The Kill Of Dawn- Book 2

Chapter 5

Greystar's ears pricked as he heard the thrumming of paws nearing camp. Brackenfur's patrol burst through the entrance. 
"Greystar! It's Scourge and KillClan!" the deputy yowled, skidding to a halt at Greystar's paws. 
"What happened?" Greystar asked, worry worming in his stomach. 
"Well first we heard battle cries and fighting and saw that KillClan had attacked BloodClan's camp and driven out Snake's crew. Just when KillClan was about to turn back with a victory Scourge, his cats and ShadowClan came forward and drove away KillClan! Russetfur stood beside him!" Brackenfur explained quickly. 
"Russetfur what?" Oakfur growled as he padded over to see what the fuss was about. 
"She stood by Scourge as if she were Bone," Mousefur spat. 
"Traitorous fool! I knew we shouldn't have brought in those rouges," Rowanpaw glowered, rage lighting his eyes with a green fire. 
"Did they come into our territory?" Greystar demanded. His Clan wasn't ready for a fight.
"No, but now we know that Scourge is nearby and who knows what KillClan plans on doing next," Longtail fretted, tail twitching with worry. 
"What are we going to do?" Pikeclaw asked. 
"What if they target us next?" 
"The kits will be in danger!" 
"And clan life will be forgotten!" 
"Hush!" Greystar snapped, silencing the babbling group of scared cats ,"I'll figure something out. Brakcenfur, may I speak with you alone?" 
The deputy nodded, following Greystar to his den in the caves. 
"What do you suggest we do?" Greystar asked. 
"Well.. Maybe we should do nothing. Maybe staying out of it for as long as possible is the best way to go about it," Brackenfur proposed. 
"Perhaps. I will increase patrols and have two look outs each night rather than just one," Greystar agreed, treading out the den and leaping onto Moss Rock. He cleared his throat, his clan snapping their gazes towards him. 
"Me and Brackenfur have discussed it and have decided we will now have two look outs and increased patrols. The safest option is to stay back as long as we can; we are not prepared for this kind of battle yet," Greystar announced. The clan broke into bickering and yowling of both agreement and defiance. 
"But then they'll think we are weak and will target us!" Dustpelt argued. 
"But if we attack lives will be lost and if they get revenge they could hurt my kits!" Goldenflower disagreed, anxiety shinning in her amber eyes. Greystar gave his clanmates a hard look until they silenced themselves. 
"It has been decided. There will be no battle today, or anytime soon," Greystar told them sternly, leaping down from the rock, ending the meeting. 
"Greystar!" a voice called. Greystar turned to see Jaysong rushing over. 
"I have something to tell you," she confided once out of ear-shot. Greystar sat down, ears forward. 
"Yes Jaysong?" 
"I'm going to have kits," she confessed. Greystar's fur pricked with delight. 
"Really? That's great! Who is the father if I may ask?" Greystar smiled. 
"Cloudtail. Also, would you mind keeping this a secret. Cloudtail doesn't even know yet and I want this to be a big surprise," Jaysong told him, eyes lighting up. 
"You can count on me," Greystar vowed ,"Congratulations," he purred, padding back into camp. 
"Brackenfur, can you organise a hunting patrol. I want to join it," Greystar asked. 
"Sure thing, Pikeclaw, Mousefur and Sandstorm, you join him. Cloudtail, Jaysong, Longtail, you're coming on border patrol with me," Brackenfur ordered, gathering his patrol. 

The gentle chitter of the birds started to die down as the mountains engulfed the last of the sun. The hunting patrol had caught three blackbirds, two mice, a vole and two shrews. They were heading back when Greystar heard a rustle amongst the yellowing bushes. 
"Wait," he whispered. He opened his mouth and smelt unfamiliar cat scent. Two cats then jumped out, a golden tom and a tortoiseshell she-cat. Greystar heard Mousefur unsheathe her claws. 
"Who are you?" Greystar perplexed through narrowed eyes. The two cats lowered their heads submissively. 
"My name is Fred and this is my sister Rhona. We are here in interest of joining your clan," the golden tom told him. 
"And how do we know you're not some BloodClan spy," Pikeclaw challenged. 
"BloodClan? No way! Those mangy crow-food eaters are nothing but cold-blooded and murderous. Everyone is talking about your clan and how you intend to return peace to the forests. We decided to actually go seek you and join your clan," Fred smiled, eyes glowing. 
"Follow me. We can take you to camp but we will not take you in as official members until you gain our trust," Greystar decided, chin high. 
"That is very understandable. Thank you for giving us a chance," Rhona dipped her head in respect before following after the patrol. 
Many curious faces greeted the new comers as they trod through the entrance. 
"Who are they?" Blazekit asked, walking over and sniffing the rouges ,"They smell weird." 
"Hush," Goldenflower scolded, sweeping her tail over her muzzle and guiding her back to her siblings. The kits were five moons now. It wouldn't be long before they would earn their apprentice names. Greystar planned on making Ashpaw a warrior at the same time, he would need to let Longtail know so he could give him his assessment. Greystar dropped his prey and then stood in the centre of camp. 
"We have found two rouges in the forest who wish to join our clan. I am willing to let them stay until they prove themselves that they are not spies," Greystar announced. The clan started to gossip amongst themselves. The two rouges looked less hopeful. 
"Don't worry," Brackenfur assured, nudging Fred's shoulders ,"They're just suspicious. KillClan and BloodClan had a huge fight near our borders recently and their furs still on end. They'll be treating you as any other clan mate in no time." 
"You are all so kind," Fred commented. 
Greystar went into his den and sat down for a rest. He wondered how those two rouges would do.. What if they were spies. His clan was smart. If they suspect them then they'll know to keep our clans secrets safely tucked away.