Aspenleaf's Duty

Chapter 19

Aspenpaw sat tensely, her tail tip flicking. Beside her, Icepaw was sitting just as stiffly, both of their gazes pinned on the leader's den. When they had returned to the camp, Ravencall had emerged from his meeting with Silverstar and told Aspenpaw that she would be attending the gathering that night, but that Tigerfang had stayed behind to discuss another matter. Both she and Icepaw had not moved since, anxiously awaiting Tigerfang's return.

Robinblaze and Creekshadow padded into camp, the three other apprentices behind them. Between the five of them, they'd only managed to catch a blackbird and two shrews. As they walked in, Drypaw looked over to where Aspenpaw and Icepaw were sitting before nudging the other two. They quickly deposited the prey onto the freshkill pile before hurrying over to their friends.

"What's going on?" asked Drypaw as they reached them.

"Aspenpaw's going to the gathering tonight." Icepaw quickly recounted. "But Tigerfang is still in with Silverstar."

The other three apprentices glanced towards the leader's den. Drypaw went and sat on Aspenpaw's other side, gently leaning into her friend. "Don't worry, I'm sure everything will be alright." She purred encouragingly.

Badgerpaw and Shadowpaw were both looking at the leader's den with interest. "I wonder what it's about." Murmured Badgerpaw.

"Maybe he's advocating for your assessment!" mewed Shadowpaw, his ears pricking with excitement. "Aspenpaw, you could be a warrior soon!"

Aspenpaw said nothing, her eyes still fixed on the entrance to the den. Her tail was beginning to lash anxiously. Drypaw seemed to notice and she pressed herself closer to her friend. Shadowpaw shifted himself between Aspenpaw and Icepaw. As Drypaw leaned in further, it pushed Aspenpaw making her lean slightly towards Shadowpaw.

"It could be." agreed Badgerpaw. "You've been an apprentice longest. It's been... six moons, right?"

She nodded stiffly. For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that it was something... somehow worse.

"Here he comes." Mewed Icepaw getting to his paws as Tigerfang emerged from the leader's den, his expression angry. Aspenpaw got to her paws, waiting for him to come and speak to them, but he strode straight past them walking towards the fresh-kill pile.

She frowned and followed him. "Tigerfang?" she mewed dashing to catch up. "Is something the matter?"

He looked down at her, his single eye still alight with rage. She felt herself flinch but didn't back away. "I told Silverstar I thought you were ready for your assessment. She has refused."

Her eyes rounded. "Oh... I see."

He paused. "Don't think I'm angry at you." He said, trying to make his voice calmer, though there was still a growl there. "But why make me your mentor if she's not going to listen to my judgement?"

She shook her head. "I don't know."

He gave another little growl. "I'll keep asking her. Don't worry, you'll be a warrior soon."

She smiled at him. "It's alright. I can wait."

He tried to smile back at her. "Get yourself some prey and rest up for tonight." He mewed padding off towards the very small prey pile. He picked up a mouse and made his way towards Blackheart.

The other four apprentices approached her. "What was it?" asked Icepaw, watching Tigerfang settling down.

"He told Silverstar I'm ready for my assessment." She murmured. "She said no."