Ruins of Timedelle: The Fire Song Chronicles, #3

By Atlanta Bushnell

The Fire Song Chronicles Book 3

 

"By my honour, by my blood," 

Torin felt a stir of pride as he spoke the Tournament Oath.

 

Prince Torin and his team have arrived on Timedelle to compete in the Tournament, an ultimate test of skills and bravery, against the other Kingdoms.

When an unexpected attack disrupts the Tournament and damages the Pathway, it reveals a new threat rising out of the scorched desert unlike anything they have encountered before.

 

As a result all the Kingdoms, including the Erifs, are faced with a choice:

Combine their forces to stop this new threat or perish.  

 

Now Torin is confronted with the impossible task of not only fighting alongside his people's greatest enemy, but trusting them with his friends' lives.  

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Atlanta Bushnell
• Release date: Sep 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386500605

Atlanta Bushnell

Atlanta Bushnell is the author of The Fire Song Chronicles series. She lives on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, which is just outside of Melbourne, Australia. There she divides her time between her two great loves, writing and primary school teaching. She has a Bachelor of Education, a much loved Funko collection and an energetic Labrador dog. The Fire Song Chronicles Books 1 -3 are OUT NOW! Book 4 Coming Soon! For more information on The Fire Song Chronicles follow her on Instagram - @atlantabushnellbooks

Book preview

For my brother Luke,

Thank you for always supporting my books.

It means a lot.

~ The Fire Song Chronicles ~

Rise of the Erifs

Secrets in the Ice

Part 1

The Tournament

The warriors rose with the sun,

At the beating of the war drum,

As the calls to arms were being sung,

For the fight had only just begun.

Chapter 1

Timedelle

TORIN CLOSED HIS EYES, letting the thundering roar of the crowd wash over him, the vibrating of the thudding drums shake his very bones. Standing beside his chestnut horse, he took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. He opened his eyes and glanced down the line, making sure everyone was ready.

They were all checking their armour and weapons one last time. All dressed in their formal battle finery, a shimmering gold, Latainia’s colour, in some shape or form and each proudly bore the Latainian symbol.

Torin felt a warmth of pride and gratitude bloom in his chest at the sight of that symbol. A knight astride a rearing mythical battle horse, with his sword raised towards the sky. Confidence surged through him. Reassured him. He wasn’t alone. They had all chosen to stand with him.

Torin glanced up at the dome that covered the entire city, protecting it from the harsh beating sun, rippling and glittering. It was almost like watching water, the energy flowing and rolling high above their heads. The Timedelle sun was notoriously harsh and scorching, leaving a parched and desolate land outside the protective domes.

Latainia! someone called. Prince Torin! Latainia!

Torin looked up to see a man dressed in a plain black shirt and black trousers, his pale blonde hair slicked back, talking hurriedly into his headset and waving frantically at him.

Torin rolled his eyes but nodded in his direction, acknowledging him.

The man was practically jumping up and down. Hurry now! It’s almost time!

Torin waved a hand, showing he had heard him. Torin put his foot in the stirrup, reached up and gripped the horse’s mane and pulled himself up into the saddle in one swift movement. He glanced around to see the others doing the same. Torin clicked his tongue softly, gently tapping the horse’s sides with his heels, and they moved forward ready to lead the procession. Behind him he could hear everyone taking their positions. They were going to parade out in a classic arrow formation with Torin at the point, his brother Jaydar flanking him to the right and his sister Kalani to the left. Daye was next to Jaydar, Aurora beside Kalani with Alex and Lance bringing up the tips.

Ready? Jaydar called to Torin as he adjusted his hold on the banner. All of them, except Torin, held Latainian banners on long poles.

Yes. Torin stared at the large metal double doors before them. It is time.

The ceremony attendant suddenly popped up beside Torin, a fine layer of sweat shinning on his brow, which he quickly wiped away with the sleeve of his shirt.

We have one minute. We need to time this perfectly so all the kingdoms enter at the exact same moment. He glanced at his watch, spoke into the headset, before turning back to Torin. The doors will be opening in...five...four...

Torin focused on the steel door. His heart beat hard against his ribs. He focused on controlling it. Each thump was like a hammer against his insides. Another nail into his wall. He clenched his teeth.

...three...

Unbidden memories flashed to the forefront of Torin’s mind. King Xenon. His father. He had placed his sword, the precious Zorlite sword in Torin’s hands, trusting him with everything. Believing in him. For a moment it was as if Xenon were right there beside him. Smiling with his eyes full of pride.

Torin’s eyes were hot and prickly.

...two...

Torin shook his head violently once as if he could rid himself of the image. He took a deep breath. He needed to focus. He could hear Jaydar shifting to his right. His eyes flickered to his brother to see a look of confidence. Jaydar nodded.

Prince Torin, he said. King Torin it should be.

Torin smiled. Jaydar’s unwavering belief in him meant more than he could ever express in words.

...ONE!

And so the Tournament of Timedelle’s Opening Ceremony began.

With a screech of the heavy hinges the double doors opened inwards revealing the tournament arena. The ground was covered in a soft dark yellow sand. The lights were almost blinding, shinning down from above. But it was the sound of the crowd that struck them first. The roar was deafening, the sound radiating from every direction. The ground vibrated with it.

With a loud battle cry Torin dug his heels into the horse’s sides and they sprung forward, straight into a gallop. The others were right there with him and together they charged out into the arena, banners streaming. Their formation tight. The Latainian team showed nothing but strength and unity as they surged forward, all emitting their own battle cries.

Each of the kingdoms entered from separate entrances spaced out evenly throughout the arena. The horses’ hooves pounded the sand. Large drums beat a fast rhythm, a rumbling thunder of sound echoing around the arena.

To the Latainians’ right they saw the Trigarnan team charging out into the arena in their formal battle dress, their banner displayed proudly. A green tree with a large black spider. Their horses were decorated with tassels, bright green saddle blankets under black saddles. Their leader, Prince Ravvi, was at the point of the formation, easily identifiable by the large green and black feathers sticking upright from his helmet. Each of the warriors stood up to their full height as they galloped in.

To his left Torin could see the Klemenites, the blue rose on their banner unmistakable. Their armour clanked and rattled, their bluish silver shining brightly, as the horses surged forward. Tok was at the point. He raised a hand in greeting to the crowd, eliciting a particularly loud roar. He grinned. His eyes fell on Torin and they hardened.

Torin ignored him and focused on the raised circular platform in the centre of the arena. He could see the Electer, Timedelle’s elected leader, standing in the middle. A small man with dark hair and wearing a formal black suit with silver trimming and a white shirt. He spun around, calling out to the crowd, waving his hands at them, encouraging their support and excitement.

A few metres from the platform all the teams halted. The five leaders dismounted and approached. Together they ascended the stairs to the top of the platform. As they did so the Electer held his hands up for silence and the cheering of the crowd slowly died down and petered out, leaving the five combatants facing each other in a heavy silence.

Tok was standing to Torin’s left and Ravvi to his right. The Timedelle team leader was beside the Trigarnan. Although his name escaped him, Torin could see he was dressed in a high-tech one piece black armoured suit.

Standing directly opposite Torin was Laykin.

While everyone had dressed in their formal battle finery, in their ceremonial dress, the Erifs had opted for battle ferocity. They wore their full battle gear, scratches and dints and all, scars of past victories on display for all to see. Laykin grinned across at Torin, his face painted with black vertical stripes, and raised his eyebrow. 

At the sight of Laykin, Torin felt anger bubble in his veins. Red blurred across his vision. Blood pounded his ears. Unconsciously his hand went to the sword hanging at his hip, his fingers curling tightly around the hilt. 

The Electer looked from Torin to Laykin apprehensively, obviously sensing the mounting tension. He stepped forward, a short thin bladed knife in one hand and a piece of parchment in the other.

Kings. Princes. Warriors. The Electer swept his hand before him. Welcome to the Tournament of Timedelle!

He was answered by a nod of acknowledgement. Except for Laykin. He simply stared the Electer down. Realising that was all he was going to get the Electer continued.

As tradition demands you must all take the Tournament Oath, symbolising your honour to abide by the rules and compete honourably. The Electer held up the knife. Step forward if you are ready to begin.

Without hesitation the Trigarnan Prince Ravvi stepped forward. He took the knife from the Electer and quickly, cleanly, slit the pad of his thumb and then handed the knife back. 

He closed his fist, letting the blood pool there.

Torin took a deep breath, pushing down the blinding anger that threatened to consume him and tried to focus on what the Electer was saying. Laykin’s time would come soon enough.

The Electer held out the parchment. By my honour. By my blood.

Ravvi held his hand out over the parchment, opening his fist and let the blood drip onto it.

By my honour. By my blood, he repeated.

At his words the crowd erupted. The first oath. Ravvi stepped back, bowing his head respectfully. An attendant hurried forward and quickly bandaged his hand.

The Timedelle went next, cutting his thumb and repeating the words, and was rewarded with an especially loud roar from the crowd. 

After he finished Torin stepped forward. He took the knife, quickly slit his thumb, doing his best not to grimace at the pain that radiated through his hand. He gave the knife back. Torin clenched his fist, feeling the blood seep into his palm, oozing between his fingers. He turned to the Electer, opening his hand over the parchment and watched the blood drip in large dark red drops, staining the paper.

By my honour. By my blood. Torin felt a stir of pride swell in his chest as he spoke. At the same time he felt an unexpected ache. He wished his father could have been there.

Shaking the feeling Torin stepped back, making way for Tok to take his place.

As Tok went through the process, Torin watched Laykin clench and unclench his right fist several times. He saw a look of grim determination etched into Laykin’s face, his eyes focused on the knife.

Finally it was Laykin’s turn.

Laykin stepped forward but when the Electer offered him the knife, Laykin waved him away. There was a loud gasp from the crowd as they watched fire leap and dance from Laykin’s right hand. Before anyone knew what he was doing, Laykin put two fingers to the centre of the parchment, burning a whole right through it.

By my honour. By my fire! Laykin bellowed.

He stepped back and his hair erupted into their swirling, burning mass of raging flames. He roared like a lion. The flames burst out of his hands. He turned to the crowd.

Let the Tournament begin! he shouted, almost triumphantly.

The Electer held up the parchment in shock. He stared at it not quite sure what to do. He looked back at Laykin, who was cheering and blasting great waves of fire up into the air for the crowd in a blatant display of power and strength, and swallowed hard.

Yes, the Electer said. Let the Tournament begin!

Torin stepped down off the platform and walked back to his horse. Now it was time for the first event.

The chariot race.

Chapter 2

Timedelle

KALANI CHECKED OVER the horses once more, making sure the harnesses were all secured properly. There were four horses in total and they were of varying colours. Two white, one grey and one black. Kalani didn’t care about appearances, unlike the other teams who had obviously chosen horses with matching coats, she had selected her horses based on their attributes. Strength, stamina and intelligence was what she looked for.

Daye was already in the chariot inspecting the integrity of its walls, which would be used as a protective shield. She had placed her extra weapons within easy reach and where they wouldn’t accidently fall out during the race.

Kalani gently stroked the grey horse’s nose.

Our horses are all good to go, she called out to Daye. I’ll just double check Torin and Jaydar’s horses. 

Very good, Daye called back, but not really paying attention. She trusted Kalani’s judgement when it came to the horses. She knew more about the creatures than the rest of the team combined.

Daye frowned and shook the chariot’s hand railing once again. It shook slightly. Daye cursed under her breath, this was the last thing they needed right before the race. She looked up.

Where’s Alex? Daye glanced around the preparation area. Alex!

Right here! Alex popped up from behind the wheel of the chariot. I was just double checking the axel.

Daye shook the railing again. It’s loose.

Alex nodded, rifling in the tool kit he had brought with him. Don’t worry, that’s a small fix. We’ve got plenty of time.

Thanks Alex, Daye said.

Daye looked up as Jaydar and Torin walked through the entrance gates. Like Daye and Kalani, they both wore their full battle armour, although this time in matching Latainian colours of silver and gold rather than their usual armour.

Daye couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at her lips as her eyes met Jaydar’s. He was letting his raven black hair grow long and unruly, it was now just above his shoulders. He was embracing his half Erif heritage, and Daye loved him all the more for it. This was a stronger, more sure and confident Jaydar. Wounds, although some leaving scars, were healing stronger. Jaydar walked with his head held high, at his full height, for today would show everyone what he truly was. And he was not ashamed. He was proud. 

Jaydar stopped before Daye, while Torin briskly walked past towards his chariot without even so much as a hello. Daye glanced back at Jaydar. 

What’s wrong?

Jaydar grimaced slightly. We might have a problem.

Before Daye could ask what, Kalani’s voice sliced through the air.

No way, Torin! That is ridiculous! she shouted, storming around the side of the chariot. She pointed at Jaydar. Tell him, Jaydar! Tell him, he is being unfair!

I... Jaydar began but Torin spoke over him.

Kalani, I’m just trying to keep you safe! 

Daye jumped down from the chariot. What’s going on?

Kalani whirled around to face Daye. Torin doesn’t want us to compete in the race anymore.

What?! Daye’s eyes flew to Torin. Is that true?

Torin nodded. Laykin is competing. We just found out. 

So your answer to that problem is to pull one of your teams out? Daye said. You can’t do that! This gives us even more incentive to win the first event!

Two teams would definitely increase our chances, Jaydar commented. 

Whose side are you on? Torin snapped at his brother. He turned back to Daye. I know. And it’s not you, it’s Kalani I’m worried about. Torin deliberately ignored Kalani rolling her eyes and continued. Laykin is brutal. He will target us. This won’t just be a race anymore. It’ll be a fight to the death.

But we need to win. We need to show the Erifs that we are not weak, Daye said. And that’s why we need to stick to the plan. Our strategy will only work with two teams.

I know! Torin said, exasperated. But I won’t put Kalani at risk like that.

Kalani waved her hand. Hey! Can you not talk about me like I’m not even here?

Torin levelled his gaze at Kalani. This is Laykin we are talking about. He will kill you if given the chance. 

Who else is going to drive the chariot? The twins and Lance have never even seen a chariot in real life let alone driven one! There is only me! Kalani said.

What about Aurora? Could she do it? Jaydar asked.

No time, Alex called down from the chariot. She and Lance are already in the stands. They’ll never make it back here in time.

At that moment a loud gong clanged.

That’s the first bell. We’ve only got about ten minutes before we have to line up, Jaydar said.

Kalani grabbed Torin’s arms, turning him to face her. Torin, we don’t have a choice. I have to drive the chariot. I’m the only one who can.

Torin was shaking his head. Kalani, I can’t. I can’t let him hurt you. I’m sorry but you can’t do this. 

Kalani’s eyes hardened. Yes I can. And I will. Besides, wasn’t that the plan? You and Jaydar keep the competition busy while we make a break for the finish line?

That’s the second bell, Jaydar said.

Kalani turned away and jumped up into the chariot. We don’t have time to argue about this.

Daye nodded, following Kalani. She’s right, Torin. We can do this.

Torin took a deep breath before letting it out. I don’t like it.

Neither do I but we don’t have much choice, Jaydar said, turning to Torin. We’ll focus on the Erifs. Daye and Kalani can focus on the finish line.

After a long pause Torin reluctantly gave in. All right.

Alex jumped down from the chariot. He clapped a hand on Torin’s shoulder, doing his best to hide his nerves and grinned.

You’ll be fine. Now go kick some Erif butt!

A SMALL GROWL VIBRATED beside Aurora’s leg.

Shh! Aurora said, glancing under the chair. Kalani promised you would behave.

Luna, the snow leopard, hidden beneath Aurora’s chair, pawed her leg in reply but was silent.

Good. Aurora sat back up as a loud gong sounded.

Lance sat beside her watching as the large bronze gates at the opposite end of the area opened.

Here they come, he said.

The first of the chariots emerged from the gates, parading out towards the starting line. Timedelle, being the host world, was in the lead. Their two teams rode out one behind the other, four white horses each pulling a black chariot with gold engravings. Beautiful wings were carved into the sides, the feathers glistening in gold. The Timedelles wore their standard one piece black armoured suits, with strips of what looked like lights running down the sides, pulsing in time with the beating of their hearts and their sleek helmet visors were down. They raised their right fists into the air to the crowd who cheered back with a roaring thunder.

Aurora glanced over her shoulder, looking back up the stairs towards the doors still streaming in with people.

Where is Alex? she asked.

Lance didn’t answer. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

Aurora felt him stiffen beside her, his muscles coiling with tension. She turned back around to see the Klemenite teams coming out into the arena.

Tok stood in the first chariot, beside the driver, brandishing his sword above his head and shouting encouragement to the crowd. His silvery blue armoured chest plate bore the royal insignia. The blue rose.

Aurora gasped at the horses.

Four horses per chariot. If the Timedelle horses were white then these were an icy ghostly white. Their coats shimmered in the light, steam slowly rising from their backs. But it was their manes that really caught Aurora’s attention, which were laced with ice in jagged spikes. Their eyes raged with the coldest blue Aurora had ever seen.

Ice horses, Lance said.

We never saw those when we were on Klemenite, Aurora commented.

That’s because they are bred and reserved only for the royal family. For special events such as this, Lance replied. 

The chariot was white and silver, with hard blue and black roses and thorns encircling it. The outer rim of the chariot was embedded with long sharp spikes, fashioned to look like shards of ice, sticking upwards and slightly outwards, obviously designed to impale and rip at any opponent who got too close.

Is that even allowed? Aurora asked.

Lance shrugged.

As the Klemenites lined up beside the Timedelles on the starting line, the ice horses snapping their teeth at the Timedelles, the next kingdom came out of the gates.

Latainia.

Aurora and Lance jumped up from their seats, cheering loudly for their friends.

The Latainian chariots were a shimmering gold, shining brightly, with their kingdom’s emblem engraved on either side. The warrior astride a rearing mythical battle horse. Other than that the chariot was unadorned. The chariots were designed by Alex, with larger wheels for speed and a wider base for stability. The front of the chariot was narrowed to a rounded point for optimum aerodynamics. Alex had also insisted on covering the spokes of the wheels with steel caps to protect them from being damaged. So the Latainian chariots looked a bit different in design to the others.

Torin and Jaydar were in the first chariot. Jaydar was the driver, holding the reins tightly in one hand, he waved to the crowd with his other hand. He smiled wildly, he was ready for this.

Torin stood beside him and raised his sword, but his face was grave. Unlike Jaydar who was excited for the thrill of the race, Torin was focused solely on the task ahead.

Daye and Kalani emerged from the gates a short way behind the brothers. Daye held a long lance in her hand, and Kalani drove the chariot, holding the reins tightly with both hands. She glanced up, her eyes searching the crowd.

Aurora jumped up on her seat and waved frantically. She saw Kalani smile upon sight of them.

She saw us! GO KALANI! Aurora shouted at the top of her lungs.

Hey! Where’s my seat? Alex hurried into the aisle, muttering apologies to the people he accidently bumped along the way.

Right here. Aurora indicated the seat beside her. Where have you been?

Thanks. Alex sat down. Do you have any idea how crazy it was to fight my way here through that crowd? There are thousands of people everywhere! All trying to get a seat in here!

Alex, Lance said, leaning past Aurora. How many laps do they need to complete?

Ten laps, Alex answered without looking. His eyes were on the Trigaranan teams emerging from the gates.

Their chariots were black and green, their chestnut horses adorned in green and black tassels, with large feathered headdresses. Their emblem was emblazoned on either side of the chariots and their warriors’ armoured breastplates displayed a large black spider with three green eyes. The chariots were rimmed with a crisscross work of short black spikes, reminding Alex of the top of a barbed wire fence.

What defences do our chariots have? Aurora asked her brother, eyeing the spiked tips of the other chariots.

Higher sides for protection, Alex replied.

That’s it?

Alex put a hand on Aurora’s arm. No, of course not. It’s also fireproof. Don’t worry.

The twins looked around, realising the roar of the crowd had died down to a murmuring rumble. They glanced down at the arena floor, seeing the Erif teams had not emerged. 

Where are the Erifs? Lance asked.

They’ll want a grand entrance, Aurora commented.

And she was not wrong.

The gates at the other end of the arena burst open, crashing back against the stone walls. The first chariot surged forward. The four horses, their coats such a dark red they almost appeared black, reared up spectacularly, kicking out their front hooves. The hooves crashed to the earth, sending vibrations rippling through the sand, and they exploded forth into a gallop. The horses’ manes erupted with fire, twisting this way and that, streaming out behind them as they charged across the arena. The second team followed not far behind. 

The chariots were black, etched with glowing red flames, and the wheels seemed to glow like burning red embers. Fire rimmed the top of the chariot, the flames dancing through the air and despite the speed of the chariot, did not go out.

Laykin stood tall, his polished black armour gleaming. He held his sword above his head, the flames running from his hand down the blade. His eyes blazed their battle ready violet. He roared to the crowd, his voice stunning them out of their shock and they roared back.

The Eye was beside him, his hands holding the horses’ reins tightly. His long red hair erupted into their flames right before everyone’s eyes, the fire starting at the roots and rapidly racing along each strand of hair.

The second Erif team consisted of two female warriors. The driver Aurora did not recognise but rage coursed through her veins at the sight of the other warrior.

Avian.

Her red Erif hair blazed out behind her, her eyes violet, and she brandished her flaming sword. 

Aurora wished she had her bow. One well aimed arrow and this would all be over. She felt a hand on her arm. She glanced at Alex who was watching her in concern.

They’ll be okay. They’ve fought Erifs in battle before. This race will be nothing compared to that, Alex said.

Aurora nodded.

And you will get your chance, he finished.

Aurora smiled. Alex knew her too well. I certainly hope so.

The Erifs raged past the other teams, kicking up sand as they went, roaring at their opponents and brandishing weapons. Laykin even sent a burst of fire towards them, before settling down at the starting line.

TORIN COULD FEEL LAYKIN glaring at him from passed the two Trigarnan teams but refused to give him the satisfaction of glaring back, just yet. Instead Torin kept his eyes forward, despite feeling Laykin’s eyes boring a hole in the side of his head. There would be time for confrontation once the race began. Plenty of time. Torin was going to make sure of that.

Just like the races back home, Jaydar grinned at him. I’ve missed this. Are you ready?

Torin laughed at Jaydar’s excitement. More than ready.

The final warning sounded. The roar of the crowd died down, petering out until there was not a sound to be heard other than the horses snorting and hooves pawing the ground impatiently. 

Torin gripped the railing to their chariot tightly with one hand. He finally turned to face Laykin. His brown eyes stared straight into Laykin’s raging violet ones. Laykin snarled at him. Torin raised his sword, accepting the challenge.

The gong sounded.

Jaydar snapped the reins, howling in excitement like a Wolf Clan warrior, and the horses exploded forward.

The race had begun.

Chapter 3

Timedelle

KALANI’S KNUCKLES WERE white, grasping the leather reins tightly with both her hands. The horses charged forward, jerking against their harnesses, pulling the chariot behind them. Kalani gritted her teeth, pulling back on their reins, guiding the horses away from the Trigarnan team as they drifted too close.

Daye glanced to her left to see the Klemenite team keeping pace beside them. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of Tok. He was slashing his sword at the Timedelle team on his other side. His sword clanged off their shield and he raised it again.

Daye adjusted her grip on the long lance she held, twisting her wrist slightly as she hefted it higher. With one hand holding the chariot for balance, she planted her feet firmly, and drew her arm back. With a mighty thrust, Daye sent the lance soaring towards the Klemenites’ wheel.

The metal head speared straight through, shredding the spokes of the wheel. Wood splintered and flew in all directions. The wheels instantly locked, yanking the chariot off balance. It skidded and swung around wildly. One ice horse broke free of its harness and charged off.

Tok who was focused on the Timedelles and unprepared, was thrown from his chariot. He sailed through the air, almost slicing his arm on the ice spikes of the chariot as he went over the side. He landed on the ground with a thump. He lay there unmoving for a heartbeat before quickly scrambling to his feet, fear of being trampled spurring him on as he rushed towards the sidelines.

Daye grinned, giving Tok a mocking wave. She had just put him and his team out of the race. Tok’s face was flushed red with rage as he was tugged out of the area by attendants.

More attendants rushed forward to clean up the mess of the chariot before the others looped back around for the next lap.

Kalani focused solely on driving the horses. She watched as one Trigarnan team and one Timedelle team clashed together directly in front of her. Both pushing against the other, the sides and wheels screeching. Swords clanged down upon shields.

Kalani pulled back slightly. The last thing she wanted to do was go crashing straight through them. But before she could start to manoeuvre around them, the sharp crisscrossed spikes of the Trigarnan chariot wedged somehow into the side of the Timedelle chariot.

Kalani gasped as she saw the bend coming up ahead.

Both teams went into the turn, but the Trigarnan team was between the Timedelle chariot and the centre pillars. There was nowhere for them to go and at that speed they were smashed against the stone. Their wheel completely buckled.

And the Timedelle team went down with them.

The spikes held fast and dragged the Timedelle chariot to an abrupt halt, throwing its warriors over the side, swinging wildly into the Trigarnan chariot.