Dark Destinies {Book 1}

Chapter 4

SPLASHFOOT

The sun had set over camp and I was preparing to leave.

My body was pricked with nervous tension; tonight would not be the most enjoyable…

“Remember if anything happens you can always-.”

“Use the herbs you told me about twenty times today. I’m perfectly fine to be alone for a while tonight.” Sandtail interrupted me with a lighthearted laugh.

I nodded though still uncertain.

“You can call Hiddenstar too.” I told her.

“I know, I know. Now go before you’re late.” She ushered me gently out of the medicine cat den with a limp and a smile.

With a grim expression I regarded her one more time before I shook my head and rushed to the entrance of camp but not before calling out a hasty good-bye.

I could faintly hear her mew bye as I slipped out of camp.

Once I was exposed to the forest’s dark wilderness I was greeted by a large rush of chilly Leaf-Bare wind that ripped right through my pelt and sent me shivering. With a long sigh I began my trek into ever-darkening twilight.

Though snow was not falling the pre-existing snow was drenching my paws and sticking to my grey and white fur in cumbersome clumps. Making me colder and wetter. I tried desperately to puff my fur against the chill but to no avail.

As I neared the Stormclan border a familiar scent reached me and I could make out Willowpool’s silvery pelt flashing ever-so-often in the moonlight. Her young apprentice sitting silently beside her.

“Hello Splashfoot.” She greeted cheerfully. “You’re looking well.”

“Hello Willowpool, you too.” I replied curtly.

“You remember my apprentice, Riverpaw right?” Willowpool flicked her slender tail at her young white tom apprentice.

Of course I remember. Riverpaw had been made an apprentice two half-moons ago, he seemed like a good young cat. Quiet and observant.

“Yes, hello.” I meowed to the young tom.

“Hello Splashfoot.” Riverpaw’s voice was even tempered. “I’ve heard many things about you.”

I was surprised at this sudden discovery and bout of praise and I looked over at Willowpool with suspicion. Her blue eyes glowed in the moonlight and she smiled at my perplexed expression.

“I must not lie to my apprentice, Splashfoot.” Willowpool meowed, then with a flick of her tail she started padding past me, Riverpaw following suit with barely a pause.

I followed behind them for a moment before catching up with Willowpool. Making sure Riverpaw was a good distance behind us and out of earshot I brought up one of my anxieties.

“Willowpool, Fireclan hasn’t visited Stormclan have they…?”

“Fireclan is not fond of lovely visits… So I’m not sure what you mean.”

With a frustrated sigh I elaborated; “Have they brought a battle patrol to you? Have they asked for your support? Or threatened war?”

“No! Why? Have they attacked Iceclan?” She asked startled.

At her outburst I glanced back at Riverpaw who casually flicked his ears in the opposite direction; it was obvious he’d been listening and heard.