'Winds of Winter' spoilers: Arya's murder plot in sample chapter; Theory on the consequence

George RR Martin shared a chapter of Arya from “Winds of Winter” titled “Mercy” some time back. The chapter included a murder plot of an insignificant character. However, a fan has shared insights about why that death is important to the unfolding plot in Braavos and has a theory about who will get into trouble for it.

The following article contains spoilers from the upcoming book “Winds of Winter.” Fans who haven’t read the "Mercy" chapter or those who don’t want to know what happens next are advised to stop reading.

Arya Stark used the name Mercy while she worked as an actor in a troupe in Braavos. In the sample chapter Martin shared online, she used her feminine charms to lure a Lannister guard away and later killed him. On the face of it, this may seem like the young woman was taking revenge on every Lannister she comes across. But, what if there is more to the act?

In a Reddit post, a fan examines the consequence of the murder. The theory suggests that with blood in Mercy’s room and her going missing along with a Lannister guard known for rape and murder, the people of Braavos suspect the Lannister guard of killing the girl.

The murder, according to the fan, is connected to the Iron Bank which has its own plans in “Winds of Winter.” If the guard is blamed for a murder, the one person who will get into trouble is the Lannister envoy. Martin hinted at this through Arya’s thoughts in the chapter, which suggested that both the Sealord and the envoy would get into trouble for this.

The fan suggests that the Iron Bank needs a scandal to publicly cut ties with the Lannisters. The Iron Throne currently owes a large amount of debt but the Braavos bank has shifted its support to Stannis. So, the murder of a woman in the city may be used as an excuse to make such an announcement.

Commenting on the post, one of the fans wondered why the Iron Bank or the people would bother so much about a missing girl. While this may certainly be the case under normal circumstances, what should be noted is that this is the murder of a Braavos woman by someone from Westeros. People from across the narrow sea are not seen very kindly in the city, and there could be enough trouble that Arya is seeking.

While the Lannisters attempt to sort out their problems with the Iron Bank, Arya will go on to her next phase of training in “Winds of Winter,” the fan theory suggests. The Stark girl could start her training with courtesan Bellegere Otherys, who is also known as the Black Pearl.