~~~
Two moons back...
~~~
Poolstar huffed.
The entire clan had gone wild, yelling at each other and at her. They outraged against her lead after that kit disappeared.
It all started a few nights ago when three coyotes attacked the camp. A few cats were fatally injured and two died - Specklestep, while trying to chase the coyote with the kit, getting attacked by another one, and Goosekit, the kit.
Well, no one knew for sure if it was dead, but it was a mewling kit taken by a coyote, most presumed it died to follow the caretaker.
Clearpaw had gone through shock after her mentor died, usually sneaking out to cry in the forest. Poolstar sometimes saw Frostpaw and Speckpaw follow her.
Before Owlpaw's death two moons ago, they would tease her for crying. But now they comforted their sister.
Bearclaw went kind of crazy himself at his mate's death. He didn't want to help Poolstar settle down the clan, which frustrated her, but she understood why.
But no one was as shaken as Littleminnow. It must have been hard to see her kit be carried away like that.
Her other kits would cry or comfort each other.
But Morningsong kept reporting strange things happening to Littleminnow. She would have nightmares and neglect the other kits.
Poolstar moaned.
"All cats sane enough to listen to my words please gather under the Rockledge without attempting to attack me..." she called in annoyance. Most cats hushed and gathered as told to do, sitting or rolling their eyes.
"I know this is hard. But we are OrchidClan, a beautiful and talented clan. We have many skilled guardians and Questers and gorgeous queens and kits, a very reliable healer and powerful Deputy. We have eager apprentices and great, yet passive-aggressive elders. We will be able to stand through this. We all mourn the death of Specklestep but she died for a brave cause. She helps the kits in StarClan now.
"As for Clearpaw, she will continue training as another desired rank, whether that be Guardian, quester, or healer." She looked at the little Spotted she-cat expectantly.
Clearpaw was huddled between her brother Speckpaw and sweet little Creampaw. She looked up at her name and shuddered.
"Uhm...q-quester please, Miss.." she stuttered. "I'd like to continue my training as a quester."
"Very well. Your new mentor will be..." she scanned the area, realizing all the Questers were taken. "Will be me. I will mentor you."
Some cats gasped, others snickered. Clearpaw nodded. "Yes ma'am."
Poolstar felt a stab of pity for the apprentice. She'd been through more in life than anycat gave her credit for.
And Poolstar vowed to make her feel better and teach her well.
"Until further notice, clan dismissed."
The cats grumbled and scattered across the clan again. Poolstar sighed and wilted a little on her rock.
These cats were her burden. She never liked to be leader but wouldn't admit it. She just liked making others happy, and so she became leader to do so....but it wasn't working.
She wanted so badly to find the kit, but even more she wanted Firecloud back. He was loyal and considerate, and even if he lied to her she knew why. She exiled him to make the others believe she was powerful and confident.
Soon she would find all the missing cats. Maybe then everyone would be happy, and at least 50% down-to-earth.
~~~
YOU ARE READING
Book One: Dog Borne
Fanfiction"It trotted off warily, leaving the kit in the nest, but if Goosekit learned anything in his time, it was that new adventure awaited if you didn't listen - which was a terrible moral but he decided it was an exciting one to live by." Goosekit had...
