But she would soon learn that she wouldn't have many friends.
"I have to go finish unpacking my things," said Will, and left. Kila nodded, and went into her own, small room, connected to an even smaller privy.
She thought the conversation over. She thought it had gone rather well.
Kila went into the privy, dragging her small pack of belongings, tired from the trip, and changed. Her old clothes were caked with a thick coating of road dust. She didn't mind dirt or dust, but she had serious business to do, so she had to be in presentable clothes.
She had to get acquainted with everyone at the palace, especially the pages. She knew that she could not be shy.
After she had completely settled in and started to read, she heard knocking on her door.
"Come in."
In came the training master, Lord Padraig haMinch, a scowl on his face.
"We must get the first-years sponsors," he said in an icy tone. Shaggy heads popped into view, grinning. Kila heard people say things like,
"It's the new girl!"
"She's too thin to be a page!"
"You would have thought the girls would have learned their place by now."
Instead of blushing, Kila scowled in defiance. Let them think what they want, she thought grimly. Soon they'll learn.
She put down her book and walked past the boys into the hall. She was surprised to see a head hanging down, covered with long, curly blond hair. She walked over.
"What's your name?" she asked the girl.
"Elizabeth of Queenscove. Liz."
"Uh huh…Kilayla of Blue Harbor. Kila," replied Kila.
"You're a first-year girl-page too." said Liz. Kila knew it wasn't a question.
So Lord Padraig haMinch paired first-years with older pages. It got down to just Liz and Kila, and a couple of second, third, and fourth-years, including Will. He had not volunteered to sponsor any of the other first-years.
"Elizabeth of Queenscove," read Lord Padraig from his list. There was a silence while the boys silently argued. Finally someone raised their arm hesitantly. The pages all looked over at him.
"Eldonzo shan Kermonot." The name indicated a Bazhir.
"I was just joking!" he exclaimed. Like Kila, instead of blushing, Liz stuck her chin up.
"Kermonot, armory two Sundays for two bells," said Lord Padraig. But the boys were all chuckling.
"I'll sponsor her," said a voice from the back.
"Armen of Stone Mountain."
Kila looked up. Everyone knew about Joren of Stone Mountain, who had been the enemy of Keladry of Mindelan. Liz's expression was blank.
"Kilayla of Blue Harbor." A burst of nervousness shot through Kila.
"I will," said Will immediately. Everyone looked at him with raised eyebrows. Whispers went from page to page. This time Kila blushed.
"William of Conté." Lord Padraig scanned the list. "Everyone has a sponsor. You will report for training tomorrow. Today is the last day of rest."
Without saying anything, Will led Kila through the palace. The girl knew she had a lot to think about.
