Alliances

ForestClan

Leader: Bramblestar- A dark brown tabby tom with a white chest and hazel eyes.

Deputy: Sandtail- A yellow and white she-cat with blue eyes.
Apprentice: Swiftpaw

Medicine cat: Oakpelt- A dark brown tom with white paws and amber eyes.

Medicine apprentice: Flowerpaw- A long-haired grey she-cat with green eyes.

Warriors:
Tigerpelt- A long-haired dark brown tabby tom with black stripes and amber eyes.
Apprentice- Clawedpaw
Brokenheart- A small black she-cat with a white muzzle, white tipped ears and blue eyes.
Rabbitleap- A light brown tabby tom with a darker brown chest and hazel eyes.
Apprentice- Chickenpaw
Otterswim- A handsome dark brown tom with yellow eyes.
Apprentice- Leopardpaw
Pebblestep- A silver she-cat with white paws and blue eyes.
Lionclaw- A golden tabby tom with long claws and amber eyes.
Apprentice- Featherpaw
Eagletalon- A gold and white long-haired tom with green eyes.
Apprentice: Gorgepaw
Pigeonwing- A pretty grey tabby with pale white patches and yellow eyes.
Echopath- A pretty silver tabby she-cat with blue eyes.
Spottedlark- A tortiseshell she-cat with yellow eyes.
Pinewhisker- A handsome long-haired brown tom with white tipped ears and green eyes.
Apprentice- Moonpaw
Barleyfoot- A black and white tom with yellow eyes.
Apprentice- Rainpaw
Snakebite- A dark brown tabby tom with some of his fur missing on his ears and amber eyes.
Spiderleg- A tall black tom with long legs and blue eyes.
Apprentice: Heatherpaw
Twistpelt- A golden tabby she-cat with white paws and yellow eyes.
Floatingcloud- A small white she-cat with amber eyes.
Runningbreeze- A tall, handsome ginger tabby tom with a white chest, white paws and yellow eyes.
Leapthroat- A small brown tom with two white paws and hazel eyes.
Ghostfire- A white she-cat with black paws and black eyes, former loner.
Foxtooth- A firey ginger tom with amber eyes, former loner.
Frostear- A small white tabby with a silver muzzle and green eyes.

Apprentices:
Swiftpaw- A black and white tom with yellow eyes.
Chickenpaw- A long-haired yellow and white tom with yellow eyes.
Featherpaw- A small white and brown she-cat with pale blue eyes.
Rainpaw- A pretty blue tabby she-cat with green eyes.
Leopardpaw- A golden tom with darker spots and amber eyes.
Moonpaw- A white she-cat with yellow eyes.
Clawedpaw- A dark ginger tabby tom with lighter ginger stripes and yellow eyes.
Gorgepaw - A small ginger tom with amber eyes.
Heatherpaw - A brown she-cat with a white tipped tail, one white paw and blue eyes.

Queens:
Poppyfoot- A redish brown she-cat with hazel eyes, mother to Morningkit, Fernkit and Toadkit. (Rabbitleap's kits)
Specklenose- A dapple grey she-cat with a white chest and blue eyes, mother to Secretkit, Cloudkit and Mysterykit. (Tigerpelt's kits)
Silverleaf- A pretty silver tabby with white paws, a white muzzle and blue eyes, mother to Dewkit and Willowkit (Bramblestar's kits).
Dawnsong- A light grey tabby she-cat with darker grey flecks, a white chest and blue eyes, mother to Honeykit, Maplekit, Stormkit and Brightkit. (Noblespirit's kits).

Elders:
Longstripe- A small grey tabby tom with faint black stripes and amber eyes.
Cloudeye- A pretty white she-cat with green eyes.

CourageClan

Leader: Bravestar- A pretty black she-cat with white paws, white tipped ears and blue eyes.
Apprentice: Littlepaw

Deputy: Noblespirit- A handsome golden tabby tom with a white muzzle, a white chest, a slit ear and green eyes.
Apprentice: Thunderpaw

Medicine cat: Hazelfoot- A brown tom with black paws and hazel eyes.

Warriors:
Treasureheart- A golden tabby she-cat with amber eyes.
Apprentice: Sandpaw
Hawkfrost- A golden tabby tom with faint white paws and amber eyes.
Lifesong- A pretty light brown tabby with darker brown flecks and green eyes.
Apprentice: Boulderpaw
Lightingstripe- A small ginger tabby she-cat with white stripes and yellow eyes.
Rockfall- A tall silvery grey tom with one black paw, one white paw and blue eyes.
Wildleap- A handsome golden tabby tom with black spots, white paws and amber eyes.
Ivypool- A pretty brown she-cat with white paws and blue eyes.
Adderfang- A dark brown tabby tom with a black chest, white paws and green eyes.
Sappphiresky- A blue she-cat with white paws and blue eyes.
Apprentice: Blackpaw
Diamondfur- A small white she-cat with green eyes.
Peacerain- A black and white she-cat with half of her whiskers missing and blue eyes.
Apprentice: Hollypaw
Crowpelt- A long-haired black tom with blue eyes.

Queen:
Ashheart- A light grey tabby with white paws, mother to Rosekit, Swoopkit and Thistlekit (Clawedear's kits, deceased)
Brightpatch- A pretty white she-cat with ginger patches and yellow eyes, expecting Rockfall's kits.

Elders:
Scatterdust- A dusty grey tom with a twisted jaw and blue eyes.
Marigold- A small, old yellow she-cat with white tipped ears and blue eyes, former loner.

ReedClan

Leader: Fishstar- A handsome white and silver tom with green eyes.

Deputy: Applewhisker- A small long-haired dark brown tom with amber eyes.

Medicine cat: Grassnose- A light brown tabby she-cat with a white muzzle and green eyes.

Medicine apprentice: Sootpaw- A black tom with blue eyes.

Warriors:
Puffinfeather- A pretty black she-cat with a white chest and yellow eyes.
Apprentice: Barkpaw
Minnowtail- A grey tabby she-cat with silver stripes and blue eyes.
Apprentice: Branchpaw
Seaview- A handsome blue tabby tom with green eyes.
Hurricanefire- A tall grey tom with yellow eyes.
Bearclaw- A long-haired dark brown tabby tom with long claws and yellow eyes.
Lizardtail- A long-haired grey tom with yellow eyes.
Apprentice: Sleetpaw
Swanfeather- A pretty long-haired white she-cat with yellow eyes.
Apprentice: Yellowpaw
Duckfur- A handsome yellow tom with blue eyes.
Mossheart- A pretty long-haired grey tabby she-cat with a white muzzle and green eyes.
Antpelt- A small redish-brown tom with black paws and yellow eyes.
Apprentice: Sharkpaw
Ripplingwater- A tall grey tabby tom with darker grey flecks and blue eyes.
Cinderfoot- A dapple grey tabby she-cat with green eyes.


Queens:
Oceanwind- A pretty blue tabby with green eyes, mother to Bubblekit, Snowkit and Shadowkit (Seaview's kits)
Lovewater- A redish brown tabby with a white chest and blue eyes, mother to Skykit. (Applewhisker's kit)

Elders:
Bigfur- A long-haired black tom with blue eyes.

Cats outside the Clans:
Russet - A red tabby she-cat with white paws and amber eyes, rogue.
Dusk - A skinny dark brown tom with blue eyes, rogue.
Claws - A small light brown tabby tom with one black paw, long claws and yellow eyes, rogue.
Shade - A tortoiseshell she-cat with hazel eyes, rogue.
Coal - A smokey black tom with long claws and red eyes, rogue.
Glass - A pure white tom with yellow eyes, rogue.
Willow - A tall light brown she-cat with a white muzzle and green eyes, rogue.
Fear - A black and brown tom with long claws and blue eyes, rogue.
Silk - A silver tabby tom with blue eyes, rogue.
Ember - A fiery ginger she-cat with yellow eyes, rogue.
Flood - A small blue tabby tom with green eyes, rogue.
Kestrel - A golden tabby tom with long claws and amber eyes, rogue.

The Outcasts:

Joy - A large white she-cat with a black tipped tail, black spots going up her legs and yellow eyes.
Alpha - A large dark grey tom with black stripes, white paws and green eyes.
Arrow - A tall, slender white tortoiseshell she-cat with blue eyes.
Vulture - A huge black tom with a white bushy tail and amber eyes.
Whisper - A large white and silver she-cat with a torn ear and green eyes.
Captain - A tall dark brown tom with a white chest, a white muzzle, unusual long claws and amber eyes.
Bear - A massive long-haired dark brown tom with long claws and yellow eyes.
Faith - A tall, pretty light grey she-cat with darker grey flecks, a white tipped tail and hazel eyes.
Legend - A huge dark grey tabby tom with green eyes.
Future - A large white she-cat with black paws, black stripes and amber eyes.
Copper - A massive dusky brown tom with amber eyes.

Prologue

The sun's final rays sparkled through the branches in the trees, bringing a much-needed light among the thich undergrowth. Darkness had surrounded them for some time now, especially as it was close to moonhigh. At this moment, a small squirrel scampered around the giant trees, tail flapping wildly.
A rustle startled the young squirrel, and followed by a angry voice "Mouse-dung!"
"None of us scented it, Hollypaw." A brown she-cat replied gently. "It was just bad luck."
"But it was prey!" The apprentice retorted, her blue eyes blazing with anger. "Haven't you noticed that prey is hard to find now, Ivypool? That is why the clans are all thin and starving to death!"
"Silence!" A taller black tom snapped. "You have been given an honour to patrol with your new deputy, and I don't think he's impressed with all the bickering!"
Beside him, a magnificent golden tabby tom stood, his green eyes clouded with suprise. He had only become deputy a quarter-moon ago, yet it felt like it had been a couple of seasons. He didn't feel that he deserved to be deputy as he had broken rules in the past, but luckily no cat of his own clan knew apart from his closest friend.
"Noblespirit, come back to us!" The black tom mewed in amusement, smiling. "You're in your own little world."
"I think I'm still here, Crowpelt." The golden tabby chuckled.
"I can smell a bird!" Hollypaw cried, disappearing into the bushes. Ivypool swiftly followed after her, leaving Noblespirit and Crowpelt alone.
"Do you think my sister's happy in ForestClan?" Crowpelt soon blurted out.
Noblespirit let a small sigh. Crowpelt had been born into CourageClan to Treasureheart and Longstripe, a ForestClan cat. Him and his sister were sent to ForestClan so Treasureheart didn't put up with so much grief from her clanmates, but Crowpelt returned to CourageClan while his sister Dawnsong stayed in ForestClan. Noblespirit had met her at a gathering when she was an apprentice, and the two developed a great friendship which soon led to them becoming mates when Dawnsong earned her warrior name. She was now expecting his kits, but everyone pressumed that the father was another ForestClan warrior.
"I'm sure she's fine." Noblespirit told the black tom. "She is popular within her clan, they will look after her."
"Fancy that though, you're going to be a father to my sister's kits!" Crowpelt explained, his eyes shining in delight.
"She is one impressive she-cat." Noblespirit agreed. "Although I wish she was in CourageClan with us, then our relationship wouldn't be so secret. I did once think about joining ForestClan to be with her, but now with my new role I can't do that, can I? I just want to be loyal to my clan and to serve them as a good deputy."
"You will be a great deputy, Noblespirit." Crowpelt assured him. "Bravestar chose you because she believes that you can take Clawedear's place."
"But do I deserve it?" Noblespirit argued. "I've broken the warrior code, what if I become leader when everyone knows? The clan will hate me and will want me out. If that happens, I can't meekly go over to ForestClan and ask to join. I'd have to be a rogue."
"Dawnsong would go if you go." Crowpelt reminded him. "She thinks the world of you, would you leave your own mate behind?"
"I guess not." Noblespirit sighed, scratching the ground with his claws. "You'd make a good deputy too, one day. You know what to do."
"Remember that I haven't trained an apprentice yet." Crowpelt meowed, twitching his whiskers.
Before Noblespirit could reply, Ivypool and Hollypaw returned, each carrying a small blackbird. His eyes shone in pride. "Great catch, both of you!"
"Hollypaw found both of them before me." Ivypool admitted, dropping the prey. "I think it's about time she became a warrior."
"Thunderpaw too." Crowpelt added. "He's nearly completed training, hasn't he Noblespirit?"
"Yes." Noblespirit confirmed. "We need more warriors in the clan. I'll speak to Peacerain and Bravestar to see if we can get you becoming a warrior, Hollypaw."
"Great!" Hollypaw exclaimed.
"We'd better get back to camp now." Crowpelt mewed, flicking his tail back.
As Noblespirit led his clanmates back, he thought of Dawnsong and him, living life out as rogues due to their forbidden love.
I can't let anyone else find out. He decided in his head. If Dawnsong is going to be safe, then no one can find out the truth.

>1>

Swiftpaw sat in the Outcast's den, gazing at all the cats. They had just returned from the battle against the dogs, which they had won. All of the cats were injured, but Wolf, the Outcast she-cat, had died bravely during it. Bear, Legend and Arrow had carried her body to the lake, where many other cats had gone to sit vigil with her for a bit. Swiftpaw had gone twice already, both times Bear had been there. He had cared greatly for the silver she-cat since his arrival, despite both of them having rather fiery tempers.
"You fought bravely today, Swiftpaw." Brokenheart told him gravely. "If the clan had seen what had happened, all of the apprentices would be warriors. I am proud of all of you."
"Thanks." Swiftpaw replied, dipping his head respectfully to the senior warrior.
Joy, who the other Outcasts called their leader, padded quietly through the lichen curtain with Arrow and Featherpaw.
"We've checked all round for any signs of the dogs returning." Arrow reported. "You'll be relieved to know that they've all retreated. I've got a good feeling that they won't be returning for a long time."
"That would be the last thing we need." Chickenpaw mumbled from the corner, his yellow and white fur only just visable among the scarce light.
Swiftpaw turned his attention to Chickenpaw's sister, Featherpaw. The two had been great friends for some time now, they looked after eachother and listened to eachother's worries and grumbles. Chickenpaw didn't approve of this friendship betweem them, yet it didn't bother Swiftpaw.
"You look exhausted." Featherpaw observed, padding over towards Swiftpaw. "Of course, no one blames you after today. Perhaps it would be good to get some rest."
"I guess so." Swiftpaw meowed, settling down in the moss where he'd been sitting for some time now. "I'll go and pay my respects to Wolf again later."
"I'll come too." Featherpaw offered. "I've not been yet." She then curled up beside Swiftpaw, her blue eyes showing exhaustion. "Think I better get some rest too." She murmured. "I'll wake you up when I'm awake."
"Thanks." The black and white apprentice replied, drinking in Featherpaw's sweet scent. He soon forgot that he was in a unfamilar territory and thought of his home in ForestClan, hunting for his clan during the day and catching up on news during his time in the apprentice den. Featherpaw's presence comforted him greatly during this time of fear.
Go to sleep now. Swiftpaw could had sworn he heard Lightleaf's voice in his head. Her mysterious words still rang in his ears, repeating over and over again.
"I'll find out what you mean soon." Swiftpaw mumbled before closing his eyes and falling asleep.

"Swiftpaw, you can get up now."
The black and white tom slowly opened his eyes and stumbled up to his paws, groaning. His wounds were incredibly painful now, especially a large gash on his shoulder.
"I'm going to pay my respects to Wolf. Are you coming?" Featherpaw inquired, gently flicking her tail towards the gash on Swiftpaw's shoulder. "I would rest if I were you, but it would be nice to have some company."
"I'm coming, don't worry." Swiftpaw told her with a yawn.
The two young apprentices padded out of the den slowly, the moonlight glittering on the lake close to where Wolf had been buried. Bear wanted her to be near the lake, as Wolf was skilled at catching fish and had loved being by the river on warm nights. Swiftpaw felt a pang of sympathy as he caught a glimpse of Bear's dark brown fur among the grass.
"Greetings, apprentices." The Outcast cat greeted them, trying to hide his grief of Wolf's loss. Featherpaw dipped her head to him. "Have you sat there all day?" She asked.
"What else can I do?" Bear wailed. "I don't feel like going back to the cave. The rest of the Outcasts will think I no longer care. And besides, here, it is a custom for one cat to sit here with a fellow dead Outcast all day. I volenteered to do so."
"In our clan, our medicine cat will ask StarClan to welcome the cat's spirit to their forest, then the cats closest to the deceased one will sit vigil for the rest of the night before the dead cat is buried by the elders." Featherpaw explained. "I-I wanted to sit vigil when my mother died, but everyone said I was too young."
Swiftpaw instantly remembered Roseheart, who was Echopath's sister and the mother of Featherpaw and Chickenpaw. She had been taken by a wild dog four moons after her kits were born. It had hurt both kits, especially Featherpaw. Swiftpaw gave his friend's ear a quick lick. "Four moons was too young. Sitting vigil is a emotional time for any cat and kits shouldn't experience it."
"Swiftpaw is right." Bear agreed. "Now, are you here to pester me or pay respects?"
Stifling a small chuckle, Featherpaw stepped forwards and looked up to the stars. "StarClan, this cat we are celebrating the life of was not a warrior of your forest, neither of the clans, but she died a brave and noble death that any cat would be proud of. She did not follow you, yet I ask you to remember Wolf. Her memory will be treasured forever by the cats that knew her and I would like it if you reconised her." She meowed. "She was a bright, strong young warrior who cared for any cats, especially us."
Featherpaw never speaks out loud so confintently. Swiftpaw noticed. She's always the quiet one. Yet she shows empathy for other cats. I bet she'll make a great mother one day. He then lost track of thought, slightly embrassed of the thought of Featherpaw being a mother. The little brown and white she-cat was pretty, yes, and Swiftpaw was very fond of her, but she was a confused apprentice with a over-protective brother. How could she act so calm while Chickenpaw panicked about everything?
"It would be best if you left now." Bear mewed gravely. "Young cats like you shouldn't be out now."
"Okay. Sorry." Swiftpaw gulped, starting to pad away. "Whatever ancestors you have, I'm sure they'll welcome Wolf."
"They should." Bear replied bitterly. "The dogs shouldn't have taken her life. Goodnight, now."

^2^

Eagletalon sat up in the warrior den, gazing at the first stars as they came into view. He knew that Willowstream and Lostsong were up there somewhere, including the other StarClan cats that had died for their clan.
He soon stopped thinking about his family when Echopath appeared at the entrance to the den, a fat mouse swinging from her jaws. "I thought you might want something to eat." She meowed, dropping the prey. She then added bitterly "Ghostfire caught it."
"Prey is prey. It doesn't matter that a former loner caught it." Eagletalon told her gently. "You're still the best hunter by far." Echopath blinked in suprise, but she smiled warmly. "Thanks."
"Have you seen Dawnsong's kits?" Eagletalon asked, changing the subject. The young grey she-cat had given birth to Runningbreeze's four kits not too long ago, a great time for the clan. They needed apprentices more than ever, but Poppyfoot's three kits were six moons old. Bramblestar wanted to hold their ceremony tonight, but so far nothing had been said.
"Who hasn't seen them?" Echopath purred in amusement. "They are the cutest kits ever! Especially Honeykit, I'd love to mentor her when she's old enough."
"You might get one of Poppyfoot's kits." Eagletalon reminded her. "I think Morningkit or Toadkit would suit you."
Before Echopath could reply, a loud yowl echoed again the gorge walls. "May all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"
"Time to go." The silver she-cat meowed, rushing out. "Come on!"
When Eagletalon got out, he sat down between Echopath and Runningbreeze. He smiled as his own apprentice Gorgepaw settled down with his sister, for now they wouldn't be lonely as Poppyfoot ushered her three kits out.
"As you are all aware, the apprentices have been missing for a while." Bramblestar started. "Prey is scarce and more cats are dying. We need new apprentices to start training as ForestClan warriors. So, can Poppyfoot's kits come up here please?"
Eagletalon watched in amusement as the three kits scrambled up to the rock. He remembered his own apprentice ceremony, how excited him, Lionclaw and Lostsong had been.
"Morningkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Morningpaw. Your mentor will be Twistpelt." Bramblestar announced. He then turned to the golden tabby she-cat, who looked delighted at the thought of being a mentor. "Twistpelt, you have shown loyalty and respect for others. Pass all you know to Morningpaw."
"I will." Twistpelt promised, padding up to touch noses with her new apprentice.
"Fernkit, from this day on, until you recieve your warrior name, you will be known as Fernpaw. Your mentor will be Foxtooth." Bramblestar continued.
Murmurs of suprise and shock broke out as the tall ginger tom stepped forward, shocked at being picked as a mentor.
"Are you mouse-brained?" Tigerpelt growled, springing up to his paws. "A loner training a apprentice? Hedgehogs will fly before he even gets the point of how important loyalty is!"
"Is that a challenge, Tigerpelt?" Bramblestar meowed coldly, narrowing his eyes.
"You are wrong, Tigerpelt." Eagletalon piped up, rising to his paws. "I was a former loner, but I chose to be a clan cat. Lionclaw and Lostsong are two other examples of former loners. Since gaining our warrior names, we've been loyal to ForestClan ever since, and remember that Lostsong was Bramblestar's first deputy? At this moment in time, Lionclaw and I both have apprentices who are progressing well in training and the whole clan trusts us. I have three kits and a best friend, so where is your proof that loners can't be loyal?"
"Eagletalon's right." Echopath hissed. "Perhaps you should pipe down and respect other cats rather than caring for no one but yourself!"
"I support what my brother said." Lionclaw mewed from the other side. "Loyalty is who we are, not where we come from!"
"Silence!" Bramblestar yowled, raising his tail. "I chose Foxtooth because he is brave and clever. He will be a good mentor, I can sense it."
"I-I am delighted to have this so early on as I progress on as a F-ForestClan warrior." Foxtooth stammered. "T-The reason I joined was to commit myself to something big. And joining the clan has taught me a lot about life." He then turned to Tigerpelt calmly. "I don't know everyone here yet, like I barely knew the apprentices, but I'm trying my hardest to learn everyone's names. You're lucky, to have grown up with these cats who have protected you and cared for you. Ghostfire and I, we almost died many times with just our mother defending us. When she died, our world fell apart. How would you feel, to have your loyalty questioned because of your past?"
He is brave to say something like that in front of Tigerpelt. Eagletalon thought. Even I don't have the nerve to argue like that with a senior warrior. I've got a feeling that Foxtooth will make a good leader.             "Carrying on now, there's one more kit left." Bramblestar meowed. "Toadkit, until you have earned your warrior name, you will be known as Toadpaw. Your mentor will be Echopath."
Eagletalon instantly turned to Echopath, who was beaming in delight at her name. "I told you." He mewed, happy for his friend.
"Echopath, you are a gifted hunter and one of the fastest cats in the clan. I know that you will pass your qualities onto Toadpaw." Bramblestar explained. "Clan dismissed!"
The clan cats watched as the three new mentors touched noses with the apprentices, who were bouncing around in joy. Amusement twinkled in Eagletalon's eyes as he watched them, remembering his apprentice days.
"Eagletalon!" Sandtail called. "Could you lead a training program for the new apprentices? Bramblestar will want all of them to learn some battle moves, just in case ReedClan or CourageClan decide to attack."
"Sure." The white and gold warrior meowed, signaling Spiderleg, Gorgepaw and Heatherpaw to come over. "Come on, we're going to the training hollow with Poppyfoot's kits and their mentors."
"Can I teach Toadpaw some battle moves?" Gorgepaw begged. Eagletalon shook his head in amusement. "There's some moves you need to learn before you can go and shredding new apprentices."

~3~

Echopath followed her clanmates through the forest as they approached the training hollow. Beside her, Toadpaw was bounding across the ground, trying to catch up with his mentor. His green eyes were filled with excitement and his long dark brown fur ruffled by the wind.
Strong memories flowed over Echopath as she watched the apprentice. Her apprentice days were a long time ago, with many other cats who were now loyal warriors like her. She kept many of her friends close, yet some had gone off her.
I hope Lionclaw understands why I can't be with him yet. Echopath thought in her mind, remembering what had happened earlier today. Lionclaw had asked the young silver she-cat to be his mate, but she refused, knowing that her clan was in danger of starving. This caused the golden tabby to become rather upset, for he had been fond of her for a long time, but Echopath's best friend was his brother, Eagletalon.
"Keep up, Echopath." Eagletalon warned her. "At this time, we are unaware of any suspecting cats that could be trying to attack us."
"Why would they go after a large band of warriors armed with apprentices?" Echopath inquired. Eagletalon flicked his tail to Toadpaw and his sisters, his green eyes showing worry. "You tell me. Those three are new apprentices who don't know the territory, let alone any battle moves. There are a lot of us, yes, but if one of the apprentices are killed..." He trailed off, and Echopath comfortingly pressed herself against him. "In all the fights we've been in, the clan hasn't lost in a long time. Have faith."
"Echopath is right." Twistpelt piped up from behind. "I'm a younger warrior, but ForestClan never surrender. Every cat should fear us!"
Before anyone else could reply, Gorgepaw and Heatherpaw rushed back to the warriors, panting. "H-Help!"
"What's happened?" Eagletalon demanded.
"T-There are o-other w-warriors in our t-territory!" Heatherpaw gasped, collasping. Spiderleg darted over to her side and nudged her up gently, but as the little apprentice got up a patrol of CourageClan warriors appeared. Eagletalon jumped in front. "What are you doing here?" He snarled, flexing his claws.
"We are here in peace." Noblespirit responded, showing no threat in his voice. "Although, we will attack if required."
"If you noticed, we never asked to be attacked." Echopath retorted. "Two apprentices, a warrior and a deputy looks like a battle patrol!"
"No, three warriors." Noblespirit flicked his tail to Thunderpaw and Hollypaw, two CourageClan apprentices. "Thunderpaw is Thunderstrike and Hollypaw is Hollyberry. Then there's Crowpelt and me, obviously."
"I bet Crowpelt is here to see Dawnsong and bring her kits back to CourageClan!" Spiderleg spat. "You won't get through us!"
"Dawnsong has kits?" Noblespirit seemed a little suprised. "We were unaware of that. And besides, CourageClan are not here to steal kits. We simply request to speak to Bramblestar."
"What about?" Foxtooth growled from behind, but Echopath flicked her tail across his muzzle for silence. "We can handle this." She murmured gently. "You don't need to get involed."
"We'll discuss that with your leader, not his border patrol." Noblespirit replied coldly.
"We're actually training apprentices." Twistpelt hissed. Echopath stepped in front of the two cats, with Eagletalon stand beside her. He stared up at Noblespirit, green eyes annoyed. "In case you've got any ideas, Echopath and I will escort you back to our camp." He flicked his tail over to Spiderleg. "Take the apprentices to the training hollow. Keep an eye out for any more trespassers."
Despite Eagletalon was younger than Noblespirit, the CourageClan deputy followed his order. Echopath felt a lot braver at this moment. She knew that Eagletalon was brave, but even she didn't have the courage to order around another clan's deputy. Maybe that's why Willowstream became his mate. She realised. Eagletalon is brave and fierce, yet he cares deeply for his clanmates. I shouldn't have given him such a hard time.    "Come on." The gold and white warrior growled, taking the lead. Echopath darted after him, with the four CourageClan cats following close behind.

*4*

"There are CourageClan cats in our camp!"
Dawnsong woke up with a start to hear Leapthroat's voice echoing across the territory. Curiously, she poked her head out of the entrance and saw Echopath and Eagletalon leading a small patrol of CourageClan cats. The young queen instantly reconised her brother, Crowpelt, and the new deputy Noblespirit. There were two cats who looked like apprentices, one of them was Thunderpaw, whom Dawnsong had met before.
"Why are you here?" Sandtail growled, lashing her tail in anger. "Or does Bravestar think that her warriors can go wherever they like?"
"We come in peace." Noblespirit replied, stepping forward. "We have a message from Bravestar that urgently needs to reach your leader."
"And we'll attack if needed!" Crowpelt snarled from behind, but he instantly went calm when he saw Dawnsong. His blue eyes lit up in delight and he waved his tail in greeting.
"They're here to take Dawnsong back to CourageClan!" Otterswim hissed. "Isn't it obvious why they've brought her brother? It's so he can sweet talk her into coming back!"
Mews of alarm broke out within the clan cats. Dawnsong glanced back and fourth anxiously, but before any one else spoke, Bramblestar darted over from his den. He dipped his head to the CourageClan cats respectfully. "Greetings." He spoke. "Why are you here before me?"
"Bravestar wishes for us to send you a message." Noblespirit replied, not a trace of fear or threat in his voice. "She is very ill at the moment, which is why she sent us."
"Who are these cats with you? I only reconise Crowpelt." Bramblestar enquired, glaring at the other two cats. Noblespirit flicked his tail to the black she-cat. "Hollyberry." Then his tail went over to the light grey tom. "Thunderstrike. Both of them are new warriors."
"I see." Bramblestar glanced over at the nursery. "For now, Noblespirit, I will only speak to you. ForestClan give no harm to those who don't try to attack us. Your clanmates will be guarded over there by Tigerpelt, Rabbitleap, Pigeonwing and Ghostfire."
"Wait!" Crowpelt stepped in front of Noblespirit, his blue eyes frightened. "Would it be possible for me to speak to my sister for a few moments? Please?"
"Granted." Bramblestar growled. "But if you're hatching some plan to invade or something similar, we'll increase our border patrols."
Dawnsong watched as her brother rushed over to her. She smiled warmly at him. "It's nice to see you, Crowpelt." She greeted him politely.
"Your clanmates are ever so thin." Crowpelt observed. "Thinner than I remember from the last gathering. I'm worried about you, Dawnsong."
"We're fine." Dawnsong insisted. "But your clan aren't looking so great either. Especially those new warriors."
"You should see Bravestar." Crowpelt sighed. Dawnsong pricked her ears up instantly. "What do you mean? Is she more than ill?"
"She's sick, that's what Hazelfoot said. Very sick. Several other cats are ill too, I think it's something to do with the prey they've eaten. It smells sickening."
"Is Treasureheart alright? And Noblespirit? And yourself?"
"We're all fine. But I think Bravestar's going to loose her second life. I remember when she lost one when I returned to the clan."
"So do I."
"How are your kits, anyway?"
"They're great. Especially as they are your kin! I had four, three she-kits and one tom."
"Names?"
"Honeykit, Maplekit, Stormkit and Brightkit. Quiet, timid little things."
"We haven't got all day." Tigerpelt growled through gritted teeth. "Hurry up." Crowpelt gave his sister a quick lick on the cheek and rushed over to his clanmates, while Noblespirit followed Bramblestar into his den.
"What do you think this is all about?" Specklenose enquired from the nursery. She was mother of Tigerpelt's three kits, who had been born about three moons ago. They were playing outside with Galekit and Flashkit, Dawnsong's two foster kits that she had taken in before her kits were born.
"Maybe CourageClan wants revenge on ReedClan." Silverleaf suggested, her tail wrapped around her two young kits. "The attack took the life of Clawedear, remember?"
Clawedear had been the former CourageClan deputy before he was killed in battle not long ago. Bravestar had grieved for her lost friend, but she chose Clawedear's kithood friend to replace him as deputy.
"Bravestar is a good-tempered cat." Specklenose pointed out. "I remember her as a apprentice. Friendly young she-cat, defintely had her eye for Noblespirit."
"Does Noblespirit have a mate?" Silverleaf asked. The older queen shook her head. "He isn't really the cat I would expect to father kits. With all these new duties, I don't think so. Maybe he was fond of a certain cat, but I don't think he's got a mate."
He was my mate before he became deputy. Dawnsong told herself. And he's father of my kits.               "How did Bravestar end up as deputy when there were more exprienced cats in the clan at the time?" Dawnsong asked the two queens, settling down in her nest. Specklenose sat up and coughed before speaking. "StarClan sent Clawstar a omen, according to Treasureheart. I'm not sure what it was, but it involed Bravestar, Braveheart at the time, becoming deputy. She wasn't deputy for very long, seeing as Clawstar died in battle not long after."
"But she is a fine young leader." Silverleaf pointed out. "She will serve her clan for many moons to come."
"May all cats old enought to catch their own prey join beneath the Highrock for a ForestClan meeting!" Bramblestar yowled.
The cats assembled under the Highrock. Dawnsong sat down between Eagletalon and Spottedlark, who was gazing at Barleyfoot as usual, but this time the black and white tom seemed to smile back at her.
"What's up with him?" Dawnsong mumbled to Eagletalon. The gold and white tom chuckled mildly in amusement. "Those two are mates now. I reckon Spottedlark will be expecting Barleyfoot's kits within a few moons."
"Cats of ForestClan, as you are aware, we had a visit from CourageClan." Bramblestar explained. "Noblespirit has told me that Bravestar is ill and is weakening each day. There has been news that ReedClan are plotting another attack to drive CourageClan out of the forest. We cannot let this happen, as StarClan have said that there was always three clans in the forest. So, Noblespirit has asked that we form a alliance with CourageClan against ReedClan."
"ReedClan have recuited rogues." Noblespirit added, leaping up onto the Highrock. "They are fierce and strong, exactly the thing needed to overthrow us."
"Why should we help you when all of the clans are at war?" Tigerpelt challenged, his claws poised to strike. "How do we know that this isn't a excuse to steal our prey?"
"Do you deny the word of a deputy?" Noblespirit retorted. "All prey is scarce, even for your clan, so why would we steal prey from you? And I am here in peace, not to discuss stolen prey."
"I don't think we should trust you." Tigerpelt growled. "What have you done for us?"
"Bravestar has proposed a deal." Noblespirit replied calmly. "If you will help us, then CourageClan will leave your clan in peace for two moons. You can breath knowing that we will not attack you for two full moons. We will become your allies whenever you need us for those two moons of peace and harmony."
Murmurs broke out between the gathered cats. Eagletalon turned to Dawnsong. "Noblespirit is a good friend to the clan. I think we can trust him." He meowed.
"Crowpelt wouldn't let Noblespirit come to us if we couldn't trust him." The young queen agreed. "Although his heart lies with CourageClan, he will defend me with his life."
"Silence!" Bramblestar yowled. "I have found a way to settle this. If you agree with this idea, stand beside the warrior's den. If you disagree, remain here and I will question you."
Dawnsong followed many of her clanmates over to the warrior den and sat there, while two cats stayed behind. One was Tigerpelt, but the other shocked her.
Lionclaw!

>5>

A bitterly cold wind ruffled Swiftpaw's pelt as he settled down in the den, eating a plump squirrel. Clawedpaw went on hunting patrol with some of the other Outcasts and they had just returned. Swiftpaw had wondered if the young ginger tabby apprentice would return with his clanmates, or stay with his newfound friends here.
"Swiftpaw." Chickenpaw greeted the black and white tom. "I would like to speak to you. Outside, if that's at all possible?"
"I guess so." Swiftpaw sighed, rising to his paws.
The two apprentices padded outside, where the wind continued to batter the grass. Outside, Featherpaw, Rainpaw and Moonpaw were teaching some of the Outcasts battle moves they had learnt in ForestClan.
"I'm concerned about Featherpaw." Chickenpaw started, flicking his tail over to his sister. "Her wounds from the battle are terrible. I know you got a gash on your shoulder, but if you look at Featherpaw's hind leg, she's got a nasty looking wound. It opened up earlier and she's lost a fair amount of blood."
"She never told me." Swiftpaw murmured. "I don't believe it."
The two toms stood in silence for a bit, watching the three young apprentices. Featherpaw had pinned down Moonpaw for a demostration, while the Outcasts smiled and tried out the battle moves.
"Hey, Swiftpaw!" Arrow called. "Can I try and attack you?"
"Go ahead, but I'll loose!" Swiftpaw replied cheerfully, leaving Chickenpaw's side. He stood in front of the tall Outcast she-cat and crouched down, snarling. Arrow just locked her gaze with Swiftpaw's, her blue eyes showing no threat. She then sprang onto the young apprentice and batted the tom's face. Swiftpaw slipped out of her grasp and quickly nipped her hind leg. He did so again, and Arrow fell off balance.
"You are so useless!" He declared with a chuckle, pinning her down. "I am your leader!"
"Swiftpaw, there's no need to do that." Rainpaw scolded him gently. "The enemy is defeated, you don't need to taunt them."
"When did you become Rainstar?" Swiftpaw challenged. "I'm older than you!"
With a angry yowl, the blue tabby she-cat hurled herself at Swiftpaw and dug her claws into the gash on his shoulder. Swiftpaw yelped in agony, his yellow eyes filled with pain.
Suddenly, the young apprentice yowled in pain and was thrown off. Swiftpaw sank to the ground, licking his shoulder.
"Featherpaw!" Chickenpaw cried. "Why bother attacking Rainpaw? She would have finshed him off without too much blood!"
"Swiftpaw is a honest warrior who wouldn't hurt a cat of his own clan!" Featherpaw hissed, her fur ruffled up in anger. "No one attacks him and gets away with it!"
Featherpaw saved me! Swiftpaw realised. What made her save a cat like me? I deserved to die!                  His thoughts were disturbed when Featherpaw crouched down in front of him, her bright blue eyes showing sympathy and horror. "I thought she would have killed you!" She exclaimed, her tail tip carefully stroking the gash on his shoulder. "What herbs would have Oakpelt used?"
"Flowerpaw showed me how to treat wounds like this when I was a kit." Swiftpaw replied. "When Rabbitleap got a gash like mine on his leg, she used goldenrod, chevil, horsetail and marigold."
"I'll find someone who knows herbs!" Featherpaw decided, dashing off. She then yowled "Does anyone here know how to heal injuries?"
There was silence for a bit, but then Joy stepped forward. "I posess the ability to heal the sick and injured." She meowed. "I can heal your friend's shoulder."
"Oh, thank you, Joy!" Featherpaw cried in relief. Joy gently silenced her. "For me to heal him, I need you to take him back to the den and let him rest. His wound is infected."
"I'll help." Arrow offered. "Legend and I will carry him back. Featherpaw will stay with him until you return, Joy."
"Thanks." The white she-cat meowed. "I'm grateful for it."
As Joy left in search of herbs, Swiftpaw felt Legend grab his scuff and carry him back, with Arrow walking beside him closely.

"Ouch!"
"You've got to stay still, little one."
"But it hurts!"
"Swiftpaw, we know it hurts, but if you don't stay still you'll die!"
Swiftpaw knew Featherpaw and Joy were trying their best to keep his mind off his shoulder, but it wasn't exactly working. Luckily, Joy had almost finshed applying the herbs to his shoulder.
"There, done." Joy exclaimed. "Now, eat this. It will make you feel sleepy, but it will help you."
"Poppy seeds." Swiftpaw mumbled to himself, carefully eating up the small black seeds. He curled up by himself and shut his eyes, wanting to sleep.
"I'll stay with him." Featherpaw decided, settling down beside him. Joy shook her head. "No, let him rest. You could do me a favour and try to remend your relationship with your brother. Brokenheart tells me often of your arguments."
"I try and try, but he won't listen." Featherpaw sighed.
"Then find something else do to." Joy replied. "Swiftpaw needs all the rest he can get before you lot can go home."
Great. So I'm the reason why we haven't started travelling home! Swiftpaw thought to himself guiltly. I'm holding everyone up because of my stupid shoulder!

~6~

Echopath looked horrified as she realised that Tigerpelt wasn't the only cat who disagreed with Noblespirit. Lionclaw had also remained, along with Tigerpelt.
"Two cats are unhappy with this plan." Bramblestar called out. "So Lionclaw will be the first to be questioned!"
"The reason I don't want this alliance to happen is because many cats will die because they helped another clan." Lionclaw explained. "I lost my sister in a rogue attack when we came to ReedClan's assistance. I couldn't bear to loose my brother in something similar, or any of my friends. Cats will die in this, and I can promise you that many will be from ForestClan because we joined CourageClan in some stupid alliance!"
"I have seen these rogues before." Noblespirit told him. "They are fierce fighters who will do anything just to see cats suffer. If we don't unite, both clans will fall and ReedClan will reign supreme. StarClan decreed that there would be three clans, not one!"
"You speak from the heart, Noblespirit." Lionclaw meowed. "That is why we all respect you. But I can't go along with this."
"Wait!" Echopath barged past everyone else to the front. "Lionclaw, in every battle fought, we all know that lives will be lost. Brave cats like Lostsong died bravely in battle. We still honour them, but fighting for the clan comes above everything. It mentions in the warrior code that you defend the clan with your life, so why not now?" She gave a little cough before continuing. "Please, do this, for the clan, for Eagletalon, and for me."
"Echopath's right." Eagletalon agreed, stepping forward. "This will save the clans, as Noblespirit said."
"I agree too." Dawnsong stepped forward, beside Echopath. "It is for the survival of two clans rather than none. ReedClan will give in and realise their mistakes."
Bramblestar gazed at the three cats, a hopeful look in his eyes. Echopath shivered a bit. Does he know about the prophecy? She wondered curiously. Does he know that we are meant to bring peace to the clans?    "You make a point, all of you." Lionclaw sighed. "I cannot fight with any of you, though I have had arguments with Eagletalon before. It is time I followed my heart and fought for my clan."
He then stepped away from Tigerpelt, joining his clanmates. Echopath's blue eyes shone in delight and she licked his ear. The golden tabby looked slightly embrassed, but he returned the lick gently.
"Fools!" Tigerpelt spat. "Can't you see that these cats are sending you all to your dooms?"
"Tigerpelt," Noblespirit explained calmly. "I came here in a peace talk. Bravestar wants no claws involed. We are all injured from the previous battle, and you lost more cats than us. With leafbare coming, we can't afford any battles."
"But you are sending us into a battle!" The senior warrior screeched, his amber eyes blazing with fury. His long claws were sheathed, ready to strike the CourageClan deputy. Noblespirit had seen this, and he flexed his claws out, snarling.
"No battle will be fought here!" Bramblestar snapped, growling at Tigerpelt. "Noblespirit, it would be best if you left. Tell Bravestar that I approve of this plan, and I will send a message to her soon."
"Thank you, Bramblestar." Noblespirit replied, dipping his head. He then summoned his clanmates with a flick of his tail and they vanished up the gorge and away, leaving a cold silence.
"Clan dismissed." Bramblestar meowed after a while. Echopath glanced at Eagletalon. "We'd better get back to the apprentices and tell them the news."
"I forgot about them." The older warrior gulped. "Come on, and hurry!"

"..and now we are CourageClan's allies." Eagletalon finshed with a sigh.
"Two moons of peace sounds reasonable." Twistpelt meowed. "We need time to raise kits and train up our apprentices."
Close by, Heatherpaw was testing a new battle move on Morningpaw. The young brown tabby flung herself at the new apprentice, but Morningpaw dodged the attack, sending Heatherpaw into the mud.
"Learn to wait before attacking, Heatherpaw." Spiderleg sighed. "Your enemy could have ripped you apart then."
"Sorry." Heatherpaw mumbled, stumbling up to her paws. Her mentor sighed again. "In battle, a simple sorry isn't good enough."
"Life is not a battle, Spiderleg." Echopath reminded him. "There is more to life than just war. Raising a family is one, and I'm sure you wanted that, didn't you?"
The tall black warrior had been fond of a young she-cat called Icebound, who had died protecting him in the battle against ReedClan. He still grieved her loss, but the only cat he would speak to about Icebound was Eagletalon. The two had devolped a good friendship since they started training Gorgepaw and Heatherpaw.
"I have nothing left." Spiderleg snarled. "My parents are dead and my best friend is dead. You could atleast show a bit of sympathy!"
"My parents are dead, my sister is dead, my kin are missing and my best friend broke my heart." Echopath retorted. "Sympathy is not a emotion I show easily, apart from those who have had worse lives than me."
"My mother died, I don't know who my father is and I think my sister is a murdering sycopath." Foxtooth piped up.
"What do you mean?" Echopath questioned.
All the cats watched as Foxtooth shuffled his paws anxiously before lifting his head up. "Ghostfire killed our mother, and she will do anything to kill. I think she is plotting a plan to kill Bramblestar!"

^7^

"Kill Bramblestar?" Eagletalon echoed, his jaws wide open in horror. "But that's impossible! He still has five lives left!"
"He may have five lives as you say, but Ghostfire will kill to get what she wants." Foxtooth retorted. "And her desire is to be leader of ForestClan. She was furious when I was given Fernpaw as my apprentice, despite she's a better hunter than me."
"There will be more chances to have a apprentice!" Twistpelt growled. "The next kits to become apprentices are Specklenose's! It's not like Poppyfoot's kits were that special!"
"We are special!" Toadpaw protested. Echopath flicked the apprentice's ear with her tail. "Continue your training. This has nothing to do with you." She hissed.
"Speaking of which, we better get back now." Eagletalon piped up. "The apprentices haven't seen the whole territory yet, so we'll give them a tour tomorrow."
"Yay!" Gorgepaw squealed, his amber eyes lit up in delight. Eagletalon motioned with his tail for everyone to gather round. He then turned to Foxtooth. "Thank you for telling us this infomation. If you hear anything that Ghostfire plans to do, please tell me or Echopath. Seeing as we are training apprentices too, you'll see us a lot."
"Alright." The ginger tom replied silently, his voice thin and hard to hear.
He obviously didn't want to tell us about his sister. Eagletalon realised. Like all siblings, he wanted to be loyal to her. This is really hard on Foxtooth, if his sister gets exiled.                                                                   "Lead on, Eagletalon." Spiderleg called from the back.

It was moonhigh by the time the ForestClan cats returned. Eagletalon had noticed that Echopath looked thinner than usual, so he decided to try and hunt for a bit. Yes, he was tired, but that wouldn't stop him. He had pretended to go and check out the CourageClan border, just so no one was suspicious.
A blackbird appeared from the sky, peaking at the ground for worms. Eagletalon dropped to a crouch, knowing that prey was still scarce during this begining of leafbare. He started to stalk the bird, which was unaware of the white and gold warrior. Soon after, he leapt onto the blackbird and gave it a swift blow to the neck, killing it.
"Nice catch!" A voice called. Eagletalon spun round and realised that he was near the border with CourageClan. Crowpelt was there, standing guard with the newly-named Hollyberry.
"Thanks, Crowpelt." Eagletalon meowed. Hollyberry just let out a snort. "Don't you have enough cats in CourageClan to be talking to?"
"Just to remind you, Hollyberry, I am half ForestClan, so I have a right to speak to old clanmates." Crowpelt growled. "Why don't you go and moon over Thunderstrike?"
"I'd rather moon over crowfood!" Hollyberry exclaimed in disgust. "Thunderstrike is just a denmate, nothing more!"
"Are you sure?" Crowpelt questioned, amusement sparkling in his eyes. "I thought I heard you going on how great he was the other day, just before your warrior ceremony!"
"Erm, I haven't got time." Eagletalon gave a dry cough. "By the way, your sister's kits look like they'll be great warriors, Crowpelt. I'll tell you about them at the next gathering."
"May StarClan light your path!" The black tom called. "And thank you!"
Eagletalon padded futher away from the border, his green eyes glancing round for any more prey. He wanted to catch something for his clanmates to enjoy, not just Echopath.
A rustle startled him. The white and gold warrior spun round, the blackbird hanging limply in his jaws. He smelt something horrid, something frightening. There was defintely something wrong.
A squeal pierced the air afterwards, followed by a yowl. "No!"
Great StarClan! What's happened?                                                                                               Eagletalon darted through the bushes, but heard another rustling. Something had escaped before he had even found what happened.
As he approached the clearing, Eagletalon caught the strench of blood. A strong memory of Willowstream flowed into his head, as he had heard similar things just before her death. He had found Willowstream in the same place, but this time there was no fur on the ground.
A gasp of horror escaped him as he got to the clearing, dropping his prey in suprise. Two cats were there, both covered in blood. One was barely breathing on the ground, while the other gazed up at Eagletalon, her blue eyes clouded with sorrow.
"I couldn't save her." The she-cat choked out, her words full of pain. "I was too late."
The cat close to death was Flowerpaw, and the cat standing over her body was Echopath.

~8~

"What happened?" Eagletalon demanded, his green eyes terrified.
"I-I couldn't save her." Echopath repeated. "I was too late."
Before any more could be said, Eagletalon bounded over and pressed his muzzle against Echopath's neck. The silver she-cat gave her friend a lick on the cheek.
"You're shivering." Eagletalon murmured, stepping back. "Tell me what happened. Calmly."
"Flowerpaw said that she went collecting herbs just as I got back to camp. I got suspicious, so I followed her out. She was going to the ReedClan border, but didn't get there because I jumped out and questioned her. We had an argument about her loyalty to ForestClan, then she ran off and I instantly knew that she had been meeting with the ReedClan medicine apprentice, Sootpaw, because he was standing at the border when I turned round." Echopath explained, her voice shaking.
"Go on." Eagletalon meowed.
"I scented another cat close by, and I knew that something terrible would happen. So, I tracked down Flowerpaw, but I was too late." Echopath was close to letting out a sob. "She was at her claws, her life being taken by the cat I hate so much."
"Her?" Eagletalon looked puzzled.
"Ghostfire." Echopath replied coldly, her voice like chips of ice. "She attacked Flowerpaw and killed her."
"Did she get you?" Eagletalon demanded, his fur ruffled up in anger. Echopath nodded, showing him a long scratch going down her side. "That's it."
"I'll rip her fur off!" Eagletalon snarled. "No one injures my friends and gets away with it!"
"You don't need to." Echopath told him. "Ghostfire is a skilled fighter, she will beat you easily. I don't want you getting hurt because of me."
"Well, we better get back to camp." Eagletalon turned away to pick up his blackbird, but he paused and turned his head. "If something like that happens again, I will tell Bramblestar. It's not fair that so many innocent cats are being killed because of Ghostfire's ambition."
"I'll just say that a rogue attacked us, seeing as that's why we've allied with CourageClan." Echopath meowed, picking up Flowerpaw's limp body. "It's half true, seeing as Ghostfire wasn't born into the clan."
In complete silence, the two ForestClan warriors made their way back to the gorge.

Back in camp, many cats had already been alerted by their return as they caught the stench of blood. Sandtail was first out to greet them, closely followed by Otterswim. They were horrified at the sight they saw.
"What happened?" Sandtail asked. "Did ReedClan attack you?"
"No." Echopath replied, shaking her head. "Some rogue jumped out of nowhere and attacked us. I couldn't rescue Flowerpaw in time... and I watched her die at the rogue's claws. I chased off the rogue, so it's out of our territory now, but it attacked me after Flowerpaw."
"Did you see what it looked like?" The deputy pressed on. "If we know what it looks like, then I'll send a patrol to scout the territory at dawn in case it decides to return."
"It was too dark." Echopath meowed quickly. "Luckily, Eagletalon found me, otherwise I wouldn't have got back to camp safely."
Close by, the silver she-cat saw Ghostfire leave the den and dip her head in greeting to Lionclaw, who was coming over to see what was going on. The white she-cat murmured a few words to the senior warrior before leading him away from the crowd. Echopath felt anger bubbling inside of her. You keep your paws off Lionclaw, you murderer!                                                                                                                  "May all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!" Bramblestar yowled, jumping up onto the rock. The ForestClan cats assembled below the great rock. Echopath sat down between Eagletalon and Runningbreeze, who was yawning. "I didn't expect Bramblestar to be calling a meeting while some of us were half-asleep!" He moaned, letting out another yawn. "I hope this is for a good cause."
"It is, I promise you." Eagletalon told him.
"Not long ago, two cats were attacked by a mysterious rogue." Bramblestar reported. "We can't be sure if it was one of ReedClan's rogues, but it took the life of Flowerpaw and almost killed Echopath."
Gasps went up from the gathered cats, many of them staring at Echopath. Lionclaw's eyes were wide in horror, while Ghostfire's face was expressionless.
"Echopath couldn't see what the rogue looked like, but I want border patrols increased. We will be prepared for a attack if this rogue returns, especially if this rogue was sent by ReedClan." Bramblestar finshed with a sigh. "Clan dismissed!"
"You might want to get that scratch checked." Eagletalon mumbled, poking his friend with his claw. "I'll wait for you, if you want."
"Thanks, I'm grateful for it." Echopath meowed, turning away from the crowd and towards Oakpelt's den. Tonight, for the first time in a long time, he would be working alone with no apprentice.
"I take it you want me to look at that scratch of yours?" Oakpelt called, his voice not as cheerful as it usually was. Flowerpaw's death had affected him badly.
"If you could, please." Echopath replied. She took in a breath of the cold air as she sat down, while the medicine cat inspected her injury. "It's not as worse as I first thought. I'll give you some dock for it, just to be on the safe side."
While Oakpelt sorted out some dock leaves, Echopath watched him. As a kit, she and Rosekit would have annoyed Sweetpetal, a former medicine cat of ForestClan, but mainly Echopath would just sit there and gaze at all the herbs. The cream medicine cat would have liked to have taken her on as her apprentice, but Echokit decided that she wanted to be able to hunt and raise a family, rather than collect herbs and watch cats die.
"Being a medicine cat isn't just about witnessing cats join StarClan." Sweetpetal had told her. "Don't forget about new kits, and the pride of knowing that you can help your clanmates in so many different ways."
I think I would have rather been a medicine cat now. Echopath thought, regretting her choice to train as a warrior. I wanted a mate and kits. I've been a warrior of ForestClan for several seasons and I still don't have any kits? I think taking up Sweetpetal's offer would have been a better option for me.                                  "You look depressed." Oakpelt observed, padding over and dropping the dock leaves. "You weren't that close to Flowerpaw, so I've got no clue why you're so down in the dumps."
"Do you remember Sweetpetal, Ferretjaw's sister?" Echopath blurted out. Oakpelt looked a bit puzzled, but he nodded anyway. "She was my mentor, mouse-brain. One of ForestClan's greatest medicine cats, she was. Shame that she couldn't cure her brother's own mate."
Echopath had been told the story of Goldsky's death, and Sweetpetal feeding herself deathberries because she was so ashamed. It had happened not long after she became Echopaw along with her sister, Rosepaw.
"You were alive then." Oakpelt pointed out in amusement. "Do you not remember your own clanmates?"
"Of course." Echopath insisted. "But my apprenticeship was ages ago. I'm a senior warrior, for StarClan's sake."
The medicine cat said no more as he tended to the scratch on Echopath's side. She whinced a bit, but the stinging didn't last long.
"Done." Oakpelt mumbled. "Come back and see me again if you've got any trouble."
"Thanks!" Echopath called, leaving the den quickly.
On her way out, she spotted Ghostfire's white pelt just in the centre of camp, curled up. She could have been mistaken for a bush, or a pile of snow if it had been snowing.
"You were lucky that I didn't tell Bramblestar about what you did." Echopath snarled, keeping her voice low.
"And what good would that have done?" Ghostfire snapped impaitently. "I'm tired of everyone thinking that they can boss me around like some helpless kit!"
"You've not been in the clan for very long." Echopath pointed out with a sigh. "Some cats don't trust you yet. Earn our trust first, then you're free to do what you like."
"Since I was kitted, I've recieved no trust whatsoever!" Ghostfire snarled, her black eyes showing hatred. "Not even my own brother trusts me, yet I've tried so hard just to get cats to like me! So far, my brother has got an apprentice and a she-cat padding after him!"
"Who?" Echopath asked, curious.
"Some white she-cat, I think she's Runningbreeze's sister." Ghostfire grumbled. "Why would you care?"
Floatingcloud? Mooning over a cat with a murderous sister? Echopath nearly fainted in shock. A sensible she-cat like her has got her eye on Foxtooth, the timid and shy cat who says barely anything?           "Although you have no idea how much I hate you, I'm going to have to tell you something only few cats know." Echopath meowed, sitting down beside Ghostfire. "I was given the chance to train as a medicine apprentice, but I chose the path of a warrior. As you may know, Eagletalon, Lionclaw and their sister Lostsong trained with me. Willowstream and a few other cats were apprentices with me too."
"I know about Willowstream." Ghostfire meowed, a softer tone to her voice that Echopath had never heard before. "She was Eagletalon's mate, if I remember correctly."
"Yes, well as you said, she was." Echopath went on. "I had trouble fitting in with the other apprentices, as I was rather impaitent and only my sister Rosepaw could have a peaceful conversation with me. However, Eagletalon, Eaglepaw he was then, saved me when I almost drowned on ReedClan's territory. We became good friends, yet I had the feeling that we could have been closer than friends. Eaglepaw was about a moon or so older than me, so his warrior ceremony came before mine. He took the newly named Willowstream as his mate not long after, and I was heartbroken."
"Go on." Ghostfire mewed.
"I became a warrior with Pigeonwing, Roseheart and Flamesnake." Echopath continued. "My sister fell in love with her mentor, Mudfang, and they became mates shortly after. I had never been fond of Mudfang, and I especially showed no grief when he was killed just days before his kits were born. Roseheart gave birth to Featherkit and Chickenkit not long afterwards. Her relationship with her kits didn't last long, as she was taken by wild dogs when they were four moons old. I promised that I would care for the young kits, and now they've gone..." She trailed off, but sat up straight and held her head high. "You see why it is hard for me to show sympathy for others like you. Especially ones who kill for the sake of their ambition."
Without waiting for the white she-cat to reply, Echopath stalked off to the warrior's den. Eagletalon had already fallen asleep, but Lionclaw was still awake, gazing at her with his amber eyes. Echopath felt a cold chill go up her spine, like something was wrong.
"I didn't know how much danger the clan was in." He meowed after a while. "I thought the rogues would just be after CourageClan, not us."
"This is our fight too." Echopath reminded him coldly. "We agreed that we would fight beside CourageClan against the rogues. They could drive us out of the forest for good."
Lionclaw was silent again, but he was suprised at Echopath's reply. She was not normally so agressive, and even she, herself, felt bad about it.
"I'm sorry!" The golden tabby cried. "I should have protected you, then Flowerpaw wouldn't have died and you wouldn't have got injured!"
"The rogue was strong and clever." Echopath comforted him. "You couldn't have defeated it without help."
"I guess." Lionclaw curled up by himself in his nest and started to close his eyes. "You better get some sleep, Echopath. Good night." He mumbled quickly.
He obviously didn't want to talk to me that much. Echopath realised with a frown. Disappointment struck her as she watched the large golden tabby sleep, and then his brother, who was having no trouble sleeping.
Taking the risk, the silver she-cat laid down beside Lionclaw and curled up beside him, her blue eyes taking in the last of the light before she fell asleep, comforted by Lionclaw's pressence.

>9>

Sunlight crept into the Outcast's cave, warming Swiftpaw's fur as he opened his eyes. He wasn't sure how long he had been sleeping before, but not many cats were left in the cave. Clawedpaw and Future were among the few. Their wounds from the battle had not been as bad as Swiftpaw's, but they were exhausted.
Waving his tail in greeting, the black and white apprentice pushed his way through the lichen curtain and out into the long grass, which was tipped with morning frost. Swiftpaw shivered, remembering that leafbare was on it's way and prey would be harder to find. Even the best hunters would have trouble finding as much as a scawny mouse or so.
It had been a moon since the ForestClan cats had joined the Outcasts. So far, everyone was getting along apart from Swiftpaw and Rainpaw, since they had been fighting yesterday. Joy had spoked to the blue tabby she-cat, and she had been spending more time with Moonpaw, her best friend. Looking across to the river, Swiftpaw could see the two she-cats speaking to Bear, who's fur was dotted in frost here and there. A pang of sympathy struck the black and white tom as he remembered that Bear hadn't returned to the cave for a second night. Wolf's death had obviously really hurt him.
Upon hearing a rustling, Swiftpaw darted away and headed deeper into the grass, trying desperately to keep himself hidden. He relaxed as he realised that the noise was caused by Arrow and Featherpaw, who were talking.
"You acted very differently yesterday." Arrow commented. "You know, when Rainpaw attacked Swiftpaw."
"What do you mean?" Featherpaw enquired. "Swiftpaw would do the same for me. He saved me when a enemy clan attacked our camp, and he looked after me when I was on the brink of death. He is a very loyal friend."
"I am sure he is. But haven't you wondered if he has his bad points?" Arrow pressed on. "I mean, look at Vulture for example. Yes, he's probably the grumpiest cat you know, but he is a excellent fighter and is protective over his friends."
I may be a little short-tempered, but I'm not a terrible cat! Swiftpaw thought in dismay. I thought the Outcasts trusted me!                                                                                                                   "Excellent spy work you're doing there." A voice grumbed from behind. Swiftpaw clammed his jaws shut to stop him yowling in suprise as he looked behind his shoulder. Chickenpaw was crouched down behind him, his yellow eyes cold. Swiftpaw flashed him a furious look for following him, but Chickenpaw yowled out, sounding like he was in pain.
"That sounded like your brother." Arrow gulped, rushing through the grass. She skidded to a halt as she reached Swiftpaw. "What happened?" She demanded.
"Swiftpaw attacked me!" Chickenpaw responded with a wail, showing Arrow his shoulder. Claw marks had been scored down and blood was trickling out.
"I didn't touch you!" Swiftpaw protested, his yellow eyes showing shock.
Featherpaw peered out from behind Arrow, her pale blue eyes clouded with sorrow. "Why?" She choked out, her words hurting Swiftpaw. "Why must it be like this?"
Without another word, Swiftpaw retreated away from the scene, blood pounding in his ears. He was hurt, furious and curious all at the same time. Why had Chickenpaw framed him for no reason whatsoever?
My life here is over. The apprentice decided. I'm going home, back to ForestClan. StarClan will guide me home.                                                                                                                                               Ignoring Arrow crying his name, Swiftpaw headed towards the forest, leaving his clanmates behind.

Swiftpaw's stomach was growling with hunger as he padded through the trees. He wasn't sure how far away he was, but he knew that he had been travelling for some time now. StarClan had been silent since he left, and he started to feel a bit anxious.
A familar, sweet scent wafted past Swiftpaw's nose as he continued onwards, making him stop. He glanced over his shoulder, his yellow eyes showing suprise, then delight as two StarClan cats appeared. Lightleaf was easily reconisable, but Swiftpaw didn't know the other cat with her.
"Where am I?" Swiftpaw begged, just managing to hold back a wail of despair. "I'm lost and alone!"
"Little one, you are never alone." Lightleaf comforted him. "StarClan are always with you. And you have friends that believe in you, but you have abandoned them." She cocked her head to the side. "Does your life just revolve around getting back home? Or does your heart think differently?"
"The Clan meant everything to me too, but not as much as one cat." The other StarClan cat meowed. Her voice set off a memory in Swiftpaw's mind, when he was a new apprentice. Sandtail, Lionclaw, Icebound and Rabbitleap had taken him on hunting patrol during greenleaf. He had missed a very large hare by a whisker, but Icebound had told him that the hare was very fast.
"Icebound!" Swiftpaw realised. "B-But you're n-not dead!"
"I am now." The white she-cat sighed, shaking her head. "While you've been gone, a lot has happened. I died in a battle against ReedClan, protecting Spiderleg." She sighed loudly again, her eyes clouded with emotion. "I couldn't let him die."
She loved him! Swiftpaw realised instantly, feeling a pang of sympathy for the young she-cat.
"But I can't go back now!" Swiftpaw wailed. Lightleaf pressed her nose to his ear. "Lights will guide you home." She murmured, only so the apprentice could hear.
Swiftpaw blinked, and the two she-cats were gone. He seemed a little overwhelmed at what had happened, but he knew what Icebound had gone through as she chose to protect Spiderleg rather than the Clan.
Maybe I have been a bit mouse-brainned. Swiftpaw told himself privately. I'll try and find these lights, then I'll get back to the Outcasts and apologise. Especially to Featherpaw.                                                  Swiftpaw started padding the direction he had come from orgianally. I've got a lot of explaining to do. And I defintely need to talk to Featherpaw. It's time she knew.

 

*10*

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!"
"Specklenose, do me a favour and watch those little ones of mine." Dawnsong meowed quickly to the old she-cat. "I would like to hear who is going to the Gathering."
"Sure." The dapple grey she-cat replied.
The young queen left the nursery and settled down beside Foxtooth and Eagletalon. They had just returned from a hunting patrol, but hadn't had much luck.
"Dawnsong requested to go to the Gathering tonight, so I will let her come." Bramblestar announced. "And Sandtail, Eagletalon, Tigerpelt, Ghostfire, Frostear, Echopath, Lionclaw, Gorgepaw, Heatherpaw and Spiderleg. I want apprentices from ForestClan to appear at the Gathering this time, to show that we are still strong."
"What about me?" Toadpaw cried, lashing his tail in fustration. "Morningpaw, Fernpaw and I aren't kits anymore!"
"You are very young apprentices." Bramblestar purred in sympathy. "Perhaps another time, when you have gained more experience. But you will get your chance soon, I'm sure Gorgepaw and Heatherpaw will tell you all about it."
He leapt down from the Highrock, flicking his tail at Rabbitleap. "I'm leaving you in charge while we're gone. Send out a hunting patrol to have a sniff around the forest."
Motioning for the called cats with his tail, the light brown tom led his clanmates out of the gorge.

Not long after, the ForestClan cats had reached the sacred Gathering place. Dawnsong decided to stay with Echopath, who had been a good friend to her for a long time. ReedClan were currently the only Clan here, suprising all of the ForestClan cats.
"Greetings." Dawnsong spun round and saw Cinderfoot, one of the least hostile cats. Minnowtail was beside her, her blue eyes showing no threat at all.
"Hello." The queen replied. "How is life?"
"Prey's scarce, we're just waiting for the river to freeze over." Minnowtail sighed. She then drew her attention to Gorgepaw and Heatherpaw, who were talking to Sharkpaw and Branchpaw. "I see your apprentices have returned."
"No." Dawnsong shook her head. "Those two were apprenticed half a moon ago. Eagletalon and Spiderleg are their mentors."
A skinny dark brown tom barged past the light grey she-cat, grumbling under his breath. He had a strange scent about him, but there was ReedClan scent mingled with it. Could he be one of the rogues Noblespirit told us about? Dawnsong wondered. She didn't dare question Cinderfoot and Minnowtail, just in case they got protective about their Clan's business.
CourageClan entered, Noblespirit leading them. Dawnsong guessed that Bravestar was still sick, if their deputy was taking them to the Gathering. She watched Noblespirit leap up onto the Three Rocks.
"Let the Gathering begin!" Bramblestar cried. "Prey is scarce, but ForestClan are coping well. We have welcomed two new apprentices, Gorgepaw and Heatherpaw!"
"Gorgepaw! Heatherpaw!" The cats chanted below, ReedClan being less enusactic. Dawnsong felt a chill go down her spine. We will always be rivals, no matter what Clan we are. She realised. Even CourageClan can't be our allies forever.                                                                                                                            "We also have three other new apprentices, Morningpaw, Fernpaw and Toadpaw!" Bramblestar continued. Again, the same cheer went up, and the light brown tom went on. "StarClan also blessed us with four future warriors, as Dawnsong kitted a few nights ago. They have been named Honeykit, Maplekit, Stormkit and Brightkit." He turned to Noblespirit. "Does CourageClan have any news to share?"
"Yes, we most certainly have news. As you can see, I am repersanting CourageClan as Bravestar is absant. Currently, she is unwell, but getting better." Noblespirit spoke rather quickly, as if he was trying to hide something. "Anyway, moving on, we have welcomed two new warriors, Thunderstrike and Hollyberry."
"Thunderstrike! Hollyberry!" The assembled cats chanted, their voices loud and clear. The two young warriors, who were sitting near Crowpelt and Treasureheart, held their heads up high and exchanged a excited look with eachother. Dawnsong smiled, delighted knowing that they were very happy becoming warriors.
"Prey is still scarce for us, but we have recently smelt rogues on our territory." Noblespirit reported. "That is all. Fishstar?"
"ReedClan are very well, no new apprentices or warriors have been named, but prey is plentiful." Fishstar meowed. "But we have nothing else to report."
"Wait!" A loud screech went up from the ForestClan cats. Dawnsong spun round and realised Ghostfire was making her way up to Three Rocks. Her fur was bristled, eyes filled with hatred. "I have something that every cat should know!"
"Ghostfire, please." Bramblestar tried to stop her, but Fishstar nodded his approval. "Go on. We're all listening."
"Cats of CourageClan and many of ForestClan will benifit from this." Ghostfire continued. "Many of you know Dawnsong and Crowpelt. But many of you don't know their real parents."
"No!" Dawnsong cried from down below. "Ghostfire, don't!"
"As I was saying, I know who their real parents are." Ghostfire completely ignored Dawnsong's cry. She had a cold edge to her voice as she spoke. "Dawnsong's and Crowpelt's parents are Longstripe of ForestClan and Treasureheart of CourageClan!"
A deadly cold silence swept across the three Clans. Not many cats had known about Dawnsong's and Crowpelt's half-Clan heritage. Hollyberry, the new CourageClan warrior, glared at her Clanmate in sorrow. "You lied to me!"
"No, Hollyberry, listen." Dawnsong watched as her brother went over to the young she-cat. "It's not like that. I would have never recieved the Clan's trust if I said I was only half CourageClan. I wanted to start my life fresh as a loyal CourageClan warrior, with clanmates that trusted me. And I couldn't have that if I was part ForestClan."
"But you lied." Hollyberry choked out. "Who actually knew?"
"Treasureheart, Noblespirit and Hazelfoot." Crowpelt told her calmly.
"We should exile you!" A voice snarled from a little way away. Dawnsong reconised it as Peacerain, who had been Hollyberry's mentor. "Half-Clan cats don't belong in any Clan, and you kept a secret from your own birth Clan You were born in CourageClan!"
"If Crowpelt should be exiled, should I be exiled?" Dawnsong retorted. "I have four young kits and the friendship of my Clanmates. Some of them knew about my bloodlines, but they still continued to be my friends. How would you feel, Peacerain, to be treated like dirt because of your heritage? I am certainly not ashamed of my parents. Treasureheart is a noble warrior, and Longstripe is a wise and respected member of ForestClan in his retirement."
Clouds started to cover the moon, causing Bramblestar to yowl "The Gathering is at a end, before StarClan punish us."
"I'm sorry about what happened." Cinderfoot murmured as Dawnsong left. "You didn't deserve that."
As Dawnsong followed her Clanmates out, a few of them edged away from her. Tigerpelt being one, his eyes glittering with hatred. Great. Thanks, Ghostfire. Thank you very much.

>11>

Swiftpaw trudged through the bracken, certain he was nearly back. His paws ached and he was starting to loose faith in himself. Yet the young apprentice had been following a line of stars, which he was convinced was the lights that Lightleaf had been on about, the ones that would guide him back to the Outcast's territory.
A familar scent wafted over, not very far away. Swiftpaw took in the scent and followed it, eagar to find the cat. No matter how tired he was, he was determained to find the cat.
As he slipped under overhanging trees like a snake, the black and white tom felt that he was getting close. The cat he was following must have heard him, as the apprentice heard a snarl.
"Whoever you may be, you don't belong here!" The cat growled. "Get off this territory before I find you!"
Swiftpaw tensed his muscles, ready to strike in case he was wrong. The cat had a fear scent about it, unatural for a Outcast cat or one of his Clanmates.
Before he could react, the cat jumped out of nowhere and onto him, snarling and snapping. Claws slashed at Swiftpaw's ear. He felt a instant rush of pain go to his ear as blood trickled down.
"Oh, for the Spirit's sake, Swiftpaw!" The cat groaned. "I thought you were an enemy! You could have just said who you were rather than letting me attack you!"
"I've got no strength left in me, Legend." Swiftpaw sighed. "I've travelled a long way to get back."
Legend fixed a confused gaze on him, but let the apprentice sit up. "So the rumors are true?" He questioned, giving his chest a couple of embrassed licks. "You did leave us?"
"I did." Swiftpaw stumbled up to his paws weakly, trying to show that he was still strong. "But I have learnt that you should never abandon your friends."
"Well, I'd better get you back, then. You won't make it back to the den in that state."
Legend dug his teeth into the apprentice's scuff and dragged him away, keeping aware in case any intruders took advantage of the weakened cat.

"So he returned."
A deep growl awoke Swiftpaw. He glanced up and saw Vulture, his amber eyes cold.
"You were a fool to leave, but brave to return." He growled again. "Lucky Legend found you when he did. But I guess I won't mention your ear..."
"Shhh!" Swiftpaw heard Arrow hush him. "It's just nicked, that's all. It hasn't fallen off."
"Yet." Vulture added, stalking away in the other direction. Thr apprentice heard Arrow let out a sigh. "Your ear isn't that bad, little one." She comforted him. "Legend only nicked it slightly. It isn't highly noticable."
"Where is Featherpaw?" Swiftpaw asked. Arrow smiled symaptheticly at him. "She was frantic when you left. I think she thinks that you're dead, so you'd better go and find her. She's out by the lake, near Wolf's grave."
"Thanks." Swiftpaw stumbled up to his paws and made his way out of the den.
The moon was high up in the sky as he walked onward. If I have been back in ForestClan, it would have been the Gathering tonight. He realised, a pang of guilt then striking him. Stop thinking about home!                    As he approached the lake, Swiftpaw could see the brown and white she-cat gazing up at the sky. She was murmuring a few words to herself, her blue eyes sparkling with sorrow. The tom couldn't quite catch what she was saying and he hated seeing her this way, so he decided to make a appearance from his hiding place in the grass. "Featherpaw?"
The young she-cat spun round quickly upon hearing Swiftpaw's voice. "Swiftpaw? B-But you're dead, so you must be a spirit from StarClan. If you want to blame me for your death, go ahead." She mumbled.
"Do you see stars in my pelt?" Swiftpaw meowed in amusement. "I'm still alive, mouse-brain."
Featherpaw fixed her gaze on him, then a loud purr welled up in her throat. She padded over and pressed her muzzle against his. Swiftpaw was quite happy to just stand there and let the vibrations from his friend echo in his mind.
"I can't believe you came back." Featherpaw murmured. "I thought you had actually left us for good."
"I could never leave my friends to complete this quest alone." Swiftpaw reassued her, giving her ear a quick lick.
"So you're defintely coming back with us then?" Featherpaw meowed, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. "That's great! I'd really miss you in the Clan otherwise."
"We can leave tomorrow." Swiftpaw decided. "My shoulder has healed, and everyone else has recovered from the battle against the dogs." He flicked his tail towards the cave where the other Outcasts were sleeping. "We'd better get some sleep. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."
"Come on, then." Featherpaw led the black and white apprentice back through the grass and into the cave in silence, neither of them saying a word.

^12^

A bird's gentle song awoke Eagletalon from his deep sleep. Like every cat, he had been shocked by the news announced at the Gathering last night, but why did Ghostfire bring it up? Dawnsong had done nothing to hurt the former loner since she had joined the Clan.
Padding out of the warrior's den, Eagletalon glanced around. He could see Sandtail murmuring away to Otterswim, which was unusual. He knew the two cats had been close recently, but was there something going on that no one else knew about?
A loud squeal from the nursery switched the gold and white tom's attention. Two of Specklenose's kits were dashing out of the nursery, one a light grey tabby and her dark brown tabby brother. Another kit, slightly taller than the other two, followed them. Eagletalon reconised him as Galekit, Dawnsong's foster son. He was growing stronger each day, many members of the Clan had noticed. He will be a powerful warrior. A valuable addition to ForestClan.                                                                                                                Another kit appeared. This time, it was Dewkit, Silverleaf's daughter. Her silver and white fur ruffled in the slight breeze as she tried to keep up with the older kits. Eagletalon watched her, remembering his days as a kit. He had enjoyed playing with his siblings and denmates, like Echokit and her sister Rosekit for example. They would always play in the warm days of greenleaf, annoying several members of the Clan as they made so much noise.
A small pair of sharp teeth dug into Eagletalon's tail, disurbing his memories. He spun round and saw Honeykit. Her leaf-green eyes lit up in delight as the warrior lifted up his tail, making it harder for her to reach.
"Did your eyes open today?" Eagletalon asked the young kit. Honeykit smiled and nodded, but then sighed as she watched Cloudkit and Mysterykit play-fight, while Dewkit watched and Galekit tried to join in. "I want to play with them. But I'm too small, and I always will be."
"You'll grow." Eagletalon reassured her. "Like everyone else." He flicked his tail towards Tigerpelt, who was snapping at Leapthroat because he hadn't brought any prey back from hunting. "Tigerpelt was a little, fluffy kit once. If you ask Rabbitleap or Otterswim, they'll tell you. They were Tigerpelt's littermates, after all."
"What about her?" Honeykit enquired, flicking her tail at Heatherpaw. Eagletalon chuckled in amusement. "That's Heatherpaw, Spiderleg's apprentice. She left the nursery just over half a moon ago. Her brother, Gorgepaw, is my apprentice."
"Could I be your apprentice?" Honeykit asked, blinking her green eyes pleadingly. "You're my favourite warrior!"
"Perhaps. It's Bramblestar's decision." Eagletalon purred in amusment again. "But there are other cats who would make good mentors for you. Like Poppyfoot for example. She's paitent, caring and very smart. She is also Toadpaw's, Morningpaw's and Fernpaw's mother, so you should know her."
"Well, obviously." Honeykit told him.
Eagletalon glanced over at the fresh-kill pile. Echopath had been lucky to catch a young hare while out on patrol yesterday, which would make a nice snack for the elders. "I'm going to get some prey for Longstripe and Cloudeye. Do you want to come?" He asked the little kit.
"That would be great!" Honeykit exclaimed happily, bouncing up and down. Her tail then drooped. "But will they like me?"
"Of course they will." Eagletalon assured her. "The elders love it when the kits visit them. I think you kits visit the elders more than any cats in the Clan!"
The gold and white warrior led the light ginger kit over to the fresh-kill pile, digging his teeth into the hare's scuff. He then dragged it over to the elder's den, taking care not to sqaush the delicate little kit.
As Eagletalon and Honeykit entered the elder's den, Longstripe poked his head up. "Is that rabbit I smell? I hope you're giving that to the elders." He grumbled from his nest.
"Hare." Eagletalon corrected him. "And yes, it's for you and Cloudeye. But I've got a vistor for you too." He stepped aside to reveal Honeykit, and Longstripe let out a rusty purr. "There haven't been any kits here for a while. Who are you?"
"I'm Honeykit." The light ginger she-kit introduced herself politely. "I'm Dawnsong's and Runningbreeze's daughter." Longstripe purred again at that. "I'm Longstripe. I am Dawnsong's father. Welcome to the Clan, little one."
I forgot that Longstripe's a grandfather now. Eagletalon realised. He must be really proud.                           As Eagletalon turned to leave, he heard a cry. "Honeykit! Where is she?"
"Time to go, little one." The gold and white warrior told the kit. "Your mother is looking for you."
Saying a final goodbye to Longstripe, Honeykit followed Eagletalon out of the elder's den. Eagletalon had been right, Dawnsong was franticly looking for her kit. "She's here." He called.
"Thank StarClan!" Dawnsong rushed over and gave Honeykit a few quick licks behind her ears. "Where did you find her?"
"Honeykit found me, actually. She helped me take some prey to the elders." Eagletalon purred in amusement. "Longstripe and Cloudeye are very fond of her."
"You make a better parent than me." Dawnsong told him, wrapping her tail neatly around her paws. "Willowstream was a lucky cat to have you fathering her kits."
Eagletalon felt a chill go down his spine. He had taken the young she-cat for a mate not long after he became a warrior. She had given birth to his three kits: Leopardpaw, Moonpaw and Clawedpaw. However, when the three became apprentices, Willowstream was slaughtered by a unknown cat. The gold and white tom still grieved, but he had to continue his life and put the past behind him, as an old friend told him once.
"I'm going hunting." Eagletalon decided. "I'll see if Gorgepaw will come. He needs to learn some hunting techinques to catch up with his sister."

~13~

Echopath pushed her way through the bracken, following Lionclaw and Pebblestep. Toadpaw followed closely behind her, having a bit of trouble keeping up with the older warriors. The silver warrior looked behind her shoulder and purred sympatheticly. "You're really having problems with this, aren't you?"
"Yes!" The apprentice cried with a wail. Echopath spun round and grabbed Toadpaw's scuff, but forgot how muscular he had become since starting training. She dropped him and he fell down with a yelp.
"Let me take him." Lionclaw grumbled, picking up the dark brown apprentice. Echopath followed the tall golden tabby warrior out of the bracken before picking up a strange scent. It smelt like death, frightening her, but it finally became reconisable.
Two pairs of eyes then appeared in the bush, behind where Lionclaw and Toadpaw were standing. One pair yellow, the other blue, but both showed hatred.
"Watch out!" Echopath screamed, darting over and shoving Lionclaw away, just as the two pairs of eyes leapt out. The silver warrior's instincts had been right, the pairs of eyes had belonged to cats.
"Why are you here?" Pebblestep snarled, lashing her tail. The smallest of the two stepped forward, his yellow eyes flickering back and fourth at the ForestClan cats. Echopath noticed he carried many scars from past battles, and his long claws were coated with blood at the tips.
"My name is Claws." He introduced himself gruffly. "This is Fear." He then flicked his tail to his companion, a black and brown tom. Their pelts were streaked with water.
These are ReedClan's rogues! Echopath realised. They reek of fish!                                                          "You don't belong here." Pebblestep growled, her claws sheathed and ready to strike. "I recommend you leave this territory, or we will attack."
"Sure." Claws looked bored. "Go ahead. Attack us."
With a furious and unexpected yowl, Toadpaw flung himself at Claws, digging his teeth into the rogue's scuff. Echopath tried to stop him, but Lionclaw stood in front of her, shielding her from any attacks. "You saved me, now I save you." He told her calmly.
"But Toadpaw is my apprentice!" Echopath protested. "Poppyfoot will never forgive me if he dies!"
Before Lionclaw could reply, Pebblestep rushed forward and scored her claws down Fear's hind leg. Fear raked his claws across Pebblestep's face, leaving a long line of blood trickling down her face. The young warrior stumbled back, slightly shocked, while Fear leapt forward and sank his teeth into her neck.
"Nooo!" Toadpaw wailed, darting over as the silver she-cat collasped, making loud gurgling noises as blood welled out of her neck. The apprentice spun round to face Echopath. "Do something!" He begged desperately.
"There is nothing I can do." Echopath told him with a sigh. "StarClan are calling for her. She will be safe there, and among lost Clanmates."
She padded over, just as Pebblestep let out a cough that racked her whole body. Echopath touched her nose to her friend's shoulder, not wanting to show too much grief in front of Fear and Claws.
"You died the bravest death of any warrior." Toadpaw told the dying she-cat. "ForestClan will honour you, I will make sure of it."
"Thank you." Pebblestep murmured weakly. "I will watch over all of you. May StarClan light your path, and may it be bright."
The silver warrior let out another raspy cough, then allowed the last breath to leave her body. She went motionless instantly.
Pebblestep was dead.
"No!" Toadpaw yowled in sorrow and fury. "Why?!"
Echopath spun round and glared at Fear, who was murmuring away to Claws. Her eyes were filled with hatred as she looked at Pebblestep's murders. I swear that I will get my revenge on you snake-hearts. She vowed privately. I will give everything to make sure that you don't lay a claw on another cat, not ever. And that is a promise.

>14>

Swiftpaw settled down beside a treestump, watching Outcasts and ForestClan cats alike share their final goodbyes. Today was the day that the apprentices and Brokenheart would start the long journey home.
Glancing over to the cave, Swiftpaw watched Future and Clawedpaw murmur away quietly, obviously not wanting anyone to hear what they were discussing.
This must be really hard for Clawedpaw. The black and white apprentice thought to himself. Him and Future were close.                                                                                                                                       Legend padded over to Swiftpaw, his green eyes bright. "Four of us will guide you home." He told the apprentice cheerfully. "The others will be needed back here in case the dogs attack."
"Which cats are coming with us?" Swiftpaw enquired curiously. Legend looked behind his shoulder. "Arrow is one, Vulture is another and I'm not quite sure who the other two will be."
"Maybe Future will go." Swiftpaw suggested. "She will want to be with Clawedpaw."
"I don't think your friend will be leaving." Legend groaned, flicking his tail over to the cave. "Look over there."
Clawedpaw was sharing a owl with Future now, but he was standing so close to her that their pelts touched. Future didn't really seem to mind, which was normal.
Joy then motioned for everyone to come over to her. Swiftpaw followed Legend, waving his tail in greeting to Bear, who was talking to Vulture and Arrow. The Outcast tom returned the greeting, but then flicked his tail towards Featherpaw, who was looking a bit lost. Realising that, Swiftpaw left Legend's side and approached his friend, giving her a quick lick on the shoulder. "Hello." He greeted her politely. "Good sleep?"
"Fine." Featherpaw told him quickly. "Really good. Just great."
"Are you sure?" Swiftpaw asked, narrowing his eyes. "You don't sound truthful."
Before she could reply, Joy silenced the crowd. "As you all know, our friends from ForestClan leave us today. I am sure you will all agree with me when I say this, but I can say that no Outcast could have fitted in with the confidance that you all had. In my mind, you will always be honoured for seasons to come. You have taught us so much and we will use these skills well. Yet your parting will be like loosing family, for here we are all a family, and you somehow joined us like lost realitives. On behalf of my family of Outcasts, I thank all of you."
A loud yowl went up from the crowd. Swiftpaw and Featherpaw exchanged a look of pride, their eyes filled with delight.
"To accompany on your journey home, I have selected four cats to journey with you. This will probably be the last you will see of us, but I hope we'll see eachother again soon." Joy continued. "Arrow, Vulture, Bear and Future will go with you. These four carry skills you will need, and I feel they know you better than any of us."
"Future only knows Clawedpaw best!" Featherpaw hissed in annoyance. "I'm going to die with her on the journey!"
"Legend knew us well." Swiftpaw added with a sigh. "I guess we won't see him ever again. I'll really miss him."
"He left you a scar to remember him by." Featherpaw pointed out, touching Swiftpaw's ear with her tail. "I'm sure that will jog some memories when you're an elder."
While the two apprentices continued talking, Bear plodded over to them. "Come on, we're leaving now. Say your final goodbyes and let's get going. With luck, we'll get to your territory in two days."
Saying farewell to their Outcast friends one last time, Swiftpaw and Featherpaw followed behind their Clanmates as they started the huge journey home.
I can't believe it! Swiftpaw told himself privately. We're really going home!

*15*

"Who's that, Mother?"
"That's Sandtail. She's Bramblestar's deputy and she will become leader if Bramblestar happens to die."
"Wow! Will I become a leader one day?"
"Maybe, little one. We'll see what happens."
"You won't be leader Stormkit, because I'll beat you to it!"
"Well, Stormstar sounds better than Honeystar!"
Dawnsong purred in amusement as her kits battled out who would be a better leader. Since they'd opened their eyes, they were very hyperactive and it was hard to calm them down, but they were all still cute in their own ways.
"Maplestar is the coolest!" Maplekit declared, bowling Stormkit over. "And Stormstar is a terrible name!"
A small whimper came from behind Dawnsong. Turning round, she spotted Brightkit's light ginger fur curled up beside Flashkit, who was batting a leaf in her paws.
"Keep it down, little ones." Dawnsong told her kits. "You're disturbing Brightkit."
"But she's boring!" Stormkit protested. "She never wants to play with us!"
"That doesn't mean you can exclude her." Dawnsong scolded him. "How would you feel if I kept excluding you all the time?" She then turned to Honeykit and Maplekit. "That goes for both of you as well. You've got to learn to get along with Brightkit."
As the light grey tabby she-cat settled down in her nest, Specklenose stared at her sympatheticly. "I know you're angry about Ghostfire revealing your parents, but you don't need to take it out on your kits. They've done nothing wrong."
"How would you feel if everyone treated you differently because of your heritage?" Dawnsong challenged the older queen. "I once had the trust of all of the Clan, and now barely anyone can look at me because they're so disgusted that I never told everyone!"
Silverleaf poked her head up in suprise, blinking her bright blue eyes. "Keep your voice down." She murmured. "I've got a terrible headache and you two bickering isn't helping." She then dropped her head onto her paws quickly and nudged her two kits over with her tail. Specklenose let out a small sigh. "She doesn't look well to me." She commented to Dawnsong. "She's had a constant headache for a little while now and she's been coughing a fair bit. I'm worried in case it's greencough."
A memory played itself in Dawnsong's mind. It had been when she was a young apprentice and a outbreak of greencough arrived in the Clan. It had killed many cats in the Clan, most of them she couldn't remember the names of. Her brother Crowpelt, Crowpaw at that time, had nearly died, but luckily he had been saved by Oakpelt.
"Do you want me to watch your kits?" Specklenose offered suddenly. "You look exhausted, Dawnsong."
"That would be a massive help." Dawnsong purred. "Thank you."
As the old dapple grey she-cat watched over the four young kits, Dawnsong wrapped her tail neatly over her nose, sleep claiming her almost instantly.

Dawnsong's eyes flew open as she heard a twig snap. In horror, she realised that she wasn't in the nursery with her kits. She was at Three Rocks, the sacred place where the Clans joined together for Gatherings.
Why am I here? She wondered, strolling round the large boulders.
Almost instantly, three starry cats appeared. Dawnsong knew Lightleaf and Galewind, but she didn't reconise the final cat, a tortoiseshell she-cat with leaf-green eyes.
"We meet again, Dawnsong." Lightleaf purred, dipping her head respectfully. "But before I can go on, I have someone for you to meet."
The queen watched as the tortoiseshell she-cat padded forward, her eyes friendly and warm. "Greetings, young one. My name is Lovebird. I was Noblespirit's sister."
"I'm Dawnsong." Dawnsong greeted herself politely. "It is a honour to meet you."
"But it's a greater honour to meet you, Dawnsong. You have no idea how important you are." Lovebird told her. "How is my brother, anyway?"
"He's doing great. Bravestar chose him as CourageClan's new deputy a moon or so ago since Clawedear died." Dawnsong meowed, twitching her whiskers. "My Clan have formed an alliance with them to defeat some rogues that ReedClan have recuited."
"Yes, yes, we know all about that." Galewind sighed. "One of ReedClan's former leaders, Breezestar, went to Fishstar in a dream last night and tried to prevent this madness, but he wouldn't listen. He claims that his Clan need more territory, and CourageClan are the weakest Clan anyway due to the illness."
"Bravestar is very weak." Lovebird continued. "I knew her well, she was one of the best friends I could ever have. When StarClan came calling for me, she was deputy at the time. I granted her one of her nine lives and I try to guide her as much as I can, but as I said, she is weak."
"Anyway, we've got something to show you." Lightleaf butted in, flicking her cream tail in the direction of ReedClan camp. "Follow us."
Dawnsong followed the three StarClan warriors, and eventually the soft grass underfoot turned into marshland as they approached the ReedClan camp. Two cats, Minnowtail and Antpelt, sat guard outside camp. They were whispering to eachother and Dawnsong strained her ears to try and find out what they were discussing.
"We don't need to eavesdrop on that conversation." Galewind told her, flicking her ear with his tail. "Keep going."
Eventually, the four cats reached the heart of ReedClan camp. Applewhisker was talking to the apprentices about fighting techniques, while Fishstar was in deep conversation with a red tabby cat Dawnsong's didn't reconise.
"So it's settled." The elderly silver and white tom sighed in relief. "Our plan begins tonight."
"My cats will meet yours at Three Rocks tonight." The red tabby cat agreed, flicking a fly off her ear. "Those puny cats won't suspect anything until we deliever a blow so deadly that they'll be too afraid to even blink!"
"That's good, that's very good." Fishstar nodded in approval. "Territory's as good as your's once we've removed CourageClan."
Dawnsong let out a little gasp of horror and she stared at Lightleaf in shock. "Surely StarClan can't let this happen?"
"As Galewind told you, StarClan are unable to prevent this." The cream she-cat reminded her. "Cats will be lost in this as a result, but maybe Fishstar doesn't know that yet."
"He should!" Dawnsong protested. "Fishstar is the oldest leader in the forest, he should know when a cat will die because of battle!"
"Hush." Galewind scolded her. "You need to listen carefully."
As the red tabby she-cat left the leader alone, Grassnose, the ReedClan medicine cat, darted over to the elderly tom. Her green eyes were clouded with concern and worry. "StarClan have spoken to me."
"What do they want now?" Fishstar snapped. "They won't leave me alone!"
"StarClan sent me a sign." Grassnose went on. "An omen. They showed me our camp, but there were dead cats sprawled all over the place and you couldn't see the ground because it was completely covered in blood." She was trembling now like a lost kit now, but she continued. "If you continue this battle, you will pay a terrible price."
"I don't care what our precious ancestors think." Fishstar growled. "CourageClan have treated us like dirt, acting like ReedClan are their slaves. They killed your mother, so I don't see why you're against all of this."
"There are more reasonable ways to settle this rather than driving a whole Clan out with a group of battle-hungry rogues." Grassnose retorted. "StarClan will punish you for this!"
"You cannot let them destory my Clan!" Lovebird murmured to Dawnsong, her eyes frightful. "Please, make sure that your whole Clan will defend CourageClan!"
"I will." Dawnsong promised the StarClan she-cat. "This is just disgusting. Even the most ambitious cat wouldn't do this!"
"We will leave you now to reflect on what you have seen, little one." Lightleaf replied, touching her nose to Dawnsong's. "Good luck, little one."

^16^

Eagletalon crouched down, his eyes fixed on the pigeon that pecked at the ground just in front of him. He'd found nothing until now, and he knew that he had to catch it, because Echopath was observing him.
Carefully, he placed one paw forward, taking care not to rustle the leaves beneath him. He then sprang, claws outstreched. However, the pigeon had heard him and had taken flight, just dodging the tomcat's sharp claws.
"No!" Eagletalon yelped in suprise as he fell into a thorn bush. The sharp plants dug into his fur, making him clamp his jaws shut so he wouldn't yowl out in pain.
"Eagletalon!" Echopath cried out. "Where are you?"
Summoning up the last of his strength, Eagletalon dragged himself out of the bush and let out a small yelp. It wasn't very loud, but it was loud enough for Echopath to hear him.
The gold and white warrior watched as the pretty silver tabby she-cat gave his fur a few licks, soothing his wounds where the thorns had stabbed him. He let out a quiet whimper as she pulled out a thorn from his shoulder.
"I caught your pigeon, by the way." She told him. "Lucky you've got me here, aren't you?"
"Perhaps." Eagletalon murmured softly. "But there again, I could have-"
Eagletalon was cut off by a loud snarl. He instantly sprang to his paws, lashing his tail. "Show yourself!"
Suddenly, three cats leapt out of a tree and crashed onto Eagletalon, bowling him over. Echopath darted over and dug her claws into one cat's shoulder. "You again! I told you to never come back!"
"You really think I'd listen to you?" The light brown tabby tom hissed, delievering a blow to Echopath's leg. "Well, you better think again!"
While Echopath dealt with him, Eagletalon tried to throw off a tortoiseshell she-cat and a small blue tabby tom. Both cats were thinner than him, but they were a powerful fighting force. Eagletalon managed to bite down on the blue tabby's leg and score his claws down it, yet he was still loosing badly.
Suddenly, as if StarClan had sent help, the rest of the hunting patrol appeared, which consisted of Pigeonwing, Heatherpaw, Floatingcloud and Foxtooth. Pigeonwing rushed over to help Echopath, while the rest of the patrol came to Eagletalon's assistance. Foxtooth fastened his jaws around the blue tabby's scuff and hauled him off, while Heatherpaw nipped at his back leg. The rogue yelped in pain, terrified of the ForestClan cats.
With one cat out of the way, Eagletalon could now focus his attention on the tortoiseshell she-cat, who was bewildered and confused. The ForestClan cat lashed out on the rogue's face, leaving a bleeding cut. She cried out in pain and attempted to inflict a injury onto him, but Eagletalon was more skilled than she was.

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Texte: Text belongs to me, Warrior Cats belongs to Erin Hunter. Please ask permission from the author before copying or editing.
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 19.11.2012

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