Emma, Oriana, Drake, Theo, Madison...Who has the best dog? Who will win the race?
Kingdom of Largo
Chapter 8
The Race
One thing King Aylard noticed, after observing Theo from a distance, was that he was very kind to his dog. It seemed to him Theo had learned a newfound sense of responsibility after he was awarded the dog wagon and dog, which Theo had the pleasure of choosing for himself.
All five dogs were perfectly suited for the races, in both weight and stature. The animal Theo chose – a well-bred male - was a lean dog. Its slender body seemed to sail around the racing track with minimal effort, as though its frame was as light as a leaf flying through the wind, with eyes which never strayed from the course, fiercely focused on the track ahead. When Theo's chosen dog slowed down to a halt, he became very calm and obedient so Theo could pet his head. He listened intently to everything Theo had to say as if he could understand human language.
Theo seemed very happy to be with his dog. Training sessions had become a joy for both. He named his dog “Sparky”, as he was as quick and flashy as a spark of lightning.
Theo remembered the day that he was presented with the five dogs and asked to make a selection. He scanned the five-strong lineup from left to right but initially could not decide on which one to pick. Other contestants didn't seem to have difficulty in choosing. One by one they chose very quickly. Two of them had been trained as sheepdogs to help farmers guard the sheep. They were chosen by Oriana and Madison.
All of the other constestants' dogs were about the same size, save for minor differences in girth. Sparky was almost the last one to get picked between him and Emma. As Sparky looked very lean with a slender body, for a moment Theo had doubts as to whether or not he would physically be fit to compete and win. He looked over to the one that was sitting in front of Emma. That dog was about the same size as Sparky, also lean and slender body, but with a few muscles visible on both shoulders which, to Theo, seemed to be a much stronger dog.
He was about to choose the other one, but as he turned back to look into Sparky's eyes, - the dog seemed to have pleaded with him, his eyes locked with Theo's. It was as if the dog seemed to say, “Choose me, choose me!” So Theo picked up its leash, and Sparky was happy. He jumped for joy! Later, Theo learned that Sparky had been trained for hunting, and could also run fast.
Emma took the one that was in front of her, and she was told the dog had been trained for hunting boar, and could also run very fast.
All contestants were informed that the five dogs were specially picked by the farmers in terms of the physique and bodyweight of the dogs. Also by age and ability so that the race would be fair to all contestants.
All five winners stayed behind to get acquainted with their dogs, and before sunset, they went home with their parents.
Surprisingly, Theo had developed a very good relationship with Sparky. By the fourth full moon, Sparky was running remarkably fast. He knew when to slow down whenever he rounded the corners of the race track so that the dog wagon would not topple over. Then when it was on a straight path Sparky would pick up its speed again.
Each of the five contestants came to the playground area to practice 7 to 10 laps everyday. Then they would leave to allow other contestants to practice.
Woodworker William would be at the shop to greet them as they came to practice, and would lead their dogs to them. Sometimes he would also allow them extra time after practice to experience feeding their dogs. He would offer advice to the contestants on what to feed their dogs, and how to care for their appearance. He would also offer advice on how to hold the leash so the dogs would turn in the direction that they want them to go.
He explained a sleek dog is a fast dog because there would be minimal obstruction against the wind while running. Theo secretly congratulated himself because not only was Sparky lean and slender, but he was also sleek, without much fur to slow him down. The only one he would be worried about was Emma's dog that seemed to have the same physique as Sparky, except with a little more muscles on his shoulders. He got worried a bit and for a moment he stood there wondering what he could do to ensure his winning, but then another moment passed and he remembered what he had heard during the Royal Announcement: “Any misconduct during the contest will render the offending contestant disqualified.” Theo thought of what he had done to ensure his own winning in the horse-stick race and was contented to be allowed to join the winner circle despite what had happened. He also thought since Sparky had been trained in the past as a hunting dog, then by the end of the race even if he didn't win he would just be taking Sparky and the wagon back to the palace. He and Sparky would have some hunting fun together. Sparky was going to be the hunting dog that would accompany him each time he went hunting, but Theo had yet to learn the skill of archery.
I must be more careful this time in this race. He told himself.
Another reason why he was more at ease and wasn't too eager to win this time was the fact that he saw many new woodworkers there building a new section of the Lambert and Son's Playhouse. The first two-seater dog wagon had already been built and was on full display to the public. It was a spectacular view! Any child would love to have one. When Theo first saw it he could not believe his eyes. It was so beautifully crafted. It was the first that Woodworker William had personally built!
Just as Woodworker William was moving it out from inside the shop to the front for display, Theo went over to greet him.
“Wow!!! Mr. William!!! What a beauty!!! I'd love to sit in it!!! May I?
Woodworker William looked at this young future king, his eyes enlarged, beamed with immense excitement.
“Why? Yes, of course, Prince Theo! Please do try on it!”
“This is amazing!” Theo's hand touched its smooth surface. All edges and corners had been smoothed, and on the side of the wagon it said “Lambert and Son's Playhouse”. Underneath those words were some smaller words that say “1st Two-seater by Woodworker William”
Theo climbed up the wagon and found it was very spacious. There were two leather straps, one to each seat to strap the rider in place for safety. Two big long planks extended from each side to the front, which could accept two small to medium size dogs to operate. It also had two large wooden wheels on both sides to protect the wagon from toppling over. The wagon was built to perfection. When he asked Woodworker William whether more of the two-seater wagons would be made, and he was told more would be made in the near future since now he had more workers in the workshop. This first one on full display would serve as the prototype of how future wagons would be made. William also mentioned that among the two-seater wagons, more single-seater would be made as well. There will also be many more playthings inside the shop in the future. Some stationary, and some mobile, like the wagons with wheels in miniature versions, so the cats could pull the wagons as well.
“See, Sparky? This could be ours!” Theo exclaimed to his obedient dog, who appeared to be fully engaged in anything his new master had to say.
Sparky tilted his head and wagged his tail as though he understood. He was circling the wagon, smelling and inspecting each part of it. He seemed delighted that his owner was sitting inside the wagon and wondered when is it going to be his time to pull this beautiful thing.
“Now, this may need the rider to have more skill in maneuvering the leash during the ride,” said Woodworker William. “It's because the seat is wider, and there are two dogs in the front that need your direction. This is different than training just one dog. I will personally train the rider who becomes the winner to this.”
“I certainly hope I will win this!” Theo was still very excited. For a moment it felt as though he was tempted to go back to his old tricks in finding some ways that would help him win, but then he thought of the Royal Announcement and he thought better of it not to do anything to disqualify himself. It was not worth the risk. He knew his father would never forgive him again if he ever tried anything this time.
Theo sat there, still running his hands around every corner of the wagon, with an ever-expanding smile on his face. After some time, he came down, and let William carry on with his work. It was a wonderful experience after all – just to be sitting in it!
Theo and Sparky went on to continue on their race training. Sparky seemed to be doing very well. He picked up his speed and to Theo, Sparky was very fast. He did not know how the other contestants' dogs were doing, but he was satisfied with Sparky. He knew Sparky had done its best each time.
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Time flew by very quickly, and soon it was the night of the 6th full moon, and everyone had been reminded today and this evening that Dog-Wagon Race would take place around noon.
Again the same setting was up around the playground race area. Chairs were arranged for those who wanted to observe the race. It would be a short race this time because it involved only five contestants. The contest involved the contestants racing 10 laps around the track. The first one who reached beyond the finishing line on the 10th lap would be declared the winner.
After a winner was announced, an award ceremony would commence.
Drake and Emma were both up early, before sunrise. Both could not sleep the night before. They knew they were opponents of one another, even as brother and sister.
Drake named his dog “Bo”. It was a simple name for the dog to get used to. Bo seemed to run very fast. He was told that Bo had been donated by one of the Eastside farmers as a thank-you token for the help he and his family received during the flood and the landslide. Drake was told Bo had been a working dog for the farmer and it specialized in hunting foxes. He was a very active dog with a protective instinct when playing with children. Bo had been lying down on the ground during the selection process, but as soon as Drake stood in front of him, he immediately sat up for attention and wagged his tail. He was alert and displaying positive energy that Drake immediately liked. As far as Drake was concerned, this loveable dog was the only dog capable of winning. Thus, Drake chose him and named him “Bo”.
As for Emma's choice – the options now limited to only two dogs – she felt that her dog had an advantage over its counterpart because of noticeable muscles. She named her dog, Charlie.
The first two dogs that got picked were the sheepdogs. They were both cute and extremely friendly. They jumped up and down at Madison and Oriana. They each appeared to have much-rounder bodies, though they were roughly the same length and height as the other dogs. Woodworker William told the contestants that they were sheepdogs that were highly trainable.
“These two are sheepdogs. They are an energetic breed and can run very fast as running is their main daily chore and exercise to guard the sheep for the farmers. Both of them have been donated for the race by the Westside farmers. This breed of dog is very friendly. They are good with children and protector of farms for the farmers as well,” Woodworker William went on to tell the contestants.
As he was speaking, one of the sheepdogs jumped up and placed its two front paws on Oriana's shoulders to hug her. Oriana couldn't help but fall in love with the dog, so her selection was made easy. Madison was deeply entertained by what he had just seen so he chose the other sheepdog as well.
So, it seemed ALL five dogs were good for training and they came highly recommended to be in the race.
Drake couldn't believe that among all others, he had to compete with his sister Emma in today's race! He was right. Emma just barged into the race and became one of the winners. He hoped today he could beat her. Bo seemed to have learned a lot lately and had picked up speed. He was not too afraid of Emma. He was more worried about Theo, afraid of what trick he might pull this time. He did not want to get hurt like Xavier did during the horse-stick race more than 6 moons ago. He wanted to make sure he and his dog, Bo, were going to be safe from harm.
If anything ever happens to my Bo, I would never forgive Theo. This would mean war between him and me. He better watch it!Drake vowed inside his head.
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Quite contrary to Drake's thoughts, nothing had happened during the race. Each of the five dogs began its race journey as soon as Woodworker William shouted the word “START!”
They all began running at the same time. Each dog only focused on the lane that was in front of them.
During the first several laps, most of the contestants were very competitive, the dogs stayed at a close distance from the others, just surpassing one another. Then, by the eighth lap, the two sheepdogs seemed to be falling behind. Perhaps their body weight and the extra fur on them were taking their toll, but they were still following closely, right behind the others.
Emma's Charlie was third in place to the last two.
Theo and Drake were now the leaders competing with each other. At times, Theo's Sparky would pass Drake's Bo, only for Bo to pick up speed and surpass Sparky. All the while Drake was on guard for any kind of misconduct or tricks from Theo. He was afraid - his heart was racing even though he wasn't the one that was running. He was afraid of what might happen unexpectedly that might cause injury to himself and Bo.
On the ninth lap, Drake's wagon almost flipped over as it sped dangerously around a corner. It had been a close call, but luckily the wagon had large wheels and did not flip over. He was in the lead now, but Theo and Sparky would not give up. The pace remained nearly heel to heel, with Theo and Sparky right behind him. Then there was Emma and Charlie too, still in third place, but closely following from the rear. Madison and Oriana and their two sheepdogs seemed to have fallen much further behind by now.
On the tenth lap, Theo was in the lead. He was happy his Sparky had just surpassed Bo. The two dogs are now running a close race, nose to nose, the question was, which nose would reach the finishing line first?
But they were both in for a big surprise! Emma's Charlie suddenly barked loudly. It picked up its speed like a flash of lightning out of nowhere. It sped from third place into second, beating Drake's Bo, and now it was running past Theo's Sparky as well!
Emma's Charlie suddenly was acting like a mad dog gone wild - he ran so fast as though his nose knew it was time to claim the winning title. He ran past Drake's Bo, and then Theo's Sparky, flexing its shoulder muscles at them, and barking at the same time, making noise to distract them.
“What was that? Oh, Emma!” Drake exclaimed. He did not expect to be beaten by Emma's Charlie, who had been behind him all along during the past nine laps! And now, her crazy dog Charlie was running like a mad dog, yelling “Rolf! Rolf! Rolf!... Rolf! Rolf! Rolf!” as if to spite the others! Charlie even took Bo by surprise. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Charlie had even outrun Theo's Sparky! It was Charlie's nose that zoomed right past the finishing line. That crazy dog had won!!!
Emma was declared the winner of the race and was awarded the two-seater wagon during the ceremony. Both Samuel and his wife were proud of her.
Theo had performed well during the race. He did not use any tricks. He even went up to shake Emma's hand to congratulate her as Emma proudly sat on the wagon's seat to claim her victory!
King Aylard and Queen Isabella both let out a sigh of relief that Theo had been true to himself this time around and had not succumbed to trickery to steal a win.
They all went home after the award ceremony.
Emma had to leave the two-seater wagon with Woodworker William so that he could carve Emma's name onto the side of the wagon to personalize it. Also, Emma needed to decide whether she would add another dog to her wagon, or just use Charlie to pull. It seemed Charlie, with his extra muscle, was perfectly up to the task - at least for now. Emma was a tall girl, but she was not, by any means, too heavy to be pulled along. Charlie could handle her weight.
Emma decided that if she was to take in another dog, it would be a girl dog of the same breed to keep Charlie company.
Excellent story with great detail....Because of his cheating in the previous race, Theo has to deal with the delemma that he created for himself and has to tred cautiously....Never underestimate a little girl like Emma and the bond that she has with her dog Charlie.
One of the good things that we can learn from our pets is responsibility. I am glad that Theo has learned to be kind as well. Good for him and good for the Royal Family! The way that Emma's dog nosed past that finishing line gave me a good chuckle. Thank you, Sandie!
Hurray for Emma! And it is good that Theo seems to have learned a lesson... Cheating is for the dishonest and holds no glory ever. Well done, Sandie. Continued inspiration and success to you. Love and best wishes,
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