Azaria by J.H. Hayes Page A

together as a pair, however Fahim often took control when the situation warranted it. Her personality was dominating enough to ensure her decision usually took precedence.
    Takur stepped in front of the line to address the crowd. Those who'd risen early enough to cheer the runners off to a strong start were massed behind the line. "Thank you to all of our runners for participating in the Long Run," he started, pausing momentarily as the audience quieted down. "You are all honored and your sacrifice honors us. You’ll be completing the Temple course. You'll run the low path, around the Great Temple and then return on the high path and end back at this spot."
    The runners would follow a direct route shadowing the river along its southern bank, below the cliffs, and crossing the river at the point of their choosing on their way to the Great Temple. They'd circle the Temple complex and follow the river again on the trail that ran above the cliffs. They'd then overrun Boar Camp a short distance to reach the lowland access point and finish with a southeast sprint to the top of Sunset Hill.
    Strong swimmers would make direct river crossings. Less capable ones might take a longer path, detouring to a spot with a weaker current. Being an experienced swimmer, Azaria had already decided on the first crossing, but she had a decision to make for the second. She'd been pondering the matter for a moon, but still couldn’t make up her mind.
    "The first runner to run between the finish stones behind you will be declared the winner," Takur said. "Are there any questions?"
    Looking back, Azaria saw a pair of large stones spaced about six paces apart from each other. When no one spoke, Takur continued, "Honored runners! Set yourselves and prepare for the starting signal." After a moment of tense anticipation, he took a deep breath, held it and then emitted a loud, shrill whistle.
    As the mass of young runners took off, Azaria sprinted a few steps ahead of the pack and took a short step right in front of Dogahn, forcing him to stop completely to keep from running into her.
    "Hey!" he objected. It would’ve been a dirty trick had they not been such good friends.
    Azaria spun and backpedaled. "Hey! Careful! You almost ran into me," she said, before racing off. Dogahn grinned and shook his head, sprinting to catch up with her.
    Azaria ran at a hurried pace until she reached the middle of the pack. She didn't want to be too far back when they all converged on the narrow trail that led away from the encampment. Once on the single file path, it would be hard to pass. One would have to run parallel to the trail through thick grasses to get around another runner. Because most ran barefoot, the likelihood of injury was greater if one strayed off the worn path.
    As Azaria passed, Yumineh sped up a bit to keep up. Dogahn was also quick to catch up, passing Yumineh as they closed in on the constricted trail. But as he passed, she sped up, bumping him hard with her shoulder, sending him off several steps to regain his balance. She turned and flashed him a playful smile.
    Dogahn was incredulous. What is it with these females? Well, if she wants to be in front, fine. I'll pass her later. He fell in line right behind her just as they reached the constricted trail. Azaria was right where she wanted to be, in the middle of the pack. Yumineh was also happy with her position, right behind and able to keep pace with Azaria. Dogahn had planned on leading the pack, setting the clip he wanted and preventing any passers with brute strength if he needed to. But since that wasn't possible at the moment, he was content to run just behind the two attractive girls.
    The pack ran gradually northeast as the sun sped upward. Azaria liked the pace that was set. She thought it was just below what she would have set herself. She felt good, full of energy and looking forward to one of the upcoming refreshing stream crossings. She wiped away beads of sweat rolling down her high