Page 34 - The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit

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The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit
enormous flying black deer that could leap through trees. It had gold bands around his antlers that extended its life and gave it strength. If the bands were to fall off or be removed, the deer would shrink into the ground and never be seen again.
Five pairs of eyes gazed at Badger. Charlie broke the silence. ‘Have you heard that story, Badger?’
Badger nodded. ‘There are lots of myths and legends about forest animals, handed down from generation to generation, but the difference about that one is that a black deer was actually seen in the forest years ago.’
Badger leaned forward and picked up a heap of papers and handed them to Charlie. ‘It’s all in here. Cyril has written down everything that he can remember about the deer in these minutes.’
Charlie read the top page and looked up. ‘So we don’t have to kill it? We just have to remove the gold bands? Thank goodness for that.’
‘We don’t have time to waste,’ said Badger sternly. ‘We have but one chance to be rid of the deer for ever. If we fail to remove the gold rings, the creature will leave with the imitation crown. When he is told that it is worthless he will return with vengeance. For every ring on his antlers, a fairy queen has died. I have no intention of adding Sophia to his trophies, let alone give him more life.’