A Stream of Ice

Chapter 2

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather to the mossy stump for a gathering!" Called the leader of StormClan, Specklestar. Aldertail rose sleepily from his soft nest and into the clearing. He has been awake most of the night with Birchleaf as she gave birth to his kits. With a quick glance around, he settled in-between Cricketfur and Sparrowtail. They both nodded at him in greeting and waited for Specklestar to speak.

“Last night three new kits were born into StormClan: Acornkit, Cloverkit and Maplekit! We are strong in the early days of Leaf-Fall! Aldertail, Birchleaf, you must  be proud.”

       Aldertail's eyes shone happily and he glanced into the nursery. But no amount of pride could get him to forget last night's dream. He would have to tell the Leader.

       Specklestar continued to speak. “Luckyclaw will organise the patrols, we will need all of the prey we can get to prepare for Leaf-Bare. The nights and days are getting colder. This clan meeting is now over.” She jumped off the mossy stump and headed over to Luckyclaw to help organise the morning patrols.

     Aldertail walked over to where Specklestar was and waited for her to finish discussing patrols.
“Aldertail? Would you like something?”
He bowed his head respectfully. “I need to tell you something important.”  Wonder and concern sparkled in her eyes and for a moment she didn't speak.
“Very well. Come into my den.” she walked off, beckoning him to the small hollow where her den was. He followed her inside.

      “Well?” she sat with her tail wrapped around her paws and gazed expectantly at Aldertail.
“Last night Woodenflank came to me in a dream. He had a prophecy for me.” He started, struggling to find the words. Specklestar's whiskers twitched in curiosity. He carried on speaking.
“He said that 'The deadly white will come, death following in its pawsteps' I thought I'd better tell you.”
      Specklestar was silent for a while but finally she nodded. “Thank you Aldertail. If you find out anything else, come and tell me.”
“Yes Specklestar.” He bowed his head and walked outside.
“Oh, Aldertail! Tell Luckyclaw to come and speak to me”  Aldertail turned around and nodded.

     He stepped out into the clearing and glanced around to find Luckyclaw. He spotted her sharing tongues with her mate, Oakface. Aldertail strode over. “Luckyclaw, Specklestar would like to see you”. The deputy nodded, swiped her tail against him affectionately and trotted over to the leaders den. Oakface watched her go “Im proud of your mother.”
“So am I” purred Aldertail to his father. Oakface purred and walked off.