28th
I neared the top of hill, battered, broken, and bloody. My one leg dragged useless behind me, but I pulled myself forward, leaving a trail of my blood in the trampled green grass. Ahead of me I could see a tree, which had stood tall at the beginning of the day, but was now shattered and burnt, the twisted wreckage of it a reminder of the fierce battle below. I hauled myself upright using one of the few intact lower branches on the tree, and looked out over the glittering ocean ahead of me. On the waters great warships sailed round each other, firing cannons and flaming arrows to try and sink their opponent, or burn the ship to a floating husk. Mirroring what had transpired only hours ago behind me on these now sovereign shores. As I watched the mayhem unfolding on otherwise peaceful waters, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned in time to feel lead rip through my stomach and sever my spinal cord. The final strength taken from me, I crumpled, my eyes focusing only on two black boots and a flash of red as my life faded to nothingness.
