him back.
A few others pulled out daggers, looking ready to strike, but were restrained by their comrades.
Scanning the room, Matthew knew instantly that these were Wald's men.
"Hmph."
He shook off the hands holding him and shouted at Newar, who was sitting on the straw watching the show.
"Are those our people in the broken shack next door?"
Newar spread his hands and laughed.
"Sharp eyes. Aside from your own team, all our people are here now!"
Matthew huffed and asked again, "Where's Harlan?"
Newar's expression changed abruptly. He put on a stern face and said:
"He went to report your unauthorized actions to Lord Varys, of course."
After saying that, he grew even more serious. "You shouldn't have left alone."
"I'm a Little Bird, not a little chicken."
Matthew couldn't be bothered with Newar's attitude. He brushed the raindrops off his clothes, stepped over the dazed Wald, walked to the sleeping mat, and shoved Newar aside.
"Do you really think you're qualified to demand I sit here doing nothing while you play house?"
Newar stumbled and landed in the mud, his face darkening further.
But he swallowed his anger, simply brushing the wet dirt off his butt and mocking:
"And what great deed has Lord Matthew accomplished, may I ask?"
---
"I have two pieces of news. Which one do you want to hear first?"
Matthew plucked at the straw under him, scanning the crowd, his eyes gleaming.
The Little Birds looked at each other, falling silent.
After a long moment, Newar forced a smile and asked, "What news?"
Matthew glanced at him and grinned.
"One concerns Stannis, and the other concerns that group from the Kingswood I ran into earlier."
Newar took a deep breath, staring hard at Matthew. In a low voice, he said:
"Stannis first."
Matthew pointed outside at the rain.
"Stannis will likely leave King's Landing tonight."
Newar immediately questioned him. "Impossible. It's raining."
Matthew held up a finger and smiled.
"It won't rain for long. It'll stop by the Hour of the Eel at the latest." (Note: Roughly 9 PM to 10 PM).
Newar looked at Matthew skeptically. He didn't believe him.
But Matthew didn't care. He simply said:
"I brought the news back. Whether you go report it to Lord Varys or not is up to you."
Newar looked like he'd swallowed shit as he glared at Matthew.
He was hesitant.
At that moment, Wald was helped up from the ground. Slurring slightly, he said:
"I'll report this intel."
Newar turned around and vetoed it instantly.
"No way. This credit is mine."
With that, he couldn't wait any longer and headed for the exit, shoving Wald aside as he passed.
Wald rolled onto the ground again like a beaten dog.
His Little Birds couldn't stand it anymore and immediately blocked Newar's path.
Newar's men weren't pushovers either. They gathered around, looking ready for a brawl.
Matthew watched the show, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.
Infighting really is the best show!
Under his gaze, Wald slowly crawled up.
Covered in mud and bits of straw, he found Newar and roared:
"You damn bastard! You dare touch me? Die!"
Wald had gone mad with rage, his entire face red, especially his round, bull-like eyes.
He swung his fist, stumbling as he attacked.
Newar took a hit to the back of the head. As he turned, Wald tackled him, and the two went down, rolling together on the ground.
Their respective squad members immediately started fighting too.
Harlan's men didn't know who to help.
It was a good thing the tent was big, or it would have collapsed right then and there.
Matthew sat and watched the farce until Harlan returned.
When Harlan walked in, he couldn't believe his eyes.
His own people fighting each other. Someone had even pulled a knife, nearly killing someone.
It was shocking.
But Harlan was cool-headed enough. He grabbed the crossbow from inside the wooden stool by the door and shot the Little Bird holding the knife dead.
The twang of the release instantly silenced everyone.
Matthew looked at Harlan, a flash of worry and wariness in his eyes.
He hadn't expected the usually invisible Harlan to be even more dangerous than he had guessed last night.
That was too decisive. Too clean.
Reloading the crossbow, Harlan shouted:
"Anyone else want to keep fighting?"
The chaos stopped instantly.
Harlan stepped past everyone, aimed the crossbow directly at Matthew, and said coldly:
"What exactly are you trying to do?"
Matthew raised his hands, looking completely innocent.
"This has nothing to do with me. Ask them if you don't believe me. Besides, I'm injured. I'm the last person who wants this kind of trouble."
Harlan scanned his own squad members and asked:
"What happened?"
His men immediately pointed at Matthew and said:
"He brought back new intel. Wald and Newar started fighting over who got to report it to Lord Varys."
Harlan's gaze turned frosty. He looked down at Matthew, his tone filled with anger.
"What intel?"
Facing the threat, Matthew stood up, carefully shifting his feet as he replied:
"I got two pieces of news. First, another group of people with unclear intentions has entered King's Landing from the Kingswood. Second, Stannis is preparing to leave King's Landing."
Harlan took two steps back to prevent Matthew from rushing him and asked:
"When is Stannis leaving?"
Seeing this, Matthew immediately ducked behind other Little Birds for cover while saying:
"I'm guessing during the Hour of the Ghost. Maybe you should go report to Lord Varys first instead of aiming that crossbow at me."