Our home has no name. Those who dwell at the outskirts of the king's light are not given names. We are unknown even by our countrymen. Some villages are not even marked on the map, like ours. Many travelers have stumbled here by accident. 'I was looking for a shortcut across the open field, but then I saw the buildings inthe distance!' They always exclaimed. But now, it will truly be an empty field. How long before the scavengers strip the bodies. For the wind to sweep away the rubble. Before the earth claims the rest.

I make my way to the herbalist's corner. Geurd was always kind to me. He was old and he had a long white beard, just like Leonard. His shop is destroyed. Nothing around me evokes the memory of the front, the plants he hung on the ledges, the rocking chair he used to sit on by the porch. I get closer and that's when I see him, Geurd. He was trapped under the blazing debris, only his head showing. I feel a surge of panic and run to him. I skid to a halt and speak to him.

"Mister Geurd! It's me, Hestia. Hold on, I will take you out of here!"

I begin clearing the debris, tossing and shoving it aside. But the pile is massive and more falls down, filling the gaps I made. But I don't stop, I don't tire. I have to free him from this hell, I swear.

I look down, and see that he cannot move his head. It's stuck in its position, turned to the side. I lean down to reassure him that I am with him. But then I see his expression. His eyes, wide and bloody, are not kind. They are full of contempt. He fixes his gaze on me and parts his lips. Only gurgles and screams come out. His throat must be crushed. But he keeps trying to speak. I've known him all my life and I've never seen such a look from him.

"...What are you trying to say, Mister Geurd?" I say, trembling. His face twists into something monstrous. Does he mistake me for the soldiers who attack, or a spirit that have come to claim him? I haven't the slightest clue, but when I look at this eyes, I see myself mirrored. I get up and retreat, step by step. Geurd still stares at me. Still letting out his cries. I want to aid him but I am... afraid.

I turn away. I don't glance back. His face keeps replaying in my mind. I am sorry, I think to myself. Saying sorry for nothing, but I keep saying it. Aloud for no one to hear.

"I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry..."