The cheers and jubilation as the Run began were short lived, changing within a few blocks to screams of fear and screeches of fury.
The Harpies had once again come to Pamplaxia.
It was impossible to control the chaos, so Xan and I continued to herd the young runners, whilst taking pot shots at the bigger groups as we dashed through. Helikaon from atop the start line buildings was already cleaving winged forms that dove towards him, rough brown feathers falling as his axe cleaved through flesh.
A brief moment of respite in the maelstrom of bodies brought me close to Braz and Theo, who were trying to deal with an old mentor of Braz's who had been poisoned. I tossed Theo my herb bag and gave him instructions on how to prepare thessalia leaves, which should neutralise a lot of common toxins.
Dashing off once more we made it to the bridge spanning the chasm, despite a few hairy moments in saving a young person who had taken a wrong turning.
As we did, arising from the fog, more screeching forms arose, grinning evilly as they began to sing.
We were in a whole lot of trouble.