The ritualists, led by Sissya, quickly entered the circle as the Bloodletters formed a shield wall behind them.

“Let none pass”, commanded Yuri, then he too entered the circle.

Drakaris walked, as always, by his brother’s side. The look of deep concern on his face caused Yuri to pause, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“I have a bad feeling here brother” Drakaris whispered.

“You worry too much, look stay here and keep an eye on Henry. I won’t be long “

Drakaris started to protest but was cut short by a laugh.

“It’ll be fine honest. Now stay here and guard the circle with the others. Then we’ll all go to the tavern an’ I’ll get us a drink okay?”

Grudgingly Drakaris gave Yuri a half smile and watched his brother slowly enter the circle.

They came from nowhere. The ritual had barely begun, when shouting and the sound of battle came from the front.

Drakaris could hear his fellows panic as their weapons were shattered by magic’s .The voice of Cinzano brayed over the screams as he called the retreat. Defenceless men ran everywhere and through the press Drakaris could see the source of the route. A huge, half decayed mummy shambled through the group, two others layed nearby but this one was too powerful to stop weaponless.

Slowly turning, it’s dread gaze fell upon the ritualists and it ambled towards them and Drakaris. He tried to fall back into the circle but was too late, as the circle closed behind him. He was trapped.

The mummy by now had spotted him and closed in for the kill.

Knowing he was doomed, Drakaris drew his swords and desperately leapt forward, trying to escape. He struck the creature once, then twice, but the blows did nothing.  With a sudden, supernatural burst of speed the mummy lashed out with it’s claw like hands, striking Drakaris on either side of his head, the force of the blow knocking him to the ground.

“oh shit!” he cried as he fell, knowing he was lost.

 The creature stooped over him and grasped by the chest muttering strange words, and slowly turned him over, still muttering, it then slowly ambled away.

Searing pain wracked his body as the tomb rot started to consume him. Unable to move Drakaris felt himself decay and rot. The last thing he saw as his eyes dissolved was the form of his brother, Henry kneeling beside him.

Drakaris did not fear he smiled inwardly for he knew Yuri and Henry were safe and that his place alongside Thrudd in the hall of heroes was assured.

Yuri watched with sadness, as his brother slowly became ash and bone. Then gingerly he took the helm swords and shield and placed them to one side, using his sword, he scrapped some ash into the helm.