Warriors; Roar of the River

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Blackfeather folded his ears back as the crowd gave an uproar. His brother was staring up at Stormstar in awe, but he was tense, seemingly bracing for an attack.

“Why would you choose him?” Ashstar shrieked. The smaller she-cat was bristling with anger. “He’s a murdering traitor! He hardly even deserves to be allowed here!”

“I am the leader of ShadowClan,” Stormstar simpered, looking unfazed. “It’s my decision, and I trust him.”

“I forbid it,” Ashstar hissed. “I don’t care if you’re a leader; this cat broke the warrior code and he’s been siding with RiverClan for ages! He’s the reason this is all happening!”

“It is hardly his fault that some cats of StarClan told him to talk to Minnowstar about everything,” Stormstar shot back. “And it isn’t your choice!”

“Both of you, stop arguing like kits,” Lionstar snarled. The golden-brown tabby tom leapt up onto the Highledge and stood between them. “Ashstar, she’s right. This is her choice.”

Ashstar fixed them both with a scowl, while Stormstar dipped her head to Lionstar and then turned toward the crowd. Shadefall still stood, his head held high while the cats around him let out growls of fury. He drew in a breath and glanced around at the crowd. Stormstar’s fiery gaze focused solely on him.

“Well, Shadefall?” Stormstar demanded, sounding irritated.

Blackfeather watched as Shadefall nodded. “I will be the deputy of ShadowClan,” he mewed firmly, his voice sounding forceful and solid despite the growls coming from all around. He was alarmed to hear a familiar voice yowl louder than any other cat had before. Turning, Blackfeather was bewildered to find Leafpaw approaching Shadefall, her fur on end.

“I think you’ve forgotten, Stormstar, that this cat murdered Featherfall with his own claws and teeth. He was dripping with the blood of a loyal ShadowClan warrior! And now you want him to be ShadowClan’s deputy? Are you insane?”

“I think I’m mindful of things like this,” Stormstar hissed. “I’ve always been diligent, and Darkstar never had anything against me. Here we are as one, preparing to fight for the warrior code, when you’re breaking one of the simplest laws! The word of your leader shall not be questioned.”

“You call yourself a leader?” Leafpaw spat. But Stormstar ignored her and leapt regally from the Highledge, landing neatly before Shadefall.

“Start organizing more hunting patrols,” she meowed. “Unless,” raising her voice, she turned to glare up at the other leaders, “there are any objections?”

“Rosetail can take care of that,” Ashstar replied, sounding composed. “I want to speak to you about possible tactics in taking down Minnowstar’s army. Your deputy as well,” she added curtly.

Stormstar dipped her head and then turned toward Shadefall. She seemed to mutter something to him, but Blackfeather couldn’t tell what she’d said. He turned just as Leafpaw approached him, her fur bristling.