Over The Hills And Far Away

by Keeralie Starflight

Chance, son of Campion and Blackberry, is accused and convicted of a crime he did not commit. One thing keeps him from saying where he really was when the crime was committed. Chance's journey sometimes almost seems to shadow that of Campion's, but at other times, his path leads him in new directions. Will he ever clear his name and return to the Down?

2. Chapter 2

Chapter Two:

"They marched him to the station house,
he waited for the dawn.
And as they led him to the dock,
he knew that he'd been wronged.
"You stand accused of robbery,"
he heard the bailiff say.
He knew without an alibi,
tomorrow's light would mourn his freedom."

Chance awoke to see Shay standing over him.

"Any more tantrums?" Shay taunted, "We're ready for you now!"

Chance struggled against the two Owslars who held him fast.

"Let go!" he cried, "Let go, or tell me what I am accused of having done!"

"Why should we tell you what you already know?" Shay asked, "Get up. We're taking you to Mallow-rah."

Chance sighed. He knew exactly what he had done, but he didn't see how Shay could have found out.

The sienna buck allowed the Owslars to lead him out of the burrow, and out into the open. Although it was late, there were many rabbits outside. Chance's eyes searched the crowd until he saw his mother. Blackberry was standing close to his little sister, Daisy. Her blue eyes were wide with confusion and worry, while Daisy looked like she was about to cry. His gaze roved further, eagerly scanning the crowd until he saw her. Her big green eyes met his for a fraction of a second, then he looked away. If he even looked at her now, it could incriminate him.

Finally, they halted in front of a small, wiry brown buck. Mallow-rah resembled his father, Hazel, in build, but his fur colors were more like those of his uncle, Fiver. The Chief Rabbit's big blue eyes surveyed Chance gravely.

"Do you know why you are here, Chance?" he said softly. Chance shook his head.

"No, Mallow-rah."

"You are here," Mallow-rah said, "Because this very night, my kits were kidnapped. Shay found all three dead at the bottom of the Down. With your scent on them, Chance."

"I was nowhere near the bottom of the Down then!" Chance protested, "Mallow, you've got to believe me..."

Shay cuffed him.

"That's Mallow-rah to you!"

"Shay, don't!" Mallow said, "Chance, can you prove where you were when the kidnapping and murder occurred? If not, you know the consequences."

Chance looked straight at his Chief. He knew what his answer must be, but he also knew that that answer would seal his destiny.

"No, Mallow-rah. I can not tell you."

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I know the chapters are short, but they probably will get longer. Please review, even if it's only one word. ;) I know it takes a couple minutes, but I don't care if the review is a century from now, I'll read it.