Watership down 2 - a new threat

Chapter 11

Chapter 11: The Weight of Prophecy

The first light of dawn crept into the camp, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Fiver sat quietly, still haunted by the remnants of his nightmare. The others were stirring, their sleepy faces illuminated by the gentle sunlight, but he knew he couldn't delay any longer. Hazel needed to know what he had seen.

Fiver took a deep breath, steeling himself against the unease that twisted in his stomach. He found Hazel sitting by the fire, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. With a heavy heart, Fiver approached him, feeling the weight of his words pressing down like a heavy stone.

"Hazel," he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

Hazel looked up, concern flickering in his gaze. "What is it, Fiver? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I... I had a nightmare. It felt so real," Fiver said, his voice trembling slightly. "There were bodies everywhere, and I was standing next to one... a rabbit I didn't recognize." His heart raced as he recalled the horror. "Woundwort was there, taunting me. He said I couldn't escape this fate."

Hazel frowned, his brow furrowing with worry. "That's terrible, Fiver. But you know we can't let those visions control us. We're stronger than that."

Fiver shook his head, fighting back the nausea that threatened to rise. "But what if it's a warning? What if it's showing me what's going to happen?"

"I understand how you feel," Hazel replied, placing a comforting paw on Fiver's shoulder. "But you've been doing a remarkable job of holding it together after these visions. You're not getting sick this time. That means you're growing stronger."

Fiver looked into Hazel's eyes, searching for reassurance. "But what if I can't stop it? What if the visions are right this time?"

Hazel squeezed his shoulder gently. "We won't let that happen. We've faced dangers before, and we'll face this one together. You lead us with your instincts, Fiver. If we prepare and stay vigilant, we can change the outcome."

Fiver nodded slowly, feeling a flicker of hope in his chest. "You're right. We need to warn the others and prepare for what's to come."

"Let's gather everyone and share what you saw," Hazel said, rising to his feet. "We need to know how to fight back."

As they moved to rouse the others, Fiver felt a sense of purpose fill him. Despite the darkness of his vision, he had Hazel by his side, and together they would find a way to protect their new home from the impending threat. With every step, Fiver reminded himself that they had overcome great odds before, and they would do so again.