Free Legacy of the Mind by H.R. Moore

witnessed a spectacular, competitive Chase, with our worthy contestants having battled for three long hours, over difficult and varied terrain to get here.  But, as is always the case, there can only be one victor and today, by an excruciating margin – better luck next time Alexander – the victor is Anita, of the Temple of the Body.’  A roar went up from the crowd when he said her name, much to Anita’s surprise.  Normally everyone was pretty indifferent when she won.  They must just be happy that someone other than a Descendant had finished first, thought Anita, as Austin continued, ‘as is customary for a Chase of this importance, we have a spectacular prize for our winner.  Along with being guest of honour at the Crowning Ball and leading the ball’s first dance, I present to you, Anita, a vintage energy meter from my own private collection.’  The crowd gave another roar as Austin took the energy meter from James, who had been nervously hovering with it at the side of the stage, and handed it to Anita, looking slightly pained as he did so.  Anita was gobsmacked.  This she had not been expecting.  She caught Bas’ eye again, who was looking longingly at the meter in her hands.  Bet he can’t wait to get a look at this, she laughed to herself as Austin ushered her off the stage.
    ‘Well, that concludes today’s festivities.  I trust that you all had an enjoyable day and I thank all the contestants that took part.  Please make your way to the energy trains which will return you to Empire.’
    As the crowd was dispersing and Anita was making her way towards Bas and Alistair, she felt a hand close around her arm.  She turned to see Austin, who looked like a small boy about to pull the wings off a fly.  ‘Off course our champion cannot travel back with the crowds.  Please, join us in our carriage,’ he said, in his horrible, over the top voice, pulling Anita towards a floating golden carriage that looked like it was worth more money then there was in the world, with plush, overstuffed red velvet seats.  The carriage already contained Marcus and a driver.  Great, thought Anita, I’m sure this won’t be awkward at all, her energy already rising as she anticipated the proximity to Marcus she was heading for.
    As they approached the carriage however, as if things couldn’t have got any worse, Alexander blocked her entrance.  ‘Allow me to help you,’ he said in his charming, chocolate voice, taking Anita’s hand and moving aside to help her climb the steps into the carriage.  ‘Austin, I thought I would ride back with you, I trust that will be okay,’ he said climbing in behind her without waiting for a response.
    ‘Of course,’ Austin snarled as he too climbed into the carriage.  ‘Let’s get a move on then,’ he barked at the driver when he had settled himself down.  He sat beside Marcus, opposite Alexander who had taken the seat next to Anita.
    They travelled in awkward silence for several minutes, Anita looking out into the countryside to avoid looking at her traveling companions, hoping this would be enough to keep her energy under wraps, before Austin broke the silence.  ‘That was quite a show Anita,’ he said dangerously, his hard brown eyes glinting as he stared menacingly at her, ‘very impressive.’
    ‘Thanks,’ she smiled back at him warily, in the sweetest, most innocent tone she could muster.  ‘I’ve always had a certain knack for Body contests.’
    ‘I see,’ he drawled.
    ‘Yes, congratulations,’ interjected Alexander.  ‘It was close at the end there, but the best contestant won,’ he said in what seemed like a sincere way.  Marcus was sizing up Alexander like he was about to launch himself towards him, Anita pondering why as Austin resumed his campaign.
    ‘It was especially impressive how you turned so quickly at the end, when you both realised that you were heading in the wrong direction.’
    Anita looked him straight in the eye, saying as