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A Soldier's Life - 309 - Cloudy With A Chance Of Titans (final edit 7-22-25)
🕑 Added 2024-12-09 03:02:44 +0000 UTCChapter 309: Cloudy With A Chance Of Titans Mynasha was impatient as we sat and were served by young orc attendants in drab gray robes. The
Chapter 309: Cloudy With A Chance Of Titans
Mynasha was impatient as we sat and were served by young orc attendants in drab gray robes. The local cleric’s house was humble but cozy.
Woolasha sipped some pungent tea. “I will tell you what I can. It is a challenging climb, and the task the Elders have set forth is difficult. I suspect Fioasha might know a few places where he might find an artifact without summiting the Spire and confronting the Ancients.”
“Ancients?” I asked, puzzled.
The cleric nodded seriously. “That is what we call the oldest of the storm giants. They come here to live out their last days, even though that may be centuries. We do not know how long they actually live, though there is one storm giant that has been around since the founding of the Caliphate,” Woolasha replied informatively.
I interjected with a pertinent question. “What is the name of that storm giant?” If it became a FUBAR situation, maybe knowing the name would be useful.
“Khrusos,” the cleric replied seriously.
That sounded familiar. “Kronos?” I questioned the name.
“No. Khrusos,” he said patiently, sounding out the name a few times. Perhaps the translation or passage of time altered the giant’s name. Kronos was Latin, after all. He waited till I was satisfied before continuing. “Now, the Spire has been called many things over the years: The Crown due to the persistent lightning storms surrounding the summit, Death’s Home since that is where the storm giants go to die, and most who venture to climb it never return, and Wisdom Peak by Supreme Annalasha centuries ago who visited the Titans on more than five occasions. But the Titans call it Olympia, and you should use that name if you plan to converse with them.” My blood chilled as there were just too many similarities to Greek legends to be a coincidence.
Mynasha didn’t see or sense my unease. “Can’t we find an artifact without interacting with the Titans?” Mynasha asked, a little distressed at having to wait. At least she was smart about not wanting to risk an encounter with the giants.
Woolasha nodded. “That is probably wisest. You may come across some relics during your climb, but most will be too large to carry back with you. Fioasha used to climb the Spire as a youth. Not to the summit, but it was considered brave among the young men and women to explore the lower paths. Like I said, he most likely knows where an artifact is easily accessible on the lower slopes.”
Mynasha clenched her fists in frustration. What did she expect? The Elders probably consulted Fioasha before assigning the task. They probably needed something suitably dangerous to announce to the gathered warlords and clerics. It was either admirable or naive that she still thought she had a chance to come out on top of The Choosing.
She regained her composure. “What do you suggest if we have to climb to the summit?” I clenched my jaw as she had used the word we. I did not want to climb to the summit. I could accompany her partway, but it was her task to convince the Titans to relinquish an artifact, not mine. I wondered if we could have cheated and just used one of the buttons we had uncovered in the plains.
“If you do summit, announce yourselves. Do not be foolish and try to sneak in and steal something. The last of the storm giants wield powerful magic, the likes of which can erase cities from maps.” I could attest to having seen a single storm giant excavating a massive crater in a swamp.
“We should go,” Mynasha said, standing determinedly. She was done waiting.
I stood slowly and handed the cleric a handful of silver and a bag of apples. “For my mare. One apple a day. If I don’t return, explain it to her.” He looked at me, perplexed, but took the coin and apples.
The walk to the Spire was a lightly worn path through the rocky grassland. A number of sheep paused in their meal to watch us, and I could read their minds. They were thinking we were idiots for heading towards the ominous tower of stone in the distance.
After trekking nearly four miles through rocky terrain, we finally arrived at the base of the Spire. The mountain loomed above us, its colossal form becoming more imposing with each step we took. When we stood at its base, we were met with an astonishingly sheer cliff that seemed to extend impossibly into the sky. An awe-inspiring sight that defies natural formation.
“This feels—artificial,” I breathed softly in the cold but humid air. Around us, massive blocks of stone were partially buried in the ground like ancient fallen sentinels. The entire sight was reminiscent of Devil’s Tower back on Earth.
My companion dismissed my remark and veered onto the worn path to the right, each step echoing on the damp stone. A gentle mist drizzled down from the swirling clouds overhead. After a few moments of following the cliff, we found ourselves standing before magnificent stone towers that loomed on either side of the wide path. The ancient giants had clearly crafted these colossal structures to man themselves. The tower surfaces were adorned with faded pictographs—timeworn symbols that hinted at a long-lost language. The sheer size of the towers made me feel tiny in comparison, a living testament to a bygone era where the Titans ruled.
We paused briefly, taking in the breathtaking view. The uneven stone path before us wound upward, curling around the massive Spire that loomed overhead. Mynasha, determined, stepped forward, passing between the two tall structures. As we moved past, the extent of the towers' damage became obvious. Their once-imposing facades bore the marks of a fierce attack; large chunks of stone had fallen away, leaving gaping holes.
I sent a few earth pulses out, hoping perhaps an artifact would be buried within easy access to end this expedition early, but there was nothing. The abandoned towers appeared to be primarily a solid stone base, with just the top floor having space for defenders. I continued to pulse my earth speak as we climbed the path, hoping to find something.
At first, I was confused as to why we had been told to leave our mounts, but after we had ascended a few hundred feet, a large portion of the path had fallen away, and only a fresh narrow path had been carved out into the cliff at specific points. I needed to turn sideways to walk the ledge, and the horses would have stood no chance of making it past. I guessed maybe the Titans did this on purpose to prevent large forces from scaling in masse.
When we reached the far side of the Spire, the ocean was hundreds of feet below us. It felt surreal as the clouds that circled the tower were still so far above us, making a persistent mist that made the stone slippery. It would take hours to reach the top of the tower by the gradual grade of the spiraling path.
An hour later, we encountered a second portion of the path that had fallen away. The carved-out walkway was even narrower this time. I briefly wondered if the storm giants could just leap the twenty-foot span of the missing path. Shortly after passing this section, we encountered another tower centered in the path. This tower had mostly crumbled with time or by an attack, and we had to scramble over the rubble.
On the other side was water runoff from above, and a muddy sediment on the path clearly showed four sets of footprints. “Why don’t we just wait here and take whatever artifact one of the others recovers?” I asked Mynasha.
“That would not be honorable,” she said dismissively. I wasn’t joking, though. We had stolen a pixie. What was different about an artifact?
I suddenly got a little angry at the convoluted orc honor. I might have yelled a little in my retort. “And setting up this trial so Fioasha has all the advantages is honorable? You must realize that you have no chance of assuming the mantle of the Supreme and leading your people. This is all just a dog and pony show to make it look like there was a selection process.”
Mynasha winced at my verbal assault but didn’t back down, showing some spine. “I understand what you think.” She pointed to the prints in the mud. “But that is proof Fioasha is ascending the Spire. That alone tells me he has honor. He may be better prepared for this trial, but he is not dishonorable. If you do not want to stand by my side, just return to town and feed your horse apples while you wait for me to return!”
“Okay,” I spun and started to scramble back over the rubble. I slowed when I reached the top of the pile and looked back. Mynasha was gone. She had continued without me. Did I feel guilty? Maybe a little bit, but following her seemed foolish. Adrian had once told me: “You cannot save everyone, Eryk,” which felt applicable now. Then why did I turn around after fifteen minutes and follow the cleric?
I walked slower than I needed to, hoping to come to my senses, but it never happened. I climbed over two more ruined towers before entering the misty clouds that contained crackling lightning. With my earth speak, I could walk confidently forward without having to worry about falling to my death if I encountered a portion of a collapsed trail. That was probably why I caught up to Mynasha, who was hugging the cliff face and testing the path carefully with each step as she traversed the mist.
I stayed fifty feet back, not announcing myself. When the mist cleared for her, she resumed walking. I waited in the mist to let her get ahead again before following. The halo of clouds was now below me as I circled the tower, and it looked like I was not far from the top. At least, it didn’t look like the cliff went on forever above me. The air was definitely a lot colder, and my manticore cloak was soon draped on my shoulders.
My earth pulses picked up the coming summit before my eyes did. Mynasha had stopped at the end of the winding path as well. It had taken most of the day to climb, and Neptune’s Tear was coming out with the fading sun. It was a little disconcerting that neither of the other candidates had passed us returning with their artifacts. I had seen other signs that they were ahead of us: piss and shit on the path, scraps of discarded food, a discarded empty water skin, and more footprints in soft mud.
Mynasha was frozen and didn’t move for a long time around the bend. I was curious about what had made her pause. I silently edged forward until I could see her. She stood between two smaller pillars, gazing out at the summit. I walked slowly to stand by her side, and she didn’t acknowledge me, as if she hadn’t expected me to join her. She was still mesmerized by what she was seeing.
“Thought you might be hungry,” I said, handing her a meat pie. Mynasha took the offered food as she had not been carrying any supplies. I handed her a canteen next as it had been a strenuous climb and she had to be dehydrated.
I finally got to see what had given her pause. A shallow green valley extended across a caldera. It was maybe three miles across to the far side, but a few white buildings could be seen among the colossal trees. It didn’t look like paradise, but it definitely felt out of place for its surroundings. Even the cold air that had dominated the last hour of the climb was gone, replaced with warm, moist air coming from the valley below. Mynasha was obviously hungry because, by the time I took in the view, she had finished the bun and drank the entire canteen.
“I saw two of the storm giants in that clearing there not too long ago.” She pointed to an open space in front of one of the white buildings.
“Did you see either of the other candidates?” I asked.
“No, but Woolasha said we shouldn’t try to sneak in. I was waiting for one of the storm giants to come to me.” I didn’t have a response to that, as he had indeed advised that. I pulled my spyglass to my hand and scanned the valley slowly. At least four clearings with four large white structures reminded me of Greek architecture. “Do you see anything?” She asked.
“Just a few aurochs in the far field,” I replied after scanning again to make sure.
“Maybe we need to announce ourselves,” Mynasha said.
“Don’t go doing anything drastic…” I started to say, but she had already extended her hands toward the sky. Two thick bolts of lightning extended into the sky, followed by a crack and rolling thunder. Well, she certainly knew how to announce herself. It didn’t take long before a giant emerged from one of the buildings, paused and turned toward us, and then started to walk in our direction. I doubted it would take him long to cover the mile…
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Comments
Random Guy
Mynasha doesnt have what it takes to be an effective leader of her people in their curent times. She is to naive, while Honor is good it should be tempered otherwise your enemys will read you like a book and she and the caliphat dont seem strong enough to just brute force things.
Brianna Stormcloud
Thank you for this week's chapters 📖
Kevin O'Malley
He is trying to rescue Maveith’s sister currently.
Trevayne
Thanks for the chapters. I wonder if the storm giants might have their own opinion about who should lead the orcs.
DLJD
in masse -> en masse
Erick Thiemke
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Erick Thiemke
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Erick Thiemke
deleted this sentence
GucciG
I think the main issue I have with this series is that Eryk does not strive to become the best or seek out danger to become better. He has no real ambition other than survival which to me, is lackluster. Does he want to find a way home? Does he want to carve out a home for his friends and family? Does he want revenge on whatever entity brought him here? The first immediate goal was to escape the legion. The second was to find his friend’s sister. What comes after that? He has been nothing but reactive this entire time… that is not sustainable. I want to see him take the initiative to grind out essences, seek out powerful foes through the Guild, train hard and build his crew and personal power, etc. Seeing a determined and motivated Eryk would be invigorating. I hope it happens soon or I think I’ll end up becoming fatigued.
Andrew Crews
On the other side was water runoff from above, and a muddy sediment on the path clearly showed four sets of footprints. I was probably the most shocked, as it seemed Fioasha [was] ahead of us.
Andrew Crews
No, I said Khrusos,” he replied patiently, sounding out the name. But maybe the translation or time [had] altered the giant’s name. Kronos was Latin, after all. He waited [until] I was satisfied before continuing.
michele 00
Nope, I simply wanted it to be an example of how good a protagonist can be who puts his benefits/goal before everything else, he clearly doesn't think there can be such a character written 'well' with this kind of 'mentality', now I want to ask you, your understanding of the text is always this low? Lol
Tuck
lol this has to be a troll post. Fang yuan burner acct?
michele 00
You have a far inferior mentality to mine, let me be clear. First, people/characters would obviously have to tend to be irrational, but the same standard would not have to be applied to the protagonist, who in novels like this is destined to be one of the strongest or 'long-lived', it would make no sense for someone like our protagonist to live so long being irrational, as his long life would be due to incredible luck also known as plot armor, something that would not have to exist in 'good novels'.Second, it obviously seems obvious that you haven't read reverend insanity and have never heard of the protagonist, Fang yuan, who for his goals was willing to sacrifice the lives of millions without hesitation. We have different mentalities, that's obvious, and no doubt mine would take me further than yours in the kind of cruel world Erik currently lives in.
TheEarlofBronze
I must say, you idea of what makes a good character seems absolutely terrible. I agree that that book has been significantly less engaging, but it's good for characters and people to act irrationally, because people are irrational. I think it makes a lot of sense for Eryk to be willing to put life and limb on the line for a friend's enslaved sister. Maevith is his friend, ally, confidant and brother in arms. If you're not willing to do something for that kind of person without "benefit" then you're the worst kind of character.
michele 00
I understand, so I guess I'll be patient and wait on an upgrade in some time when you officially publish it, if I have to think of a criticism that might help you, it would probably be that you make it more realistic that he's risking so much for so little in return, and when you give more meaningful development to those characters they won't be so 'unpleasant' or 'annoying'. Having said that, English is not my first language and I might not express what I think well sometimes
Erick Thiemke
I agree the danger to benefit is unbalanced. It was my thought that after being in so many life and death situations that people get numb to it. I don’t have that background but soldiers who face battle again and again—I assume it gets easier. Remember these are all draft chapters and suggestions are welcome. Book 5 I planned to develop the characters more in the editing. Giving more life to supporting characters like Benito, Maveith, Blaze, Mateo, Glasha and Mynasha. A lot of them felt one dimensional. As for this course of action, I was pressing a plot point for the next book. Meeting with Chronus is important to the plot and will give me a chance to explain a few things.
michele 00
Don't take this the wrong way, author, I just want to know if I'm missing something and if there is really a reason he really deserves to risk his life, for me the only mistake so far has been how little he risks his life for, as if he wasn't afraid of death....I just don't understand
michele 00
Honestly, recently I'm doubting if I should continue reading, is it so difficult to make a protagonist who has enough intelligence to take risks only if he has the opportunity to obtain considerable benefits? So far his motivation for risking his life has been the chance to get a way to save the sister of a friend he doesn't even know, so not enough. Compared to the best protagonist ever, Fang yuan, Erik's mentality is pitiful, he knows he's putting himself at risk of dying and he's still accepting it for next to nothing, honestly it's a bit no sense.
Deliver roo
Also in greek mythology the Olympians are Zeus and the other gods that came after the Titans. Maybe in this world the giants decided to apply the mythology of the first romans that arrived from earth to themselves.
PatronTurtle
I wonder what languages the giants speak naturally are. Underneath whatever translation magica they'll probably use
Erick Thiemke
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Erick Thiemke
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Erick Thiemke
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Shane clark
“That is what we call the oldest of the storm giants. They come here to live out their last days, even though that may be a centuries. Or a century
Shane clark
They come here to live out their last days, even though that may be a centuries. In centuries
Jesus De Guzman
Yay!!
1536539
“We should go,” Glasha said, standing determinedly. “We should go,” Mynasha said, standing determinedly. companion dismissed my remark My companion dismissed my remark
Andrew
Thank you!
Mark Corwin
This is cool. I like it.
John Donovan
I am not sure if this is applicable but in Greek mythology titans and giants are separate. Titans would be considered their own race. Giants were formed when Kronus castrated his father Uranus and bled on Gaia (earth). While powerful giants were considered lesser beings than titans.
NightRider
companion dismissed my remark and veered onto the path to the right, each step echoing softly against the damp stone. Should be, MY companion
Mark Corwin
I don't think you want this transition. Maybe some words are missing?
Mark Corwin
Devil’s Tower back on Earth. companion dismissed my remark and veered onto the path to the right, each step echoing softly against the damp stone.
Erick Thiemke
2nd of 4. I am threading Earth mythos in here. Let me know how it works for you as readers as the MC is about to meet Kronos. Some of you may have read the plot in the author notes and kinda know what the back story is. Introducing it in book 5 instead of book 6.
