Sorrelpaw padded alongside Gingerstar as they entered the gathering place where VoleClan sat. The VoleClan cats were skinny and their pelts were unkempt, unlike their usually glossy pelts and plump bodies.
"Greetings Gingerstar" Pebblestar called from the top of the Split Rock. The VoleClan leader sat proudly on top.
"Greetings Pebblestar" Gingerstar replied as he leapt up beside the VoleClan leader.
A yowl from the east announced the arrival of HawkClan. Their small patrol consisted of scrawny warriors, barely able to stand on their own paws.
"Greetings Bonestar" Gingerstar said as the large white tom leapt up onto the rock.
"Greetings Gingerstar" Bonestar said and sat down quietly, waiting for the Gathering to start.
A nudge made Sorrelpaw whip around to find Sparrowpaw standing there.
"Sparrowpaw" Sorrelpaw gasped and nuzzled her sisters soft pelt. Sparrowpaw nuzzled her back but pulled away.
"How is AdderClan" Sparrowpaw asked. "We are recovering from Bloodcough, but Silverwillow has treated almost all the cats. Quailpaw caught the sickness last night though" Sorrelpaw said and bowed her head.
"Is he alright" Sparrowpaw asked solemnly.
"He is sick, but Silverwillow is doing all she can to cure the sickness" Sorrelpaw said, in hopes of not worrying her littermate too much.
"Where have you been" Sorrelpaw asked Sparrowpaw.
"I went to HawkClan. I found the clan in complete despair. Blossomspot died and they had no medicine cat to cure their illnesses. I have been curing HawkClan of Greencough" Sparrowpaw said.
"I am sorry that I never came back for Rocklily, but I got involved in something else" Sorrelpaw said and felt guilty for leaving her littermate.
"I am sure that you had a good reason, and I am fine. Bonestar send a patrol to fetch Rocklily's body. She is buried by the HawkClan camp" Sparrowpaw said.
"We never reached the Outlands either. Stagleap is still in BirdClan, and so is Bramblepaw" Sorrelpaw said.
"Stagleap was banished already. News of his banishment spread like a wildfire through the HawkClan camp" Sparrowpaw said.
"BirdClan is here" a cat announced from somewhere close by.
Sorrelpaw looked at the slope to see Briarstar leading her clan down towards the Split Rock. The beautiful tortoiseshell leader was limping severely and she leaned on Runningwish for support.
"What happened to Briarstar" Sparrowpaw asked in confusion.
"She will most likely tell us during the Gathering if it is important to us" a familiar voice said.
Briarstar leapt up onto the Split Rock and landed with a wince. Gingerstar padded up to the she-cat and let her lean on his shoulder for support.
"Where is MouseClan" Briarstar asked loudly. All the cats looked at each other in confusion.
"We are right here Briarstar. I see you carry wounds" a snarl came from the edge of the hollow.
All the cats turned to see Sootstar sitting, staring at the leaders.
"You caused my wounds, and killed one of my warriors" Briarstar yowled and the assembled cats gasped.
"I did indeed do those things, but tonight that won't matter because none of you will live to tell of it" Sootstar said and at that moment cats started appearing at the edge of the hollow.
They surrounded the edge until escape was impossible.
"What is the meaning of this Sootstar" Pebblestar asked.
"MouseClan attack!"
YOU ARE READING
The Stars of the Clans: Melting Dreams
SpiritualLeafbare still holds tight to the cats of Adderclan, but hope is found in a tiny kit. Bloodcough rages through Adderclan, but Silverwillow thinks she can finally cure the deadly disease. Sorrelpaw battles her clanmates after revealing her secret lov...
