Below the triquetra, which I'm fairly certain can be seen all the way from the other side of the canyon, and within the confines of the triangur tympanum, there is a sculpture—a bizarre collection of spiraling naked forms. Not to be undone, and following the common theme of the facade of everything being colossal in scale, the tympanum has almost the width of the triquetra. Hundreds of naked human figures, each in prime youth and shape, emerge out of sharp swirling clouds. It's hard to say whether the figures are terrified or excited. In the manuscript pictures, some seemed serious while others were mostly indifferent. The sculpture has an overall helical shape. Even the bodies of mostly half-emerging people are following the prevailing helical pattern.
It is hauntingly pretty, although I'd prefer it to have more than just one color. If I said such thoughts aloud mom would clip me on the head. ''The design of the Goddess is never to be questioned,'' she would say. Our chosen ancestors held the entire canyon, including the structures within, in the highest reverie. Of course, over centuries some slight modifications and changes were necessary but only after a lot of fervent discussions. I once overheard Father jokingly say how you can't dig a shithole without the Senate debating about it. Again an image of my mom taping me on the head emerges.
Just below the tympanum, there is a frieze stretching from side to distant side of the facade. Depicting lightly armored human figures with axes, spears, and sledgehammers; while with them are familiars: Ground and Winged, possessing sword-like teeth and scythes for cws. The portrayal is a bit much. It is a scene of battle, although the enemy is not depicted, only corpses and body parts. I've read that the carved line of decoration is several times rger than an adult. This was probably done so their details are not lost due to the vast distance and scope of the facade. Sadly, it seems to me even these masterful details get somewhat lost within the scope of the structure. Some long-dead writers and painters no doubt used their Winged to acquire all this knowledge.
It is a little disappointing that there are no pleasing and rge letters formally stating, ''The Breaker Academy.''
The enormous facade is as daunting as it is breathtaking; I feel as if it might consume me at any moment. It may be grand in its design and scope but I don't like its unpainted surface. That pinkish-red color dominates, making the entire vast structure seem dull.
For some reason, Aleera is smiling at me. ″Come along now, girl, rushy-rush.″ I haven't even noticed that I've stopped walking.
We approach the bridge-like structure, spanning the wide river-channel. The beginning and the end of the bridge are a seamless continuation of the stone beneath our feet. There are many bridges like it strewn at equal intervals. Red-cloaked guards are on both fnks. I heard that their toil can be mostly ceremonial and that the Academy sometimes uses guard duty as a form of discipline. These two don't seem to be students. From the way they stand and hold their spears, I assume they are trained soldiers. They simply nod to Aleera as we stride past them without asking about our business.
We pass about a third of the bridge, and Aleera, always thoughtful, answers what I wished to ask. ″They belong to Crimson Guard and are sentinels of this pce,″ she pauses for a moment, a somber look grabs her eyes, ″among other things.″
I can't stop staring at the oversized carved monster in front of us. ''Are there many?''
Aleera almost ughs. ''Yes, girl. They are in a sense a small army of the Academy. Officially these soldiers owe their allegiance to the Senate but in reality, they answer only to the person at the top of this ndmark institution.''
As we are crossing the almost three-armspans-wide bridge a pleasant mild wind dandles us. I'm surprised it can even be windy at all considering all the rocks and obstacles around.
High above and to the right of the great facade I can see small shapes of about four Winged which slowly disappear out of sight as their forms merge with the cliff's face.
A strange sound, barely noticeable, draws my attention down at the channel. There is something in the water. ''What is that?'' I nod to my left.
Aleera gnces at the water for a moment. ''Probably a sea serpent. One of those guards is pretending to be an ordinary soldier. Come, girl.''
I don't quite understand, but I've already slowed her enough. My march quickens until l catch up with Aleera.
After crossing the bridge, the rge courtyard of stone greets us. I'm surprised at how pristine and ft the area appears. There are chips and cracks in pces but overall: it's smooth.
''Why didn't we nd much closer?'' I ask.
''This is the Academy's courtyard. Most enter through one of the bridges. They have a certain etiquette of behavior here, you should be mindful to adhere to it during your studies.''
I simply nod, not wishing to bother her with too many questions. There was time for me to get some research done but the Academy is known for being secretive. Regardless, many things were known about this pce but people simply chose not to speak of it aloud.
In the distance to my left, I can see a rge cart pulled by a Gray-made four-legged familiar, considerably bigger than a cow; supposedly bringing supplies to this pce. Soon a figure in a dark blue robe approaches it.
