The Familars (book)

Synopsis
After three young wizard apprentices are kidnapped by the evil queen of a distant land, it is up to their familiars, their magical animal companions -- a street smart alley cat, a precocious blue jay, and a bumbling tree frog -- to save them.

Summary
Aldwyn is in Bridgetower where he is living as an alley cat and steals food from shops. He is lured into a trap where the bounty hunter Grimslade ends up chasing him. In his struggle to escape Grimslade he hides in an animal shop and locks himself in a cage. This is how he ends up being chosen as Jack's familiar. He quickly learns that he is supposed to be magical, however doesn't have any powers. After Jack brings him to Kalstaff's cottage he meets Gilbert and Skylar. However, one day Queen Loranella pays them a visit and kills Kalstaff. The familiars escape but their loyals are captured.