At Willow's End : Tales Of Seven

💖Chapter Three💖

Finchpaw paced, eager for the sun to rise so she could watch Lightningstar up on High Branch and announce today's patrols while her father was out on border duty, wondering if it would be like to be leader one day...

Such a kit thought, especially when your mentor is leader...

"Move it, runt! You're blocking my way!"

Finchpaw growled, spinning around to face the older apprentice, hackles raised.

"Shut up, Mudpaw! Just because you're older than me and bigger doesn't mean you can boss me around. I'm not a kit anymore."

Flicking his muzzle with her tail, forcing her paws to move away from his furious gaze, she padded over to the fresh-kill pile, grabbing a mouse and sat down to eat, looking up at Lightningstar in awe as he padded out of his den, looking at her fondly, which filled her with warmth and pride.

I have to try harder than ever now. It's been four moons and Willowpaw and Mudpaw are nearly warriors! Lightningstar, Spotteddapple, Sparrowwing and even Roseshadow teach me a lot since Crowwhisper died last leaf-bare she's been lonely, but everything has to be perfect so I can be Deputy like Father someday.

"Finchpaw! Come quickly! There's been a skirmish by our border with MistClan. I might need your help this time."

Finchpaw snapped out of her daze, shunned, looking up at Flaresong, standing on Healer's Stone, herbs clumped in her jaws.

The young apprentice shakily rose to her paws, still in shock at the Healer's request then looked at Lightningstar again for permission, who nodded.

With a burst of strength, Mudpaw shoved her away and looked at Flaresong like a lovestruck kit, fur bristling as he turned to Flaresong, his voice as sweet as honey on morning dew.

"Can I come too, Flaresong? You might need a real warrior to get some more supplies and I know what they look like, thanks to your brilliant teaching of course."

Finchpaw felt a stone of jealousy in her chest, but she swallowed her pride.

Thank ForestClan Flaresong shook her head.

"No thanks, Mudpaw. I don't need your help. I asked Finchpaw. Now, come along, dear."

Finchpaw felt the weight lift as she raced through the bramble tunnel after the long-legged Healer, reliving the joy of watching the jealous in Mudpaw's eyes flare up as she heard Lightningstar mew, "Mudpaw, isn't your turn to clean out the elders den? "

She laughed to herself.

But the scent of blood and the piercing sound of caterwauling froze in her tracks...

ForestClan, no!

With a jolt, she scented the air and started to rush forward and join the fray, but Flaresong's bushy tail stopped her cold.

"No! I need your help. You think with your head this time, young one. Not with your heart. You must trust ForestClan to see this is over quickly."

With a low growl, Finchpaw turned to the HazelClan Healer, about to protest, when a black flash sliced across her face, causing her to step back in shock.

Flaresong bared her teeth, turning to face the threat.

"Finchpaw! Get behind me!"

Finchpaw's fur bristled and with a mighty leap, she pounced on her enemy, a long furred dark gray tom, and sliced his muzzle, causing him to fall back, teeth bared, yellow eyes blazing.