Final answer:
The sorcerers are symbolically walking backwards as a form of punishment, symbolizing a reversal of their actions or a rejection of their practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
In reference to the various excerpts given, the sorcerers appear to be walking backwards as their form of punishment. This interpretation comes from the symbolic act of retreating or reversing one's actions, which could be associated with a desire to undo or reject their darker practices or connections. The backward movement signifies a contradiction or penalty, contrasting with the notion of forward progress typically associated with positive actions. It is not an explicit punishment found in a particular text, but rather a thematic interpretation that aligns with common literary depictions of retraction or atonement for wrongdoings.