Chapter Five - Queen Arya

"War is not the answer, you know this Septon." Arya sat alone with master Septon in her massive chamber room. Septon had been her personal guard for nearly ten years, and the only one in all of Holengale she trusted. She dare not truth her husband, King Slachorix. Secretly, she had believe him to be going mad as of late. Massing troops along the boarder, slaying his own guardsmen. She had invited Septon into her chamber room to discuss the situation.
"My lady, the king believe this to be the right course, as done most of the council." Septon began in a careful tone.
"And most of the council can be bought off with enough coin, too. You of all people should know, Septon, the council is not to be trusted." Arya had her doubts about the council. They were wrapped to tightly around the kings finger. The only one to ever question the kinds motives was before her now. Septon was old, but was a fierce warrior as he was a councilman.
"You suspect the king paid them off. I admit, that's very possible, however we cannot raise this in the chamber. It would be treason."
"Of course, Septon, but what would you have me do? A war right now would ravish both nations land, Slachorix must know this." The queens tone was thoughtful.
"We cannot change his mind, my lady. No one can." Septon said, matter-of-factly.
She knew this. Once the king made a decision, he shan't be talked out if it. What she couldn't understand was why. Why go to war now? Each nation had everything it needed, what could possible come of this war? Arya had asked the king many a times, only to get the same answer; "We strike before they do." This was ridiculous, she knew. But what could she do? Then she learned the king had sent a group of assassins to kill king Galent. This, of course, was unspeakable. As soon as she found out, she had sent word to the king of Brishire, warning him of the attack. She hoped the king hadn't learned what she had done, but the king had his ways...
"Septon, what do you think I should do?" Arya trusted the old knight, to be sure, but everyone could be bought of with the right amount of gold.
Septon waited a minute, then responded. "I think you should do nothing, my lady. The king is..." He paused, searching for the right words. "Rather stress as of late, and may take any amount of defiance as treason, sad as that may be."
"So you would have me do nothing, as our good nation is destroyed by war? Arya asked. "Right now? yes, my lady. Wait for a bit, see how things play out, please." Septon almost sounded worried.
"Thank you Septon, your council is always welcome. I need my sleep, however." With that Septon took his leave, and she was alone in the too large room. When the footfalls faded, Arya walked over to her bed, and pulled a small vial of liquid out from underneath the mattress. She could scarcely believe what she was planning, but something had to be done, and soon.