My back was covered in mud, my tabard soaked from the rain as the bodies of my soldiers lay scattered around me. I tried to get up but I could do no more than push myself onto my elbows. Just as I propped myself up, a lance was thrust into my face, followed by a grim chuckle.

“So this is the famous captain.”

My body wouldn’t let me speak, only turn my eyes up to face my assailant. His eyes were masked by a helm plumed with orange.

“Nothing more than a shell of the man I heard so much about. I should kill you right now.” He raised his lance, keeping its point aimed at my stomach, as I dropped from my elbows. I was ready. I saw his lance rush towards me and closed my eyes.

But no piercing pain. The point was poking me shallowly in the ribs. “Wh-what?” I whispered.
The man wheeled his horse around and galloped off toward his camp.
“No, wait!” I yelled. “Come back!”
Desperation set in. I screamed through my tears as the servants came to bind my wounds.
“Kill me, you coward! Kill me!”