The day of the challenge arrived and all 4 teams were ready to run. The starting runners for each team had a new version of their banner made with a pole for easy carrying. Throngs of people from Ial and beyond gathered for the beginning of this momentous challenge, cheering and waving miniature flags made in the design of their favourite team's banner (the merchant selling these flags outside would be able to retire and live comfortably for the rest of his life on the profits he made this day).
With the bang of a cheap magic spell, the teams were off. At the beginning, each of the teams started working alone, but after a few rounds, the Aureolin Amphisbaenae decided to use a few of their Magical Scrolls to help them out. They took a quick break and used the Scrolls to summon a flock of
cute grey birds to assist them with the banner carrying. The birds were cheerful and eager to be of service, happily carrying the banner of their master.
The Xanadu Taniwha had a different idea. Waiting until an opportune moment when the other teams were resting, they used their Scrolls at once to summon 4 snakes, knowing the Queen had a particular fondness for the creatures. They presented the snakes to Athena as a bribe/gift and asked her to help them on their way. She acquiesced to their request and wore the snakes as a necklace as she traveled a few laps with the Taniwha. No one dared get in the Queen's way, and the Taniwha were able to score the most laps with the Queen's aid.
At the end of the race, Athena collapsed into her outdoor throne, laughing. "Wooo, I haven't had that much excitement since the Black Crows made their move. Well done everyone!"
Panting and gulping large skins of water, the team members all made their way to the throne as well, tired and pleased that the challenge was finally over with. The grey birds summoned by the Amphisbaenae chose this moment to fly off into the sunset.
"You have all performed very well," the Queen said, "and I am pleased with your hard work and dedication. However, there is still a winner and a loser present, and such arrangements must be made.
"Xanadu Taniwha, with your perseverance, timing, and clever bribing, you have managed to claim the top spot in this challenge. As a reward, you can choose to either have your used Scrolls replenished, or you can instead opt to take a direct advantage over the next challenge."
Please with their win, Naxi unfurled a
special, new version of their team banner that she had made in secret, adding Queen Athena to the top as an honorary member and presented it to the Queen who bowed and accepted it graciously before turning to the next team.
"Aureolin Amphisbaeanae, unfortunately you were unable to chain as effectively as the other teams, and you have lost this challenge. As a result, once again you must choose a team member for elimination."
Athena stood and brushed off her hands. "Those are matter for later, though. For now, I'm starving! Everyone to the dining hall!"