356 In Memorium (1/2)

She tilted her head to the side. She locked eyes with Red Silk, who was the one who asked the question.

”We're going to find a chest,” she replied simply before continuing leading her colony.

They had been travelling for days through the city area before entering an open field. Red Silk mostly recovered from his injuries, but it would still take him weeks to be back to normal.

He was grateful for the kindness Queen Willow had shown him. She had saved his life. He was eternally indebted to her. However, Red Silk was worried. From the time they had entered this city area, Queen Willow seemed withdrawn and distant.

But she also seemed determined to reach this destination. All these raised many questions in his mind, questions he never thought to ask. How did she know the way around this area so well?

For as long as he could remember, they had always been in the Jungle. It had been their home since the beginning. But he was not certain when that beginning was. The other spider beasts did not seem to have any questions like he did.

They simply followed the instructions of their Queen. Since she did not want to share any details, he decided not to pursue it any further. He would follow her orders, even till the end of time.

The spider beasts set up camp for the night. After making arrangements and giving out orders, Queen Willow went off on her own. Red Silk followed her. He wanted to make sure she was safe.

”You know I can sense you, right Red Silk?”

Red Silk reluctantly came out from the shadows and came to her side.

”I just wanted to make sure you were safe,” he justified his actions.

She folded her arms, ”Do you think I can't keep myself safe?”

”No that's not it… I-”

”I'm just messing with you, Red Silk,” Queen Willow laughed as she jabbed him lightly on the shoulder, ”I knew you would follow me.”

Without giving an explanation, she continued down the path until they came up upon an abandoned building. The four walls were barely keeping the roof intact. Queen Willow walked in without much care.

In the centre of the building floor was a single slab of stone with engravings on it. Red Silk peered over her shoulder to take a closer look. She wiped the dust and dirt off the stone slab to make it more visible.

There were only two words engraved on it, 'In Memorium'.

”In Memorium?” Red Silk read the words out.

Queen Willow gently placed her hand on the stone slab as she closed her eyes. It had been so long since she had last recalled this place. She had chosen to bury these memories deep in her mind.

”I am surprised you have not asked me more questions,” Queen Willow commented as they continued to dig.