Cast of New Characters:
Malorie of Naxen: The young daughter of Duke Rowland of Naxen, Granddaughter of Gareth the Younger, Great-granddaughter of Gareth the Elder. Malorie grew up in Corus, with her father as the Lord Provost. She is the Queen of the Children's Court, with Prince Jonathan the Fifth as King. She dreams of being a Lady Knight like Lady Alanna and lady Keladry, so she is off to become a page. Malorie is charming and strong willed, but slow on the uptake if she does not want to know what is going on. Very Gifted.
Crown Prince Jonathan: Heir to the throne of Tortall, and Malorie's best friend. Jon created the Children's Court and rules it with Malorie. Many people comment on his leadership and people skills. They say Jonathan is a prince to be proud of. Jon is a year older than Malorie but he and his fellow pages look after her and the younger ones. They eliminated first year page hazing. Very Gifted.
Yala Bird: Malorie's maid, who comes to live in the palace with her. Yala teaches common born women how to defend themselves in case of an attack Like the one that happened a year before Malorie's birthday. She is a fair enough hand at sewing, but her real talent is painting. Slightly Gifted.
Raoul the third of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak: One of Malorie and Jon's best friends. He is in the same year as Jon, but just as close to Malorie and her first year friends. He has a knack for the sword and he is better than many squires at tilting; something that runs in his family. No Gift.
Mel of Whitehorn: Malorie's best friend of the first year Pages. Mel is a good archer and the best of the pages in math. Mel also happens to be the size of a squire, so not many people mess with him. People often say when he and Malorie go by "There goes the inseparable Mel and Mal." Slightly Gifted.
Rowan of Eldorne: The only enemy of Malorie in her page years. Rowan is a big thug who picks on every girl he comes into contact with, so naturally Malorie gets it too. Until Mel, Jon, Yala, and Raoul find out about it anyway. Gifted.