Dawnstar's Trouble {COMPLETE}

Chapter 32

 Everything seemed so perfect in SunClan, Greenleaf was in it's prime, Dawnfire was happy with Lionclaw, the Clan was prospering and Thornclaw hadn't shown his ugly face at all. Dawnfire was getting the hang of being deputy, when she wasn't with Lionclaw she was thinking of patrols to organize. Dawnfire actually felt comfortable with herself, something she hadn't felt in several moons. Dawnfire had just sent off a hunting patrol and was setting up the sunhigh patrol for herself to lead, she needed to get out and stretch her paws. Dawnfire gathered Lionclaw, Icepetal, Snakewhisker and Flamepetal to join her and they quickly set out.

The forest was beautiful and green, the sun shining down onto every plant and rock; filling the SunClan cats with energy. Greenleaf was SunClan's element, the sun gave them everything. Dawnfire confidently led her patrol to the AshClan border, marked it and was about to leave until an overwhelming AshClan scent flooded her nose. Dawnfire stopped and faced the border, five cats came into view. Riverstorm was at the head of it, so Dawnfire wasn't too concerned with a fight; the only time Riverstorm led a fight was when they tried to take SunClan's herbs. Dawnfire faced herself to greet the patrol.

Behind Riverstorm was Cloverstrike, Ashblaze, Featherfall and much to Dawnfire's annoyance; Echoheart. "Greetings, Riverstorm." Dawnfire dipped her head respectfully. Only two of the cats had been in the invasion at the gathering, surprisingly Ashblaze hadn't been.

"Hello, Dawnfire." Riverstorm was just as respectful. "How goes it?"

"Very good, thank you. And you?"

"Also good." Riverstorm's blue eyes were gentle. "However, we heard about what happened at the last gathering and I'm glad I ran into you." Dawnfire twitched her ears, she supposed Echoheart would tell every cat that would listen about Thornpelt's exile. "And Lionstar wanted to apologize on behalf of our warriors, all of them were punished."

"Good to hear it." Dawnfire flicked her tail and met Echoheart's toxic gaze, the gray she-cat spat at her.

"Hush, Echoheart." Riverstorm spat. "You deserved it." The blue-gray deputy shook her head. "Anyway, who is the new deputy if you don't mind me asking?"

"You're looking at her!" Lionclaw piped up beside Dawnfire, Dawnfire noticed the look of shock and annoyance in Echoheart's eyes.

"Oh, wow." Riverstorm looked over Dawnfire. "You're so young," Her blue eyes were stern for a moment but they softened. "Well I'm sure you're a fantastic deputy. Does that mean Cloudpaw is a warrior now?"

Dawnfire nodded and was about to speak; but was silenced by a hiss. "Let's leave Riverstorm instead of chatting with an enemy Clan!" Echoheart hissed.

Riverstorm let out a sigh but it was Snakewhisker who spoke. "We're just being friendly, Echoheart, but I forget you don't know what that means."

"Coming from a cat who couldn't handle being deputy?" Echoheart sneered.

"Coming from a cat who was removed from being deputy?" Snakewhisker didn't hesitate and he didn't wait for a response, he turned to Dawnfire. "We really should be going, Dawnfire." Dawnfire agreed.

"It was nice talking to you Riverstorm, I'll be seeing you at the next gathering." Dawnfire dipped her head, Riverstorm gave a friendly parting and they two patrols continued on. Dawnfire felt good, she enjoyed Riverstorm she was a loyal and kind cat; she would make a great leader one day.

The SunClan patrol returned home and Dawnfire headed to Flowerstar's den where the leader was sharing fresh-kill with her sister, Stormwind. "Greetings, Dawnfire. Please come in." Flowerstar beckoned. Dawnfire dipped her head to both she-cats in turn. "How was the patrol?"