I love the story. It’s an ancient tale. I especially love “cyclopean shards” — even though I had to google the definition.

I do feel like the twist happens too quickly. I know it’s a 1024 character thing so d’oy! for me but more time could have been spent on the aftermath.

The apostrophe needs to come out of ‘Bearers’. Also the use of the word ‘forth’ in different contexts is slightly jarring – consider varying the vocab; same with “a melon-sized stone to the stone altar.” Too much stone.

That said, I love the imagery, especially in that line. I imagine it a kind of melonesque marble.

I think a great story could be born from the ruins of this temple. I might have to try.

I myself found this challenge hard, but you embraced it well.