Jane 12 years old

 

Full name: Jane Turnkey.

In Jane's day many girls didn't have last names until they took their husband's trade name, like Smith or Gardener. Sometimes they were named after the village where they were born.

Because her parents are nobles, Jane takes her last name from her father. Turnkey was the professional name of a dungeon master, and her father's family used to be turnkeys.

Later Jane discovers her grandfather (her mother's father) was a famous knight called Sir John d'Ark. He fought alongside Sir Theodore and died defending the Royal family. One day Jane will change her name to Jane d'Ark to honour his memory.

Nicknames:

Dragon calls her Coppertop and Shortlife.
Her young friends sometimes call her Legs.
Pepper calls her Petal.

 

Job description:

A squire's time is divided between training and duty.

Training includes: Weapons training; horse riding; hunting; battle tactics; signals training; history; chivalry; languages; code of conduct.

Duties include: cleaning and maintaining weapons and tack; guard duty; patrols; helping tutor the royal children; general duties for senior castle staff.

Jane's History:

Jane was training to become a Lady-In-Waiting like her mother. She was taught to read and loved spending time in the royal library reading tales about warrior knights. She told everyone she wanted to be a knight, but no one listened - except Jester. He gave her a small suit of armour and Jane practised in secret.

Everything changed when Jane met her big green friend. Dragon had taken the Prince up to his cave, and Jane had ridden up to rescue him. She made friends with Dragon and brought the Prince safely back to the castle. As a reward the King made Jane a squire - a knight in training.

Gunther thinks Jane had already met the Dragon and had organised the whole thing.