"Qualifiers," Maine says. Most of the contestants earned their right to compete in regional games. Carolina doesn't want to risk her reputation by shoving foreigners into their respected tradition. "And curiosity."

What can they learn today?

----

York had mentioned that Carolina's vanguard might come this morning. Sigma talked the mage's guard into letting him study in the courtyard. He's actually supposed to be meditating, but the appearance of not one but two soldiers in the Lady's colors diverts his attention.

"Carolina sure knows how to pick her guard," he says to them. "Though I bet I could show you two some tricks off the field that could blow your minds."

Look, it's bound to work on one of them.