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The bet is won
Derufin grinned at Anyopa behind Hob and Benat’s backs. The Beorning and the Hobbit had worked at a furious pace and most of the firewood had been split and stacked in the Inn’s woodshed. A far greater amount than he and Anyopa had done since making their bet.
Once the last of the wood was done, the four went to the well for a drink of cool water and to wash the sweat from their brows. ‘Excellent job,’ said Derufin, barely able to conceal his smile as he clapped Hob on the back. ‘Just let me run home and get a few coins and we’ll stand you to the drinks you have so justly won.
Behind him he could hear Anyopa choking down a laugh . . .
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‘Many are the strange chances of the world,’ said Mithrandir, ‘and help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter.’
– Gandalf in: The Silmarillion, 'Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age'
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