Eyes along the metal barriers follow the interaction hungrily. There’s anger and astonishment and triumph. You gather the reins and urge your horse into motion. Bravos follows. You can feel Quinn shifting her body against yours, falling into your rhythm. The first hundred lengths give you a view of the valley below. The other riders have a massive lead on you.

“We’re losing,” Quinn points out.

“For now,” you reply. “Watch and learn.”

Ahead, there’s a pair of towering weathered stones. Quinn’s grip tightens as you pull Flicker into a sharp turn. Tucked just behind the boulders is the hidden trail you spotted at the map unveiling. Mother’s advice is already paying dividends. It winds you closer to the metal barrier along the course’s western flank, close enough to see the curious expressions and hear the hungry cheers. You can’t help smiling. Is there anything better than leaving people stunned?

It takes half an hour to reach the open plains and increase your speed. The pace you set is far from gentle, but you know it’s not enough to just find the secret trail. A champion takes advantage of every stretch, every second, every opportunity.

Once the path widens, you urge your horse into a full gallop. It’s an easy route that winds slightly uphill. Untouched, your horse starts to build momentum. Your father’s favorite alchemical combination—Vibrancy—is working exactly as planned. It’s just you and Bravos out here. No one’s harassing your flank and you can feel the top speeds getting faster and faster. Bravos would fall behind, but his horse is designed for the hunt. As long as there’s something to chase, it can burn hard and fast. Take the lead and the horse gets bored.

You glance back. He looks so stark and handsome in action. Dark strands of his hair catch and toss in the wind. You can’t help loving how much he looks like a champion.

The first leg couldn’t have started any better.

Chapter 23: Changing Skies

One thought pulses in the front of my mind: survive.

I remember enough of the map to know that the first day has us winding down a single, narrow valley. The riding was always going to be tight, but the presence of so many other riders has the first few sprints feeling claustrophobic. Adrian shouldered into a lead right away. Even through the growing cloud of dust, I’m close enough to see Etzli and Revel nipping at his heels. I do my best to follow all the little rules Martial has taught me over the years. Tight on the turns. Pressing my horse out of the shade and into the sun to increase endurance. It’s a little harder, though, with company on your heels. A trio of riders have started closing in.