Jason sputtered as he stared at the stump where his right hand used to be, the missing appendage still attached to the mace as they sank into the sand.
A kick to the back sent him falling to his knees. His eyes glossed over as pain overtook his consciousness.
With a thought, Charon ordered the skeleton leader to step around the man and lower himself to a single knee. It raised its sword and held it with both hands, one supporting the flat end of the blade and the other holding the handle.
Taking the offered weapon, Charon held it and studied the sleek, unadorned steel, nodding in approval at the effective simplicity.
"I know you must be in a lot of pain right now, Jason, but I must ask a favor of you."
He leaned down, coming face-to-face with his opponent. Agony coursed through the man's veins as he gritted his teeth and clutched his forearm.
"When you see Death, tell him Jester says hello."
