The knight stopped, taken aback by the sudden, surprising end to the duel. The masked warrior stepped back from his ghastly handiwork. Hesitation left the knight vulnerable once again. As the other deputy struck from behind, Bruttia ripped the gag from her mouth and called to the flames. The fire blazed outward and engulfed the advancing foe. He screamed in anguish and staggered about before pitching over onto the flagstones. His screams died along with him.
The few citizens still in the vicinity fled before the onslaught unleashed by the knight, the witch, and the warhorse. In the wake of their flight, Bruttia stood at the crossroads with the masked savior and barded charger. She had never been more grateful to have allies by her side, even if a duo of strangers.
Humbled by their acts
