The woods fell into silence apart from the beat of its heart slow and concentrated it looked about its head moving cautiously it's nose twitched at the air around sniffing for danger.
The dagger was in hand clenched tightly the breath dropped to a slow all movement came to a standstill as though time was lost and stood still the only sound to be heard was the beat of its heart.

Thump, thump, thump.

Suddenly its ears spiked up on end and it leapt from the grass its movement so precise and swift. Yet Skraal was quicker he moved with a speed of a racing cheetah bringing his dagger high he stabbed down ferociously impaling the white rabbit in the spine. Blood spattered across his clenched fingers on impact and the rabbit let out a squeal as the life drained from its body. Skraal sliced the dagger down cutting its spine in two killing it instantly. The rabbit dropped into a limp flop. Skraal removed his dagger and wiped the blood from the blade across the dried grass and slung the large rabbit over his shoulder.

He looked up at the sound of birds fluttering from the tree branches and saw Haegre the large Kronasian warrior approach. Behind him stood the Dwarf Turin, the smaller held a long red beard down to his chest and wore a pointed helm with horns to either side.

"You bested it then eh."� Turin said a grin to his red face.

Skraal smiled.

"Aye rabbit stew for supper."� Skraal said letting his breath return.

The sky was beginning to turn dark and the weather was becoming cold as it always did at the low peaks of the woods in the Dramakorian Mountains.

The three watched as a gush of wind blew through the trees letting the leaves fall gentle to the grassed ground below. Haegre the tall muscular man stood looking at the leaves scattered across the ground he held a large hammer in his left hand his face was long and covered by a copper red beard. His hair dropped past his shoulders breaded in parts.

"Autumn is here."� He said. His voice boomed like that of a giant, though Haegre was very tall and muscular to most he would have seemed a giant of sorts.

The three men walked through the trees and to the gravel road Skraal carried the limp rabbit over his shoulder leading the way from the tall trees. The sound of rustling leaves brought the trio to a stop. Turin was quick to raise his crossbow to height. Heagre clenched his fingers tightly around his hammer.

They saw nothing and waited for a few moments until they were satisfied there was nothing of a threat.

"Maybe another rabbit aye."� Turin said speaking first.

Carde sat at the head of the long wooden table a tankered of ale in one hand and the meaty leg of a turkey in the other he chewed the meat from the bone looking around at the dwarfs and Kronasians who sat around the table with him. The sky outside was dark and the moon was high the fire burned brightly warming the wooden tavern comfortably.

The door opened and the room fell into silence as mighty Heagre stepped in from the bitter cold outside behind him Turin the red bearded dwarf and then Skraal carrying the carcass of the Rabbit.

The trio spotted Carde and Brannigan sat at the long table feasting on the meat and drinking the ale.

"Yer started without mighty Heagre. No fair."� Heagre said with a roar of laughter as he swiped a tankered from a nearby Kronasian guardsman.

The guardsman rose to his feet fists clenched but felt the pressure of Skraal's hand pushing him back into his seat. Skraal gave a half smile at the guardsman.

"Get another drink lad cos Heagre will slam you into tomorrow."� Turin said noticing the disgruntled look upon the guardsman.

The trio took their seats at the table and Heagre tucked into the feast letting meat and ale drop down his beard as he endured.

Skraal sat akin to Carde and dropped the rabbit on the table taking a tankered of his own.

Carde smiled looking at Corfe the Dwarf chef.

"Rabbit stew for our breakfast aye chef."� Carde said with a smile.

"Any sign of Snag Rods scouts out there. Or were you too busy slaying innocent rabbits."� Carde asked with a grin letting Branigan burst into a laughter that even caused Heagre Turin and Skraal to laugh.

"None."� Turin answered.

"But we heard noise in the leaves as we left."� Skraal added.

"Orcs are not subtle could've been another rabbit."� Carde agreed.


++++++


The rising sun of morning began to set light across the lower peak of Dramakors border to Ultakor letting the misty fog dissipate the sky becoming blue as the sun rose to its morning peak.

Carde sat in his chair reading his poetry book deep in thought. His sword rested at the wall propped up in its blue scabbard. Carde heard the sound of commotion outside the gates of the bastion. Carde carefully placed his book marking the page in his satchel Carde peered from the window of his guest room. He saw below a group of battered Dwarfs carrying a number of injured. The Dwarfs were Ultakor Dwarfs. Suddenly Carde had the realisation that there was danger close by.


++++++


"What happened?"� Asked Captain Dorslan of the Kronasian guard.

"Orcs in their hundreds attacked our village it wasn'tuntil we retreated to the greens of Mortakor when we saw Orcs in their thousands all across Ultakor they had allied with the warriors of Rogarth."� The battered and blood stained lead Dwarf explained.

"Was Snag Rod with them."� Asked Skraal in a low growl.

The Dwarf turned to the ferocious warrior.

"It was Snag Rods force that struck our village."�

Skraal looked up to the window were Carde peered from then to Dorslan.

"I will ride into Ultakor to slay the green skin."� Skraal snapped.

"We also bring word that the Orcs and the Rogarth warriors have a large force headed this way. You will not pass that force but if it helps you warrior Snag Rod leads the force of Orcs they are at least a day's travel in our wake."� The Dwarf explained.

Captain Dorslan welcomed the wounded Dwarfs within the Bastion and requested lord Radford be waken.


++++++


Skraal stood with Carde and Heagre listening to Lord Radford and Captain Dorslan along with General Hogarn the Bear Hug discuss stratergies of the coming battle.

"If the Orcs get here before we can muster reinforcements we'll not only lose the bastion of Galgotha but once they pass the point they will be harder to dig out once they settle their invasion across Dramakor."� Hogarn said his voice stern.

Dorslan looked to Radcliff.

"My lord we should send a rider back to Kronas to muster reinforcements The Regent would send Sahaal himself in full force."� Dorslan explained.

Radcliff looked to Hogarn then Skraal and Carde.

"Carde what of Arcadius would he sit idly while an invasion crosses Dramakor."� Asked the Kronas lord.

"I would say not. However he would send his forces into Ultakor before Dramakor."� Carde said.

Radcliff looked up at the table three dwarfs stood behind Hogarn and another two warriors of Kronas stood at the tables side.

"Captain Dorslan we have little time so I want you to ride with Comaragh and Sorban inform the lion of this. Hogarn i would advise you also ride back to Melgator you both have a day's head start and we'll hold the bastion as long as we can. Ride quick and don't stop it will take two days to get a force back here. And I'm guessing the attack will be sometime tomorrow. We will hold the line as long as possible."� Radcliff explained.

"Now go."� He added.

Both Dorslan the two other Kronas warriors and Hogarn nodded and left swiftly to take word of the attack.

Once they had gone Radcliff turned to Skraal Carde and Heagre.

"I feel we will have to use our wits Galgotha must not fall or Dramakor may perish and Kronas will not be able to reclaim it. Prepare for battle and have every able warrior with a weapon in hand."�

Lord Radcliff spent the remainder of the day organising the defence of the Golgotha bastion the bastion itself stood at the cavern blocking the road into Dramakor from the woods and plain land of Ultakor, to go around would force the forces to climb the mountain side.

Lord Radcliff of Kronas had all the warriors of the Dwarfs and Kronas guards armed and prepared for the event ahead. The day soon became night and the warriors prayed that Hogarn the Bear Hug would reach Dwarf King Melgator to return with the reinforcements. The journey back to Kronas was longer and would take two days before The regent can muster his forces to Golgotha bastion.

Carde sat in the dining hall reading his book of poetry his feet rested on the long wooden table as the Dwarf chef prepared the food for the warriors, Carde found this time of day peaceful as the sun had gone down leaving only the distant sound of the white owls singing. Carde turned the page to his book and read his favourite poem of Brothers in Arms written by a Blackthorn poet named Nathanial Motzen. The book brought peace of mind to Carde and as he sat reading he thought of his two sons Teele and Reede working on the farm with his wife Meya. He longed to see his family again but remained at Skraal's side because of the bond of friendshiop and his oath set in blood. He knew Skraal had released him from that oath over a year ago. Carde however felt he owed Skraal after the death of the Kronasian warriors family. Skraal had taken the Warryn's from danger at the loss of his own.

In the year that had passed Skraal had been ordered to remain in Dramakor under Lord Radcliff once it was discovered the Ork General Snag Rod the Arsonist had joined Ulk Uzz Tooth in the invasion of Ultakor. Now it would seem Snag Rod headed for Golgotha with the intent of war.

"You read too much Captain of Blackthorne."� Turin the red bearded Dwarf had said entering the hall.

Carde closed the book and turned to the stump Dwarf.

"The book has been with me wherever I have travelled Turin."� Carde replied sitting up.

"Ha, So you read when fear grips you aye."� Turin laughed.

Skraal entered the Hall after Turin with Captain Ferremore of the archers and Might Heagre.

"Time to eat before we die I Heagre thinks."� Heagre said aloud.

The Dwarf chef brought them their food and the group sat eating their turkey and lamb legs and breast.

"What have you of news Captain."� Asked Turin.

"My spotters have sighted the blasted green skins heading from Tarklin settlement. The bastards have burnt it to the ground."� Ferremore said chewing his meat steak.


+++++


Skraal walked along the wall of the Bastion looking down at the road it was dark and yet there was silence. The guards stood at their posts waiting for the Orcs each and everyone stood ready for the coming battle. Skraal welcomed the forces of Snag Rod knowing his vengeance would end here. Lord general Sahaal had ordered him here knowing he would be able to fulfil the right of Vengeance.

Carde came up the stone steps to stand with his friend and both men stood for a time watching the road. All was silent.

"THERE."� Pointed Davus a Kronas Spotter on the tower above.

Skraal and Carde both looked to his pointing finger and saw the light of burning torches.

"MAN YOUR POSTS."� Called Captain Ferremore as he rushed up the bastion wall to glimpse himself.


++++++


Lord Radcliff stood at the towers top looking down as the large force Of Orcs marched towards them three large ogres on chains carrying large hammers marched with the green skin warriors. At Radcliff's side stood Captain Ferremore and Captain Carde with Skraal and Branigan the Dwarf Captain. Across the battlements the warriors of Kronas stood crossbows ready while on the floor the Dwarfs waited in a line by the large wooden doors armed with axes and swords. Heagre stood with the dwarfs.

"There must be a thousnad warriors to what one hundred of us."� Ferremore said his face filled with shock.

"Then we'll hold the line until we are defeated or the Lions warriors reach us with Melgators."� Radciff said his words gritted through teeth.

Skraal climbed down from the tower to stand with the Kronas guardsmen at the Bastions ledge looking down on the Orcs as they came to a halt. The moon was high and the stars shone brightly while the torches of the Orcs lit up their lines revealing their numbers. Ferremore had followed him down looking at the red in the moon above.

"Blood in the moon."� He said standing by Skraal's side.

"A Bad Omen."� Skraal replied looking himself.

Suddenly the Orcs began to chant the sound was disturbing and they clanged their fists on their armoured chests chanting Death over and over again.

Skraal's eyes widened watching the Large Orc General Snag Rod the Arsonist approach the front line. The Orc was a large brute armoured well and carried a double headed axe a scar ran down his face and his eye's seemed to glow a blood thirsty red.

Without warning the sky lit up in an array of yellow streaks from the Orc archers who'd now began firing their arrows high lit in flames.

"Prepare for impact."� Called Branigan.

The arrows flew across the sky and hit the wall of the bastion then the second wave came higher this time a group of guards fell from the ledge from impact of the flaming arrows.

Skraal watched three arrows as they landed in the horse hay behind lighting it up .

A third wave of arrows streaked across the sky impaling more warriors the arrows came in floods like tracers lighting their way until reaching a target.

Some of the men began to duck down using their shields for cover once the forth wave came flooding across.

"Stand your Bloody ground."� Called Lord Radcliff.

Captain Ferremore took his crossbow with both hands aimed down at the first line of Orcs.

"Crossbows FIRE."� She screamed letting his own arrow hit the first Orc between the eyes.

The Orcs stood firm while the arrows flew into their first line dropping fifty Orcs to their deaths on impact.

"RELOAD AND FIRE AGAIN."� Called Ferremore.

Suddenly the Orcs who stood firm shot to life rushing at the Bastion high wall with ladders ready to climb and breach. Skraal was the first to push a wooden ladder back with two Orcs climbing up the Crossbow warriors fired down hitting more Orcs who climbed.

Within Minutes the Orcs were all over the Wall of the Bastion climbing up with swords and crude axes in hand the guards began dropping scalding hot tar down onto the green skins burning them. Orcs fell screaming while others fell limp.

The Ogres charged at the wall slamming their large hammers into the brick work crushing the bricks on impact. The guards felt the quake run across the ledge from the hammer's impacting with the force of a tornado.

The next wave of attack the Orcs charged carrying a large tree log and slammed it into the tall arched double doors of the Bastion. Skraal took aim with a crossbow and fired down killing one of the green skins. Yet another took his place more Orcs stormed the wall this time they managed to climb onto the ledge their large crude swords meeting the flesh of the Crossbow warriors. Skraal turned to see a tall green skin captain charge at him and blocked the sword with his own both men swivelled and parried until Skraal got the upper hand and cut the beasts throat with his long knife.

The ogres began to make large cracks in the wall forcing holes almost big enough for more Orcs to climb through but with the Orcs on the Bastion ledge fighting the crossbow men they were safe from arrow attack. Ferremore was now reduced to using his sword to engage the large Orcs in sword play.

Skraal sliced ducked sliced and stabbed with his fast movements charging into the Orcs once they climbed over. Ferremore soon found himself back to back with Skraal battling the large brute's brutal attacks.

Radcliff looked ahead watching more Orcs charge at the double doors.

"They're almost in we must repel them for as long as we...Argh."� Radcliff never finished his sentence. A flaming arrow slammed into his neck forcing both his hands around his throat he staggered back then forwards gurgling his movements becoming clumsy until he fell over the edge and into the Orcs below. Both Carde and Branigan looked over to witness the Orcs pull the lords body apart at the limbs then feast on him in a victory dance.

Branigan and Carde looked to each other then back at the Orcs that would soon smash their way in.

Skraal and Ferremore had witnessed Lord Radcliff's death from the flaming arrow and watched more arrows fly over their heads and into the court yard killing five Dwarfs waiting for the doors to open.

Carde dashed down his sword in hand towards the walls ledge and slammed the blade fast and hard into an Orc while Branigan followed him swinging his axe left to right killing another Orc.

"Ferremore command falls to you now."� Branigan called. Dodging a blade that flew past his bearded face. Carde slammed his sword into the attack then kicked the limp body into the court yard.
The Orcs still climbed up the wall now they began to overwhelm the guards taking more ground on the Bastion.

Ferremore and Skraal backed up to the tower with the blond bearded Dwarf Branigan and Carde.

"We've lost the wall."� Ferremore said as the four backed onto the steps of the tower.

"I will make my final stand at the tower roof."� Branigan said leaving the three to return to his place.

The sound of a large crash of stone rocked the side of the tower once the ogres had smashed a hole for the Orcs to charge through. Wasting no time a group of Dwarfs intercepted the Orcs attempting to gain entry fighting a bloody and bitter fight.

"We need to get those doors open now and take the fight outside. I'm not dying like a fish trapped in a glass bowl."� Ferremore snarled.

"Agreed."� Carde blurted back.

The three warriors dropped down into the yard now filled with smoke from the burning hay.

"OPEN THE DOORS."� Ferremore called aloud.

Heagre stood flexing his hands on the long handle of his large hammer standing with Turin at his side and thirty five Dwarfs. The posse watched Skraal and Carde move up with them and another warrior of Kronas pull the bar from the doors. Once the bar was three twelve Orcs fell into the yard still hugging the tree trunk. Carde led the attack out his sword high the posse launched into the Fallen Orcs first cutting the life from their flesh and then into the five hundred waiting Orcs outside.

Skraal leapt into a group Of Orcs heading towards the posse and sliced his sword low cutting into the beasts legs Carde followed him out stabbing an orc in the neck then elbowing another in the chest he felt his armour way heavy on his and suddenly felt his age creep up in battle. Behind him the Dwarf Brokke swung his axe into the groin of one of the Orcs his face covered in a spatter of groin blood. The brute grabbed in between his legs and fell to his knees crying. Brokke lamped his axe in the brutes face killing it. He then spat on the dead beast and found himself playing axe fights with two more. Heagre swung his mighty hammer back and forth knocking the green skins down in a bad fury.

Orc upon Orc charged at the small group forcing them apart Carde followed Skraal with Heagre and Brokke in tow fighting ferociously killing any Orc in sight. Turin fought through a large group but soon found himself alone and meeting his demise with a large meat cleaver of a sword cutting his face into two. Blood vomiting from his mouth the small Dwarf fell in the soil dead.

Heagre saw this in the distance and wailed his death cry charging into the Orcs his hammer crushing skull upon skull.

Brokke Carde And Skraal charged at one of the ogres Carde landing his sword in the beasts neck while Brokke cut its ankle letting a large slit appear followed by a river of blood. Skraal turned to see Snag Rod charging towards them.

"This bastards mine and mine alone."� He growled.

Skraal charged head on towards Snag Rod the Orc slammed his double headed axe down at Skraal and Skraal stuck his sword into the thigh of the beast. Snag Rod back handed Skraal with a blow that knocked the kronasian warrior off his feet and across the field. Skraal rolled feeling one of his ribs crack the pain suddenly taking hold of his side. Snag Rod charge after the warrior.

Both Brokke and Carde watched the Orcs pour into the Bastion in large numbers that would soon overwhelm the remaining Kronas Guardsmen and captain Ferremore.

The Dwarfs had all but been slain that had charged into the Orcs Carde and could see no sign of Mighty Heagre and wondered if the warrior had fallen. He looked to the smoky sky and the dark sky was turning blue with the morning sky. The ogre behind him tried to rise but broke landed his double headed axe in the brutes' skull killing it instantly. A large explosion erupted from within the bastion throwing bricks and stone in the air amongst Orcs and warriors of Kronas. The explosion rocked the ground for a moment Knocking Brokke onto his hands and knees.

"I wish Orim were wid me Eh."� The small man said a grin on his face.

"Why on earth would you wish such a fate on another."� Carde asked his face stained with blood and sut.

"Cos ee'd love a good un fight yer me."� Brokke said standing back up to block an Orcs blade.

Carde leant his sword into the beast eye and found a second attacking him. Both Brokke and Carde found themselves forced back into the woods slicing and dicing. Three large Orcs charged into Brokke and the four rolled down hill into the woods and from sight.

"Brokke."� Carde bellowed.

An Arrow punched into his thigh, he winced from the sudden pain and looked up to see his attacker. He looked down to See broke and dropped his Crossbow still loaded with an arrow. Carde staggered towards the weapon and felt the thud of a second arrow impale his shoulder.

"Uggh."� He muttered watching the Orc load another arrow into his bow.

Carde clenched his sword tightly trying to lift it but the pain began to wince through his body and then came the third arrow slamming into the back of his leg. Carde felt the shock grip his leg and hard just shortly before the fourth arrow pierced his back forcing him to stammer forwards and drop his sword. He winced.

The fifth arrow pierced the back of his left shoulder blood now trickling from his wounds like a river as he tried to maintain a balance and dropped to his knees and took the crossbow in both hands he turned to face the large Orc who'd painted his face black. Carde stood again his back to a tree he tried to raise the crossbow and fire. But the Orc fired a sixth arrow that slammed hard through Carde armour and pierced his heart. Carde fell back the tree stopping his fall yet he slid down blood running from his nose and lips. The Orc walked up close a seventh arrow in his bow the wire pulled back. Carde looked up his breathing hard and slow he used the last of his strength and raised the crossbow one handed and fired the arrow into the Orc Captain the arrow flew into the green skins mouth and out of the back of his skull. The beast dropped his bow and fell back both hands clasping his neck. The beast spasmed his legs still twitching as he died painfully.

Carde felt his body grow cold he looked to see his satchel had fallen from his waist in the attack his book half out he leaned forwards the pain from the arrows coursing through him he placed the fingers of his right hand on the cover letting his blood stain the hard backed cover what little strength remained he pulled the book to his chest a tear rolling down his eye as he pictured Meya's face then Teele's and Reede's.


++++++


Skraal rose up his blade held firm wincing from pain as he moved he felt his broken rib The large Orc general slammed his fist into Skraal's face knocking the warrior back again he felt his cheek bone crack blood flew from his mouth. The Orc then swung his double headed axe low into Skraal's leg. The slice pierced the metal of Skraal's leg armour drawing blood from the large cut. Skraal staggered his sword still tight in hand. Snag Rod sliced the axe into Skraal's chest cracking his armour leaving another fresh scar on his chest. Skraal suddenly felt tired and unable to fight yet Snag Rod back handed him again knocking more blood from his nose. Skraal stumbled back barely able to hold a stance.

Snag Rod slammed his head into Skraal's almost knocking the Kronasian warrior out cold. He felt the pain dash through his skull like a madman with a hammer. Skraal knew he could not take much more punishment and thought of his wife and children then found a new strength he launched forwards his sword slicing up cutting Snag Rod across the arm he dropped low to avoid the double headed axe and spun up his blade held with tow hands and ploughed the tip into Snag Rods under throat. Blood spurted from the hole down the blade. Snag Rod dropped his double headed axe holding his throat and grabbing Skraal with his left hand. He brought Skraal to his face.

"You Da warrierr dat ben chasin Meh Ant yah."� Snag Rode said pain gripping him.

"Names Skraal."� Skraal said seconds before taking his long knife from his waist and planting it in General Snag Rod the Arsonist's eye and through his skull into his brain.

"NOOOOOOOO."� The beast cried before death reaped his large green skinned body.

Both fell to the ground Skraal rolled back looking up at the twitching body of General Snag Rod. A group of Orcs witnessed the event and stopped looking at each other. Then came the sound of Horns blowing in the distance.

The Orcs turned and fled back into the woods as the saw the same as Skraal. Warriors of Blackthorne the sun on their backs. From the eastern fringe Skraal caught sight of Captain Dorslan charging down with Lord general Sahaal. Then the Dwarfs of Dramakor charged down from the southern road retaking the Bastion of Golgotha. The Kronasian warrior took his sword in hand sheathed it in the scabbard and staggered into the woods to aid Carde and Brokke.

Skraal caught sight Of Carde laid against a tree holding his book stained with blood on the cover and the still twitching body of the Orc's captain Archer.

Skraal staggered over to Carde and dropped to his knees.

"Carde."� He said.

Carde slowly turned to Skraal, blood running from his nose and his lips his neck was coated in dried blood as were his hands one of which clenched his book tightly.

"Did we do it. Did we hold the line."� Carde asked his words nothing more than a whisper.

Skraal smiled slightly looking into Carde's eyes.

"We did and even Blackthorne came."�

"I thought I heard the horns."� Carde coughed and a spatter of blood flew from his mouth to his chest.

"Is the Right of vengeance fulfilled is Uugh S snag r rod d dead."� Carde asked wincing as another cough took hold followed by more blood.

Skraal looked into Cardes dreary eyes and could see death was reaping his long time friend. Skraal could not lie to him he knew Carde knew he hadn't long. A tear rolled down Skraal's eye.

"My boys. Oh Meya."� Carde coughed again this time more blood dribbled down his lips and onto his chin.

Carde slowly moved his hand and passed the book to Skraal.

"When the time is right give the book to Teele. He will benefit the book best. Ugh."�

Skraal took the book and placed it on the ground at his side he took Carde's hand in a clasp of his own.

"It's been an Honour. " Carde groaned.

"Thank you my dear friend."� Skraal said tears rolling from his eyes as he watched Carde grow weaker.

"Do me one last favour Skraal. Take me home please."� Carde said his voice trailed off into an almost silent whisper.

"I Promise."� Skraal said.

Cardes hand fell limp in Skraal's grasp and he let the warriors hand go placing it on his chest. Skraal took out his dagger and began singing an old warriors of Kronas song the song was for Valhala to know of Carde Warryn as Skraal sang he rocked back and forth cutting his long hair off with his long knife.

Skraal stopped his chant and staggered to his feet. He took hold of Carde's limp body and picked him up with both arms and walked through the woods.

Brokke staggered from behind some of the trees his hands both bloodied and his axe tight in a grip.

Skraal emerged from the woods staggering and limping Carde in both arms blood leaked from Skraal's own wounds with each of his movements. He saw Mighty Heagre watching him holding his long handled hammer and captain Ferremore at the Bastion's open gate his face covered in black sut Branigan stood at the captains side also covered in sut. The dead lay scattered across the ground some of the dead Orc's still twitched. The soldiers of Blackthorne were the first to arrive at the bastion of Golgotha.

Skraal staggered limping past them holding Carde Warryn tightly a tear streaking from his eye he was going to miss Carde Warryn.

"Skraal were you going."� Captain Ferremore called.

"Skraal stopped and looked at the captain of the Kronas.

"I am taking my friend home."� Skraal replied, and turned to walk, each step a limp.