The lights in the auditorium dimmed and we took our seats. As befitted the runner-up, I was directed to the front. I could see Lexie and Taylor beaming as they were moved to the front of the audience with Speck and Brochan right behind. They weren’t skulking in the back row now and that was satisfying. We hadn’t achieved what we’d set out to but I’d reap the rewards from these Games for some time to come. I had sacrificed my chance of winning to save Byron from Debbie’s arachnid stomach. I promised myself that I wouldn’t be a sore loser. I was better than that.

I smoothed down the new improved Clan Adair tartan and reminded myself to maintain a proud posture. And I was proud. I might be a Clan of one – with some bloody decent friends behind me – but I’d beaten the others against all the odds. I was worthy. I had no idea how I would win back my father’s lands but there was always tomorrow. I would always be optimistic. What else was there?

The league board had been moved onto the stage for the prize giving. My name glittered near the top, with Byron’s right above it and a single point separating the pair of us. Byron strode up and took the winner’s seat next to me; it was several inches higher than mine. I couldn’t help noticing that he took considerable pains not to touch me but I tried not to let it bother me.

‘Congratulations,’ I said.

He didn’t look at me; I ignored the sharp stab in my chest and shifted away slightly. I’d respect his wishes, much as I wanted to grab him and yell that nothing that happened had been my fault. Looking at the faces in the watching crowd, many of whom were far friendlier towards me than they had been when these Games had started, it occurred to me that I’d gained many allies. But I’d lost some too. I sighed inwardly; I couldn’t blame Byron for how he felt but it didn’t stop the hurt from searing through me.

There was a dramatic drum roll, then the Carnegie MC marched out. He was wearing a bizarre cape that flowed out behind him, as if he were some kind of tartan-clad vampire. He took his spot at the front, nodded to the pixie who handed him a microphone, and started to speak.

‘Ladies and gentlemen!’ he boomed. ‘I am sure you will agree that the 2016 Games have been the best ever!’ There was a loud cheer from the stands. I noticed that the loudest cheers came from the Carnegie onlookers. ‘We have never had such a close-run race or such a nail-biting finish.’

‘Or so many clichés,’ I muttered. I felt Byron glance at me and fell silent again.

‘We would like to welcome our third runner-up to the dais to receive his medal. Clan MacQuarrie will be very proud of their son this evening. Never before have they placed so highly.’