Fire and Ice

Chapter 4

Graystripe and Runningwind were waiting for her outside Yellowfang's den. As Skyfall approached, Graystripe called out, "Yellowfang! We've come for traveling herbs!"

A hoarse mew replied from the shadows in the rock, and Yellowfang squeezed out of the crack. "Where are you going?" she asked.

"We've got to find WindClan and bring them home," Skyfall answered, a tinge of pride in her mew.

"Your first warrior mission!" Yellowfang rasped. "Congratulations! I'll fetch the herbs you will need." She returned a few moments later carrying a small bundle of herbs in her jaws. "Enjoy!" she purred, laying them on the grounds.

Skyfall, Graystripe and Runningwind reluctantly ate the unappetizing leaves. "Yuck!" spat Graystripe. "Just as bad as last time." Skyfall agreed, a grimace adorning her face. Runningwind licked his lips repeatedly in hopes of ridding his mouth of the foul taste.

Skyfall choked down the last mouthful and waited for the other two to finish. Graystripe nudged Runningwind softly with his nose. "Come on, slow slug! Let's get going! 'Bye," Graystripe called to Yellowfang over his shoulder as he bounded out of the glade.

Runningwind rolled his eyes. "Wait up!" he called after Graystripe.

"Good-bye! Good luck, youngsters!" Yellowfang meowed after them as Skyfall and Runningwind raced to catch up.

As they ran through the tunnel, Skyfall swore she could hear the soft whispers of the ferns wishing them safe travels.

As they headed out of the camp, the three young warriors nearly crashed into Whitestorm, who was leading Sandpaw and Mousefur into the forest for the dawn patrol.

"Sorry!" panted Skyfall, skidding to a halt beside Graystripe.

Whitestorm dipped his head. "I hear you three are going on a mission," he meowed.

"That's right," Runningwind nodded.

"Then may you have StarClan's protection," meowed Whitestorm gravely.

"What for?" Sandpaw sneered, her eyes narrowed in jealousy. "You off to catch voles?"

Skyfall didn't answer. Mousefur leaned down to whisper in Sandpaw's ear. Her expression switched from jealousy to guarded curiosity.

The patrol stepped aside to let the three pass. They raced on and scrambled up the ravine.

The warriors shared few words as they followed the worn path through the forest to Fourtrees, saving their breath for the long journey ahead. They paused at the top of the steep slope at the far side of the shaded clearing, their sides heaving from the climb.

"Is it always windy up here?" grumbled Graystripe, fluffing his thick fur against the cold air sweeping across the uplands.

"I suppose there aren't any trees to block it," Skyfall pointed out, squinting against the harsh winds. As she sniffed the air, she caught a scent her senses told her should not have been there. "Do you smell RiverClan warriors?" she murmured uneasily.

Graystripe lifted his nose. "No. Do you think there might be some here?"

"Maybe. They might want to make the most of WindClan's absence, especially since they know WindClan will be back soon," Runningwind warned after taking a sniff himself.

"Well, the scent is faint," meowed Skyfall. "We'd best get a move on."

Skyfall led the way slowly down from the cover of the trees. They followed a frozen trail sheltered by heather.

A fresh scent made Skyfall stop dead in her tracks. Runningwind grumbled when he ran into her but otherwise stayed quiet. "Can you smell that?" she hissed quietly.