2016 – Day 42

Start writing a story that...

Step 1: includes the words: watchmaker  city  throne

Step 2: include this sentence: It was the longest minute of his life

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Alfred, a watchmaker, moved briskly through the crowds in the city market. He carried a small bag of his best tools close to his chest. The king had sent a messenger requesting Alfred's presence that evening and he dared not be late.

As he hurried toward the castle, Alfred thought about the many years he had worked in obscurity on all types of timepieces, from pocket watches to grandfather clocks. Tonight was his chance to show the king the true measure of his skills and take his rightful place among the ranks of merchants deemed worthy of the highest nobles. No longer would he have to do work for small shopkeepers and teachers who could barely afford to pay him.

Alfred arrived at the castle hot and sweaty, despite the chill in the evening air. He wiped his forehead with his sleeve as the guard took him to an antechamber and told him to wait. As he paced back and forth upon the thick carpet that stretched in a path from one doorway to the other, he practiced what he would say to the king.

Soon, the large doors to the throne room were opened from inside and a booming voice announced his entrance.

"Alfred Donnymeade, watchmaker!"

Alfred inched his way into the throne room. He had planned to take large strides so as to command attention and respect, but the loud voice and the sight of a dozen faces turning to stare at him caused him to lose all nerve. He shuffled past courtiers in fine attire who had now stopped all conversation to watch him. When he finally reached the king, who sat in a massive golden throne upon a foot-tall dais, he was again sweaty and hot.

"Your majestic, I mean, Your majesty," Alfred said as he bowed low before the king. He felt beads of sweat drip down his forehead and onto the plush red carpet beneath his feet. He quickly swiped his forehead with his sleeve again as he stood up to face the king.

King Cedric leaned back in his throne as he stared down at Alfred. He held his chin in his hand and appeared deep in thought. Alfred wanted to ask why he was summoned, but he bit his tongue and waited for the king to speak first. It was the longest minute of his life.

"Clear the room!" the king shouted.

Alfred watched as the courtiers and guards left without a moment's hesitation. When the large doors were closed from the outside, the king leaned forward to whisper to Alfred.

"I hear you are a skilled watchmaker." the king said.

"Yes, sire."

"I have need of a special timepiece. But it is to be a secret endeavor. If you can create what I request, you will be compensated greatly. If you fail, I cannot guarantee your safety. What say you?"

Alfred stared up at the king. His ears hung on the words compensated greatly. This was truly his chance. Later he would say that he did not hear the rest of the agreement, including the warning about what would happen if he failed. But for now, he was planning the speech he would give to his neighbors as he abandoned his old life and began his new life of greater prominence.