One day when Tessia comes by herself to Lord Dakon's mansion to re-apply bandages to Hanara, Takado tries to force himself upon her, holding her body still with magic. Tessia and her father are called to heal him. He is wary of Takado and dislikes the Sachakans for not abolishing slavery, especially when Takado beats his slave (Hanara) to near death. Dakon is a kind man with noble intentions. Lord Dakon is housing a visiting Sachakan Lord and Magician (Takado), much to his dislike. Kyralia and the neighbouring country Sachaka have been at a certain 'peace' for centuries, though the countries dislike each other, for Kyralia was once part of the Sachakan Empire.

Despite knowing that women aren't readily accepted by the Guild of Healers, Tessia is determined to follow in her father's footsteps. In the remote village of Mandryn in Kyralia, Tessia serves as assistant to her father, the village Healer – much to the frustration of her mother, who would rather she found a husband.

The novel won the Aurealis Award 2009 for the best fantasy novel. It tells the story of a war between Kyralia and Sachaka through the eyes of Tessia, a young woman and magician from a countryside village. It was published in February 2009, and is a stand-alone prequel telling a story occurring hundreds of years before her bestselling Black Magician Trilogy. The Magician's Apprentice is a fantasy novel by author Trudi Canavan.

The Magicians' Guild by Trudi Canavan