But weren't all the dragons killed in the 13th-century?  I could understand having knights around then, but I don't quite see their use now.  But I guess if they've got that royal blood there's nothing to be done about it.  

Actually, what are doing with "nations"?  Isn't that an 18th-century concept? -- the successor to empires and fiefdoms?  Anyway, if we're stuck with countries, it sure is unfair the Americans got all "unalienable rights of man" rebels, and "pursuit of happiness" dreamers, and Canada got all the "what's with this rabble?" bores.  Don't you agree?