The Cart Road side

The players representing Cart Road wear red and are larger than the Sparrows in the chapter's match. Late in the afternoon they hold a one goal advantage, and Goro sees their clothing as carrying a slightly self satisfied appearance.

Their keeper stops an earlier low attempt by holding the ball against his chest. With the lead intact, Cart Road's players pass among themselves with a leisurely ease, keeping possession while the Sparrows chase and time runs down. A scramble beside their ring produces the loose ball that gives Goro his final chance. Their keeper gets fingertips to the shot, which hits the iron, and Cart Road's players celebrate together when the whistle confirms the game's end. Ferro locates the unbeaten side he describes beyond Cart Road, far across the Quarter. He recalls seeing that side during travels in his youth.