The apprentices stiffened, panic flaring across their soot-streaked faces. They had been caught. A few of the other students ducked their heads, fearful of being singled out for punishment, and instinctively stepped away from Damon. The master smith's lips curled into a smug sneer.
"And who are you, intruder? Some cloaked pretender stirring up delusions among my worthless pupils?"
Damon didn't flinch. He tilted his head slightly. "Interesting choice of words," he murmured. "Worthless pupils? If that's what you think of them, then you've already told me everything I need to know about your 'mastery.'"
The master smith's face flushed crimson. He quickly composed himself and sneered at Damon, puffing up his chest in front of the crowd. "Big words coming from a novice. Do you even know the difference between pig iron and steel, boy? These students are mine to discipline. If you don't leave now, I'll have you thrown into the street."
