The Training and Learnings of the Future, The Writ of Squireship
As previously mentioned, it was written that upon making of good in reputation and character through diligence and work, the page can achieve the title of Squire to a Knight through two methods. Firstly, it is the right of any of the Four Generals of Knighthood, although one of these ranks remains unfilled per the Prophecy of Ascendancy, to grant the title of Squire to any Page they consider of note, and to assign that newly named Squire to a mentor Knight. This is the most uncommon method of achieving squireship however as in most circumstances the Generals of Gareth�s Keep leave the choosing of such to the Mentors and those they would Mentor.
The second method of becoming a Squire to the Keep is to gain notice for your deeds of good and justly nature, and favorable reputation in the cause for light. As the page grows in fame, so will the Knights take notice of the upcoming potential Squires, and seeing for themselves one who might work well with them, petition the Council of the Rose for the right to take on and teach a particular squire. Should the Council of the Rose then grant such leave, as is most always the case, the Knight will take on the mantle of teacher, and the Squire shall take on the title of Student to the individual Knight.
As it is the job of every one who joins Gareth�s Keep as a Page to learn the Code of the Knighthood, �Nobilis Factum, Mors ante Dedocoro�, and the meaning behind it. So is it the task of every Knight Mentor to teach the depth of the Measure, the laws by which Knighthood governs itself, to the Squire. It is the job of the Squire to eagerly and with earnest approach this education in history, religion, and combat. To more than know the Code and the Measure, but to live it. To make the words part of his or her being, and thereby become not a student of Knights, but a Knight unto themselves.
It is the right of the Squire to make known to his Master those needs of his or hers which need to be filled for training purposes. It is the expectation of the Master that he provides his charge with food, dress, and training in exchange for the Squire attending to the Master�s horse, weapons, and armor. Squireship can be long and arduous, or it can be brief and profitable, dependant upon the nature of the Knight, the squire, and the relationship between. The average term is less than three years, often beginning before the squire�s 19th Birthday. When the Mentor Knight feels the squire is sufficiently trained and able in feat of arms and of honor, he officially releases his squire from service and recommends him before the Council of the Rose for admittance into the Knighthood.
Should the Squire be acceptable unto the Council and his Mentor be in good standing, there will be a ceremony to be run by the High Clerist, known as the General of the Shield, and a feast to follow in the honor of the newly Knighted, with a gift to be exchanged betwixt former Master and Mentored.
Should the Squire however prove unacceptable unto the Council, or in the circumstances that the Mentor of a Squire has died or has assumed to have died due to absence extenuating, the Knight shall be given the option of either finding another mentor to re-squire to or, be request a period of questing. Entitled Knight Errand, the petitioner is exiled from the Keep, although not renegaded, and set to task of performing good deeds of noble cause until such time as his reputation and skill are such that the Knight Errand is acceptable to the Council of the Rose. When or if this day comes, the Knight Errant would have the status of exilement removed and be allowed back into Gareth�s Hall with open arms as a full brother. Equal in all ways to other Knights.
A squire is expected to dress simply, and without call to station or birth. Wearing only the simplest of whites with the only adornment to be a simple brooch in the shape of a kingfisher. Should the Squire be of noble birth, he or she is also allowed to wear a signet ring of family crest, but no other adornation calling attention to right of nobility shall be allowed. He or she is expected to accompany his Mentor Knight in all times of need and is expected to assist the Mentor at all times in battle unless his Mentor relieves him of such responsibility in a case by case situation.
Upon completion of the Squireship, either by nature of being approved by the Council after the Mentor recommends him, or by completing the period as a Knight Errand, the Knight is formally accepted into the Brotherhood of the Shield. The most Common, but perhaps most Important division of the Knighthood.