XLIV. TO BROKE TWO SUNS

  Go! Go! Get to teh spire! Asho spurred their horses forward. The arena roared as the charioteers exploded from the starting line. Their horses galloped in unison as they fought for position on the first turn. Getting close to the spire was the shortest path to victory, as well as the easiest way to get killed. Asho didn’t care. He slammed their basket into their nearest competitors, making them flair for the reins. They cut off the Kai’s to the spire. They won the first turn decisively.

  Kicking up the packed dirt, their horses finished the bend. Their baskets wheels rattled as their horses shot down the straightaway. The crowd bled together into a dull harpies roar. Asho and Admrilia took the lead the second lap as the teams began to thin out. On the thirt, a pair of riders tried to cut them off on the inside. Asho bent his knees as knives of pain jolted up his legs. Transferring the reins to his right hand, Asho elbowed the teenager next to him. The riders hands rose to cover his bleeding nose. Asho smiled viciously as the team lost control of their chariot, their horses galloping straight into the wall.

  For the next three laps, Asho and Admrilia maintained the lead. “Asho!” Admrilia’s voice rumbled over the vibrations of the chariot. “Behind you.”

  Asho dared to dart his head back for a second. The De-Asha charioteers were advancing on them, and fast. The crowd roared their encouragement. The Conqueror’s dark eyes flashed in Asho’s mind. “We. Can’t. Let. Them. Pass.”

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  Admrilia nodded in agreement as their horses barreled down the straightaway. The Uro’s appeared on Asho’s flank, trying to cut off their position to the spire. Asho turned his helmet towards the charioteer. The golden caped riders teeth were gritted in concentration as he focused on the spire ahead.

  Asho slammed their baskets sharp wheels into the side of the Uro’s chariot. Lero-Uro fumbled for his reins. Asho directed his whip on the soldier, hitting him square in the side. Ka-TCH! Ka-TCH!

  Admrilia kept their horses steady as asho exchanged blows with the other charioteer. Lero-Uro whipped him back, catching his lip. Blood dripped from the wound. Ka-TCH! Ka-TCH!

  Lero stumbled as their basket slammed into the spires side. Asho raised his whip and struck. Ka-TCH! Lero stumbled forward as his arms were caught in the whip. THe princed violently yanked the soldier towards him.

  Lero screamed as he fell over the side of the basket. Asho’s arm was yanked forward by the dead weight. He dropped his whip.

  “Pull away!” Asho screamed.

  Admrilia did not hesitated. Their horses thundered through the turn. Asho glanced behind them as the golden charioteer was dragged behind the chariot— a tangled and mutilated shroud. Their chariot tore down the straightaway and passed the canopy to the approving nod of the Conqueror.