Is Gareth Bryne a blademaster? His Wiki-page and the Blademaster-page both claim that he is, but I'm not convinced. Neither page has a reference and I honestly can't remember a single mention of him being a blademaster.
I know he used to teach both Gawyn and Galad when they were young and he's certainly not useless around a sword, but we also know that both of them have since surpassed Bryne with their skills: When Gawyn meets Bryne again in the rebel's camp outside Tar Valon after abandoning the Younglings he claims to be able to beat Bryne in a swordfight. Bryne even agrees with Gawyn's claim.
All this is only theoretical, so if anyone has hard proof to contradict or agree with me, that'd be great.
- The Gathering Storm, Chapter 40. As Siuan wakes up, Gareth Bryne has his heron-marked sword drawn. Only three ways to get that kind of sword: find or steal one, kill a blademaster and take his, or be pronounced a blademaster. I don't see Lord Bryne stealing one or using one he found. ---- Willie - HtS 17:46, October 3, 2011 (UTC)
- ==Notes==
Fair enough. Strictly speaking, this is not exactly proof, but I'm convinced. Doesn't explain why both Bryne and Gawyn are sure that Gawyn would win in a duel between them. Gawyn being younger and faster does not really compensate for Bryne's experience. Thanks anyway.