Watership down 2 - a new threat

Chapter 6

Chapter 6: The Chase

The gang's trek through London was unexpectedly interrupted when, just beyond a narrow alleyway, Hazel heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps—several pairs, steady and fast. Fiver's ears pricked, and his eyes widened in alarm. "Efrafa's soldiers... they're here."

Bigwig glanced over his shoulder, his expression hardening. "We need to run, now!"

Without a second thought, the group broke into a sprint, their feet pounding against the pavement as they wove through the labyrinth of alleyways and streets. Each turn seemed to echo with the relentless footsteps of the Efrafan soldiers, drawing closer and closer.

Fiver was in the lead, his instincts guiding him through twists and turns, barely allowing them time to look back. Violet stumbled but was quickly caught by Hazel, who urged her forward. Bigwig stayed close to the rear, keeping an eye on the soldiers' advance, his determination intensifying with each step.

The streets blurred as they picked up speed, adrenaline driving them forward. Fiver's voice carried back to the others. "Keep going! We're close—I can feel it."

As they rounded a final corner, the landscape opened up to reveal a stretch of open ground leading to the distant silhouette of a hill. Hazel glanced behind, seeing the Efrafans still in pursuit but losing ground. With a final burst of energy, they sprinted toward the hill, feeling a sense of hope—perhaps this would be their escape, the sanctuary Fiver had foreseen.

One by one, they ascended, reaching the top just as the Efrafan soldiers slowed, their figures fading into the distance. Panting and exhausted, the gang paused, each looking at the high, lonely hill with both relief and anticipation. This would be their safe haven, at least for now.