The Adventures of Penryck the Alchemist: Book 1

Penryck, a young alchemist's apprentice, encounters the Woodnymphs as a boy, realizes he has an unnaturally keen knack for alchemy in his first years, and is forced to fill the role of master alchemist much earlier than expected. He faces pests, bullies, jealous rivals, bandits, and foreign invaders. Can he use his wits and skills and knowledge to survive?