Swamped

You can't simply leave and hope the orders are favorable. But you know Rider won't back down, and you won't either.

"I know how we can settle this."

You lift your staff up and point it at Rider.

"Single combat. First to submit or fall unconscious surrenders, to be taken prisoner. If you have me, there's no need for an attack; you can address any grievance with me directly. And if we have you, well, your troops are without a commander. I think that more than warrants sending them back, if they don't run back of their own accord after seeing your defeat."

Rider raises his lance.

"You could save yourself some time and pain by surrendering now," he says. "Very well. We'll fight on the Knob. On foot, unless you care to find and train your own mount. You have ten minutes to prepare, understand?"

"Of course. I'll be ready."

You sound confident, but of course, you've faced Rider before and you know how fierce he can be. If this fight is going to turn out any different from the last few, you'll need to come up with something to change the battle in your favor.

But what?