%0 Book %A Pierce, Tamora. %I Random House %D 1999 %C New York %G English %B Protector of the small series ; %@ 0679889140 %@ 0679989145 %@ 0679889175 %@ 9781435233638 %T First test %X Ten-year-old Keladry of Mindelan, daughter of nobles, is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits females to train for knighthood. Keladry applies and is accepted, but on probation. She must prove herself to the males around her. Kel uses her wits and courage to overcome the many obstacles set for her in her probationary year. Trained from early childhood by warriors, she is capable of hiding her feelings, fearless in a fight, and willing to work hard. Her sympathy and sense of chivalry earn her the admiration of a group of fellow pages. Kel performs well in her first real battle and is grudgingly allowed to stay for another year of training.