Watership down 2 - a new threat

Chapter 57

Chapter 57: Wrong Bad News

The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the ground as Hazel and his companions settled into their makeshift camp. They were weary but relieved to have escaped the stench of death and the overwhelming weight of despair. The chatter among the group was quiet, a mix of exhaustion and lingering fear, as they huddled close together for warmth and comfort.

Just as they were starting to relax, Fiver's ears perked up, and he turned towards the path they had taken to escape the building. Hazel noticed the shift in Fiver's expression—his eyes widened, and his breathing quickened.

"What is it, Fiver?" Hazel asked, concern lacing his voice.

"I don't know," Fiver replied, his tone anxious. "But something doesn't feel right. I can sense it."

Before Hazel could respond, the sound of rustling leaves reached their ears. Everyone tensed, instinctively drawing closer together. The forest seemed to hold its breath, the usual sounds of wildlife falling silent as if the world was waiting.

Suddenly, a figure burst through the underbrush—a rabbit, eyes wide with fear and panic. Hazel's heart sank at the sight. It was one of the scouts they had sent out earlier to gather information.

"What's wrong?" Hazel demanded, rushing forward. "What happened?"

The scout was panting heavily, struggling to catch his breath. "W-Woundwort... he's found us. He's leading a group of soldiers this way!"

The words struck like a thunderclap, and a wave of dread washed over the group. Hazel felt his stomach drop. They had hoped to find refuge, a moment of peace to regroup and heal, but it seemed that was not meant to be.

"How many soldiers?" Hazel asked, forcing himself to stay calm despite the rising tide of fear.

"Too many," the scout replied, shaking his head. "I couldn't count them all, but it's a full battalion. They're heading straight for us."

Panic spread through the group like wildfire. Bigwig stepped forward, his expression resolute. "We need to move. We can't stay here; we have to find a new place to hide!"

"Wait," Hazel said, trying to think clearly amid the chaos. "We need a plan. Running blindly won't help us against Woundwort. He knows how to track us."

"Then what do you suggest?" Hawkbit asked, his voice edged with anxiety. "We can't let him catch us. He'll kill us all!"

"We need to split up," Hazel said, formulating a strategy. "Some of us can create diversions, draw Woundwort's attention away while the others find shelter in the hills. Fiver, can you lead those who stay behind to safety?"

Fiver nodded, his face pale but determined. "I can guide them."

"Then it's settled," Hazel said, his heart racing. "We'll need to move fast, but we can't lose our heads. We're stronger together, but we also need to be smart."

As they hurriedly began to prepare for their escape, a sense of urgency gripped Hazel. They were all on edge, the impending threat of Woundwort looming larger with each passing moment. Hazel glanced around at his friends, each one a vital part of their fragile community, and felt a swell of determination.

"We've faced danger before, and we've come out on the other side," Hazel said, trying to instill hope. "We can do it again. Trust in each other and in our instincts. We'll find a way through this."

Just then, a loud rustling echoed through the trees, and the first shadows of Woundwort's soldiers appeared on the horizon. Hazel's heart raced as he looked back at his friends, their expressions a mixture of fear and resolve.

"Now!" Hazel shouted, and the group sprang into action, their lives hanging in the balance as they faced the oncoming storm of Woundwort's wrath.