I was almost there. It was just a little further until I reached the capital. I was walking at a brisk pace. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning was shot at my feet. I quickly hid behind cover. This time I knew it was an attack. I heard some coughing from up ahead.

"Leave this place. Go no further, looters," a voice cried out. I peaked towards where the voice and coughing was coming from. It was difficult to see him, but I could tell that he was aiming an electric crossbow at me. He was shrouded under the shade of a tree, but when I saw is exoskeletal hands, I knew that it had to be one of my brothers. It became more clear to me as he tried to hide himself away. I felt a sudden sense of relief. I was worried that I would have been the last living roach in existence. I put down my crossbow and took off my helmet. I slowly came out from cover with my hands up. As soon as he saw my face, he slowly lowered his weapon and came out of the shade. His body looked like it had been terribly burned.

"I can't believe it," he said. He wheezed and coughed, but there was a smile on his face. And I smiled, too.

"Neither can I."

I didn't know his name, but he was a roach - a brother. As soon as he realized this, he took me to where he lived. He hid out in a nearby dank cave. He handed me some old troll blood, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. I haven't been able to drink any troll blood since leaving Hiroga City.

We sat down and talked to each other. He was known as Hymn by his squadmates. He apparently was a pretty good singer. At least that's what he told me. He said that he couldn't really breathe properly any more otherwise he would have demonstrated.

Hymn was very kind to me, but I had many questions.

"So, Hymn, is it true what they say? Has the Queen really died?"

He paused and sadly nodded his head. "If she was alive, then why haven't I heard her voice? Why can't I feel her presence? Everything feels so cold without her."

"I know the feeling."

"You seem different though. It's like you're more used to it."

"I am. I was a part of the conquest against the dark elves. We were disconnected from the Queen during that time."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"I heard about that. How was it?"

I was reluctant into telling him what happened, but I was glad he was willing to hear it.

"I'll, uh, tell you all about it some other time," I said.

"Well, I wasn't a part of any large-scale battles. Mostly just the occasional revolt or protest. None of which have been very difficult to put down. Tell me. Were your battles glorious?"

I paused for a moment and replied, "No."

We drank some more troll blood and talked some more. The air was somber around us.

I asked, "Do you know what happened? I've heard only rumors, but nothing concrete. Some say that their God struck the Queen from the heavens. Others say that a great army washed over her tower."

"I have a broad idea of what occurred. How it exactly happened, I don't particularly know."

"Anything would be helpful."

Hymn took a large sip of troll blood and replied, "I was on patrol with the rest of my brothers. It was just a normal day. The sun was shining. The birds were chirping. Suddenly, we each heard a message from the Queen. Apparently, a group known as the Silver Order had infiltrated the capital."

"The Silver Order? I met somebody who claimed to be a member back in Hiroga City," I interrupted.

He nodded and continued, "I see. Well, I don't know too much of that group. But the Queen had ordered us to find these members and kill them. It wasn't too long after that things had gone downhill." He paused a moment to recollect his thoughts. There were tears in his eyes. "I saw it. The Queen's iron tower obliterated in seconds. A bright light envoloped it and everything around it in seconds. It was like I was looking at the sun. I was lucky. I was just on the outskirts of the blast. I don't know what kind of magic did that, but it was unnatural. My friends weren't so lucky. They were scorched from the flames. Their eyes melted as they watched. Their bones turned into paste. I was far enough so that I wasn't too badly hurt. But when that burning light vanished, there was a sudden chill. I couldn't feel her presence anymore. It was as if my heart was ripped out of me. Everything was just gone. There were only ruins left."

I could tell that he didn't want to talk about it.

I said, "I understand. You don't have to say any more."

"Thank you."

I stood up ready to leave.

"Where are you going?" he asked as he coughed once more.

"I have to see it for myself. I need to see it."

"You won't like what you see."

"Maybe," I replied, "But I have to see the ruins with my own eyes. I won't believe that the empire has fallen until I've actually been there."

"I won't stop you. When you're done, will you promise to come back here? It's been lonely."

I smiled. "Of course. I promise."

He coughed violently and replied, "Thanks. When you get back, I'd like to hear more about yourself. And even if you don't want to talk about it, I'm always willing to share my troll blood with ya, anyways."

I put on my helmet and readied myself to go forward. I was extremely happy that I wasn't alone. And I was sure Hymn was, too.