Each year, on the first day of summer, the gates of the tower are opened. On that day, any who wish to test their metal are admitted and given leave to duel with a Tower knight.  None of these challengers seek victory.   For to land one blow upon the champions who wait upon the courtyards stones within is sufficient to gain admittance to the Tower, and then to receive training in the arts of combat unparallelled elsewhere on Urth.  Years hence, those who land one blow today, might ascend to the High Seat, kneel before the empty chair, and swear the Vow of Neutrality, before donning the armor of a Tower Knight.  Though many enter through the gates, few ascend.