Dirt pelted my face. The beast trampled down the cliff. Antennas touched me.
Suddenly, laughter erupted from above. I peeked through my fingers and lowered my arms. The shiny obsidian shell of Gora sparkled in the rising moonlight.
“Gora!” I shouted as her antennae tickled my cheek. I looked up to see Al sitting atop her saddle, laughter rumbling behind his beard.
“Hold up, you lot!” Al’s voice boomed, tears of laughter glistening in his eyes. “You should’ve seen yourselves! Faster than jackrabbits on hot coals!”
Relief and irritation surged through me. Mel turned around, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “Not funny, old man!”
Laska marched up behind Al, annoyed. “Al, you blasted fool! As soon as I turned around and saw Gora charging toward us and you swinging your arms like a lunatic, I knew it was another one of your 'pranks'. One of them could’ve broken their necks!”
Al grinned. “Aw, come on, Laska. A little excitement keeps the blood flowing. Can’t have our new recruits getting too comfortable now, can we? Not with the end just in sight.” He nodded toward the Academy far below at the base of the pillar.
“Still, I should’ve known you’d pull something like this. Frankly, I expected you to return earlier.” She walked past him to the front of the group, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth as she passed me.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “I thought we were done for,” I admitted, my fingernail found the skin on my thumb and started scratching. Nerves washed from me. “I...well, we just found out about the Guardians last night. I thought you were the summer one.”
Al climbed down from Gora, who scaled the mountain wall beside us to reunite with Goro. The two beetles nuzzled each other, hanging sideways against the cliff face. The sight was otherworldly.
Al clapped a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Nah, lad. Guardians don’t roam this close to Ash. Besides, you’ve got me to watch your back.” He turned me around and gave me a gentle nudge down the cliffside road.
We rejoined the group, each member giving Al a dirty or annoyed look for his prank—except for Hopsander, who kept on laughing.
As we continued down the cliff, we were blessed with a perfect view of Baldred’s Pillar and Ash the whole way. One by one, then two by two, then sporadically, little lights turned on in the town and Academy below. It seemed like they were using electricity, which puzzled me. The technology in Corello was more medieval than here. Then again, everything in Corello ran on magic. They had no need for advancement in lighting technology. I had a lot to learn about this world and everything in it. Seeing the Academy filled me with an excitement I hadn’t felt since arriving. Thoughts of a library and history classes made my heart beat faster.
—Just imagine all the interesting lore and history we can uncover! I thought.
The colossal pillar loomed above the Academy, piercing the sky like a spear. Its sheer size still took me by surprise. I found myself constantly drawn to it, unable to tear my gaze away.
“The Academy,” I began, falling into step beside Al. “What’s it really like?”
He glanced at me, his eyes reflecting the distant lights of Ash. “A marvel,” he said softly. “Much more than stone and mortar attached to a giant mythical pillar. It’s a place where even us Voidbloods can carve our destiny. Here, we live outside their rules. It’s our sanctuary.”
I nodded, noting the rare seriousness in his tone. Usually, Al was all jokes since I’d met him. He truly loved this place.
“Do you think... someone like me could find answers there?”
Al raised an eyebrow. “Got questions that need answering?”
“Something like that,” I replied, thinking of Fern.
Al chuckled. “Well, if the Academy doesn’t have the answers, nowhere does. We pride ourselves on having the best secret library not known to all of Stylos—no, all of Mourne! I’m convinced no country in this world can match ours. We hold the world’s secrets here, and almost no one knows.” His face grew serious again as he continued down the cliff. I hurried ahead to rejoin the group.
We reached the ground after another half-hour of descending. The cliff opened up to a long, hilly green plain. Grass reached up to my knees, and the cool night wind kissed our cheeks. It felt like a dream, slowly walking through the swaying grass. Ash glowed in the distance, and the dark shadow of Baldred’s Pillar stood like a monument in the background. We came upon a wide dirt road that forked in two directions—one toward Ash, our destination, and another that led past the cliffs and out of sight. Naturally, we took the path to Ash.
The city lights glowed brightly in the night, but we were easily another thirty minutes away. We walked, enjoying the breeze. Then, the wind died down, and an eerie silence settled over the landscape. The usual whispers of swaying grass, chirping crickets, and dancing wind ceased. An uneasy feeling prickled at the back of my neck.
—‘Do you feel that?’ Fern’s voice echoed with unease.
Before I could respond, a low rumble resonated from the horizon. The ground vibrated beneath our feet. Laska halted abruptly, her gaze fixed ahead.
“What now?” Mel whispered, slipping on her metal gauntlet.
The rumble moved around us like pulsing energy. I gripped Lightcutter and tried to pinpoint the sound. Mist poured out from the grass, swallowing the quiet, clear night, and surrounded us. The glow of Ash disappeared, and we lost all sense of direction.
“Group up, everyone. Now!” Laska ordered in a hushed tone. We backed into a tight circle, shoulder to shoulder, back to back.
From the dimming twilight beyond the mist, a colossal figure emerged. The teal light from the moons shone brightly, illuminating the approaching form. My breath caught in my throat. The creature was humanoid in shape except for its size, number of arms, head, and skin. Bright neon-yellow skin covered the six-armed monster. Its head resembled a mutated squid, and it stood well over twelve feet tall with terrifying, gangly legs. I didn’t need another lesson to know what this was: the Summer Guardian.
The towering behemoth was wreathed in shimmering heat. Golden armor plated its massive joints, exposing its bright yellow skin between the bits of metal. From its back, it sprouted black torn wings that flickered like flames. Its eyes blazed like twin suns, casting a fiery glow across the plains. The mist glowed with the light from the Guardian.
“By the Pillar,” Al breathed.
Panic surged anew. The Guardian’s mere presence pressed down on us like a physical weight. The heat radiating from it made the air shimmer, distorting the landscape. Grass ignited and burned to ash in an instant.
“This isn’t a joke,” Hopsander croaked. "We need to run."
Al stepped forward, his expression hardening. “Get them to safety—they’re the most important,” he urged Laska, urgency sharpening his tone. “I’ll hold it off.”
“Are you mad?” Laska snapped. “You can’t fight that alone!”
He shot her a determined look. “Oh, come on, Laska. An old mug like me, still a corporal? My time’s been long enough. No time to argue. Go!” Al raised his crossbow and a small battle axe. His skin seemed to glow. He stepped forward slowly.
“What are you—you know that’s not true. Al!” Laska shouted.
Hopsander straightened up, his legs extending until he towered over us.
“Sergeant, let’s move. He’s right, the recruits are more important... than any of us.” He nudged us back. “This way,” Hopsander said, nodding upward. Despite the mist, the towering pillar peeked through above. It would lead us to safety.
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
Laska gritted her teeth and turned around. “Come on, recruits. Corporal!” she shouted over her shoulder. “Don’t die.”
As everyone started to follow Laska, I noticed Tevin standing still.
“Tevin, come on! What are you—“ I saw he was being pulled toward the Guardian and Al.
In Tevin’s hands, he gripped a rope. Behind him, Goro held the same rope in his mandibles. They were being dragged toward danger by Gora.
Sensing the peril Al put himself in by attempting to hold off the Guardian, Gora tried to move toward him, her massive legs digging into the earth.
“No, girl,” Al said firmly, holding up a hand. “Your eggs need you. Goro needs you.”
Tevin struggled to hold Gora back, his muscles straining. “She’s too strong!”
Goro pulled on the rope behind Tevin, equally strained. Gora's transformation into the stronger protective beetle made her stronger than her mate.
“Cree! Cree!” Goro chirped desperately trying to pull Gora back.
But, she ignored his pleas. She was focused on her dad. Gora continued trying to get to Al, her antennae flickering furiously, her feet pushed harder to move inch by inch. Tevin and Goro needed help.
I looked back towards the group now running further away and then back to Tevin.
"Ah, fuck it." I rushed to Tevin’s side, grabbing the rope alongside him. “Easy, Gora! We need to stay together! Tevin, on three. One, two, three!” We pulled hard, slowing Gora’s advance.
The Guardian let out another earth-shaking roar, taking a step closer. The ground cracked beneath its foot, fissures spiderwebbing outward.
Al loaded his crossbow with a bolt-filled magazine and fired off three black bolts that landed in the Guardian's chest. It was unaffected.
“Go!” he shouted over his shoulder to us. “Now!”
Laska turned around, seeing Tevin, me, and the beetles struggling. “Move, you fools! Head toward Ash!”
Gritting my teeth, I felt my muscles tighten. Every fiber in my body tensed. My vision sharpened, and I let out a determined shout. The strength I had fighting the wyrms returned.
Slamming my feet into the ground, I anchored myself. I pushed energy into my legs, and together we slowly pulled the struggling Gora back. We dragged her toward the pillar—toward safety, inches at a time.
Heat pressed against my back, and I turned to see the Guardian raising its arms, fire swirling around them.
Al stood alone against the looming titan, a solitary figure dwarfed by the Guardian’s immense stature.
—‘He can’t do this by himself,’ Fern said, fear in his voice.
"Al!" I shouted.
WOOOOSHHHH
Just then, a fierce gust of wind whipped across the plains, nearly knocking us off our feet. I almost let go of the rope but dug my heels in, muscles straining against the torrent of wind. Dust and debris swirled around us, and a spiraling vortex formed between Al and the Guardian.
“What in the—” I began.
Hooves pounded the ground and a blur rushed passed me. Atop the biggest horse I’d ever seen was a young man, his eyes glowing a misty green. He wielded a massive crescent scimitar the size of his body. Its blade caught the teal light of the moons.
“Hold fast!” he called out, his voice cutting through the howl of the wind.
He wasn’t much older than we were.
—A student? I thought.
He swung his scimitar in a wide arc, amplifying the tornado that now raged before the Guardian. The winds intensified, creating a barrier of air and dust.
The Guardian hesitated, its fiery gaze shifting to this new opponent. Its flames and form faded against the fury of the wind the young man summoned. He leaped forward, landing gracefully beside Al.
“Reinforcements have arrived, gramps,” he quipped, a confident smile playing on his lips. “Care to join me in a tactical retreat?”
Al grinned despite the situation. “Well, if it isn’t Star Recruit Waelid. You had to steal an old man’s blaze of glory, didn’t ya?" He shrugged. "I might as well take that offer so I can scold you later, boy.”
Together, they moved back toward us, the swirling winds covering their retreat. The Guardian struggled against the tempest, its wings beating furiously but to no avail.
“It’s working!” Tevin exclaimed, hope lighting his face. He dropped the rope, and so did I. We all—beetles, Al, and the newcomer included—joined back up with Laska’s group. We broke into a sprint toward Ash.
“Don’t stop!” Laska urged, pushing us forward.
As we got farther away, the tornado began to wane. The Guardian emitted a roar of frustration, its form fading into the mist. The fog dissipated, and the calm of the night returned. It wasn’t defeated, but it had been deterred—for now.
We didn’t slow our pace until the walls of Ash loomed ahead. The town was on lockdown, gates closed and fortified. Guards lined the barricades, their weapons at the ready.
“Open up! Recruits and escorts inbound!” Waelid shouted.
After a tense moment, the gates creaked open just enough for us to slip through. The guards eyed us warily before sealing the entrance behind us.
The streets of Ash were eerily quiet. Aside from the mass of guards, the place was empty. Shops, stalls, and homes were all shuttered and deserted. A heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the distant sounds of preparation and defense.
Waelid addressed us as we moved quickly through the town. “We’ve been tracking the Summer Guardian for a week,” he explained. “A scout spotted it close to the Pillar, and ever since, the town has been on lockdown.”
Looking around the homes, I saw curtains rustling and lights being dimmed as we passed. Waelid nodded to other guards as we made our way through the streets. They all wore black and red studded leather armor with embroidered capes. Each guard wielded a unique weapon.
“We tried to contact you and the other escorts,” Waelid continued, “but the main bridge was destroyed, so the mail carriage couldn’t get through.”
Laska frowned. “We noticed the bridge was out. I guess that explains why we didn’t know.”
He nodded grimly. “Sabotaged, most likely. Captain Phillip is investigating.”
As we approached the central square, a towering figure came into view.
“Captain! Private Waelid reporting.” The young man with the large sword saluted, fist outstretched and twisting. “I repelled the Guardian. It emerged from the mist to attack Sergeant Laska’s escorted recruits.”
“Well done, Private!” The man was a titan himself.
A mountain of a man with muscles that seemed to defy anatomy. He was twice the size of Tevin who was already twice the size of me. Golden brass knuckles adorned his massive hands, and a thin sliver of golden hair flickered on his bald head under the lantern light. A meticulously groomed mustache added a touch of refinement to his imposing appearance.
The captain’s stern gaze swept over us, lingering momentarily on Silas, who was slumped against Hopsander. Then, to our surprise, his stern expression melted into a broad grin.
“Ah! Fresh faces!” he boomed, spreading his arms wide. “Welcome, one and all, to Ash! I am Captain Phillip Louis Willard of the prestigious Willard family. Our generational contributions to the Cinders are tales you’ll learn during your time here! It’s an honor to meet you, as I am sure you are honored to meet me, the Captain Phillip Louis Willard second son to the Williard family. We are very prestigious, I am sure you know. Welcome future souls of the Cinders!”
Hopsander stepped forward, a sly smile on his lips. “Willard,” he chuckled. “Still scaring the wits out of newcomers with your family obsession, I see.”
Captain Phillip laughed heartily. “Hopsander, old friend!” He turned back to us. “Nothing warms the heart like the sight of eager recruits! Oh, how I can’t wait to watch you all grow and cultivate into majestic Cinders of passion and strength!”
Captain Phillip Louis Willard began flexing and showcasing his strength.
“Yes, yes, you’re quite strong, old friend.” Hopsander patted Captain Phillip, placating his dramatic fellow captain.
Captain Phillip looked back at Silas’s condition and frowned. “We have medics on standby, but with that missing arm, he will need to see Lobella.”
“We figured as much. Do you need any assistance with the Guardian, Captain?” Laska asked.
“I believe you still have your original orders to complete, Sergeant,” Hopsander interjected.
“O-of course, Captain. My apologies!” Laska snapped to attention.
Captain Phillip clapped a massive hand on Waelid’s shoulder. “See them safely to the Academy, Private. Get some rest yourself. Don't you have to prepare your house for Orientation?”
Waelid nodded. “Yes, you're right, sir.” He turned and escorted us out through the back of Ash, leaving behind Captain Phillip.
Waelid took us across a wide land bridge that connected Ash to the small island that held the enormous pillar and academy. As we crossed, the full majesty of the Academy of Ash came into view.
I felt my breath catch. Great, stone outer walls rose before us, manned by guards clad in black and red studded armor. Victorian-esque lanterns cast dancing shadows from the ramparts. The guards stood vigilant, their weapons reflecting the firelight—some adorned with jewels, others plain but no less formidable.
I noticed the diversity among them. Men and women stood side by side, some with the features of beasts—a woman with feline eyes and sleek fur, a man with ram-like horns curling from his temples, and a tall, ghostly pale woman with glass-like skin were among the few.
The gates swung open, revealing beautifully maintained courtyards that stretched across the campus. Cobblestone pathways wound through lush gardens, the scent of night-blooming flowers hanging in the air. Soft lantern light bathed the area in a warm glow.
The buildings themselves were a marvel. Massive gothic structures rose into the sky, their spires piercing the darkness. Sloping rooftops reminiscent of ancient temples were supported by thick granite pillars adorned with intricate carvings. The architecture was an eclectic blend of elements that reminded me of tales from ancient Asia and Greece, woven seamlessly into a harmonious whole.
“It’s... breathtaking,” I whispered, turning slowly to take it all in.
Fern’s awe mirrored my own.
—'I’ve never seen anything like this,' he murmured.
Waelid smiled at our reactions. “The Academy is a place where all paths—not only from Stylos but all of Mourne—converge. You’ll find much to discover here. You’re safe here, whether you become student recruits or work in the town. There’s no safer place for Voidbloods!” He let out a loud laugh.
As we walked through the courtyards, I noticed students milling about—some in groups, others alone. Their uniforms varied slightly in color and design, indicating different houses or ranks. They resembled military dress uniforms. Conversations floated on the night air, a mix of languages and accents. Everyone eyed us. Compared to them, we looked dirty and disheveled. However, despite their gazes, I didn’t sense the disgust I’d felt from Magebloods in Corello.
We approached a grand entryway at the base of the pillar that led to the main entrance of the school. The doors towered above us with intricate carvings on them.
Waelid gestured toward them. “Welcome to your new home.”
Exhaustion and excitement swirled within me. The dangers of the journey already felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the possibilities that lay ahead.
The entrance chamber was enormous. Inside was a vast, cavernous dome that rose high within the giant pillar. Dozens upon dozens of floors stretched high above us. Students, teachers, and staff moved about. I saw other kids in plain clothes who looked to be our age—possibly other recruits.
“Get some rest,” Waelid advised. “Tomorrow's Orientation.” He smiled before leaving us and returning outside.
Laska and Hopsander began organizing us, directing us to our quarters away from the grand entrance. As we moved through the halls, the warmth of the Academy enveloped us. The interior hallways were just as impressive—high ceilings adorned with murals, corridors lit by hanging lanterns of electricity and glowing crystals, and the distant sound of music echoing from somewhere within.
I found myself walking beside Tevin, who cradled a small black spider he’d picked up from the floor. “Can you believe we’re finally here? And, everyone survived. Even the beetles did! I'm so glad.” His eyes reflected the ambient glow from the lanterns above.
I shook my head. “It's a miracle. This place is like stepping into another world.”
Ahead of us, Mel stretched her arms above her head. “Will you two ladies stop gabbing? Just take it all in and relax. Things are about to get interesting.”
“Do you ever stop with the big talk?” Zenobia replied, her golden curly hair bouncing with each step along the hallway.
We reached our assigned dormitory—a spacious guest room with multiple beds, each tucked into cozy alcoves. The room was separate from the staff and student dorms, seemingly used primarily for visitors. The furnishings were simple but comfortable, and a large window offered a stunning view of the cliff we’d climbed down hours ago. The dark shadow of the pillar cut the cliffside in half. The sheer size of the pillar continued to amaze me.
Everyone found a bed and crawled into it. None of us had showered or even had a change of clothes, but that was a problem for tomorrow. As I settled onto my bed, fatigue finally caught up with me. My muscles ached, and my mind buzzed.
—‘Erik,’ Fern’s voice was soft. ‘Do you think we’ll find what we’re looking for here?’
I gazed out at the Pillar, its presence both comforting and mysterious.
—I think so, I admitted. But, I still feel like this is all too good to be true.
—'What do you mean?' He asked.
—We got saved by that...Waelid at the last moment. It's like some sort of act of God. I have this sense or feeling that someone or something is contorlling all of this.
Silence settled between us, filled with unspoken thoughts.
—Get some rest, I said eventually, closing my eyes. Tomorrow’s a new beginning. I won’t waste this second chance.
—‘Goodnight, Erik,’ Fern whispered.
As sleep claimed me, images of the Academy’s grand spires, courtyards, and students lingered in my mind. In such a short amount of time, I’d gone from being an overworked man on earth, to a slave in Fern’s family, to running through a dangerous forest, and now, I was sleeping in a comfortable bed about to become a student at an academy in a fantasy world. I was excited, but something felt wrong. I couldn't be safe here...could I?