AN: I'm SOOOO sorry that's been so long. I'm up to my ears in essays and homework. But anyway, here is the next instalment of the 9th heron!
The day after the foxglove incident, was the next assessment. They were just about to start their physical conditioning session when Sigurd appeared on the training ground and summoned them with a blow on his horn.
"Assessment! Foot race! Ten minutes!"
The Herons made their way to the race track that had been laid out the night before while they slept. The track disappeared round a clump of trees and reappeared at the bottom the hill, making its way back up to the finish line. Hal turned his attention to Sigurd.
"Select you runners! This one is an individual test."
Tursgud scowled at the Herons, his face distorting even further when his gaze landed on Zac, who smirked back at him.
"I'll run for the sharks."
Hal turned to Zac.
"Know anything about the track?"
"About a kilometre, fairly smooth going. Nothing too big in the way."
"I'll run."
Hal turned to Stig. He was a good runner. But Jesper and Zac were both faster. Zac had proven himself in the mountain run, but he really was better at long distance marathon-type events. For this distance, Jesper was probably the best option.
"I'm Choosing Jesper."
Stig looked hurt and opened his mouth to protest when Hal cut him off.
"I know you can beat Tursgud, but can you beat Henjak?"
Stig looked over at the wolves' runner. The lanky boy had proven during training that he was exceedingly fast. Stig nodded and stepped aside for Jesper to approach the starting line with the other runners. Henjak and Jesper shook hands while Tursgud ignored the both of them. They took their marks and prepared to take off. Sigurd stood by the edge of the track.
"All right runners, on the start line . . . GO!"
Jesper was away like a startled hare, while it took the other two a second to gallivant into action. They brotherbands cheered for their champions as they disappeared down the hill. They stood around waiting for their runners to reappear. Edvin was the first one to spot them on the return.
"There! Behind those trees!"
The yelling immediately started up again as the boys quickly made their way back up the hill. They were packed into a tightly formed pack, and it was hard to distinguish who was in the lead.
"COME ON JESPER!"
Hal jumped at the sound of Stig's voice right next to his head, and then grinned. He joined his brotherband in cheering for their friend. The cheering didn't stop as the runners moved into a ditch and momentarily out of sight.
"I think Henjak is gaining"
Hal looked at Stefan, then at Zac as he nodded his agreement. The twins voiced their optimism.
"The race isn't over yet. Jesper can still catch him."
"Even a second would be good."
"Blast second, Jesper can still catch him!"
Hal interrupted the Ulf and Wulf's quarrelling, then turned to Ingvar as he plucked at the skirl's sleeve.
"What's happening, Hal? Are we winning?"
Zac moved forward to update him on the progress of the race. Ingvar nodded and opened his mouth
"COME ON JESPER!"
The herons jumped at the enormous roar. His large frame and huge chest could produce a deafening noise when needed.
Without warning, Henjak floated into sight over the top of the rise just below them. Seconds later, he crossed the finish line.
"Well so much for 'he can still win',"
Wulf scowled at his brother, but Stefan interrupted before they could jump at each other's throats.
"Second will still be okay."
Suddenly the other two runners appeared at the top of the rise. Neck and neck, they approached the finish line. Just before they crossed the line, Tursgud forged ahead, beating the heron representative by millimetres. Jesper rolled to a stop on the other side of the line, chest heaving. His brotherband helped him to his feet, patting him on the back. Sigurd tallied up the points, then looked at the three brotherbands.
"Attention! Lunch will be one hour earlier this afternoon. Let your runners get some rest. The team strength test will be this afternoon."