Warriors: Heronpaw's Secret (Complete)

Chapter 16

 As the sun arose, Heronfall looked up, feeling tired and cold. 

 My vigil is finally over! I feel so cold, I think I'll get sick!

 He looked at the other three cats who were sitting vigil alongside him. Lightningstep looked like he couldn't wait to go back to the warriors' den, Foggydream was barely awake, and Needlestrike was growling.

 ''You four can speak now, your vigil is over.'' Frostbreeze meowed and padded out of the camp, shaking her fur. Brownbranch, Cinderstream, and Vinebreeze followed her.

 ''Finally!'' Needlestrike growled. ''I'm so tired and cold, I feel like I can sleep for a whole moon!''

 Cinderstream purred and looked at her daughter. ''I know what you mean, but you can't. Tonight is the Gathering, and Rosestar wants all of you to come.''

 Needlestrike sighed in annoyance. ''I wish we didn't have to.''

 For the first time in his life, Heronfall agreed with Needlestrike. His vigil felt like it lasted forever, and he didn't want to be awake for another night during leaf-bare. But he didn't protest. He got up and nodded. ''I think I'll go sleep now.''

 ''It's a good idea.'' Vinebreeze meowed, flicking his spotted tail. ''If you don't wake up until Rosestar calls the meeting, I'll come wake you all up. I doubt you'll still be sleeping by then, but just in case.''

 ''Thanks.'' Lightningstep sighed. 

 Heronfall quickly rushed in the camp and padded in the apprentices' den. Tired, he quickly grabbed his nest in his jaws and turned around, padding out. He ran toward the warriors' den and looked around for an empty spot, then dropped his nest. As soon as he did, he collapsed in it, exhausted. He curled up in a ball and fell asleep.

 ''Let all cats old enough to run the moor gather beneath the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!''

 Heronfall tilted his head, confused, as he left the warriors' den. He just woke up, and Rosestar was already calling the Clan meeting. Weird, the moon didn't even rise yet. Why are we already going to the Gathering?

 However, he didn't protest. He stretched, then rushed toward the meeting and sat down next to Lightningstep.

 ''As you all know, tonight is the Gathering.'' Rosestar meowed. ''I've decided it's better to leave earlier because it's very cold today, and I'm sure the other leaders will do the same thing. But before that, I want to announce that Frostbreeze will be moving to the nursery, as she carries Sandypelt's kits.''

 Heronfall looked toward Frostbreeze, who was sitting next to her mate. He flicked his tail happily. Kits! WindClan will have new kits by newleaf!

 ''Now, follow me, WindClan!'' Rosestar meowed, then jumped off the Tallrock and left the camp. Heronfall got up and followed his leader, along with the rest of the Clan.

 When he left the camp, a colder breeze than last night ruffled his fur. He shivered, lashing his tail. It's so cold! I hope the Gathering will end quickly.

 The other cats must have felt the same, because they started shivering and moving faster. Rosestar led them quickly, but slowed down when they approached the path leading to the Fourtrees. Heronfall relaxed, knowing that it was going to be a little warmer when all the four Clans were gathered.

 However, when they went downhill, Heronfall felt disappointed. Only ShadowClan was present.

 Rosestar jumped on the Great Rock and dipped her head to Crowstar. ''Hello.''