13. Wits and Wagers
For the rest of the evening and into the night, Ferumbras guarded his younger brother from all intruders, well-meaning or otherwise.
‘O’ course I have a vested interest!’ he said as he turned a hopeful cousin away. ‘I have a wager on! Don’t you?’
‘Not yet,’ the cousin confessed. ‘I wanted to talk to him – get it from the horse’s mouth, as it were, see their chances before I lay my wager.’
Ferumbras looked about and lowered his voice. ‘The Thain’s wagering against his own son,’ he said. ‘Take that for what it’s worth!’
The cousin nodded and left, satisfied.
***
Bandobras woke refreshed and feeling much better. He sat up and looked at Ferumbras. ‘You look like something the cat dragged in!’ he said. ‘Didn’t you sleep?’
Older brother refrained from telling the younger that Bandobras was tucked up in Ferumbras’s own blanket roll. Instead, he answered, ‘The Free Faire only comes ‘round once a year! And elections every seven years! Tomorrow’s a travel day, and then it’s back to the salt mines...’
‘Da’s mining for salt these days?’ Bandobras said in amazement.
‘Only in a manner of speaking,’ Ferumbras said.
Bandobras shook his head. At least it didn’t hurt.
***
As they walked together to the racecourse, Friend following at heel rather like an outsized but well-trained hound, Ferumbras scrutinised the horse’s gait. ‘Walking four-square, I’m happy to say.’
‘Thank you again,’ Bandobras said fervently.
‘Don’t mention it,’ Ferumbras drawled. ‘Just win my wager for me, and we’ll call it even.’
‘What wager?’ Bandobras demanded. ‘Is that what you were doing all night – laying bets?’
With one finger aside his nose, Ferumbras said, ‘In a manner of speaking.’
‘What are you betting on?’ Bandobras said in consternation.
In a lofty big-brotherly manner, Ferumbras answered, ‘I’ll tell you after the race.’
***