The Pillars of Cor
As each new dawn breaks over the island nation of Calderra, its beams pierce through the narrow space that lies between the Pillars of Cor. As each sun sets, the Pillars ward off the oncoming night. Guarding the eastern entrance to the circular bay, these colossal statues face out against the storms and dangers of the Broken Realm that may threaten those that dwell in peace within the ring of islands.
Shaped from two, long, thin, wedge-shaped islands, these statues are a testament to the earth-shaping power of the heroes of old. They are attributed to Sir Cor Earthshaker, one of the ancient Companions of the Lost King. Though time-worn and storm-weathered, they remind all who enter Calderra that it is under the protection of the King.
While some dismiss it as mere superstition, it can’t be denied that hullborers, harpies, and other twisted creatures shun the Pillars. Maybe there is something to the legends, after all?
Michael Somerville is the author of several short stories, as well as an in-progress high-fantasy series called the Tales of the Broken Realm. He loves telling stories of hope about ordinary characters doing their small part to help heal a broken world. By day, he pays the bills as a hands-on storyteller and project manager, leading and envisioning professional teams in the "real-world", even as he is busily building and illustrating imaginary worlds in his evenings and on the weekends.
Outside of work and writing, he enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including playing music with his family and friends on keyboard or guitar, drawing, sculpting, painting, sewing, and blacksmithing, or walking the length of the Appalachian Trail in his home neighborhood in the Shenandoah Valley, where he serves as a Board member on his local civic association.
Most important to Michael are his family and his church. Michael and Jessica celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2026 and are happily raising three wonderful daughters. He serves actively in his local church, playing music on Sunday, teaching the older elementary kids, and leading a small group of wonderful saints. He hopes to hear "Well done" one day, and plans to keep serving his true King until then.
If you would like to follow along on Michael's writing journey, please sign up for his newsletter.
