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  Praise and awards for Melanie Dickerson

  The Healer’s Apprentice

  “Alternating between the two protagonists’ viewpoints, the plot unfolds at a satisfying clip with zesty supporting characters (the healer, the duke’s younger son), which add intrigue.”

  — Publisher’s Weekly

  “In her debut, Dickerson spins a magical tale . . . Laced with plenty of romance, action, faith and fantasy, it’s a perfectly romantic and well-told tale.”

  — Romantic Times

  The Merchant’s Daughter

  “A virtuous romance with characters who fall in love with each other’s inner beauty in spite of outward appearance.”

  — Kirkus Reviews

  “True, readers will peg the happy ending at the start, but the progression of Annabel’s honorable love affair will have the rapt attention of Christian-fiction fans.”

  — Booklist

  The Fairest Beauty

  “This well-crafted retelling of the Snow White story leaves out magic and potions, substituting instead human emotions, faults and strengths, and romance in the post-medieval setting.”

  — Booklist

  “Solid storytelling, cleverly woven references to the folktale, and historical detail combine in a novel that is a likely popular choice for girls in search of gentle romance.”

  — Booklist

  The Captive Maiden

  “Without magic dust or musical interludes, Dickerson delivers a wonderful spin on ‘Cinderella’ that is full of engaging, thoughtful characters amid lively medieval pageantry.”

  — School Library Journal

  “Expect high romance, melodrama, and Christian inspiration in a vivid medieval setting.”

  — Booklist

  Awards

  2014 Christian Retailing’s Best Award YA Fiction: The Fairest Beauty

  2013 National Reader’s Choice Awards (Romance Writers of America) YA Finalist: The Captive Maiden

  2012 Carol Award Winner: The Merchant’s Daughter

  2012 Christy Award Finalist: The Merchant’s Daughter

  2011 National Reader’s Choice Award (Romance Writers of America) Best First Book Winner: The Healer’s Apprentice

  HOLT Medallion Award of Excellence winner: The Healer’s Apprentice

  ZONDERVAN

  The Healer’s Apprentice copyright © 2010 by Melanie Dickerson

  The Merchant’s Daughter copyright © 2011 by Melanie Dickerson

  The Fairest Beauty copyright © 2012 by Melanie Dickerson

  The Captive Maiden copyright © 2013 by Melanie Dickerson

  The Princess Spy copyright © 2014 by Melanie Dickerson

  EPub Edition © FEBRUARY 2015 ISBN: 978-0-310-74921-9

  Requests for information should be addressed to:

  Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

  Lyrics to Giunta vaga biltà in The Healer’s Apprentice are used by permission. Original lyrics composed by Francesco Landini (c.1325-1397).

  Lyrics to Tempus est jocundum in The Healer’s Apprentice are taken from the medieval manuscript “Carmina Burana,” c. 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries.

  All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are paraphrased from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

  Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other — except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

  The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, and The Princess Spy published in association with the Books & Such Literary Agency, 52 Mission Circle, Suite 122, PMB 170, Santa Rosa, CA 95409-5370, www.booksandsuch.com.

  Cover design and photography: Mike Heath/Magnus Creative

  Interior design and composition: Greg Johnson/Textbook Perfect

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  Contents

  The Healer's Apprentice

  Dear Reader,

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  The Merchant's Daughter

  Author’s Note

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Epilogue

  The Fairest Beauty

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Epilogue

  The Captive Maiden

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  The Princess Spy

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3


  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Epilogue

  Discussion Questions

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  About the Publisher

  Share Your Thoughts

  The Healer's Apprentice

  To Joe, Grace, and Faith.

  —M. D.

  Dear Reader,

  I’ve always loved the medieval time period. When I think of the Middle Ages, my mind is flooded with colorful images of flowing dresses, heroic knights in armor, castles decorated with banners and shields, forbidden love, betrothals, secret identities, and, of course, true love’s kiss. But since I want my stories to be historically accurate, I did my best to thoroughly research the fourteenth century and the Holy Roman Empire, or Germany, where this story takes place.

  One of the things I learned is that most people could not read, especially women, and that most books, including the Bible, were only written in Latin. Only those who were highly educated were able to read the Bible. Since Frau Geruscha had come from a wealthy family and had been educated in a convent, she was able to teach her protégé, Rose, to understand and read Latin. Since I do not know Latin, and readers may not either, I used the King James Version when quoting Bible verses in this story. I know this translation was not in existence in the time of this story, but it is the closest I could find.

  Something else that might give the reader pause is the fact that, as a younger son of a duke, Lord Rupert is known by his first name, and as the oldest son, Lord Hamlin, is known by a place name, as his title is the Earl of Hamlin until he becomes the duke. These were the social rules of the time, and also meant that the oldest son would not be called by his first name except by close family members. I considered bending the rules and letting him be known as Lord Wilhelm but decided against it, since this “rule” is fairly well-known among readers of historical fiction.

  I am blessed to know some wonderful researchers in the European historical writers’ loop I’m a part of, and I asked them lots of questions in an effort to ensure I didn’t make any glaring mistakes, although there certainly may be some things that I missed. One problem I’ve run into is that there are so many contradictions in what historians believe about the Middle Ages. One so-called expert’s fact might be fiercely contested by another expert. New evidence has come to light in the last sixty years or so, refuting some earlier historians’ assertions. Besides that, there is little concrete evidence that has survived the period. Few writings, especially from the lower classes, have survived, and few articles from everyday life are available to us now; therefore much that is written about medieval times is actually just speculation. In spite of this, I tried my best to gather the most accurate information I could, and I pray to be given leniency by any medievalists reading this work of fiction.

  Blessings, Melanie Dickerson

  Chapter

  1

  Spring, 1386. Hagenheim. The Harz Mountains, Lower Saxony.

  The townspeople of Hagenheim craned their necks as they peered down the cobblestone street, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Duke of Hagenheim’s two handsome sons. The topheavy, half-timbered houses hovered above the crowd as if they too were eager to get a peek at Lord Hamlin and Lord Rupert.

  Rose shifted her basket from her left hip to her right and wrinkled her nose at the stale smell of sweat from the many bodies pressed close, mingled with the pungent scent of animal dung. Chickens and children skittered about, the clucking and squealing adding to the excited murmurs.

  “I’ll wait with you to the count of one hundred, Hildy, then I’m leaving.” Rose couldn’t let Frau Geruscha think her apprentice was a lazy dawdler.

  “Are you not curious to see if they’ve changed?” Hildy asked, her green eyes glinting in the sun.

  “No doubt the duke’s sons have developed into humble scholars after two years at Heidelberg’s university.” Even as she spoke, she glanced up the street. In spite of wanting Hildy to think her indifferent to the young noblemen, Rose was glad she had a good view.

  Rose’s dog, Wolfie, began barking so zealously his front paws lifted off the ground.

  “Hist. No barking.” Rose leaned down and rubbed the ruff of fur at the back of his neck.

  “Rose!”

  Her heart leapt at the horrified tone in Hildy’s voice, and she stood and faced her friend.

  “You didn’t even wear your best dress!”

  Rose glanced down at her green woolen kirtle. “Oh, Hildy. As if it matters.”

  “At least your hair looks beautiful.” Hildy ran her hand down Rose’s loose mane of brown curls, only partially hidden by her linen coif. “How do you ever hope to get a husband if you don’t pay more attention to your clothing?”

  Rose scowled. “I don’t hope.”

  How many times would she have to explain this to Hildy? When Rose was a little child, Frau Geruscha had taken a liking to her. Now that Rose was grown up, the town healer had chosen Rose to be her apprentice—an honorable life’s work that would prevent Rose from being forced to marry. Frau Geruscha, having grown up in a convent, had not only taught Rose about medicinal herbs, but also how to read Latin—a skill Rose was very proud of. But it was a skill most men would hardly value in a wife.

  “You don’t fool me, Rose Roemer. Every girl wants to be married. Besides, look across the street at Mathias.” Hildy pointed with her eyes. “He speaks to you every chance he gets, and he’s quite handsome.”

  Rose harrumphed at Hildy’s dreamy tone. “The blacksmith’s son?” With his lecherous grin? “He only wants one thing from me, and it isn’t marriage.”

  “How can you be so sure…”

  Hildy’s voice trailed off at the crowd’s whispered exclamations as six men on horseback came into view around the bend in the narrow street.

  Hildy grabbed her thick blonde braid and draped it over her shoulder then chewed on her lips to redden them. “You should at least try to catch their eye.”

  Rose shook her head at Hildy. “You know Lord Hamlin is betrothed—as good as married—and Lord Rupert must marry an heiress.” Rose took hold of her friend’s arm. Someone had to be the voice of reason. “I hate to dampen your excitement, Hildy, but if either of the noble sons takes a single look at us, I’ll be vastly astonished.”

  Hildy smirked. “I won’t be.”

  The approaching clop-clop of hooves drew Hildy’s gaze back to the street. “Shh. Here they come.” She set her basket of beans, leeks, and onions on the ground behind her and smoothed her skirt.

  The throng of people fell silent out of respect for their young lords.

  The duke’s elder son, Wilhelm, Earl of Hamlin, led the way down the street on his black horse. His younger brother, Lord Rupert, rode beside him. Two bearded knights on cinnamon-colored horses followed three lengths behind the young men, with two more bringing up the rear.

  The knights were simply dressed, but the noble sons were covered from neck to toe in flowing robes. Rose stifled a snort. They were only returning home. Did they think they were on their way to the king’s court?

  Yet as he drew nearer, she saw that Lord Hamlin wore not a robe after all, but a plain cloak of dark wool. His bearing and the proud tilt of his head were what made him look so regal.


  In contrast to his brother’s outerwear, a fur-trimmed surcoat of lustrous sapphire silk hung over Lord Rupert’s lean frame, with only the toes of his leather boots peeking out. The disparity between the brothers went beyond their clothing. Lord Rupert’s light brown hair was long and curled at the ends, and a blue ribbon gathered it at the nape of his neck. A jaunty glint shone from his pale eyes. Lord Hamlin’s black hair hung over his forehead, and he seemed oblivious to the crowd. He focused his gaze straight ahead, toward Hagenheim Castle, whose towers were visible over the tops of the town’s tallest buildings.

  No, she’d say they hadn’t changed at all.

  “Willkommen!” Hildy called out. “Welcome back, my lords!” She waved her hand high, as though hailing a messenger.

  All eyes turned to Rose and Hildy. A spear of panic went through Rose. She wanted to hide, but it was too late. Lord Hamlin’s eyes darted in their direction, alighted on Rose, and held. His expression changed and his features softened as he looked at her. Then his gaze swept down, taking in her basket and her dress. He quickly faced forward again.

  He realizes I’m nobody, a peasant girl. Heat spread up Rose’s neck and burned her cheeks.

  Lord Rupert’s huge blond warhorse walked toward Rose and Hildy as the crowd suddenly took up Hildy’s cheer. “Willkommen! Welcome back!” The horse came within three feet of the girls and stopped, stamping his hooves on the cobblestone street and sending Wolfie into a wild fit of barking.

  Rose threw her arms around Wolfie’s neck to hold him back. Her temples pounded at the sight of the warhorse’s powerful legs.

  The younger nobleman swept off his plumed hat, bowing from his saddle. His eyes roved from Hildy to Rose, then he winked. “I thank you, ladies, for your kind welcome.” He grinned and swung his hat back on his head, then spurred his horse into a trot and caught up with the others.

  “Did you see that? Did you see it?” Hildy pounded on Rose’s shoulder.

  Wolfie calmed as the men rode into the distance. Rose let go of him and stood up, glaring at Hildy. “I can’t believe you called out to them.”

  “Lord Rupert actually spoke to us. To us. And did you see how Lord Hamlin looked at you?” Hildy clutched her hands to her heart, gazing at the clouds. “Are they not the most handsome men you’ve ever seen? I could hardly breathe!” She turned and smiled at Rose. “I knew they’d like what they saw once they caught sight of you.”