Annelissa blinked, and shook her head.  "But... Mother, you know... father is very much like his ancestor!  If I do anything of the sort, he'll disinherit me, divest me of my claim, and then Alexander shall have the throne!  He inherited nothing of your kindness, your care for the people, and he would..."<br/><br/>She trailed off, and drew a deep breath, shaking her head.  "And if I don't, then the entire kingdom will be lost, and nothing else for it, and I - and Athenril - would be only some demon's plaything, to be used for their foul purposes with no hope of freedom."  She fell silent for several long moments, and then raised her eyes once more to the statue, staring at it for a moment before giving a sharp nod.  "It must be done, and I will do it, whatever it may take."  She turned to face the apparition.  "I do not know that it will be quick, but I... have a few means at my disposal to try and gather... the right group of young women, women of the right... disposition.  And most especially if the Mother has already seen them claimed by her daughters."<br/><br/>She shook her head with a wistful smile.  "I suppose I learned your lessons too well, Mother.  I would<em>die</em>for this kingdom if it were necessary.  This... is no great pain, comparatively."  She squared her shoulders, hands folding together demurely before her.  "I accept this charge, both from you and from the Great Mother, and will do what I can to bring back those many would deem monsters, to stave off the hordes of demons and undead."