The Wounded Compass #1: Deepest Shadows [Warriors Fan Series]

~Chapter 4~

The clan moved in silence along the edge of the lake heading towards Riverclan territory. Coldwing looked to the positioning of the full moon, which was a quarter of the way in the sky. Rainstar and Webfur were leading the patrol, speaking amongst themselves as the warriors behind were tense. I don't expect them to ever get used to being near other borders, the tom thought as he looked back at their flitting gazes. But this is a time of peace.

Movement from the Riverclan border caught Coldwing's eye as Halfstar led her clan down to the treebridge. Silvershine dragged at the back of the patrol with Flamepool, though they didn't seem tense. He relaxed as they caught up, tailing the Riverclan cats in stoic silence.

Upon reaching the island, Riverclan cats streamed into the lake as Rainstar led the way across the treebridge. Coldwing sat, waiting for everyone else to cross to ensure no one was hurt. Deadpaw approached, tail flicking with excitement.

"You coming?" He meowed, paws shuffling impatiently.

"Yes," Coldwing purred, watching as Bonetooth guided Spidernose up the trunk. "Just making sure everyone gets across safely. Including you." He meowed with a twitch of his tail. Deadpaw followed his gaze, blinking thoughtfully before rushing to help. The medicine cat blinked slowly as everyone got across, following suit.

He pushed his way through the grass, padding into the large clearing where three of the other four clans were present. Everyone was already mingling, trading gossip and chatting, while some of the older apprentices showed Hollypaw and Deadpaw some battle moves. The four present leaders, Rainstar, Halfstar, Cobblestar, and Silentstar, were huddled in a circle, their medicine cats by their sides talking as well.

Coldwing hurried over, weaving through groups of cats to reach Rainstar.

"I know. Silvershine and Flamepool told me of the prophecy, but we've no sign of any threat or promise," Halfstar mewed as Coldwing came to Rainstar's side.

"None in Windclan either," Silentstar uttered with a twitch of his whiskers. "The start of greenleaf has been rather peaceful so far."

"Same for Thunderclan." Cobblestar chimed. "We must wait for Deerstar's arrival to know if anything is wrong in Skyclan, but until then, we can safely assume that all is fine for now."

Slight murmurs of agreement flowed through the conference, with Coldwing feeling a bit self-conscious. Could the prophecy have just been a bad dream? Was everyone worrying for nothing?

He took in a deep breath and swung his muzzle as the grass at the entrance shivered. Deerstar was padding slowly into the clearing, tail dragging. Smallhawk was eyeing the other clans defensively as she noticed they were being watched. The gathering of cats made a path for the sullen clan, Deerstar immediately leaping up to the root while Smallhawk took the deputy position. Silence gripped the once excited crowd, and the other four leaders leapt on the branches of the oak. Where was Goldtalon?

"I suppose we can begin this gathering?" Silentstar meowed, looking at the other leaders as the clans settled. Coldwing sat comfortably near the other medicine cats, looking at Pigeonfin with concern. The Skyclan cat avoided Coldwing's gaze as a yowl rang through the clearing, signifying the gathering start.

"Who would like to begin?" Cobblestar asked.

"I suppose I could," Rainstar meowed with a twitch of his whiskers. He straightened up.

"Shadowclan has been thriving. Prey has been slowly returning since the start of newleaf, making for less empty bellies. My mate, Tansyheart, has had a litter of kits named Adderkit, Molekit, Sootkit, and Freekit."

Murmurs of congratulations came from the cats around Coldwing, including the other leaders. He purred softly as Rainstar continued. "We have two new apprentices. Deadpaw and Hollypaw."