The stable boy // Phan

4

Phil's POV

I woke up early and headed out as soon as I'd eaten 'breakfast' to find a job. The streets were busy as I struggled my way to the center of town.

The chicken had laid an egg this morning and we had had nothing in the house but the egg to eat. Mother had scrambled it over the fire and shared it out between the five of us, but by now my stomach had begun to rumble. I knew there would be the usual food stalls in the market square and, although I hated doing it, I thought I might try steal a loaf of bread.

When I arrived the market was already buzzing with traders. I could hear calls of 'lowest prices here!' and 'fresh stock now in!' echoing over the crowds.

I flitted by each stall, sniffing spices, feeling fabrics and tasting testers.

I eventually got to the baked goods stall, owned by the gracious Mr. Carthouse. He was usually willing to spare me a burnt loaf if he had any, but today he was in a huff. So, I walked past the stall as if I had somewhere very important to be and, as stealthily as I could, I reached out to try grab a loaf. I grasped one but knocked another to the floor and in my haste, doing what any polite gentleman would do, I didn't think and stooped down to pick up the fallen loaf. Behind me, I heard Mr.Carthouse shout and I looked back to see him scrambling out of his stall looking at me as if I had murdered his cat.

So I ran. Picked up both loaves, and ran. I sprinted though the crowd, holding the loaves tightly to my chest.
When I thought I was far enough, I stopped and looked back. I couldn't see or hear the shouts or spindly form of Mr. Carthouse anymore.
I looked down at the two fresh breads in my hands and sighed. I hadn't meant to take two, but now I had them and I couldn't take them back...

A trumpet sounded and I looked up. A man was standing on the announcers platform dressed in purple. Most in the crowd would recognize him as the King's loyalist second in command(so far), but I knew him as Gregory. I had done a secret odd job for him, fetching a plant that he likes to smoke. He told me afterwards not to say a word to anyone or my head will hang on his bedroom wall.

I stood and listened to his announcement.

"The king is looking for a worker in the place. He is to work in the stables-" Gregory coughed, "And muck out a horse- or something to do with horses, he is not sure what horse people do..." the King's second in command coughed again, "anyone wishing to take this position is to comeback here at noon and apply! Thank you!"

The crowd around the stage dispatched and Phil was left there standing, staring after Gregory.
"I will have to get that job!!" He whispered to himself.

~

At noon Phil was the first one at the podium. Only a few others had returned for the job, but to Phil, none of them looked as if they really wanted it.

When Gregory arrived he told everyone to line up and give a statement to why they should get the job. As Gregory went down the line each person muttered something about needing money or wanting to work in the palace because "it was their lifelong dream". Eventually Gregory made it to Phil.
Phil was practically jumping from excitement and nerves. He smiled at Gregory and raised his hand to shake his.
"Hello Gregory! It's so good to see you again!"
"Hello Phil, you haven't said anything to anyone have you?" He smirked at the eager boy, "Or I might have to hang your head up on my wall."
"No, you don't have to worry sir, my mouth is sewed shut!" Phil danced on his toes. "So, Sir Gregory, as you know I am very trustworthy and I get on with my work! Uh, I am very well known about the town for my father who was an excellent equestrian, and since I was little I've worked with horses." Phil leaned in a bit closer, " And, Sir, my mum and I, we've been needing a bit more on the table lately for the children. I really am counting on this job, so If you'd be so kind as to consider me for employment..."
"Ahh, don't worry young man! I'm sure you will get this job! I just have to talk to the king."
Phil reeled back at the thought of this name being mentioned to the king. "Wait, Sir Gregory! I don't want to be a bother though!"
"Phil, you're not a bother! I surely think you are the best candidate for this job! The king will certainly be hearing of you and your worthiness!
Now, I need to move along. Goodbye for now, Philip." Gregory smiled an awkward grin at the overwhelmed peasant boy, and walked off to dismiss all the people who had come to apply, then walked off to his waiting carriage and rode away.

Phil happily ran home to tell his mum and siblings the amazing news.

~

Just as mother, the children and I had finished the two loaves I'd stolen for lunch, a loud knock sounded on our front door.

I looked up suddenly, quite startled by the noise. Looking over at mother, I saw her motioning to me to go open the door. So, I went over and opened it to find a boy much younger than me standing holding a piece of parchment with the royal seal stamped on it. He handed me the letter and waited while I shakily opened it.
As I skimmed the letter my eyes got wider and wider. I looked up at the boy on my doorstep with sparkling eyes.

"Sir, when you are ready and have gathered your things, you are to come with me to the castle." The boy said.

I gawped at him, then slowly swiveled round to face my mother, who was standing waiting anxiously for what was going on.

"Mother! I am to live in the palace and tend to the horses!" I managed to squeak out.

My mothers eyes grew to the size of fancy saucers and she rushed over to me and scooped me up in a hug like she used to give me when I was a little boy.

"Oh my dear Philip! You wonderful wonderful boy!" She said, tears starting to stream down her cheeks, "come! Come! We must get you ready!" She bustled off, swatting the tears out of her eyes, and grabbed a basket, shoving my belongings inside. I hurried over and started helping, rambling excitedly about the stables.

"This letter says I will take care of horses and live in a little cottage!" I sighed. "Oh, I've heard it is such a lovely place! There are ducks and geese which roam the yard and the horses each have their own stable boy, and I am to take care of my very own horse! And... oh-" I stopped in my tracks, halfway through folding a linen t-shirt. Slowly I turned to mother, the realization starting to dawn on me that she and the kids would not be there with me.

She smiled at me and carried on placing my few belongings into the basket. "Philip, you mustn't worry about us, love. We'll be ok without you!" She pinched my cheek and packed the last few things.

I stood there still holding the half folded shirt, tears staring to well in my eyes. I would miss my mother, and the kids. Their constant running and shouting throughout the yard and house had kept this place alive for me.

I looked around the house one last time, reminiscing my, although hard, wonderful childhood.
I came into the The kitchen, where mother was rounding up the kids, bringing them inside the back door to say goodby to me.

"Charlie and Henry! Please for once, stand still and say goodbye to your brother!" Ma said impatiently. She huffed, swatting mud off their dirty clothes.

"It's ok Ma!" I smiled sadly, kneeling down to their hight. "Boys, I'm going away for a bit. I know you probably wont understand right now, but one day you will. Maybe you'll get to visit me one day! I could take you guys on a ride- when you're bigger of course!" I grinned at them. "I love you both and i'll miss you very much!" I pulled them into a hug, and whispered softly in their ears: "Be good boys! For Ma and I.", then stood up and turned to Elizabeth.

"You, little miss Eliza, are gonna be the oldest when I leave!"

"Does that mean I can boss everyone around like you do?" She asks.

I smile and fake gasp. "I don't boss everyone around!"

"Yes you do Philly!" She giggled up at me, her eyes sparkling with tears.

"Well, if you promise to not do it too much, then I guess if won't hurt. You will have to help Ma take care of the boys, you're a big girl now!"

She turns to Ma. "I will help you while Philly is gone! I'll be good!"
I pick her up and give her a big hug.

"You will!" I say into her hair, tearing up a bit.

"Ok, Ma." I say putting Eliza back on the ground. "I'm ready to go now."

She smiles at me, tears in her eyes. We all group to the door where the boy is still waiting. I grab my basket, take one last look at my family, and step out on a new adventure.