He raced towards the closest of the hounds, curving slightly, hoping that if he could pass it, he would be free. He listened to the barks - getting nearer and nearer and NEARER! He lowered his antlers in preparation for the fight. It made him run a little slower but it was his only defense. The hound was so close now, he could probably see it if he dared to look, but he just kept running. He knew that it could jump on him at any second. He heard the dogs in the background catching up too. All the barks now seemed to reach him at the same speed.

If he could only reach that thicket... but he knew it was no use, the dogs could probably maneuver in there better than he could! He reached the stream and was about to dive into the thicket when he suddenly changed his course.

RATE THIS BRANCH!