Windclan's Hope

Chapter 23

Squirrelfoot sat down next to Birdnose, Brairfang and Seedstalk. Turtleheart and Whiteclaw sat on the sides of Stemstar. "This is the patrol that will go to the meeting tonight." Stemstar said. "I will have Eaglepaw, Cloudpaw and Leafpaw in the bushes scouting for unwanted cats. They've already been spoken to. If attacked they will come back and fetch help. If anything, Eaglepaw and Cloudpaw can find Shadowclan's scent and travel to their camp." Stemstar mewed. Squirrelfoot ate some prey next to Talonheart. "What's wrong, Squirrelfoot?" He asked, pushing some prey to her. "Nothing, I'm just worried about an attack at our meeting." She replied. "If they attack, it'll be the last thing they do." Talonheart purred. "Thanks." She replied, yawning.
She padded up the slope to the meeting, sitting next to Volenose and Weedheart from Shadowclan. "We should attack at a gathering." Marshclaw yowled. "End this once and for all!" Weedheart agreed. "Gatherings are for peace." Stemstar shrugged. "We need to drive Riverclan out, teach them they cant bully everyone." Adderstar mewed. "No, just killing Ravenstar and Hawkgrowl need to be done. I say we attack their camp, drive them into this hallow and kill them two. It needs to be done before Thunderclan gets there. Meaning we'll need to surround camp and keep all cats in." Whiteclaw said. "Your deputy is smart. I agree with Whiteclaw." Adderstar meowed. "Whiteclaw will be a good leader." Volenose nodded. "We are in agreement. We should attack tomorrow!" Brairfang yowled. "Then it shall be. Shadowclan cats should attack the camp, Windclan cats should have a patrol around the camp since they are fast. If Riverclan get out they can be caught." Adderstar said. Stemstar nodded. "We meet tomorrow."
Squirrelfoot stretched, the clan had surprisingly had a feast even in the freezing temperatures the night had brought. "I will lead one patrol and Whiteclaw leads the other. My patrol attacks the camp and Whiteclaw's surrounds and helps drive the patrol to fourtrees." Stemstar meowed. "I will lead Sheepfur, Birdnose, Birchwing, Owlfeather, Rabbitstrike and Squirrelfoot." He said. "Whiteclaw will lead Littlewhisker, Brairfang, Seedstalk, Talonheart and Lakespirit. He will take no apprentices. They will remain with Ivypetal in camp, protecting the apprentices. Turtleheart will travel and hide in a den near fourtrees, Mudheart will be with her." Stemstar said. "Lets go, my clan. Stay safe, i want everyone back home." He sighed. Squirrelfoot followed the first patrol out of camp. Talonheart curled his tail around hers. "Ill see you back here." He smiled and fell back with Seedstalk and Lakespirit.
In the hollow Stemstar's patrol was merged with Adderstars, Stoneface, Weedheart, Volenose, Larkshine and Pinetuft were in that patrol. The rest were in Marshclaw's patrol. The Shadowclan leader had left their young apprentices at home while Palepaw and Icepaw were helping Windclan surround the camp. They padded towards Riverclan's territory, Whiteclaw led his patrol ahead to surround the camp quietly. Palepaw and Icepaw fell in step with Talonheart and Seedstalk. Lakespirit stayed to the side, eyes locked on Riverclan's camp. Squirrelfoot wondered what she was thinking about as she leapt into place around the camp.
Squirrelfoot set her paws down in some brambles around camp, ears pinned, she stood next to Volenose who looked excited to finally end it. She glared into the unexpecting camp, the cats were training and some laying in the sun. Apprentices were sitting outside the spare den, she strained her neck to see inside. Her stomach fell, Sproutpaw lay in the den with mats of blood splattered in her fur. Her breath caught in her chest, she looked at Volenose wildly. Volenose looked at her, following her eyes. "Who is that?" Volenose whispered. "Sproutpaw, she helped us escape. She went to live as a loner, how.. Why is she here?" Squirrelfoot wondered. "We'll save her." Volenose promised.
Squirrelfoot waited, Stemstar and Adderstar were waiting for the cats to stop training, waiting for them to rest. As the sun began to fall, Riverclan began eating. Stemstar and Adderstar leapt forward with caterwauling battle cries. "Applepaw fetch Thunderclan!" Riverstar shrieked, being leapt on by both leaders. The apprentice darted towards the exit where Palepaw and Icepaw leapt onto him in anger. Applepaw yowled, Squirrelfoot leapt into camp after being frozen for a minute. Owlpaw barreled into her with Spotclaw behind him. She snarled and leapt onto Owlpaw, dragging him into the water behind her. Talonheart leapt onto him and shoved him back into camp so he couldnt run. Squirrelfoot continued turning, meeting Spotclaw muzzle to muzzle.
She growled, leaping onto Webfur who had attacked Birdnose. She bit his scruff and hauled him away from the angry tom. "Alderpaw fetch Thunderclan fast!" Ravenstar screeched under Adderstar's pelt. Alderpaw tried to run but was found by Lakespirit in the bushes. She shoved him back into the camp with a nip at his heels.