14. The Race
Word had obviously spread about the Thain’s wager with Bandobras, for spectators crowded the stands and standing-room, and the chalk hill above the racecourse was thickly covered with the overflow crowds.
Curiously, Tookish archers filled the seats at the front, almost as if they’d gone directly from the archery competition to the racecourse, claimed their places, and waited through the night and the morning hours to watch the race. And perhaps they had.
For those who’d witnessed the Thain’s discussion with his sons had informed those who hadn’t.
The archers were invested in the race, for more than one reason.
***
Bandobras was directed to take an outside placement on the starting line. At the sight of the horse, a buzz of speculation arose, along with brisk wagering. Then the cheers began, swelling as the ponies were led to the starting line. Some fought, rearing and plunging. None wanted to line up next to Friend for some reason.
At last, the Master of the Races gestured to Bandobras to pull Friend away from the line. ‘Start four lengths behind the rest,’ he said, scuffing a line in the dirt with his heel just for the horse. ‘Right here.’
The betting intensified.
***
At last, all the racers were lined up in relatively orderly fashion. The Master raised the heavy flag, swirled it above his head, and slashed it downward.
They were off!
The racers broke as racers always do, some fast, some slower, some rearing before plunging forwards, others starting with a bounding leap.
Friend simply went from standstill to a full gallop, quickly catching up and passing the laggers, then running in the space between the leaders and the rest of the pack for three-quarters of the race.
Seeing Bandobras lean forward and call to the horse, the crowd went wild.
***
The leaders swept ‘round the grand curve and pounded down the stretch.
No one could quite credit what happened next. Some claimed the horse sprouted wings and flew. Others spoke of Outlandish magic, lending the beast unearthly speed.
In what seemed no time at all, Friend had nosed his way between the leaders and then left them behind, with each stride increasing the distance between himself and the field until he flashed past the finish line.
Stunned silence greeted his victory. The race officials almost forgot to mark the second- and third-place finishers.
And then the Tooks began to cheer...!
***
Bandobras steered Friend, breathing easily as if the race had not yet started, to the centre of the racecourse to accept the wreath of roses due the winner. Of course, it was too small to fit over the horse’s head, so Bandobras took it away from the bemused Master of the Races and put it over his own head, wearing it like a large, flowery necklace, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Then Thain and Mayor stepped forward to congratulate them, and then a host of Tooks spilled across the racecourse and into the centre field, mobbing Bandobras, pounding his back.
Bandobras felt as if he were drowning in congratulations. But then Ferumbras stepped in, placed a protective arm around his younger brother’s shoulders, turned Bandobras towards Friend, and told the horse, ‘Down!’
He helped the rose-bedecked rider into the saddle, scrambled up behind him, and said to the horse, ‘Up!’
Friend regained his feet and stood serenely, an island of calm in the sea of Shire-folk.
‘Better?’ Ferumbras murmured in his brother’s ear.
‘Much!’
Ferumbras locked eyes with the Thain. ‘We’ll meet you in camp!’ he called.
Isumbras nodded and raised his fist heavenward. The Tookish archers thundered with cheers.
***
In the quiet of the camp, Friend knelt without prompting, allowing Ferumbras to help his brother down.
He guided Bandobras to his bedroll and commanded him to stay there. Soon he returned with a cool cloth for the younger brother’s aching head.
‘Thanks,’ Bandobras said, closing his eyes in relief. Then he opened one eye. ‘What was your wager?’
‘Simple enough,’ Ferumbras answered. ‘Leaving the Northlanders to their fate stuck in my craw. So... since you won, I will ride with the Muster.’
‘And if I’d lost?’ Bandobras wanted to know.
‘Then I’d have to ride northwards alone,’ Ferumbras replied.
***