The Cobbler's Wish: A Short Story

Part 1

It was a crisp autumn morning when a maid ushered Aidan and Sir Kristopher into Lord Silvanus's manor. Lord Silvanus, along with his wife and son, were some of Sir Kristopher's wealthiest patrons-both within the capital and in the surrounding countryside.

Aidan and Sir Kristopher had been summoned to the nobleman's home many times over the years, so Aidan had come to learn the path from the front entrance to the sitting room, where the shoe fitting would take place. It was this familiarity that kept him from stumbling on a wrinkle in the rug or bumping into a piece of furniture as he struggled to see over the stack of shoeboxes balanced precariously in his arms.

"Right through here, sir." The maid said the same thing every visit, and every visit Aidan bit back a sigh of relief as his burden was eased. "You can place your things right here, next to Master Gray's bags."

While it was not unusual for Sir Kristopher and Master Gray, the tailor, to be summoned to a noble's house simultaneously, it was odd for Lord Silvanus to summon them both so early in the morning.

"Ah, Kristopher. 'Tis good to see you." Lord Silvanus was perhaps the only man to ignore Sir Kristopher's self-awarded knight's title. Then again, not many men knew Kristopher's title was not given to him by the crown.

"Yes, it is very good to see you again, My Lord, My Lady, Sir Roland." Sir Kristopher swept into a deep bow which, appeared respectful to the unobservant. But Aidan doubted that even the simplest fool could ignore his master's veiled intent. Everyone knew that the only thing Kristopher was happy to see again was House Silvanus's purse.

"I'm certain you are." Lady Silvanus mumbled between yawns from her winged armchair next to the crackling fire.

Orpheus, Master Gray's apprentice, choked back a laugh. Aidan busied himself preparing the first pair of shoes for the fitting as Sir Kristopher's face flushed.

"I assure you, Your Ladyship, I am sincere."

Sir Kristopher's face reddened further when his words were followed with silence. He cleared his throat, then turned to address Sir Roland. "Now, I heard you have need of a special pair of shoes, Sir Roland. I took the liberty of compiling several different styles close to your size. Just try them on, pick the one you like the most and I shall design a shoe specifically for you!"

With a flourish, Sir Kristopher motioned for Aidan to bring the first pair of shoes to where Sir Roland stood on an oval platform. Aidan complied, presenting the young knight with a pair of sturdy leather boots embellished with brass buckles polished until they shone. Master Gray and Orpheus stepped aside, having finished taking Sir Rolland's measurements.

"Your shoes, sir." Aidan's voice was quiet, as was expected of him every time he addressed patrons.

"Help him put them on, boy." Sir Kristopher's contempt was barely veiled as he addressed Sir Roland. "My apologies, Sir Roland. He can be rather slow at times."

Aidan knelt before Sir Roland, holding the left shoe out as he reached for Sir Roland's ankle to guide the foot into the shoe. He repeated the motion with the right shoe. Once both shoes were on, he stepped aside so that Sir Roland could take a few steps around the sitting room, adjusting to the feel of the shoes. After several steps-including a brief attempt at the waltz-Sir Roland returned to his original position, and Aidan removed the shoes.

They repeated the process for the next two pairs of shoes, one with silver buckles and another with gold. When none satisfied Lord Silvanus, Sir Kristopher directed Aidan to present the contents of the fourth box. It was wooden like the others, but instead of the standard seal of Sir Kristopher's Shoes & Heels a strange emblem was imprinted on the box.

"My Lord," Sir Kristopher began, "this pair of shoes is the jewel of my collection. Prior to my engagement in the shoemaking business, I traveled far and wide to many foreign nations, taking in the wonders of this world. During one adventure, I came across a master shoemaker whose talent is near incomprehensible. In his shop, he offered the most unique designs, and, after much pleading, he relented and taught me to make one of the simpler designs."

Aidan clenched his jaw, fighting back the angry words he wanted to release and expose Sir Kristopher's lies. While it was true that the shoes contained in the uniquely branded box were the result of traveling abroad and apprenticing to a master shoemaker, it was Aidan's father who had crafted the shoes that had caught the eye of Lord Silvanus. Even Sir Roland looked impressed, and Lady Silvanus had shifted in her seat, craning her neck to try and see inside the box.

"I hope that Your Lordship will forgive any errors made in my youth."

"These shoes are marvelous!" Lord Silvanus exclaimed, reverently touching the delicate embroidery of the left shoe.

"Why thank you, My Lord." Sir Kristopher said, barely hiding his smugness.

After Sir Roland had tried on both shoes and taken several steps around the room, the ornate shoes were returned to their box and plans were made for Sir Kristopher to adjust the shoes to perfectly fit Sir Roland.

"I deeply hope that you are pleased with your selection, Sir Roland. I will see to the shoe's adjustments myself." With an elaborate bow to the nobles, Sir Kristopher and Aidan returned to the hall where another maid led them back to the front door.

"Good day, Sir Kristopher." The door closed softly with a click as Aidan carefully followed Sir Kristopher down the front steps. Stairs were just as worthy an opponent as carpeted and furnished halls when carrying a tall stack of shoeboxes.

"Come along boy, we have much to do." Sir Kristopher was already ten steps towards their rented carriage as Aidan finally reached the gravel of the front drive. Even with the distance, Aidan could still hear Sir Kristopher's whispered words, which made his whole-body tense. "At least your father is still worth something, even if he's dead."

Evening could not come soon enough, Aidan thought. Only when all the customers had left, and the shop was closed could he be free of Sir Kristopher's comments and consistent criticism.

To be continued...

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Author's Note:

Hi all!

I know it has been a long time since I posted anything on here, and I understand most of you followed me when I was working on my KotLC fanfic back in 2020-21. However, I hope that you will enjoy this little short story that I cranked out in 24 hours for submission to an anthology. I was not selected, but finishing this piece showed me that I can finish something and I have big plans for this little guy.

That being said, I am currently in the process of revising this and hope to do something with it in the fall of 2025. If there is anything you think I can improve on or you would like to see more of, please let me know! I would love to hear your feedback on each of the six parts!

Also, the blurb is a mess so please bear with me as I figure things out.

Thank you for giving "The Cobbler's Wish" a chance! I will see you next time!!

-K.