The New Prophecy

Chapter 4

 Two moons later Bramblestar led his patrol of cats to the gathering, Squirrelflight had moved to the nursery a moon before along with Cinderheart so Graystripe had taken over the deputy’s duties until Squirrelflight could take over again. They made their way through the snow-covered ground until they reached the tree bridge; Bramblestar led them across while the warriors helped each other walk across without falling. He leapt up to where the other leaders were gathered and watched the cats below share tongues as they waited for Wind Clan to show up.

            “You’d think the fastest clan would be the first to get here.” Blackstar grumbled. “I’m freezing my fur off while I wait for them!”

            “Calm down, they’ll be here. Just be patient your not the only one who wants to be in their nice warm nest.” Mistystar snapped.

            A yowl cut off any more conversation as Onestar led his cats into the clearing; he took his place beside the other leaders and said a quick greeting before Blackstar called the gathering to order.

            “Shadow Clan’s camp has been restored to its original glory. Our prey is running well despite the snow and Applefur is expecting Smokefoot’s kits.” Blackstar reported.

            Yowls of approval and congratulations swept through the cats even though it didn’t appear that the two cats that were mentioned were there. Mistystar stood forward and the commotion died down so she could continue.

            “River Clan has also fixed its camp and even with leaf bare approaching the rivers have kept running swiftly. Petalnose has recently moved to the nursery as well but her mate Mintfur is here tonight.”

            More praise was given and Mistystar stepped back so Bramblestar could take her place.

            “Thunder Clan is thriving, Squirrelflight and Cinderheart have moved to the nursery and are expected to have kits soon, so Graystripe has been filling in for her. Also we have two new warriors, Cherryleaf and Moleclaw.”

            The clans cheered the warriors’ names as they looked at their paws in embarrassment. Onestar finally signaled for them to be quiet so he could say his report and they could go home.

            “We also have a new queen, Swallowtail, other than that the prey is still running well.”

            The leaders climbed down from the branches of the tree and joined their deputies as they rounded up their clans to go home, Bramblestar led them across the bridge again and finally made it back to camp. When they got there the remaining cats were circled around the nursery while Leafpool and Jayfeather went in and out of the entrance.

            “What’s going on?” Bramblestar demanded.

            “Squirrelflight’s kits are coming early!” Lionblaze said as he ran over. “It started a little before moon high.”

            Bramblestar ran over to the nursery and the others backed away and walked over to their nests to give him space. He saw his mate panting with two kits lying beside her and wet moss by her muzzle.

            “She’s almost done, just one more.” Leafpool assured him. “You should wait outside, or get her more moss.”

            He nodded and ran out into the forest with the small bundle of moss.