A Warrior's Trust #1: Uncertainty

Chapter Four

"Good catch, Stumblepaw!"

Tigercall looked up from where he laid next to Heavyboom, ears perked as he watched the young brown she-cat make her way towards them. She had a large squirrel clamped between her jaws, the fluffy tail dragging on the ground and tripping up her paws.

"Thank you, Heavyboom. Do you think Plumnose will like it?" Stumblepaw asked as she spit out fur, laying her catch down in front of the two warriors. Tigercall smiled and stood up with an amused purr.

"I'm sure she'll love it. Berrykit and Haykit are getting older, so maybe she'll share with them." the orange warrior replied, stretching his paws in front of him.

Stumblepaw perked up, her fur puffing out in excitement. "Really? Wow! The first prey they taste would be caught by me then!" she purred happily, picking up the squirrel again and trotting off towards camp. Heavyboom watched his apprentice affectionately before turning and following her.

It was a gloomy day, but thankfully it hadn't rained yet. Heavyboom asked Tigercall to come with him while he was training Stumblepaw today since the fox Shadowclan spoke about at the gathering two days ago had been scented in the territory. Stumblepaw was a new apprentice so if a fox did attack the two it would be up to Heavyboom to fight it off. Tigercall was happy to come with the fluffy gray warrior, loving his company. He was a happy warrior that didn't get angry often, a good trait to have when his apprentice was so clumsy.

"Has anyone figured out who the kits' father is?" Heavyboom asked quietly as they followed behind Stumblepaw. Tigercall flicked his ear in response, frowning. Plumnose was a sweet she-cat, but no one knew who fathered her kits. He had his suspicions, though. He remembered seeing the black she-cat sharing tongues with Bristlepelt, a warrior from Shadowclan, during one of the gatherings.

Heavyboom sighed, shaking his head. "That's sad. Hopefully no one treats the two any differently. Stumblepaw seems to be in love with them, she always talks about them and how fun it will be to be an apprentice with them." the warrior chuckled.

Tigercall nodded. "It won't be long before they're apprenticed." He replied absent-mindedly, staring up at the sky as a soft drizzle began to come down.

"Do you think Snowstar will ask you to mentor one?" Heavyboom asked, watching the orange tom. Tigercall groaned and shook his head.

"I hope not. While they seem sweet and to have potential, I just got finished mentoring Skunktail. Maybe she'll give one to Shufflestep. She's been hoping for an apprentice ever since she became a warrior." Tigercall replied, speeding up as they neared the camp.

"Maybe. She'd be a good mentor. Stumblepaw, take that to Plumnose then get some rest!" Heavyboom called, passing Tigercall to join his apprentice. The orange warrior sighed and trudged into camp, shaking out his long fur.

"How'd it go?" a voice asked from beside him, startling Tigercall. He turned his head to see Snowstar and sighed.

"Good. No sign of the fox and Stumblepaw hunted well." he replied. Snowstar nodded before flicking her tail towards the Highledge.

"Can you spare some time? I'd like to talk to you in my den." she meowed. Tigercall frowned, fur bristling a little. He nodded and the two headed to the leader's den.

Tigercall shook out his pelt as they entered the dry den, thankful for the shelter. Snowstar sat down and watched him.

"Tanglewhisker is fond of you, Tigercall." She started and the orange warrior flicked his ears back.

"I know. I know what you're going to say." he mumbled, closing his green eyes.

Snowstar tilted her head, ears perked but no expression on her face giving away her thoughts. "Is that right? Well then, maybe we shouldn't even be here." she purred, causing Tigercall to relax a little.

"I don't know if I can handle such a big responsibility." Tigercall explained.  He remembered what Eaglecry had said about being sure of his actions, as well. He didn't want Snowstar to choose him just to regret it.

"I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it, either. When Rosestar chose me as her deputy I was so sure I was going to mess it up and ruin the entire clan." Snowstar smiled at the warrior and touched her nose to his ear.

"Snowstar, I know you and Tanglewhisker believe in me but there are so many other good choices in the clan." the orange warrior meowed softly, looking down at his paws.

"No, Tigercall. I can see potential in you and so did Tanglewhisker. I could choose some other warrior but that would mean I'm not picking the best cat for the job." The gray she-cat pointed out with a huff. Tigercall lowered his head a little.

"What about Eaglecry? He's a strong warrior and he's more confident than I am." He argued, glancing up at the leader. Snowstar's eyes darkened a little and Tigercall noticed her neck fur fluff out.

"I can't choose Eaglecry, Tigercall. His confidence is what would end this clan." she growled in a low voice. Tigercall shivered, confused. Eaglecry was a loyal warrior, he wouldn't do anything to hurt Thunderclan!

"Just...think on it for me, Tigercall. Tanglewhisker is getting older everyday and I worry he's going to get seriously hurt if he keeps straining himself with his duties." Snowstar sighed, shaking her head. She looked at the warrior and smiled, flicking her tail to dismiss him.