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

Chapter 11

A few days had passed. Iceslide padded into camp with Creekleap and Lakesong by his side. The three warriors had just returned from hunting. They deposited their fish on the fresh kill pile. 

"That was a good catch, Iceslide," Lakesong praised. "You're becoming a much better hunter."

Iceslide dipped his head to the older she-cat, a little annoyed that she would point out his formerly poor hunting skills.

"Not bad," Creekleap purred, his golden striped tail high in the air. "We should have a hunting competition sometime."

He snorted in amusement. I'd definitely lose. Creekleap is a great hunter. He suddenly noticed a group of cats sitting near the nursery, watching the den. Creekleap's sister, Lilynose, was among them. She turned and spotted them, brightening. "Hey!" She quickly approached them, looking excited.

"What's going on?" Iceslide asked, looking past her at the nursery.

"Swanpool has begun kitting," Lilynose informed him, her eyes glowing. "Isn't that great?"

I guess so. Iceslide didn't know what to say. To his relief, Lakesong jumped in. "It's wonderful news!" She purred, waving her fluffy silver and white tail. "I wish I'd had kits, but I never met the right cat."

Maybe you would if you looked outside of RiverClan. Iceslide thought, remembering his conversation with Sunripple a few nights ago. But because of the rules of the warrior code, you'll never have the kits you want... He felt a pang of pity for her. If only she didn't bind her life to it like so many other warriors. She could be happier.

He saw many couples around the camp. Outside the leader's den, Shimmerstar and Salmonstripe were laying together, watching the clan contently. Near them, Mudslip and Vixenwhisper were watching their kits, Warmpaw and Duckpaw, train with their mentors.

The cats who managed to find love in RiverClan are lucky. Iceslide thought.

Dipfoot and Shallowpool sat together, purring. Beyond them, Shorestep watched with a cold look on her face. She snorted and lashed her tail as she stood and walked away. Iceslide remembered that Shorestep and Dipfoot had been mates when he'd been an apprentice. They were the parents of Coralshine and Perchstripe. He wasn't sure what had happened between the couple, but they were no longer mates. Dipfoot had moved on to Shallowpool.

Iceslide spotted his sister, and his heart clouded with sadness. Winterlight was laying at the edge of the camp with her chin on her paws. Her yellow eyes were fixed on the ground. 

She's still upset over Ravenfeather. He thought. He picked up the fish he'd caught by its tail and padded over to her. "Hey," He dropped the fish at her paws and nudged it toward her with his nose. "Are you hungry?"

She closed her eyes. "I don't have an appetite."

His heart sunk. She's always been so happy and positive! He laid down beside her and curled his tail around himself. He looked around the camp. Many cats were gathered, looking at the nursery, awaiting the arrival of Swanpool's kits.

Frostedcloud sat outside the nursery, his tail twitching nervously. At last, Maplesky and Otterpelt stepped out of the den.

"Congratulations, Frostedcloud," Maplesky purred. "You have two daughters and a son."

The deputies ears perked up with eagerness. "Really? Can I-" The medicine cat nodded, and Frostedcloud rushed past him into the nursery. Maplesky purred and headed toward the medicine den, Otterpelt closely following.