Warriors; Roar of the River

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

“I say that we should attack tonight,” Lionstar stated firmly.

None of the other cats objected. Shadefall had never seen the tom look so wrathful before; his striped golden-brown pelt was standing on edge, and he was trembling with rage. “Minnowstar deserves what he’s getting, what with killing Darkstar and so many warriors,” Lionstar continued. Shadefall saw his eyes flash in accusation when they swept over him, and he hung his head in shame. He had been helping Minnowstar kill his own Clanmates.

“Fine,” mewed Stormstar from beside Shadefall. “I’ll head out into the hollow and choose some of my warriors to go. Although, I want to try to talk to Minnowstar and his cats once more, just in case they’ll change their minds.”

“Oh, please,” Ashstar hissed, shaking out her long silver pelt, “Since when would they listen to us? We’ve already given them a chance, and the cats that are left declined.”

“I agree with Stormstar,” Lionstar mewed hesitantly. “Maybe some cats are too fearful to leave. We should at least make sure before we try to rip their ears off.”

“I also think that we should devise a plan. Rushing into battle is never smart,” Stormstar explained. “I want a few separate patrols to wait for a signal, and then attack from either sides of RiverClan camp, to catch them off guard.”

“I doubt that would make much of a difference,” Ashstar snapped. But Shadefall noticed a slight look of respect on Lionstar’s face, and the tom rolled his eyes.

“Honestly, Ashstar,” he muttered.

“It can make a huge difference,” Stormstar hissed. “Stop treating me like your apprentice. I know what I’m talking about.”

“We don’t have time to fight amongst ourselves,” Shadefall snarled. The leaders turned to him, Ashstar looking taken aback.

“There’s no way you three can win anything unless you cooperate,” he continued. “Stormstar, your idea is logical. I can lead one of the patrols, if you like.”

“Certainly,” Stormstar mewed, grooming her chest fur nonchalantly. “I suppose we’re done here?”

Shadefall could feel the tension between the three leaders growing, and he disconcertedly stood and followed after his leader. The young she-cat looked annoyed, her amber eyes smoldering like a blazing fire. She leapt down from the Highledge easily and crossed the clearing to a group of ShadowClan warriors, including his sister, Sparrowstripe, and Paleleaf.

“We’re leading an attack on Minnowstar and his warriors tonight, now that we’re sure his supporters are loyal solely to him,” she explained. “Which of you will come with me?”

“I’ll come,” Emberleaf offered immediately. Shadefall flicked his ear and wondered if her leg had healed enough to join in. With a pang, he remembered he was the one that had tried to kill her. A repressed memory flashed before his eyes; his sister staring at his claws, her eyes wide with shock and anger at his betrayal, the way she’d pulled him down with her.