The Apprentice (Minecraft Storymode)

Chapter 1

Sam ran down the cobblestone street, pulling her russet hair into a quick ponytail as she did. People moved out of her way as she passed, turning again to watch her before she vanished from sight.

"Sam! Hey, Sam!"

Sam slowed to a stop as she heard the pound of approaching footsteps. She turned to look.

"Hey, Josh," she called.

He slowed to a stop beside her. His blond hair was spiked up like it always did, reminding Sam of tufted grass. His amber eyes were glowing in the sunlight.

"You left this back at the party," Josh said, holding out an iron sword. Sam accepted it with a sheepish smile.

"Thanks. I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached." She sighed. "Sorry I had to leave so quick. I know you were planning that for a long time."

"No big deal," Josh said with a shrug. "Crafting parties can happen whenever. Training with the Order of the Stone? Not so much."

"Hey, not so loud."

Sam started walking down the street with Josh at her side.

"It's not like it's a secret," he pointed out. "You're Jesse's apprentice. That's a big deal."

"You think everything I do is a big deal."

"Not like being apprenticed is. The other stuff is just Sam big deal. Like showing up at the party. That's a Sam big deal."

"You make it sound like I'm a hermit."

"You act like it sometimes. You're always off exploring caves or researching in the library. For example, you come to a crafting party and make a sword. A sword! Who does that, aside from my Sam?"

"Swords are practical. And excuse me, your Sam?"

"I'm the one who makes sure you don't vanish into oblivion and stay involved with life. That makes you my responsibility."

They paused in front of a large white building. Sam and Josh stared up the steps at the large doors.

"I suppose I should leave you to your top secret lessons," Josh said.

"Nothing's a secret from you," Sam teased.

"Pfft, of course not. But I should probably get back. They might burn my house down. See you later, Sam!"

Josh hurried away down the street as Sam climbed the steps. She pushed open the heavy oak doors, closing them carefully behind her.

"Hey, Sam! Come on in! I'm just finishing up over here," a voice called. Sam advanced further into the room. She glanced at each of the pedestals she passed. One held a nether star, one held a crystal, one held a sea lantern. There were others as well but Sam's attention was drawn to the far side of the room.

"We won't be needing swords today," the voice continued as the owner emerged from behind an empty pedestal with a warm smile. Sam smiled back. Jesse had that effect on people. Something about her just seemed welcoming. It was always that way. She tossed her dark hair over her shoulder and brushed herself off.

"What are we doing today?" Sam asked as she put away her sword.

"I figured we'd work on building some things," Jesse answered. "Lukas is going to help us."

"Lukas?"

"He's an old friend. He should be here any minute."

Sam thought about Josh, walking back to his house and the crafting party he'd thrown for her. The party she'd had to leave in the middle of without so much as a goodbye. He was always asking about the lessons Jesse taught. Maybe now was the perfect time to ask if he could join sometime.

"Sorry I'm late!" a voice called as the doors opened. Sam and Jesse glanced back. Lukas closed the doors behind him. His blond hair was slicked back and he grinned.

"You must be Sam," he said, walking forward and shaking Sam's hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Lukas."

"Sam," she replied.

"I ran into Ivor on the way here. He shouldn't be too far behind. He said he had something he really wanted to talk to you about."

"Now?" Jesse complained. "We're about to start building."

"He said it was important."

"He always says it's important."

The door slammed open and Ivor burst in. He was shouting before the door was completely open.

"I have something important to tell you!"

Jesse shot Lukas a look before folding her arms.

"What is it now, Ivor?" she asked.

"You won't believe it, but after years of searching I've finally found it!"

"Found what?" Lukas asked.

"The Temple of the Wand!"