The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

54. Passing Judgement

     “What’s this about?” 
     Scorchwing could not move. His muscles were locked tight. His legs felt like oak trunks, his paws like boulders. Stormstripe bristled beside him. Much of the Clan did the same. 
     “Patchback told us what happened,” Blackstar answered, his voice laced with venom. “What he saw.” 
     The old cat’s fur was fluffed out like his Clanmates’, but there was a glimmer of something darker in his eyes: satisfaction.  
     “You murdered Ashtail!” Stormstripe spat. 
     Scorchwing felt as though thorns had raked him. Palemist would never hurt any of his Clanmates! Was his father really so unsympathetic? So determined to believe a cat who had always harbored a grudge? 
     “I- He- I’d never hurt Ashtail!” Palemist hissed, voice trembling. “He’s always hated me because of what my father did! He’s lying!” 
     Blackstar’s gaze was like sharp brambles. “Patchback has always been a loyal member of DarkClan.” 
     “Why would I hurt Ashtail? She was my friend!” Palemist retorted. “I-“ 
     “You held meetings with WaterClan cats. How do we know you weren’t scheming?” Blackstar challenged. “Patchback has been a valuable asset to this Clan for many seasons. He would not lie.” 
     Scorchwing thought he would suffocate in the hostility that filled the air. Cats began yowling, some recalling an all-too-familiar one-eyed murderer. Others questioned. Many spouted insults. 
     “Cobweb was a killer! Would it be so surprising if his kit was too?” Froststrike rallied. “Evil runs in the blood!” 
     “No wonder your sons killed each other then,” Goldstreak countered. “If evil runs in the blood, Lynxheart must have gotten it from you!” She shoved through the crowd. “Cobweb saved my life! Have you all forgotten that?” 
     “This isn’t about some dead rogue!” Miststep snapped. “My daughter is dead!” 
     The voices rose. Scorchwing could hardly think over all of the noise. Every cat went quiet when Blackstar yowled for their attention. The leader’s claws were pressed to the stone as he stood at the edge of his ledge. “We must make a decision!” 
     “I’ll kill him!” Redwing howled. 
     You raised him! Scorchwing barreled past his father. “Stop! Palemist wouldn’t hurt any Clanmate!” He cried. “Just stop!” 
     “Back down,” Shadowclaw warned sympathetically. “Before the whole Clan turns on you.” 
     New cries rose above one another. Voices demanded harsh punishment. Scorchwing hurried to Palemist’s side. Stop it! Everyone stop! 
     Blackstar ordered the Clan to be silent. Scorchwing could hear his own heartbeat as the leader studied his friend. “Patchback has accused Palemist of murdering his own Clanmate. We have found his fur in the dead’s claws, and the Clan seems to have come to a decision.” 
     “Scorchwing, get over her!” Stormstripe sneered. “Now!” 
     “Palemist, through the Clan’s choice, is to be exiled for the murder of Ashtail!” Blackstar called. 
     Scorchwing grimaced. Palemist, who was pressed to the ground, quaked. Scorchwing placed a paw over his friend, standing over him defensively. “No! He’s innocent!” I know my friend!  
     “If you don’t move, you will go with him. Choose your loyalty,” Blackstar threatened. 
     Scorchwing gasped as he was pushed away by Palemist, who staggered towards the camp’s tunnel. No! “Why won’t you listen to me?” Scorchwing questioned. 
     Blackstar repeated himself. “Choose your loyalty.” 
     Scorchwing looked between Palemist and his Clanmates. Poppy stood among them, pressed against Goldstreak’s side. Both wore an expression of horror. This is wrong! I can’t leave them, but this is wrong! He glanced back at his friend, who had been like a littermate for all of these moons. 
     Palemist backed away, fear sparkling in his eyes, and he twisted and fled the camp.