A Stream of Ice

Chapter 8

The chosen cats lined up by the thorn barrier. Aldertail noticed that Blazepaw looked out of place  and awkward, being the only normal apprentice going. The death of his littermate had really shaken him as he was hardly seen without her.

    Aldertail sighed and walked over to the small tom and stood by his side. Blazepaw noticed and nodded gratefully at the company of the older warrior.

   Specklestar appeared with Luckyclaw from the leaders den and joined the front of the line. She looked back at her cats, gave the signal and started running through the dense woodland to the clearing that the gatherings were held. The clearing touched each of the Clan territories but were   owned by all of the Clans, not one.

   Aldertail caught a scent of the rest of the Clans already- They were the last cats here. The StormClan cats walked proudly into the clearing. Specklestar leaped into the middle of the clearing where the overhanging cave-like rock stood. She climbed up onto it to join the other three leaders.

   The four Clan Leaders exchanged a few words and looked down at their cats, waiting for them to settle down.

   “Cats of all Clans!” yowled Robinstar, the dark tortoiseshell leader of FrostClan. The large group of cats froze and started silently, staring up at the four leaders in respect. “Sleetstar, would you like to begin?”

   The grey and white tom nodded and stood up. His eyes sparkled with pride and he stood tall. “FlameClan is doing well. Our fresh-kill pile is fully stocked and we are prepared for the harsh and cold that Leaf-Bare will bring.” The leader sat and looked at Nettlestar expectantly.

  He would say that, thought Aldertail, he always seemed to proud to admit that his Clan were hungry.

   Nettlestar rose onto his paws. “I have nothing much to say” the brown tabby tom began, “Streamclan is  doing well, the fish ,however, are becoming skinnier. Specklestar, would you like to go next?”

   She gazed down at the cats for a moment before standing up. “All is well in StormClan. Prey is running and our bellies are satisfied. Also, Acornkit, Maplekit and Cloverkit were born to Birchleaf and Aldertail. However, we are sad to announce that Sandypaw, one of our apprentices who was close to her final assessment was killed by a fox. Our warriors have made sure that the vixen will never set a paw on our land again. Finally, Robinstar, you may speak.” The white and tortoiseshell she-cat sat down and waited for Robinstar to speak.

    Robinstar stood up, her ginger chest puffed out in pride. “We are sorry to hear the sad news Specklestar. FrostClan is well. We are happy to announce that we have got two more warriors: Mousetail and Blackglow, both of which are here.”

     She gazed down at two cats. Mousetail, a long-haired, pale brown she-cat gazed happily up as the cats cheered her name, whereas her brother, Oakleg, a dark-grey tom seemed embarrassed and dipped his head.
   
      “Other, there is nothing else to say.” She lifted her gaze to the other leaders, questioning. “Clans dismissed!”