Destiny

CHAPTER TWO

“Let all cats old enough to swim gather to hear my words.” That's all Silverkit needed to hear from her father to race to the clearing for a clan meeting. Usually Bluemist would make her listen right near the nursery, but not today. She was about to be made an apprentice!

Cats were pouring out from their dens , anxious to hear what Pikestar had to say. The RiverClan leader was sitting tall and straight on the Highstump, a stump that had been cut by two-legs seasons before they came. His loyal deputy, Shellheart, sat right below him. A few tail-lengths away was Lilyheart, the medicine cat, was sitting in front of her medicine den gracefully, her eyes full of warmth. If Lilyheart was a warrior, she would definitely want her to be her mentor.

By now, all the cats were settled. She saw Goldenfoot join Fishtail and Moonfeather, and all the apprentices bundled together, whispering. Are they talking about me? She wondered, feeling scared like a new born kit. But then Bushpaw saw her looking in their direction, and she waved her white bushy tail in greeting. Feeling more welcomed, she finally padded over to Bluemist and Mallowkit, who was trembling in excitement.

“Cats of RiverClan, we will be having two new apprentices joining us today. They have reached their sixth moon, and are ready to serve our clan.” Pikestar beckoned Silverkit and Mallowkit with his tail to come forward, a proud look on his face. Mallowkit looked ready. His chest was puffed out and his chin was up high. Silverkit tried to do the same. “Until you have earned your warrior names,” he continued. “You will be known as Mallowpaw and Silverpaw. I ask StarClan to guide and watch over you both until you find in your paws the strength and courage of a warrrior.”

“Ivysplash!” he called out. A small tortoiseshell she-cat came up, her sleek, well-groomed pelt shining brightly under the sun. “Ivysplash, you have proved yourself greatly by mentoring Tanglereed. I believe you are ready for another apprentice. You are one of the strongest swimmers and you have excellent hunting skills. I hope you will pass that on to Silverpaw.”

“I will do my best, Pikestar.” Ivysplash meowed, as she and Silverpaw padded toward each other and touched noses. Then they sat back down together, Silverpaw clearly satisfied with her mentor.

“Mallowpaw,” Pikestar said finally. “Your mentor will be...me.”

Yowls of shock and disapproval filled the air. Silverpaw noticed Mallowpaw suddenly looked extremely nervous, and a little confused. She looked at him sympathetically, knowing that he hated this kind of attention. She remembered that her mother once told her that mentors can not be directly kin to their apprentices. A dark pelted tabby tom spoke up to confirm it.

“This is against the warrior code!” he insisted.

“I'm just doing what I think is best for my kit, Darktail.” Pikestar relied calmly. “Mallowpaw has my talent of being a leader, so he deserves the best warrior to mentor him.”

“Lilyheart should tell us what she thinks.” Lionmane rumbled from the elders den. “She has the best judgment in the clan.” There were finally yowls of approval as everyone looked up to the peaceful medicine cat, waiting for her answer.

“I believe StarClan would not want us to break their code.” Lilyheart started slowly. “But if you want an experienced warrior, I think Shellheart would be the most reasonable choice.”

Murmurs of agreement hung in the air and Pikestar only hesitated for a second before he gave in. “Alright.” he grunted. “Shellheart,” he meowed. “You are an experienced warrior, and also wise and intelligent. I expect my son to learn lots from you.” Shellheart looked a little surprised at his compliment, and he nodded in acknowledgment. He touched noses with Mallowpaw and they sat down in the very front next to Silverpaw and Ivysplash.

“Silverpaw! Mallowpaw!” All the cats shouted, led by Bluemist. Silverpaw couldn't think of any greater feeling than this.