Balthazar smiles gently. "You know, I choose my students carefully, and sometimes I look for unusual talent, but more important than that, I look for students who have the will to do good in the world. Not even necessarily good for the world as a whole. Sometimes it's a passion to care for the clan or to heal a loved one. I had one girl trek across half of Northern Africa to find me, to demand I teach her how to find water in the desert, for her people."

"You have a good heart." He strokes Roi's hair lightly, then nods. "Go on and butter the bread, yes. I'll serve the stew."