Robin ran a hand down the beast’s well- muscled neck, looking for any flaws in the creature. He couldn’t be absolutely perfect, and the prince did not want his pleasure with the animal to blind him to problems that would become ongoing issues when he was brought to the royal stables. Besides, physical condition was directly related to price, and Robin was not so foolish as to want to pay more if he didn’t have to. He would, to win what he wanted. But if it wasn’t required, his coins could stay in his pocket.
A slight frown crossed his face as the animal shifted, and Robin thought he saw a bit of a hitch in the step. Impossible to tell, really, until he saw the horse put through some paces, but he could check out that rear leg now and see if there was any swelling or heat under the skin that suggested infection or problem. Or perhaps there was something amiss with a hoof. Glancing down the corridor to be certain that no one would be offended by his actions, Robin quietly opened the stall door and slipped inside, pulling the gate closed behind him.
With soothing words and an even more soothing tone, he made his way down the body of the horse, giving a cursory inspection as he went. Robin saw nothing else that caused him concern. His hand traveled along the strong back before smoothing its way down a firm haunch. The animal did not flinch or even twitch, and there was no heat or unexpected lumps or swelling, which relieved Robin greatly. Bending, he gently pulled on the ankle, the horse automatically lifting his rear hoof off the stable floor.
Robin looked closely, wondering if perhaps it was something as simple as a rock lodged in the frog of the horse’s foot. It was a little difficult to see in the dim light, and the prince sighed, allowing the creature to return to a four-legged stance. As he straightened, a slight movement from the corner of the stable caused him to turn his head sharply, only to find a man huddled there, someone the prince assumed to be a member of the staff. Robin frowned. Why had he not said anything? Did he think he would be in trouble for some reason?
“You there,” he called softly, not wishing to startle either man or beast. “Go find me a lantern so that I may see the animal’s hoof more clearly. I will not allow a lame horse to be sold as healthy.”
Not only was it a shoddy business practice, it would hurt the horse. And Robin could not stand for any animal to be abused or mistreated. Not any longer.
When the stable lad did not move, Robin urged in tones that were gentle yet firm, “Quickly, man. You know where they are kept and I do not.”