The Guard of Nothing At All

Once upon a time there was a soldier, who was tasked with guarding a beautiful garden in a palace. The guard stood at the entrance of the garden, looking outward to deter any intruders. As the guardian watched, a large storm struck the palace. This storm was so large that the bricks of the palace were torn away and the plants of the garden uprooted. The guard did not budge however. He prayed to Ostinatos for aid and the god answered his prayer. Ostinatos strengthened his feet and planted them deep in the ground.

As the storm passed by, the guard remained but the palace and the garden were destroyed around him. As the dust settled around him, the guard spotted a lone warrior approaching him, wielding a mighty warhammer. As the warrior reached him, the guard raised his hand and told him that he can not pass. The warrior stepped back and asked why can't he pass if there is nothing behind the guard. The guard answered that behind him is the garden which he's ordered to protect. As the warrior tried to explain to him that the garden was no more, the guard did not budge and did not turn around to check. He followed his orders and did not question them.

The warrior then raised his warhammer and warned the guard that if he does not step aside, he will die where he stands. The guard drew his own blade in response, ready to defend the garden. The warrior attacked the guard and landed a powerful blow on him, which spun the guard around and knocked him on the ground. When the guard stood up, he gazed upon the remnants of the garden and saw that nothing remained of it. The warrior stepped back and spoke to him.
- Now you see that there is nothing left for you to guard. You stand no chance, drop your weapon and leave this place.
- I will not abandon my post. If I can not defeat you, then I will guard this place until I fall - answered the guard.
- Then you will die as the guard of nothing at all - said the warrior as he raised his weapon once again. The guard countered his first strike, but the warrior was very quick, making a second strike shortly after, which the guard could not defend against. The guard, almost dead, fell to the earth and gazed upon the warrior. Instead of striking once again with his weapon, the warrior offered his hand to the guard and helped him get up. The guard didn't understand why he was spared, but the warrior revealed himself to be Ostinatos. He commended the guard on his loyalty and dedication to the orders he was given and Ostinatos granted his essence entry into the Great Mechanism.