Arran looked at the woman in front of him. The Ninth Valley's Matriarch. The single most powerful person in the entire Valley. The leader of the House of Seals. And, as far as she was concerned, his new mentor.
He took a deep breath as he looked her in the eyes. Then, suppressing his nerves, he replied.
"No."
"No?" She raised an eyebrow. "You would refuse me? The Matriarch of the very Valley you're standing in?"
"I would." Arran's voice was firmer this time, his earlier fear fading now that the decision was made.
Years ago, before he had any of his current strength and experience, he had rejected Panurge's attempts to forcibly take him as an apprentice. If he could stand up to a supposed god even then, how could he let himself be cowed by a mere mage now?
