Chapter 29

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 Briarpond let out a sigh and padded in her den, her legs shaking. A few moments ago, the cats who left to help with the fight that was happening at the gorge returned, but they also announced that both Frecklestar and Burnttail were dead. Now RiverClan didn't have a leader anymore, and Briarpond didn't know what to do.

 Briarpond fell on her moss nest and closed her eyes. Maybe if I'll try to sleep, then StarClan will visit me and tell me who the next leader should be..



 When Briarpond opened her eyes, she was in a bright starry forest. The warm breeze rustled her fur, and she head a river somewhere close. She looked around, hoping to see a StarClan cat.

 ''You finally came!''

 Briarpond spun around and let out a shocked gasp when she saw Burnttail. The former RiverClan deputy looked a little bit younger, but he still had his three scars. The tom's pelt was now transparent, it was shining like stars and it was carrying the scents of all four seasons. She sighed. ''Burnttail, I.. I'm so sorry that you and Frecklestar died. I should've been there to save you two.''

 Burnttail blinked in surprise, but then smiled. ''No, Briarpond, there was nothing you could've done. We both fell in the gorge, we didn't die because of the wounds. Besides, none of the other cats came back with our bodies, remember?''

 Briarpond's ear twitched in surprise. ''Yeah, I guess they didn't..''

 Suddenly, Burnttail looked serious. ''Anyway, I think you know why I came to meet you, right?''

 Briarpond blinked. ''I think so.''

 Burnttail nodded. Suddenly, everything went black, and when Briarpond could see again, she was back in RiverClan's camp. She frowned, but soon realized that she was still dreaming. A very tall acacia tree stood tall in the middle of the camp, its leaves protecting it. Soon, Briarpond saw a lot of eagles heading for the camp. She flinched and her first instinct was to run towards the nursery to see if Berryfeather's kits were alright, but then she remembered that this was just a dream. When the eagles were closer, the acacia tree suddenly lit itself on fire and burned down, but nothing else caught on fire. When there was nothing left of the acacia tree, other than ashes, the eagles let out scared screams and flew away.

 Briarpond looked after them in surprise, when she realized that Burnttail was right next to her. The tom looked after the eagles, then back at Briarpond. ''You know what to do now, Briarpond.''

 Burnttail nodded, then let out a sigh. ''But she's so young.. are you sure that she's ready?''

 ''Yes, I'm sure.'' Burnttail dipped his head. ''I was her mentor, and I know how she reacts. She's very energetic, but kind and she's willing to give up her life for her Clan. Come on, go now. I might see you soon at the next medicine cat meeting.''

 Briarpond hesitated, but then nodded and everything went black again. When she opened her eyes, she was back in her nest. She got up and shook her pelt, then sprinted out of her den. The other cats were still near the camp exit, grieving for their dead leader and deputy. Briarpond smiled, then rushed towards the Wetrock and jumped on it. ''Let all cats old enough to swim the currents gather beneath the Wetrock for a Clan meeting!''

 The other cats turned around, surprised to see their medicine cat standing on the Wetrock. Tornfeather, one of their elders, stepped forward, confused. ''Briarpond? What are you doing?''

 ''Sit down and you'll find out, Tornfeather.'' Briarpond meowed, resting her tail on her front paws. The elder rolled his eyes and sat down. When all the other cats gathered around, confused and surprised, Briarpond started speaking. ''I know that you're all confused and scared, because we don't have a leader anymore. But we actually do. After I found out the news, I went straight to my den and tried to fall asleep, and I was visited by Burnttail. He gave me a sign, and I know exactly who our next leader will be, and I trust him enough to think that he's right.''

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