The next morning, he woke before dawn like normal. He sent Lala to get him food. He wasn’t ready to meet people until he was introduced, nor was he really supposed to.

That morning, Duke Winthor had come in, and told him not to leave his room until the next day when the big bell rang. Anything he needed, his maids could get.

He had already gotten his new pages clothes from the tailor who had come yesterday.

Today though, Thomas practiced his punches against thin air, and swung his sword in patterns.

He went to bed that night anxious for tomorrow.

Like usual, he woke up before the sun had begun to peak through the clouds. He got dressed into his new page outfit and stuck a dagger into his shoe. Better to be prepared than not.

Eventually the bell rang, and Thomas left his room. Outside, other boys were waiting outside their doors anxiously. Thomas decided to not look anxious and kept his face clear of any emotion.

After several minutes, Duke Winthor came down a set of stairs with a group of older boys. He said to the younger kids, “These older boys will be your sponsors.”

At the end of the line of young boys, he started to introduce them to the older boys. He would say their names and tell what age they were. Most of the boys were aged 11-13.

When Winthor got to Thomas he said, “This is Thomas of Thaxon. He’s 10. Anyone want to be his sponsor.”

“Ten?” Said one boy.

One of the older boys said, “He’s rather small isn’t he.”

“Wait, what was his name?” Asked a boy from the back of the group.

“Pay attention James. I said his name was Thomas of Thaxon.”

Out of the crowd stepped none other than James of Anray. “I thought it was you! I’ll sponsor you.” Said James with a grin.

One of his friends said, “Why would you want to choose him? He’s so young and little.”

“Remember that kid I told you that brought down 40 horses at once? That’s him.”

“You’re kidding right?” Said the boy looking Thomas over.

“Hush boys.” Said Winthor. Then he proceeded to introduce the rest of the boys.

After it was over, James came up to Thomas. “I thought it was you Thomas. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

A couple of James friends came over to him with their own boys. “Was James just pulling our legs when he said you took out an army of bandits?” Asked one of the tall ones.

“I didn’t take out the whole thing.” Said Thomas. “But their horses fell over and crushed most of them.”

“So, Thomas, you already know me, but let me introduce you to my friends. This big guy here,” He said hooking an arm around a tall black-haired boy. “Is Namuel of Scottson. The short guy with the brown hair is Hanley of Lakemore, and the tall boy with blonde hair is none other than Prince Terrance.”

Thomas had shaken each of their hands, but when he got to the prince, he bowed. “Highness.” He said.

“Thomas.” He replied.

“Alright. Enough with formalities. Let’s get to breakfast.” They all sat down at a table after grabbing a plate of food.