Fire and Ice

Chapter 16

The rain continued falling throughout the night and into the next morning. But by sunhigh, the clouds had disappeared. A somber air hung over the Clan as they awaited news of their leader.

Skyfall crept out from a patch of brambled by the boundary wall, where she'd sheltered after meeting with Yellowfang. She padded to Bluestar's den at the side of Highrock. There was no sound inside. As she turned away, she ran into Willowpelt carrying food to the nursery. The gray queen tipped her head questioningly.

Skyfall knew she was hoping for news of Bluestar. "Nothing to report, I'm afraid." Skyfall sighed, looking back at the den. Willowpelt set the prey down and padded to Skyfall's side. "Bluestar is strong, she'll get through this," she meowed comfortingly.

"I just wish there was more I could do rather than sit around like a useless lump," Skyfall growled, her claws digging into the soft ground.

"Sometimes, we all have to sit back for a while and let others take control. Bluestar will be fine." Willowpelt licked her daughter over the ears before picking her prey back up and padding away.

Skyfall had given Cinderpaw and Brackenpaw the day off. She could see them lounging outside their den, looking bored. Skyfall knew she let them down, but she needed to be here if something happened to Bluestar. At least Tigerclaw wasn't hanging over her shoulder. The large warrior was off on dawn patrol.

Suddenly, the lichen covering Bluestar's den rustled and Frostfur burst out. She raced across the clearing to Yellowfang and reappeared a moment later with the medicine cat behind her.

Skyfall's fur stood on end as she watched the two pass quickly and push through the lichen. She paced around anxiously, her heart racing in her chest. Frostfur peered out.

"What's wrong?" Skyfall asked, her voice trembling.

Frostfur closed her eyes. "She has greencough," she told her quietly. "Stand watch and make sure no one comes inside." She ducked back inside.

Skyfall sat motionless as shock flooded her body. Greencough! Bluestar was in great danger of losing another life.

A sharp yowl outside the camp drew Skyfall's attention back and she turned to the gorse tunnel. Dustpaw exploded into the clearing and skidded to a halt beside Skyfall. "I've come from Tigerclaw," he panted. "I have a message for Bluestar."

"She's sick," Skyfall replied. "You can't go in."

Dustpaw's tail flicked impatiently. "Tigerclaw needs to see her at the Thunderpath. It's very urgent."

"What's wrong?"

Dustpaw glanced at her before sighing. "Tigerclaw has found evidence of ShadowClan warriors in our territory," he meowed. "They're invading our hunting grounds!"

In spite of her fear for Bluestar, Skyfall couldn't help but curl her lip in anger. How dare they? After all that ThunderClan has done for them!

Yellowfang pushed through the lichen. "Skyfall," she meowed. "Tell me, do you know whether there is any catnip by the Twolegplace?"

"Catnip?" Skyfall echoed.

"I need it for Bluestar," Yellowfang explained. "It's an herb I haven't used for moons, but I think it will help her." The medicine cat now had Skyfall's full attention. She went on, "It has soft leaves and an irresistible scent. . ."

Skyfall interrupted her. "Yes, I think I know where to find some!" She had never seen it in the woods, but perhaps she could throw in a favor from Smudge.

"Good," replied Yellowfang. "I need as much as you can carry, and fast."

"What about Tigerclaw?" demanded Dustpaw.