Finding a Friend

The boys all stood in a line looking around with great interest. An envoy from the palace had arrived at their school only an hour before, and had plucked them from their studies. From age seven to fourteen, all of Valiant's children were encouraged to attend classes on history, language, mathematics, art, physical fitness and politics. After this time, it was up to parents how to further their child's education. The poor would generally select a trade to apprentice, while the wealthy had more options. The boys now standing in the hall were well-born and approved by the council for their manners and excellence in different areas. Although the children had no idea what was happening, they could sense something important was occuring.

"What do you think is going on?" a tall muscular boy whispered.

"Sh!" The boy next to him hushed him. "You could get us in trouble."

"We'll find out soon enough," a third chimed in.

A boy with grey eyes nodded. From the far en