The Column Racer by Jeffrey Johnson Page B

homes in the world. They were in no way comparable to the Emperor’s palace in size, but in terms of luxury, they were of the same make.
    The homes were organized in the same way as Areli’s old riding community, except for one major difference. The homes of the Hall riders were all on one side, facing towards the lake, and as Areli turned her attention to the other side of the water, she knew why. On the other side were the homes built for present and past professional circuit riders, the winners of the World Race, who were all granted lives comparable to the Emperor’s in terms of excess and wealth.
    Further down the road, just past the Hall riders homes, were the homes that belonged to the Academy riders. These were tall and narrow townhomes. Six of them sitting parallel to one another. And rising at the end of the street was the large limestone complex that housed the riders not old enough to join the Academy team, or the ones unworthy or not talented enough to make either the Academy or Hall teams, but had enough money to keep their dragons to ride for pleasure.
    The carriage stopped in front of the last house before the Academy living arrangements. The home wasn’t visible over the tall limestone walls that had two large lanterns on either side of the dragon-decorated gate. The home’s assigned guards viewed their papers and welcomed them to their new residence. She was home, they were home, and these were their guards.
    The gates opened, and they were allowed to pass. The lanterns lit a path down the drive. Areli wished it was light out so she could better see the sides of the path that were swallowed by darkness, but maybe darkness better suited her mood. The limestone drive spilled onto a large parkway, its entrance marked by two large pillars with two oversized lanterns jutting out of them near their tops, which were flat to allow the statues of dragons to sit upon them.
    The carriage took a wide turn around the parkway and came to a gentle stop in front of the large golden doors that were flanked by two columns on either side. A dragon's head made of stone rested above them. Areli squeezed her parent’s arms. The home was much larger than anything in Sector D. And it was quite an upgrade from their wooden townhouse.
    The carriage door was opened by the commander, just as the door of the home was opened as well. There was a young woman, who seemed no older than Samara, waiting to greet them. Areli’s father was the last to exit the carriage. He wiped the tears from his eyes and shook the commander’s hand, thanking him for getting his family there safely.
    Her mother hugged the man, and thanked him repeatedly, telling him he was welcome to visit any time he wanted. Areli embraced the commander as a friend, and wished him and his men safety and good weather wherever their orders take them. She wished her voice carried more conviction.
    “Whatever happened with the Emperor,” whispered the commander into her ear, “I am deeply sorry. You have my deepest sympathies. May the stars watch over you, Miss Roberts, and your family. May they bless you and your dragon, and give you a successful season.”
    “And may the stars do the same for you and your men, commander,” replied Areli as she gave him a light smile. He was one of the good ones. Maybe only one of few at the Emperor’s disposal. The commander mounted his horse and gave one last wave farewell before he led his men back down the drive, through the gates, and back into the starlit streets of Abhi.
    After the gates closed, Areli became aware of the pair of eyes that were watching her from behind. She took in a deep breath, cleared her cheeks of the fallen tears, and calmed herself. When she turned on the limestone parkway, her parents were waiting for her. Both of their hands were stretched out wanting to take her hand, and a beautiful young woman waited to greet her charge. Areli took her parents hands into her own, and stepped up onto a slight