Chapter 1- Surprises
Raistlin sat in his study, studying. His apprentice, Dalamar, sat across the table, lost in his own studies. Suddenly there came a banging on the door.
" Dalamar, answer the door." Raistlin ordered irritably from behind his dusty Tome.
" But, Shalafi, Who would be crazy enough to attempt the Grove?"Dalamar protested.
" I don't care, Apprentice. Just answer the door. That incessant banging is giving me a headache!" the dark mage glared at his apprentice, who scurried off to do as he was bid.
Dalamar got up and answered the door. Standing in the doorway was a devastatingly beautiful woman, with black hair, long and curly. She had eyes a deeper blue than the ocean and sensual, ruby red lips. When she smiled at him, Dalamar's knees went weak. Her voice, when she spoke, was soft, with a musical lilt to it.
" Is Raistlin at home?' She asked him. Dalamar nodded and led the way to the study. She followed.
" Shalafi, There's a Lady here to see you." She breezed past him into the study. Dalamar smelled roses as she passed him.
" Raistlin. It's been a long time." She told the mage, as he rose from his chair.
" Far too long, Amara." He agreed, giving her a genuine smile.
" And why, dare I ask, are you in such an . . . Obscure part of Ansalon?" He inquired, taking her hand and kissing her fingers with flair.
" I have a favor to ask of you." She put on her most winsome expression, which didn't fool Raistlin one bit.
" Oh? What, pray tell, might that be?" His tone suggested only a mild interest.
"I have a student, very advanced. She has already taken her test. I find I have nothing more to teach her. Would you take her as an apprentice?" Amara requested.
"As you can see…" He gestured at Dalamar "I already have an apprentice" Dalamar looked smug.
"But...It might be intriguing. I would very much like to see how advanced this student is…" The his words and tone revealed nothing but a mild curiosity, his eyes bespoke a fierce interest, visible only to those who knew him well.
Dalamar looked aghast. Amara went to the door and admitted a young girl, about 14, wearing a loose black robe. Her Violet eyes were wide in her small face and her white hair made them stand out even more. She bowed.
"Tell me, young lady, do you truly wish to be my apprentice, or is your teacher pressuring you?" He looked at Amara meaningfully.
" Master, My only desire is to further my studies with you." She told him submissively, head still bowed.
Already she calls me master, Raistlin thought.
"You Evil Woman. You knew that I couldn't resist a student such as her. You know me far too well." Raistlin glared playfully at Amara.
" I probably know you better than anyone." She eyed him seductively.
"Indeed." He grinned evilly. Dalamar's eyes bulged out of his head.
" Well, I must be on my way. I'll come back when we have more time to . . .chat." She looked him up and down suggestively.
"I would like that very much." Raistlin returned the look and grinned like the Cheshire Cat. Dalamar's jaw hit the floor with a resounding thud. Amara smiled and left, leaving the girl alone in Raistlin's clutches.
"What is your name, apprentice?" Raistlin asked after resuming his seat by the fire.
" I am called Ghost, Master." She replied without looking up.
" Ghost . . .Hmmm. Dalamar! Please ready the Guest Chambers." He ordered.
Dalamar went, leaving Ghost and Raistlin alone. Raistlin rose from his chair, walked over to Ghost and laid his hand on her head.
"Your teacher is extremely skilled, and if she says you are gifted, it must be so." He smiled at her.
" Thank you, Master." Ghost nodded respectfully.
Raistlin resumed his seat.
"You had best get settled. This tower will be your home from this point on."
" Yes, Master." She bowed and left, heading for the guest chambers.
Ghost arrived at her room right as Dalamar was leaving it. He glared angrily at her. She looked at him, shocked, and hurried into her room.