He thought his life was perfect...newly named general of the King's army during a peaceful time, the King's ear...a loving family..and best of all, the love of a beautiful young woman. But things turn sour suddenly when he is called away to duty one summer to guard the king while he traveled. Only to return home to find everything he'd ever known long dead, although one can't be certain if its by war or by famine and disease. His beloved is nowhere to be found, the horses she had raised and trained either starved to death or gone entirely. Her home is in shambles, the only thing of value being a simple locket that he had given her upon his promotion, half-buried in the mud outside of her door. A few people still shamble uselessly up and down the street, calming wrapped blankets like babies, or calling after no one in particular to be careful. Although...the King himself seems entirely unconcerned with the whole matter, marking it off as an unfortunate disaster. Why does the king seem so unconcerned? Why are those that are left entirely out of their minds? And why...is she gone entirely?