The Column Racer

by Jeffrey Johnson

  As practices neared completion, Aubrie would have Areli perform roll-backs on the wall, which Kaia and Areli both loved to do. They would get as close as they could to the travertine wall, and Areli would give the signals to turn as she would around a column. The force of the turn would dig Areli further into the saddle as Kaia would perform a quick turn, belly facing wall, and then level again, tip of the interior wing facing stone. They would do these several times in both directions for conditioning purposes, as well as reinforcing proper turning cues, and most importantly, to make sure no beat is lost to a faulty turn.

  Every practice would conclude with a half-speed run through the pattern. If Aubrie saw anything she didn’t like, Areli would have to do it again and again until Aubrie was satisfied. And still, Aubrie made no mention of Degendhard. No mention of the horrors happening beyond the mountains. Everything was centered upon column racing. Everything was centered upon winning. After practice, each rider was to return their dragons to their stalls. Change into their workout attire, and then go to the exercise area on either side of the bridge. There, they would either swim laps in the pools, run laps around the tracks, or do high-repetition strength conditioning exercises in the weight area, as Coach Sani stressed tone, not bulk.

  The days that filled the week were the same: meet, train, train, train, meet. Then a bath in the bathing area, in marble tubs with mountains of suds piled on one another, followed by a visit to the facility spa, where Areli underwent relaxing stretching exercises, received daily massages, and was given individualized treatments by renowned specialists to her body, face, hands and feet, making sure that every inch of her was nothing but beautiful and pain-free. Then she was sent home to eat foods that were so low in calories Areli could have eaten a whole table-full and not gained any weight. She would then collapse onto her bed, preparing herself for another day. This routine continued until the start of the following week, which marked the first day of school.

  Areli paced back and forth in her locker room. She was furious. She was more than furious. She couldn’t believe it. How stupid! thought Areli, wanting to hit something. Her first day of school was a dream turned into a nightmare. The morning class went smoothly. Nothing unexpected happened. She was even kind of flattered, as every boy in her class and some overly forward girls had made moves on her. An arrogant boy, named Brynn Huff, approached her, expecting his father’s position as head advisor to the Emperor somehow entitled him to her. She didn’t care how far she knocked him down the social ladder when she rejected him. Another boy, Finn Sparks, was more creative in his approach, resting a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the desk where she chose to sit. She knew she would have to let him down a little bit more gently than that pinhole, Brynn. Everyone in her array was intoxicated with her. Everyone wanted a piece of her. However, some of the students in her class, the prissy girls, thought she didn’t belong, but Areli just chalked that up to jealousy.

  It wasn’t until fourth period that her day turned into a mudslide she wished she could correct. But she couldn’t. It was done. Complete. A part of the past. Her choir teacher, Professor Kaydence, the stupid sow, according to Areli, had paired her up with the last girl she ever expected to be with.

  “Doesn’t she know?” screeched Areli to Aubrie, who watched Areli stomp from one side of the room to the other, “there are rules Aubrie, rules that are not meant to be broken.”

  “Has it occurred to you that maybe she didn’t have a choice?” asked Aubrie.

  “Aubrie, you weren’t there,” said Areli, “she had a choice. She most definitely had a choice. She could have paired me with anyone. ANYONE! I just can’t believe it. And now we’re to sing a duet together. A DUET! We are even required to spend time out of school together, Aubrie.” Areli sat down on the couch with a heavy sigh and then got back up and continued to complain.

  Aubrie tried to settle Areli down as best she could. But Areli was still seething, even after they got into the training arena.

  “Areli,” said Aubrie, only showing a bit of irritation, “I know you’re upset. I would be upset if I were you as well. But . . . but we are here now. With studies taking time away from us, every moment we have to practice is critical. Especially with the Sorting Competition coming up. I need you to focus. You’ll get through chorus. I know you will, but here, now, we need to be focused. Kaia is depending on you. Now – clear your anger, and get up there.”

  Areli knew Aubrie was right, but she didn’t want to admit it. She felt like Aubrie didn’t understand the situation properly. She had to bite back the bitter words that were sugar on her tongue because what might be sweet in the moment could lead to a fractured and tumultuous relationship in the future. Besides, she liked Aubrie, especially since she chose her over Fidelja. She couldn’t afford to do or say anything too non-repairable.

  After practice was over, Areli trained her eyes anywhere except on other people. She was still mad at the day’s events. The way students stared at them while they stood together at the front of the chorus room. Areli wondered if these feelings were mutual, but she only dwelled on it briefly. She quickly replaced her thoughts with self-loathing and misguided hatred.

  When Areli returned home, she was so distracted that she didn’t even notice the large gold carriage parked in her parkway. She walked to the door after she thanked her driver and was surprised that Aria was the one that opened it instead of her mother.

  “Hey Aria,” said Areli, a little coldly, “where’s my mother?” She couldn’t wait to further fumigate her rage.

  “She’s in the living room,” said Aria, “but before you go to her, I want to warn you – you have guests.”

  “Guests?” Aria nodded her head and closed the door. Areli repeated the word again in her head. They never had guests. They don’t know anyone here worth visiting with. Areli followed Aria to the living area. She could hear voices running out of the room. One was her mothers. She was laughing. There were other laughs, but none that Areli could place. Areli’s first thought was that they received new servants. Like we need anymore, thought Areli, as they had more than forty to clean the house, wait on them during meals, care for the gardens, cook, and make sure her mother wasn’t lonely.

  When Aria and Areli emptied from the foyer into the living room, her mother was sitting in a chair under a chandelier, facing two people sitting on a couch. Areli could only see the backs of their heads. The one closest to her mother had messy styled dark blonde hair, and the one sitting to his left had long flowing hair, the color of honey and caramel. Her mother looked up at her daughter. Areli and Aria continued towards her . . . and their guests. A bright smile grew on her mother’s face, and then she stood up, resulting in a rise in the other two as well.

  When Areli caught a look at the dark blonde, she nearly stumbled over her feet. She had to blink. She looked over to his companion. Her heart started to suffocate as her lungs struggled with the concept of air. She wanted to look away, but even if she could, she didn’t dare. Instead, her eyes darted from one to the other, and then she located her mother, who hugged her and then pulled gently away. She kept an arm around her daughter’s waist and turned Areli towards their guests.

  “This is my daughter, Areli,” said her mother, a little too happily. The boy extended his hand and kept his eyes firmly locked onto Areli’s.

  “Haskel Cole,” said the boy, “and this is my cousin, Sofi Hunter.” Cousins – such an unfamiliar word. Areli had never met two people who referred to themselves as cousins, mainly because these were the only two that existed. She greeted each of them, and then her mother excused herself from the room, allowing them to talk. Haskel watched over his shoulder as her mother and Aria left. He didn’t turn back to face Areli until he was sure the room door was closed.

  “Shall we sit?” asked Haskel. Now, Areli was positioned like her mother, facing two royal born, but she didn’t wear her mother’s smile or plan on using her laugh. “I’ve been following you since the seventh array. You’re very
talented.” Areli managed a meek ‘0thank-you.’ “I’m sure you’re wondering why we’re here?” Areli didn’t nod. She didn’t move. Her body didn’t allow her. She only alternated eye contact between Haskel and Sofi.

  “We came here with a proposition,” said Haskel, “a lucrative proposition. As you know, my cousin is the editor of the Daily Column. Have you heard of it?” Does he expect me to speak? thought Areli, whose mouth was like the desert they crossed to get to the mountains. She cleared her throat, which sounded raw, uneven, and boarded on rude.

  “I – yes, I’ve heard of it.” Haskel smiled and looked over at his cousin, who seemed shallow and only half-aware that they were having a conversation.

  “How would you want to be a reporter?” asked Haskel. Areli didn’t know what to say, but she was sure her confusion was plastered on her face, especially in the furrow of her brow. “I mean,” said Haskel, easily gliding with words, “how would you like to be a part of the paper?” Areli pretended to be thinking it over, even though she already had her mind made up, after hearing the word ‘reporter.’

  “I really am busy,” said Areli, “training is a lot of work, and I’ve got school work to deal with now as well.”

  “We all have school work,” said Haskel, “that’s the beauty of it.” He looked at her through determined eyes that were not used to hearing the word ‘no,’ while deploying a smile that was as inviting as a freshly made pie. “All you have to do is go through with your normal day. No out of your way reporting, just anything you happen to pick up.” Areli gave him questioning eyes as she dissected his last sentence. His eyes didn’t release her. She could see that they were going to stay until she said yes.

  “Anything I happen to pick up?”

  “Yeah,” said Haskel evenly, “you know anything you might overhear in the Hall, or at the boarding facility.” This time, she gave him a knowing gesture with her head. Signifying that she understood what he was getting at.

  “You want to know what’s going on in the locker room,” said Areli.

  “Precisely,” said Haskel, “and for every story, every ounce of information. You’ll be rewarded.” Areli crossed her arms and stared hard into the blue eyes of Haskel’s.

  “May I ask, why me? Why not any of the other new recruits, or even one of the returning ones?”

  “Because they weren’t our first choice,” said Haskel, his coolness not hiding anything, “we wanted to extend the offer to you initially. This is a great opportunity, Areli. And we thought you deserved to be asked first.” Areli was smarter than that. She could easily see girls falling for the young royals words. How he would pleasure them, or pleasure himself, and then leave them like his uncle to rot in shame.

  “This isn’t because my family doesn’t own a ship yard, or a port, or a half-dozen mines?” asked Areli, who was already having such a tumultuous day. The last thing she wanted to deal with is two spoiled teens that think they could buy her.

  “No,” said Haskel in a smooth and gentle tone, “I didn’t see it that way at all. I saw it as you being a young girl, in a new city, amongst new people, and I thought merely to give you importance . . . beyond just riding for the Emperor.” Areli fought with herself to keep from laughing. Haskel with his seductive and venomous words, like a harp played above a trap.

  “I’m sorry,” said Areli sternly, “I can’t help you.”

  “Maybe this would make you reconsider,” said Haskel, who then turned toward his cousin and a bag that the royal-blood had next to her. She handed it to him. And he set it on the table, untied it, and opened it for Areli to look inside. It was nothing but gold coins, diamonds placed all around the edges, and Emperor Abhiraja in the center. Areli’s heart felt like it had expanded in her chest, completely crushing her left lung. Just one of those coins equaled a month’s pay for a professional rider, and Haskel must be holding a bag large enough for about four years pay.

  “This can all be yours,” said Haskel, “with more to come. This is just a button on a jacket to the treasures that await you. If you agree to join us, we’ll make you wealthier than you’ll ever be as a rider on the professional team.” Haskel let her look for a moment longer, until he closed the bag. “Or you can take your chances at winning the World Race. The choice is yours.” Areli’s heart seemed like something was stabbing into it. She let the adrenaline brew in her veins while she closed her eyes.

  “You make a wonderful offer,” said Areli, re-opening her eyes, “but – your money is just money. You can’t save my dragon if I don’t win the World Race.”

  “But you have four years in which to do it.”

  “The world may not be here in four years,” said Areli, “your uncle is tearing it apart!”

  “All the more reason to accept our offer.” Areli looked at him and his pleading eyes. Those blue eyes, which were impervious to ‘no,’ rounding on defeat.

  “I’m sorry,” said Areli, “I can’t. I just can’t.”

  “This opportunity will not be offered again,” said Haskel, “you mentioned it yourself, the world is on the edge of complete devastation. You should cash in while you’re still alive.”

  “If the world is indeed to go under,” said Areli, “then I at least want to have lived my life the way I wanted it. This is why I cannot agree to your offer.” Haskel’s eyes relinquished their footing. He had lost, his grip diminished. He looked to his cousin, re-tied the sack of coins, and then rolled them from one hand to the other.

  “We should go then,” said Haskel, “we’re sorry, Areli, to have wasted your time.” Areli’s initial pity for him turned to sharp anger. She feels for those who take defeat, but not to those that are sour about it, especially at her. Didn’t he understand? She wanted no other reasons for her teammates to hate her even more than they already do. And quite frankly, she didn’t trust Haskel or his cousin. Boarding facilities are private places. Closed doors. Why would she want to deal with the stress of spying? It would hurt her runs. And if she were to be named a spy . . . she would be dismissed from the team.

  The royals both stood up to walk out. Areli did so as well. Even though she didn’t respect either as individuals, she had to respect their position. Haskel brushed past her, not giving Areli a second thought, as if she was a nobody that he happened to pass in the street. But Sofi was slower to pass. She stopped in front of Areli and stared hard into her eyes. They were blue like Haskel's, except hers were like the blue water from the mountain waterfalls.

  “My cousin,” said Sofi, “he means well. You are the first person I have seen hurt him.” She looked over at him as he waited for her by the door and then turned back to Areli. “I love him. I love him dearly. So, I hope you’re happy with your decision. Because I promise you, with every bone in my body, you’re going to wish you would have taken the gold. Who knows . . . maybe I can convince my uncle that you’re a follower of Degendhard.” She turned away, elegantly, and took her cousins arm as if she was nothing but innocence.

  Areli fell into her seat when they left. She contemplated her actions and tears came into her eyes. She knew what happened to followers of Degendhard. The Emperor made sure of that.

  Her mother and Aria were all smiles when they walked back into the room. But they were quickly running towards Areli, who could not contain her anger anymore. Angry at life. At the Emperor. At his corrupt niece and nephew. And even at Degendhard the Great.

  As Areli lay in bed, her father on her right, her mother on her left, and Aria only a scream and a holler away, she counted the things that she had destroyed in the living room. She had broken two vases, shattered a window, broke the leg of a chair, and smashed a lamp, spilling oil all over her mother’s new rug. Surely she would have gone to bed with no dinner if her mother didn’t make her explain to both her and Areli’s father as to what compelled such an outrage.

  Her parents were understanding. Although, her mother still wished Areli wouldn’t have taken it out on the lamp. However, Areli knew her mother’s concern wasn’t
with the lamp but with the resulted consequence that ensued when the oil container busted on the floor. Aria told Areli’s mother that they could go back into town the following day to replace the damaged rug. Areli wished there was something to buy at the market that would repair the damage she had done by refusing Haskel’s gold, and hopefully, a new chorus partner as well.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The first out-of-school assignment came during the second day of school. Start practicing the song assigned to you . . . with your new chorus partner. During fourth period, Areli was fidgety. She didn’t want to look her partner in the eyes. She still couldn’t believe that Professor Kaydence could do this to her.

  Throughout the rest of the day, Areli also tried to avoid anywhere she suspected Haskel and Sofi would be. Another situation she couldn’t believe she was in. It was her second day at Abhi Hall, and she’s already made enemies with the most powerful students there.

  When Areli went to her locker at the end of classes, she saw that Sofi had already struck. She dearly hoped that this was the extent of the threat she gave the other day. Areli picked up her schoolbag and ran her fingers along the harsh slash marks that covered it. She felt resentment as heavy as the largest foreign animal as she examined the bag her mother recently bought her. It was nearly indistinguishable. Sofi had left the leather straps, which Areli thought was kind of her, but everything else looked as if mauled by some long clawed animal.

  Areli used practice as her escape. Her moments with Kaia and Aubrie were the only times she found peace.

  “Why can’t life just be this?” asked Areli sitting next to Aubrie. Her dragon lying next to them, while all three were looking across the sand at the large columns jutting from the surface.

  “It can be,” said Aubrie, “if you win the World Race.”

  “Yeah, but . . . you can’t fly forever . . . at least not in this world.” Aubrie looked at her.