Watership down 2 - a new threat

Chapter 36

Chapter 36: The Tale of the Beast

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees, the rabbits gathered around a small clearing. Hazel had called for a meeting, wanting to ensure everyone was prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. The mood was tense, but a flicker of camaraderie remained among the group.

To lift their spirits and distract from the impending conflict, Hazel decided to share a story. "Let me tell you a tale that has been passed down through the generations," he began, his voice steady yet inviting.

"What kind of tale?" Hawkbit asked, perking up at the prospect of a diversion.

"It's a tale of the beast that once roamed the woods long before any of us were born," Hazel replied, capturing everyone's attention. "They say it was a creature of nightmares, larger than any rabbit, with fur as dark as a moonless night and eyes that glowed like embers."

Bigwig scoffed, "A beast? You mean like Woundwort?"

The group chuckled, but Hazel continued undeterred. "No, this beast was different. It hunted the unwary, preying on those who wandered too far from home. The elders warned that it was best to stay close to familiar paths, lest one fall victim to its voracious appetite."

Dandelion leaned in, intrigued. "What did it do to those it caught?"

"They say it would capture them and take them deep into its lair—a hidden den filled with the treasures it had stolen from the forest," Hazel explained. "It was a place of darkness and despair, where no light could reach. The unfortunate rabbits who entered never returned."

Fiver shifted uneasily. "Is this really just a tale, Hazel? Or is there some truth to it?"

Hazel smiled reassuringly. "It's a story meant to remind us of the dangers of the unknown. But the truth, Fiver, is that legends often have roots in reality. The beast, though mythical, represents the fears we carry within us."

"Did anyone ever confront this beast?" Blackberry asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Ah, that's the heart of the tale," Hazel replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "One brave rabbit, a hero of sorts, decided enough was enough. He gathered a group of his fellow rabbits and set off to confront the beast. They followed the signs—the missing rabbits, the strange tracks, and the chilling howls echoing through the night."

"And what happened?" asked Hawkbit, leaning forward eagerly.

"The brave rabbit and his companions ventured deep into the woods, where the trees grew thick and the shadows loomed large. They faced trials and tribulations, overcoming their fears as they drew closer to the beast's lair. With courage and cunning, they devised a plan to outsmart the creature."

Bigwig smirked, "Let me guess, they scared it off with a loud noise?"

"Not quite," Hazel said with a grin. "Instead, they used their wits. They created a decoy—a replica of a rabbit made from leaves and twigs, placed just outside the lair. When the beast emerged, it was confused by the sight. Thinking it had found an easy meal, it lunged for the decoy, allowing the real rabbits to sneak in and rescue their friends."

"That's clever!" Dandelion exclaimed.

Fiver couldn't help but smile at the story. "So, in a way, they turned the beast's strength against it?"

"Exactly," Hazel replied, his tone earnest. "The hero rabbit understood that sometimes, it's not about facing brute strength with strength of your own, but about using your intelligence and the bonds of friendship to overcome fear."

As the tale concluded, a contemplative silence enveloped the group. Each rabbit reflected on the story's deeper meaning, especially in light of the challenges they faced with Woundwort and his soldiers.

"Maybe we can take a lesson from that brave rabbit," Fiver suggested. "We have each other, and we can use our minds to outmaneuver Woundwort. We don't have to fight him head-on; we can find ways to outsmart him."

Bigwig nodded, his previous doubts slowly dissipating. "I like that idea, Fiver. We've faced a lot together, and if we stick together, we can find a way to protect our own."

Hazel smiled, sensing the renewed determination among them. "Let's rest tonight, gather our strength, and prepare for tomorrow. Just like the brave rabbit, we will face our beast together, united as one."

As they settled down for the night, the story of the beast lingered in their minds—a reminder of their own fears, the strength they had as a group, and the power of cleverness and teamwork in the face of adversity. The stars twinkled overhead, and for the first time in days, there was a sense of hope glimmering in the darkness.