Willow King

by Chris Platt

  Two

  Katie burst into the kitchen, startling her mother, who stood at the stove preparing breakfast. The house was warm and smelled of baked bread and hot cocoa. “Mom, we’ve got to talk.”

  Peg Durham’s eyebrows rose at the serious note in her daughter’s voice. “Have a seat at the table, dear.” She set a steaming mug of cocoa in front of Katie and sat across from her. “What’s so important that you’re out in the rain this early in the morning? Is it Grey Dancer? Did she have her foal?”

  Katie took a sip from the mug, rolling it between her hands to warm her chilled fingers. “Are we going to lose the farm?” So much for subtlety, she thought as she watched her mother sit back in her chair.

  “Who did you hear that from?” Mrs. Durham frowned, then rose, spooned oatmeal into a bowl, and stirred in a liberal dose of brown sugar. She set it in front of Katie.

  “Cindy Ellis told me.” Katie lifted her eyes to meet her mother’s and peered into an older reflection of herself. There was no doubt they were mother and daughter. They both shared the same brown hair and blue eyes, with just a sprinkling of freckles across the nose.

  “Cindy Ellis? I don’t know how Cindy came by this information. It isn’t her place to know about such things, let alone talk about them.”

  Katie watched her mother fidget with her coffee cup, swirling the spoon around and around. “But is it true, Mom?”

  “Well, it’s not quite that bad, but things could be better. I’m a little behind on the taxes, but with the extra work I’ve taken on, I might be able to get caught up in a year…”

  Katie sat forward in her chair. “Mom, I think I might have the answer to our problems.” At the smile on her mother’s face, she continued. “Grey Dancer had her foal this morning, and he’s beautiful. I think he’ll be a champion someday.”

  “But what does that have to do with us, dear?”

  Now came the hard part. Katie took a deep breath and began. “The colt was born with crooked legs, and Mr. Ellis wanted to have him put down. Old John says that all he needs is a little sunshine and plenty of room to run, and his legs will straighten.”

  Her mother looked at her expectantly. “I still don’t see what that has to do with us, honey.”

  “Mom, I want to trade Jester for that colt.” There, it was out. She held her breath, praying her mother would agree. She had done all she could to arrange the deal; she couldn’t bear to lose King when she was this close. The stillness of the room was interrupted only by the dripping of the water faucet.

  Mrs. Durham looked into her daughter’s desperate, pleading eyes. “Are you sure, Katie? Your father gave you that horse.”

  “It won’t be permanent. Mr. Ellis wants to lease him for a few years in exchange for the colt. I know he’s going to be a champion, Mom. When he wins some races, we can pay off the taxes, and maybe even the farm.” Her hands fumbled with the napkin, twisting and crumpling it as she waited for her mother’s answer.

  Peg Durham took a sip of her coffee. A slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Well, I guess a little guy won’t eat as much as Jester does. At least not for a year or two.”

  Katie flew out of her chair and threw her arms around her mother, hugging her with all her might. “You’re the best, Mom. You won’t regret this.”

  Mrs. Durham patted her arm and smiled. “I’d better not, or you’ll be grounded for the rest of your life.”

  Katie climbed down from the school bus and went into the house to change her clothes. Earlier, she had called the Ellis farm to confirm their agreement and work out the minor details. Mr. Ellis didn’t want King anywhere on the property. He was afraid that potential breeders wouldn’t bring their mares if they saw the crooked-legged colt his prize stallion had sired.

  Grey Dancer and her foal would stay in Jester’s old stall and paddock until it was weaning time. Then the mare would return to the Ellis farm, and King would have to learn to depend on Katie. All that was left to do now was exchange the horses.

  Katie took Jester’s bridle off its hook and entered his stall. The horse nickered a greeting, and tears sprang to her eyes. She felt like a traitor. Jester was her first horse. He had been patient and trustworthy during her first years of learning, never balking or running off when she gave a wrong cue or pulled too hard on the bit. As she became more proficient at riding, his spirit and capabilities rose with her newfound talent. She might be awkward on the ground, but on Jester’s back she could soar like an eagle. Together they had been a dynamic team.

  Katie threw her arms around Jester’s neck and buried her face in his mane. She breathed in his warm scent and choked on her tears. “I’m sorry, old boy, but there was no other way.” She lifted her hand and stroked the small white star on his forehead. “It’ll only be for a few years, then you’ll be returned to me.” Jester nudged her pocket. She pulled out a carrot and broke it in quarters, feeding them to him one at a time. “I’ll come visit you every day. I’ve agreed to clean stalls and do some grooming at the farm to pay off King’s vet bills and make some extra money for feed. So I’ll see you almost as often as I do now. The only difference will be that Cindy will be your owner for a while.”

  At that thought, Katie buried her face in Jester’s neck again and cried in earnest. Her heart felt too heavy to carry in her chest. Jester stood quietly, seeming to understand her need for the emotional release. After she had dried her tears, Katie pulled the bridle over his head and swung up onto his back. They trotted down the road to Willow Run Farm.

  When they arrived, the farm was a beehive of activity. Mares and foals were being turned out to run in the fields, yearlings were being handled and gentled by their grooms, and the two-year-olds were being broke to the saddle in preparation for their first races in early summer.

  Old John didn’t believe in running two-year-olds. He said they were still growing and the cartilage in their knees wasn’t closed. He blamed the breakdown and destruction of many good horses on the early races.

  Mr. Ellis was just the opposite. He liked running his colts early so he could determine their potential. He wanted all his foals to be born in the first few months of the year. It gave them an advantage over the later colts when it came to racing, because they were usually bigger and stronger. At two years old, a couple of months’ growth could make all the difference between a winner and a loser. And since Mr. Ellis owned the farm, he always got what he wanted.

  Katie pulled Jester to a halt and patted him on the neck. “In a few more years, Willow King will be running his first race, and you and I will be leading him in the post parade,” she promised. Cindy wouldn’t refuse her that, she was sure.

  “Katie!” Cindy picked her way through the barnyard, waving and smiling as she approached. Her long blond hair was pulled back into a French braid, and she looked older and more sophisticated than her thirteen years. She wore a pair of designer riding jeans—the kind Katie’s mom could never afford—and a mint green blouse that set off the color of her eyes.

  Katie felt a twinge of jealousy. Cindy had it all: she was popular in school, she had a loving mother and father, a great place to live, and all the horses she could ever want. And now she had Jester, too. Katie felt the burn of tears pricking her eyes again.

  “I’ve been watching for you.” Cindy reached out to stroke Jester’s soft muzzle. “Oh, Katie, I’m so glad you decided to trade Jester. You know I couldn’t do anything with that beast of mine. Jester is such a gentleman. I know we’ll win lots of ribbons together.”

  Katie forced a brave face and took a deep breath, concentrating on the fresh smell of Oregon pine. She had cried enough tears. It was time to let go, though she could hear the splintering of her heart as it cracked in two.

  “I’m sorry,” Cindy went on. “Here I am blabbing on about my good fortune, and you’re losing your best buddy. What an idiot I am.” Cindy smiled. “But you’re getting two friends in return: me and Willow King.”

  Katie brightened a little at t
he mention of the colt. She started to dismount, but stopped as a minor commotion sounded behind her. She turned to see Jason Roberts coming across the barnyard, his long-legged stride carrying him past the squawking chickens and unmanageable colts. At first she couldn’t believe her eyes, but no one else had that same shade of strawberry blond hair and that winning smile.

  “Yoo-hoo,” Cindy called. “Over here!” She waved frantically in his direction.

  “You mean you know him?” Katie’s heart hammered in her chest. There wasn’t a girl in her school who didn’t dream of Jason Roberts. He was president of the ninth-grade class, captain of the basketball team, and he was actually nice. She had admired him for many years but never had the nerve to say more than “hello” or “excuse me” when she passed him in the hall.

  She was glad she had put the lift in her shoe this morning. The last thing she wanted was to have that awkward limp around Jason.

  Katie wished she could just stay on Jester’s back. She was as graceful as anyone up there. At least she hadn’t worn her special shoe this morning. It was more obvious than the lift. The lift just slipped inside her ordinary shoe, but her special footgear had a built-up sole.

  Normally, a person used either a lift or an orthopedic shoe, but her leg fell on the borderline of being too short for the lift to work well. So she also had the shoe, which she really hated. She wondered if Jason had ever heard any of the kids at school tease her.

  Jason’s family owned a large spread, part of which bordered the back of the Durhams’ property. Occasionally, she would see him riding in the fields, but she always turned and went the other way, afraid that he might think her stupid if she tried to speak and became tongue-tied.

  Katie’s mouth dropped open, but she quickly snapped it shut when Jason stopped beside them, smiling up at her as he patted Jester’s neck.

  “Hello, Katie.”

  “So you two do know each other?” Cindy looked inquiringly at Jason.

  Katie was shocked that Jason knew her by name. She couldn’t seem to find her voice, so she just sat on her horse and tried for a nice smile, hoping that she didn’t look like a total dweeb.

  “Sure, I know Katie,” Jason said. “Our properties border each other, and I see her riding through the fields every now and then.” He turned his gaze back to Katie. “I’ve waved to you a couple of times, but I guess you never see me.”

  Katie opened her mouth to speak, praying that her voice wouldn’t come out as a little squeak. “I’m sorry. I guess I didn’t notice. I’ll pay more attention next time.” She hoped God wouldn’t punish her for that little white lie. Of course she had seen him. She had just assumed that he’d been swatting mosquitoes. She couldn’t believe that he had been waving at her.

  “I told Jason about our little secret. I’m sure my father wouldn’t mind. Jason is sworn to secrecy.”

  “On my honor.” He crossed his heart and raised his right hand. “So what are you going to do now that you don’t have a horse to ride?” He grabbed Jester’s bit and waited for her to dismount. “It’ll be another couple of years before that colt will be old enough to break—that is, if his legs straighten enough for him to be rideable.”

  Katie slid her hand over Jester’s neck and patted him lovingly. “Oh, his legs will be straight enough. You’ll see him win the Futurity race at Portland Downs. And even if they don’t straighten, bad legs won’t make him useless.” She punctuated her point by making a graceful dismount.

  Jason looked at her and smiled. “You’re right about that.”

  Katie had the feeling that he was talking about her as well as the horse. Her heart brightened, and she liked him all the more for it. Funny, but she wasn’t so nervous talking horses to him. “In the meantime, I guess I’ll just have to get used to not having Jester around.”

  Cindy pouted prettily, trying to draw the attention back to herself. “Katie Durham, don’t you go trying to make me feel guilty about this. We traded fair and square. Besides, I’m sure my dad will let you ride the old Appaloosa pony horse.”

  “And if you get tired of riding that old rocking horse, I’ll let you ride one of my Paints,” Jason offered.

  Cindy put her hands on her hips and squared her shoulders. “You won’t even let me ride one of your precious Paints—how come you’ll let Katie?”

  Jason reached out and tweaked Cindy’s braid. “These are cutting horses, girl. They can jump out from under you quicker than greased lightning.”

  “I can ride as well as Katie can.” Cindy crossed her arms and frowned.

  “I know you can.” He winked at Katie, flashing her a crooked grin. “It’s just that I didn’t figure you would want to be riding another horse for a while now that you’ve got a new one.”

  That brought the smile back to Cindy’s face. “You’re right. Who needs one of your old Paints when I’ve got the horse that’s going to win at all the local shows. With the way this horse moves, no one can touch us in the English Pleasure classes.”

  Cindy didn’t notice the stricken look on Katie’s face, but she saw the frown that Jason gave her and laughed at him, thinking he was upset because she had insulted his horses. “Don’t be such a downer. Call one of the grooms and tell him I want my saddle and bridle. I’m going to ride this horse now.”

  Katie stood back and watched as the tack was placed on Jester. He had never carried another person’s saddle before, and the bit Cindy used was much harsher than the ring snaffle bit he was used to. Cindy stepped up to the horse and pulled the girth as tight as it would go with one savage yank. Jester swished his tail and rolled his eyes, but like a gentleman, he accepted the unwarranted roughness with patience.

  Despite all of her years in the saddle, Cindy had never acquired the graceful balance and good horsemanship that came with years of practice. Instead of a quick, agile mount, she put all her weight in the stirrup and pulled downward on the saddle as she attempted to climb on top of the horse. Jester shifted nervously as the saddle pinched his skin.

  “Hold still.” Cindy jerked on the bit and the horse’s head popped up at the unaccustomed pressure on his soft mouth. “What’s wrong with this horse? I’ve never seen him act this way before.”

  Jason stepped forward and pulled an extra four inches of rein out of Cindy’s fingers. “You’ve got to give this horse a little more rein. He’s not used to a heavy hand.”

  Katie smiled her thanks at him and advised Cindy, “Jester is a push-button horse. He’ll respond to the slightest pressure of your hands or legs. If you pull too tight, he’ll toss his head.”

  Cindy looked condescendingly down at them. She had a proud way about her that sometimes made Katie feel about six inches tall. From that high perch atop Jester’s back, it was even more intimidating.

  “Are you guys trying to tell me I don’t know how to control a horse?” She pulled on the bit and spun Jester around to face the arena. “Watch this.”

  Katie wanted to close her eyes as Cindy cantered into the riding ring and put Jester through his paces. She jerked on his mouth and used leg pressure that was strong enough to cue an elephant. The horse moved around the arena, throwing his head up and running zigzag patterns, trying to do as his rider asked. Finally, Cindy trotted him back to where they stood.

  “See, I can ride this beauty. We’ve just got to get a little more used to each other.”

  Jason stepped up and took the reins from Cindy. “That’s enough for today.” He looked over at Katie and gave her a reassuring smile. “I think the two of you should go riding together a few times so Katie can give you some pointers on how Jester likes things done.”

  Cindy puckered up her face and started to protest, but Jason stopped her. “Don’t be stubborn, Cin. All horses are different. You want to win some ribbons, don’t you? You’ve got to learn this horse’s temperament and how to handle him if you want to do that.”

  “I guess you’re right. This is going to be my best year in the show ring. I know Jester can carry me to high
point champion. I was just a little upset because I thought you were telling me I didn’t know how to ride.”

  Katie finally found her tongue and stepped forward to speak. “I’d be glad to give you a few lessons.”

  Cindy gave her that look again, and Katie knew she’d said the wrong thing.

  “N-not that you need lessons,” she stuttered, trying to recover from her blunder. “You ride perfectly fine.” She hoped God wasn’t keeping track of her white lies. “It’s just that Jester and I have been together for so long, he’s used to my cues. It’ll help if I can show you what I do with him.”

  Cindy seemed satisfied with that explanation and turned to call for a groom to take the horse away. Katie quickly reached out and loosened Jester’s girth. She always let it out a couple of notches when she’d finished her ride.

  “John will deliver King and his mother to your farm tomorrow. Remember, there’s no trading back early, even if that colt’s legs don’t straighten up.”

  Cindy grabbed Jason’s hand, dragging him toward the house. From the corner of the barn he looked back over his shoulder and waved. Katie’s heart cantered in her chest. Jason Roberts had actually talked to her! Wait until she told her best friend, Jan.

  Three

  “They’re here!” her mother yelled as Katie emerged from the barn. She had gotten up at daybreak to prepare the stall for King and his mother.

  The night before, old John had driven over to help Katie take down the partition in Jester’s stall to make it double the size for the new arrivals. It was now bedded deep with straw and had plenty of fresh water and sweet-smelling hay. It truly was a stall fit for a king.

  John maneuvered the horse trailer down the narrow driveway and parked in front of the barn that was to be King’s new home. Katie hurried to help him unload the pair.

  “Well, Katie girl, this is it. There’s no turning back from here.” John nodded hello to her mother and opened the trailer’s rear doors. “Easy, easy,” he crooned as the mare slowly backed out of the trailer. The colt’s legs were too weak to make the twelve-inch drop to the ground, so John lifted him out.