The Three Pillars - By Demetyr Amara

Written By: Demetyr Amara

Category: Flash fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing "The Three Pillars," a compelling flash fiction piece by Demetyr Amara. Featured in the Creative Writing category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative delves into the intricate dynamics of war and survival. The story explores themes of free will, sacrifice, and the perpetual cycles of conflict that shape human history. Amara's vivid storytelling invites readers to reflect on the profound impact of these cycles on individuals and societies alike.

About the Work

"The Three Pillars" presents a poignant meditation on the cycles of war and peace. Through evocative imagery and a reflective tone, Demetyr Amara captures the essence of human conflict and the burdens it imposes. The narrative is rich with symbolism, portraying knights, kings, and survivors entangled in a relentless cycle of destruction and renewal. The work challenges readers to consider the futility of war and the enduring strength of those who rebuild amidst the ruins.

The Three Pillars

Original Submission by Demetyr Amara

When two knights are sent forth into battle, do they ever stop to consider the other's side?

Free will is as much a burden as it is a blessing. For centuries good and evil reigned and conquered, and each time rose a champion's name to lead the fight on their siding behalf. Fathers against sons, brothers against brothers. Oaths and bonds broken, families torn apart.

Knights are raised to do what they are told. they hold the sword they are given and made to swing it until one day the wooden splinters will become blood stolen upon its steel. Kings melt their golden crowns at the end of their rule and turn it into something worthless to idolize when they're gone and cripple the longevity of their kingdoms. Survivors are to make due with the world that is thrusted upon them, from beginning to end, their voices of reason going unheard. Kings want their needless wars and the Knights thirst for their mindless bloodshed.

Forgotten are the faces of mothers that brought them into this world purely because through the pain there was love and worth in it - only to stand before their armored, full-grown babes and see they raised killers instead of healers.

Then to war they march. They heed a call they don't comprehend, knowing only that they must because it is expected of them. Their free will enslaved to the hungering tyrants seated on thrones given to them by the people, not birthright.

Kings forget that their bloodline is thin and those they view as lowly peasants become their successors. Knights charge onto a field at an enemy they do not truly know. Survivors pray it is the last time this blindness is excused.

The ruin is all that is left behind. A battlefield is littered with the charred remnants of free will wasted. From the ashes Survivors are to rebuild it all. It's the unfair price they pay for a war they did not even want.

Stone by stone, they remake the fallen empires against their better judgment. Bone by broken bone they sacrifice a year further of their life for a cycle that punishes them to begin anew. Widows resew the torched banners and wash them with their tears. The nameless crowns of grieving mothers plant flowers on the graves of their slain sons - and the matured daughters begin their rushed ascension in birthing the new era of bloodshed.

Given time these fractured nations will find their way to the battlefield once again. New champions will rise up to bring the world to its rebirth of annihilation, but Survivors will never honor these names.

It is a cycle that has no end because it does not learn from its past, and only rears its heir to follow in its footsteps.

Just as generations of abuse continue through the branches from the rotten roots, it's the engine of the beast. A serpent that endlessly devours its own tail.

Three pillars made from the earth's oldest of bones forever stand in time, unchanged and unbroken, as the sun blushes a new dawn on their rough surface and fades with the dusk. These are what stand the testament of time. They have witnessed every thoughtless war.

When continents stand divided the world burns for it.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases diverse voices from around the world, celebrating creativity and the power of words. Participants submit works across various categories, including poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. This competition provides a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives and connect with a global audience, fostering a community of literary expression and appreciation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Demetyr Amara for their captivating submission, "The Three Pillars." This piece, featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, offers a profound exploration of war and its unending cycles. We are grateful for the opportunity to share your work with our audience and look forward to your continued contributions to the world of creative writing.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.