Waiting for him. They were sealed away, in stone coffins that prevented their rising. But it was just stone. The magic wards protecting this place—were gone.

The [Necromancer] raised his staff. He laughed wildly, exuberantly. This changed everything! This changed the world! He could do it! And more—he could kill every single one on his list! He would be rewarded beyond belief! He could—

“Intruder. You stink of death magic. Begone from this place.”

A voice echoed from around him. The [Necromancer] froze. A figure stepped out of the shadows, his form pale.

“A ghost?”

The living man backed up as Ser Dalius rose out of the ground. The [Knight] lifted his sword. And his eyes focused on the patch of air where the [Necromancer] was invisible. But the eyes of the dead couldn’t be so easily fooled.

“I see you, [Necromancer]. Begone. The Tomb of Afiele is not for your kind to despoil. Flee. And you may live before I cut you down.”

The [Necromancer] wavered as he saw the ghostly-knight. His mind flickered in sudden alarm. Legends of the ancient protectors of the crypts. But—his hand tightened on his staff.

Feremont appeared. Ser Dalius narrowed his eyes. The [Mage] slowly lowered his staff. He smiled, licking his lips nervously.

“Sir Ghost. I’m afraid you’re mistaken. I am just a traveller—”

The greatsword made no sound as the [Knight] drew it. But the [Necromancer] still froze. Ser Dalius aimed the blade at his heart.

“Do not lie, sir. I sense your intent and magic. Lay down your staff and go. Before I cut you down. This is your last warning.”

The man felt sweat beading on his forehead and neck. He eyed the ghostly-knight. He felt the power and the weight of the warning.

But. The [Necromancer]’s eyes flickered towards the broken doors. To the ghost.

“Sir Ghost, I will of course do as you ask.”

Feremont made a show of putting down his staff. Dalius watched, not relaxing. The [Necromancer]

backed up, raising his hands and smiling.

“This is just a misunderstanding. I was travelling when I saw—”

“Do not. Lie.”

Dalius watched the living man’s face contort.

“Sir Knight, I would not lie. I did not expect one of Noelictus’ tombs to be open. Who would dream of that? As I said, I was on my way when I sensed the change in the world.”

That was true. Dalius hesitated. His sword tip lowered, but only just.

“Has Noelictus allowed [Necromancers] to walk the lands? I very much doubt that.”

“We are a necessity, Sir Knight.”

The [Necromancer] huffily adjusted his robes. Ser Dalius wasn’t convinced. He glanced at the opening to the crypt. Oh, how it called to him. He’d seen a squirrel run into the tomb. A squirrel. Dalius had admired it for an hour before it had gotten bored and left. He hesitated.