Mike ran back to the stable as fast as he could and immediately began cleaning stalls. The Innkeeper was not out there, and he hoped that he could get his chores done quick enough that Robin would not even know about his late start. Despite the need to rush, he was thorough, making sure each animal had fresh bedding, clean water and the appropriate feed. The horses and mules seemed to appreciate his attention, for he got some nuzzles and lipping from his charges. Surprisingly, even Benjamin and the former peddler seemed affectionate towards him, rubbing their long muzzles against his chest and back. He took time to rub their long ears and even brushed out their coats.
"Boy!" The master's booming voice startled him and he spun to see Robin glaring as usual. "You were out playing all afternoon!"
Mika flushed and dropped his eyes,. stammering out "Uh... sorry sir. I didn't mean to..."
"Just came natural, did it?" Robin's glare softened a bit and he glances around. "I see you got everything taken care of properly. Since all this is new to you, boy, I will overlook this once. From now on you will be here unless I give you permission to go out. Understood?"
Mika swallowed and nodded, feeling relieved. "Yes, sir."
The Innkeeper grinned. "At least you don't seem bothered by your lack of clothing. That's good. The more you look and act like a dimwitted stable boy, the more you really will be one."
"Huh?" Mika frowned, feeling confused. Looking down at himself, he realized that he had not even bothered to put on the old breeches before going out. "Oh! Uh, nobody said nuthin.'" Thinking back, some of the other peasant boys were naked, too. "I wasn't the only one."
"Oh. it's no problem." Robin chuckled and reached out to tousle Mika's unruly mop of matted red hair. "Just means you are fitting in here better than any other boy I've had. The animals all like you, and you do an excellent job. I am quite pleased with you, Boy."
There was something odd about all this, but Mika couldn't help feeling pleased by the praise. "Uh, thank you, sir."
"Tell you what." Robin looked out towards the Inn. "I'm going to send a young man out here shortly. I want you to turn him into a healthy Clydesdale stallion. Do that proper, and I'll give you some time off tomorrow to go play ball again."
How had the Innkeeper known...? Mika realized the man must have been checking up on him, and also that it was silly to try lying to or tricking him. Master was much smarter than Mika.
"Yes, sir! Thank you, sir."