The valley was deathly still as Richard's company arrived. No birds sang or breeze stirred the grass—an expectant hush as before a brewing storm.
From a rise, they glimpsed movement amid the mists. Armored ranks were drawn up awaiting their arrival, and upon a rocky knoll above the thrall's horned helm, it glinted cold. Richard was shocked that the one leading the army was none other than William, who he thought had died from their previous battle.
Richard rode forward alone, halting his steed a stone's throw from the former knight, who had once been his most loyal friend. William, I offer you a final chance—lay down your arms, and I vow no harm shall come to you or your men. Choose the light of Yeshua, I beg you. There is still hope.
For a long moment, William was silent, regarding Richard with unknowable emotion in his eyes. Then he drew himself up with a mirthless chuckle. Hope? Nay, you know as well as I—there can be only one end to our tale. Today, mouse, you face the serpent at last! And I shall take such pleasure in banishing that glint of pity from your eyes...
With a roar, he spurred his mount, his greatsword arcing for Richard's head. Their duel was joined amid the gathering clouds as armies collided in a chaos of steel.
Lightning now flickered across the roiling heavens. Blow met counterblow with unspeakable force, yet still the combatants found reserves to continue their battle to its utter conclusion. This was no mere contest of skill; it was the culmination of journey, loss, and all that divided them since their choices set them on opposing paths.
At last, Richard saw his chance and lunged with all his strength. Steel pierced mail and flesh, grating against bone as William was borne back by the momentum impaled upon that shining blade. Hordes of Demon's left William in an instant and then there was stillness. Their eyes met once more, recognition dawning amid an ebbing life.
Forgive me, brother, William gasped with final breath. Then darkness took him, and his armored form went limp upon Richard's sword, battle-rage fading to leave behind only a hollow void.
The thralls threw down weapons then, recognizing their lord had fallen. Through the mists above, sunlight broke like a blessing upon the ravaged field. All was silent for a long moment.
Richard wept as he laid William's body down with utmost reverence. No more shall the Eldorians suffer from ambition or malice. This land is healed; let our journey at last be over.
As his company looked on, Richard turned away, leaving behind a past that could not be reclaimed and riding forth to greet the dawn of a new era born from the shadow of the old. His quest was fulfilled; now the light of hope through Yeshua would reign eternally across those lands, guided evermore by faith in the brighter days yet to come. The end.,