life, your warren was the one thing I sought to destroy over anything. Its leader was a constant thorn in my side, an annoyance that existed only to spite me.” The ground quaked, and the Sentinel's voice took on a harsh growl. “Through some dark Magic, the rabbits of your warren managed to pull my army from the living world and imprison them, forcing them to become slaves to the Black Rabbit. I believed that because of the evils I committed in life, I would be tortured in death, but He had other plans for me. He named me Sentinel. Perhaps he saw this coming; perhaps he placed me here so that I might someday get revenge.
“In any case, I wish for the death of one rabbit, the Chief of your warren. He goes by the name of Hazel-rah. End him, and the contract is signed.”

     At this, Dock's eyes widened. “No! He's my leader, I can't--”

     “Very well then.” The beast seemed to fade. “Seek out help elsewhere.”

     And then, the beast was gone. Light flooded into the chamber, and Dock was left stunned. Monkshood stepped up beside him, looking at him with an expression of disbelief. His face then hardened. “That wasn't a wise move. Marzel and I will take you back to your warren, but then we shall go our separate ways. I admit, it was a brilliant sight, but without this power that the Sentinel promised, you are useless to us.”

     Dock sighed and turned away. “I understand. Thank you anyway, Monkshood.”

     “Don't thank me.” The older buck chuckled with no humour. “I've done nothing for you yet, and likely never will do.”

* * *

The sun was creeping up over the horizon when Dock returned to Watership Down. Campion was stood by the main entrance to the burrow, holding himself in an alert position. He narrowed his eyes when he saw the three rabbits returning, and headed over to them as soon as they neared the warren.

     “Dock, what are you doing with these two hlessil? And by Frith, what happened to you? You look a mess!” Campion's eyes were wide with worry, but Dock shook his head.

     “I'm fine, Campion. This is Monkshood and Marzel. They're coming to stay at the warren.” He narrowed his eyes. “Don't worry, I've already spoken to Hazel about it. I have his permission.”

     Everyone but Dock looked downright stunned. Campion hesitated, but he finally sighed. “Fine, then. This way.” He led the three of them down into the main chamber, and then scurried off back outside. He was on sentry duty, he said, and couldn't take much time off from it. One he was gone, Dock turned to his companions.

     “I know it all seems a little strange to you, and trust me, this was only a last minute plan,” he whispered hastily, “but stay here. You will be rewarded, I promise.”

     And with that, he turned and dashed into Hazel's burrow.

     The older buck was sleeping, Primrose by his side. The two were unresponsive, which was good, Dock supposed. He looked at Hazel; this rabbit was his leader, and in a way, his mentor. Though they never shared many moments together, he held a great respect for the older rabbit.

     Dock heard the buck shift in his sleep, and saw the gleam of one eye slowly opening. “Dock? What is it? Couldn't it wait until--”

     “No, sir, it couldn't wait.” And with that, Dock reached down and clamped his teeth down on his Chief's throat.