From the introduction: A mated pair of hares, Three-Toes and Bluebell, are upstream from the PC rabbits’ warren, each taking turns drinking from the stream while the other watches for predators. Suddenly, a water viper strikes from the stream, biting Three-Toes in the face and pulling him into the water. Without a thought, Bluebell dives in after them. She bites the snake, but receives a vicious bite in return, and the viper’s poison races through her blood like fire.