Inside The Honeycomb

Pipkin shivered silently, as another rumble of thunder was heard from outside, the noise reverberating around the hollow space of the Honeycomb. It was early afternoon, however the tempestuous clouds cast a dark shadow over the land, almost turning it to night. The storm was the result of several days of intense heat on The Down, and brought with it some much needed rain. Hazel, Bigwig and Fiver lay in the corner talking with one another.

"About time we has some rain! That ought to help keep the grass fresh.", started Hazel

"It should please Kehaar as well. Hannah says the rain always attracts the worms.", continued Fiver

"Good. Anything which stops him talking for a short while is a good thing by me.", joked Bigwig

Hazel and Fiver laughed in unison. As the laughter died down, Hazel was the first to speak

"Ah... look around the warren Bigwig.", started Hazel

Bigwig scanned the scene, trying to pick out what Hazel was talking about

"What? I can't see any problem.", replied Bigwig

"That's just it Bigwig. There aren't any.", smiled Hazel, his face looking more relaxed than Bigwig could remember ever having seen him

"Woundwort is gone. Efrafa is now a peaceful, safe place. The new does are settling in...", started Hazel

At that moment, Hawkbit came running in, carrying a pathetic looking turnip. The wet and muddy rabbit was looking very sorry for himself, having been caught up in the storm.

"...Hawkbit is suffering! Yep, it does all seem good.", continued Bigwig

"I think the rest of this season is going to be the first peaceful time we've had since we arrived on The Down.", finished Hazel, lying back further in quiet comtemplation

"It's about time too!", snorted Hawkbit, dropping the turnip temporarily to join them

"After all we've had to go through since coming here, I think Frith more than owes us it!", he continued

"Hmmm... You know Frith doesn't promise us anything Hawkbit. Just like when a buck goes crawling about in the pouring rain to steal a turnip, he doesn't promise it's not going to be stolen by a burly doe upon his return.", replied Hazel

Hawkbit swung round at this to see Honeysuckle walking off with his turnip. He was about to go after her, but a threatening look convinced him otherwise.

"Hmm. I wasn't really hungry anyway.", he whimpered

Hazel and Bigwig began to laugh. The laughter was cut short, however, by a sound coming from Fiver. An eery groan, piercing the hearts of the three bucks, and instantly invoking silence around the entire warren.

"Oh, that's all we need!", sighed Hawkbit

Fiver seemed to phase in and out of reality for a few seconds, before speaking

"The evil that split will reunite, a new beginning yields a new fight!", he screamed, before collapsing to the ground

Several other rabbits appeared, and began to lean over Fiver. Hazel looked at Bigwig, the two bucks sharing an expression of bewilderment and apprehension.

"What do you think it means Hazel?", asked Bigwig

Hazel sighed, before replying

"I don't know, I really don't know.", he spoke

*************

Some distance away....

A young mouse cautiously approached the edge of the river. The heavy rainfall causing it to flow faster and more violently than usual.

"Do you think it'll flood mother?", he started, as his parent joined him

"I don't think so dear. It looks like the rain is going to stop soon enough.", she replied, looking towards the sky. Although the rain continued, the clouds were beginning to break in places, with shafts of sunlight penetrating through to the Earth's surface.

The young mouse continued to move forward towards the riverbank, which by now was a treacherous muddy mess.

"Don't get too near to the edge now dear.", spoke his mother

As it was, she needn't have bothered. After only a few steps more, he turned and ran back to her. A large black paw suddenly appeared over the edge, and crashed down on the muddy bank. As it's owner tried to pull himself out of the water, the paw slid back through the mud, unable to find a solid grip on anything. A few seconds later, there was a loud groan, and the paw crashed down on the bank again. This time it came inland slightly further, finding itself upon solid ground. With another almighty groan, the animal heaved himself out of the water. Shockwaves were sent through the woods, as a large black rabbit collapsed onto the riverbank, looking weak and bedraggled. His red eye scanned the area, setting itself upon the two mice, and sending a chilling fear through their bones. Without further hesitation, they darted for cover, leaving the stranger on the riverbank. After finishing his quick analysis of the area, the rabbit tried to stand up. However, with his strength failing him, he collapsed back to the ground, where he promptly lapsed into unconsiousness.

*************

Watership Down, The Next Morning

Hazel hopped out onto The Down to join Bigwig. The storm clouds of the previous day were no longer evident, and Frith was once again shining down lovingly upon the Earth.

"Where's Fiver?", he asked

"Over there.", pointed Bigwig

Hazel looked across to where Fiver sat dejectedly under The Great Beech. The shadow cast by the tree echoing the depressed look on his face

"I've tried talking to him, but it didn't work.", continued Bigwig

Hazel could sense the worry in Bigwig's voice. For all he came across as big and brutish to others, Hazel knew he really cared deeply about everyone else, and hated it when he felt unable to help.

"I'll go and speak to him.", finished Hazel, putting his paw reassuringly on Bigwig's shoulder, before moving off

Fiver nibbled miserably on the grass as Hazel sat down beside him.

"You're worried about this vision, aren't you?", he started. He did wonder if perhaps that was an over-obvious statement, but couldn't think of any better way to start the conversation

"Why is it when ever everything seems to be going right, I see something which spoils it?", he sighed

"Hey, I'd much rather you saw danger before it happens, than for us to sit blissfully and be caught unawares.", replied Hazel

Fiver sighed

"What if it's already too late though. What if the danger is already here.", he continued

"Look, don't worry Fiver. Kehaar and Hannah are out scouting the area now. If there's anything approaching, he'll find it.", replied Hazel

Fiver brightened up a little at that. Hazel placed his paw on Fiver's shoulder. One skill the chief rabbit had down to a fine art was making others feel better by lending a comforting paw.

"I suppose you're right. Let's see what Kehaar says when he returns.", finished Fiver, smiling back at the warm friendly face of his older brother

*************

Some Distance Away....

The black rabbit opened his eyes, only to be blinded by the morning sunlight. After a few seconds to adjust, he attempted to stand up. The mud by now had dried, leaving his fur horribly matted. As he stood up, he also realised his back leg had gone lame, causing him to fall back to the ground. For a brief moment, he considered giving up. That thought soon vanished though. After having survived in the water this long, he wasn't going to admit defeat now. All he had to do was find food and some shelter, and he'd be fine. He tried to lift his head again, only this time he noticed the shadow of another familiar rabbit standing over him. This other rabbit was equally as large, with silver fur glinting in the sunlight. Recognising him instantly, the black rabbit narrowed his eyes, before beginning to speak in a rough voice.

"Cowslip!", he started

"Oh, so nice of you to call on us General, and what a delightful day for it too.", replied the silver rabbit, referring to the black rabbit, Woundwort, by his former rank, more out of habit than respect.

"You tried to bring The Black Rabbit of Inlé upon me.", shouted Woundwort, the sight of his former ally-turned-nemesis bringing strength back into his body

Despite his wounded leg, Woundwort leapt to his feet. He was about to lunge at Cowslip, however suddenly found himself pinned down by 3 other smaller rabbits. Normally he would have been able to fight them off easily. After all, they were only a third of his size. In his present state though, he found himself helpless. Being helpless was not something Woundwort had had to endure for a long time; Not since he had been held captive by man as a youngster. He growled angrilly at Cowslip for dragging back this memory.

"Temper, Temper, General!", smirked Cowslip, standing back whilst the other bucks did all the work for him

"What do you want, Cowslip?", growled Woundwort

"What does everyone want? A question for all ages! Amongst friends, and amongst enemies, all must want something, otherwise where would we be?", replied Cowslip, talking in typical riddles

"I know you Cowslip. You wouldn't be here unless there's something I can do for you?", snarled Woundwort

"Oh no General. The question is, what can I do for you?", he smiled evilly, putting his ugly face closer to the General. His silver whiskers quivered as he tried to hold back his manic laughter.

*************

Early afternoon, on The Down

Fiver nibbled cautiously on a patch of clover. Hazel could tell he still wasn't as cheerful as usual, but at least he seemed a little more relaxed than he had earlier. Besides Kehaar would be back soon. That would help dispell the eery suspense which hovered around the Down, thought Hazel to himself.

"Kehaar!", came the shrill gull's cry, as if on cue

Hazel ducked as Kehaar flew in too quickly as usual, and crashed to the ground. Fiver and Bigwig ran across to join Hazel, both of them anxious for any news.

"Well, did you find anything?", asked Bigwig

"We see nothing Bigwig.", replied Kehaar

"Kehaar's right. We looked around the whole area, and didn't find anything unusual. We asked a few of the animals to keep an eye out for anything though.", started Hannah

"And what about the other warrens?", asked Hazel

"We dropped in on both Redstone and Efrafa. Nobody's seen or heard anything at either of them.", replied Hannah

Fiver breathed a sigh of relief, although it was short-lived. On the one hand, there was no immediate danger... but on the other, that just meant there was something coming which they didn't know about yet. Surely that was worse! Hazel, sensing his continuing doubts, spoke to him

"Whatever the problem is, at least we'll have plenty of time to prepare for it.", he started

"But prepare for what, Hazel. Prepare for what?", asked Fiver

"Hey, my Owsla's ready for anything!", replied Bigwig, proudly. He looked over his shoulder to see Hawkbit whining at being cuffed by Honeysuckle again before sighing.

"Well almost anything.", he finished, scratching his head nervously.

*************

In Woodland, far downstream....

Woundwort trudged along slowly, with the 3 younger bucks at his sides, and Cowslip taking the lead. He watched the large silver rabbit almost slither through the grass with suspicious eyes. No matter how hard you tried, it was impossible to ever trust Cowslip. You always wondered just what his hidden motive would be.

The group stopped at a clearing in the trees, where they were greeted by 4 other rabbits; two bucks and two does. Their greeting did have a somewhat unnatural air to it, but these were clearly not of the same kind as Cowslip.

"Fetch some flayrah for our weary friend, for he alone knows the true path to the secret future we all wish to know.", spoke Cowslip. At that, all 7 of the other rabbits disappeared, leaving just Cowslip and Woundwort alone in the forest. 'The Fool', thought The General to himself, preparing to attack. Despite the apparent opportunity, something held him back.

"Are you going to tell me what in the name of The Black Rabbit is going on here.", started Woundwort

"Oh, so I have your interest then General? How lovely!", replied Cowslip

"What are you doing this far from The Warren of The Shining Wires?", pressed Woundwort

"What! There's no Warren of The Shining Wires and there never was! Ahaha!", spat back Cowslip.

Woundwort paused, before replying

"I know you're after something, so why...", he started, before being interrupted

"Ah, flayrah. Let us feast now, for the evening song will soon descend upon us like...", started Cowslip, as the other rabbits returned with some dried up cabbage

"Not until you start to give me some straight answers, Cowslip.", growled Woundwort, starting to become impatient at Cowslip's dithering. Without replying, Cowslip waved his front paw. The other rabbits melted away into the trees at that cue.

"Just who are these rabbits?", asked Woundwort

"They came from a warren far away from here General. One which no longer exists. In fact, it may never have.", replied Cowslip

"What happened?", pressed Woundwort

"It's best not to look to the past General, but only to the future. A future I can lead them to.", replied Cowslip, typically avoiding the question

"But why would anyone follow you Cowslip? You have all the fighting strength of a tharn kitten.", continued Woundwort

"Oh, you think in such primitive terms General. The true strength is not in the fighting, but in the words.", smiled Cowslip

"Shows how little you know.", snarled Woundwort

"Remind me General, which rabbit was alone and injured out here, and which of us has others fetching him flayrah on request.", replied Cowslip

It annoyed Woundwort greatly, but he had to concede the silver rabbit spoke the truth there.

"What lies did you tell these then?", he grunted

"Lie? Oh, that's such a strong word General. I never lie, I simply don't tell the truth.", smirked Cowslip

Woundwort sighed. He didn't appear to be getting anywhere with this

"Oh my most humble apologies Cowslip. I only wish I could be as wise as you. Alas, you're too smart for a stupid rabbit for me to ever aspire to.", replied Woundwort, hoping that some flattery may drag the answer out of Cowslip. Cowslip, never being one to avoid the chance to gloat, fell for it.

"I agree it was an act of pure genius, General. Rabbits will do anything, if you promise them what they want.", replied Cowslip

Woundwort secretly disagreed with that thought. When rabbits were given whatever they wanted, they became rebellious. It was denying them that which kept Efrafa so strong.

"And what is that?", he asked, ignoring his inner thoughts and pressing Cowslip to continue

"Freedom and Safety General. I'm leading them to the Secret Garden of Frith... or at least that's what they believe.", he sniggered, proud of his story.

"I take it they don't know you're leading them to a warren full of snares?", replied Woundwort, still unaware of the final events at that warren

"There's no Warren of The Shining Wires and there ne....", repeated Cowslip, before Woundwort interrupted

"If everything's going so wonderfully, what do you want with me?", he asked

"I'm a plotter, not a fighter. You're a fighter, not a plotter. We're like two halves of the same puzzle.", replied Cowslip

Woundwort glared at him in confusion

"Well put it another way. You want to retake Efrafa.", started Cowslip

"I haven't lost Efrafa!", replied Woundwort

"I think Campion would disagree. News such as that travels fast around here. I suppose it hasn't caught up with you yet.", replied Cowslip

"Campion! Well, I can see now you clearly know nothing. Campion met with the Black Rabbit at the start of the season.", shouted Woundwort

"Deep down, you know that not to be true.", replied Cowslip

'What did he mean by that', wondered Woundwort to himself. He'd seen what had happened to Campion in those Caverns with his own eyes.

"With your skill of combat, and my rabbits, you can retake your warren. That is, if you're interested, General.", replied Cowslip

Woundwort briefly smiled, before suspicion set in again

"Hold on. I know you Cowslip. You wouldn't do this unless you wanted something in return.", he spoke

"There is one other thing which could help us both.", started Cowslip, at which Woundwort rolled his eyes

"There might not be enough of us to take on your home warren. If only there was a warren of unskilled rabbits, which we could invade first.", continued Cowslip, pausing in a mock attempt to appear as though this wasn't all planned

"I know just the place. That delightful place called Redstone.", he smiled

"What do you have against that place, Cowslip?", asked Woundwort suspiciously

"Life is too beautiful to allow anger to affect the course through the seasons.", replied Cowslip cryptically, determinedly trying to hide the revenge he longed to gain against Hickory and Marigold for leaving the warren. An event which he secretly blamed for the warren's eventual downfall. Woundwort had learned by now that if Cowslip didn't give a straight answer, there was no point in pursuing with the line of questioning.

"Hmm... Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you Cowslip, but Redstone is no more. A badger killed them all.", he replied, recalling the last time they'd visited under the intelligence report of Vervain and Moss

"It didn't take much for them to fool you, did it General.", sighed Cowslip

"No rabbit could ever fool Woun...", started Woundwort, before it dawned on him that Hazel would probably have been behind the scheme. Afterall, he'd managed it once before, leaving some old rabbit behind to convince them the place was a plague warren.

"I'll tear him apart!", shouted Woundwort angrilly. He stood up on his hind legs, temporarily forgetting about his injured leg. He was soon reminded when he collapsed back to the ground with a large crash

"So, we have an agreement then, General.", smiled Cowslip

"Was there ever any doubt?", Woundwort replied

"Woundwort will rule. Efrafa will rule!", he shouted

Cowslip's earlier comparison about the similarities of the two rabbits certainly fell true, as they simultaneously burst into manic laughter. Although it couldn't be heard back at the Down, Fiver still instinctively shivered at that moment. The Watership rabbits all knew something was coming... but none of them knew what!