The Potter's Apprentice

PROLOGUE

Three Years Ago

"Welcome to our community sir," a young man's voice said as he observed the lone stranger walk into town, carrying several bags.

"Thank you young man. What's your name?" the stranger asked, stopping a few feet from the garden.

Glancing up at the stranger, the young man wasn't sure what to think. Who was this person? the young man thought as he briefly turned back to his work.

"My name's Asher." he replied, standing up and wiping the sweat with the back of his hand. Extending his hand, the stranger reciprocated, gripping his hand.

"Josiah Michaels."

"It's good to meet you Mr. Michaels. What brings you to our community?" Asher asked, stooping down and returning to picking through the garden.

"I just want to bring my gifts to as many people as I can," he replied. His voice was calm as Asher glanced up at him. There was something about him that brought a sense of peace to Asher but he couldn't figure out why.

"Well then, I better not keep you." Asher stated, smiling at Mr. Josiah before turning back to his work, hoping to finish before his mother woke up.

"Thank you Asher." Asher heard.

Looking up at the sun, Asher wiped the sweat from his forehead and gathered the gloves and bucket. Dumping the weeds and dirt off the side of a small ditch near his family's house, Asher walked back to the front of the house, waving at his neighbors as he put the gloves and bucket at the foot of the steps.

Taking his boots off, Asher walked into the house and placed them at the entrance to the door. Washing his face in the basin near the door, Asher collapsed into the living room chair.

Now to relax. Cracking open the window to allow the cool morning breeze to filter into the house, Asher leaned back in the couch and began reading his copy of The King's Road.