The Princess and the Apprentice Read online

  The

  PRINCESS

  And The

  APPRENTICE

  Queen of Darkness

  Book One

  ROLAND BOYKIN

  Copyright 2015 Roland J. Boykin

  All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Convention. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author, except by reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

  The scanning, uploading and distribution of the publication via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage illegal electronic distribution of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places or incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Cover design by Roland Boykin

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One ~The Castle

  Chapter Two ~Tome of Magic

  Chapter Three ~Into the Darkness

  Chapter Four ~Guardian or Captive?

  Chapter Five ~Cottage in the Woods

  Chapter Six ~Revelations

  Chapter Seven ~Band of Outlaws

  Chapter Eight ~A Decision is Made

  Chapter Nine ~Fear of the Night

  Chapter Ten ~When Darkness Falls

  Chapter Eleven ~Time to Rest

  Chapter Twelve ~Practice and Preparation

  Chapter Thirteen ~Nest of Goblins

  Chapter Fourteen ~An Unexpected Reunion

  Chapter Fifteen ~A Life Freely Given

  Chapter Sixteen ~A City Deserted

  Chapter Seventeen ~Rumors and a Proposal

  Chapter Eighteen ~The Path Chosen

  Epilogue

  Chapter One ~The Castle

  Aldan Beaverson hurried along the cobblestone street leading to the King’s Castle at the west end of Westalia. For five days he’d outpaced the army approaching from the south, while rumors abounded at every stop along his route as to King Romar’s intentions. A large number of villagers had joined him on the road headed for the city in search of safety.

  However, today the weather became unpredictable and he’d arrived later than planned. The rich aroma of roasting mutton and the sound of laughter coming from a nearby inn pulled him away from his intended destination. The promise of a hot meal and the chance to dry off outweighed his need to reach the Castle.

  Aldan stepped through the door into silence as every eye fell on him and then quickly turned away. Forced laughter erupted from several tables as it appeared patrons were more interested in their ale than food. With the one serving girl busy refilling mugs, Aldan signaled to the innkeeper, who seemed loath to abandon his sanctuary behind the polished wooden counter.

  The food was surprisingly good but Aldan wasted no time in savoring his meal. Silence fell once again when he stood, but the laughter returned full force as the door shut behind him. The rain had tapered off while he ate, but heavy, dark clouds still filled the sky. Shifting shadows from overgrown bushes and the rustle of leaves from ancient oaks added to his unease after leaving the inn.

  Aldan breathed a sigh of relief as the dark silhouette of the castle came into view. This was the first castle he had seen outside of the pages of a book and the reality of it stopped him in his tracks. It would not have surprised him to hear the ground groan at the weight of the massive stone structure. Dull faced granite blocks, most covered with moss or ivy, were a testament to its extreme age. The foul odor he encountered was unexpected.

  Apparently they drained the castles garderobes into the moat, probably as an extra deterrent to keep enemies out. Fortunately, the drawbridge was lowered. Holding his breath, Aldan hurried across to the sally port in the massive wooden gate. A quick pull on the bell rope and a voice from somewhere above called down.

  “Who goes there?”

  “Aldan Beaverson. I’m the new apprentice mage.”

  “Aye. We’ve been expecting you. A moment, please, while I summon the mage.”

  Aldan hoped they would hurry as one of the shadows detached itself from the nearest building and slowly made its way toward the bridge. He quickly rehearsed one of the few defensive spells he had learned and loosened his sword in its scabbard, just in case.

  About the time he determined to cast his spell, the portal opened and he was unceremoniously dragged through as the nervous guard peered out, and then slammed the door.

  Unaware he’d been holding his breath, Aldan gasped. “What in the Seven Hells was that?”

  “That is why you are needed here,” announced an elderly, silver haired gentleman. “And why the gate is always kept closed. Well met, young Beaverson. I am Jordan Ryecliff, King’s Mage. I must return to the King, but the chamberlain should arrive shortly to escort you to your rooms. I will see you as soon as I can, so plan on asking your questions on the morrow when we have more time.”

  With that, the mage spun in a swirl of flowing, dark blue robes and disappeared down a corridor just as a harried, portly man approached from the opposite side of the entry tunnel.

  “Ah, Master Beaverson! So glad you finally arrived. Welcome to Greystone Castle. I’m the chamberlain, Horis Whitely. Please follow me and I will show you to your rooms.”

  Before Aldan had a chance to answer, the chamberlain headed back the way he had come. Hurrying to catch up, he couldn’t help but notice the poor state of the castle. Dust covered everything in the hall and cobwebs hung from the ceiling. The wooden banisters and railings of the three flights of stairs they climbed hadn’t seen a polish cloth in a very long time. Even the few protective spells he could sense, felt weak and tattered. Instinctively, Aldan reinforced them with a spell of his own. The hour was not that late, yet the only sounds to disturb the eerily quiet halls were their footsteps.

  They arrived at a door the chamberlain opened with one of the many keys attached to a ring. “Your rooms, Master Beaverson.”

  Aldan entered the room, pleasantly surprised by what he saw. His rooms had been thoroughly cleaned and several lit candles provided an inviting glow. A small fire crackled cheerfully in the fireplace. Tapestries hung on the walls depicting forest scenes and someone’s garden. Not really to his tastes, but better than scenes of battle in their blood spattered glory.

  Master Whitely waved in the direction of a small table to one side. “I suspect you are quite weary from your journey. A small bottle of wine and a platter of meat and cheese have been provided in case you are hungry. I must leave now and return to the King, but the Mage indicated he would visit you before turning in. A key to your room hangs on a peg next to the door. Just as a precaution, always keep your door locked. Goodnight.”

  Aldan shook his head as the chamberlain quickly exited the room and shut the door behind him. Other than the one question he’d been able to voice upon entering the castle, they had given him no opportunity for further conversation. He didn’t need to be a scholar to figure out something was terribly wrong. Where were all the staff, and why keep his door locked in the King’s castle?

  A flicker of light drew his attention to the bedroom. Inside, he found, wonder of wonders, a full length mirror mounted on a stand. He had read about them, but never seen one. He stared at his own reflection, intrigued by what he saw. Wavy blond hair that just touched the tips of his ears, framed an angular face dominated by a set of expressive da
rk brown eyes. The tall, slim body would fill out as he aged, and gave a glimpse of what the future promised.

  A knock at the door put a hold on further musings. The chamberlain’s warning still fresh in his mind, he cautiously stepped to the door and called out. “Who’s there?”

  “Your royal welcoming committees—as it were.”

  Intrigued, Aldan opened the door to be confronted by a stunningly beautiful young woman dressed in a simple, but elegant gown. Long dark hair framed the face of an angel with deep green eyes that threatened to steal his ability to speak. A Princess appearing at his door did not happen every day.

  “Are you going to invite me in, or just stand there and stare?” she asked as one corner of her mouth twitched and the twinkle in her eyes threatened to unmask her royal attitude of indifference.

  “Ah, sorry my lady,” he stammered an apology. “I was expecting Mage Ryecliff.”

  Aldan held the door as she glided in on slippered feet. The material of her dress made a swishing sound as her perfume filled the air. He shut and locked the door as he’d been told, all the while desperately trying to regain his composure. Why would Princess Odessa visit him in his rooms, alone?

  He faced the princess and executed his best bow, using the form taught to him by his mentor. “Forgive me your Highness. I am Aldan Beaverson, Apprentice Mage, at your service.”

  After a perfunctory glance at the rest of the room, the princess returned her gaze to Aldan. “At least you are more pleasing to the eye than our last apprentice. Your hair is shorter than I prefer but that will grow out in time. Now come away from the door and join me at the table. We must talk.”

  Aldan rushed to position her chair as she sat down, and then sat across from her, hoping she had missed the color in his face at her frank appraisal. So many questions flashed through his mind, but where to start?

  The princess sat quietly with the same faint smile, as if waiting for something. This time the heat that rose up from his neck was for his own lack of manners. “May I pour you a glass of wine, Princess?”

  She answered with a nod of her head and a quick glance at the platter of food in the center of the table.

  “Please help yourself, Princess. Meat and cheese are all I have to offer you.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t say that. Right now, I feel I must inform you of the happenings inside the castle.”

  “Please do. The city is on edge as King Romar approaches, and I’ve felt something else amiss ever since I passed through the gates. It has only gotten worse inside the castle.” Aldan gestured with the knife he used to cut slices of the meat. “Even the air around me feels oppressive and filled with malice.”

  The Princess nodded in agreement. “That is one of the reasons most of the staff abandoned the castle. That, and other things.”

  His attention was riveted on her face as the hair on the back of his neck rose in apprehension. “What other things?”

  Eyes wide in fear, trembling, she pointed to the door with a piece of cheese and whispered, “Those things.”

  Reluctantly, his head swiveled in the direction she pointed. He watched, fascinated, as a black cloud oozed under the door and formed into a being unlike anything he had ever seen before. How do you defend against something that appears as solid as smoke?

  Chapter Two ~Tome of Magic

  Aldan sprang out of his chair, brandished his sword and placed himself between the Princess and the demon, a defensive spell poised and ready to cast. Its shape brought back the memory of a drawing he had seen in a codex, but any information that came with it was lost. The only distinguishing features were two red glowing eyes that hovered above a mouth full of white fangs. The foul stench of a swamp replaced the fragrance of the Princess’s perfume.

  A loud voice could be heard out in the hall just prior to the door of Aldan’s room opening with a slam. Mage Ryecliff entered, and with a Word of Power the demon disintegrated in a shower of sparkling motes. “Nasty things, krindars, but easily dispatched,” he muttered. Spying Aldan and the Princess, he motioned his apprentice to put away the sword. “That would have accomplished nothing. Remind me to teach you that spell before I leave.”

  Aldan obediently returned the sword to its scabbard and respectfully moved to the side, indicating the Mage should take the only other chair. Instead, his new master approached the table and scooped up several pieces of meat and cheese from the platter. Mouth full, he produced a small cup from a pocket in his robes and poured himself some wine.

  “Sit, sit young man. I have been in a meeting with the King for hours and need to stretch my legs for a bit,” he remarked around a mouthful of food. He regarded the Princess with a scowl and then continued. “Now my dear, what horrible stories have you been trying to scare my new apprentice with?”

  Princess Odessa sat up straight in the chair and put on her best regal attitude. “Actually, Mage Ryecliff, I have only just arrived, and we were in the process of getting acquainted. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to warn him of your foul breath and horrid jokes.” After glaring at the nearly empty platter, she returned her gaze to the Mage with a twinkle in her eye. “Methinks your young apprentice has a greater need of that food than you. If you continue to stuff your face like that, we will need to widen all the doorways in the castle.”

  Waving his hand in her direction in a mock cuff, he growled. “Impertinent young woman! How many times do I have to tell you that casting spells drains a person? I need to eat to keep up my strength.”

  “The only thing you need, old man, is a larger belt,” she said with a laugh.

  Whether by accident or design, the familiar banter between them had the effect of relieving some of Aldan’s tension and helped him relax as he resumed his place at the table. Maybe the situation here was not as dire as it had first appeared.

  A sigh escaped the lips of the Mage and his body appeared to deflate. Hands clasped behind his back, he stared out into the darkness beyond the window. The face that turned back from the darkness looked haggard and lifeless.

  “I won’t lie to you, Aldan,” the Mage began. “The situation here is past dire. We have been at peace for far too long. Our troops are either too old or young and inexperienced. The Princess was succinct in her description of me. I am old and fat and I cannot match the power of young King Romar.”

  Odessa’s smile fell from her face as she turned to stare at the tapestry hanging next to the table.

  “Then why was I summoned?” Aldan asked, not quite masking the indignation in his voice.

  The Mage, who now appeared to regret his decision to stand, leaned his fists on the table to face that anger and gaze deeply into the eyes of his young apprentice. “I knew your father well and your mentor is an old friend of mine. I don’t believe there is another young man in this realm with the sense of honor you carry about your shoulders. I also have it on reliable authority that you have the potential to become one of the most powerful Mages in our history. You are our best hope to protect the Princess. When the time comes, you will spirit her out of the castle and protect her as long as you are able.”

  Odessa bolted out of her chair. “I will not abandon my father in this time of crisis!”

  “You will do as you are told,” Mage Ryecliff roared back, rising up to his full height. “Will you heap an even heavier burden on the shoulders of your father? He has already accepted the fact that he might die. Do you wish to add your death to his sorrow?”

  “But I can fight,” she protested proudly.

  “And you can die if you choose to fight now,” he snapped. “Live, learn and grow, Princess. Keep young Beaverson here by your side and someday you will return to reclaim your kingdom.”

  Aldan cringed and looked away, uncomfortable witnessing the anger in their exchange.

  The Mage reached inside the depths of his robes once again and pulled out a leather bound book that fit in the palm of his hand. He faced Aldan and set the book on the table before him. “Place your left hand on the book a
nd repeat these words.”

  The instant Aldan’s flesh came in contact with the leather covering, it was as if the book grabbed his hand and he was unable to move. When the last Word of Power left his lips, the book began to grow. The tingling sensation in his arm intensified as the book drew the power it needed. Once it had reached the size of a tome, he was able to remove his hand.

  “The book is now yours and yours alone. No one else will be able to open it,” the Mage informed him. “To return the tome to its travel size, repeat the Words of Power in reverse order.”

  A sense of wonder filled Aldan as he sat and stared at what could only be one of the fabled Tomes of Magic. Leather bound cover, front and back, with engraved brass protecting the corners and spine made it appear extremely heavy. Laying hands on either side, Aldan prepared to lift the massive tome only to have it practically float up off the table.

  “Why have you given this to me, Mage Ryecliff?” he asked, struggling to draw a breath.

  “I have waited many years for an apprentice worthy of this book. I’m afraid there won’t be sufficient time for me to properly instruct you. Take it slow and the book will guide you. After we leave, add to my protective spells or cast your own as you wish.”

  Jordan turned back to the princess with a tired smile on his face and held out a hand toward her. “My little Dessa. Please forgive me for shouting, but the King’s mind is made up. I know you will do the right thing when the time comes. Allow me to escort you to your rooms as it is getting late and I still have preparations to attend to.”

  Princess Odessa ignored his proffered hand and wrapped her arms around the portly old mage instead. She buried her face against his chest to muffle the sobs that wracked her slender body. He turned her with an arm around her shoulders and they slowly made their way out of Aldan’s room.