The idea for this book came suddenly. I had just finished high school and was taking extra creative writing courses online during my gap year. In between work, I found myself wanting to write a story about a young boy, one that captured the importance of his early life. I felt that life experiences and growing-up years matter, but stories always seem to skip to the middle, to the highlights of a character’s life. I didn’t want to do that.

I simply made a list of facts and events I knew about being a page in France in the 1400s, then added my own spin. Most knight stories follow the same plot: a quest, a dragon to slay, a princess to save. I wanted something different. I drew from current events in my own life, from political issues and my own experiences in society, to shape the story. Hence the title: what happened in the past reflects my present.

In my research, I discovered that knighthood was a process that began with the training of young boys. I believe I am the right person to tell this story because I have the creativity needed to bring it to life in a way that speaks to all ages. I have been writing short, unpublished stories since Grade 1. Growing up as the third oldest among six brothers, I played and dreamed of knights many times. Today, I also have a sister, two sisters-in-law, and two nephews.

My favourite part of this story is simple: the main character loved and cherished his family. Though knighthood brought riches, praise, and honour, the reason he pursues all of it is to help the people he loves most. My hope is that readers walk away gaining more than just entertainment, but with inspiration and knowledge, too.

Naomi Cochrane