Book 2 - Warriors: The Servant's Promise

Chapter Twenty-Three

Rain had to say that for once in his entire life—well, the life that he remembered—he was very sure about what he had done. There was no doubt filling his head, and he was proud.

This still didn't exempt him from punishment, of course. Shadow had hurt him pretty bad after Evectri had flown off, and by that he meant that his shoulder—the one without the scar—was thrashed horribly. Oozing blood seeped down his leg to the ground.

He was in the same den Evectri was. However, he wasn't going to be executed. This was just going to be his life for a few days. Not that he cared—he was still happy about it, enjoying the naps he'd take just for the fun of messing around in his head with Jactur.

Oh, and the other thing that happened was that he was no longer Huntress's mate. That was implied, anyway, for Huntress wanting nothing to do with him, and he was now too 'dangerous' to become the Commander of the camp and the cats within it.

Rain was delighted to hear it.

It had been only a day since he'd been kept in the den. At that moment, he was refreshed and though he was hungry, he knew somehow he'd felt worse.

Well, you have starved yourself at one point. Jactur commented.

Really? Rain asked. Why?

It was both that time you were depressed or that time you were travelling and you got chased by a dog. Jactur answered. Either way, you've been in worse situations.

Mmm, Rain hummed, smiling to himself. So, I know you don't like answering these questions, but what was my family like? There was a pause, causing silence to ring through.

Well...this may be complicated, Jactur warned. Just bear with me. Okay...where to start? Well, you have a brother for one. He's a smart kid, though a little arrogant and naive at times. His name is Stormheart, and he's helped me through the last eight moons. Also, you have a mate. She's pretty, and I mean pretty pretty.

I got a good one, then? Rain asked, smirking slightly.

Oh yeah, and I was quite surprised, Jactur teased. Anyway, she had your kits a little while back. The tom is a mature, mentor-like grey cat who takes care of his sister. Now the she-cat—she's a handful. And I mean it. She's got a rebellious streak. Rain chuckled.

So, did either of my kits get my powers? Rain asked.

You didn't get to see them grow up, Jactur explained. They'd be about...wow, has it already been eight-and-a-half moons since that all happened?

It seems you lost track of time, Rain mused.

It doesn't help to have spent two moons shut down thanks to StarClan, Jactur reminded him. And then I had to make sure you didn't get yourself killed by this strange new species. Rain laughed out loud this time, forcing a few confused looks from the cats keeping him in.

By late afternoon, Rain was ready to fall asleep again. However, something stopped him, for strange scents had entered his nose.

There was movement, whispers, and strange sounds that made him curious. Rain laid straight, listening carefully for what was out there.

"Who are you?" came Shadow's harsh voice. "This is my camp, and my territory. What purpose do you have here?" There was a small silence.

"We are to believe that you have a rogue who belongs to us," came a calm, composed voice. Rain hear Jactur growl lowly.