Windclan's Hope

Chapter 21

Stemstar led the first few cats out of camp, watching as Whiteclaw led the other patrol out of the other entrance. Squirrelfoot followed behind his patrol with Ivypaw at her side. Stemstar turned, looking at her. There was only rage and anger in the she-cats eyes. Stemstar flicked his tail and the two she cats padded up the slope, crouching behind the tunnel. Stemstar signed with his ears for the three cats he'd named to follow him. Stemstar stalked into the tunnel, listening to the rustling of cats. "Ratfur's injuries are better thanks to Shadowclan's medicine cat." Rabbitstrike's voice sounded. Birchwing mumbled something, Stemstar assumed he was close by because he heard it. "If he wasn't forced to help." Stemstar flicked his tail, it seemed the whole patrol heard it. Their quiet growls of anger sounded behind him. With the raise of his tail they attacked.
Stemstar locked into battle with Rabbitstrike, hauling him down onto the stone. Birdnose was in a spitting battle with Owlfeather while Seedstalk leapt onto Sheepfur. "Drive them out!" He yowled, twisting to block Ratfur's strike. Birdnose and Seedstalk began moving their opponents from the caves. Successfully, they were out of the den quickly.
Stemstar watched as Whiteclaw led the others down the moor towards them Ratfur had leapt onto him and sent them rolling together in a hissing battle. He heard Squirrelfoot's yowl, turning he tackled Ratfur. He swept the tom's paws from underneath him and moved as his sister landed on him in a fury of spitting and claws.
Stemstar watched as Rabbitstrike, Owlfeather and Sheepfur were pinned. Squirrelfoot and Ratfur were still battling. Birchwing was standing nearby with Seedstalk. Squirrelfoot leapt onto Ratfur, Stemstar watched as fire blazed in her eyes. She leaned down, ripping fur from his throat and shoving her claws into the fresh wound. She ripped away, watching as Ratfur wriggled on the grass with hushed breathing. Soon he fell limp. Stemstar flicked his tail and looked at his clan. "Come, it is time we went home. Take these cats with us, we'll have a trail." He nodded to the pinned down cats. "Whiteclaw, bury Ratfur. There is no reason for a proper vigil." He added.
As they filed into camp Turtleheart was sitting outside the den. Squirrelfoot rushed to her and took a deep breath. Stemstar found himself holding his breath as the medicine cat gave a smile and showed his sister into the den. "Talonheart is okay." Ivypaw appeared at his side. "We won, now we should discuss the trails with Whiteclaw. Turtleheart told me to talk with you for her." He nodded and beckoned Whiteclaw over. The white pelted tom had mud on his paws and he shivered.
"The trails will be quick and easy. Each cat will be asked why they did it and if they regret it. If they do, they are welcome to rejoin Windclan. If not, they will be sent away and could have the same fate as Ratfur. Killed on sight." Stemstar announced to the clan. Littlewhisker and Seedstalk yowled in agreement, making the clan chant their approval into the night. The camp went quiet and everyone dismissed to their dens with large yawns.