Every noble --and anyone else with a little money-- needed a 'fellowship.' This was a group of hangers-on who were supported by the noble --or the merchant or the prelate-- in return for rendering various services. The most important of these was protection. It was a rough world, and there was safety in numbers. Usually one's fellowship consisted of several sturdy sergeants, perhaps a clerk or two, and, for the really wealthy, a priest or a physician. These were usually recruited over the noble's lifetime, initially from among the more presentable and brighter of his serfs and subjects, but also from among able men that he encountered in his travels. These were the guys a knight would hang out with most of the time. They would eat together, drink together, often go wenching together and hunt together. Being "in service" was considered a plum position in Medieval times, for you were set for life. Of course, the life of a sergeant might be short. You were exptected to look after your master and put your welfare ahead of his, particularly in battle or during the more frequent tavern brawls or run-ins with brigands. Still, you had nothing better to do than train and keep yourself fit. If you lived long enough, you could marry and have children, some of whom could follow in your footsteps. Your master took care of all your material needs, and his generosity for your faithful service would usually get you a few thousand ducats a year in cash. It was a good life and there was no shortage of candidates