The team trudged through the night making their way slowly in the darkness.

Alert to their surroundings and somewhat on edge, the Sun Gods were still shocked by what happened next. A ear splitting howl rumbled through the undergrowth that merged with the edge of the cobblestones. "What was that?" Thought Xholmundi. "Kailoq, Tenqhex... Have a look."

Just as the two Slann moved towards the disturbance a bald, emaciated man in long dark robes stepped heavily on to the path. "My children need meat" he said raising a gnarled, ornate staff to the air. "And meat they shall have". A beam of foul light issued from the end of the staff and another howl, more powerful than before, split the still night. The Sun Gods were horrified to see shambling wrecks coming from the undergrowth and jerkily line up opposite them. Two blurred and furry shapes kept racing around the team and they could just make out the hint of slavering jaws and sharp teeth.

They involuntarily gulped and kicked the ball high in to the air, and one of the wolves raced on to it and picked it up. There was some inconsequential early blocking as the guard of Tihex allowed for the others to have more confidence in their efforts. Xholmundi and Xholtoc leapt over the line and almost managed to free the ball early but their efforts were in vain. Still, Xholtoc had enough presence of mind to dive full length to bring down a dodging wolf allowing Xholmundi to go for the ball. Getting the ball free and leaping away, he was able to get to safety and eventually the Sun Gods were able to score having lost Hextep and Kailoq who were badly hurt whilst trying to move away from the clutches of the zombies.

Luckily for the Sun Gods they were not too badly outnumbered as they began the second period and brought the ball to the left of the field. Tlaxconqua led the way as the big lizard blocked free a number of harried Sun Gods players. Xholmundi believed himself to be free and moved in to the open field deep in the opposition half. But a wolf was immediately in front of him and another turned to see the Slann blitzer as easy pickings. Luckily for him, the wolf stumbled on the uneven surface and fell to the ground. Tlaxconqua was able to bring his might to bear and assist Xholmundi who smashed the wolf to the ground, breaking his jaw. He then held for a bit to allow the clock to run down and scored with 3 turns remaining.

A solid deep kick put pressure on the necromancer's charges who tried blocking themselves free from danger. They attempted a break down the flank but the superior movement of the Slann allowed them to cut off the necromantic thrusts with the ball sat very deep with very little time to go. The Slann believed themselves to be safe as they completed their final turn and the necromancer's team couldn't score to equalise. But it was not to be...

With a cry of unfettered rage, the necromancer pointed his staff square at Tlaxconqua. As the others watched, horrified, the remaining wolf raced in and raked his claws down the front of the Kroxigor who slumped to the ground in a pool of his own blood. The necromancer smiled at his little victory and the Sun Gods didn't even register the departure of that foul crew as they raced to the side of the big Krox. Tlaxconqua smiled at them all but it was clear to see that he had a limp resulting from the blow. A niggle perhaps, but one that could lead to great difficulties in his future.

"We must reach Itza as quickly as possible. Surely a temple priest will be able to help our friend." said Boqkai. The others agreed. Tlaxconqua may yet remain a valuable member of their band, but they needed time to ascertain the extent of the damage. With that, the team changed direction and made for Itza, the glorious city of the Old Ones which was but a few days walk.

Xhotl Sun Gods 2-1 Necroboyz