Before I explain the plan to my friends, I first tell them about what I have been doing. About the events since I parted ways with them.

“A Sentient Nest. Larger than even a Hive…” Kalmat purses his lips. “And it destroyed Thornthistle?”

“Indeed.” I close my eyes regretfully.

“But the people—” he starts.

I raise a hand, speaking reassuringly. “They survived. I managed to bring down the Sentient Nest, then I sent them on their way to the Pishitim.”

He blinks, exchanging a glance with Keshiy. “To the Pishitim? How did you do that?”

I recount the exact same plan I had told Bluerage and the survivors of Thornthistle to the rest of the Keepers of the Grove. They are dubious. Of course they do not immediately buy into my plan. After all, getting to the Pishitim was a feat that very few people in this world have accomplished. The only reason they are willing to hear me out is because I am one of said people who have spoken with the Pishitim before.

“When I met the Pishitim, I was not able to speak with it,” I say as the Keepers of the Grove follow after me. “Not in the same way speak to you. It communicated with me through feelings— through my soul.”

The gathering of refugees trail behind us. They are the survivors from Warmthkeep. Elementalists that accompanied the Zombie extermination expedition. They glance between each other, unsure of where we are going. I lead the way, bringing them away from the Flourishing Flatlands.

I continue, “And when the Pishitim spoke to my heart, I could feel everything it felt. I could truly understand its intentions. More than anything, I know it wishes to keep the people of Utana safe. The only reason it has never allowed others to pass through that membrane of Lifeblood beneath the earth is because it was never the right time. But now? Now I know it is the right time.”

Seiled sticks close to me. The boy hangs to my every word. Entranced. Every single time I have spoken about the Pishitim, he has shown great interest. Like a son listening to his mother’s tales.

“The Pishitim really is incredible…” he gasps.

Keshiy pipes up from behind him, crossing her arms. “But even if that’s true, how do we know it’ll be enough, Tian?” the orange-haired woman asks with a hand on her chin. “How do we know that we will be safe with the Pishitim?”

“Because I have see the what the Pishitim’s defenses can withstand.” I shake my head, gesturing at the purple-skinned man following after us. “He can tell you of it, too.”

Galgom pauses. Faces turn to him— most of them still carry some animosity. I can sympathize with their sentiments. But at this point in time, there is no reason to start conflict amongst ourselves, as Kalmat said. So we just listen as the former tyrant speaks.

“The girl is right. The sea of Lifeblood that guards the core of the world is nigh impenetrable. I do not believe there is anything in Idu’s arsenal that can penetrate that crimson barrier. At least, not immediately.”

Beihal raises a brow at the answer. “Not immediately? What do you mean by that?”

“Give enough time, even I could reach the Pishitim,” Galgom scoffs. “Perhaps it would have taken years longer… but I believe that the void pirates have the capability of breaking through in a much shorter amount of time.”

“Then it is still the safest place we can find refuge in,” I say, shaking my head. “No other place in Utana is safe. Not even the Desolate Caverns. Anything Idu turns his gaze towards can be destroyed in a single moment.” I emphasize the point with the snap of my finger.

“I saw that, too.” Kalmat nods. His face twists as he looks towards the hole up above. “That crimson pillar that tore through the sky… were you up there?”

I bit my lower lip. “I was. I tried to close the rift in space, but Idu answered with that attack. Do you know what that is, Galgom?” I turn to the alien.

He crosses his arms. “You are lucky you are still alive. That is one of Idu’s greatest weapons. It can destroy worlds in a single blast. Drill holes through space itself, leaving only black holes in its wake. It would have been the end of Utana if not for the Pishitim’s power.”

“What is it, then?” Nindran asks, rolling her eyes. “All you’re doing is describing what it does. We can see that, y’know?”

Galgom harrumphs. “Hmph. Its name does not matter. But if you must know, it is called the Pillar of Death.”

“The Pillar of Death…” I rub my chin in thought. “And what other superweapons does Idu have with him?”

“Too many to explain in a single day.” Galgom shrugs. “Just know that Idu will not stop until he gets what he wants.”

“I see. Then that is all the more reason we should hurry to the Pishitim.” I walk silently for a moment, not commenting any further.

The Keepers of the Grove and the refugees from Warmthkeep continue to trail behind me. Seiled stops, tugging me by the arm.

“But, Tian, didn’t you say the way to the Pishitim is back in the Flourishing Flatlands?” the boy asks. “That’s where the survivors of Thornthistle went, right?”

“It is,” I say, before shaking my head. “But it is not the only way to reach the Pishitim. And not the fastest way for us.”

I come to a stop just before a hill as the landscape up ahead changes. I gesture in the distance, smiling at the rest of the Keepers of the Grove.

“Come and see,” I finish.

“What?” Seiled blinks. “This is…” he trails off.

Kalmat steps forward, narrowing his eyes. The man casts his gaze over the scarred landscape. Long fields and tall valleys, littered with the skeletons of dead creatures. Covered in the bodies of metal beings. A very familiar place for all of us. Even Galgom who looks up in recognition. Especially at the gaping hole in the ground up ahead.

“Crimsonhome,” Kalmat finally says. “This is Crimsonhome.”