A moment of silence fell over the field.
Then, a single paladin let out a choked laugh. Another joined in. Soon, the entire legion of golden warriors was roaring with laughter. Their mockery echoed across the valley.
The Knight-Captain herself threw her head back and laughed. It was a sharp, scornful sound.
"You?" she said, her voice dripping with contempt. "Defeat me?"
She looked him up and down. She saw his simple clothes. She saw his lack of armor. She saw a peasant playing at being a hero.
"Brat," she sneered. "You have courage, I'll give you that. But you have no idea what you are facing."
She raised her golden spear, its tip blazing with holy fire.
"Fine. I accept your challenge. I will enjoy breaking you."
The Knight-Captain smirked. She settled into a ready stance. Her golden spear hummed with a low, powerful energy.
The legion of paladins behind her took a single, synchronized step back. They formed a wide circle. This was to be a duel. An execution.
