The young man tried to lift his blade but his arms refused to move. Jerico kicked it from his hands. Krelln staggered back, terrified of making contact with the awful glowing shield.

“The others will find you,” he said, his voice growing hoarse with fear. “Once Krieger finds out Lathaar isn’t the last, he’ll hunt you down and make a necklace from your guts.”

Jerico halted where he stood.

“Who is Lathaar?” he asked. Krelln tried to flee. Before he could take a step, Jerico slammed his shield deep into his back. The dark paladin screamed as his cursed armor melted. He collapsed, his face smashing hard on the dirt. Smoke sizzled as the melted metal burned his flesh. He felt a foot press atop his back amidst the pain and the heat.

“Tell me, who is Lathaar?” Jerico asked again.

“I don’t know,” Krelln gasped. “He’s…he’s just another paladin. We thought he was the last.”

“Another paladin of Ashhur,” Jerico whispered. “Lord be praised…another lives.”

He lifted his foot. The man squirmed to a stand and glared. Blood ran down his face from a broken nose. His hair was disheveled, and he weakly sucked in air while clutching his numb arms to his chest. Jerico waved him away.

“Go,” he said. “I will show you the same mercy you offered me.”

“Bastard,” Krelln spat before turning to run. Jerico watched him for a few seconds before unhooking his mace.

“Three good men died to his hand,” he whispered to it. “Fly true, Bonebreaker.”

He flung the mace end over end through the air. It struck Krelln in the back. The powerful magic within the weapon activated. White light flared, and then Krelln’s spine shattered to pieces. He fell limp, making only a soft, confused cry before death took him. Jerico slowly walked over and retrieved his mace.

“Karak take you in his arms,” he said while kneeling beside the body. “And after an eternity may Ashhur forgive you and save you from that fate.”