Not Chosen

Centuries ago, an old kingdom was facing a national crisis. The drought had already destroyed what was left of the crops, and as all of the reserves were close to depletion, the country was on the verge of a famine. The king gathered his most trusted advisors for a meeting at which they all expressed their defeat, save for an old council member who asked for a private audience with the king. The old man then proceeded to him to seek the counsel of an old couple who live atop the kingdom’s largest mountain and are known to the local villagers for their piety and wisdom