A World Between Realms

On the hooves

A few days later, during a physical class with Mia, Sophie learned that the academy was hosting a special event—a horseback riding session that included participants from various levels. As they approached the horseback range, Sophie was struck by the scale and grandeur of the facility, having not expected such an elaborate setup within the academy grounds.

"It's like a festival," Mia commented as they observed the bustling crowd. "Every time the academy holds a significant event like this, it draws spectators from all around, not just from the academy but from the local community as well. It's a big deal here, kind of a celebration of skills and camaraderie across the kingdom."

Sophie watched in awe as students of different expertise levels took to their horses, demonstrating varying degrees of proficiency. The atmosphere was festive, filled with the sound of hooves, cheers from the spectators, and the lively commentary of an announcer. The event showcased not only riding skills but also the bond between rider and horse, with each pair working in seamless unity.

During the briefing, the instructor announced that the class would progress from basic riding exercises to a racing session. Sophie wasn't as taken aback as the others. Back in New Mexico, her grandfather had often taken her to racing fields, and she had been trained by a master horse racer named Philippos.

As the horseback riding challenge progressed, surprise rippled through the crowd as Sophie continued to excel, reaching each stage of the competition. It was unprecedented in the history of the academy for a Level 2 class to advance so far, culminating in Sophie's inclusion in the racing segment. Her participation as an earthling only heightened the intrigue and whispers among the spectators and fellow students.

The atmosphere at the horseback riding event was charged with excitement as the competition prepared to start. Spectators, including lords, ladies, and elders of the kingdom, filled the stands, their attention fixed on the field where participants were lining up. The announcer began introducing the racers and their respective levels, sparking murmurs of disbelief and curiosity when Sophie's name was announced as part of the race.

Among the onlookers, the Master Gatekeeper was visibly entertained by the lineup. His amusement was clear as he confidently wagered a bag of gold on Sophie. "I'll place my bet on the earthling," he announced, his eyes gleaming with a playful challenge.

Elder Lokie, known for his own cunning and love for games, responded with a smirk, "And I'll match your wager with a bet on the reigning champion of the race, the level 5 racer renowned across the kingdom for his unmatched skills in horsemanship—Darian the Swift." His tone was light, but the competitive edge was palpable, adding to the excitement and stakes of the upcoming race.

Lady Elowen watched from the sidelines, her expression a mix of pride and nervous anticipation. As Sophie lined up with the other racers, it was clear that Lady Elowen cared deeply about her performance. Her hands clasped together, she whispered words of encouragement, even though Sophie was too far away to hear. Her stance reflected the high hopes and genuine concern she held for Sophie's safety and success in this unexpected challenge.

In the elite class section, Argus had positioned himself among his peers for some reason, choosing this spot over the more formal seating reserved for lords. His gaze fixed intently on the racing field below, a flicker of surprise crossed his face when he spotted Sophie among the racers.

Sytric, noticing his friend's sudden interest, chimed in, "Because she's in a lower physical class, she gets to join the race. Unlike us pure elites, who don't compete. There's no fun on the top, right?"

Argus cut him off sharply, his tone tinged with annoyance. "Have I asked? The hell I care about that amazonian," he muttered, though his eyes remained locked on Sophie, betraying his words with a hint of curiosity that he couldn't quite hide.

Sytric chuckled, clearly amused by Argus's reaction. "Oh, come on, Argus. An 'amazonian,' really? Seems like she's gotten under your skin more than you'd like to admit!" His tone was teasing, and he gave Argus a sly grin, enjoying the rare opportunity to see his friend unsettled.

Ealdred watched the field with a mix of surprise and pride. Despite his initial shock, he couldn't help but feel impressed by Sophie's fearless approach to the challenges at the academy. Each new surprise she brought reaffirmed his belief in her unique strength and spirit.

As the race began, Sophie felt a rush of adrenaline. Mounted on a sleek, powerful horse, she focused intently ahead, her previous training in New Mexico kicking in. Around her, the thunderous clapping of hooves blended with the cheers of the crowd, but she tuned it all out, her gaze fixed on the path before her.

She maneuvered her horse with practiced ease, guiding it through the course's twists and turns. Her movements were fluid, almost second nature, as she leaned into each bend and spurred her mount forward with gentle, assured commands. To the spectators, Sophie was a revelation—a newcomer who handled herself with the poise and confidence of a racer.

As she took the lead, her horse galloping with fierce determination, a sense of exhilaration washed over her. She could hear her name being shouted from the stands, blending with the wind that whipped past her ears. In this moment, Sophie wasn't just participating; she was commanding the race, a cool and focused competitor who belonged there just as much as anyone else.

From Ealdred's vantage point in the stands, he watched Sophie with growing admiration. As she surged ahead of the other racers, her form was impeccable, and her connection with the horse was evident. There was a grace to her movements that transcended mere skill—it was as if she and the horse were a single, fluid entity.

Ealdred couldn't help but be mesmerized by her determination and prowess. Every time Sophie rounded a bend or navigated an obstacle, she did so with a calm assertiveness that seemed to silence the crowd around him momentarily. It was clear to him then, watching her dominate the race, that Sophie was not just a force to be reckoned with in the arena but also someone who brought an unexpected depth and vitality to every challenge she faced.

His admiration was mixed with a sense of pride, and a smile played at the corners of his lips. Ealdred knew that whatever outcomes awaited Sophie in the future, she was capable of handling them with the same fearlessness and grace she displayed on the racecourse.

As the second round commenced, the atmosphere at the racecourse shifted noticeably. This time, participants were allowed to bring weapons, adding a layer of complexity and danger to the competition. Sophie, unaware of the full extent of the rules allowing for such tactics, entered the round focused solely on her racing skills.

Darian, a well-known competitor with a reputation for bending the rules, took full advantage of the situation. As the race progressed, he subtly used a series of underhanded tactics to impede Sophie's progress. He released a series of caltrops onto the track behind him, specifically timed to disrupt Sophie's path.

Sophie, caught off guard by the sudden and unexpected obstacles, managed to navigate through them but not without cost. Her pace slowed significantly, allowing Darian to surge ahead and claim victory in the second round. The crowd, buzzing with mixed reactions, some cheering Darian's cunning while others murmured disapproval, watched as Sophie pulled up, her expression a mix of frustration and resolve.

Realizing she had been outmaneuvered in a way she hadn't anticipated, Sophie's determination only hardened. She understood now that this competition was not just about physical prowess but also about anticipating and countering the unexpected tactics of her opponents.