A warrior cats story: A Stone in the River of Life

Chapter 7

Stonerise padded back into the forest, trying to keep the sweet scent lingering on his pelt.  Stonerise crouched down and stalked around the undergrowth, his tail lightly brushing the snow around him.  Suddenly, vole scent reached his nose.  Stonerise closed his eyes and breathed it in.  He realized that he hadn't eaten in forever.  Stonerise crept towards the creature with nimble paws, making sure that his tail didn't rustle the snow too much.  He pounced, landing squarely on the vole's neck and ending it's life quickly.  "I guess I'll be getting back to camp now," Stonerise murmured, lifting up his catch and bounding through the forest to the entrance to camp.  "Nice vole," Poppyfrost commented as Stonerise slipped through the entrance.  He dipped his head in thanks and trotted over to the fresh kiII-pile to retrieve some prey after putting his own in.  "Stonerise," a voice sounded from above him.  Stonerise lifted his head and saw Bramblestar laying on the highledge with his tail flicking lazily.  "Y-yes, Bramblestar?" Stonerise stammered.  "Please come up to my den.  I want to speak with you," he demanded.  Stonerise nervously flicked his ears and padded up the trail into his "father's" den.  "What did you need me for, father?" he asked.  "I wanted to tell you that Squirrelflight is having another litter of kits," Bramblestar started.  "Another?!" Stonerise exclaimed.  He didn't want to say it, but Squirrelflight was already old enough when she had her first litter.  "Yes, another," Bramblestar narrowed his eyes.  "Wow, I must congratulate her!  I'll have more siblings, now!" Stonerise realized in excitement.  "What I wanted to tell you was that Squirrelflight can no longer continue her role as deputy.  This means that somebody else must step in to replace her," Bramblestar continued.  Stonerise nodded, his pelt rising with excitement.  What if he was going to become deputy?!  "I wanted to ask you if you wanted to take over her place as deputy.  If you do a good job, well, let's just say Squirrelflight was talking about going back to just being a warrior," the dark tabby leader finished.  Stonerise could hardly contain his excitement.  "Of course I'll become deputy!" he accepted the request, "And if Squirrelflight wants to give up her position, then I'd gladly accept to remain the deputy."  Bramblestar smiled slightly and nodded.  "Very well, then.  You'll have the day free of patrols and then you'll start your role as deputy tomorrow," Stonerise dipped his head in respect and half-skipped, half-walked out of the den.  I am deputy!  And even perhaps I could become leader!" Stonerise thought estatically to himself.