On your other side, Adrian Ford. You try not to notice the way he looms over everything like a second sun. You note the sharp line of his jaw, the sprawl of his shoulders, the veined backs of his hands. He looks like he was carved by the gods themselves. Instead of fear, you feel adrenaline pulsing in your chest. You were born to ride, but you were also born to fight. Looking at Adrian Ford makes one thing clear: a worthy challenger has arrived.

“And we honor that day,” the announcer is saying, “with a Great Display of our own. Behold your riders. Behold their horses. There are placards along each barrier that describe the chosen components for each summoning. As a reminder, these will be the first combinations that each rider has locked in for the opening of the Races. It’s the first hint of what might unfold after the gunshot sounds. Come forward, witnesses! Let’s see how this changes the gambling lines!”

You raise your chin and smile. Money and power have bought each person in the crowd access. It is their chance to ask questions and inspect the horses. The first patrons make a line straight for you. A well-dressed Dividian nods in greeting, pen and notepad in hand. Clearly a journalist. He kneels and inspects the waiting placard. You watch as he scribbles down components and reads the inscription. Others are circling curiously.

“Vibrancy,” he notes with surprise. “That was your father’s opening rebirth, no?”

Your smile widens. He’s done his research. After a long deliberation, you decided to open the Races with the combination your father made famous. It was the one that helped him storm to an opening lead on the first day. You’ve trained with it for months. Vibrancy horses are known for two things: long strides and building speed. The longer they ride uninterrupted, the higher their top speed climbs. It is a summoning that has risks, too, though.

“So you’re hoping to jump out into first?” the reporter guesses.

It’s always better to let them wonder. You’ve learned that much from previous Races.

“Starting first is fine, but it’s finishing first I care about.”

He grins at that. “A summoning like Vibrancy depends on not bumping shoulders with other riders, right? Pretty risky considering the presence of Adrian Ford. Not to mention the recent breakup with Bravos. Tight quarters will slow you down.”

“Nothing slows me down.”

He scribbles that line on his pad before tipping his cap and heading on. The rest of the crowd presses forward. One of your father’s friends waves to get your attention. You shake his hand before answering more questions. You know that the crowd has only a short time to inspect the horses and make their interrogations. Some are just here for fun, but others will report back to newspapers and spread the word for gambling dens to make more informed bets.