Greenest

Linston climbs to the edge of the keep's wall, to see what everyone else is looking down at."Defenders of Greenest! This has been a successful night, and I am feeling generous. Do you see these four pitiful, useless prisoners? We have no need for them, so I will trade them back to you.

Send out your best warrior to fight me, and you can have these four, in exchange."

Linston quickly realizes, that this 'soldier' is barely old enough to shave. He looks pale, and terrified, and barely manages to stammer

"dunno, it's not you?"

I think most of you would be better suited than I am.

The Governor is listening in to your discussion.

"oh my, if one of you would agree to step up here, the entire town would be eternally grateful.....

not that' we aren't in your debt already...

But...... will one of you face this beast? Save this family? None of my soldiers are up to this task, but one of them will surely volunteer if I ask......."

if one of you is ready, a soldier will lead you down to the from gate, and open the portcullis....

Thee portcullis chains drop slowly, and the gate rises.

Grim steps out into the cool night, surrounded by hundreds of cultists and kobolds. The half dragon monstrosity in the centre. He grins, pleased to see a champion step forward.

"I place value on honour, above all other things" he says to the crowd, as much as to Grim. And he motions to the kobolds, who release the three children. They hesitate for a moment, looking languishingly toward their mother. But she urges them to run, and they do, guards at the keep door grabbing them and pulling them in, to safety.

"a gesture" the beast says, "but the woman....will die. If ANYONE interferes with our contest"

Kobolds push the sobbing woman to her knees, spears at her neck.

"win or lose.... she will be released at the end of this. You have my word."

with that he steps forward, his spear in his left hand, and a toothy grin on his face.

"good.....good...." the beast remarks, nodding solemnly. He produces a gold coin in his left hand,
"when the coin hits the ground..... we shall begin."

he flips the coin high into the dark night, it glints and gleams as it reflects the fires burning around the town. Grim has his eyes locked on it as it comes down.......

and.....

the beast loses sight of the coin for just a second, but it's enough!!

instead of locking his eyes on Grim, they are lost for a moment, a moment long enough for Grim to strike!!