Watership down 2 - a new threat

Chapter 12

Chapter 12: An Unexpected Find

The group had been on the move for hours, searching for sustenance amid the sprawling landscape of London. The air was thick with the scents of the city—greasy remnants of food, the tang of exhaust, and the musty odor of dampness. Fiver felt a mix of hope and trepidation; they needed to find food if they were to strengthen their resolve against the threats looming over them.

As they ventured deeper into a quiet park, a familiar face appeared on the horizon. Blackavar bounded toward them, his usual spirited demeanor slightly muted. In his mouth, he carried a bunch of lettuce, but it had a strange, pungent smell that wafted through the air.

"Look what I found!" Blackavar announced, dropping the lettuce triumphantly in front of the group. "I had to sneak past a couple of humans, but I think it's worth it."

Bigwig sniffed the air skeptically. "What's that smell? It's not like any lettuce I've ever encountered."

"Yeah," Dandelion added, wrinkling his nose. "More like it's been sitting out for a week."

Blackavar shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I thought it was fine. Just a little extra flavor. Besides, it's food! We can't afford to be picky."

Fiver stepped forward, his instincts urging caution. "Are you sure it's safe? I've seen some plants in my visions that could be dangerous."

"Come on, Fiver, it's just lettuce," Bigwig said, rolling his eyes. "We'll be fine. Besides, we're starving."

Hazel, watching the exchange, interjected. "Let's just be careful. We can test a little before diving in. Blackavar, do you know where you found it?"

"Just over by the fence where some humans were tossing scraps," Blackavar replied. "It looked fresh enough."

"Let's take a small piece and see how it affects us," Hazel suggested, always the voice of reason. "We can't afford to have anyone sick right now, especially with the efrafans chasing us."

With a nod, Blackavar tore a small leaf from the bunch and offered it to Hazel. After inspecting it carefully, Hazel took a cautious bite, chewing slowly as everyone watched. Moments later, he swallowed, nodding slightly. "It's not bad... a bit different, but edible."

Feeling a wave of relief wash over him, Fiver decided to give it a try. He took a tiny piece, letting the flavors dance on his tongue. Surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as he had expected, though the strange smell lingered in the air.

"Alright, let's eat," Hazel encouraged. "We need our strength."

As they shared the unusual meal, laughter erupted, lightening the tension that had weighed them down. Blackavar, proud of his find, basked in the attention, recounting his daring escape from the humans. The group slowly relaxed, their spirits buoyed by the food and camaraderie.

Yet, in the back of Fiver's mind, unease lingered like a shadow. He couldn't shake the feeling that danger was still close, and they would need all their strength and wits to face whatever came next.