Warriors: A Dangerous Path - Book Five (Completed)

Chapter Eleven

The Gathering was in full swing as Shadowpaw and his Clan arrived, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth beneath their paws. The air was thick with anticipation, and Shadowpaw's heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He glanced around, taking in the sight of the other Clans gathered under the moonlit sky.

Tigerstar's imposing figure caught Shadowpaw's attention as he perched on the highest branch, surveying the gathering Clans with an air of superiority. He felt a shiver run down his spine as their gazes briefly locked. There was something unsettling about Tigerstar's piercing amber eyes, a hidden darkness that made Shadowpaw's fur stand on end.

Bluestar leaped up onto the branch and Tigerstar's gaze met with hers. There was silence in the air as she sat down and slowly shifted her gaze to the rest of the clearing.

Tigerstar cleared his throat then began to speak. "While I have everyone's attention." He began, with a grin. "I come with an offer, a chance for ThunderClan to join RiverClan and WindClan in an alliance. Together, we can protect ourselves from the threats that lurk in the forest."

Bluestar's fur bristled. "What threats?" She hissed.

Leaning forward, his voice dripping with calculated menace. "The threat of weakness, Bluestar. ThunderClan's numbers are dwindling, and your resources are strained. Without support, you leave yourselves vulnerable to attacks from rival Clans. Join us, and together we will ensure our survival." 

Bluestar stood taller, her voice wavering as she spoke, but she kept her gaze on Tigerstar. "ThunderClan has faced challenges before. We will not bow to ShadowClan's dominance. Our loyalty lies with our Clan, not in deceptive alliances."

Tigerstar's eyes narrowed, his expression turning cold. "You will regret that, Bluestar." He hissed.

Shadowpaw gulped for air, and realized that it was a little louder than he had intended. A few eyes turned to him, but they quickly went back to the ShadowClan leader. 

"ThunderClan will pay the price for your foolishness." Tigerstar continued, then leaped down from his perch, disappearing into the shadows. The tension in the clearing lingered, and whispers of concern spread among the gathered cats. Was the Gathering finished? The same question began drifting around from one cat to another, wondering if the Gathering would really end on such a bad note. 

As Shadowpaw and his Clan made their way back to ThunderClan territory, Bluestar's words echoed in his mind. The weight of their refusal to join the alliance settled upon his shoulders, intertwining with the knowledge he had shared with Shadepelt. Doubt and worry gnawed at him. Would a battle of the Clan really come to be? He shook his head to clear it then sprinted on ahead to catch up with Ashpaw and Fernpaw.

"What did ya think about that meeting?" Whispered Fernpaw. 

Shadowpaw hesitated. He wanted to pour out all that he knew, but he shook his head and decided not to. "Kind of harsh, but short." He finally mewed.

Fernpaw was bursting with excitement as she pushed past the other warriors. She was almost first to go through the gorse tunnel. Shadowpaw, bringing up rear, with Fireheart just behind him, padded through the gorse tunnel with ease and was glad to be back in camp. Though he longed to go see Shadepelt one more time.

Shadowpaw felt tired and exhausted. Most of his nights were filled with talking to Shadepelt, but this time, he would be sleeping the whole night. He curled up into his nest, which was freshly made and quickly closed his eyes to sleep. His mind haunted him with his secret meetings with Shadepelt. Questions began pondering into his thoughts even as he slept through the night. Should I confront Shadepelt and put an end to our secret conversations? But then doubt and uncertainty clouded his judgment.

He opened his eyes to a world that he recognized, but then realized that it was not his own territory. He was in RiverClan territory. He lifted his head and sniffed the air. He was surrounded by the scents of RiverClan: fish, musk and water. He felt a pang of joy as he started to pad deeper into RiverClan territory. 

A figure appeared before him, a shimmering presence that exuded wisdom and grace. It was a cat from StarClan, her form radiant and her voice echoing with celestial wisdom. The StarClan cat approached Shadowpaw, her eyes filled with concern and urgency. "Shadowpaw, you mustn't be here."

Shadowpaw did not recognize the she-cat, but her voice kept him calm. "Why? It's only a dream." He retorted. 

"You must listen to my words. You are not safe here in RiverClan territory. There is danger that lurks, especially in the form of shadows."

"Shadows?" his voice then sounded dry.

"Someone may not be who she seems. She holds secrets and hidden motives that could jeopardize the delicate balance between the Clans. Her loyalty may lie elsewhere, and you must be cautious." The she-cat looked up into the moonlit sky and softly sighed. Then she looked back down at Shadowpaw. His expression was motionless and unreadable. 

"Shadepelt is my friend." He then understood what the StarClan she-cat meant. "I will not let you tell me who I can't trust!" He added, hissing furiously. 

"Very well." Meowed the she-cat. Her sudden icy cold mew, made Shadowpaw shiver with unease. "The path you walk is fraught with danger." She added, then sprinted away into the distance.

Confused by his dream, Shadowpaw woke up with a startle. Who was the StarClan she-cat? He shook his head to clear. Not a concern of mine. He softly growled to himself. Then he began thinking of Shadepelt once more. If she truly has disloyal intentions, she would have done something by then. That's what he kept telling himself. He wasn't sure if he truly believed what he thought, but it kept his mind at peace... at least for the time being.