The Black Knight

When the players first travel through The Thorns Wood, they will encounter Eikon. Eikon, who is on his way towards The Ancient Tower, will take a battle stance, remaining silent. He will not attack the players, however. The players can choose to fight Eikon or try to deescalate the situation. The latter is preferred, as Eikon is far stronger than the players at this point. The knight can be reasoned with, as he is not looking for a fight. As long as the party leaves him be, there won't be any conflict.
If the players do end up fighting Eikon and manage to win, they can loot the Ascension Key that he was carrying. This enables the players to skip the quest Obtaining the Tower Key. Which would allow them to avoid going into Eagor's Watch. Additionally, players will not have to fight Eikon at the end of the Palace of Heliomea. In case Deaderah finds out that the players killed Eikon, she will become hostile towards them. She will regardless ask them for their help in freeing Zenera, given that she has no other options.