<strong>"Prince Roland."</strong>Came a voice from off to the side.  At some point during all the confusion, someone had brought a horse right into the throne room.  A magnificent, silver-maned specimen, its owner was currently brushing it down, though she had paused in that task to interject in the current discussion.<strong>"Though a mere wandering priestess such as myself has no real experience in political matters, even I could see at the festival that the people of your kingdom love your family line greatly.  For that reason, if for no other, you must not die here."</strong><br/><br/>After the brushing-down was completed, the woman, clad in the blue garb of a priestess of the Gods, began to slip various pieces of riding gear onto the horse.  Clearly, she was preparing to make her flight out of the castle in the secret passage the King had pointed out...<br/><br/><strong>"While you live, your people will have hope."</strong>She explained, as she buckled on buckles and tightened assorted straps.<strong>"They'll be able to hold out, at least for a time, simply from knowing that you are still alive.  The knowledge that your line has not ended, that you may yet come to save them, will sustain them through the dark times ahead.  On the other hand, if you should fall, your people will have no hope.  Your lineage will end here, your people will slowly perish, and even the Gods will ultimately forget you.  Though it is a painful choice, the path is quite clear."</strong>