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Life got much worse for the animals. The Manor Farm, as it was soon announced to be renamed with grave consequences promised if anyone were to utter the name 'Animal Farm', still existed under the pigs and Napoleon's rule. Animals seemed to be worked even harder than before.
The demand for eggs grew even higher, and fearing repercussions, the hens complied. Work in the field only got harder as well. Every time the animals got used to their work, there was always something new to do. A new field to sow, a new crop to tend, a new way the animals must do their job. Set routine became nonexistent.
Even the sheep, who's only pride was their fluffy fleece, were demanded to give up their wool. Ever the simple creatures they were, the sheep allowed themselves to be sheared with no objections but were noticeably more sorrowful.
The farm would occasionally receive new animals to fill up the positions left by those who died. Some of them attempted to speak out against the injustices, but were quickly silenced by the pigs and their dogs.
Eventually animals started to disappear. Overnight, it seemed that the sheep herd had thinned, there were fewer cows than before, and even a handful of chickens had vanished. When asked about it, Squealer said that the animals were just mistaken, there were never more animals than there were now, and they were making up the so-called missing animals. Unfortunate, that the animals would not notice that the farm had received a remarkable sum of extra money the following day.
With the introduction, (or reintroduction), of whips, many animals received lashing for seemingly no reason. It was always for small things; sleeping a minute too much, eating one bite too many, not working as hard as they were needed to, doubting the pigs. Most of the animals had been whipped at least once, even old Benjamin, but never the pigs, or dogs.
...
One night, after all the other animals were fast asleep, Benjamin had made his way over to Clover's stall to talk.
“Do you remember life when Jones was in charge?” He asked.
Clover tried to think about it, but had to admit she was having a hard time remembering anything these days.
“I remember everything,” Benjamin started. “I remember the construction of the first windmill. I remember every battle fought for this farm. I remember when Boxer was taken away. But the thing I remember the best is what Old Major had said that one night in the barn.
“About how man was the enemy and how we were supposed to rule the farm. The first singing of Beasts of England, the expulsion of Jones, being free.”
Benjamin looked into the distance, reliving the better days.
“Clover, when I see how Napoleon is controlling us, I see Jones.”
Clover shook her head in disbelief. Napoleon, acting like Jones? Impossible. Did he not stand for the core ideals of Animalism?
“Do not try to deny itl Think for yourself. Are we not hungry? Are we not cold and overworked while the pigs order is around and punish us as humans do?
“I apologize for not saying something sooner but I truly hoped it would not have turned out like this,” Benjamin continued, eyes growing sad.
Clover thought her hardest. Thinking of the pigs, walking on two legs. Of them consorting with the humans as if they were old friends. And of her dear friend Boxer, who was worked to death because the pigs wanted a windmill.
“And what do you suggest we do about this?” She asked slowly. “Shall we rebel as we did all that time ago? You know we are neither smart enough or strong enough to carry out another rebellion.”
“Let’s leave,” Benjamin said suddenly. “Leave this farm. Follow the stars and go north, away from this life. Life in the wild, make our own home and eat our own food.”
“And what if we’re caught?”
“Then we will certainly be jailed and killed. But then we will be able to meet Boxer once again and find peace in Sugarcandy Mountain like Moses always said.”
Clover considered the idea and agreed quickly. When they got the opportunity, Benjamin and Clover would leave behind the Manor Farm forever.
...
Days passed and the two animals stayed vigilant, looking for the right moment to leave. Their plan was to escape during the new moon, when the farm would be its darkest.
Benjamin started saving food to be brought for them to live off of until they found their new home. Clover had asked if any other animals would be willing to go with them, but Benjamin said that no other animal was trustworthy enough to go along with the plan without added risk.
Eventually the new moon passed over the night sky. The pair was ready.
Benjamin and clover packed up the rations Benjamin had been saving and waited until all the other animals would be fast asleep. When they determined the time was right, the two carefully made their way to the gate at the edge of the farm.
Right before the two could reach their freedom, the pitter-patter of hooves on gravel quickly approached. From out of the darkness, came Squealer.
“Comrades,” he started. “What do you think you are doing? How dare you tey to leave, after everything that us pigs have sacrifice for your wellbeing, you’re turning your backs on the farm?”
Benjamin stayed quiet, fearing that if he spoke, Squealer would call for the dogs. He knew they would not be able to outrun those rabid things.
But Clover, being overtaken with the building rage towards the pigs and all that the farm animals have been put through because of them, executed a powerful buck to Squealer’s face. This caused the pig to fly backwards and land with a painful thud.
“Quick, we must leave now,” Clover commanded to the surprise of Benjamin.
The old horse and older donkey started their journey north, away from their old life that was so full of pain and hardship. They only hoped that they would find the peaceful life they wanted, but as long as they stayed together, Clover and Benjamin believed they would persevere.
...
The next day, the animals of the Manor Farm would find Squealer dead next to the farm’s gate.