Adventure 37, How Margrave Rudeger Was Slain Summary

Rudeger rides into the courtyard, surveying the carnage around him. He asks Sir Dietrich to help him change King Etzel's evil intent, but Dietrich tells Rudeger that the king's mind is made up and will not be swayed. A Hunnish warrior points out to Kriemhild that Rudeger has yet to strike a blow and has been missing for most of the long battle. Rudeger overhears the knight's comments and beats the man to death.

Kriemhild and Etzel chastise Rudeger for killing one of his own but not lifting a hand against the harmful strangers. Rudeger replies that the man deserved his death; but since Rudeger was the one to lead Gunther's men to Etzel's hall, he cannot raise a malicious hand to them. The king and queen fall at Rudeger's feet and implore...