Chapter 14 - Towards the future!
It was a long and dangerous journey across the saltpan.
And even when they reached the other side they were not safe — the rabbit army was hurrying around the edge of the saltpan to catch them. Binni would never forget the journey that followed. He saw strange areas where trees had once grown, but which were now bare. "It is the rabbits" said Burra Nimu. "They eat the young shoots, so new trees cannot grow when the old ones die." They passed through places where the soil blew on the wind and deep gullies scarred the land. "The rabbits eat the grass until nothing is left to hold the earth," Burra Nimu explained. They saw silent, empty areas where no birds or animals lived. "The rabbits eat the food that the creatures of the land need to survive, and drive them from their homes. The foxes and feral cats do the rest," said Burra sadly. Binni dreaded what would happen to his family if the invaders could not be stopped. But Burra Nimu did not let him despair. "Soon we will reach the children." Finally, just as Binni was beginning to think they had lost their way, they came to a large hill. The sun was low in the sky as they climbed to the top and looked down into the valley below. There, bathed in the soft rays of sunset, the children were playing. "We've found them!" Binni and Bindee shouted excitedly. "We've found the children!" Everyone gave a huge cheer. As they watched the children play, Burra Nimu and his brave companions were filled with great joy. After many adventures, they had reached the end of their journey. Tomorrow, they would give the eggs to the children and ask for their help. There was hope now. The future lay ahead! |
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