Rising Storm

Chapter 29

Runningwind made it into the clearing by the time Skyfall realized she had been left alone.

She quickly followed after, her pelt quivering with many emotions. She hadn't realized how well Runningwind had recovered since his accident, but she was pleased to see him up and about now.

"Runningwind?" Graystripe's confused mew met Skyfall ears as she padded into the clearing.

"Where's Halftail," the tabby warrior asked.

"I've just buried him," replied Graystripe.

"Yellowfang isn't here," Skyfall meowed. "Only Runningwind was left."

Graystripe looked worried. "If she isn't here, then where is she?"

Skyfall closed her eyes. She didn't want to even begin to imagine the pain Yellowfang must be suffering if she hasn't succumbed to the flames. "We'll just have to pray she escaped the fire some other way. The flames followed us to the river so maybe she escaped toward ShadowClan or Twolegplace."

"That grumpy old fleabag?" Runningwind scoffed playfully. "I fear for the kittypets she comes across!"

Skyfall purred in amusement not long before she realized Runningwind and Graystripe were watching her instead of laughing as well. Did Runningwind say that to comfort her when he needed it the most?

The three cats trekked through the forest quietly, the silence only broken when Skyfall or Graystripe looked back to see if Runningwind needed help. The gray afternoon light was fading by the time they padded into the RiverClan camp. Groups of cats lay at the edge of the clearing, sharing tongues after their evening meal. The ThunderClan cats crouched in an isolated huddle at one side. As soon as the three cats appeared, Cinderpelt, Mousefur, and One-eye jumped up to meet them.

"Runningwind!" Mousefur called, rushing over to nuzzle her brother. He returned the gesture gladly and loud purrs rumbled from all three cats.

Bluestar rose from her place beside Whitestorm. She brushed past the others and focused on Skyfall, her eyes filled with desperate hope. "Did you find Yellowfang and Halftail?"

Skyfall saw Cinderpelt hanging back, her ears pricked, as desperate for news for news as her leader. "Halftail is dead, but Yellowfang is missing. She wasn't anywhere in the camp," she told them. Cinderpelt swayed on her paws. The little cat backed away unsteadily, her eyes clouded with worry and relief. Skyfall wanted to go to her but Bluestar stood in her way. The ThunderClan leader's blue eyes showed no pain. Instead they grew hard and cold, and a shiver ran down Skyfall's spine.

"I was told once that I would blaze through the forest like fire," she hissed. "But all fire has done is destroy us!"

"No," Skyfall began, but she could not find the words to comfort her leader. Her gaze followed Cinderpelt as she stumbled back to the others. To Skyfall's relief, Sandstorm and Brackenfur hurried forward to meet her, pressing their flanks against Cinderpelt to support the small gray she-cat. She looked back at Bluestar, her heart sinking at her stony expression.

"ThunderClan will return home tonight," she decided in a voice like ice.

"But the woods are empty. The camp is ruined!" protested Graystripe.

"It doesn't matter. We are strangers here. We should be back in our own territory," spat Blue- star.

"Then I'll escort you," Graystripe offered.

Skyfall glanced at her friend and suddenly understood the longing in his eyes. Graystripe wanted to go home. The realization flooded Skyfall's mind like a shooting star illuminating the night. Skyfall looked expectantly at Bluestar. Surely she could see Graystripe's desire to return to Thunder- Clan?