Prince Valiant Vol. 24: 1983-1984 (Hardcover) (comics)

In Volume 24 (1983-1984), a comedy of mistaken identities culminates in Val playing a game of life-or-death using live people as chess pieces. Arn's job as Arthur's Keeper of Parks involves defending against invading Saxons. Merlin gives Val a magic ring and a dire message for Arn. With all the other knights of the round table away from Camelot on a rescue mission, Val joins a hunt for a cattle-killing man-beast. Finding his opening, arch-enemy Mordred launches an attack on the defenseless kingdom, sending Arthur the severed leg of the mayor of each conquered town. Arn's love for Maeve takes a turn toward heartbreak and betrayal when the identity of her father is revealed.