The Wayfinder's Apprentice (Shadows of the Umbra Book 1) by K Dezendorf

Author:K Dezendorf [Dezendorf, K]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-24T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Rose had a fitful night's sleep. Around dawn she gave up and got out of bed. Quietly as she could, she grabbed her journal and snuck out the door, careful not to disturb Billy who was snoring away.

The sunrise was beautiful, the light causing the water to glisten and the sandy shore to sparkle. There was a cool, gentle morning breeze and the smell of salty brine tickled her nose.

She sat just outside the door and sketched in her journal in order to help her process everything that had happened so far with her training.

She did a few doodles of the rabid dog-chairs as well as the evil zombie chicken. Then she did a sketch of the sunrise on the beach, adding a little troglodyte into the picture playing with her cellphone. Looking it over, she recalled the strange little spirits she saw when she had cast her magic. She tried sketching the one she remembered most, the mini Kyan, poised and ready to jump the unassuming troglodyte.

As she sketched, she was more vigilant than usual, hoping not to run into any more trouble. It got brighter and she heard noises from inside the cabin. Sure enough, the door opened and Billy came outside. He saw her, looked at her for a second, and nodded before going back inside.

Rose couldn't help but smile at Billy’s concern. He was really starting to grow on her. She didn’t feel unsafe around him at least. He also made really good food. She found she didn’t want to disappoint him. She wanted to be able to stay here, to prove she could belong. If she couldn’t belong here, then what was even the point anymore?

Once she felt calm enough, Rose closed the sketchbook and went back inside.

Billy had already started breakfast, and hers was waiting on the table. The leftovers from last night as well as some eggs. He didn't say a word as Rose sat down, thanked him for the meal, and began to eat. After several bites, she took a deep breath.

"I know I messed up yesterday. But I want you to know that I'm serious about this. And I'm willing to do anything to prove that."

"All right," he answered and continued slowly eating.

"So you're not angry?" she asked hesitantly.

Billy paused in his meal, leveling his gaze at her. "Child, why should I be angry?"

Rose shrugged. "Cuz I screwed up?"

"If I had to choose an emotion, I'd probably say a little sad. But not angry."

This confused Rose. "Why sad?"

"The fact that I don't think you're going to last too long if you stay here in the Umbra. And I'm sad at the thought of you not makin’ it."

Rose was stunned by his words and she marveled at how he was actually worried about her. He actually did care what happened to her.

"There's nothing I can do other than to try and teach you, help you get stronger."

"I will," she insisted. "Like I said, I'm serious about staying. Just tell me what I can do to fix this.

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