“We were victorious in our battle against the monsters again but with every great battle comes the aftermath. We must pick up the pieces and send our friends to the underworld with a hero’s ceremony because for warriors, there’s no greater honor than going out in a blaze of glory.”
People stare at the bodies on the pyres, some nervously shuffling their feet.
“Make no mistake they did. They aren’t just students or demigods here at the academy. They were warriors, friends, sisters, and brothers and they will be missed, but most of all, we will honor their sacrifice.” I turn to Jayden and nod.
The pyres light with Jayden’s hellfire burning and growing in intensity instantly. I place my fist over my heart and bow my head to each of them as their souls are released to the underworld. We watch the pyres burn in silence as Jayden steps forward and gives them the same warrior salute as I did.
“Now if everyone who wishes to compete follow me to the chariot course where we will have games and a feast in honor of our fallen,” Raven shouts over the crowd.
A cheer goes up that doesn’t fit with the somber occasion but now is the time to celebrate their lives and send them off in style.
“C’mon, B, let’s go show them how a real chariot race is done.” Raven grins.
“No maiming anyone before battle.” I laugh.
“We aren’t using real blades. Chiron wouldn’t allow us to.” Raven’s expression is pained.
“Good man,” I say.
“Killjoy.” Raven sticks her tongue out at me.
“Whatever. This is a damn funeral. We don’t need to have another funeral so soon after this one if we can help it and you’re bloodthirsty half the time so there would be blood.”
“Fine, we can pretend it’s a real chariot race, then.” Raven pouts.
I thread my arm through hers. “Did you recruit Draven to drive for us again? He did good last time.”
“You know I had to get the team back together. We are chariot race gold together.” Raven tugs me toward the clearing.
The chariots form a line along the clearing. Draven is perched in the one on the end closest to us with the reins held loosely in his grip.
“You guys ready for this?” he asks, grinning.
“I was born ready. I’m going to wipe the floor with my brothers. It’s going to be epic.” Raven bounces on the balls of her feet.
“No maiming,” I say. “We need your brothers’ weapons skills in the coming battles.”
“I’m not going to maim anyone. They will all heal just fine from any injuries.” Raven grins.
“You’re terrible.” I hop on the chariot and grab a wooden sword.
It’s perfectly weighted in my hand.
“Racers to your marks,” Raven bellows.
The race is about to begin and if I know Raven, there are going to be more than a few battle injuries. Hopefully they aren’t too banged up to fight when the queen comes back to destroy us.
24
Jayden steps up to the end of the track and holds his hands up. “I’m starting this race because Raven is competing. On your marks.”
I grip the wooden sword. Raven has us positioned so she’s closer to Dax on our other side. There are no chariots on my side of the line so Raven will be the first line of defense against the other chariots.
“You’re going down, sis.” Dax grins.
“Not a chance.” Raven straightens her spine. “Beth and I are the best at this. You saw us drop all those demigods last time.”
“You watched them defeat demigods?” Jackson asks. “And we really want to go head-to-head with them now?”
