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It's one day late in the 11th century, in the great city of Chechnica, in modern-day Mexico.

The men, women and children, in a murmuring, excitable crowd, jostle for space at either end of the Great Ball Court, eager to watch today's game.

In a pen, just beyond the court, out of sight of the crowd, the four opposition players are shoved

into place, ready to be paraded into the grounds.

One of them winces as the ill-fitting leather yoke that's

been tied around his waist digs into his skin. As a nobleman from a neighboring village,

he has watched countless ball games just like this one. But now, as a captive of this rival

settlement, he's being forced to play in a game himself,

for the entertainment of the cityfolk.

It's his first game, but he's under no illusions. It's likely also to be his last.

The game is a violent physical sport where players have to propel a solid rubber ball about the size of a human head across the court without using their hands or feet.

...