The Shadow Glare

Chapter 21

Emberpaw had no idea why Hawkstar had thought he would get away with taking her and the other two apprentices. The patrol plodded along in utter silence- the two apprentices from the other Clans were glancing at each other nervously. Then Nighthowl reached out with her tail and touched Gempaw on the shoulder.
"It's ok," the black warrior reassured. "We won't keep you captive."
Ashpaw looked at Emberpaw and shrugged, as though he was confused by Nighthowl's niceness.

The white apprentice looked wide-eyes at Waterpaw and shivered. The blue-grey tom returned her nervousness as sniffed the air, as if he was worried a badger or fox would jump out of every bush. Shadowpaw flicked her ears in his direction.
Brownwhisker turned to the apprentices, and mewed. "Look, were helping you, but if you don't want it, you can always go back to ShadeClan and Hawkstar!" Then he lashed his tail irritably.

Emberpaw pushed her way past Bluewhisker and Nighthowl so she could stand by the apprentices. They walked in silence until they returned to the camp. As the thorn barrier rustled, she could hear her mother yowling. "Have you brought my kit back?"

Pebblestar returned her call, her voice hoarse as if she hadn't got any sleep.
"Yes, she's here."
As they pushed their way into the camp, Wildflame came rushing over speedily and immediately began sniffing her kit everywhere.
"Are you ok? What did they do to you?" Then Wildflame noticed the other apprentices. "What are they doing here?"

Pebblestar dipped her head. "They were also being held captive by Hawkstar. We couldn't leave them there, could we?"

Wildflame shrugged her fiery orange shoulders. "I guess. But what will you do with them?"

"They can rest here today. I will send two patrols to take them home tomorrow."

"Well then, we'll need beds for them! I wonder if Chickfluff's kit's would like to help?"

Suddenly, Birchsky came out of the warriors den, stretching. "What's happening?" He yawned.

Pebblestar beckoned for the tom to follow her into the den as she padded away. Good. Pebblestar can explain to him.

Then, three small bundles of fur came tumbling out of the nursery. The dark brown tom say at Emberpaw's feet and mewed. "I'm the strongest warrior in the Clan."

"No you are not, Snakekit!" The yellow she-kit yowled. "I am."

Lastly, the little tortoiseshell named Cloverkit came tumbling at her heels. "Hello." She gazed up into Emberpaw's eyes. The little tortoiseshell's face was soft and fuzzy around the edges. Her eyes were unblinking and blue.
I hope I get to mentor her. I should be a warrior by then, shouldn't I?

By now, the little yellow one, Fluffkit, was attacking her tail. "Hey!" Emberpaw hissed as she leaped into the air.
Fluffkit mrrowed in amusement before running away into the den, soon followed out again by an angry Chickfluff. "Go say sorry to Emberpaw right now!" The yellow queen ordered.

"Ok," Fluffkit whimpered before trotting over to Emberpaw.
"Sorry," Fluffkit puffed, looking at her paws.

"It's ok," Emberpaw sighed. "Just don't do it next time."