Kingdom of Ash

tower, blocking their path.
A hundred against twelve.
Inside the witch tower, close enough now
that Manon could see through the open
archway of the uppermost level, a young
witch in black robes stepped toward the
hollowed interior.
Stepped toward where Manon’s
grandmother stood, gesturing to the pit below.
The Thirteen neared the enemy in their
path and did not falter.
Manon dug her fingers into the stones so
hard her iron nails cracked. Began shaking her
head, something in her chest fracturing
completely.
Fracturing as the Thirteen slammed into
the Ironteeth blockade.
The maneuver was perfect. More flawless
than any they’d done. A lethal phalanx that
speared through the enemy’s ranks. Aiming