The Prophecy Foretold: Testing Alliances

Chapter Twelve

 A few sunrises had passed since Goldensky's warning, and Windclan had yet to attack. The clan grew restless, with the extra battle training, additional guards and lengthy patrols. If you drew too close to a group of warriors, you could hear them complaining about the extra work that was proving fruitless, and Redstar seemed to have finally begun to listen.

"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather underneath the High Rock!" Redstar's voice rang out, Puddlepaw looking up from her thrush. The other two apprentices were beside her, and with a quick few bites they finished their meals, and got up to gather beneath the High Rock. Redstar sat above, Barkfeather at his side.

"Windclan has yet to attack, and patrols have noted their scent markers have grown dull. Tonight, I will lead a battle patrol to Windclan, and we will surprise them in their camp, and end this once and for all. Barkfeather has decided what cats will go." Redstar nodded to his deputy, and stepped forward, to the edge of the High Rock. Puddlepaw admired him up there, wondering if he'd ever get a chance to be called Barkstar.

"The patrol will consist of Jaymask, Cricketfur, Bumblescar, Slatehollow, Mudhollow, Heavytail, Owlwing, and Badgershade, as well as all of the apprentices. The rest of the warriors will guard camp, in case Windclan sends a patrol out to us. Those of you who will be fighting are excused from your duties, and should eat and rest before night comes." Puddlepaw looked around at the cats whose names were called, noting some looked excited, and others looked uncertain. Puddlepaw felt excitement and fear turning her stomach into knots. Her first real battle would be a scary one.

"Clan dismissed." Redstar jumped off of the High Rock, and disappeared into his den shortly after. Stonepaw jumped up, eyes wide.

"Our first battle! What do you think it will be like?" Blazingpaw perked up, rearing up onto his back legs.

"I'm going to kick Windclan's butt! I'll fight their biggest warrior!" Blazingpaw pounced onto Stonepaw, and the two apprentices fought playfully, nearly knocking Puddlepaw over. The she-cat jumped up, moving out of the way.

"Watch it! Barkfeather said we should rest, not practice!" Blazingpaw and Stonepaw broke apart, shaking their fur out. Puddlepaw made a face as some dirt hit her face, wiping at her cheek.

"Sorry. Aren't you excited, though? We get a taste of what being a warrior is really like!" Puddlepaw shrugged some.

"I'm nervous, honestly. You know what Windclan can do, especially when they're ignoring the warrior code." Blazingpaw nudged her shoulder, shuffling to her side.

"It'll be okay! We'll all stick together, and make sure none of us gets hurt. Together we will destroy Windclan!"

"We're not looking to destroy Windclan, Blazingpaw." Owlwing called, padding over to the trio. "You three should go and rest in your dens, night will come much faster than you expect." Blazingpaw nodded, waiting until Owlwing padded away, turning to the other two.

"I can't believe we were just told to sleep. We should get in battles more often!" Puddlepaw hissed softly, batting at Blazingpaw's side playfully.

"Don't say that, mousebrain! Come on, I didn't get any sleep cause someone wouldn't stop snoring." Puddlepaw headed for the apprentices' den as the other two tailed after, settling down into her nest. Blazingpaw and Stonepaw huddled beside her, and with their warm bodies against hers, she fell asleep.

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Cats gathered underneath the pale moon, mews no louder than a whisper as cats said goodbye, and wished the patrol well. Puddlepaw slipped through the tunnel after her mentor, watching Redstar as they moved through the forest. The world was silent, leaves crunching lightly beneath their paws as the cats moved towards Four Trees. Puddlepaw wanted to talk to Blazingpaw and Stonepaw, but she didn't dare break the silence.