[MR] Will Someone Explain the Recent TI Cover?

[jbrmm266 at aol.com]

Greetings, my friends!
 
When I saw the cover of the most recent Tournaments Illuminated,  I quite simply didn't know what to make of it, and I still don't.
 
I suspect that there is a literary or legendary reference, but I confess that I haven't a clue to what it refers. The kneeling figure appears to be one on a vigil, and the knight standing behind him (her?) appears to be his (her?) knight, but I have no idea who or what the goatee'd figure and the cadaverous figures on the back cover represent.
 
Will someone enlighten me?
 
Your servant and Atlantia's
Donal Mac Ruiseart
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