Forged Destiny [Book 2: Ch. 12, Ch. 13]

As we ran around its flank, it became clear how gargantuan the thing really was. It was little wonder it destroyed the temple, for stood up straight, it would not have fit inside. At a glance, I'd have said it was well over forty or fifty metres tall, but the fear might have pushed my guess off. It was difficult to focus with how hard my heart was beating.

—Forged Destiny [Book 2: Ch. 12]



The temple itself was as fractured as its fellows. The entranceway was cut off, hidden behind a huge pile of rubble, and there was no telling if the interior was the same. Instead, I looked at the wall to try and find a way up. It was ornamentally decorated, and some of the sculptures on the side stood out at odd angles. I tested one with my hand, then pulled myself up to see if it would hold. It did.

One arm before the next, eyes grit against the harsh wind as I fought for purchase to drag myself slowly up the side of the building. My armour threatened to weigh me down, but there was no time to deal with it and there was no telling if I'd still need it afterwards. A particularly brutal gust of wind caught my fur cape and whisked it to the side. It almost tore me off completely and I had to press myself against the stone. My fingers felt like they might break. The pain was unbelievable.

"I won't give in," I whispered. My body shook as I flung my right arm higher and gripped a rough-cut stone ledge. The muscles in my arm bulged as I used my considerable Strength to pull myself up. "I won't stop. Not while the others are still fighting." The wind didn't abate, so I clenched my teeth and kept going.

I reached the lip of the roof a few minutes later. My muscles screamed in agony but I managed to swing a leg over and drag myself up. On the domed roof, I paused to catch my breath.

[...]

With a quick prayer and gasp, the roof ended – and open air began. My body hung there, free from gravity for a few long moments as I sailed above and over the battle. Everything seemed to be in slow motion, and I was able to turn and look down to the battle below. Ruby's eyes met mine, like tiny specks of silver.

She'd drawn Merlot below me. She'd done it. My eyes traced the huge avalanche of wood as it rained down above him.

—Forged Destiny [Book 2: Ch. 13]