Ghosts of the Clans

Chapter 15

"Hi, Reedwhisker!" Curlkit and Podkit rushed out of the nursery, hurling themselves at the black tom. He staggered dramatically, falling down. "Oof! You're squashing me," he grunted before batting the kits away gently.

Duskfur emerged from the nursery, looking ruffled. "Kits! Stop disturbing the deputy," she ordered, nudging them away from Reedwhisker. "But you said he's our-" "Shhhh!" Podkit was shushed by Duskfur, who glanced uneasily at Reedwhisker. The black tom's ear twitched slightly, betraying his discomfort, but he quickly began issuing orders.

Minnowtail watched them suspiciously, narrowing her eyes. There was something strange going on...

"Minnowtail, patrol the ShadowClan border with Rushtail and Troutstream," Reedwhisker's mew brought her back to the present. She nodded and gathered the littermates together, but to her surprise, Icewing spoke up. "I would like to join, please."

For the past few days, the white she-cat had hardly ever spoken, going on patrols when asked to. Every cat had understood her- Beetlewhisker never appeared in his nest. So it was especially strange that today, she had volunteered. Perhaps she's finally accepting his death, Minnowtail hoped.

The patrol headed for the border, with Rushtail and Troutstream bringing up the rear and chattering like starlings. "Who do you think Curlkit and Podkit's father might be?" questioned Troutstream. Rushtail shrugged. "Perhaps Reedwhisker. He was acting weird with Duskfur just now."

Icewing glanced briefly over her shoulder. "Reedwhisker has Swallowtail as a mate. They had Rainstorm and Mintfur together, so I don't think he's Duskfur's mate. Just like if Mintfur died, I would never take another mate."

Both young cats dipped their heads to the snowy-white she-cat. "We know how much you grieve for Beetlewhisker, Icewing." Minnowtail murmured softly, resting her tail on the older cat's shoulder. But she simply sighed, seeming very old.

The patrol padded along in silence, and marked the border. "No activity," Rushtail commented, breaking the silence. Minnowtail gave the light brown a nod and hurried to catch up with Icewing, who was drawing ahead of them, her head bowed.

They had not gone far when they heard a commotion. "It's from the camp!" yowled Troutsteam, her light blue eyes wide as she hurtled past them. Rushtail broke into a sprint, too, and Minnowtail hared after him. Even Icewing picked up her pace, her sky-blue gaze hard.

What they saw froze them in their tracks.

Reedwhisker and Swallowtail were in the centre, hissing. Duskfur was nearby, and Curlkit and Podkit watched the argument with wide eyes. Slipping into the crowd, Minnowtail whispered into Robinwing's ear, "What's going on?"

In a hushed tone, the tortoiseshell tom told her how Swallowtail had spotted Duskfur and Reedwisker sharing tongues. The dark brown tabby she-cat had openly accused them of being mates, and that's when the kits had made things worse by confirming her suspicion.

"They just squealed, 'Yeah, Reedwhisker's our father!' like, so innocently," he finished, shaking his head.

"So what if I love her too? It's possible to do that, you know? Many cats have done that," Reedwhisker spat, advancing towards Swalowtail. She glared at him, her dark green eyes blazing with rage. "What about Mintfur and Rainstorm? Are you going to abandon them, too?" She shot a look at her two sons, who were huddled in a corner.

Curlkit looked up. "What's the matter? Did we do something wrong?" she squeaked. Duskfur rushed towards her daughter and gave her ear a lick. "Go back to the nursery, my dear. Reedwhisker's just having an argument with a Clanmate."

"Oh, so I'm just a Clanmate to you now, Reedwhisker? Well, if you don't need me, then I don't need you, either!" Swallowtail snarled. Someone stop them! Minnowtail looked around the camp for Mistystar, but her expression was cold and furious, so she didn't dare go to the pale blue-gray she-cat

"Stop!" the wail came from Rainstorm. The mottled blue-gray tom put himself in the middle of the clearing, his pelt bushed as he stared at his parents. Both of them halted and stared at Rainstorm, awkwardly glancing at each other.

"Yes, Rainstorm is right." The authoritative command came from Mistystar, who strode into the clearing. Her blue eyes were as cold as ice, and disappointment edged her mew. "I can't believe you two would fight over this juvenile little thing! You especially, Reedwhisker. You're my deputy-and my son! I'm disgusted in your behaviour, both of you." she exclaimed, lashing her tail.

"I'm sorry," Reedwhisker was the first to mutter, hanging his head. Swallowtail followed, though Minnowtail could sense reluctance. Mistystar relaxed slightly, but was not done. "From now until the Gathering, both of you will act as apprentices. No leading patrols, and you have to obey any warriors' command. Reedwhisker, you will be stripped of your deputy status for now, and Voletooth, you can take over. Do you understand me?"

The two warriors nodded, looking both ashamed and humiliated. Minnowtail personally thought it was a bit harsh, but when she spotted Blackclaw staring at his paws, she understood. Mistystar still cared for the smoky black tom, despite everything. The argument between the former mates had probably roused her pain at losing her own mate.