As I was asked no this is not a slash story. There is implied and mildly written sexual abuse but no Merlin/Arthur. Also slight hints of violence in this chapter.

Merlin roused steadily slowly opening his eyes and glancing around the tent. Sitting up instinct told him it was early morning. From outside he could heard the sounds of the bird calls, but as he looked around he realised someone had been awake far earlier than himself. Merlin pushed aside the covers, of his own bedroll, that Arthur had thoughtfully put on the bed the previous night. As he stood up his feet met the wool rug that Cenred had acquired from somewhere. No doubt from one of his violent conquests. Close to the bed, on the screen, some clothes had been left out for him and looking around Merlin realised that the tent had been further tidied up, and the table laid for breakfast. Arthur, presumably, had put out a small plate of bread, cheese and fruit, and close by stood a jug of water. But there was also an empty bowl and cutlery indicating that something else had been prepared.

He reached for the clothes, slipping off what he had slept in and he dressed himself quickly, ending by easing his feet into his boots and tugging the leather up his calves as he walked to the door. He flipped the flap aside and stepped out. Arthur's blond head jerked up in shock. Merlin's eyes roved over the small cooking fire, on which Arthur appeared to be making porridge, and stewing fruit, and while keeping a careful eye on that, in preparation for Merlin, he appeared to be straightening out a dent in a metal jug. As he saw Merlin Arthur discarded said jug, carefully putting it to one side, and got to his feet.

"I'm sorry My Lord, I didn't hear you wake."

"Are you sure there is any point to that?" Merlin asked indicating to the jug.

"It will look fine once I've finished, My Lord," Arthur said. "It will still be of use."

Merlin raised his eyebrows and shrugged.

"I prepared breakfast for you."

Arthur indicated to the cooking food. Merlin nodded, glancing around at the signs of Arthur's activity then back to the person himself. As he did so, he realised why Arthur looked slightly different. The light coloured tunic from the previous night had gone. Arthur had now clad himself in a silken, dark blue shirt. It looked too broad on the shoulders for him, so it presumably belonged to someone else. Merlin's further visual investigation discovered the drying washing, which included two of his shirts and a pair of trousers. He reached out and touched the collar of Arthur's shirt gently. The dark colour also highlighted the mottled bruises around his neck.

"The clothes are better," Merlin said in approval. The colour of Arthur's cheeks deepened as he flushed, and he looked uncomfortable.

"The shirt's Cenred's My Lord. I got blood on my tunic last night. I hope it is not inappropriate."

"Certainly not," Merlin said, looking over the washing again. It was just his clothes and Arthur's tunic, the stain on the light colour tunic hadn't entirely come out, but Arthur had done what he could with it.

"Will you be wanting breakfast, My Lord?" Arthur asked, his eyes flickering to the bubbling porridge.

"Indeed."

Merlin wandered back into his tent and Arthur took that as a good sign. Using a cloth he lifted the metal pot from the fire and carried it in. He had already but the metal trivet on the table to accommodate it as he ladled out a generous helping and put a small bowl of stewed fruit on the side.

"Do you require anything else, My Lord," Arthur asked.

"Have you seen Sir Percival and Sir Lancelot this morning?"

"They were by the supply tents when I went to get the oats, but I haven't seen them since then."

Merlin dumped a spoonful of fruit into his porridge and stirred it.

"Find wherever they have gone and tell them I want to speak to them. Then you'll need to get horses and supplies together, enough to last a few days. Do you have anything warmer to wear?" Merlin added, eyeing the light material of the shirt critically.

"Yes, My Lord," Arthur said, thinking of the wool coat that Cenred had somewhere. He could no doubt make use of that.

"Good make sure you bring that, and some blankets…" Merlin went through a list of things he wanted including supplies and weapons. Arthur listened taking in most of it, he put the items that were obvious out of his mind, he'd know to pack them and concentrated on the more unusual ones, so he'd remember them.

"And I'll ride the bay mare," Merlin eventually concluded.

"Yes, My Lord."

Arthur took the hint and headed out of the tent. It didn't take long to locate Percival and Lancelot, as they were heading in Merlin's direction anyway. Arthur tailed them on the way back, remembering that Merlin's saddle bags were in the tent.

"Ooohh, porridge," Percival said as he entered, peering into the pot. Lancelot rolled his eyes at his friend's constant hunger. Arthur took the hint, he dipped into one of the chests around the room and returned to the table a minute later with two more bowls and spoons, laying them out. Percival sat down happily, shooing Arthur away to serve himself. Arthur ducked out again to get everything Merlin required.

Little over an hour later the party was ready to ride out. A few other servants had organised horses for the party, and the soldiers organised themselves. Arthur just finished packing the little pack pony while the others mounted up. Automatically Arthur took the leading rein so he could walk the little beast, and at that moment Merlin turned his horse and glared down at Arthur.

"And how are you planning to ride that?"

Arthur looked up, eyes wide, utterly startled.

"I don't… I walk, the master…" Arthur tailed off, biting down on his lower lip as he dropped his head. Even without looking at him he could feel Merlin glaring at him with that cold gaze. Arthur hadn't even given it a second thought, he had always walked, and he had packed everything up without even considering the fact that Merlin wanted him to ride. He didn't look up as he heard Merlin's huff of irritation, but he heard Merlin's horse move closer and Arthur braced himself for what Merlin would do to him.

The little pony bumped Arthur sideways as Merlin's horse moved in on the other side and Merlin leant over to examine Arthur packing.

"There's no point messing around with this. Percival, go and get Arthur a horse."

"Sire," Percival said dismounting his stallion and he handed the reins to Lancelot. Lancelot's mare flattened her ears but Lancelot kept tight hold of her to keep her still.

"Sir Leon, take the main party and scout ahead, there is no point in all of us delaying," Merlin ordered, Arthur cringed a little lower, feeling very conspicuous in the middle of the group, while they waited because of his mistake.

Under lowered brows he saw Merlin's horse move closer to him again.

"I'm sorry, My Lord," Arthur said.

Merlin didn't reply, instead he urged his horse forward to order further instructions to the groups of soldiers, splitting them off now rather than waiting until they were further along their course. As he rode back Lancelot glanced at him, looking down at Arthur again, pressing himself against the little pack horse for reassurance.

"My Lord, can he even ride?"

Considering Merlin's mood, Lancelot decided not to ask Arthur directly. He didn't know if that was kinder or not as Merlin's gaze immediately locked on Arthur again.

"Well?" Merlin demanded. Arthur's head bobbed up momentarily, and then he lowered it again.

"I can, I just haven't for…" Arthur tailed off. He couldn't specifically remember the last time he had ridden a horse. "… a long while."

"How long is long?" Merlin snapped.

Arthur didn't feel entirely sure, he had never with Cenred, when he had accompanied the army he had always walked. The slow pace of the entourage meant that it hadn't ever been an issue. There had been two winters since Cenred had taken possession of him, so over a year, a little more. Arthur told Merlin so.

"We'll have to take a slow pace in the mountains anyway Merlin," Lancelot said. "He'll probably have time to get used to it."

Arthur inwardly cursed. With a new master he shouldn't have assumed anything, but the times he had been allowed to ride were so rare. He was a slave and not welcome to privileges such as that. Thankfully Merlin's glaring, which Arthur could feel, got cut off as Percival returned with a stocky chestnut pony. He had obviously guessed the same thing, as he spoke to Merlin.

"She can keep up, but she's docile."

"Fine!" Merlin snarled. "Get him mounted. Lancelot, you'd better lead the pack horse."

Percival took the lead from Arthur and held the leading rope in his left hand while he held the reins of the chestnut pony in the other. Arthur checked the saddle and hefted his foot up into the stirrup, wobbling as he did so. He literally flung himself up so desperate he felt to get mounted and let the moment end. It made him land a little inelegantly but he hung onto the saddle and gathered up the reins.

"Not so tight on her," Percival murmured to him and Arthur released the pressure slightly. The little pony waited, ears flicking as she assessed the environment, surrounded by the other horses. Percival tied of the pack pony's rein to Lancelot's saddle and then remounted his own horse.

Merlin, with one final disapproving glance, turned and dug his heels into his horse's sides. Percival and Lancelot urged Arthur on, making sure he put himself behind Merlin. Arthur stared at Merlin's back, now clad in chain mail and armour, concealed by a cloak of dark green, on which had been stitched a golden dragon, it's wings spread as if it was in flight.

Arthur kept his gaze on that as he concentrated on staying steady on the mare. As per Percival's information, the little mare happily followed Merlin's horse and the pace remained slow for most of the way. They walked through the uneven ground as they worked their way up into the hills. The speed increased where they could but places like that were few and far between, as was evidence of the fleeing army.

Merlin wanted to find Cenred, he seemed determined on that. Merlin didn't want him getting back across the border into safer territory. At that point Cenred could re-marshal forces calling on others to help. That was probably why he had taken the gold and gems, but yet, and Merlin couldn't work this out, he had left Arthur. Trading Arthur off had more worth if Cenred planned to appeal to anyone of nobility.

They paused to rest the horses as lunchtime, Arthur scurried round to serve Merlin, and Lancelot and Percival as they were close by, and then they remounted. By that point Arthur started to feel the strain of riding. His backside felt bruised, and his leg muscles felt strained. Still he could easily endure it, remembering from the previous times he had ridden. However, when Merlin called an end to the hunt, and the troops gathered for the night Arthur felt relieved, glad that he could be off the pony for the night and he could concentrate on setting up the camp, cooking the pheasant that Lancelot had brought down and again serving the small group that gathered around Merlin.

"Where are you going?" Merlin snapped, turning as Arthur went to skulk away.

"To feed the horses, My Lord."

"Eat your own food first, the horses are grazing, they can wait."

Arthur blinked, but an order was an order. He came back and took the cooking pot, which now only held the very dregs that no one, but Percival, really wanted. Arthur got the feeling the big knight had been warned off by Merlin.

"You eat when we do. You're no use to me half starved," Merlin ordered.

"Yes, My Lord."

Arthur felt much better for the food, his belly full and warm. As he finished his chores he returned to the camp and settled down, close to Merlin, waiting to see if his master needed anything. Merlin didn't pay him any attention as he discussed plans with the others. Arthur listened and waited.

"Are the soldiers on duty?" Merlin asked as they finished.

"Yes, My Lord," Lancelot said. "They'll rotate in the usual way."

"I'll take the first watch, you all get some rest. That includes you."

Merlin glared at Arthur again, who nodded, feeling slightly despondent. "Yes, My Lord."

He seemed to have started off all right that morning, but that had been when Merlin was asleep. For the rest of the day he hadn't seemed to have done anything right, and his body now ached from riding. There was a dull throbbing in his lower back and his legs felt the strain every time he moved.

Arthur snuggled into the bed, using the wool coat as an under sheet before wrapping himself up in his blankets, again wriggling out of his shirt and tucking it to one side as he curled up. Arthur felt miserable. He could only follow the instructions he was given and he kept seeming to get it wrong, and his legs and backside hurt from riding. Arthur didn't think he would be able to sleep with that low throbbing pain.

Although he had to concede, there had been worse things done to his backside than a day in a saddle.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

He felt a little tired, but the workings of his mind wouldn't allow Arthur to sleep. His bed roll felt comfortable and warm so he lay still and waited, mulling things over in his mind. Around him the rest of the group were sleeping. All but Merlin who sat on a fallen log, while he remained on watch, staring off into space as if thinking deeply. Arthur chewed on his lip again, coming to his final decision he pushed the covers down, except the coat, which as he knelt up he slid into, wrapping it around himself as he walked over to Merlin.

It snapped Merlin out of his contemplation as Arthur wandered over to him, head dropped as usual and Merlin noted that Arthur didn't meet his gaze. He didn't do that to anyone.

"I thought you were sleeping," Merlin said.

"I'm sorry, My Lord, I just… may I speak?"

Arthur didn't often behave in such a forward fashion. Most of the time he was ignored anyway, but he had had some fairly decent masters over the years, and his innate senses told him that Merlin would fall into that category. He certainly expected Arthur to be fed, and decently clothed. Arthur also guessed Merlin found torturing people somewhat abhorrent, but Arthur didn't doubt if he seriously stepped out of line the consequences would not be pretty. It was a combination of the fact that Merlin had been decent to him and self-preservation that made him act now.

Merlin looked mildly surprised at the request, but guessed that Arthur generally was seen and not heard.

"About what?"

"I didn't mean to listen in, but I overheard the discussion earlier. Cenred will be at the ravine, he'll withdraw that way."

Merlin raised his eyebrows. They had been speculating all night on the retreating king's movement.

"What makes you say that?"

"The ravine is booby trapped, he can cause a rockslide."

Merlin sat back, looking up at Arthur. Arthur's gaze had turned to fire.

"Sit down," Merlin ordered. And he felt very unsurprised when Arthur plonked himself down on the ground, crossing his legs and wrapping his coat around himself. There had been plenty of space to have sat next to Merlin on the log, but of course, Arthur wouldn't have dreamt of that. His movement had been entirely automatic, as were many things that irritated Merlin about Arthur. It was nothing more than what he had been taught. Arthur settled and patiently waited.

"When did he do that?"

"When we passed through down to the battle there." Arthur vaguely indicated the way they had come.

"Recently then?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes, My Lord."

"Where in the ravine?"

Arthur shook his head. "I don't know, I never went there, the main army passed through the lower inclines, I stayed with them."

"Cenred supervised it though?"

"I heard him talking with the generals. If they had to retreat, they could use the pass to trap… well… you."

Merlin pondered that, lifting a small flask he removed the stopper and sipped at it, before offering it to Arthur.

"It will warm you up," Merlin said.

Arthur took the flask and took a sip, the liquid burning his mouth and throat, but it left a pleasant warmth within him. Merlin directed his gaze at the fire and Arthur saw the flare of gold in Merlin's eyes and the fire rose, burning a little hotter. Arthur offered the flask back.

"Thank you, My Lord."

"Why would you bother to tell me that?" Merlin asked.

Arthur gave the mild shrug that Merlin, over the last day, had become familiar with.

"I'm normally asked. I usually find it better just to tell people what I know. If anything happens and you find out I already knew… it's safer this way."

"Most of the time people ask you the secrets you might know?"

"Usually. It's stupid of me to refuse, or lie."

"Huumm," Merlin murmured scratching his head. "I suppose in your case that's true. Is there anything else?"

"Not that I know," Arthur said. "I don't often travel with the army."

"So what do you do when Cenred leaves you?" Merlin said.

"I'm put to work in the barracks."

That sentence had obvious hints, and Merlin chose not to comment. He eyed Arthur's bent head, while Arthur found the glowing fire fascinating. Merlin reached out and touched Arthur's hair, finding it silky to the touch.

"Go on, like I said, you need to get some rest."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Arthur walked close to Merlin's horse, trying not to feel too perturbed by the turn of events. Merlin had gathered a small force of men to accompany him and then went to Arthur, tying his hands in front of him, leaving a length of rope with which to lead him with. Arthur hadn't questioned Merlin, it was not his place to. But he did wonder what Merlin had planned for him.

The journey was a little hard going, the uneven ground gave Arthur something to focus on as he walked, carefully keeping himself balanced. The landing would probably be painful if he slipped, but Merlin kept the party's pace slow as they manoeuvred themselves over the ground. Very slowly Arthur began to recognise the route they were taking, working their way around the ravine rather than going through it. Merlin appeared to have a plan of some sort formulated, and Arthur presumed, considering his current position, that he was part of it.

Arthur carefully walked up the incline as it steepened. Further up it levelled out into a flat plateau, which had been where Cenred had camped the army while he had worked on the ravine.

"Keep within the group," Merlin ordered as they cleared the slope and moved onto the level ground. Percival had moved closer, flanking Arthur, so he more than likely couldn't be seen. The knights and soldiers shifted, tightening their formation as the enemy appeared at the top of the steep hill. Arthur heard the sounds of swords being drawn and he huddled closer to Merlin's horse, pressing against the animal's belly, just past where Merlin's leg clamped to the horses' side.

"My Lord."

Merlin looked round, turning his horse to look, making sure that Arthur could stay close to him. Lower down than the rest of them Arthur couldn't see anything but the horses and riders that surrounded him. But the scene became clearer as Merlin urged his horse through the group and his men pulled their own mounts out of the way. Cenred had pinned them in, a group of his mercenaries behind as he blocked off the escape route. On the higher ground beyond the plateau his archers waited. One of them experimentally shot an arrow in the enemy's direction. It fell short, but once Cenred's flanking force pushed them back they could easily take shots at them.

Cenred shifted a pace or so in front of the waiting troops. Merlin did the same, Arthur stumbling along with him. Cenred's eyes rested on him for a moment, smirking. Arthur stared at Merlin's leg and he waited, dread slowly starting to form a cold pool in his stomach as he wondered what Merlin would do to him.

"I see the little blond trap sprung."

"That's why you left him behind, you expected me to question him, and he'd tell me about the rock slide," Merlin said calmly. "As it happened, he told me of his own accord."

"I thought you might have taken it anyway, I couldn't be too sure what you would do."

"Well, I did consider it, but then decided you would probably presume that. The only way to be sure of covering both possibilities was for you to come in from behind."

Cenred paused for a moment and then grinned. "The pretty little prince can tell you how good I am at that. Have you discovered his talents yet?"

Merlin said nothing. He just stared at Cenred for a moment.

"You can't win this Cenred. You appear to have pushed the other kings a little too far."

"And that's why they sent you. The little Dragonlord brat. Can your magic help you now? My force has got you on both sides."

"Not something I need to concern myself with. There are other ways to deal with you. I have an offer to make."

"I'm not interested in your offer," Cenred announced. Merlin smirked.

"I know the gold and gems you took will keep your men paid, but I can give them more. If they are willing to fight for it," Merlin paused, and then raised his voice. It seemed to project further than Arthur thought possible.

"For whoever can bring me the head of your king, I will hand you the Golden Prince, as a gift."

As he spoke, he jerked on the rope, dragging Arthur forward. The force of the pull off balanced him and Arthur almost dropped to his knees. At the last minute Merlin realised what Arthur was about to do, and he yanked again to keep Arthur on his feet.

"Stay standing!" Merlin hissed at him under his breath. Arthur did as he was told and watched. The army had paused, a large number of eyes swivelled in Arthur's direction and the bedraggled force behind Cenred shifted.

The movements were so sudden it made Arthur jump, as one of Cenred's men leapt towards him and the king spun to slam his sword against his attackers. It caused two more men to dive forward, crashing against each other, causing them to slash at each other. The reaction appeared to ripple out from that point. Arthur watched with wide, shocked eyes as the mercenaries fell on each other like wild dogs. Bodies fell, trampled under the feet of so many others. Cenred ended up surrounded, and he had no chance of survival. Arthur glanced up at Merlin, he watched the action with a grim expression, eyes fixed on the carnage. Arthur saw Cenred fall and a sword blade slashed down. He flinched, unconsciously huddling against the shoulder of Merlin's horse, not really wanting to see the horror unfolding.

He jumped slightly as Merlin's hand took hold of his bound wrists, moving him gently, drawing him back into his original position at the horses' flank. Arthur jumped again, and the horses' stirred, several of them whickering uneasily as a booming roar echoed around. Merlin smirked, turning his head to look up at the archers on the hillside, who suddenly had a group of Merlin's men fall on them, scattering them in all directions. Ones that headed down the hillside were met by some of the soldiers with Merlin.

Several of Cenred's army backed off, running away from the carnage but as they did so, the group led by Sir Leon appeared from behind them, cutting off the escape. He had triggered the trap in the ravine at the right time, and doubled back as Merlin had ordered him. After the reaction Merlin had caused, Cenred's army was in a very poor state. In the centre the struggle continued and Merlin guessed they were fighting over Cenred's head. The men slashed at each other almost frantically trying to win the prize.

Eventually one group appeared to take victory. Arthur recognised the man in the lead, one of Cenred's generals who appeared to have, in the middle of the battle, persuaded a contingent of a dozen men to follow him. He picked up the head, holding it by the hair, and they backed off from the rest of the army, the mercenaries flanking their leader keeping the others at bay as they headed out towards Merlin.

When he came within ten or so paces of Merlin the man threw the head, letting it fall at the feet of Merlin's horse. The animal lifted it's nose, snorting violently, Merlin's hands tightened the reins as the animal stamped. Arthur looked down at the head, Cenred's eyes staring at nothing. At some point in the fight he had received a brutal blow to the head, and the left side of his scalp had been shorn away. Arthur didn't feel much when he looked at the head of the man who had so recently owned him. It was not a particularly nice way to die. Arthur didn't think he truly wished that on anyone, but he had suffered at the hands of the king, and he couldn't say that he would miss him.

Now all he could do was wait and see what happened next. Although he couldn't honestly remember faces, he could easily assume that all of the mercenaries in the group had, at some point, used him. The leader stared at him, eyes glittering with victory and lust.

"I've brought his head, give me our prize."

Arthur waited. He didn't move, he'd wait for Merlin to step forward to hand him over.

"Before I do so, perhaps you should know," Merlin said steadily, pausing for a moment before adding. "I lied."

The words were spoken so calmly that they appeared to take a few moments to truly sink in. The mercenary stared at him, eyes widening, then he looked down at the head discarded on the floor. Arthur stared up at Merlin, but he didn't have time to consider what Merlin had done as the men rushed forward. Merlin's force ran to meet them. Several of the mercenaries fell, crashing into what seemed like an invisible wall. Merlin backed his horse up, pulling a stumbling Arthur with him.

"Maleagant!" Merlin snapped. The knight on foot ran forward, catching the length of rope tethering Arthur as Merlin threw it.

"Take Arthur past the force on the left flank and return him to camp. You two with him!"

"Yes, My Lord."

As soon as Maleagant yanked Arthur clear Merlin drew his sword, an angry snarl crossing Merlin's face as he dug his heels into his horses' sides and urged the animal forward. Maleagant wound up Arthur's lead so he could pull him close and he dragged him to one side, yanking him clear of the ongoing battle and around the force, led by Leon, which hurried up the slope to take the remaining mercenary force on the side. Arthur glanced back, but couldn't see anything clearly, and then as he stumbled he turned to look where he was going as the knight dragged him into the shelter of the rock face. The two men with him took flanking positions as they made their way to the tree line disappearing into the forest, taking cover from the storm.

Arthur trailed along, stumbling occasionally, while he processed exactly what had happened. He could presume that Merlin hadn't had any intention of handing him over. But he knew what he said would cause the mercenaries to turn on each other. The money would keep them happy but in the long run, if they sought sanctuary with any of the nobles of the land, Arthur would be a far better bargaining tool. Cenred probably thought to reclaim him when he took Merlin down, but Merlin had somehow let himself fall into Cenred's trap, as a trap for Cenred.

"My Lord, the camp is that way," a soldier said. Arthur looked up and blinked.

"I'm taking precautions," Maleagant said, turning to smile at the men and then his gaze drifted to Arthur. "The battle may last, there's no rush."

Arthur allowed himself to be drawn deeper into the trees, until at a quiet spot Maleagant called a halt, pushing Arthur down so he landed on his hands and knees.

"You mean, we can make use of him?" one of the soldiers asked, voice lowering.

Arthur felt a hand run over his backside and it squeezed him between his legs.

"Not that way. That leaves a little too much evidence, better if he swallows it."

Maleagent's boots appeared in Arthur's eye line and a hand wound into his hair, pulling him up and pushing him back to sit on his heels. Arthur looked up and didn't resist as the knight pushed two leather clad fingers into his mouth. He didn't fight, but he didn't respond either, and he watched as Maleagant eagerly pulled at his laces to free his erection. The man's dark eyes looked as eager as the mercenary's had minutes earlier, and a dull flush now blossomed over his cheeks as his excitement rose. Arthur sighed heavily as the fingers were replaced and he winced as the hand wound back into his hair.

"Don't let me interrupt."

Arthur felt as if his hair was going to be dragged out from the roots as Maleagant yanked his head back. Arthur watched the erection dwindle to nothing and no doubt that meant Merlin's cold glare had fixed on his knight.

"My Lord. I meant no disrespect…"

"You wouldn't dream of touching anything else of mine," Merlin said. Arthur shivered at the chilling tone of voice and he couldn't be surprised. Merlin had decimated an army with nothing more than a few words.

"I'm sorry… My Lord."

Arthur risked a glance up. There was real fear in Maleagant's voice and in his face, which had turned dramatically pale under his olive toned skin. Merlin said nothing more and Arthur watched the knight back up, hastily stuffing his genitals back into his trousers, while he and the two soldiers stumbled away. Arthur sat still and waited as Merlin walked over to him, and taking him firmly by the upper arm hauled him to his feet. Lifting Arthur's hand he unbound the rope, drawing it clear, checking Arthur's wrists for damage before winding the rope up.

Merlin turned and walked off through the forest. "Come on then," he said over his shoulder to Arthur.

Arthur, confused, tired and sore, followed.