James Michael Orr

THE BUTLER'S APPRENTICE Part One James Michael Orr

The Butler's Apprentice:

Jinx was nothing like the other orphaned girls in Safehaven. Short, light skinned, and emerald green eyes, she always seemed out of place and never truly fit in. Her dream was to get into Safehaven's military with her sister Della, but first she would have to face the Gleaning, where initiates in Safehaven were selected by Headmasters for various positions in Castle Baldrick based on their skill. However, her dreams are placed in jeopardy when she is utterly defeated and embarrassed in class by a cruel bully named Leila, the best swordsman in her class. Just when she thinks all hope is lost, the mysterious Butler of Safehaven, Artias, offers to train her in the sword.

At the same time, Jinx has made two friends who would change her life, an initiate wizard named Dalton and a fellow initiate named Marda. While her training with Artias progresses, Jinx realizes that her training is not merely in the sword, but in grueling routines that brings her to the point of exhaustion. What Jinx soon discovers is that Artias's offer to train her comes at a high price when her future and her very life are put in danger. As a final part of his cruel training, Artias sends Jinx to the mysterious and dangerous Baylin Forest, where she is forced to survive on her own in a wild and harsh land. There she meets a friend, Kith, who is on a mission as well to become a warrior in his tribe. The two face a terrible foe and Jinx realizes just how dangerous her deal with Artias can be.

Back in Safehaven, Jinx and her new friends attend the engagement feast of the Grand Master's daughter where the Grand Master reacts to Jinx in a way that gains the attention of everyone there. Soon after, Jinx confronts Leila, agreeing to face a duel on the last day of class to settle their feud once and for all. At the same time Jinx must prepare for her final tests and continue training with Artias, still unsure of his intentions for her or what dangers training with him might hold.

Faced with a double life and an uncertain future, Jinx must risk everything to make her dreams a reality.