Ben-Hur by Carol Wallace

Author:Carol Wallace [Wallace, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION / Christian / Historical, FICTION / Classics
ISBN: 9781496416339
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Published: 2016-02-08T11:00:00+00:00

CHARIOT CONSTRUCTION

Roman chariot racers wanted their chariots as light as possible, so they used wicker, leather, and wood to construct, essentially, a rolling basket. Charioteers would sometimes balance on a bare axle. Most races involved four-horse chariots known as quadrigae.

“No,” Ben-Hur said, startled. “It must be Messala’s doing, then! I suppose he did recognize me at the Grove of Daphne.”

“Perhaps,” Ilderim answered. “I also assume he has been spying on us. As we have on him. And by the way, if there is any special information you would like that I might not think of, you must let me know.”

“Truly? Then would you find out for me the measurements of Messala’s chariot? Every single measurement: the size of the wheels, the height of the floor, of the axle, the length of the pole, any details of the harness . . . Can that be done?”

“Certainly,” Ilderim assured him.

“Because one never knows when opportunity might appear,” Ben-Hur added quietly. “In the heat of the race. Contact between the chariots is not unknown.”

“No. It is well to know as much as possible. I will add that the starting positions have been published as well, and you are to line up next to Messala.”

Ben-Hur stopped walking and caught Ilderim’s arm. “I am? Do you think he made this happen?”

“Possibly,” Ilderim replied. “But be sure that if he can make an advantage out of it, he will.”

“Yes,” Ben-Hur agreed, nodding. The two men resumed their slow stroll across the grass to the lakeshore. “I wonder if there is a way this news could bring us an advantage.”

“Well, I think there is,” Ilderim responded. “If you don’t object. Apparently there is much laughter in Antioch that I am allowing a Jew to drive my bays. I am seen widely as an old fool. This, of course, is good news. The weaker and more foolish we look, the less careful Messala will be.”

“True,” Ben-Hur said. “We can surprise him.”

“On the track, naturally,” Ilderim said. “But we may also be able to extend our advantage with the betting. Knowing you to be a Jew, people will be all the more eager to bet on Messala.”

“Of course,” Ben-Hur answered. “The odds against my winning will be immense!”

“Yes. A fortune could be made or lost. And better yet, this could be done very publicly. Now Messala is known to have debts,” Ilderim went on. “Do you think he will bet on himself?”

“Oh, certainly. And if he lost enough money, and publicly enough, that would be a source of great shame.”

“Yes. He could be ruined, in such a way that half the empire knows the story. With the new consul here, all eyes are on Antioch. I can manipulate the betting, but you must promise me to win the race.”

“Oh, never fear,” Ben-Hur told him. “I will win the race. Or I will die trying.”

“Then Simonides and I will do the rest,” the sheik said.

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