Lost Hope: Book 5: Forest of Vipers

Chapter 22

A ruckus broke out in the clearing before Violetshadow had time to properly wake up.

    "Does anyone know what happened to Mousesqueak?" a shrill voice echoed through the camp. Violetshadow realized that it was Scarletpetal. She rose to her paws and padded out of the den, seeing the rest of the Clan gathering around the distraught she-cat.

    "Mousesqueak?" murmurs of concern swept through the Clan.

    Darkmoon went to check the warriors den, Amberpaw on his heels. His head popped out a moment later and he reported, "She's not in here."

    "Where was she last seen?" Cloudstorm asked.

    "I put her on guard duty last night," Darkmoon said.

    "The rogues got her!" Scarletpetal said, her voice choked and her limbs shaky. "I know they did! They killed my sister and now my mate!" she crumpled to the ground and Starfur ran to comfort her.

    "Has anyone seen Claystream or Lilypetal either?" Dandelionheart asked, trailing behind Starfur, his eyes scanning the camp.

    The gathered cats looked around at one another and shook their heads.

    Now that's a mystery, Violetshadow thought, resisting the urge to smile.

***

"Stonestar?" Violetshadow stood at the mouth of the leader's den the next day. "May I come in?"

    "Of course," came her leader's reply.

    She slipped inside. Stonestar looked as if he had just finished up his meal. He sat up straight and imposing and looked at her intently. "Do you need something?"

    "Just to propose an idea," Violetshadow said, hoping her voice sounded casual.

    "Well?"

    "I believe that we may be in danger from another attack from the rogues," Violetshadow murmured, choosing her words carefully. "We've lost too many warriors in the past few moons and our main priority should be training new ones."

    Stonestar narrowed his eyes. "And you want us to do this how exactly?"

    "I believe Griffinwing's kits are more than ready to be apprentices, they show great potential and drive."

    "They're not even four moons old," Stonestar said, flicking his tail dismissively.

    I was training in the dark forest at four moons, Violetshadow thought, almost rolling her eyes.

    And look where that got you. A negative mixture of Burrowpelt's and Sparrowfeather's voices speaking together whispered in her ear.

    Violetshadow just inclined her head slightly. "I do hope you will at least consider what I've said," she told him. "I only want what's best for EchoClan, and I know you do too. Although I realize I am not the authority here." She dipped her head and backed out of den.

    That should at least appease Viperfang for now. She couldn't say she hadn't tried, although her mentor would just see it as a mission failed. Who knows, maybe she had gotten through to him and she would be getting an apprentice soon.

***

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Echostone to hear my words!" Stonestar called to his cats a quarter moon later.

    Violetshadow felt her paws tingle a little as she sprang up and trotted over to join the crowd of cats.

    "I have a few announcements to make," Stonestar began. "First and foremost, I have realized that Amberpaw is more than ready to become a warrior. It is a shame that his mentor is not here with us to witness this moment, but I hope she is watching from StarClan."