Metal chimed on metal, and he rode. The sun had died on the horizon, and the road was clear of any who might see him and panic. Though he had long since passed on feeling emotion over this, fear and alarm spreading in his wake would only hinder his journey.
Then, leathery wings sounded overhead. The dim light hindered the horseman not at all, as he followed the beast’s flight with the glowing eye sockets of his helm.
“Zodd. Here?” He mused to himself.
The creature folded its wings and dropped, landing in a thicket of trees not far ahead.
And spurring his steed, the Skull Knight rode after.
It was a man that moved out of the trees. An ugly man, with teeth like tusks and a face that looked chiseled out of gnarled wood. He was big and he was wide, and he wore only a fur loincloth against the cold. An old, curved sword adorned his back, and he moved with strange grace. His eyes were not human.
He was called Nosferatu Zodd. And the Skull Knight knew him well.
They were, after all, the best of enemies. And the Skull Knight’s own sword flickered from its sheath, as he set his shield against his body. “Come to see an end to things? I wondered when you would grow bored enough.”
The creature’s voice was a rumble in response. “Bored? Hardly. Annoyed? Yes.”
The Skull Knight reined in his horse. The moon started its slow rise, throwing ghostly white light across his steel-clad form. Not a single bit of flesh was visible under the armor…
“What do you mean?”
Zodd growled, a rumbling that started in his guts and traveled seven feet up before emerging from his clenched teeth. The bushes around the pair rustled as the various nighttime animals ran for their lives.
“The Hawk… Has chosen a path that I do not agree with.”
“And so, you have split from him? Decided to seek atonement, after all this time? Do not make me laugh.”
Zodd chuckled. “No. But his choice concerns you. Or rather, that human you’re shielding.”
“…”
“Oh, come now. You brought him out of Hell, did you think I did not notice? And his mate, whatever’s left of her. I can’t see your game yet, but I know they’re important to you.”
“And if they are?”
“Well, my Lord plans to collect them. They are the final Sacrifices. With their flesh, his power shall be at its peak.”
“And this troubles you?”
Zodd LAUGHED, a bellow that shook the trees, and rattled the Skull Knight’s armor. Sharp teeth bared as he grabbed his belly, Zodd shook, muscles flexing in the moonlight. Finally, he straightened up.
“Heh. Of course not. They’re his sacrifices, and he has the right. No, I’m troubled by the manner of collection.”
“Go on.” Said the Skull Knight.
“Had he sent me, I would have finished my duel with the Swordsman. I would have taken his head, after a fight to the death and killed his mate with a quick snap of the neck. But he did NOT send me. He FORBADE me to take part in this.” The growl was back, and his eyes flared yellow in the moonlight.
“So how, then? The Swordsman is a great warrior.”
Zodd scowled. “Two armies. One of mercenary scum to soften him up, and serve as hosts to the spirits the Brand will draw. The other… of Apostles.”
Silence. The Skull Knight tilted his head, considering.
“He will take the Swordsman’s mate as a shield, using her to keep himself alive while his army grinds the mortal down. And when he is exhausted…” Zodd shook his head.
“Some would call it a glorious death. Taking two armies to bring one man down…” The Skull Knight’s voice echoed.
“Yes. But this way, I am denied the kill.” Said Zodd. “I WILL be the one to eat his heart.”
“But, if I am to do this… You must keep him from the Hawk until he is ready. And you know what that will require…”
The armored man considered, then sheathed his sword. “I understand what you ask. Very well, when does the Hawk plan his attack?”
Zodd stared.
“Plan?” Said Zodd.
“Why, he started it just a few minutes ago.”
And the Skull Knight’s head whipped around, to stare at his grinning enemy.
Zodd’s form bulged and rippled, as darkness spread from it… It was almost far too fast to follow, as fur and horn rippled out of a form that was suddenly three times its former size, and batlike wings spread to eclipse the moon…
“YOU’D BETTER HURRY.” Rumbled Zodd.
But the Skull Knight was already riding, horse faster than any living steed…
And the horned, fanged head of the monster laughed, its echoes following the rider for miles…