Warrior Cats: Shadow Propechy (ENG VER.)

CHAPTER 6

Wolfstar walked in long strides, his huge furry paws moving nimbly as he walked the length of the field. He smelled the familiar scent of his Clan, mingled with that of fresh prey.

He looked back to see Nightsky and Flamepaw following closely. They weren't too far from camp. Near the edge of MarshClan's territory lay the Lavender Fields; a part that, as its name implies, was full of purple and pink lavenders.

The smell was sweet and comforting, however pollen irritated Wolfstar's nose. Even from afar, one could see the huge green marsh. Trees covered in water and huge green leaves floated in the huge marsh. Small islands of long damp grass were found at various points. Sometimes Wolfstar had seen Marsh warriors watching them on these islands; the pricked ears and high tails on the huge bodies.

The marsh cats were bigger than the rest, as were the hill cats. The dark and thick coats were normal characteristics among them, as well as a great and amazing patience in dealing with invaders and enemies.

The leader walked slowly along the edge, careful not to dip his delicate paws in the green water. Lavenders brushed his fur as he moved his paws, eyes glued to the huge, unprotected marsh. He walked the length of the Lavender Fields, his warriors following close behind. Nightsky explained ways of tracking to the apprentice, who listened attentively.

"You don't necessarily have to put your nose to the ground," the black she-cat meowed, bowing her head slightly to approach the apprentice. "A good tracker learns to use their whiskers too, it's our best weapon."

Wolfstar nodded, turning to look at them. "A good tracker can tell even the apprentices of another Clan apart."

Flamepaw frowned in disbelief. "How am I supposed to recognize the scent of cats I don't know?"

The older cats purred in amusement. "Exactly," the mentor meowed, stroking Flamepaw with her tail. "You are not. That's why it's still not a good tracker."

The apprentice wagged her tail, irritated but thoughtful. "I'll train hard then."

"That's right," Wolfstar meowed, stopping. He sniffed the air, looking for signs of trespassers. He felt nothing, and he was grateful. This close to the border with the Marsh and the Hill, it was sometimes hard to ignore the clear scent of strange warriors in the fields. He didn't blame them; the countryside was beautiful and teeming with prey in hot weather. But he wanted them to be able to keep the claws off their land for at least one green-leaf season.

He turned, bypassing the fields. Nightsky followed the leader, but meowed. "Aren't we going to patrol the end of the Warm Creek?"

"I don't see the need" he replied, watching several birds flying over the sky. "At least not today."

The warrior agreed. Flamepaw looked up at the loud, irritating bubbling above him. Her face seemed to darken a little as she took in the birds' departure. "Are they migrating far away?"

"Yes. Falling-leaf season approaches" Nightsky meowed hesitantly. "We're going to be in trouble soon."

"Let's not think about it for now," the leader tried to comfort them. He understood that, as a leader, he should also look after the minds of his warriors. There was nothing he could do with weak-minded cats, especially when the green cough took over the fields, and worse, the camp. "I want you to make the most of the sun's warmth while you can."

They agreed, still watching the lucky birds that would leave for the warm southern lands.

**

The turmoil was great and Wolfstar thought the worst. Even close to the camp, the smell of fear was as clear as day. He quickened his pace, running through the tunnel of thorn bushes. The cats found together around Morningcloud's lair were worrisome for several different reasons.