So they stood with their heads up, staring with red eyes.

Again they came together.

Again they shoved and strained, and the dust caked on the blood that covered them.

The ground beneath them that was dry, was now muddy from the trampled blood.

Then they swung their heads and struck, grunting at the blows, and stood apart, and came together, till the blood started from their ears.
Their breath came in gasps, and the silence was broken.