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

~Chapter 6~

The green leaf heat radiated on Coldwing's pelt as he laid in the bustling clearing. Skyclan has barely made a peep in the few moons since the attack. Deerstar announced Frogleg as his deputy in place of Smallhawk after the gathering found out of what she called on Deadpaw, and it appeased many of them. Featherbloom and Thrushpool were watching happily as their young kits, Fogkit and Snowkit, were wrestling nearby. Owlshade's new litter was due any day now, which kept Coldwing on his toes.

 Deadpaw and Hollypaw were returning from a hunting patrol led by Rainstar, multiple catches in clutch as their mentors followed proudly. A small purr rumbled in his chest when he reminds himself of the little frozen kit he found. The medicine cat made his way to greet the patrol, Rainstar eyeing him with concerned eyes before going to the nursery.

"Seems you two are honing your skills very nicely," He trilled as the apprentices dropped their plump prey in the freshkill pile. Goldenfoot and Mellowflower purred as they padded to their sides.

"No thanks to us, I'm afraid," Mellowflower joked light-heartedly. "Apprentices seem to be mentoring each other these days!"

"Less work for us," Goldenfoot shrugged, though a playful sparkle lit her gaze. Mellowflower cuffed the she-cat's ear.

"It's our job, beebrain," He purred. He then returned his attention to Deadpaw and Hollypaw, who were watching with amused eyes.

"Bring some of this to Spidernose. He's probably lonely with Rosepond in the medicine den." He meowed. Hollypaw volunteered, quickly snatching up a squirrel and trotting to her grandfather. Mellowflower waved his tail goodbye as Goldenfoot followed, leaving Deadpaw sitting before Coldwing. The apprentice looked stronger than ever, his muscles toned and pelt glossy. Rainstar and Tanseyheart had raised a fine young tom.

"I can follow you and bring Rosepond the lizard I caught," he offered, snapping the medicine cat from his thoughts as he reached for the prey. Coldwing stiffened and spoke up.

"A-actually, Rosepond is asleep at the moment. I'll let you know when she wakes up from her nap." He meowed. Deadpaw nodded, making his way to join Hollypaw with Spidernose. Coldwing's whiskers twitched as he let out a relieved sigh and turned to go to his den.

Inside, Rosepond was lying on her side, looking more feeble and skeletal. He couldn't let Deadpaw see the sweet elder like this. He felt her flank, which was rising and falling weakly. Her fur was matted and dry, almost as if she had scraped every tuft of it in a bramble bush. Coldwing flattened his ears, grabbing some poppy seeds from his storage. There was no helping her at this point. This wasn't illness or injury. The only thing he could do for a cat of her age is to make sure she goes peacefully and painlessly.

He approached the elder, who's eyes were half open and glossed over. "Rosepond... eat these, okay..?" He whispered softly, pushing an ivy leaf with poppy seeds forward. Her pupils slowly glided to the leaf, though she remained still.

"I'm not in pain, sweet Coldwing.." She croaked softly, closing her eyes. "I promise you... I'm waiting for Starclan... and they are waiting for me too...." Coldwing pressed his ears back, retracting the herbs and putting them away.

"Where's Coalstripe..?" She mewed from behind him. He turned around, eyes rounding. 

"He should be back from the border patrol soon. Just hang in there, Rosepond." He made his way back to her side, stroking her cheek gently with his paw. 

"Is Rainstar back..?"

"Yes.. would you like me to get him?" He asked, leaning in. Rosepond grunted agreement, and Coldwing rushed to Rainstar, who was grooming Tansyheart in front of the nursery.