The Fire Prophecy/Book 1

Chapter 17

Cursedfire opened his eye and groaned at his aching wounds. He moved and lay on his side. He watched as his clanmates walked past the entrance of the medicine den. It had been a quarter moon since Cursedfire had met with Halfpelt, and he has had dreams about her since.

"Cursedfire, you're awake." Smokecloud meowed as he walked into his den, Lionkit running after him.

"Hello Smokecloud, hello Lionkit." Cursedfire bowed his head at the medicine cat.

"Hi, Cursedfire!" Lionkit squeaked as she ran over to the warrior.

Cursedfire purred and licked the kit's head, purring. He watched as she ran over to Smokecloud and sniffed his herbs. Will she be the next medicine cat?

"Lionkit can you go grab marigold over there for me please?" Smokecloud asked as he went through his poppy seeds.

"Of course Smokecloud!" Lionkit quickly ran over to a different part of the den, looking for Marigold.

Cursedfire laid his head down on the side of his nest, his stomach grumbling. His eyes trailed down to the ground, imagining Halfpelt. Cursedfire began to purr but jumped as he heard a familiar voice.

"Cursedfire! I brought you some cooked mouse!" Blackkit came trotting into the medicine den, a mouse dangling from his jaws.

"Thank you Blackkit" Cursedfire meowed, sitting up.

"No problem!" Blackkit mewed, dropping the mouse in Cursedfire's nest.

Cursedfire grabbed the mouse, tearing into its flesh. As he finished he looked up and saw Blackkit looking at the ground, his tail swaying.

"What's wrong?" Cursedfire asked, licking his lips.

"Well...I only have one moon left until I'm an apprentice, but you will still be hurt by then. I spoke to Emberstar, I want you to be my mentor so I told him to hold back my ceremony until you're healed." Blackkit didn't look at Cursedfire, keeping his eyes to the ground.

"You want me to be your mentor? Really? What did Emberstar say?" Cursedfire asked, surprised.

"I said yes of course. You are a brave warrior and I know you will be a very good mentor." Emberstar walked into the medicine den, his tail held high.

"Emberstar...thank you." Cursedfire meows softly, looking down.

Emberstar nodded and looked towards Blackkit. The wise leader gestured his head towards the den entrance. Blackkit bowed his head, walking out of the den. Smokecloud understood and walked out with Lionkit.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Cursedfire looked at his father, his eyes filled with worry.

Emberstar sighed and sat down, his head hanging. His ears were down, and sadness was taking over his expression. Cursedfire began to worry, his heart beating quickly.

"Cursedfire...do you remember that day me and Hethermoth were talking by my den before a gathering?" Emberstar asked, looking up.

"Yes, what about it?" Cursedfire began to tremble slightly, thankfully it wasn't noticeable.

"Cursedfire...I am on my last life." Emberstar's word crashed down upon Cursedfire.

What? His last life? No...that can't be possible. I knew this was gonna happen but so soon? Why is he telling me now? Is he getting sick? Is something wrong? I can't lose him.

"I'm sorry I waited so long to tell you, but I didn't want to worry you. I am getting older, and the air is changing. I don't believe I'll make it through leaf-bare." Emberstar rasped, his voice low.

"No...don't say that. You'll make it! Leaf-bare isn't until another three moons, you'll make it I promise!" Cursedfire stood up quickly, ignoring the pain in his leg.

Emberstar lowered his head, getting up. He turned around, walking out. Cursedfire watched him go, his whole body tense. No. Why? Why is this happening?