One entire section of the castle was in flames, though they couldn’t imagine how Niles and his men had managed this.
Niles’ charge was halted by the presence of a form atop the castle wall. A deathly silence ensued as this form radiated might and malice.
“So,” said Morlock, and there could be no doubt about his identity this time, “I see you have come to die.”
“I have not,” cried Niles defiantly. “I have come to destroy you and your castle. Your treasure we will cherish for generations to come.”
“You are a fool,” said Morlock. “You cannot have removed my treasure very far. I will find it. And I will burn the very marrow in your bones and feast upon your beating heart. The heads of your men I will impale on stakes, and my servants will feed upon your mounts.”
Niles swallowed as a sound like thunder grew in the air. The horses became skittish, and the men looked about nervously.
“Sire,” said Paris, “’twas bravely done. Let us listen no more to this villain, but charge his minions once more. I would have an end to this.”
Niles nodded and rode ahead of his men, sword upraised. “Men of Astargoth,” he cried, “behold the villain, Morlock, hiding behind his castle walls like a common thief while his vermin die before its walls. He had no stomach for battle himself. You, folk from the north, gnomes, goblins, and trolls... see how your leader cowers before honest men while you die.”