Lost In The Stars (Book Two)

Chapter Four- Stoneclaw

The fur on Stoneclaw's shoulders began to rise. A prophecy? Could Robinwing really receive a prophecy?

"When the river stops running, cats lost in the stars will return to shine light on the shade that has covered the island." Robinwing breathed out. He stood, wobbling a bit, and stared Rainstorm straight in the eyes.

The moon cat nodded slowly. "Yes, StarClan has also told me of this. They failed to mention that they would send it to such a young warrior. Are you sure this is what they said?"

Robinwing shook himself. "I know what I heard! Do you not believe me?" The fear in his voice made Stoneclaw uneasy.

Rainstorm sighed. "I believe in you, Robinwing. I just thought..." His voice trailed off.

"Thought what?" It was Owlflight who spoke. All eyes turned to him. "I don't think Robinwing would lie to us. Do you?"

Rainstorm shook his head. "I don't. He is not lying. This prophecy just... Opens up many more visions of the future to me. I need some time to think." He flopped down and rested his head on his forepaws.

"Very well." Stripedstar spoke up. "Moonbeam, lead a patrol to go hunting. Our clan will need food."

Moonbeam nodded. "Uh.. Stoneclaw. You come?"

Stoneclaw nodded, standing and shaking himself off. "Can we come?" Cloudpool asked, also standing. Coldwind sat beside her, his tail wrapped neatly around his paws.

"Yes." Moonbeam said hesitantly.

"Could Ashpaw and I come, too? He needs his training." Owlflight asked. A big patrol for just hunting. Stoneclaw thought.

"Yes! That's enough. Stoneclaw, Cloudpool, Coldwind, Owlflight, Ashpaw.. Come with me." Moonbeam left the cave, climbing up the winding slope that lead outside. Stoneclaw followed, keeping a close eye on Ashpaw. He would die before he ever let Bloodshed hurt his son. That is a fact.

"We should stick together. We won't be in as much danger that way, if ShadeClan attacks." Moonbeam said. It sounded like a suggestion, but Stoneclaw knew it was an order.

"Where are we going first?" Ashpaw asked, practically jumping with joy. Stoneclaw fell a purr rising in his throat as the apprentice followed Owlflight obediently, never straying from his mentor's side. He's going to make a great warrior.

"We will go to the river." Moonbeam said. She led the way through the mountains until the cats stopped at the river's edge.

"Something's wrong," Owlflight growled. "It's too silent."

Stoneclaw perked his ears, but not a single sound apart from the rushing of the river could be heard. Where's the birds? The prey scuffling in the grass? What's going on?

As if in answer to his thoughts, a furious battle cry sounded from the other side of the river. Around ten massive warriors appeared, Bloodshed at the front.

"I'll warn Stripedstar!" Owlflight gasped. As the attackers bounded through the river, Owlflight raced off, disappearing into the mountainous terrain.

Massive claws dug into Stoneclaw's back. He writhed, snarling, and kicked out with his hind legs. But his attacker wasn't aiming to hurt him; instead, he pinned him to the ground with a force that made Stoneclaw wonder if he would break bones.

Then, he saw Ashpaw out of the corner of his eye. The apprentice was struggling helplessly as Bloodshed himself clawed at his fur. No! With a sudden burst of strength, Stoneclaw burst from the warrior's grip.

He turned to stare right into the eyes of Redshade, a former member of MudClan. Traitor. He thought, but he didn't have time to fight Redshade any longer. Instead he spun around and leaped on Bloodshed's back.

Big mistake. Bloodshed flung himself up, falling backwards. He crushed Stoneclaw to the ground so hard that the breath was knocked out of him. He wheezed and kicked out with his back legs. "Ashpaw!" He gasped as Bloodshed turned to face him. "Run!"

The apprentice didn't need to be told twice. He turned and dashed for the safety of the mooncave. That was the last thing Stoneclaw saw as Bloodshes fastened his teeth in his scruff and began to drag him off.