Sponsors
Within Lord Wyldon's office sat two girls, the two girls which he had been appalled at having to take on. "There are certain rules you must abide by whilst you are in training. You will be treated no differently because of your gender and shall be given no special privileges. When a boy is in your room you will leave the door open, the same applies for when you are in a boy's room. The royal family eat in private most nights so you will not be required to serve, though you will serve at banquets. You are also to run errands for any lord or lady who asks. Is that understood?" he asked.
"Yes my lord," came the reply.
"You are to go to your rooms now and unpack your belongings. Sponsors will be decided after this, a sponsor shows you around and stops you from getting lost. Is that understood?" he asked again.
"Yes my lord" came the reply, again.
"Now leave."
"Now who will sponsor Page Aly?" asked the training master.
"I will sir" a voice called as a boy raised his hand, it was the only one raised. This set many of the pages murmuring.
"You wish to sponsor this girl your Highness?" Lord Wyldon inquired, his amazement showing in his voice.
"Yes, Lord Wyldon I do" was the cool reply.
"As you wish, it is your decision your Highness" shock still coming across in his voice. At this the first girl, who was not that noticeable due to her hair being covered by a scarf, went to stand next to the prince.
"So, who wishes to sponsor Page Nimi?" inquired the training master, still trying to keep his voice level at the Prince's choice.
"I will," called a voice, a large boy who seemed to have been inspired by the Prince.
"Gareth, yes, you shall sponsor Page Nimi."
This continued for the other new pages, four other boys from various parts of Tortall, until all had a sponsor to look after them. After this Lord Wyldon sent them about their business until the bell for dinner.
"Thanks Paul" Aly whispered to her new sponsor "I was rather worried our dear training would have to force someone to sponsor."
"Anything for you my dear friend," he replied.
"How many times have I told you not to call me my dear!" she moaned back.