Chapter 14
Chapter fourteen
The First Derby of N—
by our trusted correspondent, Scaleheart
The first derby hosted by Mr. N— was a more spectacular mess than even I portended.
Before the derby began, there were already two fights which resulted in a fractured claw and multiple lacerations because of cramped quarters for the dragons.
None of the injuries were severe enough to keep the riders from racing.
These dragoneers were much too foolish to make a sensible decision such as that.
Though some fights are typical of a derby, this high volume was a direct result of the dragons being penned too close together, and the irresponsible management of Mr. R— (who eventually won the derby).
In the air, the dragons performed even worse.
Mr. P— (whom our readers may remember from the incident of one year ago at Marfont) had particularly bad sportsmanship.
The derby suffered from dysregulation and injuries to both man and beast, but the true scandal of the day was even greater.
Longbourn house participated, which has not been seen for decades.
Longbourn is a direct neighbor to Netherfield, so had the only dragon who was not nest-tetchy, particularly because the dragon of Mr. N— has not yet adjusted to its new nest. However, Longbourn still performed terribly due to an unfit dragon and rider.
The dragon is truly ancient, worn in wings and claws, and was visibly struggling and lagging during the race.
The identity of the rider is unknown, as he wore a mask. Due to there being no dragon riders in Longbourn house, this must be a common man who has been hired.
This sullies the honor of dragons. A farmer may ride a leant dragon to plow his field, but he does not aspire to be a true dragoneer.
To allow a common man to compete will only see the derbies polluted.
The direction that we must reform the derbies is to make them more exclusive, not less.
For example, habitually rough riders like Mr. P— should be banned.
The precedence of allowing a masked rider should not be followed.
Only then can the derbies achieve the glory they were meant for, instead of cheap entertainment.