Dawnstar's Decision

Chapter 26

Lakeheart merrily bounced ahead towards camp, taking the lead as the three headed back with their jaws full of catmint. Dawnsky and Firefur followed behind her, and the strong scent of the herb was the only thing she could smell. She flicked her tail, feeling a little worried about what she had just scented. Had Bear headed towards or away from their camp? Were they just passing though the territory, or were they planning something against her?

She continuously checked behind her back, worried that Bear would try to ambush them from behind. As she stopped to look behind her once more, Firefur looked at her with amusement and curiosity, "Did you leave something back there, Dawnsky? Or are you afraid that a badger will come and steal your catmint?"

Dawnsky forced a smile and laughed lightly, but she didn't drop the catmint from her jaws to reply. She just kept going. What if Bear is planning to attack the camp? She shuddered, keeping her eyes foward for any movement ahead. She was quickly padding up to Lakeheart, and Firefur rushed to catch up with them.

Dawnsky had never seen Lakeheart this happy in a long time, and she hoped that she would stay this way since they finally found the herb to cure the last of the deadly epidemic. Firefur looked almost as excited as he proudly carried the herb back to camp. Dawnsky was the only one who was worrying, but questions kept milling about in her head, haunting her with every step. Is Bear going to kill me? How many cats did he bring with him? Will I see my kits? She shook the last question away, knowing that Bear wouldn't bring one-moon old kits with him to battle, or anywhere for that matter.

As they reached camp, they could see Featherpool waiting expectantly at the entrance, her eyes shining with excitement. She immediately walked up to them, "Oh, I'm so glad you found it! And so much!" Firefur dropped his bundle so that Featherpool could take it to her awaiting patients. Lakeheart padded after her, beckoning for Dawnsky to follow.

She stepped into the medicine cat den, dropping the catmint neatly by Featherpool's stack. Longfang, Whitestar, Smallface, and Lilysong were all sound asleep, their chests rising and falling slowly. As Featherpool hastily began to gather the herbs, Lakeheart stepped up to her, "Featherpool, Dawnsky and I can take it from here," she mewed softly, "why don't yoh go and rest? You really need the sleep."

Featherpool shook her head, "No, no I'm fine, really!" She yawned, "I just need to-"

"No, Featherpool. You must lie down. We can't have you getting sick as well."Lakeheart tried convincing her.

Featherpool only shook her head again, "No," she mewed stubbornly, "and besides, we need more marigold. I will go get it."

"And then will you rest?" Lakeheart begged.

Featherpool sighed, "Fine. Then I'll rest." She quickly turned away and walked out of her den and into the woods.

Lakeheart shook her head, worry showing in her eyes for the old medicine cat. She looked over at Dawnsky, "Okay, so you just need to give these stalks over to Lilysong and Smallface. I will take care of Whitestar and Longfang." She mewed, "Try and get them to eat it, but if they won't, then we'll have to force-feed them."

Dawnsky nodded, grabbing a few of the stalks and headed over to Lilysong first. She almost didn't want to wake her, since she looked so peaceful, "Umm, Lilysong?" She mewed quietly, but loud enough to rouse her.

She lifted her head, narrowing her eyes to clear her vision, "Dawnsky?" She rasped.

"Yes, it's me," she said in a soft voice, "and I just need you to eat these herbs. It will make you better."

For a second Dawnsky was afraid that Lilysong didn't even understand her, but then she slowly nodded and chewed the catmint. She exhaled in relief when she swallowed, glad that she didn't have to try and force feed her. Now for Smallface, she thought, grabbing the rest of the stems.