Little things began to tease me, notably the ache of my swollen wrists, and the intolerable cramp in my legs.
Then came a sharp burst of pain as a tongue of flame licked on my anointed ankles.

Anguish like hell-fire ran through my frame.

I think I would have cried out if my tongue had had the power.

Suddenly I envisaged the dreadful death which was coming.

All was wiped from my mind, all thought of Ringan, and home, and honour; everything but this awful fear.