CotS #1: The Dark Path (currently being rewritten)

Chapter Twenty-eight

"Today is the day of the battle," Icestar announced loudly. "I want three separate patrols. The first shall be led by Silverdusk."

I lifted my head high. She hadn't chosen me because of Silverdusk's experience, but Stormdawn's, but I was okay with that. She trusted me. Actually, she always had.

"Silverdusk, on your patrol you will take Leafshine, Cloudysky, Appledawn, Woodfur, and Amberfire."

"Leafshine?" I asked. "Is that wise?"

"Cloudysky will look after her," Icestar promised, looking ... contented with my concern.

"Goldenwind will lead the second patrol. Goldenwind, you'll take Duskypelt, Browntail, Sunbright, Wormtail, Windbreeze and Lightmist. The third patrol will be led by myself. I will take Hollowmist, Mothtail, Minkfur, Eveningprimrose and Emberblaze. The medicine cats will follow one group each respectively. Blazespark will follow Silverdusk's group, Songbird will follow Goldenwind's and Honeybee will follow mine. Emuwing, you will remain here. Any remaining warriors will also stay here. Cocoadust, if anything happens, I want you to assist Emuwing."

Cocoadust nodded eagerly, sitting up straighter. I could see she really, really longed to be a medicine cat again, but as Cyprusbark's tail twined with hers, she gave a sad smile.

Emuwing sighed. "I have the most experience, Icestar. Surely you should be sending me and not ... Honeybee."

Honeybee immediately looked outraged. "I'm experienced!" she whispered, almost sounding hurt by Emuwing's words. Emuwing shook her head decisively.

"You don't have battle training," Emuwing snapped. "If anything happens, Honeybee, you're as good as dead. The same goes for Songbird. I think you should send me and Cocoadust."

"Cocoadust is a warrior!" Cypressbark yelled at her in annoyance. Cocoadust gently rested her tail on his shoulder, and he took a step back.

"Cocoadust may be a warrior," meowed Emuwing, "But she has all the skillset of a medicine cat, plus fighting training from Cyprusbark. She can help, much more than Honeybee or Songbird. They're both accomplished medicine cats, but if any rogue gets to them, they're dead."

Icestar instinctively looked to me and not Goldenwind. I almost gave a yelp of surprise, but instead calmly nodded to her. Goldenwind watched from the side, a hurt and annoyed expression forming on her face. I shrugged apologetically at her, but Goldenwind wasn't looking at me anymore.

"Alright, let's head out!" Icestar meowed in a cross whisper.

I flicked my tail for my group. Leafshine, Cloudysky, Appledawn, Woodfur, and Amberfire followed me immediately. Blazespark trailed behind, carrying herbs like they were his life.

He spat some onto the ground. "I can't carry it all," he meowed. "I need some help."

I immediately looked to Leafshine.

She gave a huff. "I want to fight!"

"You will fight," I assured her. "Just help Blazespark first."

Cloudysky shot me a grateful glance, then proceeded to help Leafshine and Blazespark with the herbs.

Apparently, Icestar had sent Glitterspark to join our patrol because she appeared a moment later while Leafshine was bending down to pick up the marigold.

"Glitterspark?" I demanded, my voice hard and cold.

"Shush!" she snapped. "Don't be so angry! All I did was love you!"