They made camp that night under a blanket of stars, with Richard taking first watch as the others sought rest. At the edge of the firelight, William tossed and muttered as fever once more took hold.
Through the quiet watches, Richard prayed and wiped William's brow with a cool cloth, concerned for his worsening state. As midnight passed, a rustling came from the woods, though no breeze stirred the leaves. Richard tensed, his hand falling to sword-hilt, but only Lady Sophia emerged, bearing an armful of herbs.
Let me tend him, she urged gently. Her ministrations soon calmed William into true sleep, but sorrow marked her fine features as she seated herself by Richard. His wound festers with more than flesh, she murmured. Envy and pride have taken root deep in his heart, choking out virtue. Pray to Yeshua that it is not yet too late.
Richard gazed sadly down at the once stout knight brought low. Not for any reward or glory would I wish this darkness upon my dearest friend. But how to banish the demons he wrestles with in solitude?
As dawn light filtered through the trees, a terrible howling arose on the wind like lost, damned souls crying out. The horses reared in terror, nearly breaking free as a shadow fell over the camp, their vast leathery wings blocking out the sun.
The company leapt up, drawing weapons, but this was no woodland beast. A towering armored figure descended with slow, ponderous beats, its horned helm glinting coldly as it regarded them with eyes like twin pools of night. Drefan.
The warlord spoke, his demonic amplified voice booming. I come offering mercy, not malice. Lay down your pointless quest, and I shall grant any boon or reward you desire. Riches, power, and dominion over all you survey. You need only pledge fealty, and renounce Yeshua! This suffering knight shall want for nothing evermore.
At that, William stirred weakly, fever-bright eyes fixing on the apparition with undisguised longing echoing in their haunted depths. Freedom from pain—from duty and doubt—he croaked. To grasp glory within my fist and crush my enemies—this I would gladly renounce Yeshua and ransom my very soul to obtain!
No! cried Richard in anguish, seeing the total hold Drefan had already claimed. Brother, do not listen! There is still hope if only you have faith in Yeshua!
But William was beyond reach now, his crazed features twisted almost beyond recognition as he dragged himself upright. You offer what my so-called friend has denied me. I accept your bargain, dark lord. Now fulfill your end!
With a chilling laugh like shattering icicles, Drefan swept William up with shocking ease, flapping aloft into the paling dawn. His parting words echoed coldly: A new knight serves in my dominion. And now the hunt begins in earnest, Sir Richard. Farewell until we meet again...in battle.