Squire (novel)

Plot summary

Squire covers Keladry of Mindelan's years as a squire from age fourteen to eighteen. After passing the big examinations, she becomes a squire without a knight-master. While she grows frustrated waiting for offers, her best friend Nealan of Queenscove becomes squire to Alanna the Lioness, the first lady knight in Tortall and Kel's personal hero. Though disappointed at not becoming the Lioness's squire, Kel soon receives an equally prestigious offer from Lord Raoul of Goldenlake, commander of the elite King's Own. As his squire, she travels with the King's Own, performing duties such as chasing rogue centaurs and helping rebuild villages after natural disasters like mudslides. She acquires a baby griffin from bandits who kidnapped him from his parents' nest; because griffin parents attack any human who has touched their offspring, this task is dangerous. Raoul teaches Kel command skills and hones her jousting, entering her in tournaments against squires and knights. She jousts twice against Wyldon of Cavall, her former training master. After the second joust, three girls ask her about training for knighthood; Kel advises them, noting two sisters seem serious while the third appears flighty. Kel helps Shinko adjust to Tortallan culture and introduces Yuki to her squire friends, sparking a romance between Yuki and Neal.