The Royal Apprentice

Prologue

The Royal Apprentice

Written by: Tehya Prantle

8/10/2022

Prologue

~seven years ago~

The drumming sound of the pouring rain outside the carriage fills my ears. Dim lantern light shines through the window as we pass by some of the many townhouses. The carriage shakes and rattles as we ride along the rocky stone path.

I find myself frowning as I think about why we are here. My mother, a wonderful and loving woman, had just passed away from a sickness that had plagued her for a few years now. My father had tried everything, he spent our life savings to try and pay for the medicine and treatment she needed. Sadly by the time we were able to pay for her medical treatment she had gotten worse and it was too late.

I force the depressing thoughts out of my mind. My hazel eyes drift from the window to my father who sits stiffly across from me. He hasn't spoken to me in a long period of time. I don't blame him, I haven't spoken either. There isn't much to talk about. Father said we had to visit uncle Eli for something important. Although he hasn't told me what was so important about it yet, frankly, I don't have the energy to ask.

Lying beside me on the soft bench is a medium sized leather bag full of my things. Father said I should bring everything that I would need, in case we couldn't make it back home in a decent amount of time. My uncle Eli lives in one of the largest cities, a full day's trip away from my home. Being the royal family's doctor, he lives in the castle. I must add I have never gone into the castle, we've only ever met him in a public place to have dinner and chat a select few times with my Mother. They were siblings after all.

Eli had tried to help my mother as well but he didn't have the right medicine to help her, he was only able to prolong the inevitable. I'm sure he's just as devastated as us.

My hands lay in my lap as I watch out the window intently. My mind drifts, burdens, and heartaches too heavy to bear for a young girl like myself.

The rain outside the thin glass had started to let up slightly. What used to be a harsh downpour was only a light shower now. A particular bump in the road causes the carriage to dip and jerk. My hands shoot out to my sides to hold myself steady.

The rest of the ride is silent. The carriage soon halts and my fathers stone-like appearance starts to fade as he stands and exits. Once out he waits for me and helps me down. I make sure to grab my bag before exiting the worn out carriage. I stand beside him, my head only meeting the middle of his waist. The rain begins to cover us, my father quickly moves us towards the inn door.

Upon entering the inn I look around, the room is large, a long rectangular table sits in the middle of the room, and a few people sit eating a meal. Along the back wall is a bar, along with a few more people sitting there. My father puts his arm around my shoulder holding me close. The potent smell of mead has my nose scrunching up in displeasure.

Walking over to the table my father seats us in a spot as far away from anyone as we can get. He asks for a few waters. I sit in the rickety old chair, the table awkwardly tall for my short height. Looking to my father, my eyes meet his deep brown ones. For a moment he holds my gaze before sighing, running a hand down his face. He smiles softly.

His dirty blonde hair hangs down to his shoulders, a light wave to it. A scruffy beard on his face. He always tells me I'm the spitting image of my mother. I have her beautiful hazel eyes and thick, long light brown hair.