I wish them nothing but the best.
Once they’re gone, I turn back to Gavin and Marcus. When I can think of nothing to say, I head toward the manor.
When we reach it, Gavin steps in. “Would you like some time?” he asks quietly.
Grateful that he understands—and that he trusts me—I nod. “Just a little.”
“I’ll return within the hour,” he promises. Before he leaves, he brushes a soft kiss on my lips, making me smile.
I follow Marcus into the garden, preparing myself for an uncomfortable conversation.
“We’ll travel to the College of Sorcery,” he says, avoiding my eyes. “I’ll give you an excellent recommendation and make sure you have a fine apprenticeship, perhaps with a sorceress who specializes in botanical magic.”
“I think I’d prefer to continue metamorphosis. I was just getting the knack of it.”
The sorcerer turns, finally looking at me. “I am the only master of the subject in five kingdoms.”
I give him a sad smile. “Plant magic it is.”
“You were an excellent apprentice.”
“And you were an excellent teacher.”
But I can’t stay, not when he has feelings for me. We both know it. It simply makes it easier that he acknowledged it first.
“I’m going to pack my things.”
As I walk past him, he takes my arm. “Brynn…”
I turn back, waiting for him to continue.
After several seconds, he releases me and looks away. “Never mind. Go on.”
With a weariness that comes from knowing you can’t be what someone needs, I open the door. The second I step inside, there’s a strange scream—like the shriek of a bird.
“What in the world?” I breathe as I run inside, heading for the kitchen.
Marcus is right on my heels. In fact, he’s so close, he ends up smacking right into me when I come to an abrupt stop.
I forgot about the wolf cub.
Mrs. Stone, however, has not forgotten. She stands on a stool in the corner of the kitchen, her eyes wide with fear, cowering from the pup. Thinking it’s a fabulous game they’re playing, the cub jumps and leaps, letting out yipping howls every few moments.
“Mrs. Stone, I am so sorry!” I knew she disliked Porter, but I had no idea she’d fear a furry little pup. I rush forward and scoop him into my arms and then turn to Marcus. “What will we do with him?”
Marcus takes the little wolf from me, looking highly amused. “I could change him back—but it would be best if I keep him.”
“Really?”
Still looking at the cub, he says, “It might be nice to have someone around who reminds me of my first apprentice.”
My heart warms…and aches. Both at the same time.
I glance at the housekeeper, who’s still standing on the stool. “But what about Mrs. Stone?”
Marcus shakes his head and grins. “Perhaps it’s time to set her free.”
“Set her free…?”
And before my eyes, Mrs. Stone winks out in a flash of light, leaving an agitated bluebird in her place. Immediately, the bird leaps into the air and flies for the open window.
My mouth falls open. “This whole time, Mrs. Stone was a bluebird?”
Marcus smirks. “It’s hard to find good help.”
Well…that explains a lot.
Shaking my head, I go up to my room. It doesn’t take me long to gather my things. I put on the gray gown I arrived in and collect my two books of poetry. Carefully, I fold my robe and place it on the bed.
Not an hour later, there’s a soft knock at the door.
“Gavin is here,” Marcus says. When I don’t answer, he cracks the door open and finds me standing near the window. “Does he know you’re leaving today?”
“I’m sure he’ll agree it’s for the best.”
The sorcerer is quiet for several moments, and then he says, “I’ll meet you at the College of Sorcery in two days.”
I step past him, into the hall. He follows me down the stairs.
Before I go, I say goodbye to Porter. The owl is half asleep, but he blinks at me several times before he closes his eyes once more.
“You forgot this,” Marcus says as I head for the door.
I turn and find him with my robe in his hands. “It’s yours,” he says quietly. “You might as well keep it.”
Clutching it to my chest, I nod.
“Thank you, Marcus,” I say before I open the door. “For everything.”
He draws in a long breath. “Truly, Brynn. It was my pleasure.”
“You’re free now too,” I whisper. “You know that, don’t you? Don’t punish yourself for the rest of your life for something terrible you did years ago.”
“I’ll try to remember that.”
Before I overthink it, I cross the room and throw my arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. He freezes for just a moment before his arms circle my waist.
Then I pull away and slip out the door. “Goodbye, Master Marcus.”
“Goodbye, Brynn.”
It feels very final as I shut the door behind me. Gavin waits in the front garden, and he smiles when he sees me. He motions to my books. “Are we leaving?”
“We are.”
He falls into step beside me. “I met Kevin on my way back. There was a letter waiting for you.”
I eye the harmless cream-colored parchment he offers and then turn my attention to Gavin. “It’s from my parents.”
“I noticed.”
Frowning, I say, “Charity must have told them where I am, because I certainly didn’t. Do I dare open it?”
“It’s probably best to get it over with.”
Pursing my lips, I carefully break the seal and scan the letter.
“Well?” Gavin asks gently.
“I am in the worst trouble…but they seem pleased I’m not dead.”
He laughs and offers his hand. “As am I.”
Hand in hand, we leave the manor, walking down the road toward Whiteshire.
“Charity also sent you an extremely heavy trunk,” he says. “I have a suspicion it’s at least half-full of books. It’s waiting for you in the stable.”
I gasp. “Did she really?”
“Perhaps I should have told you that first.” Gavin grins, looking straight ahead. “I have something for you too.”
“Do you?”
“I’ll give it to you tonight when we arrive in Heston.”
“What is it?”
Feigning nonchalance, he shrugs. “Just a family trinket. Something small and decorative. With luck, it will fit on your finger.”
I stop, yanking him back. “Don’t tease me,” I warn.
Gavin takes both of my hands, holding them in his own. “I’m not.”
I cup the back of his neck and drag his mouth to mine. He pulls me close, deepening the kiss, sealing the promise.
Soon, the world will know that I am his, and he is mine. Just as I’ve dreamed since I met him in the orchard.
“I love you,” he whispers when we finally part. “Never doubt it.”
“You came back for me, Gavin—I have no doubts.”
He runs his hand through my hair, frowning slightly. “This won’t be easy. You know that, don’t you?”
“I have a plan.”
“Do you?”
“Surely you remember. Anyone who scoffs at us will promptly be turned into a frog.”
He laughs. “You know, I do recall this conversation. And I think we decided that’s more witch territory?”
I eye a bluebird sitting in a tree nearby. “You might be surprised.”
After a moment, Gavin turns to me, slightly concerned. “You can’t truly turn someone into a frog, can you?”
Laughing to myself, I glance behind us one last time, looking at Marcus’s manor through the trees. After a moment, I turn back to Gavin, slide my arm through his, and let him lead me toward our new beginning.
Also by Shari L. Tapsco
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Silver & Orchids
Moss Forest Orchid
Greybrow Serpent
Wildwood Larkwing
Lily of the Desert
Fire & Feathers: Novelette Prequel to Moss Forest Orchid
Eldentimber Series
Pippa of Lauramore
Anwen of Primewood
Seirsha of Errinton
Rosie of Triblue
Audette of Brookraven
Elodie of the Sea
Grace of Vernow: An Eldentimber Novelette
Fairy Tale Kingdoms
The Marquise and Her Cat: A Puss in Boots Retelling
The Queen of Gold and Straw: A Rumpelstiltskin Retelling
The Sorceress in Training: A Retelling of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Contemporary Fiction
Glitter and Sparkle Series
Glitter and Sparkle
Shine and Shimmer
Sugar and Spice
If the Summer Lasted Forever
Just the Essentials
Writing as Shannon Lynn Cook
Obsidian Queen
Guild of Secrets
Princess of Shadows
Knights of Obsidian
About the Author
Shari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing. She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
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shariltapscott.com
The Sorceress in Training: A Retelling of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Page 22