Excerpt: Brynn

Brynn stood in the center of the canyon. As per usual, no one was in sight. Where were James and Olson? They needed to start soon, or the consequences were sure to be bad. Martin was competing against them this time, and he wasn’t one to sit back idle and let the team with a reputation win. Martin would bring a challenge.
Literally.
And currently Brynn was, herself, challenge-less; and would remain that way until James and Olson got there.
The canyon colors blurred and shifted in the early morning sun. The race was to start in two candles, and neither her competitor nor her team was in sight.
Brynn shifted her regulation hunter green satchel and scanned the horizon for any familiar figure- perhaps the official announced the time incorrectly. It was not Brynn’s mistake; she had been doing this for too long and had eliminated such weaknesses as miscalculation a long time ago. The only explanation for this ill-conceived grievance was either the official screwed up, or Martin was just plain ignorant. Either option was reasonably possible.
The sharp sound of a rock falling alerted her to the presence of some being. Brynn turned swiftly, arms raised in a defensive stance, mind shielded against a different type of attack.
James stood fifteen feet away, arms crossed over his chest.
He was one third of their challenge team. Standing six feet, six inches tall with lean, lithe musculature, James was built perfectly for the long bouts of travel over rough terrain the group often had to endure in the races. He had a decently tactical mind and a talent for getting them out of tough situations.
Brynn nodded to him and returned to scrutinizing the horizon. Olson wouldn’t be far behind.
James stepped forward until he stood beside her, the foot’s height difference ignored by both parties. “How’s it look?”
Brynn gave the scene in front of her a last once-over. “Not bad. Better than some places we’ve raced at.” Turning swiftly, she leaped onto a nearby bolder. James seemed accustomed to this display of grace and agility, which in any other circle would seem extraordinary and highly unnecessary. “There’s a small stream, no banks to speak of, should be an easy target. Lots of stones and obstructions, so Olson will have to be careful. Other than that there’s not much. This should be fairly simple.”
James nodded, smoothly taking in all the information she had offered. “Which direction is the stream running?”
“Vertical. Martin has never raced with a water element.”
“Excellent choice.” James gave her a cursory glance. “See Olson anywhere?”
Brynn shook her head. “No one to speak of- not even the official. And I thought Martin would be here earlier- he seems rash enough to not be afraid of the reigning teams.”
Her team member shrugged. “This shouldn’t be too hard. We’ve beaten most around here, so once we defeat him, we can go on to Gratia.”
Brynn smiled to herself discreetly.