Splidge needs a job urgently. He is only twelve, but if he cannot find employment he will be sent to the dreaded workhouse. The Royal Tournament takes place every six years. It is the national sport of Gud and King Guddamac is depending on it to save his Kingdom from rack and ruin. The Royal Cragflinger has died and the competition cannot take place without another one, so the King has a vacancy. But someone has a plan to scupper the Tournament and an evil scheme to 'improve' the City forever. Can Splidge find a job? What is cragflinging? Why is a piggy-eyed man trying to kill him? Who is the leather-clad girl with the raven coloured hair? And, what are the small mop-like creatures that people are throwing around?