Ghosts of the Clans

Chapter 5

"Where-" Redpaw muttered, struggling groggily awake. Littlecloud, who was bending over him with an anxious look, jumped about two fox-lengths into the air and exclaimed, "Redpaw, you're awake at last!"

A cat who was asleep beside him was startled awake, her orange eye widening in joy. "Redpaw! Oh, thank StarClan you survived!" Whitewater nuzzled him, showing affection he had never seen before. Bewildered, he questioned Littlecloud, "What happened? How long was I out for?"

"You fell unconscious for two whole days, thanks to a severe head injury. Olivepaw was worried sick about you, and Pouncetail visited every day," the small brown tabby tom replied. Whitewater added, "Look, Redpaw...I'm sorry. I see that I've restrained you too much, and your frustration must have taken control. If only I had let you fight beside me, this wouldn't have happened..." She bowed her head.

Touched by his mentor's sincere words, Redpaw felt a warm glow within him. "It wasn't your fault, Whitewater. In fact, no matter what you did, I would still end up like this. I'm sorry too for being such a difficult apprentice."

Letting out a soft purr, the long-furred white she-cat poked her head out. When she withdrew it, she told him, "It's nearly sunhigh, and that time, Tawnypelt's kits will be apprenticed. Do you want me to help you out?" Ignoring Littlecloud's protest that he had to rest, Redpaw leaned against Whitewater, heaving himself up. "Yes, please."

Once he was outside, all eyes were averted to him. A joyous cry rang out. "Redpaw!" Olivepaw crashed into him- thankfully gently- and licked his face, pressing against him. Pouncetail followed more slowly, but there was relief in his yellow eyes. He blinked slowly, reaching out with his tail to touch Redpaw on the shoulder, then pressing his nose into his son's shoulder.

Blackstar rose to his paws from where he had been grooming himself and trotted to Redpaw, his tail high and white fur sleek. "So, I see that our apprentice has survived, and is alive and well. Good- seems like you're just in time for the ceremony."

Without waiting for Redpaw's reply, he leapt onto the Tallbranch and yowled, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Tallbranch to hear my words!" Most cats were already gathered, but at his words they drew into a tight circle as Tawnypelt emerged, her tortoiseshell-and-white pelt sleek and herding Tigerkit, Dawnkit and Flamekit in front of her. Their father, Rowanclaw, puffed out his chest as the kits padded into the centre of the clearing.

Blackstar bounded down. "From now on, these apprentices will be named Tigerpaw, Dawnpaw and Flamepaw. Oakfur, you will mentor Tigerpaw. You were mentor to his mother, Tawnypelt, and she is now a skilful and loyal warrior. Ivytail, you shall mentor Dawnpaw. Being a patient and courageous warrior, I expect you to train her well. And as for Flamepaw... Littlecloud has consulted me, and we both agree that you should be a medicine-cat apprentice. So, the actual ceremony will be performed at the Moonpool, but I still greet you as the new medicine-cat apprentice."

"Tigerpaw! Dawnpaw! Flamepaw!" The Clan chanted. Redpaw lifted his voice to join theirs, though his voice was slightly shaky. Blackstar raised his tail for silence before continuing, "Before this meeting ends, I would like to announce that Redpaw is alive!" Cheers rose from the gathered cats as they turned to face him, eyes sparkling with a mixture of joy and relief that he was alive.

Redpaw ducked his head, giving his chest fur, slightly embarrassed at the reaction. But part of him was pleased. At least I'll be of use to my Clan!