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

~Chapter 10~

Yowls of outrage erupted around the clearing as Rainstar announced Skyclan's actions. Deadwatcher sat pressed to Hollyberry, who had her lip curled.

"Who does Skyclan think they are?!" Goldenfoot yowled, her fur fluffed around her swollen belly.

"They have more than enough territory! Why steal prey that's already caught in our land!" Pinewillow called out while sitting next to Hazelfade.

Rainstar was perched calmly, though his claws dug into the cracked pine bark, as the clan was chaotically voicing their anger. Webfur glanced up to Rainstar, noting his anger and getting to his paws.

"Silence! Now!" He called out, making all of the cats fall into dead quiet. Deadwatcher pursed his lips, curling his tail around Hollyberry.

Rainstar spoke. "I understand this is a tense situation. Attacking two clans' warriors on their land and stealing dead prey are far enough. I will be taking a patrol to go speak to Deerstar." 

Immediately, a collection of older warriors volunteered, their chattering and angry tones clear to every sense.

"I will be picking them," the leader growled, sending the volunteers back to their places with their fur bristling. "Deadwatcher, Treeclaw, Dustfang, and Beesplash will be joining me into Skyclan's camp. For every cat that opposes my decision, one apprentice has the day off. Am I clear?"

No one else voiced their disapproval as Rainstar leapt off of the pinebranch. "Webfur, please watch over the clan while we are away."

"Yes, Rainstar." The tom meowed. Hollyberry pressed to Deadwatcher, her eyes wide with worry.

"What if they hurt you again?" She asked, her anxiety being felt through her pelt.

"Then I'll hurt them more," He purred, touching his nose to the she-cat's cheek. Hollyberry twitched her whiskers, clearly not amused. "I'll make it home. I promise." He said firmly. It was enough to get Hollyberry to let him join the gathering patrol. Coldwing was sitting outside his den with Freepaw, who watched his father walk with blank eyes. The medicine cat nudged his apprentice, murmuring hushed words that made Freepaw perk a bit.

Deadwatcher managed to lock eyes with Coldwing, who gave him a reassuring nod though his eyes rounded with uncertainty. His foster brothers, Treeclaw and Dustfang, took up Deadwatcher's flank on either side as they tread out of camp.

"We've got this," Dustfang meowed, tapping his side with his tail. "Unless they want war, they won't go looking for another fight unprovoked."

"Yeah, besides," Treeclaw chimed. "We've got you and Rainstar here. Along with us, we'll be unstoppable."

Deadwatcher's pelt prickled nervously. Unstoppable against an entire clan?

The patrol sat patiently at the stream bordering Shadowclan and Skyclan, though everyone's ears were erect. Deadwatcher glared at the empty hole he'd shown Rainstar, teeth gritting with frustration.

"It's almost sunhigh..." Beesplash muttered, her eyes scanning the distant trees. "Surely there would be a patrol around this time."

"Patience, Beesplash." Rainstar spoke low. "We're not doing this for ourselves." The she-cat nodded, returning her watchful eye to the opposite bank. Deadwatcher lifted his gaze, checking the treeline behind them. A dark shadow made his fur fluff, but it flattened once he caught the familiar shape of Nemesis lurk out.

"You don't have to say anything back to me. I know you're not alone," She meowed as she came to his side. He flickered his good eye to the she-cat as she continued. "I just wanted to tell you, if it comes down to a fight, leave no cat in your way standing. Just like I taught you." The words seemed to flow like silk from her mouth, though they were dark in context. Deadwatcher gave a brisk nod, his ears pressing with determination. "Always remember. You have many who count on you."