The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

30. Another Problem

     Froststrike now had many new scars lining his skin, but the Clan honored him. He had, after all, defended their honor. Birchtail in particular was especially kind to him, thanking him for his protection, but the warrior replied with a grunt of acknowledge and nothing more. Cats had, here and there, asked about the apprentice that had toppled into the river, but he brushed it off, saying that it didn't matter now, and then looked on distantly.

Palepaw gulped down his pigeon, which Scorchpaw had caught earlier that morning. He sat beside Shadowclaw and watched as his Clan buzzed. Earlier that day, Ashtail had been sent as a speedy messenger to Beetlestar. Now, all were preparing to meet at the gathering valley. It was not a full moon, but all was to be settled. Why a territory dispute required such a meeting seems pointless, but Blackstar was bound to have his reasons.

StarClan, if you're listening, let this go smoothly.

"I have a bad feeling about all of this," Stormstripe commented, sitting by Palepaw with a mouse. "Blackstar had Echopaw look for extra cobwebs and marigold, and the prey pile is higher than it ever has been. It's like he's preparing for a major battle. A war."

Palepaw felt his chest tightened. We already have enough trouble with the rogues. He felt sick, as if his meal would move upwards. Maybe we'll need FireClan after all, if we're going to fight with WaterClan. But they know the Code. They know not to kill, so we should be better off. His fur began to bristle. All of this because some stupid WaterClan warrior couldn't keep his mouth shut.

"Calm down. Save your anger for battle," Stormstripe said. Palepaw groaned and lashed his tail.

"I'm just tired of fighting," he confessed. "We have our paws full with the rogues already."

Blackstar called out to his Clan for them to gather and leave. Goldstreak, Ashtail, Yellowfoot, Helen and Birchtail were staying to guard the camp, including the two sick cats and the one elder that would remain. The rest of the Clan, even Echopaw and the apprentices, were going.

Palepaw got to his paws and wandered to Tidefoot's side. He could hear Goldstreak nearby, speaking in comforting whispers to her daughter. "You'll be okay," she purred. "Remember what Miststep showed you. You may be a medicine cat, but you have claws as sharp as any warrior."

Echopaw nodded briskly, pressed her nose to her mother's cheek, and hurried to Palepaw's right. The two followed the warriors out of the camp, Echopaw searching for Scorchpaw. "He's by Redwing," Palepaw explained, and Echopaw relaxed.

"She's not a good mentor, but she's an amazing fighter. She'll keep him safe," She meowed. "Shouldn't you be by Shadowclaw?"

"When we get there, I'll keep at his side. What about you?" Palepaw questioned worriedly. "I don't want you to get hurt."

Echopaw shook her head. "I'll be fine. I'm staying at the back."

Cold air crept onto Palepaw from behind, and he shivered fiercely. Echopaw glanced back, almost in warning, and the chill dissipated. It's always around her. It follows her constantly.

The sun was setting, the forest growing dark. Will StarClan cover the moon like a normal gathering if things get out of paw?

Palepaw looked over and watched as Echopaw padded along. She looked grim, tired as well, and there was the glow of concern in her eyes. "We'll be fine," he said encouragingly, touching her flank with his tail.

The black she-cat froze, and her entire body shook. Her eyes grew as wide as the full moon, and she cried out, voice shrill. Her muscles began to spasm, and every cat looked back. Stormstripe ran to her to still her, but Shadowclaw was quicker. Palepaw watched in horror as the deputy slipped between them, snarling. "Let her be! She's having a vision!"