Ghosts of the Clans

Chapter 11

"Redpaw, Olivepaw, step forward," commanded Blackstar. Redpaw obeyed, his mottled brown-and-ginger pelt sleek. Of course, not groomed by Pouncetail, but Olivepaw. He had also done the same for her, and now her pelt was so glossy that it shone under the sun.

"Today, we are gathered to make these two apprentices warriors. They have done exceedingly well for their assessment and will be an asset to ShadowClan. 

I, Blackstar, leader of ShadowClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn. Redpaw, Olivepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" "I do." Olivepaw mewed solemnly, and Redpaw echoed it slightly halfheartedly, wishing that Tigerstar, Hawkfrost and Snowtuft could see him, or even better, be the ones making him a warrior.

"Then by the powers of StarClan , I give you your warrior name. Redpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Redwillow. StarClan honours your courage and independence and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan." Blackstar rested his muzzle on Redwillow's head, who then licked his shoulder and stepped back.

He watched as Blackstar repeated the ceremony for Olivepaw, honouring her loyalty and patience and naming her Olivenose. But he hardly paid attention. Did you see it? I've been made a warrior! He sent the jubilant thought to the Place of No Stars, where his true loyalty lay.

"Redwillow! Olivenose!" the Clan acclaimed the two new apprentices joyfully, Shrewfoot and Owlclaw loudest of them all. The two cats had been made warriors already, leaving only Tigerpaw, Dawnpaw and Flamepaw as apprentices. Snowbird's kits, Cloverkit, Berrykit and Ripplekit were only two moons old, but getting more mischievous every day.

As if to prove his point, on the way to the fresh-kill pile to grab a mouse to eat, the three kis hurtled out of the nursery, squealing excitedly and skidding to a halt in front of him and Olivenose. "You're warriors? That's so cool!" purred Berrykit, a black-and-white she-kit.

"I want to be like you two! Rwar!" squeaked Ripplekit, a white tom-kit. Cloverkit, a gray tabby she-kit, said nothing but brushed her tail along both the new warriors' paws.

"Kits!" their mother, Snowbird, caught up, panting. "Stop bothering the warriors!" she scolded them, her tail flicking with exasperation. Their father, Scorchfur, who was sharing a plump vole with Wildfur nearby, let out a soft purr. "Let them play awhile, Snowbird. It won't do any harm. Just don't disturb Redwillow and Olivenose, okay?" he told his kits, who nodded enthusiastically.

"Thanks," Snowbird let out a long breath and pressed her muzzle to Scorchfur's neck before dashing away to supervise her kits. Redwillow grabbed his mouse and Olivenose took a thrush, but Shrewfoot and Applefur called her over to share a large squirrel.

Sighing, Redwillow was just taking a bite from his prey, eating alone, when a blackbird thudded in front of him. Startled, he looked up to see Ratscar, a fellow ShadowClan warrior. "So, how are you?" his friendly greeting surprised Redwillow, who had never been on close terms with the dark brown tom.

"I'm fine," he shrugged and took another bite, chewing slowly. Ratscar looked dubious, and lowered his voice. "I mean, after last night. I saw that you picked a fight with Mapleshade, and I'm quite impressed that you still managed to hunt well." "Wait wha-" Realisation hit Redwillow like a blow to the face. "You... you..." he spluttered.

"Train there? Yes." Ratscar answered his unspoken question with a casual whisk of his tail. "They let us become better warriors to serve ShadowClan to the best of our abilities!"

So he wasn't thinking about the warrior code at all. But I wonder who else trains in the Dark Forest? Redwillow mused, letting his gaze travel across the camp.