The Five Giants - Book 1

Chapter 11 - Flame

I crouched down on the ground, focusing my eyes on my prey. I froze as it moved, and then bunched my hind legs, getting ready to jump. My tail twitching will excitement as I leaped, and landed on the leaf.

"Good, Flamepaw. Remember to keep your tail still as you stalk." My mentor, Raineye, and myself were in the training hollow, and he was teaching me how to hunt on the ground. I already knew how to, of course, but Raineye didn't have to know that.

I puffed my chest out in pride, and pricked my ears as Raineye continued on, "Next we'll practice climbing trees. It's essential for a Skyclan cat, as it can be used both in hunting and in fighting. We use the trees while hunting to stalk tree prey such as birds and squirrels, and we use trees while fighting to drop down on enemies and surprise them, giving us an advantage."

I nodded as Raineye continued on about climbing trees. I could see his age showing in his eyes.

I wouldn't be surprised if he retired to the Elders den after training me.

Raineye was the oldest and one of the most respected warriors in the clan. His mate, Jaypool, retired to the Elders den nine moons ago, just before I was born. I could see that he was longing to be with her. It only made me more determined to work hard and get my warrior name early.

"Flamepaw? Is something on your mind?" Raineye must have caught me staring off into space.

"Sorry Raineye, I was just thinking about how much I want my warrior name."

"Oh really? What makes you want it so much?"

"Well, aside from the freedom of being a warrior, it's to help you out as well." Raineye widened his eyes in questioning. "You're pretty old, no offense."

"None taken."

"And your mate is already in the Elders den. So if I get my warrior name quickly, then you can be with your mate!"

Raineye's dull eyes brightened will laughter, and he let out a chuckle. "While I appreciate the thought, I can still spend all the time I want with Jaypool. I even sometimes take apprentice duties just to spend time with her." Seeing my saddened face, he said, "But I suppose if I retire to the Elders den, I can spend even more time with her. And I wouldn't have to do any of your duties."

"Well, when you put it that way, I don't know if I want you to go to the elder's den anymore."

Raineye shook with laughter again. "C'mon, let's go find a tree for you to climb."

'~******~'

"Good work today Flamepaw. Go get something from the fresh-kill pile, and then rest." The glint in Raineye's gaze gave away something, but I couldn't figure out what it was.

Ignoring it, I turned towards the fresh-kill pile, spotting an incredibly large squirrel. I licked my maw, and went over to the pile. I bent down and grabbed the squirrel, mouth-watering smells filling my senses.

I started to head towards a shaded spot beneath a tree, but then someone called, "Flamepaw! Over here!"

I turned to see Yellowpaw relaxing with Ivypaw. I trotted over to them, the squirrel bumping against my legs.

"You actually thought that we would let you eat that entire squirrel by yourself?" Yellowpaw said, her eyes betraying her harsh tone. Ivypaw smiled next to her, and sat up from her laying position.

I dropped the squirrel in front of them. "Well then, dig in." We all tucked into the squirrel, enjoying the savory taste of a fresh-kill.