Chapter 7: The Corrupt and Deranged

Valor clenched his fist tightly and bit back white-hot anger. After his father died, he heard nothing from his uncle, even though he waited for three weeks in the charred ruins. For three weeks he took shelter from the blistering winds, waiting for help. Yet none came, his father’s best-friend had abandoned them.

“You!” He pointed a finger at him, “You- you- you betrayed us!”

The chairman strode swiftly over to him, arms extended.

“I know what you’re thinking- “

“You know nothing!” He snarled, swatting away the meaty arms before he could crush him in an embrace. “Father warned you people were coming after him, he called you for help! And you ignored him!”

“I told your father that he could shelter here, that you and he would be safe within the stadium walls.”

“He didn’t want a sanctuary! He wanted to stand and fight, to protect his home!”

Valor’s uncle scoffed, and walked back to the large, padded chair on the other side and sat down heavily. He leaned back and brushed his long hair out of his eyes. “There was little I could do, I am no fighter, my brother knew that.”

“You could have brought help…”

Cameron snorted, “Help? Is that what your father said, I was nothing but an administrator here at the time, I had no access to soldiers!”

“It doesn’t matter anyways…” Valor said in a low tone, “in the end you abandoned him, and then forgot about me.”

The man opened his mouth and closed it again. He sighed and made his mouth a tight line as he studied Valor’s face.

“I was told you had been killed.”

“That’s a lie!” Valor hissed.

For a moment the two of them stared at each other. Valor was ready to attack, and he knew his uncle sensed it. The way that oversized man instinctively leaned back, or the muscles contracting in his shoulders.

“I never meant to cause you any harm,” Cameron said in a careful tone, “every day I must live with my regret, everyone makes choices they aren’t proud of.”

The tension in the room was palpable, and his uncle was sweating like a tourist in Kypeera. He earned a little satisfaction at that, but the very thought of his uncle as the chairman of the region made him sick. It was the unfortunate reality that he would have to endure his presence a lot more if he were to make it as a Rider in the Race.

“What do you want Uncle Cam, why did you call me up here.”

“Straight to the point, I understand. If you choose not to forgive me, I won’t blame you.” The man sighed, “I called you up here to talk about professionalism, and your future in the Race. A third place finish in a qualifier match earns you a one year professional contract. If that’s a route that you choose I have a couple papers that I need you to sign.”

Cameron quickly looked around his desk before snatching up a couple pieces of paper, he slid them across the desk. Valor sucked in a breath in anticipation.

“If you sign here, I’ll be able to submit this document to our recorders, who will update your name into every system across the world. A true wonder of galden if I do say so myself.”

The papers seemed harmless enough, though he knew better than to sign them without a look over.

“Valor” Diargo’s voice was quiet and felt far away.

“Diargo? Where have you been? Are you okay.”

“I should ask you the same thing, sit tight I’m tracking your signal.”

“Valor?” Cameron was giving him an expectant look, “are you going to sign?”

He nodded and pulled the papers to him, he flicked over the wording, realizing very quick that he didn’t understand half of it.

“Once you do sign, there was something else I would like to discuss with you.” His voice sounded different, professionally polite. Like a cunning politician.

“Valor, the enforcers are yelling at me stay away. I’m ignoring them.”

He sent a mental confirmation to his friend. The enforcers could do nothing to physically stop the Beast, their commands were futile.

“You can discuss it with both of us.”

The man gave him a quizzical look, “Both of you?”

Shouting could be heard outside the door, and Cameron’s eyes widened. There were several loud crashes and the shouts ceased.

“No sense breaking down this door, right?.”

“That thing is like five hundred years old! Definitely DON’T smash it.”

Diargo didn’t respond, instead the door started to open and Cameron jumped in his chair, a furious yet worried expression on his chubby features.

“What on Domhain”

A massive furry head poked around the door. Bright amber eyes peered around the room, searching for a familiar face.

“It took you long enough” Valor exclaimed, practically jumping in the air, papers rustling loudly in his hands.

There was an indignant snort as the Beast tried to squeeze his frame though the doorway. The ape grunted in frustration trying desperately to manipulate his wide shoulders through the entrance. To the dismay of the chairman, the ancient wooden doorframe started to creak out of protest.

“Uncle cam, you remember Diargo.” He said with a proud grin.

Diargo took a moment to greet the Chairman, still stuck halfway through the door. “Tell him I said Hello.”

“He says hello.”

Cameron raised his eyebrows, his upper lip curled back slightly in distaste. “The Beast talks?”

The response made him cringe and winced at his friend’s mental fury that was always so readily available.

“Tell Him I also think he’s fat now, like a desert pheasant.”

Valor risked a glance at his friend. The ape was lying prone on the stone floor, his legs slowly being worked into the room. His fangs were borne menacingly at his uncle.

“I’m not gonna say that.”

Cameron frowned, “Beasts are not allowed here,” his frown turned sour, “a little late for that information I suppose.”

“He deserves to be here just as much as I do, look he won’t cause any harm.”

The Trykoori had given up the impossible task of entering the smaller cave. He was laying on his belly, two arms crossed in front of him as if he was getting ready for a nap.

“I’m as tame as cattle.”

That did little to alleviate the sour look on the chairman’s face but he gave a disgruntled shrug.

“Let’s get this over with, I don’t think any of us want to be here.” Valor said quickly.

Cameron worked his jaw, looking back and forth between his nephew and the giant gorilla blocking his exit. “Fine… Are my Enforcers, okay?”

The question was directed at Valor, who said nothing but stepped sideways and looked back at his friend. Diargo paused for a moment, glanced at Valor and then at the Chairman, “Well, they’re definitely alive”.

Valor nodded expectantly; his lips pressed together. “They’re not dead.”

Cameron nodded and then cleared his throat, “Well let’s jump right into it, as you may know, Domhain is split up into six separate continents. Each continent varies in size and is further divided into different regions. But there is one thing that Domhain has in common, regardless of the area.”

“The race”

“The race,” Valor said.

His uncle nodded his head, “Over the years, the OGD has been in control of the race, and has consequently grown in power and influence.

“My dad used to tell me the OGD controls the world.”

Cameron nodded once again, “Effectively, and for centuries.”

“What is OGD?” Diargo looked at Valor.

“OGD stands for Official Governing of Domhain… I think”

Cameron continued, “There are however, other organizations tied to the race, groups of people who ‘act’ under race law but are autonomous. They run outside of our jurisdiction. These include the Beast Tribes.”

“He’s talking about Trykoori.”

Valor narrowed his eyes, “The OGD is in charge of the Race, but these ‘groups’ operate outside of it’s laws… How is that allowed?”

His uncle sighed, “simply tradition, ancient families and societies that have bought their way into the system, overtime this turns into real organizations with real power. That same tradition is what embeds the race into the very bones of Domhain. There is nothing the OGD can do about it.”

Valor’s eyebrows knotted together, “Are these groups… bad people?”

Cameron hesitated, “No, not exactly. Each group is a political powerhead in terms of status and each group typically has their own agenda when it comes to the greater good of Domhain and the Race.”
Diargo grunted beside Valor, the ape’s amber eyes narrowed when he heard ‘greater good of Domhain’. Cameron cleared his throat and continued.

“My point, is that each of these organizations are official, meaning they can sponsor teams and brand them as their own. Once sponsored you are legally bound to their cause, both in and outside the race.”

“Outside of the race… Like an employee?”

“More like a Mercenary. traditionally organizations try and develop relationships with teams before offering sponsorships but,” His uncle leaned back in his chair and folded his hands behind his head. “You are a talented young man; I think it’s only a matter of time before other organizations try to snatch you up, so…” Cameron paused to exhale, his confident smile reaching from ear to ear. “Valor Knight the OGD would like to sponsor you.”

Diargo and Valor were both silent, a sponsorship was an honour. In terms of a racing career, it was a milestone.

“What have we done to prove that we deserve a sponsorship.”

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Valor turned to his friend; his amber eyes stared knowingly back at him. “Nothing”

“Before you say anything you’ll regret, let me say this.” Cameron pressed his fingertips together and looked Valor calmly in the eye. “The OGD has a vision for Domhain, a plan that relies on the strength of powerful Riders. Unfortunately, we lose the proper candidates to the other organizations every year. They are blinded by the same old laws that the OGD wishes to eliminate.”

   Cameron’s voice had started to rise, “I do not wish to lose you too.”

“Old laws?” Diargo sounded cautious, though Valor could feel his curiosity, “What’s wrong with the old laws.”

“Sounds like the OGD is losing whatever political war their fighting”

“I have no desire to fight a war I care nothing for.” Diargo’s eyes narrowed. “I just want to race.”

Valor stood up in his chair and slowly shook his head, “We don’t want to be a part of any political war uncle cam. We came here to race.” Valor shrugged his shoulders, “I’m sorry- “

   “Chairman?”

Valor’s apology was cut off as a familiar voice could be heard from behind him. His uncle’s face lit up in another half fake smile.

“Oh no.”

Cameron rose out of his seat, a smirk on his face. “Valor, I would like you to meet one of OGD’s finest, Ameera Coplin”

Valor slowly turned his head; there was a feel weird feeling in stomach, a mixture of dread and excitement. Ameera was standing in the doorway, wearing the same form fitted cargo pants and tied off shirt she had when he had first met her. Her hair was tied back in a messy bun, showing off her neck and the long scar that traced down it. The strangest part about her appearance, was the bright smile she flashed him.

“Hey Valor, glad to see you alive.”

He stood dumbfounded; he hardly felt his uncle push past him to shake hands with her. He could feel Diargo’s consciousness pressing into his and he tried his hardest to ignore it.

“Hey Ameera,” Valor cleared his throat, suddenly aware of his arms dangling awkwardly at his side. “You’re sponsored by the OGD?”

She smiled brighter and rolled her shoulders back, “uh huh, me and my brother.”

“That smile is freaking me out, ” Diargo said.

Valor watched as Ameera shook hands with his uncle, “What’s wrong with it… I kinda like it.”

Diargo rolled his eyes, “That’s the pheromones talking… Remember how frustrated she was when she didn’t kill you,” The ape narrowed his eyes, “Now she’s smiling like she wants to mate.” Valor certainly did remember. Not killing him couldn’t have been that bad. Why was she so disappointed that she had missed?

“So, you’re going to get sponsored too? That’s pretty amazing, especially off your first race.” Ameera’s voice was cheerful.

Valor felt his cheeks burn and he smiled despite himself. Her voice was so nice, the way it echoed off the cave walls. He shifted his weight and scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Yeah thanks, Diargo and I are really excited.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

Ameera’s bright smile never wavered, though her eyes flashed briefly at the mention of Diargo.

“I can see that… and why is he here?” She asked sweetly, her eyes flicking over to the ape.

“Why wouldn’t I be here freak” Diargo slammed his knuckles into the stone floor, making her jump. As Valor opened his mouth to answer, his uncle stepped in.

“The Beast made his own way in, I had no other option but to oblige.” Cameron’s voice was smooth as silk.

Ameera’s features darkened for a moment, “Well I left scooper in the Racing quarter’s… where he belongs.” Her words were quick, almost too quiet for Valor to hear properly.

“Where he belongs, what in the unholy sun does that mean.”

Valor didn’t reply, he wished with all his might that the pretty girl in front of him, didn’t mean for those words to sound the way they did.

“My brother is the only racer that’s been offered a sponsorship off his qualifier. It’s very impressive.”

Before Valor could say anything, Cameron jumped in. “Well, your brother does possess,” He hesitated slightly, “a unique strength in galden.”

The ape tilted his head slightly. “The giant?”

He really hoped not.

“Speaking off which,” Cameron’s voice had changed slightly, his pitch lower. “The tasks I had given you two.”

Ameera’s eyes flashed questioningly at the chairman, her gaze locked securely on his. “Well, the first task failed- “

Cameron cut in, “clearly,” his tone was cold as ice, freezing Ameera’s smile.

“What about the Machari and his wolf?”

Ameera hesitated, she glanced briefly at Valor. “The Machari runner didn’t finish the race, his mount is being dealt with now.” Ameera swallowed, “He managed to leave Siliaph.”

Valor suddenly felt very out of place. Ameera’s discomfort was unsettling enough, not to mention the atmosphere of the room had changed. His uncle had transformed, gone was the politician smile and good manners. His words were like shards of ice, dripping with contempt.

“We have two options Val, I kill both of them or we leave now, I don’t like this..”

Valor couldn’t help but to agree, he managed to build up the courage to jump in, “What do you mean, his mount is being dealt with?”

Ameera flashed another smile, it was weak and forced. “Oh, he’s just getting cleaned,” Her voice sounded rushed, “when Riders die, the Racers have to go through this whole process- “ “The Machari runner’s mount is being executed.” Cameron’s voice cut across the room, silencing Ameera and stunning Valor and Diargo.

“Executed?” Valor felt hollow inside, his mouth felt dry. “Like you…”

“They’re going to kill him, the Wolf.” Diargo started to rumble, he slammed his knuckles into the ground and bared his massive fangs.

Ameera flinched at the Ape’s display, but Cameron didn’t move an inch, his face remained impassive.

“Why are you telling me this, I don’t- “

“Yeah,” Ameera placed her hands on her hips. “Why are you telling him?”

The Chairman considered both, he combed back his hair once more and set his gaze on Valor, his face was like stone.

“The human race has basked in the shadow of the beasts for too long. The harmony that you think exists between us is a lie, outside of the race, humans are slaughtered, eaten, enslaved. It’s time for that to change.”

Valor took a step back; he was trying to comprehend what his uncle was saying. He glanced at Ameera who was staring at the chairman with admiration in her eyes.

“What are you talking about,” he said.

Cameron’s eyes shone, “The OGD has been fighting this battle since the birth of the Race. Constantly pushing back on those who want to take control. If it wasn’t for us, this world would be overrun, and humanity would go back to being nothing. His voice dropped to a murmur. “Domhain doesn’t understand… not yet.”

Ameera started to walk towards the chairman, compassion on her features. “you know I understand sir.”

Valor watched in horror, he could feel Diargo anger rumbling in the distance, like a storm brewing miles away.

“I know my dear, and I thank you it.” Cameron thinned his lips and dipped his head towards her.

“Ho-how is the OGD going to change the natural order of things,” Valor asked, afraid for the answer.

“We eradicate them, burn their habitats to the ground, smoke them out. They are nothing but a disease Valor, the Machari wolves…” His eyes wandered over to Diargo.

Valor’s heart dropped. Diargo’s voice was clear in his head “Don’t.”

Cameron sneered, “The Trykoori,” He spit on the ground beside his desk.

A split second later, the beautifully carved desk was in splinters. The wood was pulverized, broken in two. Shards of wood exploded outwards. Valor lifted a hand to cover his eyes, his hands stinging from the tiny splinters that embedded into his skin. Diargo’s entire body was trembling, his fist was in between the two halves of the desk. Great clouds of steam being blown from his nostrils.

“Do you see Valor! These creatures are unpredictable,” Cameron was screaming now, “it needs to be dealt with!” His neatly combed hair wild from and covered in splinters.

“No human can compete with this kind of raw strength, and no human can control it, do you see!”

Beside him, Ameera groaned, her face was bleeding in multiple spots, and blood had started to pool at the back of her head. Diargo hadn’t moved further, every ounce of his body was shaking, his instincts screaming at him to kill the fat man screaming at Valor. He knew he couldn’t, he knew the consequences for killing the Chairman.

Cameron continued, his voice becoming increasingly unstable. “Your father couldn’t see it! He refused to see it.” Cameron was breathing heavily, his chest heaving. “The OGD approached me, they knew my history. If I could get the great Keenan Knight on their side, then the chairman spot would be mine.”

Valor’s vision was going hazy, Diargo’s uncontrollable rage was overflowing and pouring into him.

“Don’t say it uncle cam”

Cameron’s upper lip curled, he looked at Valor in disgust. “‘Family sticks together’ I told him. That bastard looked me dead in the eye, his own flesh and blood brother, he told me that those stupid beasts were his family. HAH!”

Valor started to choke up, “Stop… please.”

“I had no choice Valor, your father was a fool, he sided against the human race.” Cameron took a deep breath, an attempt to calm himself. “The OGD gave me another option… Keenan Knight could not remain alive; his reputation alone would have been a disastrous enemy.”

Valor was crying now, thick tears streaming down his face. Every ounce of his willpower was being spent in holding Diargo back, stopping his friend from snapping his uncle’s neck. Valor felt nothing but anger and sadness, he wanted to scream, attack his uncle, run away. But he was rooted in his place, frozen by the horror of his uncle’s words. He clenched his fist hard; he could feel his fingernails digging into the soft flesh of his palm.

“He turned his back on family son, but I know you’re different.” Cameron extended a hand to Valor, a symbol of peace. “Family sticks together.”

Valor’s fist relaxed; he could feel the blood pooling in his hand. He wouldn’t hold him back anymore, Diargo’s efforts were too great. The gorilla cleared the distance between him and the chairman in a fraction of a second. He struck the Cameron across his chest, hard enough to launch him into the wall behind him. The force of the impact was enough to tear the fine fabric of the tapestry that hung there. As Cameron slumped to the ground, Diargo picked him up again, pinning him to the now bare wall by the throat. Diargo opened his mouth, a bone chilling roar emanating from his maw. Spittle and globs of saliva flew the ape’s mouth and covered Cameron’s face.

“I have all the family I need.”

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