Page 33 - The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit

The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit 31
Cyril and Rowley stood up to leave. ‘No, no,’ began Alfie. ‘We want you both to stay.’
Badger was not amused. ‘What’s this about?’ he asked.
‘We’ve come to talk about Wisdom and the secret activities in Barns Wood. Not being open and honest with our families is causing problems and we believe they have a right to know what is happening on their doorstep,’ said Sam firmly.
Badger didn’t respond and sat staring at the fire. The animals looked at each other, and then Rowley spoke:
‘Well, I for one demand to know what is going on. I am all ears,’ he said crossly.
Charlie told Rowley the entire story from when Sophia heard about the black deer, their plan to destroy it and Wisdom. Rowley collapsed in a chair, flabbergasted.
‘Alright, alright,’ cried Badger rising from his chair. ‘Rowley – we are chasing an invisible deer and we have to destroy it. Imagine what that will sound like to the woodland community. I need facts; I need proof and I need a jolly good plan. What I don’t want is panic and animals fleeing across the county or animals implying that their neighbours are aliens!’
Badger eyed the rat for a moment and said, ‘Tell them about the deer.’
Cyril cleared his throat and began to tell them of a story that his grandfather used to tell him and his brother. The old rat enjoyed scaring the young lads with mysterious animals that prowled the forest after dark. He told them of the