Earlier that day, Hazel, Bigwig, Blackberry and Pipkin hopped up a Hill not too far from the farm, Pipkin looked back.
"So do we go back?" He asked.
"Of course we go back." Said Bigwig. "I could have held off that Cat but you just had to blow it Didn't you?"
"We just couldn't do it then, Not with the Cat about." Said Hazel. "But maybe if they weren't awake."
"Ey? What are you on about?" Asked Bigwig.
"We'll wait until Dark." Said Hazel as he hoped to the edge of the Hill.
Meanwhile, By the next Morning, Holly, Fiver and Bluebell had been marched along a path heading to a Another Belt of Woods.
"Holly I don't like the look of this." Said Fiver.
"Easy now…" Said Holly. "Everything will be fine.
As Orchis and His Rabbits led them through the Belt, They came upon the most Gastly things they had ever seen, There, just in view was what looked like a Man made structure, Set between two crossing Bridal paths, Two Towers could be sean one in the Front and Back of a Large dead Twisted Tree, Overlooking a Pit.
"What is this place?" Wondered Holly in fear.
"My esteemed guests." Said Orhis from a Tree stump. "Welcome to Efrafa."
He hopped off the Stump and went ahead, Cackling as he looked back at the Prisoners.
"Right, Get a move on you lot." Ordered the Brown Rabbit.
The Rabbits moved along with their Captors and looked about as they began to enter the warren, Several Rabbits were everywhere, Mostly does and Smaller bucks, Who were watched by Several larger Rabbits as they Silflayed, They caught a glimpse of One doe who got cuffed to the Ground by a guard.
"No talking!"
"Rabbit's weren't meant to live like this." Scowled Fiver.
Holly could barely make out a few large branches behind the First tower.
"They're not looking out for Eli." He Said. "They're making sure nobody leaves…"
His attention was quickly diverted to another assembly of Rabbits up ahead, Among them was a Large stocky Brown Rabbit, Who was telling off some does.
"Get back to the Warren, Doe!" She snarled as he struck a doe across the face, Sending her to the Ground.
Holly nearly hopped right over to Charlock, But Orchis got in his way.
"Are you the Fool who's supposed to be Supervising this Mark?" The Rabbit asked a Brown slightly Obese Rabbit with Green eyes and Blue circles under his eye's.
"Well, I don't-" The Rabbit barely protested before the other one Pinned him to the Ground with his front paw on his face.
"Concentrate, Captain." The Rabbit scowled. "Give these Does an inch and they'll be gone." He then removed his paw and turned to the Captains aid, A similar Rabbit with a More taller Build. "You, Lieutenant Avens You'rs and Captain Chervil's services are no longer required, Return to your mark."
"Yes, Sir at once." Said Avens as he and Chervil hopped off, The Rabbit turned to two other Rabbits, One was a Greyish white Buck with a Fat Face and the Other was a Slightly Smaller Buck with a Green tint to his fur and a Mask around his eyes.
"Sergeant, Corporal, Get them to the hole."
"Yes Sir."
"As you wish, Sir."
The two Bucks then escorted the Does away.
"Another Escape Captain Charlock?" Asked the Brown Rabbit.
"Same old Campion, Same old." Scoffed the Rabbit. "Nothing the Owslafa couldn't handle, I thought you and Vervain were on a Separate Patrol from My Brother, And what have you got here?"
Holly composed himself and Cleared his throat. "We have come to ask-"
"Silence!" Snarled Charlock. "You'll speak when you're Spoken to directly and not before."
Holly shut up at this.
"We picked these up not long after we met up with Orchis." Explained The Black Bearded Rabbit called Vervain.
"There was a fourth Rabbit, But alas our Brave captains couldn't Catch him." Quiped Orchis, Vervain glared.
"Hmm, One for the Council." Mused Charlock. "I'll take them down with me."
Charlock hopped off, With the Guards forcing Holly's group to follow, They entered the Chimney that led to a Tunnel, They came to a stop when the tunnel stopped a hole leading downwards, Charlock Shoved Holly down it where he landed, The others climbed down after him, After that Charlock led them to a small chamber, In a small portal beside them were the same four Does from Earlier, Guarded by the Same Corporal and Sergeant from earlier as well.
"Wait here until the Council is ready to see you." Said Charlock as he Hopped off, As he left Holly, Fiver and Bluebell could hear the Does whispering.
"What if they seperate us?" Asked the one of the two small ones.
"They won't." Replied an Amber doe. "Leave the talking to me, So long as we stick together-"
She then noticed the Three bucks.
"New comers eh?"
Before Holly or the others could reply, A Week grunt was heard and out from another tunnel came the most Wretched thing any of them had ever seen, A Black Brownish Rabbit with torn ears and Scars all over his Body Limped along, Proded by his Guard until he was face to face with Holly.
"So they got you in the end after all, Didn't they?" He muttered weakly.
Holly was taken aback. "I'm sorry?"
"Three days ago, A little ways from here, I'll admit, It was definitely you, I told you and your friends to flee these hills." Said the Rabbit.
"Wait… You're that Rabbit?" Asked Holly, The Rabbit nodded.
"What happened… Who did this to you?" Asked Fiver.
"They did…" Grunted the Rabbit. "It's as I said… Beware them all, Beware the-"
"Sainfoin." Said Charlock as he came back. "The Council wants Blackavar taken to each of the marks at Syflay as an example to the others, Take him over to Captain Chervil's mark First.
The Sergeant, Who's name was Sainfoin Nodded with a smirk and Carried out his task.
"And Moss." Charlock said to the Corporal. "Those Does are to be seperated and remarked accordingly."
"What?!" The Does were shocked. "But we haven't even met with the Council yet." Protested the Leader.
"Perhaps you feel you're being treated unfairly, Hyzenthlay?" Asked Charlock Standing on his Hind legs menacingly.
Hyzenthlay drew back a little. "No… Captain."
"Good." Said Charlock. "It would be unfortunate if I had to bloody my teeth."
Moss led the does away, Holly glared at Charlock hatefully.
"Right Vermin, You're next." Said Charlock as he turned away.
"You lack Animality!"
Charlock stopped in his tracks at Holly's words.
"What did you say to me?" He asked.
"You have no Integrity." Said Holly. "Rabbits Shouldn't behave like men, If they have to fight, They fight, If they have to kill they Kill, But they don't set their wits to devices ways of hurting other creatures."
Charlock had turned back to Holly and Inched closer to him, Than spoke in a low menacing voice, Anger clear across his face.
"If you speak out of turn to me again, I will have your tongue, Next time you see me, You better wish yourself invisible."
Holly gave no hint of fear, Charlock then turned away and hopped up to where the Entrance was.
"That is the scariest Rabbit I have ever met." Said Bluebell.
"What have we gotten ourselves involved with?" Asked Fiver as the guards shoved them along.
At the Mouth of the Entrance chamber, The Rabbits Crossed a plank bridge that overlooked a pit, Down in the Pit were more Rabbit Prisoners, Looking starved and Worse for were, Bluebell shivered.
"C'mon move it!" Snapped the Guard as he shoved Bluebell, The rabbits entered the Chamber where Five Large Rabbits were situated on a pile of Bricks, Charlock, Orchis, The Brown Rabbit Campion and the Bearded Rabbit Vervain were also present, Among the Rabbits was an Old White Doe, With cold Stern eyes that could take the nerve out of any rabbit.
"These are the Rabbits Captains Orchis, Campion and Vervain captured when they were asserting the wide Patrol Lady Snowdrop." Said Charlock.
"They were down by Caesars belt." Said Orchis, Chuckling. "The little one, Tell's stories."
"I just thought of a joke." Said Bluebell.
"Don't. You. Dare." Fiver whispered. "What did I say about inappropriate jokes?
"You there, At the front." Called Snowdrop. "Speak."
Holly moved forward and cleared his throat. "We're from a warren, Not too far away, We came to request, That some of your does… Be asked… If they'd like to join us."
"Let me get this straight?" Asked Charlock. "You came to Efrafa to ask if you could take our Does?"
"Uh yes?" Said Holly sheepishly.
"Ha! A little asking too much for an Outsider." Sneered Vervain.
And He, Orchis, Charlock, The Council and the guards began to laugh, Unaware of the figure behind them.
"Enough!" Growled a low raspy voice.
The Room went dead silent, Above the Council on a small portal was the Biggest, Most Savage Rabbit they had ever met, He was as Large as a Hare, Had Black fur with tints of Brown and Green, Notched ears and his eyes were the most terrifying thing about him, The Right eye was blind and whites the Moon, But the left, Was completely Red with only a black dot as a pupil.
"Vervain is right." He said. "Gifting our does is out of the Question."
"I take it back." Said Bluebell. "That's the scariest rabbit I have ever met."
"No, No! We can't leave here without putting our case forward Properly." Holly said Desperately.
"Leave here?" The Giant almost laughed. "Who said you were going to leave here?"
Holly Rallied again. "We really do feel, It would be beneficial for both our warrens, Uh, Captain…"
"My name is Woundwort, General Woundwort."
Holly felt himself shrink at the name, He then noticed Fiver shuddering at the last thing Woundwort said. "General Woundwort."
"Now then." Said the General. "If there is nothing left to say…"
"Wait! You still haven't heard us out!" Said Holly.
"I've heard enough for myself to hear." Dismissed Woundwort.
Holly rallied again. "You know what? At this point I'm just gonna ask which you prefer, War or Peace, Life or Death."
Woundwort glared down at the Grey Rabbit. "You dare overstep yourself and now ask which I prefer? Every well than, War or Peace, I answer… War. You ask which I prefer, Life or Death… I answer Death!"
Holly and Bluebell Gasped!
"There, All your questions are answered." Said Woundwort. "Charlock, Summon the Owslafa."
Charlock stamped his foot and Four Large Rabbits came in and Surrounded Holly, Fiver and Bluebell, Woundwort started to turn away.
Fiver suddenly began to moan out strange things. "Ohh… Darkhaven is Destroyed!"
Woundwort suddenly stopped in his tracks at the Word.
"Hold!" He barked as a Guard nearly swiped Fiver. "He said Darkhaven…"
"T-the Homba in the Garden!" Fiver went on. "Led it back home! Man with a Gun! Fire in the Field! Save him, Laurel!"
"Laurel… My mother…" Whispered Woundwort. "Council! Guards! Leave us!"
The Council and Owslafa retreated underground, Leaving Woundwort, with Campion, Vervain, Orchis and Charlock behind with the Prisoners.
"Only the Black Rabbit of Inle could know these things…" Muttered Woundwort.
"A weasel!" Continued Fiver. "Coming through the Bushes, Getting Closer and Closer… Smelling the Blood! Too tired to Run away… Too Tired to Run!"
The last words echoed in Wondworts mind as he Went Tharn.
Flashback.
In his head, Woundwort stared helplessly as his Mother Stood beside him, A large Weasel Stalked towards them and snarled as it moved forward, Woundworts mother gave him a loving look than surged forward against the Weasel, Only for it to Tear out her throat… To the Young Woundworts horror.
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"
Holly caught Fiver has he collapsed.
"Who are you?" Asked Woundwort as he Recovered. "And what in Friths name is he?"
"I told you." Said Holly. "We are but Simple Rabbits, From another Warren."
"Where is your Warren?" Asked Woundwort.
"I cannot say."
Woundwort eyed the three Rabbits for a moment.
"Hmm… Perhaps I was too hasty to kill you off." He said Thoughtfully. "Perhaps sparing you would be a wiser course."
"So we get to live?" Asked Bluebell.
"Oh yes, You'll live." Said Woundwort Deviously. "But there will be no further occasion to waste Mine or the Council's time."
"Are we to live as Prisoners?" Asked Holly. "That we cannot do either."
Woundwort scowled. "You think your hear to negotiate with us and Strike a bargain, We are the ones who decide what you are, And you."
Fiver suddenly woke up. "What is your Name?" Asked Woundwort.
"Hrairoo, But everyone calls me Fiver." Said Fiver.
"I shall remember you, Fiver." Said Woundwort Darkly. "Campion, Have em Marked."
A while later, Campion had Holly, Fiver and Bluebell placed with two of the Does they had met earlier and led them down a Dark run to an Unknown part of Efrafa.
"Where are they taking us?" Asked Holly.
"Shh, To Mark you." Said the Doe next to him.
"What?" Asked Holly.
"They're going to Mark you!" The Doe said. "On which leg tells you where you'll live in Efrafa, What time you can Eat, Go Outside, Pass Hraka."
"You mean it's…" Fiver shuddered. "It's all just a Prison."
"They tell us it's to keep us safe from Man." Said the other Doe." They tell us it's better to give up a little Liberty in exchange for Safety but's all just a Load of all Lendrei beard!"
"Nettle! Quit!" Hushed the Doe.
"No talk!" Drawled a Guard.
They turned a corner and Entered a large Chamber with a Pit inside with a Broken cage serving as a ramp And at the Bottom of it, Was a large black Droopy eared Rabbit, with a Long Snaggle Nailed Toe, Which he scraped across the Ground.
"Who's First?" Asked Campion.
"I'll go first." Said Nettle. "I'm not scared."
She hopped down and slid to the Bottom of the Pit, The Rabbit saw her and moved closer to pin her down.
"Why don't the Other Rabbit's try to escape?" Asked Holly.
The Doe said Nothing.
"Hyzenthlay, Your name is Hyzenthlay isn't it?
"Keep your voice down!" Shushed Hyzenthlay. "In Efrafa even the Soil has ears, If by some miracle you did manage to escape they'd destroy everything you left behind, Or at least, That's what they threaten."
In the hole, The droop eared Rabbit Sniffed Nettle, brought it's Snaggle toe up to her Hind and Scratched it causing her to Whimper out in pain, Campion looked away slightly with his eye's closed for a Brief moment.
"Don't you dare avert your eyes Captain." Holly Glared. "You're the one subjecting us to this."
"I'm following orders." Said Campion. "That's what soldiers do."
"Take it from me." Said Holly. "What makes a good soldier, Doesn't always make a good Rabbit."
At that moment Nettle limped back up and Joined the Others.
"Move it!" Sneered a Guard.
Fiver went to the Hole next and went through the Same thing as Nettle.
"What's your name?" Hyzenthlay asked Bluebell.
"Bluebell."
"Bluebell, I want you to close your eyes and think about what you really like." Said Hyzenthlay.
Not bothering to Ask why, Bluebell closed his eyes and began to mumble.
"Spring dawning, Eating Sweet Sow thistle, Sun on my back-"
"You there!" Barked Campion. "You're next."
Bluebell squeaked and hopped into the Hole as Fiver came out.
"Hyzenthlay, Has it always been this way?" Asked Holly.
"Not until the General came, But I wouldn't know." She said, "I'm not exactly from here."
Bluebell closed his eyes as the Rabbit did his work.
To Be Continued.