Warriors: Warriors Attempt | Tom 1

Prologue

(By Bluszczowa Sadzawka)

A skinny white she-cat jumped over a fallen tree and landed in a puddle, splashing drops of dirty brown water around her. She shook her head slightly to get rid of the remnants of it and glanced at the muddy ground, apparently looking for tracks. She was pleased to see shallow pawprints a few paces ahead. She smiled vengefully and then with a springy step followed the trail leading through the thicket of rotten plants.

***

The tortoiseshell tom wagged his tail impatiently. He was annoyed by the idea that he should share his observations with the rest, but if they were to appear at this place, it would be best at the agreed time. Although it is true that measuring time here always causes quite a problem. He growled nervously and put his ears up, catching any sounds. Nothing.

"Really, all those flea fur coats are late?!" he snorted to himself, "They could at least try..."

"All? You don't think I'd pass up an opportunity like this, Mistletoeface. Anyway, be careful who you call flea fur."

The tomcat started in surprise, but it was impossible to tell from him that he hadn't noticed the arrival of the white she-cat. He scratched the ground with his claws, leaving deep furrows in it and at the same time fixed his gaze on the newcomer.

"Don't let yourself Morningsilence. You wouldn't stand a chance against me, he growled."

"Yes, sure. And I would still beg you not to kill me." The other meowed sarcastically, sitting down the length of a fox from Mistletoeface. "Let's not argue and wait for others. Then we'll see who is better. Though I'd love to tear those pretty ears of yours right now"

***

The ginger tabby cat, panting, burst into a clearing filled with semi-transparent figures. He sincerely hoped he wasn't late. If that were the case, the cats present here would immediately choose him as a scapegoat, and probably if he was no longer after him, he would get some long-term injuries. He walked a few more steps and accosted a gray tom sitting on a clump of haggard ferns.

"What's going on?" he asked in a hoarse voice.

The other looked down at him.

"We are looking for more members. We can't do anything with so many cats. And you probably know why we're gathered here." he replied.

Red Cat nodded and sat next to him in the mud.

***

The beige she-cat darted past another group of dark figures and skidded to a halt in front of a huge boulder. Seeing that no one was eager to speak first, she immediately jumped on him. She was in a terrible hurry to solve this case. It couldn't have been delayed that long.

"Dark Forest Cats!" she cried in a loud voice that no one would suspect her of. "It's time to decide what to do with these lousy clans! Suggestions?" She went straight to the point.

A murmur passed through the clearing filled with evil spirits. There was some movement. Finally a pale cat spoke:

"Who gave you the right to command Aspenheart."

The cat snorted. And she looked with superiority at the cats gathered at the bottom of the rock.

"Nobody dared to speak up, did they? I took this burden upon myself, you should be rather grateful to me. I ask again: Any suggestions?" she replied, ignoring the dissatisfied kinsman. "Nobody? We won't be standing here forever." she added impatiently.

There was silence all around. Nobody said anything. Every breath was heard.

Aspenheart shuddered with rage. There's no way these evil cats didn't know what to do! No initiative! Absolutely nothing! Mouse brains! Idiots! She growled and jumped off the rock. As she crossed the clearing, the crowd of cats parted for her as if afraid of her reaction. This made the cat even more angry.

"And you are called cats from Dark Forest!" she cried indignantly.

The meeting was actually over. The beige warrior only snorted and moved among the decaying trees. Her hopes were lost. And she wanted revenge on those clans! Random cats known only by sight, however, are hardly to be relied upon. She was about to disappear into the forest thicket when she heard a smooth amused cat voice from behind.

"Hmmm... I hope I'm not interrupting."

Aspenheart turned around so surprised she forgot to get angry.

"What the?" she growled uncertainly.

Before her stood a slender black she-cat with beautiful golden eyes. The stranger's mustache twitched.

"I heard what happened. I never took it seriously because I knew it would never happen. But... I thought now that this might be the only opportunity to destroy our enemies. That's why I found you."

"What for? And who are you anyway?"

The black warrior smiled strangely. Beige shivered. The stranger, despite her superficial cheerfulness, had a dark, dangerous aura. The cat thought it would be worth having such an ally.

"I? I am the Northcall and I think... I think I found a way to get rid of the Clans. Forever."