Ashlords

On Imelda’s first day of training, Ayala brings her top-of-the-line racing gear, including flame-resistant riding garments. She also gives Imelda a wooden box containing a switch, a baton that converts into a leather whip with the squeeze of the hand. It is a magic weapon of the Ashlords and the official weapon of the Races.

While Imelda is a brilliant alchemist and a good rider, she has had no experience fighting. Ayala leads her out into the early morning streets. They pass the temple district, and Imelda sees the temple of the Fury, the god of strength and bravery. Next is the Curiosity, “the god who wakes, watches, and whispers” (89), and then the temples of the Butcher, the Hoarder, the Dread, and the Striving.

Ayala leads Imelda to an abandoned building that used to be a temple of the Veil. Ayala’s cousin Zion awaits them in the darkness. He will be Imelda’s sparring partner.

Adrian is the last of the competitors to complete his mandatory interview. His interviewer, Cassiopia, is antagonistic toward Adrian, showing a clear bias toward the Ashlord racers and against the Longhands. The crowd boos at Adrian as she introduces him. Adrian contends that he is bigger, stronger, and faster than his opponents.