Ghosts of the Clans

Chapter 20

"There is one last thing I wish to say. Icewing, please join me." Minnowtail padded to the front, her heart set. "The two of us trained in the Dark Forest together with Beetlewhisker, and that i where he died," she confessed, lifting her chin to the shocked gazes of the cats below.Despite the confession, Mistystar simply stared at Minnowtail through her ice-blue eyes, evidently waiting for her explanation. 

Taken aback by the leader's calm reaction, Minnowtail glanced at the dead body of Pouncetail, who succumbed to greencough, and told her leader, "Shredtail first came to me after that argument I had with Leopardstar about getting an apprentice. He told me that he could make me so strong that Leopardstar and you would definitely give me one. So, I accepted it. But soon, in a mock battle with Breezepelt, my wound became infected- as you all should remember. I was going to die, but Brokenstar made me vow to him my loyalty to the Dark Forest. So, of course I vowed it to him- I didn't want to die. But the Dark Forest attacked, and I regret my choices. Mistystar, I know that it's hard, but can you please forgive me? I'm really sorry for the choices that I'd made."

Mistystar just flicked her icy gaze to Icewing. "And you? Icewing, what do you have to say?" she questioned, the tip of her tail twitching. Icewing shifted her paws uneasily and began.

"Brokenstar approached me when I was a young warrior. He knew of my ambitions to be the best warrior in RiverClan. He then offered to fulfil my desire. So, every night I trained in the Dark Forest, and when Beetlewhisker was almost a warrior, he joined me. I cannot account for my son's actions, but he died standing up to Brokenstar. That was when I began to know the error of my ways, and I knew where my loyalty lay. I'm sorry for my actions, Mistystar, but believe me when I say that I regret every last one of it."

For a moment, the Clan leader was silent. Then she bounded down, touching her nose to both she-cats' forehead. "I'm glad you chose to confess; few warriors could have the courage to do so. None of the Clan shall blame you for the deaths of these cats, Minnowtail, Icewing. But all the same, both of you will be doing apprentice duties for two moons. Understood?" she told them severely.

They nodded vigorously, so hard that their ears flapped. Minnowtail would stay faithful to her Clan from now on!

"I, Minnowtail, warrior of RiverClan, swears that I will never betray my Clan again. This experience with the Dark Forest has taught me to be the best warrior I can be, through everyday training with my Clanmates, no other. I have learnt the harsh lesson, and will turn over a new leaf now. StarClan, you have heard my oath of loyalty to RiverClan, so I ask for you to forgive me."