Warriors: Beyond the River (SOB prequel) (COMPLETE)

Chapter 4

Iceslide bounced across the stepping stones, relieved after his close encounter with Shimmerstar and the medicine cats. When he reached the riverbank, he glanced over his shoulder to make sure no cat had seen him spying. That was close! They could have seen- He stumbled into fur.

"Iceslide?"

Aah! He stepped back quickly, finding himself face to face with Shimmerstar. "Oh- Hi!"

The silver she-cat twitched her tail, her green eyes fixed on him. "Where have you been?"

"H-hunting." Iceslide replied, his heart pounding. Does she know I heard her talking to the medicine cats?

"Is that right?" Shimmerstar tilted her head. "I don't recall Frostedcloud putting you on a patrol today. And I don't see any prey with you."

Iceslide hesitated. "I went on my own, and-"

"As usual."

"-And I buried it near the clearing." He finished, hoping she'd believe him. "I can go fetch it now if you'd like." He offered, then bit his tongue a second later. Fox dung! I haven't caught anything to show her, mouse-brain!

The RiverClan leader remained unimpressed. She let out a sigh and closed her eyes. "You've been away from camp all day, and you return empty pawed." She growled. "It's unacceptable." She raised her head.  "You're going to catch prey for your clanmates. I'd like you to go fishing."

"But it's almost dusk," Iceslide exclaimed, his body tensing in protest. He was exhausted from the walk to and from twolegplace. "Surely I should rest-"

"No!" Shimmerstar snapped. "You're going fishing, and that's an order. And I suppose I'd better send another warrior with you to make sure you do as you're told."

"I'll go with him." Beyond her, Lilynose seemed to have been watching them. She hurried over, waving her tortoiseshell tail. Shimmerstar nodded to the young she-cat thankfully.

I don't need to be watched! Iceslide's stomach churned with frustration. "But-"

"This is your last chance. Is that clear?" The Riverclan leader growled, narrowing her eyes. 

Iceslide dropped his gaze, flicking his tail. Last chance...?  Or what..?  But he didn't ask. "Yes, Shimmerstar." He muttered reluctantly.

She watched him for a moment longer before turning to Lilynose. "I expect you'll return before nightfall." She meowed. "Make sure he catches something." As she turned and padded away, Lilynose looked to Iceslide. "Are you ready?"

"Sure." He sighed and turned away. Lilynose followed him happily.

When they reached the river, Iceslide let out a sigh, his paws aching. He wanted to plop down onto the grass and relax. But if he didn't bring one stinking fish back to camp, Shimmerstar was sure to claw his ear off.

"Are you okay?" Lilynose looked at him, sounding worried. "You look tired."

That's because I am tired! Iceslide wanted to growl. "Yeah, yeah." He padded closer to the riverside and crouched, peering into the rippling water. "The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can go rest."

"Have you had a busy day?" She asked curiously. "I don't see you much. Where have you been?"

Iceslide twitched his ear. "Let's just catch some fish, okay?"

"Okay." The tortoiseshell splashed she-cat meowed quietly and crouched beside him. Iceslide felt her gaze on him. He grew uncomfortable and pretended not to notice, trying to focus on spotting a fish. A shadow flashed below the surface and he shot a paw into the water, but the fish slipped away before he could grasp it in his claws.