The beasts were closing in on her; they would have their prey. Only tearing her limb from limb would satisfy their bloodlust. Their steaming, putrid breath caught in her nostrils. When she glanced around to see how close they were, she saw their dark hate filled eyes, while barking and growling filled her ears; the determination that her young one would grow to see freedom spurred her on.
Birth pangs clawed her insides, her throat was raw with each frantic breath, her legs were heavy and tired. The weather gods, who had been on her side for the long journey, turned against her and hurled hail and wind across the land, dripping rain into her eyes making it almost impossible to see. But she was running on instinct; she had nothing else left.
Her escape had been dangerous. Her captors kept her weak and hungry, mistreating her at every opportunity. Sickness dulled her mind and clouded her judgement, leading her to make a fatal mistake; she had forgotten about the predators. She had been careless in her desperation to reach home; now they were snapping at her heels.
The Hollow Hills of her homeland reared into sight, bounded by the forest she knew so well. How she ached to be safe once more. Just one more field to cross, one more push and she would be free. Having been through so much, she refused to give in now.
Running towards the hidden gap in the hedge, the one she had constructed in happier times, she launched herself through, thorns scratching at her face as she slid down the small hole and into the wood.
No matter how hard they tried, no matter how much scrabbling, barking and pushing they did, their paws slithered on the mud, blackthorn barbs pierced their skin and brambles grabbed their collars, making it impossible for them to pass through her secret hollow; she had evaded them.
She was home.
Freedom smelt sweet.
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