I arose early and hurried to the stables. I wanted to make sure everything was ready before the King’s arrival. Like the palace, the stables were beyond imagining. I learned that there were two stables at the palace, The Great Stable and The Small Stable. Although neither was small. Truly, both were great in size. The stables had facades adorned with decorations and statues of galloping horses.

I was greeted by the Grand Equerry, who was a royal officer in charge of the King’s horses and coaches. He would oversee my demonstration.

“Good day, Baron Britpop, I am Grand Equerry Leblanc. I am in charge of the royal stables. I have assembled the required materials for your demonstration. Please accompany me to the blacksmith station, where the demonstration shall take place.”

As we walked, I asked about the stables.

“I am overwhelmed by the scale of the stables. Surely, they could house hundreds of horses.”

“They can house over 2000 horses. There are close to 1500 men working at the stables fulfilling many roles from stablemen to blacksmiths to horse surgeons. Plus saddlers, pages, and coachmen. Even musicians to soothe the horses.”

As we walked through the vast complex, we passed several royal coaches, some of which seemed to be coated in pure gold.

We arrived in the blacksmith area, where the demonstration would be held. As promised, everything I needed to create the silent horseshoes was there, including a genuine waffle iron from Brussels. Several blacksmiths were there also, eager to learn this new technique.

“You may begin your lessons with the blacksmiths in attendance now. I would like to be sure of its success before the King arrives,” the Grand Equerry said.

“As you wish,” I replied.

I demonstrated the process in detail to the blacksmiths, and they applauded the results. A couple of the smiths tried their hand at the process with good success. Then a page ran up spoke with the Grand Equerry.

“The King is on his way. Clear the area of those horseshoes and prepare for the King’s demonstration. Do not fail us, Baron.”

“I will not, sir.”

Soon a wave of nobility arrived, Lafayette included. I was glad to see a friendly face.

“Good morning, Baron Blastfurnace. I am eager to see this demonstration. Shall we begin?” The King stated. It was not a question.

“Yes, Your Highness,” I replied.

I repeated the procedure for the King, who looked on with intense interest. Upon completion, I handed the new silent horseshoe to the King. He took it and examined it.

“Wonderful. I commend you, Baron, it is a marvel. Now quickly make three more. I am eager to see a horse shod with them,” the King said.

Grand Equerry Leblanc said, “We have taken the liberty of creating three more horseshoes before you arrived in anticipation of your request, Your Highness.”

“Excellent,” the King said.

A horse was shod, and everyone proceeded out to the courtyard. As the horse walked silently across the cobblestones, those in attendance cheered as if they had just won a battle.

“Well done, Baron,” the King said.

“It was my honor, Your Majesty.”

After a brief conversation with the Grand Equerry, the King and his entourage returned to the palace.

“You did well today, Baron,” Grand Equerry Leblanc said.

“Thank you, sir.”

“You are dismissed.”

The Grand Equerry turned and walked back to the stables, and I returned to the palace, feeling good.