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Sir Zug led the charge. Some of the bravest heroes of the Shield Lands were facing off against a combined horde of Iuz loyalists. The loyalists were wicked and no doubt many of them were culled from far away Gibbering Gate, much to the disgust of the brave paladin.
"We are outnumbered!" It was Alupo, the cleric of Olidammara. He was as exhausted as the rest of them and his voice was shaky.
"Take courage... ONWARD!" Sir Zug charged his warhorse forward right into the front lines of the enemy. Alupo was on the verge of dismounting and joining in the battle when he saw the horde swarm in around Sir Zug and cut him off from his allies. The horde was like a swarm of insects as Sir Zug's mount was slain and he was felled. Breathless now, Alupo spoke a prayer as best he could...
... but the words halted on his lips. Among the mass the sight was unmistakable. Sir Zug was being stalked by the masked Champion of Iuz. As Alupo watched, the Champion gestured and Sir Zug was brutally beaten on all sides. Even above the din of battle, Alupo could hear the Champion laugh as Sir Zug was stripped of his lacquered armour.
The Champion was instantly recognizable. Completely covered in a shimmering suit of scale armour, some who had seen the Champion believed that the armour was forged from the hide of a slain gold dragon. The armour was covered with images of grinning skulls, and the whispers around the campfires had it that the images drooled blood. Most horrific of all, the champion wore the skull of a mighty demonic creature - a skull covered with vile runes of fear and discord. All that could be seen beneath the mask were a pair of glowing crimson orbs in the eye sockets.
Finding his courage, Alupo dismounted and lifted his club, charging forward. A number of Mayaheine loyalists joined his charge in the mad hope of rescuing Sir Zug. They had not closed the distance when Sir Zug and the Champion disappeared. It occurred to Alupo that the Champion must have somehow teleported out, taking Sir Zug with him. He halted, as did his fellows, when the tide of the Iuz loyalists turned on them. Alupo reflected that he and his colleagues would easily be outnumbered by five to one... easily, and Sir Zug was lost.
Staring at the horde that was rapidly advancing, Alupo called for retreat. He had no intention of fleeing, however, for he meant to avenge the loss of Sir Zug. There would be none of the usual revelry tonight. His despondent thoughts were interrupted by the barbed bonespear that suddenly impaled him. As he fell dying, he was able to see the rest of his brave fellows charge into the battle, loyal to the death. Managing a smile, Alupo thought what a great drinking session they would all be having in the afterlife, and maybe Mayaheine might even let Sir Zug make an appearance....
"First round is on me..." he whispered.
To be continued: - in the bizarre court of Gibbering Gate.