Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long, as the race was scheduled for early in the morning. Evendiss grumbled about the hour, but was ready with plenty of time to spare.<br/><br/>When they arrive, they find about a dozen others already gathered, and as the official time nears, the number swells to twenty. Muminofrah arrives, born on an elaborate palanquin, with numerous servants attending her. She beams in delight, to see everyone gathered, as well as the crowds lining the streets, and blows a kiss towards Lykos.<br/><br/>"Welcome, to all of you brave souls, to the First Annual Grand Race of Tephu," she announces, loudly. "The haty-a has been kind enough to declare today a holiday on the event's behalf, which means the whole of the town will be turning out, to watch this chariot race! The first chariot to race around the course that has been lain out, marked with bright red flags, like this one," she said, holding up a gaily-colored, red flag, and waving it about dramatically. "Shall win a wondrous prize, and perhaps even a<em>special</em>gift from me," she said, with a smoldering look towards Lykos.<br/><br/>"So, uhh, what are the rules?" one of the other racers asks, amid a murmur of agreement from the rest of the crowd.<br/><br/>"Rules? Why, there ARE no rules!" the noblewoman announces, before breaking down into almost hysterical laughter, her whole body shaking and wobbling with it. "Now, bring out the camels!"<br/><br/>A large number of chariots, lashed to camels, are brought out, and arranged at the starting line. They all look pretty much the same, and there's enough that each of them could take a mount, if they wanted, or there's room enough they could ride double.