Alone #2: The Ebony's Roots

Chapter 8

Ebonywind paced the camp. They had just gotten back from the Gathering and shared their news and the whole Clan was in a panic.

"We must prepare!" Luckystar ordered. "Goldenperch, organize some fight training patrols at dawn tomorrow. Pineleaf, Skyheart and Snowfall, go keep a watch on the ShadowClan border. I'll send some cats to replace you at dawn."

The three cats assigned for watch dipped their heads before exiting the camp.

Goldenperch leapt onto the Highledge quickly for everyone's attention. "Ebonywind, would you mind teaching us some of their techniques? This is a strategy that we used during the Final Battle and it worked very well."

"Sure," Ebonywind called.

ShadowClan won't win. I won't let Rowanstar win.

Ebonywind purred to herself as she looked at her training group. It was a small group, yet nonetheless powerful. Luckystar and Goldenperch had agreed that when they fought, there would be smaller patrols that would stick to their patrol. They wouldn't abandon their patrol unless it was an emergency.

Ebonywind had the pleasure of having the two new warriors; Whitefur and Leafsong, Goldenperch and Frogfern. Frogfern's eyes had flashed with unease as he heard about the war, as it was his mate, Echoflight, that was currently in the nursery. Goldenperch was to lead their group, but Ebonywind would be overseeing the training techniques.

"What techniques shall we use, Ebonywind?" Whitefur asked eagerly.

"We have two new warriors in our group," Ebonywind said slowly, trying not to anger them. "I believe we shouldn't use too many advanced techniques."

"That's not fair!" Leafsong complained, her ears flat. "We're warriors now!"

"I don't want to make any big risks," Ebonywind hissed. "But don't worry. The techniques will still be powerful."

Goldenperch gave her a discreet nod of approval.

"The first technique that ShadowClan adores is the method of partners. This is why we are in groups; to fight off the partnering. In ShadowClan, lots of warriors have a partner they do everything with. Their fighting is twice as powerful; they hunt twice as quickly." Ebonywind told them.

"How do we fight back then?" Leafsong asked, Ebonywind noticing a trace of irritation in her voice.

"By working as a team. By outsmarting them. By not letting them have the advantage of surprise." Goldenperch answered.

"That's right," Ebonywind purred. "Over the next few days, or even moons, until we win, we will be practicing both hunting and fighting together, as a team. And only as a team. Each team will have unique defensive and offensive movies and will be like a second family."

"Alright...that does sound interesting," Whitepaw admitted lowly.

"What will we learn then?" Frogfern spoke up, his white tail twitching.

"The easiest way to block two cats that are coming towards you at once," Ebonywind said immediately, "is to raise your paws to protect your face. Your group will be there soon to help defend you, but it is vital not to go on the offensive when you are outnumbered. Very few cats could do that."

"Firestar could," Goldenperch sighed, remembering the deceased elder.

"Let's practice," Ebonywind tried to lift the mood. "Goldenperch, you go with Whitefur, and Frogfern, you can partner with Leafsong. I'll be the third member of the patrol on Frogfern and Leafsong's side, so Goldenperch and Whitefur, you're ShadowClan."