Alone #2: The Ebony's Roots

Chapter 6

Ebonywind sighed in relief when she padded into the camp, dropping off a squirrel at the fresh-kill pile. It was fuller than it had been in days, with a couple squirrels, about 5 mice and some voles. Ebonywind thought about the past few moons. It had been tough, eating once every few days. Now, the Clan fed once a day, or twice a day for the queens and elders.

"Ebonywind! There you are," Ebonywind looked up to see Rowanstar padding towards her.

"What is it?"

"I would like to see your hunting abilities," Rowanstar said solemnly.

"But, Rowanstar, I just got back from a hunt!" Ebonywind protested. 

"Now." The tom growled.

Ebonywind dipped her head meekly and followed her leader out of the camp. She trod carefully on the snow, trying not to scare any prey off.

"Let's go by the river," Rowanstar said brusquely.

"Fine," Ebonywind snapped back and padded to the river.

She ducked her head, sniffing the air. A scent of vole drifted into her nose and she inhaled it deeply.

This could feed an elder or two, she thought decisively. I must catch it.

Ebonywind broke into a run, chasing after the vole. She spotted its brown pelt among the thick snow and slammed her claws into its body. They pierced its fur and it sank to the ground, squealing. Ebonywind nipped its throat and it fell limp.

"Good job," Rowanstar said, an unreadable expression in his eyes. "Continue."

Ebonywind stalked around, eager to please her leader. She poked every hole, ducked her head under low branches and tasted the air.

It was almost sunset when Rowanstar called her back. Ebonywind trotted back to where he waited, a squirrel in her month. She gazed over her catch proudly. She had caught two voles and a squirrel in a day's work.

"Not bad," Rowanstar reflected. "I thought I smelt some geese, but perhaps I was wrong."

Ebonywind frowned, raising her nose tentatively.

Geese.

Geese hardly came to ShadowClan during the winter. They were large, plump birds that were delicious.

I have to catch one.

"I'll catch one," she said breathlessly. "Just give me a chance!"

Rowanstar grunted in agreement. "I'll help."

Ebonywind blinked at him before nodding.

"You lead." He added sharply.

She nodded once more before raising her tail to signal silence. They tracked the scent of geese along the river until finally, Ebonywind spotted a flock of geese. She licked her lips. They smelt truly splendid.

Ebonywind gave the signal for creeping up on them and she and Rowanstar crept towards the geese and the river.

Rowanstar turned to look at her deliberately and she nodded. He gave a yowl and sprang at the geese, causing them to run around. Ebonywind snapped the neck of one who was attempting to escape and helped Rowanstar corner another.

"Get it!" Ebonywind yowled, distracted by a strange scent.

Rowanstar dipped his head to her and leapt at the goose, his claws catching its feathers, tugging them off. Alarmed, the goose struggled towards the river.

Sudden panic flashed through her and she opened her mouth to tell Rowanstar to let go.

"Let go!" she screeched.