Book One of the How the Mighty Fall Trilogy
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Stonetail is a headstrong young warrior and the daughter of Greystar, a formidable she-cat known for her strict adherence to the code. All her life, she has practiced honor, valor, and fait...
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In the morning, Stonetail has a moment of bliss where nothing exists but the warm sunshine above and the soft moss below, but then Sootwing pokes his head into the warriors' den, informing her that Greystar wants the loners to know their way around ShadeClan territory. The order, delivered apologetically as possible, still brings the events of the previous day crashing down on the grey tabby. Whatever rejuvenation she felt upon waking is crushed by the hollow feeling in her chest.
She isn't Thrushpaw's mentor. Not anymore.
"I'll be out shortly," she promises Sootwing, who hovers at the mouth of the den. He hesitates for a heartbeat, then vanishes. The early morning silence, punctuated only by the twitter of birds and soft murmuring from camp's center, lowers itself over her again. She revels in it, rolling onto her side and forcing her breathing into an even cycle. Maybe if she waits long enough, yesterday's events will prove to be nothing more than a foul dream.
Too much time passes, and the ache in her ribs remains. Chiding herself for believing it could all be a figment of her imagination, Stonetail rises to her feet and slips outside to face whatever is waiting for her.
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It happens that Clay is waiting for her. Streamheart and Coal have already begun their tour of the pine forest, leaving the brown tabby to wait for his escort. Of course, he isn't alone; Darkfeather eyes him bitterly from her post beside the camp entrance, presumably assigned the role of sentry against her will.
"Took you long enough," the dark she-cat snarls, stalking past Stonetail when she comes within earshot. Then the grey warrior is alone with Clay.
He is quite unlike his brother. While Coal eyes everything with a fierce wariness, Clay's face is filled with wonder. He can't peel his gaze away from the soaring treetops, and a quiet, constant purr vibrates from deep in his broad chest. Only when Stonetail scuffs her paws over the earth to signal her approach does he look at her.
"Good morning!" There's nothing but cheer in his voice, and Stonetail hesitates as she examines the swelling over the ruddy tabby's eye. Her Clan gave he and his brother quite the beating yesterday, yet she can't imagine him bearing any ill will towards anyone. For some reason, the thought is comforting.
"Morning," she replies guardedly. In spite of the easy air Clay has, she hates to allow herself to be vulnerable, to make foolish mistakes, but he takes her by surprise all the same.
"Something was bothering you yesterday," he meows, cocking his head to gauge her reaction before continuing. "Whatever it was, I'm sorry."
Had she been that obvious? Before entering the loners' den yesterday, she'd summoned up her strongest façade, but it seems like that hadn't been enough. The fur along her spine lifts with shame, and she jerks her head towards the forest. "Follow me." And with that, she races into the pines, heading towards the WillowClan border.
