Driz aspires to be a great mage but he’s done poorly the last few years of his schooling and cannot enter the mage university. Instead he seeks a mentor in the remnants of the once-great magical race of Melcovia, now mostly driven into hiding by the brutal government of dictator Congerson.<br><br>Cory has hidden out in a remote estate in the foothills of the great mountains and sorely misses contact with others of his kind. When he hears a telepathic call from a youth seeking a mentor and master, it seems a dream come true. But will the young man find him? Can he buckle down enough to learn the discipline and control he needs? And can he ever become the true partner and soul-mate Cory has never found?<br><br>When Congerson’s minions and a rogue mage strike the last empowered folk in Melcovia, Driz’s family is in dire peril. He must choose between staying to work with Cory or breaking his indenture to try to save his mother and siblings. Which will it be?

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

“You’re safe here,” the mage continued. “I’ll sense long before any of the premier’s men could get close, turn their steps away, or block us from their senses. I promise you’ll come to no harm.”


Even as sick dread built in Driz’s soul, he knew what he had to do. His mother and the two younger children had no one else to call on, none to help them in this dire time of need. Despite the cost, he could not ignore this duty. “I have to go,” he repeated. “Even though I regret breaking my pledge and ending my chance to become a full-fledged mage, I cannot ignore my family’s plight. I may end up perishing with them, but I must go. I can only ask your forgiveness and that you not force me to stay.” He shut his eyes and held still, waiting as if for doom to descend.


When Cory’s hand settled on his shoulder, he looked up. Cory smiled, at which point Driz’s heart began to beat again, or at least that was how it felt. When Cory spoke, it was more than Driz had dared to wish for.


Chapter 12