"The lies that were told are assisted by hosts of literary and journalistic psycopaths who will tell you anything you want to hear as long as it doesn't involve speaking the truth. Because like politicians those working in the newpapers spewing out garbage are too selfish and too cowardly to say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done. To face the truth of it all would unravel the society that we live in. There truly is no profit to be made in working for the good of the masses…"
"Don't you think that's a bit harsh" Anya asked quietly. "Elnough Alannah! It is time to stop making yourself feel guilty for things you cannot control. It is time to stop running away from the personal demons that you bear. Look around you, do you not see the good you have here? Regardless of what you say, you are loved and you are not to be held responsible for all that is wrong with the world. Just because your father is a tyrant does not make you one. Alannah you have people that would die for you, can you not see that?"
Looking all at once very tired, Alannah closed her eyes and bowed her head and said, "I don't know how to stop running, or how to put down my roots and enjoy life." She looked toward heaven and said, "I have prayed to God for strength and happiness, but it just doesn't seem to come. I don't know where to go from here." She cocked her head to the side and continuing her rambles, said "perhaps it isn't strength that I need at all, but rather to stop thinking that my happiness is obtainable. Maybe I should just give up my identity altogether, and start life as a new person, change my name, cut my hair. Perhaps I should go to Port Lira where I can blend in with the people there and become someone other than Alannah Ferguson."
"I think," Santiago said firmly, "that I have heard enough of this nonsense. Alannah you need to rest until suppertime, no more talk of things you can't control. In fact, I insist upon it. I don't question that the things you say have varying degrees of truth to them. Alannah what you have implyed here today is all the more harmful to you both because of your present state of mind. Now, laydown and rest. I will come get you once supper is ready." And with that Santiago walked out the door, closing it behind him.