The Midwife's Apprentice

In the squalid, mud-filled environs of a medieval English village, a nameless, homeless, and illiterate orphan known only as Beetle finds a semblance of purpose and a roof over her head when she is taken in by the sharp-tongued and demanding village midwife, Jane Sharp. Renamed 'Alyce' by her new mistress, the young girl is initially clumsy and fearful, performing menial tasks and enduring the midwife's harsh rebukes. Through observation and a burgeoning desire to learn, Alyce gradually begins to grasp the intricacies of midwifery, discovering a natural empathy and an unexpected aptitude for aiding women in childbirth. However, her lack of confidence and one significant failure lead her to abandon her apprenticeship and wander, seeking her own identity and place in the world. Her journey is one of profound self-discovery, learning not only the practical skills of her trade but also the courage to trust herself, overcome adversity, and ultimately find her true calling and name.