Sorcerer’s Apprentice

by C. S. Chatterly

  An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

  www.ellorascave.com

  Sorcerer’s Apprentice

  ISBN 9781419920981

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Sorcerer’s Apprentice Copyright© 2009 C.S. Chatterly

  Edited by Meghan Conrad

  Cover art by Syneca

  Electronic book Publication April 2009

  The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

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  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  SORCERER’S APPRENTICE

  C.S. Chatterly

  Dedication

  For everyone who believes in magic, and for my husband Lee. He never stopped believing in me.

  Acknowledgements

  Many thanks to my readers. You provide the motivation to write.

  Chapter One

  Brynn Nightflyer looked at the parchment for a third time, swallowed hard and tried to keep her exhilaration from showing on her face. The messenger had only just delivered her application response, which meant her days at the Sun Gem Emporium were numbered. She’d taken a risk and it had paid off in the most monumental way. Admittedly, she’d relied on her father’s name to obtain the acceptance, but the rest she could do for herself. And it wasn’t as though people didn’t use contacts to make a better life for themselves. They did it all the time. Why should she be any different?

  She glanced around the around the shop, hoping no one had noticed the messenger or the covert way she refolded the parchment and placed it inside the front pocket of her oversized apron. Too late—her soon-to-be former employer caught the furtive movement from across the store. She watched him leave his place behind the herb counter to waddle across the room. His portly frame barely missed knocking over several displays of crystals, books on wizardry, candles and incense. Brynn winced at the imperious look on his face, but knew she wouldn’t have to put up with his high-handed treatment much longer.

  “Miss Nightflyer, I’d like to have a word with you, please.”

  She tamped down the urge to tell him she’d like to have a few paragraphs with him and reluctantly followed the man into the back stock room where stacks of spells, magical supplies and robes were neatly stored. Her boss, Pratter Fizzydig, was anything but discreet. Still, Brynn had to give him credit for not chewing her out in front of any customers or the other employees. That and the fact that she had needed this job after her father’s death were the only things that kept her at Sun Gem Emporiums, Purveyors of Fine Herbs, Crystals and Magical Supplies.

  Once they were in the stock room, Pratter turned and regarded the young woman before him. “Miss Nightflyer, I dislike our employees receiving messages or communication while on the clock. I saw that note you were trying to hide. Rules prohibiting personal business are clearly stated in the employee handbook. The personnel department handed out a new edition last month. You did read it, didn’t you?”

  She took a deep breath and checked her temper. “Of course, Mr. Fizzydig. But I’ve been working double shifts at your request, so there hasn’t been a lot of time for me to attend to personal business.”

  “Nevertheless…if I make a rule I expect my employees to abide by it. I can’t make exceptions for you.” He snorted. “I suppose because you’re Azamus Nightflyer’s daughter you think yourself above the standards which apply to others. Is that it?”

  She felt her hands involuntarily clench into fists. “Of course not, sir. I can promise you it won’t happen again.”

  He arched one brow and looked her over. “It had better not. Too much time was wasted last year on employees who brought their personal lives to work with them. The rules were made for that very reason. I expect a ―”

  “Full day’s work for a full day’s wages,” Brynn finished for him. “Yes sir, I remember.”

  “See that you do,” he warned. “Now, it’s back to the job and our customers.”

  Brynn stood there while he made a hrumphing noise in the back of his throat and pulled at the front vee of his wizard’s robe to straighten it. She watched him walk out of the stock room. His billowy bright pink robe with gold moons and stars embroidered on the fabric made him look less like the minor wizard he was and more like an enormous cosmic accident. She let out a long sigh of frustration, shook her head and followed his enormous figure back into the display area. There she took up her place behind the counter where crystal balls were sold and grit her teeth.

  One day soon, she was going to be able to walk into the shop and hand in her notice. A few more days of work, one more miserly paycheck deposited into her account and she’d be ready to purchase her ticket. Her application had been accepted. She had six months to show up at Castle Pendragon or lose the chance of apprenticing under one of the galaxy’s finest and most powerful Master Sorcerers—Draco Pendragon.

  Among those Earthlings who had chosen to venture into space looking for new homes and for the thrill of exploration, the name Pendragon came first. Over a century ago they’d found and populated the planet Illusia. And because of its beauty and ethereal qualities, so very much like Earth’s, the council of the Wizards of Light had chosen it as the center of all white magic. Among those planets known to mankind, it alone was unspoiled by pollution or war. It stood as a shining beacon to all those who sought the knowledge of the light. By contrast, those who practiced in darkness had yet to find a home world. They were as unwelcome on any newly colonized planet as any scourge or plague. Those of the dark side wandered, therefore, and continually sought to usurp the power of the Pendragon clan and all those who practiced white magic. For that understandable reason any apprentice coming into the Pendragon household or apprenticing with any lineage of light was scrupulously checked and tested. If they were found wanting in any way, or could not fight off the temptation to use dark arts, they were failed. And once an apprentice failed their magic books were taken from them forever. The revocation of a family’s books had the result of making whatever magic they possessed dwindle away with time.

  There were only a handful of Master Sorcerers. But it was possible, if a student of wizardry was very dedicated and their powers were more accomplished, that they could one day become a Master for him or herself. And that was Brynn’s dream. She wanted to honor her father and the Nightflyer name and have it rank in importance with the likes of the Pendragon’s, especially since she was the last of the Nightflyer clan. If she died without an heir her family’s books would be destroyed. And that would end her clan’s magic. The name of Nightflyer, however, would still be listed in the rolls of magnificent practitioners if she could study with someone who could hone her skills.

  She scrupulously polished crystal balls of all shapes, sizes and colo
rs while trying not to notice Fizzydig’s scrutiny from across the shop. Admiring a particularly beautiful amethyst globe, she smiled brightly when an older woman wearing and expensive, fawn-colored caftan approached her counter with a questioning expression.

  “May I help you?” Brynn asked.

  “Yes, perhaps you can. Are you a wizard?”

  Brynn nodded. “Yes ma’am. Did you have a question about any of the crystal balls?” She waved one hand over the expensive merchandise within her display case. Because many on Earth now had beliefs that led them toward New Age practices, certain objects were often sold to those bereft of magic. People were always asking for herbs, lotions, ointments and incense to use in their homes. Even crystal balls found a place of honor in many households. Most just found their glistening soothing—the balls were often placed in a lighted area where their owners could stare into their depths.

  Brynn waited patiently while the woman’s gaze drifted over different crystal balls and their accompanying brass stands.

  The woman leaned closer. “Actually, I do love collecting these beautiful globes. They’re so lovely when you line them up on a window sill.”

  Brynn enthusiastically nodded. “Aren’t they?”

  “I was hoping you could give me some information about them,” the woman continued. “I understand that if one pays a little extra, powers can be bestowed upon the balls. Is that so?”

  Brynn already knew what was coming. She could see the gleam of mischief in the woman’s gaze. “What kind of power did you want?”

  The woman glanced around and moved even closer to Brynn. “I want to make a man fall in love with me. I’m told such a thing is possible.”

  It was…if the wizard involved wanted to open up their black book and cast such a spell. Brynn, however, was not that woman. “I’m sorry, madam. But the kind of magic you’re talking about comes from the black book and I don’t use it.”

  The woman snorted. “Surely I could pay a little extra. I mean, what’s the harm in one little love spell?”

  “The harm, madam, is that making someone fall in love with you is wrong. I can sell you some incense or some herbs you can use to ask the forces of nature to be more amenable. But I can’t give you a spell to force someone to do anything.”

  The woman rolled her eyes in disgust. “I’ve tried burning candles and asking for my heart’s desire. I’ve tried using that damn incense to pray that love will cross my doorstep. I’ve even used herbs and oils to anoint my home and allow the spirits of love to enter. But I want a particular man. I know there’s a spell for this kind of thing, everyone does.”

  Brynn nodded. “You’re right, there is. I’ve heard so myself. But I’ve never opened my black book. And those who told you all this had no business doing so. Asking for someone to find and love you through the use of charms isn’t the same thing as forcing a person against their will.”

  “And how would you know it would be against his will? Maybe I’m just trying to…to push things along a little. I’m not getting any younger, you know?”

  Brynn sadly shook her head. “The best I can offer you is a talisman of some kind, something that will lead the forces of nature to gently guide you into finding the right person. Spells of that kind take time. Things like that don’t happen overnight.”

  “I tell you I’ve tried all that,” the woman raised her voice in anger. “It doesn’t work. It’s as good as doing the thing myself without magic at all. And if I could have accomplished it on my own then what’s the point in having you wizards around?”

  Brynn had seen her type before. This customer appeared to be a woman who was spoiled, impatient and not beyond doing something illegal to get what she wanted. And using the black side wasn’t only morally reprehensible, it was illegal. Sadly, the very same personality traits she was presently displaying were probably blinding her to someone whose love was already hers, someone who would really care for her and who she would probably deem inappropriate because of wealth, age or physical appearance.

  “I’m sorry, madam. I can’t help you.”

  Hearing the woman’s voice grow louder with frustration, Pratter wobbled across the shop. “Is there something the matter here? May I help you, madam?”

  The woman pointed a finger at Brynn. “She refuses to sell me what I want. I’ve told her and she blatantly ignored my request.”

  Pratter glared at Brynn. “What was it the lady requested, Miss Nightflyer?”

  “Nothing she should have,” Brynn readily replied.

  The woman gasped. “Do you hear that? Do you countenance such rude behavior with your employees?”

  Pratter raised his hands in a placating gesture and lowered his voice. “Now, now, madam. If you’ll tell me what you like I’ll do everything I can to see that you’re satisfied. We here at Sun Gem Emporiums value your time, your relationship and your trust.”

  “She wants to force someone to fall in love with her, Mr. Fizzydig. That kind of magic only comes from the black book and I won’t use it.” Brynn had the satisfaction of seeing him blink and look questioningly at the woman.

  “Is that true, madam? Were you asking an employee to delve into the black side?”

  The woman rolled her eyes in disgust and put her hands on her hips. “I’ll pay. Handsomely.”

  Pratter chewed on his lower lip. “Perhaps I can direct you to some new herbs just delivered from Illusia. Perhaps that might, uh…enhance the romantic elements in nature to look your way more favorably.”

  “New herbs? From the home planet of magic, you say?”

  “Yes. Why, there are so many different kinds we don’t even know the names of them as yet. The Pendragon family found them growing wild within the great forests of their planet and cultivated them for use on Earth. It’s part of the new open trade agreement we have with one another.”

  “Well, I suppose I could try herbs one more time,” the woman reluctantly agreed.

  “Certainly, my good lady! It’s much better than delving into black magic. Why, obtaining a romantic partner by those means would be sure folly. Who knows how it might backfire.”

  Brynn stood there while Pratter gently looped his arm through the woman’s and led her away to peruse the new herbs. Perhaps she could have been more tactful with the woman. But, in time, if the results didn’t meet what this particular lady demanded with the speed she required, then she’d surely resort to black magic. Brynn had only been trying to tell her that it wasn’t right and to warn her.

  She sighed, went back behind the counter and proceeded to help a young man purchase a beautiful blue crystal ball with a pewter dolphin base as a gift for his sweetheart. That was a joyous transaction all the way around. She carefully wrapped the gift for the boy and sent him happily on his way. When she turned to place the money in her till, Pratter was standing there glaring at her.

  “The stock room?” she asked.

  “Right now,” he angrily commanded.

  Brynn felt like a recalcitrant six-year-old but followed her balding, gargantuan boss into the back room for the second time that day. She anticipated a drawn-out, butt-mincing lecture, but was surprised when he pulled out two stools from beneath a table and motioned for her to sit as he did.

  “Brynn, you simply must be careful how you speak to people.”

  “I was only trying to ―”

  He held up one index finger to stop her. “I know, I know. She was wrong. But try to understand something.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “You’re a young, exceptionally lovely woman. For some of the rest of us, like that woman and me for example, our choices for a romance are two—slim and none. I’m…well, I am what I am.” He motioned to his figure. “And that woman was older and not all that attractive, as ungallant as it is for me to say.”

  Brynn lowered her head and stared down at her clasped hands in remorse.

  Pratter smiled and placed one of his meatier hands over hers. “You could, by your words, put a person into a position where they
feel desperate enough to do something foolish. You follow?”

  She looked up at him and didn’t see Pratter the Portly, Pratter the Plump or any of the other names the other shop clerks called the man. She just saw someone who was trying to give her a piece of good advice. And her shame doubled because she’d possibly misjudged him for a great many things. “Y-you’re absolutely right. I could have made her so mad she’d have gone out and found the first practitioner of the dark arts she could and done herself and someone else a great deal of harm.”

  “The next time that happens—and it will, my girl—you think about that before passing judgment. Your words are just as powerful as any magic. They can heal or hurt as easily. You understand?”

  “Yes sir,” she quietly murmured.

  He considered her for a moment and saw the contrition on her face. “Now…were you going to tell me about that acceptance message or not?”

  She felt her eyes widen. “H-how did you know?”

  “I may be a fat old fart of a wizard, but I’m not blind. You have more power than you’d like people to see. Your talismans are never returned and the customers—most of them, anyhow—are very satisfied with you. And even from across the shop I could see the red mark of Pendragon on the envelope. It was impossible to miss.”

  Brynn remembered breaking the wax seal with the dragon’s crest pressed into it, but had hoped he hadn’t seen that much from where he’d been standing. She sighed, took a cleansing breath and told him everything. “I’ve applied for apprenticeship at Castle Pendragon and the Master Sorcerer has accepted my application.”

  “Good cosmos!” Pratter scratched his head. “So, our little Brynn will be apprenticing with Draco the Dragon himself. I didn’t realize he’d take anyone after all these years.”

  She’d heard the Master Sorcerer referred to as the Dragon, but wouldn’t ever dare use that moniker where just anyone could hear. She gave a nod as her only response.