Warriors but Wolves: Into the Wild

Chapter 10

     By the following morning, a thin drizzle soaked the treetops and dripped down into the camp. Firepaw woke up feeling damp. It had been an uncomfortable night. He stood up and shook himself vigorously, fluffing out his fur. Then he left the apprentices' den and trotted across the clearing to Yellowfang's nest.

Yellowfang was just stirring. She lifted her head and squinted at Firepaw as he approached. "My bones ache this morning. Has it been raining all night?"

"Since just after moonhigh," Firepaw replied. He reached out and prodded her mossy nest cautiously. "Your bedding is soaking wet. Why don't you move nearer to the nursery? It's more sheltered there."

"What? And be kept awake all night by those yapping pups? I'd rather get wet!" Yellowfang growled.

Firepaw watched her circle stiffly on her mossy bed. "Then at least let me fetch you some dry bedding," he offered, keen to drop the subject of pups if it upset the old she-wolf so much.

"Thank you, Firepaw," replied Yellowfang quietly, settling down again. Firepaw felt stunned. He wondered if Yellowfang was feeling alright. It was the first time she had thanked him for anything, and the first time she had not called him puppypet.

"Well, don't just stand there like a startled squirrel; go and fetch some moss!" she snapped.

Firepaw's whiskers twitched with amusement. This was more like the Yellowfang he was used to. He nodded and sprinted off.

He almost crashed into Goldenflower in the middle of the clearing. This was the queen who had watched Yellowfang's angry outburst at the tortoiseshell pup the day before.

"Sorry, Goldenflower," Firepaw yipped. "Are you on your way to see Yellowfang?"

"What would I want with that sorry creature?" replied Goldenflower crossly. "Actually it's you I was looking for. Spottedstar wants to see you."

Firepaw hurried toward the Highrock and Spottedstar's den. Spottedstar was sitting outside, her head bobbing rhythmically as she licked the cream-colored fur below her throat. She paused when she noticed Firepaw. "How is Yellowfang today?" she asked.

"Her bedding is wet, so I was going to fetch her more," Firepaw replied.

"I'll ask one of the queens to see to that." Spottedstar gave her chest another lick, and then eyed Firepaw carefully. "Is she fit enough to hunt for herself yet?" she asked.

"I don't think so," Firepaw said, "but she can walk well enough now."

"I see," said Spottedstar. She looked thoughtful for a moment. "It is time for you to return to your training, Firepaw. But you'll need to work hard to make up for time you have lost."

"Awesome! Err, I mean, thank you, Spottedstar!" Firepaw stammered.

"You will go out with Bearclaw, Ravenpaw, and Graypaw this morning," Spottedstar continued. "I've asked Bearclaw to assess the warrior skills of all our apprentices. Don't worry about Yellowfang; I'll make sure someone sees to her while you are gone." Firepaw nodded.

"Now, join your companions," Spottedstar ordered. "I expect they're waiting for you."

"Thank you, Spottedstar," Firepaw said, dipping his head gratefully. He turned with a flick of his tail and darted toward his den. Spottedstar was right; Ravenpaw and Graypaw were both waiting for him by their favorite tree stump. Ravenpaw looked stiff and uncomfortable, his fur clumped by the dampness of the air. Graypaw was pacing around the tree stump, lost in thought, the tip of his tail twitching.

"So, you're joining us today?" Ravenpaw called as Firepaw approached. "Some day, huh?" The black wolf shook himself roughly to get rid of the clinging wetness.