Runner races, part 6: Betting

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 6th June 2008

Characters: Corowal, Benaroy
Description: Corowal and Benaroy talk after the meeting and place bets.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 9, day 7 of Turn 4

"Bad luck the one day you plan a runner race would be the one day you have freakishly cold weather," Benaroy smiled as he offered the Emerald Falls Lord Holder his hand. "I suppose your runners are not quite accustomed to racing through the snow," as his were, the Amber Hills Lord silently implied.

"I don't know about runners, but I'm not used to the snow," Corowal replied and took his hand. "I'm pleased that you were able to take part of the race."

"I would not be the Lord of Amber Hills if I missed a runner race. Care to make friendly wager on the side?" Benaroy's eyes held mirth and a spark of a challenge.

"Well, of course I would. I'm betting for my own runners," Corowal responded the challenge with a eager smile.

"And it's not a bad bet at that," the Amber Hills Lord Holder said with an appreciative nod. A few of the Emerald Falls runners were certainly formidable, but in overall quality none could best his own stables. "That one in particular is a fine looking runner. Have you plans to breed him?"

"You have to ask master Aivorn about that, but I think he does have plans like that," Corowal said. He never been that interested in runners. They were useful when you need to go from place A to B on land and races were exciting to watch and bet. But he knew next to nothing about runner-bloodlines or breeding.

"Well, if some of your runner do well today, I may have to speak to your Master Aivorn about purchasing one or two. It's always good to introduce fresh genes into Amber Hills." They did have to continually stay one step ahead of the pack. Their runners were much more than a source of merely pride. Many a Hold prided themselves on owning runners of Amber Hills stock, and had paid handsomely for the honor.

"He might be interested in trading to your breed. He speaks highly of Amber Hill's runners," Corowal told him. He had heard the master beastcrafter longing after a mare or stallion from Amber Hills which he could breed with his own bloodlines.

"Your Master has good taste. Perhaps I should consider acquiring him as well." The Lord Holder gave him a teasing knock to his shoulder, though it was only half in jest. He had seen the care that had been paid to their runners, and the excellent conditions of their stables. Such a man could be useful in his Hold as well.

"Hah, I'm not letting you to steal him away!" Corowal said with laughter in his voice. But he still meant what he said.

Benaroy smiled thoughfully. "Care to bet on that as well?"

Corowal cocked his head. "You know, I just can't resist challenges like that."

He was Benaroy's kind of man. "And what shall we bet?"

"Ten marks that he is not interested leaving here," Corowal said with a feral grin.

The Amber Hills Lord Holder threw his head back and laughed. "I may be bold, Lord Corowal, but I am no fool. I would bet no more than three." And three was a generous bet at that. Chances were he would lose those marks. But it would be a consolation prize for Corowal after he won all the rest of his marks at the races.

Corowal made a mock pout. "All right, three then," he agreed.

"Three it is," Benaroy said, thrusting out his hand for Corowal to take and seal the bet. "This should be almost as interesting as the races."

"Oh, I don't know that," Corowal said and shook the hand.

Last updated on the June 7th 2008

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Runner races, part 6: Betting