The Master's Rose

New adventures are supposed to leave the feeling of butterflies in the pit of one's stomach. At least, that's what my brother says. I'm not sure if I agree. Going to Academy wasn't exactly the thrill of a lifetime. Attending Academy isn't illegal for women, but the odds of being granted admittance is only higher than zero if you use your father's name and your brother's reputation. The Headmaster had described me as a problem, as in, I was my brother's while I was there. God save us both if I got up to no good. The one good thing about having your brother looming over your every move is that studying really is the only thing to do. It wasn't long before I had a reputation of my own. I left with higher marks than any of the men, but the idea of granting a woman a medal of completion made the Headmaster uneasy, so he encouraged me to change my path of study every time I got too close to finishing one of them. Fortunately, that left me well versed in a great many subjects. Unfortunately, I was never given the opportunity to apply for apprenticeship. At least, not through school. My father is a good man; strict but fair, and he gave everything in life the attention it deserved. So, when my brother praised my intellect, it didn't surprise me that my father listened. Nor did it surprise me that my father agreed to help when I complained about my lack of career prospects. He too, thought a future as a nanny or a housewife would be an absolute waste. What did surprise me was that he was willing to send his only daughter over the border of his territory to work for a man with a known temper, whose home was surrounded by some of the most dangerous and untouched land in the entire kingdom. It was decided that the fact that I was a woman was to be left out of my application. We didn't lie outright, but with a name like Will; assumptions will be made. After all, the use of my nickname in place of Wilhamina was an honest mistake. A healthy sum paid to the school secured a glowing reference letter from the Headmaster for his star pupil, Will Gracey, and with that I was given the opportunity to apprentice under the most powerful Alchemist in the land. Going to school may not have given me butterflies, but the acceptance letter from Alchemist Master Grisham certainly did. Dear Will Gracey, You have been chosen to apprentice under Master Grisham at his estate. Your accommodations will include a private bedroom, bathroom and study, as well as meals. These accommodations as well as your training will serve as your compensation for your hard work during the length of your apprenticeship. The Master anticipates your arrival. Travel details and a seal of credit are enclosed. This seal may only be used during travel to the estate, at which time it should be promptly returned to the Master. Misuse or misplacement of the seal will result in immediate termination. Safe Travels, Geramy Sharpe, Head of Estates My brother and father read the letter over my shoulder as I sat at my father's desk. "Father, are you sure about this?" My brother asked. I balked at the letter, reading it four times over. I couldn't believe I had been accepted after all, I never did convince the Headmaster to grant me a medal of completion, and Master Grisham had a reputation for being particular. "Well, of course not, Daryll, but a mind like hers doesn't come along very often. Imagine the good she could do with the right opportunity." "Thank you, Father." I smiled up at him in appreciation. He returned my smile, gave me a wink and patted my shoulder. "And what happens if he turns her away after discovering Will Gracey is a woman?" Daryll insisted. "Where there is a Will, there is a way," Father said. Daryll snorted at Father's unintentional joke. I rolled my eyes. "Never you mind, Will," Father said. "I see you, and we'll find someone else who does too." I smiled at him again. "Thank you, Father." "Hey, I looked after you for seven years in that school, and where are my thanks?" I laughed; the tension fading from my body. "Thank you, Dary." "That's better!" He grinned, straightening his coat collar. "Now, get in that kitchen, woman! Dinner won't serve itself." I laughed as our family chef scowled at him from the doorway. Daryll cleared his throat, embarrassed. "Good evening, Gladys, I didn't see you there. Are you well?" "Well enough, Mr. Gracey." She grumbled. "Dinner is served." Gladys turned and walked back down the hallway. Father laughed at our antics and pushed us out of his study and towards the dining room. As we laughed and told stories over dinner, I caught myself ignoring the conversation at times to sit and watch my father and brother. I loved them dearly and would miss them. I sincerely hoped that there would be no joy lost to any of us when I had to leave. Father ordered Daryl to travel with me. I knew he was worried about my safety, but I also knew he didn't want me to have to travel home alone if I was turned away at the door. He'd never say that though. After dinner, Dary and I sat at the work table in Father's study going over the travel plans from the letter. We'd have to meet a group of three men and a woman — a sickmaid, at the market in town in two days' time. That would give me just enough time to pack my things. The seal of credit was a large silver coin with the Alchemist Master's seal stamped on both sides. Seals of credit were a promise that a debt would be paid when the seal was returned to the owner. I would have to show the seal to whomever was charging me and get a notice of debt to return along with the seal. Once the master received the notice, he would send his man to pay the debts. I didn't recognize any of the inns listed in the travel plans, but it looked like the journey would take three days as long as everything went according to plan. The group we had to meet in town was supposed to escort us through the wild lands surrounding the estate. There were rumors of beasts and poisonous plant life living in those woods. The men were to be our protectors—members of the royal guard on loan from the King himself, and a sickmaid in case of injury on the road. Daryl would pack light; only enough for the journey and some emergency provisions. I would pack all of my clothes and a few keepsakes to take with me, just in case I was allowed to stay. It's funny... I was so confident when Father sent those letters, but now that I've been accepted, I was confident I'd be turned away.