Between the storm that continued from Day 8 and then the feasting following the Closing Ceremonies, we have another late report.
Audiences at home will be relieved to know that King Caspian X of Narnia did not suffer a concussion from his fall on Day 8 after all.
The storm that spooked his mount intensified the next day, delaying the final event of this year’s Narnialympics: aerial acrobatics. This event is somewhat similar to gymnastics, but for winged contestants (Talking Birds, Winged Horses, dragons, etc.). A miniature obstacle course is set mid-air for the athletes to perform around in a choreography of their choosing. As the event is open to a variety of winged creatures, there is always something new to see as each species has its own advantages and disadvantages, ranging in size, limb types, and skeletal flexibility.
The winner of the bronze medal is a dragon of unclear origins. Some say his is from as far east as Dragon Island, but according to King Edmund and Queen Lucy of Narnia, he is from a place called “Cambridge”. The dragon seemed to agree to the latter point of origin and tried to write out something in the sand, but between his scrawled writing, the accidental sweeps of his tail, and the ocean waves, the most we got from him directly was this (the ellipses marking where his writing was obscured):
“I …M ESUTACE CALARENCE SC … ROM ENG…ND. NT A DARGON … AM A BO… NYWAY, AM GL…D TO REC…VE RONZBE OH DEAR”
Regardless of his origins, this dragon has earned his bronze medal with his powerful performance. The rate at which he gained his altitude was impressive and he made excellent use of his tail in his triple-ring twist. Unfortunately, he went a little too far in making an impression, for his fire-breathing set a couple of the props on fire.
Coming in second was Fledge of Narnia, father of all winged horses. Though his performance was more than admirable for his skill in flight, Fledge clearly appealed to all the horse-lovers in the audience, incorporating a toss of his mane here, a rearing up there, and a wild whinny at the end of it all. Of these decisions, Fledge merely stated, “I was born a simple country horse before Aslan gave me wings. I still love a good gallop or a roll or a lump of sugar as much as any other horse, and I wanted to reflect in my performance those simple joys as only a Horse can have.”
Taking home the final gold of this tournament is the Chief Gryphon of Narnia. His inclusion of his many battle-born maneuvers brought a fresh meaning to the word “dynamic”. While the dragon’s performance was an artful dance and Fledge’s was a new level of “wild and free”, the Chief Gryphon’s choreography was nothing short of passionate. With his leonine grace and eagle-like swiftness, one could easily envision a battle raging about him as he wheeled and dove and somersaulted in and around the obstacle course. A close battle to be sure, but the Chief Gryphon emerged the undisputed victor of the event.
Thank you for following these special reports with Azim Balda Broadcasting and we hope you’ll join us four years from now for the 2020 Narnialympics Tournament!
