The rabbits set out for Efrafa in three groups. Late June foliage is thick, so they have good cover, but fear of predators and anxiety about Efrafa slow them down. They come to a long stand of trees lining a road and use its cover to travel west. Kehaar meets them in a field; he says there’s a river with a bridge they can cross to hide on the other side.

At sunset, fed and refreshed, the rabbits are edgy, so Dandelion agrees to tell a story. They argue about which one. Bigwig interrupts and angrily insists it be the tale of the Black Rabbit.

King Darzin discovered that El-ahrairah tricked him into giving away his lettuce, so he vows vengeance. His men capture Rabscuttle. The rabbits promptly dig a tunnel to where Rabscuttle works, and he’s rescued.

King Darzin lays siege on the warren: His animals guard the holes and prevent the rabbits from feeding. El-ahrairah manages to sneak some food to a few does, but it’s not enough.

He decides to sacrifice his life to the Black Rabbit of Inlé, the bringer of death to all rabbits in their time, in exchange for the survival of his rabbits.