Legends of Chima: The Outlaw, Part 9 (Act 1)

It had been a while since the incidents with the Hundred Year Moon and the fake CHI, and things had returned to normal as they could be in Chima – for a while at least. Worriz, Cragger and Razar on the other hand, were annoyed that James had managed to survive that night. Worriz hated James even more as his backside had to be swathed in bandages from that buckshot Wonald fired at him.
James began to spend most of his time off-duty with Wonald, G’Loona, Furty and even Skinnet, as he taught them a few things for them to do in their spare time and other useful lessons.
He showed them how to whittle (he leant Wonald his own knife to do so), taught them how to slip out of a fight or a bar-brawl (even if they didn’t start it) without getting hurt, and even demonstrated horse-show throwing contests.
Since there were no horses to speak of in Chima, James wasn’t sure how he was going to do that, but thankfully he was able to acquire spare bits of metal from the various garages, dens and junkyards in the area. Bending them into the right shape was another problem, but the Rhinos and Gorillas were only to glad to help bend them into the correct shape – James still got startled very time he saw the likes of Grumlo, who could never even harm a fly, bend a small rod of metal into a horseshoe as easily as if it were made of rubber. The demonstration itself went uneventful, except for when it was Skinnet’s turn; he threw the horseshoe into the bushes, missing the stake implanted in the ground. When he went to pick up his horseshoe and try again, it turned out he’d picked up Lagravis’s crown instead – and that his horseshoe had knocked Lagravis’s crown off as he passed by on the other side of the bushes on his Speedor! A quick explanation solved any uncertainties and Lagravis joined in for fun.
James even taught Wonald how to swim (which caused problems as Wonald kept sinking like a stone), climb trees (with a little help from G’Loona) and fish. James knew that he may not be perfect, but he’d do the best he could to be the father poor Wonald never seem to have.

Gradually, James got use to life in Chima. He couldn’t understand it, but he began to feel more at home here, than the deserts of Arizona, let alone the orphanage, ever did. And yet, he still had a lot to learn about life in Chima.
That day James, G’Loona, Wonald and Skinnet were fishing in the river near Forever Rock. The cubs were still laughing at how James had found out and had arrested Crooler for conspiracy & forgery, and earlier charges of kidnapping & attempted murder (which would’ve gone faster if James’s “sources of info”, which included Plovar, hadn’t sent him round in a complete circle – starting and ending with Plovar himself). Cragger was all steamed up over that, claiming that James had no evidence except for the words of a little ape girl and some birds. But since James came with an armed escort, he couldn’t argue too much. He’d claimed Crooler would be out soon – but that was 2 weeks ago and Crooler was still behind bars, only being let out for community services which the Lions dealt out.
James was now telling the cubs as they fished on some of Crooler’s duties which caused her great embarrassment.

James: (Laughing as he told them) You should’ve seen her in that orange outfit the Lions made her wear(!) I mean, there she was, on her own, cleaning the Royal Tank with just that sponge and a bucket of soapy water. And no one helping her(!) She lost the bar of soap several times, and fell off the tank 16 times before Lagravis was satisfied with her work. Then she slipped on the soap, the bar bounced off a flagpole and went straight into her mouth and down to her stomach (!) She was still hiccupping and burping bubbles when I returned her to her cell!

They still laughed about it, though G’Loona and Wonald both felt a bit sorry for her, since it was because of them she was in that predicament. But James assured them it wasn’t their fault in the slightest.

G’Loona: Thanks, Sheriff. But I still feel sorry for Crooler.

Furty: Look, sob-stories and merriment are all very well, but can we wrap this up and go home? I’m getting bored.

Skinnet: Not till I’ve caught something at least.

Skinnet was sitting with his back to the river, with the fishing line tied to his long bushy tail – and that was dangling in the water. And poor Furty was just downstream of him.

Furty: (Suddenly realising what was up) Oh, no wonder I haven’t caught anything! You’re scaring them off with your stench by tipping your tail in the river!!

Skinnet: (Looking behind him, then quickly pulling in his tail) Am I? I have? Sorry.

Luckily just before a fight could break out, Lennox came strolling by, a Vallious strapped to his back.

Lennox: Well my good friends, how’s the fishing going? Caught anything good yet?

James: Well, I don’t know about the kids, but I’m sure going to be eating well tonight.

He indicated the pile of freshly caught fish that lay on the bank behind him.

Lennox: My, my, that’s quite a large catch you have there.

James: Thanks. I was hoping to present it to Lagravis for dinner…as long as he doesn’t mind being given fish.

Lennox: I’m sure his majesty won’t mind in the slightest of such a humble gift. Besides, I think it’s time you kids started heading off home. It’s getting late you know.

Furty: I’m not leaving till I’ve caught something! Thanks to Skinnet I haven’t had a nibble.

Skinnet: I said I was sorry. I didn’t mean to skunk the river.

Suddenly, Furty’s line began to jerk sharply.

Furty: Hey, I got one!!

Furty began to wrestle with whatever was on the end of his line.

Furty: (Grunting & Straining) Whoa-oh, this one’s a real whopper! Forget you, Sheriff James. I’m gonna be eating well tonight!!

Just as James and Lennox offered to help Furty haul his catch in, it flew out of the river – and landed on his head.
Furty had caught something all right, but it wasn’t a fish. It was a knee-length, flat-soled, open-toed boot of some sorts. The other kids thought it was funny, but Lennox wasn’t fully amused.

Lennox: (Pulling the boot of Furty’s head) It’s a downright shame, folks littering up the river like that. Why, if Plovar was here, he’d say it was downright disgusting.

James: It is a shame, Lennox. That’s a mighty fine looking boot too.

G’Loona: Hey, there’s a rope tied around it, and it leads into the river!

Wonald: Wonder what else is down there.

Wonald then simply laid down on the bank, on his stomach, and stuck his head under water. He came back up again quickly.

Wonald: There’s a whole load of stuff in the river! It’s all in sacks and tied together.

James and Lennox helped the kids to pull the rope and retrieve the sacks from the river. There were 8 in all. All full of assorted odds and ends; pots, pans, tools, weapons, jewels, clothes, moneybags, vases, armour, etc. Between some of the sacks, rocks and assorted weights were tied into the rope – obviously to act as an anchor once submerged.

Skinnet: Boy, this stuff must have been in the river for ages. But who could’ve done it?

G’Loona: I’ll give you a clue. You’ll notice that all these items come from various tribes, right? Yet there’s nothing here of the Raven Tribe. My guess is they stole all this lot, but knew that they’d be caught if they tried to sell it too soon…

Wonald: So they put it all in sacks, tied weights to all and dumped the lot in the river upstream!

G’Loona: Yeah. Then they’d simply wait till the fuss had died down. Guess the current carried it further down then they expected before it settled down at the bottom of the river.

James: (Closely examining the items) You’re right, G’Loona. Theft and illegal tipping. I’ll have those conniving, silver-beaked, over-grown turkeys for this!

Lennox: Well then, Sheriff. Looks like we’d better find out who all these articles belong to.

James: Start a lost-&-found system you mean? Yeah, I don’t see why not. I’ll get started on it at once! Come on, kids. Let’s go home.

G’Loona gathered up the fishing lines, Wonald shouldered James’s catch and James, Furty, Skinnet & Lennox carried the sacks between them and walked back to James’s office.

Once there, James had all the sacks tipped out onto the floor.

James: (Glancing at Wonald, who was sitting on the couch) Well, Wonald my boy, looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us.

He picked up a roll of parchment, a bottle of ink and a quill, put them on a wooden tray and handed it to Wonald before he knelt down on the floor.

James: Okay, Wonald, take this down. Found: One Blacksmith’s Hammer. Found: One pair of Brass Gauntlets, Lion Tribe markings….

James went on for half an hour, depicting what had been in the sacks, and dividing them into piles of each tribe. He’d just put a clay vase with Eagle markings aside when he looked up and saw that Wonald hadn’t even begun to write anything.

James: (Surprised) Why aren’t you writing all this down?

Wonald: (Ashamed) I…I…I can’t write. I don’t know how to. I can’t read either

James: (Sitting on his knees and staring) Didn’t anybody ever try and teach you?

Wonald: No, sir. My tribe doesn’t really hold with that sort of thing. We’re only taught to fight, hunt and look out for each other. If you can’t hunt or fight, you don’t eat.

James: Well, surely there must be a school around here.

Wonald: What’s school?

James: It’s a place where you learn things like reading, writing, history, math, basic science, languages, geography, home economics and things like that. Don’t tell me there’s no such place like that here in Chima?

Wonald simply shook his head. James felt like slapping himself in the head. He couldn’t believe that he was in a world where less fortunate kids didn’t have a proper education, unlike the Lions or Eagles. Even he went to school while he was at the orphanage, and it had done well for him – even if he had taken the wrong path all those years ago. He decided to talk to Lagravis later on and see if he could set up a school in Chima.

James: Well, never mind then. We’ll just have to find someone to write this down for us instead.

At that moment, Eglor stuck his head into the office from the doorway.

Eglor: Did I hear correctly that you’re seeking help?

James explained the situation to him, and Eglor agreed to take over from Wonald. He entered the office, took the tray, sat cross-legged on the floor and began to write, glancing down at the heaps that lay before him from time to time.

James: And see if you can find a way of having those copied. I want these notices up all over Chima. Perhaps someone will find their lost property that way.

Wonald: Perhaps I can help by giving all these articles a clean-up?

James took another look at the heaped articles and agreed. Despite being in sacks, some of them were covered in mud, algae, river weed and pond slime. James agreed that it wouldn’t seem right to give them back to their original owners in that condition.

Eglor soon finished the list in under two hours, and flew off to Eagle Spire to have it copied and put up all over Chima, whilst Wonald and James began to clean each item up very carefully. This job went on for 5 days. It took a lot of Wonald’s free time as he treated each article gently and he often would return to the Wolf Encampment, late in the evening reeking of polish. One item in particular was a breastplate that had Wolf Tribe markings on it. He spent many hours on this, as it had been used as one of the weights to hold the sacks down.
The notices were posted up the day after the next day, much to James’ impressed delight. And for the next couple of days, citizens of Chima came in to enquire about the finds, and leaving in high spirits. G’Loona was quite pleased at the speed of how things were going. She came over to visit when Grumlo retrieved a pair of Gorilla Gloves that were among the articles. She was amazed that only 3 sack loads were still unclaimed.

G’Loona: What exactly happens with lost property?

James: Well, if it’s unclaimed for in two weeks, then it becomes the property of the one who found it…

G’Loona: Guess that would be Furty, then.

James:…or the property of the local sheriff. That’s me. Remember, little lady, possession in 9/10ths of the law.

G’Loona: Really?

James: Yeah. It’s an old saying back where I come from.

Wonald: (Seated cross-legged on the floor) What will you do if no one wants what’s left?

James: Maybe have a jumble stall for the next Market Day. Well one thing’s for sure, I won’t be giving it back to the Ravens to sell(!)

He glanced over and saw that Wonald was still working on the breastplate. He’d managed to get all the mud and rust off it, and had polished it so well it looked brand new. James kept pondering why that cub kept going back to it. Everything else had been cleaned already and yet here was a young wolf cub still working on that one piece of armour as if it were his most treasured possession.

James: Come on Wonald, you’ve cleaned that enough times already. Why don’t you have a rest? You’ll wear your hands out doing all that.

Wonald: I don’t mind doing it. It helps to comfort me. (Breaths on it, polishes it off again and admires his reflection) Yep, someday I’ll be able to wear something like this. I’ll be as mighty as Laval, but as humble as you James.

James almost blushed with pride at Wonald’s words.

James: Alright Wonald. Time you took a break I think, before you get loaded on those fumes. (He handed Wonald a couple of gold coins) Here, why don’t you and G’Loona go and get some refreshments from the market? You’ve certainly earned it.

Wonald: I have? (James nods) Oh thanks, Sheriff! Come on, G’Loona! My treat.

James smiled as the two cubs ran out the door, leaving him by himself in the office. As he glanced over the remaining items, something caught his eye. It was a stringed instrument with a circular base, rather like a banjo. When James picked it up, sat at his desk and gave a gentle strum on it, it sounded more like a Spanish guitar. James played a few notes on it, and all at once felt rather sad.
The folks here in Chima were kind to him and most of them were nice and all, but he suddenly felt lonely for human company. And there was one human he missed in particular, but not his old gang. A female friend who he’d left behind years ago for her own safety above all things. Many’s the time, later on, he’d ridden during the rising dawn or the setting sun over the desert and thought of her. Sadly, as time went by with his gang, he began thinking less and less of her – but she never left his memories.
Again, now here in Chima, he thought about her and did his best not to cry. He now wondered if she was still alright. And also wondered if he’d ever return to the Wild West, or even see her again. But he knew that either of them would be a miracle if that ever happened. And if he did, he couldn’t leave Wonald on his own to be sad and bullied again – and yet he couldn’t take the Wolf Cub with him either. So deep was he in his thoughts and feelings, that he didn’t notice Wonald hurrying towards his office – not till he burst through the door.

Wonald: (Excited mood, and out of breath) Sheriff James! Sheriff James!! You just gotta come see this!

James: (Snapping out of it) Huh? What, what, where?

Wonald: It’s time, Sheriff! It’s that time again!

James: (Slipping the banjo into his desk drawers, surreptitiously) Time? Time for what?

Wonald pointed through the open door, and James saw what looked like golden comets circling through the air near the Lion Temple. The voice of Lagravis and a gaggle of gasps and excited voices wafted towards them on the breeze, so he guess it was something big going on.

Wonald: The Gold CHI Tournamnt! C’mon! You must see it! You haven’t had a chance yet. (James looks at Wonald in a baffled sense). Look James, how long have you been in Chima?

For the first time, James wasn’t too sure how long he’d been living in Chima. Apart from a few sundials, there seemed to be no clocks, or even calendars, about to tell him that. It also made him wonder how Chima’s history ever got recorded if there were nothing to tell time by.

James: I dunno, about two months I reckon. It’s hard to fully tell without me etching on the walls. I don’t think Lagravis would’ve liked that.

Wonald: (Flabbergasted) Two months and you haven’t seen a Gold CHI Tournament yet?!

James: Listen kid, I have better things to do than sit around watching everyone run a race for this Gold CHI. I’ve offered my services, mind you, what with those Ravens about. Especially after they tried to pull that switcharoo stunt Laval told me about. I’m not taking any chances with something as precious as that!

This was true. A couple of times, he’d volunteered to help protect the Gold CHI whilst the Tournament was on. It was just as well as nobody dared tried to sneak up on James with loaded guns.
Officially, he’d not seen a full Tournament yet as he either had his back to the arena or was pacing to and fro, ready to pepper anybody who even so much as got with an inch (and that wasn’t a Lion) of the Gold CHI with buckshot. Lagravis had asked James’s help the first time and had told him about the Gold CHI’s potential. It really burned James up to see someone like Cragger, Worriz or Razar win something that could easily flatten the Lion Temple. Luckily, the last two Gold CHIs had gone to Laval and Gorzan.

Wonald: Aw, come on James. Everyone’ll be at the Tournament so there’ll be little to no crimes going on. You’ve been teaching me leisurely hobbies, well now it’s my turn to show you a pleasurely pastime in Chima.

James quickly wrestled with his conscious. He really didn’t want to disappoint Wonald – and there was certainly something in what he said.

James: (Getting up from behind his desk) All right. I’ll come along and watch.

Wonald: Yay! (He took James’s hand) Come on, G’Loona and I got front row seats! I hurried all the way back to fetch you. This is truly something that can’t be missed out!

With that, the little Wolf hurried out with James in tow. James was quite amazed at the gathering crowds that were surrounding the track. He could hear Lagravis making an announcement, but it was reaching the end so he never caught the beginning. Wonald dragged him through the crowds of spectators to where G’Loona was sitting in the front row, James sat down in the row behind them. He quickly glanced at the track and saw the line of Speedorz, waiting to start. But there seemed to be an air of impatience and annoyance amongst the competitors for some reason.

Wonald: (Turning to G’Loona as they reach their seats) Right, what’s going on? Why haven’t anybody started yet?

G’Loona: We’ve got a bit of a problem. The Gold CHI has chosen the Joust of Jungle Judgement for this month’s race –

James: (Astounded) Wait, that thing chooses the racetrack? I thought the track was a set thing, like the buildings around here.

Wonald: (Turning back to James) You didn’t realise that? Well, this way, no one tribe as the upper advantage over the other tribes each month.

G’Loona: – anyway, the Joust requires an equal number of competitors.

James took out a set of binoculars he’d also taken a like to in the Lost Items, from his coat pocket, and scanned the players. He could see Gorzan, Laval, Eris, Skinnet, Worriz, Cragger, Rogon, Razar, Bladvic, a brown Beaver, and Furty, all in that order (Furty close to the bleachers) all on their Speedorz. A quick count-out showed 11 in all. Rather uneven for a Jousting Match.

Wonald: Oh dear, that means someone will have to be left out and miss having a go at the Gold CHI this month.

James: Couldn’t someone else step in?

G’Loona: No, there aren’t any other Tribes in Chima. And you can’t have two members of the same tribe competing. It doesn’t look fair to the others.

James: (Trying to make a mathematical point) Well, if there were two members from each tribe, that would make it a fair game now, wouldn’t it?

G’Loona: Yeah, but there’s only two things wrong with with that. A) If we did that, we’d be here all night. And B) Have you seen any other foxes or skunks around these parts?

James: (Realising what G’Loona was hinting at) No, not really.

G’Loona: Well, there you have it then. That’s your idea gone for a burden.

Wonald: How’s about Dom De La Whoosh the Peacock? He’s a famous racer. Practically lives for it, if I recall.

G’Loona: He’s also retired now. Besides, it would take too long to get a message to him. The Tournament has to be held on the day of the Gold CHI emerging from the Sacred Pool. And by the looks of things, Worriz, Razar and Cragger are getting impatient enough as it is.

James: (Quickly sizing up the situation) How about that black and red warthog figure? I’ve seen him hanging around a few times as of late. What’s he called? ShadoWind, I believe?

James remembered encountering him in the jungle a while back and holding him at gun point with his Winchester. There was a brief and silent standoff between the two, before James lowered his gun and let ShadoWind go, with a warning that if he ever showed up in town again, James would keep a very careful eye on him. But James had felt that it had been ShadoWind who’d been giving the standoff, as if he was looking in James’s very soul.

G’Loona: No one knows anything about him. We aren’t too sure if he’s trustworthy or not.

Wonald: Yeah, and nobody knows where he comes from either.

James decided on what to do next. He quickly handed Wonald his binoculars and began to leave.

James: Here, hold these will you? I’ll be right back.

G’Loona: James, where are you going?

James: (Quickly heading back to his office) There’s something I’ve got to do. Won’t be long.

And with that James disappeared in the crowd. Wonald and G’Loona looked at each other, wondering what James meant.

Wonald: I do hope he’s not gone to get a bottle. I’d hate to seem him get drunk and start a fight if the crowd gets too riled over this.

It wasn’t just the crowd that seemed to be getting riled; it was spreading to some of the competitors too.

Cragger: Aw, c’mon! Let’s hurry up, get this over with and begin racing!!

Laval: Look Cragger, I don’t like grasping as straws any more than you do, but we must see this through fairly and evenly.

Worriz: How can it be fair and even if one of us has to sit it out?!

Razar: Yeah! I’m not waiting another month to have a shot at this!

Cragger: C’mon, Lagravis! Hurry up and make a choice! Do we get to race today or what?!?!

Lagravis: (Not too put off by Cragger’s opulent rudeness) Please, Cragger. I understand your annoyance, but until a decision is made the Joust cannot continue. Not with eleven players –

???: Make that twelve!

Lagravis: (Looking up from Cragger) Huh?

Cragger: (Turning to look back) Wha?!

Worriz: (Turning to look back) Sheriff!?!

There came several gasps and murmurs from the spectators as Lagravis and the racers turned to the sound of the voice, then a cheer (started by Wonald and G’Loona) arose as James rode onto the track on his Speedor, and joined the far end of the line next to Gorzan. His Winchester was slung across his back and a feeling of pride (with a little hint of nervousness) swelled up inside of him. As he parked alongside the other racers, he waved merrily to crowd. Some of the competitors were cheering too. The noise even woke Bladvic (who was being put to sleep by the waiting). But not everyone was pleased to see James there.

Cragger: (Groaning in frustration) James?! What are you doing here!?

James: Taking part, what else? I’m just here to see that fair play and good sportsmanship is involved.

Razar: Whaddaya mean “fair play”? You can’t join in! You don’t even have a tribe!

James: That’s as maybe, but you let Furty and Skinnet join, and they both seem like loners to me. So why can’t I join in? You saying I’m not legible?

Rogon: (Whispering to the Beaver) What does that mean?

Beaver: (Whispering back) That means he cannot take part because he’s not like any of us.  

Laval: (Turning to Lagravis) Come on, dad. Can James have a go just once? He’s right, of course. It would even things out for the Joust.

Lagravis thought for a while, and then turned his back on the players to have a quick discussion with Ewald and Grumlo. There was general bits of ‘Yes’ & ‘No’ humming, shaking & nodding of heads and harsh whispers for a few minutes before Lagravis turned back to the player, with a stern expression. For a few seconds, James thought for the worst, then Lagravis’s face cleared.

Lagravis: (Announcing to all) Citizens of Chima, and loyal fans! We have ourselves our twelfth player; Sheriff James Levvet, who’s kindly volunteered to take part at the last moment!

The crowds, with the exception of the Crocodiles, Wolves & Ravens, cheered for this piece of news. Though this did mean now the Joust could carry on. James smiled broadly and punched the air in victory.

Eris: Hey James, this is great!

Gorzan: Atta boy, Sheriff, dude! You, like, won’t regret it! (He gave James a rather hearty slap on the back for congrats)

James: Oof! (Straightens his hat) I hope not, Gorzan.

The truth was James hadn’t actually raced on a Speedor yet. Sure he’d done his own training on so he should shoot from it like he did on horseback. Soon he’d got the knack down of braking hard on his Speedor that it leaned over, almost touching the floor, and firing his revolvers or Winchester from that position – and hadn’t missed a target yet. He’d received much applause from his occasionally, viewing audience, and even Lagravis seemed to be impressed for a skill no one else in Chima had thought of. True, James had ended up rolling off a few times whist in training, but he never gave up till he had it licked.

Lagravis: (Announcing in General) Okay contestants. You all know the rules; this is a one-on-one game. Each winner will advance till we have two players left in the final. Whoever wins the Joust shall win the Golden CHI! Now, stand by to receive your numbers, then wait on the sidelines till your numbers are called.

Lennox came by, holding what appeared to be a hollowed-out honeydew rind with some scraps of folded paper inside. James reached out to take a piece of paper, and unfolded it. He saw that he was number 8. With that piece of info, he moved off the track to join the others on the sidelines. He glanced over at the scoreboard, and saw an Eagle add his name (written in Chimanese) to the listings. So intent was he in the positions on the scoreboard that he didn’t notice Lagravis come up next to him. He’d suddenly noticed that Wonald was now not in the bleachers, and G’Loona was on her own again.

Lagravis: Ahem! (James turned round to see him) One more thing, James. No weapons are allowed at any time for the duration of this match. I’m going to have to ask you to hand over your guns please.

James: (Wondering where Wonald was at the time) Sorry? What was that again?

Lagravis: Your guns. You need to hand them over please. You can have them back once the tournament has ended.

James: Oh, very well. (He takes off his Winchester and tosses it to Longtooth, who catches it in both hands, slightly winded. James then takes out his revolvers and hand them over to Longtooth too. Lastly, he removes his ammo belt and lays it on top. Poor Longtooth’s slightly buckling under the weight) Now don’t loose those or get ‘em mixed up, Gramps.

Longtooth: I won’t, I won’t! (Walks back to Lagravis’s stage, muttering) Young whipper-snapper(!)

Lagravis: Something bothering you, James? You suddenly don’t seem focused.

James: Oh, it’s nothing. I’d thought someone’d still be here to see me take part in all this.

Lagravis: (With a smile and a chuckle) You mean Wonald? Oh, I shouldn’t worry too much. I think he just went to get something for you.

James: Really? How can you be so sure?

Lagravis: (Pointing behind James) Because here he comes now.

James turned to see Wonald running up from the Speedor Pool, just as Equila took off wearing what looked like a peculiar-looking sousaphone wrapped around him. In Wonald’s hands, he was holding something large and silvery.

Wonald: (Panting) Sorry for going off like, James. Like you, I had something to collect. (Holds up what’s in his hands) I thought you might like it. It could be useful.

It was the breastplate that he’d been working on. James was surprised that Wonald was giving this to him.

James: (Taking the breastplate off Wonald) For me? Are you sure?

Wonald: Yeah, I’m sure. You deserve it more than I do. Besides, you can’t rely on those guns of yours all the time to help protect you. (Suddenly finds it difficult to say what he says next) Besides, this is your first tournament, and despite your skills…your body’s really not built for this sort of thing. Not unlike the rest of Chima. (Gestures towards the other riders to prove a point)

James knew what Wonald meant and it was true. Him going straight into something like this tournament without protection would be dangerous. It would be like a cat giving birth to piglets, even if both animals were citizens of Chima – their bodies just weren’t built for that sort of thing.

James: True, that. In that case then, help me get this on.

James then hopped down off his Speedor and took off his coat and bandanna. He knelt down to let Wonald help slip on the breastplate and fastened it securely. It certainly felt comfortable across his chest, and gave plenty of room under the arms. James never imagined that wearing armour would be this pleasing. Once James stood up, he put his bandanna back around his neck and pulled his coat on.

James: (Turning to the others) What do you think?

Gorzan: Suits you, dude!

Laval: Yeah, really sets off your character!

James smiled and climbed back onto his Speedor as Wonald returned to the bleachers. James was suddenly aware of Cragger, Worriz and Razar standing someways off, their heads bowed down and muttering to themselves…as if formulating a plan of action. But what it was James couldn’t hear. It was certain that none of them saw him put on the breastplate. So deep was he in observing them that he didn’t hear Eris telling him to look out, and was only brought back when something hit him on the back of the head.

THWAK!

James: (Looking wildly around) OW!! What in tarnation?!?

He looked over to his left and saw Leonidas standing next to him, holding a lance in his hands.

Leonidas: Sorry, Sheriff! Sorry!! Please don’t shoot or punch me! You know there’s a penalty for assaulting a Lion Temple Guard. I didn’t mean to hit you.

James: (Rubbing the back of his head) S’alright. S’alright. Anyway, shouldn’t you be guarding the Gold CHI? Needs about two or three guards to protect, doesn’t it?

Leonidas: Yes, but I was sent to bring you this. (He holds up the lance) You’ll be needing it for the tournament.

He handed James the lance and quickly ran off back to the platform on which the Gold CHI stood. He remembered James’s behaviour all too well then that Beaver hit him in the face with a wrench in the Market. James, however, was baffled by the lance. He noticed that there was a rounded pad on the end of it, a bit like a boxing glove.

James: Just what am I supposed to do with this? Snare a bunch of rings or hit a rotating target, making sure it don’t hit me back(?)

Eris: (Pointing out to the arena) Just watch the others, you’ll get the idea.

James turned and watched the arena. Glancing upwards, he saw Equila, in his absurd instrument, hovering above the track.

Equila: (Making his Announcements) Ladies and Gentlemen! This month’s tournament is about to begin! We apologize for delay, but now hope to get things “racing” along, as it were. (James gave a groan of disgust at that pun) The first two racers are been called to the track, and from up here, I can see it’s numbers 6 and 10; Furty Fox & Skinnet the Skunk!

James watched as the two took their places at either end of the track, with Skinnet near to the stands. Even from there, James could see he was looking nervous. Perhaps the pre-race nerves and hostilities from Cragger, Razar & Worriz had gotten to the hapless skunk. Equila made the pre-start announcements and both charged towards each other, their lances raised into position as soon as Equila said “GO!”
James realised now that this was not dissimilar to the jousts of the knights of the Middle Ages he’d read in his history books back at school.
But deep down, he’d never told anybody in Chima that he’d never really jousted in his life. Not that he didn’t have the slightest clue on how to joust, mind you. The closest thing he’d ever done to jousting was snagging mailbags off the hooks without stopping, with a shunter’s pole, by the railroad before the train picked them up. There had been a few times where the train had even beaten him to the mailbags first, but with a steady hand and a fast horse, he was always able to snag the bags off before they were withdrawn into the mail car.
The first round was quite a sight to behold. At the last second, poor Skinnet skunked. A huge cloud of green gas suddenly filled the centre of the track and both racers disappeared into it. There came a screech of brakes followed by an almighty crash. An Eagle Jet had to be fetched to clear the skunk cloud away with its thrusters. As the cloud was dispersed, everyone saw Skinnet and Furty, their lances broken and they themselves entangled in their Speedorz. They’d obviously collided with each other head on.

Equila (As stretcher bearers comes to relieve the two stricken riders) What a result, ladies and gentlemen! Skinnet and Furty have wiped each other out! This may change the outcome of today’s tournament slightly. Never mind, folks! We shall carry on. Our next competitors are numbers 2 and 12! Competitors 2 & 12 report to the track!

Rogon and the Beaver rolled out onto the track next.

James: I reckon that little Beaver’s not gonna make it. Rogon’ll flatten him!

But James was surprised to see that he was wrong. The Beaver’s height made him the perfect candidate against Rogon. Again Rogon, according to Laval, didn’t lean far enough into his bend, giving the Beaver an opportune moment to hit him with liver with his lance. Rogon hit the track head-on, then promptly sat up as if he’d only just tumbled out of bed, and waved merrily to the crowd as he walked off.
James began to get nervous, and began running a finger through his bandanna as he gulped, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his dry throat.

Eris: (Noticing James’s reactions) What’s the matter James? You getting nervous?

James: (Trying to shake it off) Nervous? Me, nervous? No, no. Certainly not. Could do with a drink, though.

One of the Beaver Speedor pool attendants quickly fetched him a goblet of water, which James drank rather quickly and thirstily, as he continued to watch the competition.
Gorzan and Bladvic were up next. Gorilla beating Bear as Bladvic suddenly fell asleep at the controls of his Speedor! The Speedor spun sharply to the right, giving Gorzan the opportunity to send him flying off with a blow to the shoulder. Bladvic landed on the side of the track, then pulled a rock up towards him, laid his head on it like a pillow and continued to sleep. ‘Was there nothing that could wake these bears up?!’ James thought to himself.

James was flabbergasted was he watched, but understood fully what Wonald had meant about not being built for Speedor Jousting. The others could easily take a pounding like this as easily as if were just a chumly punch on the shoulder – but not James himself. More likely he’d end up coming out of this with a broken shoulder, or even worse.
He tried to take his mind off his worries by striking a conversation with the other racers.

James: Well Eris. If we get called up, don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re a girl. And I won’t easy on you either Laval, just because you’re royal.

Laval: We don’t expect you do, James.

Eris: And we won’t go easy on you either, just because you’re the sheriff. Though you’ve really helped us out in the last few days, we’re really thankful. Finding all that lost property was sheer luck on your part.

Unknowingly to the three of them, Razar was passing behind them on his Speedor. His number had just been called and he was on his way to take his position. He’d just caught the last bit of what Eris was saying.

Razar: Eh? What’s that? What did she say?

James: (Turning sharply to Razar) Never you mind. (With the jerk of his thumb over his shoulder) Now git goin’!

Razar then simple turned and carried onto the track.

Eris: Wasn’t that a bit harsh, James?

James: Ah, what does it matter? I wouldn’t give those guys the time of day if necessary.

So busy was James chatting, in trying to keep his mind off the situation, that he didn’t hear his number, #8, getting called. It wasn’t till Eris nudged him that realised.

Equila: CALLING SHERIFF JAMES! NUMBER 8, WILL YOU PLEASE REPORT TO THE TRACK!!!???!!!

Eris: (Whispering) Psst, James, you’re on!

James: (Snapping out) Huh? What? What’s that?

Laval: (Pointing out towards the track, then skywards) It’s you’re turn James. Better get out there.

James looked up and saw Equila standing above the track, a stern, yet patient expression on his face, his arms folded across his chest and his foot tapping patiently in mid-air.

James: Oh?! Right! On my way.

And he rolled out to take his position by the bleachers. Several people wished him luck as he rolled out; he knew he was going to need it.

He looked out across the way and saw he was up against Razar, who seemed rather pleased at he was up against the sheriff.

Razar: Okay Sheriff! You’ve had it easy up to now. This is where your luck runs out! Prepare to loose!

James wasn’t going to let anybody get the better of him, so he tried to retaliate with some form of comeback.

James: Would you prepare to put money on that(?) Cos I wager you’ll be the one who looses!

Razar didn’t find that amusing and revved his speedor, preparing to charge.

James revved his speedor, also in preparation to charge and brought his lance up into position. He glanced at the bleachers, and saw G’Loona and Wonald wave him on and gave a cheery thumbs-up as a symbol of good luck. James smiled back then looked up to Equila, who was holding a chequered flag up high, and glancing at the two racers as they stood by for battle.

Equila: (Dropping the flag) GO!!

With a skidding of wheel, a cloud of dust and a spray of small stones, James’s speedor shot off down the track as Razar came zooming up his end.
It was as Razar got close enough that James saw something that the viewers couldn’t see. Hidden within the wrappings on the end of his lance, James’s eyes (not as sharp when under the influence of too much whiskey or a punch in the face) detected the ends of several sharp nail ends concealed within. James’s sharp wit also calculated the position the end of Razar’s lance. Razar wasn’t aiming at James, he was aiming at his face! Obviously with intent to put out James’s eyes!

James: (Thinking) Holy Tarnation! So that’s what those three were huddled up about! Finding way to knobble me out of the tournament! What am I going to do?!

Nobody, not even James himself, quite understood what happened next. All of a sudden, everything seemed to slow down around James. And his hearing suddenly went muffled. The roar of the crowd, the sound of the Speedorz, even Equila’s commentary was suddenly blocked out of James’s mind. It was as if he was under the effect of some crazy tobacco or smoking drug, but everything suddenly slowed down for James. Never had he ever felt like this, not even when he was in a shoot-out back in the West. His next move was still unexplainable. Either he tried to hit the brakes and knocked the gears into reverse, or the other way round, he was unsure. But all at once, his Speedor suddenly lurched backwards, just before Razar reached him, and then went into an anticlockwise spin. Razar just took notice that his lance went under James’s elbow instead of in the face, but he was too slow to take what was about to happen next.

WHAM!! >Add in Repeat effect<

The padded end of James’s lance swung around as James turned to face the Raven again and stuck him a strong blow on the left side of his head. Razar was knocked clean out of his speedor and sent flying clear of the track and lay flat on his front in the dust whilst his speedor swung out to the left and overturned. Razar’s lance also went flying with him, but landed a few feet away, pointed end sticking in the ground.

James quickly skidded to a halt as the world sped up again and his hearing quickly cleared, as if someone had turned the volume back on in his head. He was suddenly aware that people were cheering at him.

Equila: Incredible, Sheriff James has taken out Razar of the Raven Tribe in one move!! I’ve ever seen anything like that before!

James looked over at the bleachers and saw Wonald and G’Loona cheering the loudest, high-fiving, chest-bopping and dancing a sort of boogie with each other and chanting.

Wonald & G’Loona: (in unison) Whoo-hoo! Go, Sheriff! Go, Sheriff! Go, Sheriff!

The crowd was still cheering as James rolled back to the sidelines, a great feeling of pride swelling up inside of him. He rolled past Razar who was now sitting up and feeling his face all over. He gave an angry glare at James and waved his hook at him.

Razar: (Groaning) Oooh! I think you bent my beak!

James: Next time, I’ll knock it clean off your face, you moulting feather duster!

Razar was deeply beginning to resent James. Now he understood how Worriz and Cragger would feel everytime James got in their way and screwed up their plans. And what was that Eris had said before he came onto the track? Was there something going on that the Ravens weren’t aware of?

Back at the sidelines, the other competitors were cheering James on as he rolled in.

Gorzan: Woah, dude! That was a totally awesome manoeuvre! Can you teach me that?

James: I don’t think I could do that again.

He was so relieved and giddy from winning that round that he didn’t noticed that Eris wasn’t there.

James: (Jumping off his Speedor) Well, I could certainly do with another drink. (Calling) Hey, steward! ‘Nother goblet over here, please!

The same Beaver as before came hurrying up with James’s goblet of water. Laval got off his speedor to talk privately to James.

Laval: Listen, James. I know that this might be none of my business, but I would like to know. What really happened out there?

James: (Swigging from the goblet) I really don’t know. All of a sudden, the world just slowed down and quietened down around me. Could be the fumes from the polish Wonald’s used on this breastplate…(pats his new piece of armour)…or perhaps some greater instinct’s took over my body for that fleeting moment. Has anything like that happened before around here?

Laval: (Looking quite concerned) Not that I’ve heard of. I’ll speak my dad about this. Maybe he might have some answers. If not him, then Grumlo or Ewald might.

The two climbed back onto their speedorz just as Eris returned, pushing her speedor back into the sidelines. The last round had happened so quickly, and so deep were they in conversation, that neither Laval or James had seen it.

Laval: Eris, what happened?

James: Are you alright?

Eris: (Sadly) Yeah, I’m fine, but I’m out of the running now. My speedor’s busted.

James (Shocked) Who did that to you?!

Eris: (Pointing out towards the track) He did.

Laval and James looked out and saw Worriz, gloating in the admiration from his tribe in the crowd, like some hyped-up wrestler. Deep down, James was seething with silent fury. He knew that’s how the game was played, but still to treat a lady like that. As Worriz rolled past them, he pointed two fingers towards his own eyes, and then turned those fingers towards Laval, James and Eris in a very meaning sort of way. James knew what that meant, and knew Worriz was trying to aggravate them.
Out of all the tribesmen that caused Chima problems, James deeply hated Worriz. Not just because he was greedy and vicious with repulsive manners, but because he was rude and conceited (with the exception of his feelings towards Windra) and was never nice to Wonald. James’s fist balled so tightly that you could almost hear the material of his gloves creak, and a red flush began to creep up his neck from under his bandana.
Luckily, Eris brought him out before he said or did something he might’ve regretted.

Eris: (Glancing at the board) Looks like it’s Gorzan’s turn again. If he wins this, he’ll be up in the finals.

To take his mind off Worriz, James quickly did a mental count of the results so far. Out of the twelve contestants, two had knocked themselves out, Rogon, Razar, Bladvic and Eris were out. That was 6. Laval or Cragger hadn’t run yet, James and Worriz were through. And whoever won the next round…

James: That leaves 5 for the semi-finals. And then 3 in the finals. We’ll be back to Square 1 again. Or do we have a three-way match?

Laval: A three-way might be possible. We’ll just have to see what happens.

James handed his goblet back to the Beaver Steward.

James: Fill it up again. And be quick about it.

The Beaver attendent, knowing how angry James could easily get, and of his temper, quickly got James a refill and as handing it back as the next round commenced before scuttling away.

The three watched as Gorzan went up against the Beaver Racer. What happened was as equally astounding as Furty & Skinnet’s match. Both Gorilla and Beaver charged headlong at each other, but their speedorz meet first before their lances did.

KER-RASH!!

Some woman in the crowd screamed and two furry blurs, one black and one brown, flew through the air and out of the arena. The Beaver landed safely on an awning on one of the stalls in the market. He stood up on the awning and waved to the crowd, to show he was alright. Gorzan flew into the branches of a nearby tree; he grabbed the biggest branch, somersaulted around it 4 times, like a circus trapeze artist, before commencing a flip-over and grabbed the braches with his feet, and dangled upside down like a bat in a cave, he too waving happily to the crowds below.

Gorzan: Hey there, dudes! Like, total wipe-out, eh?

James just couldn’t believe his eyes at what he was seeing. By now, his nerves were overtaking his pride and his stomach felt like it was full of butterflies and knotted at the same time.

Equlia: There you have it folks! Another double wipe-out for our match today! That leaves only four contestants for the Gold CHI!

Eris: (Punching James on the shoulder) You hear that, James? Only four left! And that includes you! You’re now in the semi-finals!!

James: (Astounded) It does? I am? Well, sweet doggies! (Takes another swig from his goblet) Right! Who am I up against now?

Laval: (Pointing out) Who do you think?

James looked and saw Worriz rolling out onto the track. By now, James’s confidence had returned. He drained the goblet, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand still holding the goblet before holding it out for Laval to take.

James: (Rolling out) Stand aside, folks. By the end of this, I’ll have that wolf’s fur for a rug in my office.

It seemed at Worriz was easily as confident on winning this round as James was.

Worriz: (As James took his position in front of the bleachers) Alright, Sheriff! You may’ve had it easy with Razar, but this is where the big boys play! Your luck ends here James! You’re going down!!

James: (Giving Worriz the thumbs-down) No, you’re going down!

Worriz: (Growling) We’ll see about that!

James: (Raising his lance into position) Bring it on, you dog-breathed loud-mouth!

Worriz was deeply insulted by that remark, and took off before Equila had dropped the flag, never mind saying “Go”, his face twisted into a ferocious scowl. James sped towards Worriz, his lance at the ready, his face set with determination.
As the two got closer, Worriz face changed from a scowl to a look of evil triumph, followed by his thumb reaching to a button hidden on the underside of his lance handle. As he pressed it, a long thin knife-blade flicked out from the front end of Worriz’s and was pointing straight at James face!

Again, only James saw this and realised that Worriz was intending to stab him the face! Then once again, the world slowed down, his hearing muffled and James’s body felt peculiar, yet he knew what to do.
Before Worriz’s blade reached him, James leapt up out of the seat of his speedor and did a miraculous backwards flip as Worriz’s lance past under him. Worriz watched him do so, his face going from evil triumph to utterly baffled surprise.

Worriz: (In slow motion) WHAAAA-----???!!??

Worriz was still watching as James landed right back on his speedor, caught his lance in his hand and continued on down the track to the other end.

Worriz: Hey! No fair! Come back here!! Where are you going?!

James went into a sliding brake as he turned to face Worriz, and saw that not only was Worriz still looking at him, but he was forgetting to stop – or even raise his lance back up.

James: I think you ought to look where you’re going(!)

Worriz didn’t realise that his lance was lowering to the moving ground. Neither did he see that he was heading towards a pothole in the track. Too late did he see that as the blade on his lance stuck in the pothole and began to bend as Worriz applied his brakes…

TWANG!!

WOOOOOAH-OH-OOOHHHHHHHH-WOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHUMP!

Worriz was catapulted off his speedor and was flung over the crowds and far out of the arena, and his lance broke in two. Worriz flew threw the air and landed headfirst into the loped branch stub of a large twisted dead tree with black bark (luckily for Worriz, it was hollow). Worriz went into the right up to his waist, so he had to use his legs to pull himself out.

When he managed to free himself with a rather sticky ‘Pop’, he fell out of the tree and lay flat on his back, with a beehive on his head, which made him look like we was wearing an absurd turban. He then sat up and tried to pull the hive off his head.

Worriz: (Muffled) Hey!! Let me outta here! Let me out! It’s all wet and sticky in here! (Slurp) Hmm, but tasty though.

Then Worriz was in trouble. From somewhere within the tree came a sound that started off softly, but then grew louder till filled their air like an approaching steam train at full throttle. The tree began shake and vibrate as if an earthquake was happening under it. The noise inside sounded very angry indeed. Worriz stopped what he was doing and turned in the direction of the noise.
James had a feeling of what was about to happen and pulled the lapels of his coat up over his neck and tucked his head in as far as it would go. Members of the audience dived under their seats. Those on the sidelines prepared to move sharpish, and even Lagravis prepared to hold his cloak over his face.

With a boom like an erupting volcano, a huge swarm of black angry bees burst out of the top of the tree and hung in the air like a storm cloud. Luckily, they didn’t go anywhere near the arena. Instead, they went straight to Worriz, who blindly darted away over the horizon as fast as his legs could carry him, still with the hive on his head and flailing his arms to try and keep the bees away.

Worriz: (Muffled) Oh no. ARGH! HELP! HELP!! WOAH! OW! HEY, STOP IT!! LEAVE ME ALONE!! OUCH!! SAVE ME!! WOO!!! WOO-OO-OOH!!!!! DA-HOY!!!

And with that, a humiliated Worriz was gone, perused by the angry bees and leaping up whenever they stung him, with a muffled 'Ow!'. James couldn’t help but laugh out loud as he saw this. So did practically everybody else, with the exception of the Wolf Tribe. They quickly left to help Worriz. Only Wonald stayed to cheer James on.
Once calm and order has been restored, the tournament continued. James, still in high hopes returned to the sidelines as the next match took place. Eris, who’d just managed to get her speedor working again, along with Gorzan, who had returned to the sidelines, congratulated him highly.

Eris: Well done, James! You actually beat Worriz at his own game.

Gorzan: Yeah dude! And you never even touched him.

James: (Modestly) Oh, it was nothing. Just a knack for me.

He then looked around and spoke quietly to Eris.

James: Tell me, was that move I did legal?

Eris: Well, you did leave your speedor first, but you landed back in it straight away. And technically, Worriz was knocked out of the tournament. So, taking into accounts the actual rules of Speedor Racing–

James: (Hurrying up Eris by whirling his wrist) Yeah, yeah, yeah, common knowledge. In plain talk, please.

Eris: (Bluntly) You’re still in. And you know what that means now, don’t you?

James: I think I do.

Eris: That puts you in the finals! You have a shot at winning the Gold CHI!!

James: Great! Wait till I tell Laval about this. (He looks around again) Where is he?

There came another crash, followed by a loud united moan from the crowd.

Rogon: Out there, James.

Gorzan: But don’t bother turning round. He’s coming back.

James did turn around, and saw a disheartened Laval rolling back towards them.

Eris: Laval! Are you alright?

Laval: (Downheartedly)Yeah, I’m fine. But I’m out of the running.

James: (Putting a hand on Laval’s shoulder) Oh, Laval. I’m sorry to hear that. I was looking forward to sparring with you.

Laval: (Smiling Warmly) Nice of you to think of that. Perhaps there’ll be some other time.

Eris: Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that James has made it to the finals.

Laval: Oh, that’s brilliant! (Face falls) But I have to warn you, James. You’ll be up against him.

Laval pointed outwards and James saw Cragger, like Worriz before, standing in the centre of the track and basking in the admiration of his tribe cheering him. James didn’t even have time to reflect on anything as Equila called him out onto the track. As he rolled past Laval, the Lion Prince put a hand on James’s shoulder.

Laval: Take care, James. The Joust is Cragger’s best event.

Gorzan: Yeah, good luck dude!

Eris: Even if you can’t defeat Cragger, we’re still proud of you, especially since you’ve made it this far.

James turned to Eris and touched the brim of his hat.

James: Don’t worry, Ma’am. I’ll win this. That zipper-mouth’s chucked his last chuck.

And with that James solemnly rode out as he took his place in the finals.
Cragger just glared at James as he rolled out. He could see at once that he had to up his game a notch or two. His other two generals had been humiliated, but he wasn’t going to let this goody-goody sand-dweller get the better of this tournament. If only to avenge his sister.

As James took position, he saw one of Cragger’s tribe members hand him a new lance, and wondered what that was all about. But he knew that it all boiled down to just him and Cragger now. He wasn’t even paying attention to Equila’s commentary up above.

Equila: Well, here it is, citizens of Chima. The final round of this Gold CHI Tournament. Our remaining two contestants are Cragger, of the Crocodile Tribe, and James Levvet, our local Sheriff! (The audience cheered loudly for both of them) Let me just say, here and now, that I congratulate these two for making it this far today. I would also like to thank James for his wonderful lost-&-found programme a few days ago. I am sure we all are thankful to him for that, so let’s give a round of applause for both that and his efforts for today.

As the audience applauded, the Ravens (who neither cheered or clapped) were still trying to understand what it was Equila had said.

Rizzo: ‘Ere? What’s he saying? What’s he on about?

Razar: I don’t know! Something about James and a scheme of some sorts.

Rawzom: What I want to know is, if there’s a scheme about, then why weren’t we informed of anything like this?

Cragger, on the other hand, didn’t care for the praise for James in any way possible. He just wanted to get this over with, have James knocked out of the contest and win the Gold CHI. He and James readied themselves.

Cragger: (to himself) Alright Sheriff. This is the final match. Let’s see if your luck holds out for this round. (Out-loud to James) Okay, James. You’re in way over your head this time! Prepare to loose!

James: No, you’d better prepare to loose! And if I bite the dust, I’m taking you down with me!

Cragger: (Growling) Oh yeah? Well, there’s only going to be one champion at this tournament! And that’s –

Equila: (Dropping the flag) GO!

Cragger: (Charging forward) – ME!!!

Both James and Cragger surged towards each other. As Cragger got closer, James noticed that the end of Cragger’s lance was glistening with something that looked an acid-green colour. James quickly realised why Cragger had changed lances; the end of that one must be soaked in poison! He also noted that Cragger was also aiming directly at James’s head. Whilst Razar & Worriz had been planning on stabbing James in the face, Cragger’s intention was make sure James was fully out of the way, if he was blind or dead!! James had to think fast before Cragger dealt this fatal blow.

In the bleachers and the sidelines, an awed hush fell across the spectators. Wonald’s mouth was wide open. G’Loona held Wonald’s hand tightly in hers, a look of worry now over her face. Laval’s face was set with a serious look. Eris held her hands up to her beak, quivering with nerves. Gorzan put his hands over his eyes, but was looking through a gap in his fingers. Bladvic (who’d been cleared off the track earlier on) kept falling asleep on his speedor and snorting himself awake, but only briefly.

(Continued here; Legends of Chima: The Outlaw, Part 9 (Act 2))