“So wait, can we back up?” I asked Laska.
She raised an eyebrow and gave me a nod.
“You said this was ‘Baldred’s Pillar, the 13th Pillar’ earlier. Does that mean it’s safe to assume that there are twelve other giant pillars like that?” I pointed up to the tall, dark shadow that towered high above us.
“Oh, come on, you don’t know? Corello really must be an uneducated dump like they say it is.” Lucius said to my left.
I twisted my head and shot him a glare.
“I don’t see the point in asking this now,” Laska said. “I was merely explaining the drawings.” She nodded toward the four large mural-like paintings.
“Yeah, about that,” Mel spoke up, her red hair flickered like fire. “You said that we would die if we ran into a Guardian.” A wild grin crawled across her face. "I've never met something that can't be killed."
“Oh, please,” Zenobia snorted.
“Got something to say, princess?” Mel cracked her knuckles.
“That’s enough,” Laska grunted. She rubbed her forehead and let out a sigh before continuing. “I may have exaggerated that part a bit. The Guardians are strong. Burning hells, they are strong. It would take almost an entire company of Cinders—about a hundred—to take one down. The point is... there is no point. The Guardians don’t die. Not really.”
I looked around, waiting for her to explain or for others to ask, but no one did. “Okay...I’ll ask. Please explain. What do you mean by they don’t really die?”
“When a Guardian is defeated in combat, their soul takes shape and returns to the tower. The next season, they return in a new form to patrol the lands. The only way we have theorized to destroy them permanently is to destroy whatever core they have in the tower.”
“Do we want to kill them? Aren’t they just protecting the area around the pillar?” I asked.
Laska cracked a smile. “You assume correctly, recruit...”
“Erik,” I said.
“Recruit Erik. You are right. We don’t want to kill them. It is just a theory on how the Guardians could possibly die. However, we do treat them as a serious threat. They have no care to discern between us and anything else that could possibly harm them. They will and have attacked Cinders in the past. Many have died.” She lowered her head.
“However, every once in a while, a Cinder stands out among the rest and can kill a Guardian in combat, becoming a living legend among Cinders”
Mel let out a loud cackle. “So, there are ways to kill them! You bet your ass I am going to be the next legend. Say, lady, are there any living Cinders who have destroyed a Guardian?”
Laska ignored Mel’s disrespect and nodded. “Only two. The current leader of the Cinders’ Military Wing and a third-year student.”
“A student?! Like us?” Zenobia jolted up.
Laska laughed and took a drink from her cup of water. “Believe me, none of you are like that one...”
Mel snorted and flexed her muscular arms. “Sounds like a worthy challenge,” she proclaimed. “I’ll be the third living Cinder to defeat a Guardian!”
Zenobia scoffed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Mel,” she said coolly. “Some goals require more than just brute strength.”
Mel shot her a glare. “We’ll see about that.”
I coughed in my fist to interrupt.
“So, what season is it now? Summer? Does that mean the Summer Guardian is out now? Is it that yellow one?” I leaned toward Laska and pointed at the yellow-painted monster on the wall. These things sounded dangerous. Which one was out there?
“Just how many questions is this guy going to ask?” Sora whispered to her twin.
Rinka gave a small shrug.
“Yes, summer,” Laska replied. “We don’t need to worry about them though. They have a hundred kilometers to patrol. Summer is almost over too. The Guardian will be tired and ready to return.”
“What do they look like?” I asked.
Laska rolled her eyes. “Recruit Erik. I’m ordering you to stop asking questions. You can bombard your history teacher with them. Like I said, you don’t need to worry for now. We will be at the Academy this time tomorrow.”
A few snickers rippled through the group behind me. I ignored them. Knowledge was essential to surviving here. I had to at least try to ask.
“If anything,” Laska said while leaning down onto her pack, “your class has the most enthusiasm I’ve ever seen. Now, that’s enough for me. You can keep talking among yourselves, but I’m going to bed. Enjoy your last night before orientation.”
The camp relaxed a bit. Some of the teens started to talk with those they were most comfortable with. The twins, Sora and Rinka, talked about the journey.
“I was so scared! You know how much I hate dogs, Rinka, you know!” Sora buried her head in Rinka’s chest. Rinka sighed and patted her sister’s head.
“There, there. I know. It’s over now. Let’s take some deep breaths. One, two, three... in... out.” Rinka guided Sora through calming exercises.
Nearby, Tevin, the large, round boy, was holding what looked like three small crickets hopping in his hand. Next to him, Ruriel was backing away, eyeing the bugs with disgust.
“What’s the matter, Ruriel? Don’t tell me you’re afraid of these little guys?” Tevin smirked, leaning toward Ruriel’s purple hair with the three bugs.
“I just hate anything that crawls,” Ruriel said sharply, raising his hand to push Tevin’s away.
Mel was embroiled in a heated debate with Lucius and Zenobia about who would have a better chance defeating a Guardian.
Silas lay sleeping off his wound against the mountainside.
Goro looked the saddest. The giant titan-beetle had positioned himself in the middle of the road. He kept shuffling down one direction a dozen paces before turning around and doing the same thing the other way. I figured he was guarding us and looking out for his mate, Gora. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t break my heart a little watching the poor guy walk back and forth.
I laid down in a spot away from the fire and the noise. I closed my eyes to rest, but all I could see were the horrors from the past few days. I felt my heart rate rise, remembering the Grootslang, the goblins, and the wolves. Then, Fern snapped me out of it.
—‘Hey, Erik?’ Fern asked.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
—Yeah? I replied.
—‘Silas...his arm. What will happen to him? Will he be able to still go to the Academy?’
—Aw, Fern, you're worried about your first friend? I teased Fern. I'm just messing with you. I hope he will be able to. He looked so excited after the lich-wolves attacked us back in the carriage.
—‘I just want this to be over. It’s... a lot, I just want some sort of familiarity. The unexpected is unbearable for me,’ Fern said.
—I see. Well, Fern. Look at it this way, do you remember what we did today? Do you remember how we fought? Fern, something is different about us. We are strong, more so than normal, I said, remembering how my body felt when it dove in between the wyrms.
—‘You’re right. I felt it when you fought Carlyle. And again when we fought back the Wyrms. I felt like I was running... with you. Jumping and dodging with you. How is that possible?’
I paused for a moment to consider what the reason could be.
—I think it has to have something to do with your consciousness still inside my head. Like our two souls in one body have made us able to do almost superhuman-like things.
—‘What should we do?’
—Well, that Hopsander guy seems to know something’s up. Maybe we could ask him when we get to Ash?
—‘That sounds like a good idea to me.’
The moment of agreement with Fern felt nice. No fights about either of our predicaments. No screaming in fear at monsters trying to kill us. We were both confused about what was happening to our body. A shared mystery to focus on and not divide us.
—Fern, what would you do if you had more strength than a mage? I asked him.
—He paused for a moment, and then he said, ‘I'd like to live a quiet, peaceful life. Why?’
—Just wondering. That’s all. Goodnight, Fern, I told him.
—‘Goodnight, Erik.’
Silas had already lost an arm, one of our escorts was missing, and now, there were these Guardians we had to worry about, no matter what Laska said. We just had to get through the rest of the day. We were so close to the Academy of Ash. I could explore this power there. I could ask all the questions I wanted there. I could find a way to separate our bodies there... probably.
I drifted off to sleep thinking about what Laska said about the four Guardians, the third-year student who defeated one, and just what the Academy of Ash’s version of orientation would be.
----------------------------------------
I woke up early, my eyes adjusting to the dim gray light filtering through the hollow tree’s opening. The others were still asleep, their soft snores filling the air. Fern was still asleep too, or at least I didn’t feel him stir in my head like I usually did.
My stomach growled, reminding me of the meager rations we’d been surviving on. I grabbed a thick piece of dried beef from my pack and made my way outside, careful not to disturb anyone.
The cool morning air hit my face as I stepped out, chewing on the tough meat. I noticed Tevin, his large frame hunched over Goro’s massive form. He was gently wiping dust off the titan-beetle’s shell, whispering softly.
“What are you doing?” I asked quietly, approaching them.
Tevin looked up, his gentle eyes meeting mine. “Trying to distract him,” he said in his soothing voice. “He’s worried about Gora.”
I nodded. “Tevin, right? Sorry, I’m terrible with names,” I admitted while I scratched the back of my head.
“That’s right, Erik. Don’t worry; I can remind you if you forget,” he replied with a small smile.
I watched as he continued tending to Goro’s shell. “You seem to have taken a particular interest in them. Why’s that?”
Tevin’s face lit up. “I love all creatures, especially insects. Have since I was a kid.” His large hands moved with surprising delicacy over Goro’s carapace. “They’re smarter than most people think, you know. They have emotions, personalities.”
I looked at Goro, noticing the slight droop in his antennae. “Yeah, he seems sad without her. Didn’t they just...?”
Tevin nodded, then gently lifted one of Goro’s wings. My eyes widened at the sight of hundreds of baseball-sized eggs nestled underneath. “He can’t go after her,” Tevin explained. “He has to protect the babies. You see? Every creature has a story.”
A pang of empathy hit me. “I didn’t realize,” I said softly. I tore off a small piece of my dried meat and offered it to Tevin. He accepted with a grateful nod. We stood there for a moment in comfortable silence as the morning breeze drifted through the bare mountain pass.
One by one, the others stirred. Mel stretched dramatically, her muscles flexing as she yawned. She pushed her way out of the group and walked past us, giving us a sharp look before her eyes landed on the dried beef.
“You gonna eat all of that?” she asked, pointing with her bare fingers. Without her large metal gauntlet, it was odd seeing such a tiny finger still look intimidating.
“Uh, no, you can have some,” I said, holding out the meat.
She snatched it from my hand, took a big bite, and mumbled, “Thanks.”
Rinka emerged from the tree, her hood pulled up with a few loose strands of gray hair catching the light. Sora rubbed her eyes, blinking sleepily at the world.
“Morning,” Rinka said softly, giving a small wave.
“Morning,” I replied.
Soon, everyone was up and preparing to continue our journey. Before we set off, I approached Laska.
“What about Al and Gora?” I asked, worry creeping into my voice.
Laska’s eyes softened slightly. “Don’t worry about them. Corporal Al knows where to meet us. They’ll be fine.” Her tone was firm but reassuring.
I nodded. “Right. Thanks.”
A loud yawn broke out through the camp. “Ahh! Good morning, recruits. Seems we’re almost there, yeah? What do you think, Laska? By nightfall, right?” Hopsander made his way past the group of kids and stood next to Laska.
Laska looked up at the sky, shielding her eyes with a hand. “Aye, captain. I’d say about then if we set off now and eat on the go.”
“You heard the lass! Let’s get moving,” Hopsander declared. He hefted up a makeshift carrier onto his shoulders. Silas sat securely in it, his bandaged stump resting in his lap.
We started walking, and I jogged up to Silas. “Hey, how are you feeling?” I asked.
“Not great, but I can stay awake,” he said, his voice a bit strained. “It’s... strange. I still feel it.” He glanced down at the stump of his right arm.
“Phantom limb sensation?” I suggested gently.
“Yeah, something like that,” he murmured. He lowered his head.
Hopsander let out a chuckle. “You’re a tough one, yeah? Don’t worry; we’ve got many solutions for that thing back at the Academy.”
Silas’s eyes brightened. “Really? Like what?”
“Ah, you’ll see. Just don’t be moving too much back there. You’re tough but not light. Okay, lad?” the frog-man said with a grin.
Silas managed a small laugh. “I’ll try to keep still.”
I held out a fist to Silas. “Hang in there.”
He gave me a curious look and then tapped his remaining fist against mine. “Thanks, Erik.”
I fell back into the group, feeling a mix of concern and hope for Silas, as we continued down the mountain pass.
----------------------------------------
Hours passed. We walked through lunch, the concept of mealtime becoming meaningless in the face of our urgency. Bathroom breaks were quick and discreet behind large rocks or sparse bushes. The terrain was rugged, each step requiring focus to avoid loose stones or sudden dips. And the whole time we were going uphill.
My legs burned, but Laska kept us going, promising we could see the Academy of Ash soon.
Every so often, a distant sound would halt our progress—a low rumble that could’ve been thunder but felt more ominous, or the sharp cry of an unseen bird echoing off the canyon walls. Once, a small cascade of pebbles tumbled down from above, causing Sora to scream.
When Goro couldn’t lead us on the path, he climbed up the side of the mountain pass and directed us that way. He would constantly stop to survey with his antenna, causing Laska to lose her patience slowly.
Giant mountains rose above us, and ahead, I could see Baldred’s Pillar towering high into the clouds. It had to have pierced through the atmosphere; it was so immense. The marvel of nature confounded me.
We passed the skeletal remains of a mountain goat, its bones picked clean and bleached by the elements. A little further on, a larger carcass—unidentifiable and decomposed—lay off the side of the path, the stench barely masked by the mountain air.
The higher we climbed, the more strange noises we heard. One sounded almost like a drowned-out scream. Laska insisted it was a bird or something.
“Something doesn’t feel right,” Sora whispered, her gaze fixed ahead.
“Just keep moving,” Laska instructed, though I noticed her hand move closer to her sword hilt.
----------------------------------------
The sun began to set, and cast its amber glow through the mountains. Long shadows stretched like grasping fingers across our path. As we rounded a final bend, we began to slowly descend. A chorus of cheers bubbled across our exhausted group. We turned another corner in the mountain pass and came to an open-faced cliff with a road heading down.
“Look,” Laska announced.
Several thousand feet down the cliff side we stood on lay a vast plain leading to the ocean. The grass swayed gently, like a green sea nestled up against the blue one. On the coastline was a sprawling town of hundreds of small homes and dozens of large farms that carved small squares into the green sea of grass—Ash. Beyond it, a small land bridge extended out to sea. The land bridge connected to a large piece of land that stood alone in the sea.
I knew what this was without Laska's explanation. It was clear.
This was the 13th Pillar. It's base started here on that island, and crept towards the sky.
At the base of the colossal marvel of earth, a large campus sprawled out across the island. It had to be none other than the Academy of Ash. The Academy was carved into the very foundation of the 13th Pillar
It spread its limbs of buildings across the land that Baldred’s Pillar sat on. The architecture was Gothic in style, but rooftops jutted out from the pillar like a combination of ancient Asian temples and monasteries. Some rooms and buildings were several hundred feet high up the massive pillar.
The Academy stood formidable and grand at the base of the pillar. Three large Gothic spires pierced the sky, but their height was laughable compared to Baldred’s Pillar.
Flanking the pillar, and across the ocean's horizon, the twin moons began their ascent, their soft glow framing the colossal structure in a teal mystical light. One moon peeked from each side, casting a silver outline that accentuated the pillar’s dominance over the landscape. The setting sun pained the front of the pillar with it's molten glow. The pillar stood like a monument made for the gods, by the gods.
We all stood on the cliff side, gawking at the massive pillar and the enormous Academy grounds at its base.
“Recruits, it is my greatest pleasure to introduce you to the greatest secret known to Stylos,” Laska held out her arms. I had not seen the woman so enthusiastic as she was now.
“I present to you the town of Ash, the Academy of Ash, and of course, the great 13th Pillar, Baldred’s Pillar.” She pointed at the three landmarks.
Fern stirred and spoke up for the first time today.
—‘Incredible. So, this is it.’
The others were similarly struck with awe. Sora’s eyes reflected the moons’ glow, while Tevin’s mouth hung ajar. Even Lucius seemed humbled, his usual sternness softened.
“The Academy of Ash,” Laska said almost reverently. “Home, for those who can earn it.”
We were so high up, but I could still make out the campus. It was sprawling. It covered almost every bit of the land that the pillar stood on. I took in the training grounds within the academy’s walls, the central building whose towers seemed to reach for the pillar itself. The sheer scale was overwhelming.
“Well,” Mel broke the silence, a grin spreading across her face, “what are we waiting for?” She took off running down the cliff side.
“Hey, wait up!” Zenobia called out. She dashed after Mel.
Laska nodded. “Agreed. The plains are safer than these mountains, so it’s best not to linger.”
We began our descent down the path, the way now wider and less treacherous. The promise of rest and a proper meal quickened our steps.
CREEEE
Suddenly, a piercing screech tore through the air, chilling me to the bone. It echoed off the mountains behind us, a sound both primal and full of rage.
“What was that?” Sora gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
From the shadows of the pass we’d just exited, a massive silhouette emerged—its form obscured but undeniably colossal. Multiple appendages shook from either side of it. Two glowing eyes fixed upon us, and with a ground-shaking roar, the beast barreled forward.
“Run!” Laska shouted, ushering us down the pass. She pulled her sword free and turned around towards the oncoming monster.
My heart thundered in my chest as adrenaline surged. We scattered, feet pounding against the earth as we raced toward the plains. The creature’s footsteps hammered behind us, closing the distance.
—Did Laska miss? I thought. Why is it still getting closer?
I dared a glance over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of scales and teeth gleaming in the dying light.
—‘This is a problem,’ Fern whispered. ‘We're not going to make it! Do something, Erik!’
“Keep going!” Hopsander yelled from in front, “Don’t look back!”
The path ahead seemed to stretch endlessly, the safety of the academy feeling suddenly unreachable. I could run further and faster than everyone else—that’s all I had to do. But, Fern was urging me to help; something within me was telling me that I might be able to do something.
As the beast’s shadow loomed larger, swallowing the fading light, I gritted my teeth, slammed my feet into the ground, and pulled Lightcutter out, facing the approaching mass.
CREEEE