“Well,” said the Laird of the First Gate, “those who have slain a dragon are invited to gather at the King’s Castle to renew their pledges of loyalty to the First Kingdom and to have the king—or the High Chancellor—pledge the First Kingdom’s loyalty to them. Then, after a traditional game of Haxey Post is played by teams from each of the City’s gatekeeps, a long table is set with the best food and wine in the winner’s gatekeep, and those who have slain a dragon sit at the table and eat their fill.”
Nicolas, now very interested, looked at Aldus. “There are people who have killed dragons? And what is Haxey Post?”
Aldus laughed. “Yes there are, and you’ll have to see it for yourself sometime, Master Bennett. Haxey Post is—well, it’s quite a unique competition.”
Across the yard, the massive
