The Wandering Apprentice

by Matthew Mitchell

  "Well, I think we can scratch off all but twelve things. I am pretty sure I have all the equipment somewhere. We just have to dig it out." He looked at his apprentices. "Of course what is the point of having apprentices unless it is to do the dirty work." All three of his apprentices looked slightly pained. "Smide, I need you to look in the storage area for any of the tools on the list." He passed the list around the table. "Savay, collect all the materials and ingredients. Peter, there seems to be a lot of mixing and creating of healing substances in Ott's future. See if you can get him the rest of the healer items. Write down all the healer items. You might run across something that is on someone else's list. Better to have two than none." Each one grabbed some paper and quickly wrote down everything from the list that was healer related. They each ended up with various length lists, Peter with the longest.

  "We are gathering all the materials in the common room of our quarters. I will leave the list on the table, please mark off each item as you put it in there. That way we know it has been placed there." My dad told the three.

  "Ott, I would make a list of things you need from Vicky's workroom. That way the main list can be put back upstairs." Lars pointed this out calmly.

  "So, what are we going to do about the rest of the items? I can think where some of them might be found but not all of them." I asked the group.

  "Well, let's make another list of those items. Then we can put down places they might be found." Peter suggested. Sounded good to me. I quickly made a list of those twelve things.

  "We can get that odd knife from the tanner. Ott mentioned he used one like that." My dad stated.

  "It will need to be one that has never been used." Stain pointed out as he walked in. He stopped beside me and looked at the short list I had. "I believe Rusty can help you with all the metal items on your list there. He has done work for me before and understands the needs of the profession." He sat down and started to eat.

  "Well, that only leaves six items to locate. I believe we can do that with no problem. Each of you get to work finding your list. Lightfoot and I will locate the twelve items." My uncle stood up. I realized that everyone had been eating, including me. I could not tell you what I had eaten, but I was full. Each person walked out with a list, murmuring to themselves. I grabbed my list and headed to the basket making room.

  ***

  "Rusty! Are you in?" I walked into the forge.

  "He is not here Ott." Cracklecord called from the fire. She was sitting amongst the embers there. "He went out to the woods to get a load of charcoal. They have been shorting his boys so he went to deal with the problem."

  "Ah, did he by any chance leave some items for me?" I asked her. She stood up and walked to the edge of the fire. "I am still trying to get all my supplies for my apprenticeship and dad said that Rusty had a few more items for me."

  I looked around but could not tell if anything laying out was for me.

  "Well, that is not exactly correct." Cracklecord stated. "Rusty made most of the items you have already collected, I have been either helping or making the rest." She motioned to the small pile of tools laying on the bench. "I finished the last of them this morning. They are ready for you and with my blessing."

  I stared at the salamander for a minute. "You made me some items? But Dad was going to trade work to pay Rusty back, how can we repay you?" I was worried. I did not have much money to begin with and the supplies I had to purchase had taken all of that little bit.

  "Ott, you treated me with kindness, respect, and sincere politeness. You never treated me as only an animal, a demon, or something scary. I am honored to make a few simple tools that will enable you to learn all the skills that Stain plans on teaching you. There is no payment needed outside what your father and Rusty have agreed." She jumped to the bench and looked at the tools piled there.

  She picked one up, "This is one of my gifts to you, a harvesting knife." She held up an odd shaped knife. It looked like a hook but the only sharpened edge was on the inside of the curve. "This shall harvest many plants and never need sharpening." Selecting another, "A set of needles, I understand you have already acquired some but a healer never has too many needles. These will lend fire's aid in the healing process when used." The needles seemed to reflect the fire's light, even though the light failed to reach them. "And my last contribution", she displayed an unusual arrangement of straps and metal, "although this one is partially of a selfish nature. Stain said that your clothes might fare better if I had a perch to ride upon." The object was a harness to allow a metal bowl of sorts to ride on one of my shoulders. "The straps allow for hanging other items so it serves multiple functions. Rusty found it quite comfortable when we tested it."

  "Wait? Are you going with us when we leave?" I had not realized that she would finish her business with Rusty in a week.

  "I have finished up my duties to Rusty, his forge is once more blessed and spelled. I have checked with your master and he has agreed that I can travel with him and his new apprentice. If at least for a while." She seemed to be smirking at me.

  "That is great!" She was going with us! "I was hoping you could go with us, but thought you would be too busy to leave."

  "The duties that brought me here are done. I am free for the next couple of months until I have to visit another forge." She had packed the entire pile into a leather bag. "Take these and do not forget to leave out the harness so we can have many conversations without you being singed." She held out the bag.

  "Thanks! That is a few more things off my list." I only had two more stops then I had to finish packing. Only a bunch of sacks, bags, baskets, boxes, and crates left to pack. "I guess I will see you later. I have to go a few more places."

  "I will see you tomorrow Ott. I have a little packing to do myself." Cracklecord snickered. "I plan on taking a few little things with me." She said this as I walked out.

  I made a few more stops and collected a good amount of stuff for my apprenticeship. I was literally struggling to carry everything. I walked into the courtyard and set everything down. We had to move all the items down to the courtyard because we had run out of room upstairs. The pile had grown to an impressive amount. I had not realized that an apprenticeship required so much, well, stuff.

  "Dad! Uncle! I got the last of the stuff from the village." Where was everybody? Normally there was someone in the courtyard but it was empty. No sounds came out of the various rooms that led off the courtyard. "Aunt Vicky! Anyone! Is anybody there?" Well, maybe someone was in the kitchen. It was darker in the kitchen, but I found my way to the counter with no problem. Maybe Vicky left some food out for me. She sometimes did that, if only to keep me from digging through the rest of the kitchen. After I made a snack out of the dish she had prepared for dinner she tried to have something that I could eat for a snack. Usually it was some form of bread, fruit, or dried meat.

  There was a bowl of rolls sitting on the counter. It was the 'safe for Ott to eat bowl' as my Aunt called it. I grabbed two rolls and bit into one. Oh man! It was not just a roll, it had a chewy, meaty center. It tasted like duck with herbs. My aunt is such a good cook. I polished off both rolls and grabbed two more. Guess I will go check if dad was upstairs. It was my last night with him. I wanted to spend some time with him.

  The stairs were dark, evidently no one left any of the windows open or a light lit. The room was even darker. I could not see anything. Guess dad was not up here either.

  "SUPRISE!" Everyone jumped out from the different rooms. Each person carrying lamps. "SUPRISE!"

  "What in the world!" I almost fell down the stairs. "What is going on?" I leaned heavily against the door frame.

  "It is a surprise party Ott!" My dad called out. "I think we got you pretty good." He had a grin that was massive.

  "It is also a going away party Ott!" My aunt said.

  Everyone started lighting lanterns and opening windows. The light showed every surface covered with food and packages. Everyone seemed pleased that they had surpr
ised me. They all smiled and laughed as I tried to compose myself. It is not every day that everyone you know jumps out at you, yelling.

  "Come on Ott. We have lots of food and gifts for you to open." My dad dragged me away from the stairs and pushed me down onto one of the couches. "As your father I claim the right to give my gift first." He pulled a large package from the pile on the floor. "As many of you now know I was recently injured and will be living with you in the village. I want my son to have something from me that not only is useful but will remind him of where he comes from and who he is." He held out the package. "Son, I give you this with my blessing. May it serve you as it has served me."

  I slowly opened the package. It felt like it was a bow, but my father's bow had been destroyed and I had one of my own. The last layer pulled back and a bow was exposed, but it was a bow of exquisite materials. I stared, unable to say anything.

  "This bow was the bow awarded to me by the king. It provides the holder with the king's protection." My father smiled smugly. "Ott, use this bow wisely. Not only to hunt, but to defend yourself and those who cannot defend themselves.

  "My turn!" Rusty called. He handed me a small package, about the size of a melon. "This is my gift to you Ott. Many years you have kept me company and lent a hand to my forge."

  The package was heavy and a smell like a forge rose from it. I unwrapped it and stared. A miniature anvil was revealed. Too light to be used for metal work except of the finest kind. I looked at Rusty quizzically.

  "I understand from your master that a fine jeweler's anvil would be handy. Also it shall serve to show you are a friend to a Master Smith. Show this to any smith and they will treat you as such." Rusty laughed. "Use it well and it will serve you well my young friend."

  Different people from the village approached. Each gave me a gift and a blessing. Each Master gave a token to show me a friend of their Craft. Many items were useful yet all were beautiful. Slowly the pile of packages moved from wrapped items to unwrapped items. Finally only a few items remained.

  "Ott. My apprentices each have a gift for you. I did provide input in their selections but they each made the final decision. I and your aunt both have gifts for you, however we have chosen to let my apprentices to present their's first." My uncle had stood for his speech. He motioned to Smide to step forward.

  "I understand that you will become a fellow healer, if one that travels." Smide spoke, "I hope that my gift will assist you and your patients until you can get them to a village healer." He presented me with a large case. I quickly unwrapped it to discover a herbal trunk. It had drawers and pockets for herbs. "I have taken the liberty of stocking it with a full complement of herbs so you have plenty to start with. They came from my personal supply so you know they are of the best quality." He seemed very smug in his gift.

  I thanked him, "Thank you, Smide. I am sure that there are plenty of people who will benefit from your gift." He stepped back. My uncle motioned Savay forward.

  "Ott, each time you came to visit it felt like I had a little brother visiting. I care for you and hope that my gift keeps you safe and makes you as comfortable as you always made me." She held out a soft package. The covering revealed a cloak that was made from both leather and linen. Designs were hand stitched into the brown leather border. The linen body was stained in a mottled green. The ties at the neck were tipped in silver that was shaped like a pestle and mortar. The hood was of matching leather. "This cloak is a healer's cloak. While you are an apprentice it is allowed that you may wear this. It should keep you warm and dry in all weather." She stepped back, slightly embarrassed.

  "Thank you, Savay. This is a beautiful gift that I shall treasure." I set the cloak down reluctantly.

  "Peter, your turn." My uncle spoke softly to my friend. Peter shuffled forward. He held a small package, only slightly bigger than his hands.

  "Ott, all these years you have been a friend to me, more so than most. I hope that my gift, while not pretty or large will be a constant source of happiness." He placed the bundle in my hand.

  I untied it and the wrapping fell away. A small pile of metal gleamed. "My parents have given me permission to give this to you. It makes you an adopted cousin of my family. If you ever need anything, simply approach any of my family or their people and you will be aided." He picked up the metal, which turned out to be an armband made of metal links. Each link was a different metal and formed a design in the mesh. "It is my honor to ask you to wear this armband, but know that it also comes with responsibilities. Bring honor not shame to our family." Peter seemed to grow slightly taller. "Do you Otter Willow Lightfoot accept this gift freely? Understanding that by accepting it you agree to bring honor to the family while avoiding shame? Do you agree to provide help when needed to members of the family just as you can ask for it? Do you accept the burden as well as the aid?" Peter stared deep in my eyes.

  "I do. Of my own free will do I accept this gift and burden. Thank you Peter." I felt a weight settle onto my shoulders, not burdensome but noticeable. Peter placed the band around my upper arm. "Now I proudly call you cousin!" He hugged me and I could feel the tears falling down both our faces. He stepped back and once again was my shy friend. The armband disappeared under my sleeve.

  "Well, that was interesting. Now for my gift." My aunt stepped forward. She had a small basket in her hands. Only about the size of a folded shirt. "Ott, you are not only my blood, but also have been my helper on occasion. This gift is two-fold." She placed the basket in my hands. Inside was a small package. "This basket will show you to be a friend to all who make containers, be they baskets, boxes, or barrels. Keep it safe and you can gain help from any of them in time of need." I pulled out the small package. "And this is my gift to my nephew, something that I feel should be passed down to my sister's son." I removed the outer covering to discover a necklace. "My father wore this as did all the fathers before him and I am pleased to pass it to you Ott. It is called Daybreak. A riddle comes with it." I looked at my aunt in surprise. She hated riddles, being a very literal person herself. She stood stiff, remembering.

  "In deepest of dark

  Or thickest of mist

  Mind, Body, Soul, and Heart

  Daybreak shall resist."

  She took a deep breath, "Nobody knows the meaning of the riddle. Many have tried but all have failed. Perhaps you shall discover the meaning. Meanwhile it shall mark you as family and all those related to you will offer aid. They all know this necklace and what it represents." She placed the necklace over my head. It was a light chain with a sunburst medallion. The sunburst was small but held a blood red ruby in its center. "Keep this safe and only show it to those whom you trust." My aunt stepped back, tears shining in her eyes.

  My uncle stepped forward. "My gift is also of two items. Firstly, as a Master Healer I offer you this." He thrust a small package into my hand. I opened it to see a bracelet. Whorls wove around it. A green gem, probably an emerald, rested in the center of the whorls. "This will identify you as a friend to all of those who heal. Assistance will be given in times of need." He placed it onto my left wrist. It fit perfectly. "My second gift is this." He pulled a large package from behind him. It reached to my shoulder. "I understand that you have some training in defense. This was my father's and also comes with a riddle." He smiled as I unwrapped the package. It was a walking stave. Not a simple stick. The stave was carved from wood, what kind I had no idea, and had metal attached to it. A metal cap and foot both showed more carving while the midpoint was wrapped in more metal.

  "The riddle goes like this,

  When a line is riven

  But started anew

  One is given

  But two are viewed."

  "This riddle also has not been figured out. This stave is old, so old that its origins are lost. It has been used by the men in my family during our travels. Take this and use it. Not only for guidance but also in times of need. It will not break even if a sword strikes it." He stepped back and placed his arm
on my aunt's shoulder.

  "Ott!" Stain stepped out of the shadows. "Tomorrow we leave. Your family and friends have provided you with a grand farewell. I also have a gift planned for you. It waits for us on our journey. But, tonight I want you to do one last thing." He looked around the room at everyone. "Talk to those who care for you, say your goodbye's, and make your memories. Tomorrow we set forth on a great adventure and I can think of no better way to start." He walked up to me and placed his hands on my shoulders, "However, do not drink too much my young apprentice. We start early and a sore head is a bad companion on the road." At his words everyone laughed and yelled. He let go and walked down the stairs. The party did not end till late and there were many tears shed. Hours later, after everyone from the village had left, we sat around and talked. My aunt and uncle leaned against each other. My father sat quietly in a chair. The apprentices shared stories, trying to prepare me or scare me of what I had ahead of me. I sat and listened as they moaned and groaned while my uncle pointed out when they plainly were exaggerating. Once they started to doze off my father shooed them all out. We talked, sometimes of his life before marriage, sometimes he gave advice. Throughout it all I tried to do what Stain instructed, make memories. Tomorrow I would leave and I had no idea of when I would come back.

  "Ott, time for bed. If we stay up much later we might as well stay up all night." My father pulled me out of my chair. "I have one last thing to give you, I already gave it to Stain as he is to be your Master. I have money Ott. It will not do me much good in this small town. However, in your travels you might find you need quite a bit of it. Stain has documents that will allow you to access the money if needed. You are welcome to it all, however, listen to Stain about its use." I did not know what to say, My dad had money? Since when? We never bought items, having always traded for them.

  "Dad? Where did you get money? And how much is there?" My curiosity got the better of me.