The Alchemist's Apprentice — Kate Thompson

The "Alchemist's Apprentice" tells the rags to riches story of Jack, the blacksmith's boy. Jack's quest leads him on a quixotic set of travels which have a rollicking Tom Jones feel to them. Eventually, after both hardship and luxury, Jack finds himself with the alchemist himself dabbling in alchemy, until finally, he holds in his hand the precious and long awaited nugget but by that time, of course, it is too late. For, the marvels of life cannot be bought.