The Column Racer by Jeffrey Johnson

Kaia gave another ferocious roar, preparing to again take her aggression out on the trailer. Areli looked at Emilee and nodded her head. She closed her eyes, and somehow found the strength to remember the lakes of Sector B, the distant waterfalls after clearing the tunnel of the Mountains of Abhi. She let these images calm her, take her someplace soothing, relaxing, and beautiful.
    The world went silent. All Areli could hear were the sounds of water pounding down the blue oceans, she could smell the fresh air; she could see the smiles of pride and jubilation expressed on the faces of her parents. When she opened her eyes, she was laying down on the step, being cared for by Emilee, who rocked Areli soothingly back and forth. Areli followed Emilee’s gaze and looked at Kaia, who was now lying down in the trailer, experiencing the beaches and waterfalls along with Areli.
    Areli didn’t know how long she laid there in Emilee’s arms, but she didn’t want to leave. Her hatred for the woman evaporated through Emilee’s kindness, love, and compassion. She might not know the truth of Degendhard, but Areli was sure they had similar hearts. It wasn’t until Emilee looked down at her, and told her it was time they got her home, that Areli felt compelled to move. When Emilee lifted her up, both she and Bray assisted Areli down the steps.
    Areli asked to see her dragon before they went to the carriage. When they were a few feet away, Areli told them they could let her go. And like a branch giving a leaf to the wind, they let her feet carry her to Kaia. Areli stuck her hand in-between the bars, her dragon put her nose up to it, and a sea of calm engulfed them both. Areli let the final tear roll from the corner of her eye, and then caressed the side of Kaia’s face.
    A gentle hand touched her shoulder, it was Emilee’s. When Areli turned around, she hugged her stylist as hard as she could, as if she might never see her again. She wrapped her arms around her as if they were the best of friends. And Emilee embraced Areli the same way.
    “You are much stronger than he may ever know,” said Emilee, “so much stronger.” Emilee and Bray walked Areli to the carriage doors, but before she entered, she took a quick look at the balcony near the Emperor’s throne room. He was there. Watching her. An emotionless expression on his face. She clenched her jaw as she looked at him, and then allowed Emilee and Bray to carefully help her in. The commander shut the door, and the two stylists quietly stepped away, neither of them taking their eyes off of the rider. Areli smiled at them as the carriage started off. And it saddened her to leave them there, to pretty the prey to their slaughter.
    As the carriage exited the Emperor’s gates, Areli sat in the middle of her parents, clasping the arm of her father and holding the hand of her mother. As they entered back into the city, she realized why no one will turn in Degendhard the Great. People would rather die than give up hope.
    Chapter Six

    Areli couldn’t believe she killed someone. She stared at her finger, the one that had forced back the trigger, and tears came to her eyes as she did. She had executed a woman, a woman whose only crime was supporting Degendhard. What would the Emperor do to them if he found out they actually helped one of Degendhard’s messengers? Brought him back to health? She knew it would be a fate worse than an arrow to the head . . . the Emperor would make sure they screamed.
    Their first stop afterwards was the boarding facility, which was by the northern mountain wall of the Valley. The commander stopped the carriage and asked if they would like to see the coliseum. Areli turned to her parents, one at a time, and they silently agreed to get out. Anything to divert their thoughts from reliving their visit with the Emperor.
    The Coliseum of the World stood as its own elevated ocean. The beauty of it was brought to life by the countless dragon oil lanterns that were