His parents were gone. Vivienne had disappeared. In this city, Gilbert was the only person he truly depended on. The thought of being cast aside made his eyes burn red.
Nigel's gentle voice immediately followed. "Silly child. Who said your teacher is leaving you? Even if you study under me, Gilbert is still your teacher. You'll simply have one more. That's all."
Gilbert froze.
In the blacksmith world, inheritance was strict. One disciple, one master. Taking another teacher was seen as betrayal.
Ray didn't know this. Gilbert did.
Yet Nigel had just swept aside centuries of tradition.
Nigel met Gilbert's stunned gaze calmly. "I won't hide it. Part of me wants Ray as my sole disciple. Who wouldn't? But more than that, I want him to grow properly and become a legend. You are the beginning of that legend. Why can't a legend have two teachers?"
Gilbert's emotions surged violently.
He understood now. Nigel was treating him as an equal.
