A New Beginning: Book 1 Flamestar's Promise

Chapter 28

    "Well, I guess I'll go next." He said, ignoring Lightningstar's swift side glances every so often.
He swept his gaze across the clearing until he rested his eyes on mine.
    "A few moons ago, I named a new warrior. I guess you already know her from previous mentions at gatherings and Lightningstar's rude accusation. This is her first gathering, and I would like to give her the proper honors that warriors usually get at their first gathering. She is a great fighter, and an amazing hunter. She will be a wonderful contribute to ForestClan." He meowed.
I dipped my head with embarrassment as yowls of congratulations filled the clearing.
    "Other than that, ForestClan is doing well." He finished.
Then Lightningstar stepped forward. He bragged about how much prey his warriors were bringing back, and I saw Smokeytail shake her head. He also talked about how he had not been affected by the fox that had apparently run into his territory. Guilt swept over me when he said that his warriors had taken care of it. When he finished, Lillystar quietly padded forward.
    "CliffClan is doing well, so I have nothing to report." She said swiftly.
And with that, the gathering was over.
When we got back to camp, I saw Waspclaw eating a mouse slowly by the fresh kill pile. I was practically starving, but I avoided a trip there. He whipped his head around when he heard us, and rested his gaze on mine. I couldn't read his expression. He got up and padded over to me.
"Hey Flamepelt. Wanna eat with me?" He asked.
My eyes were wide. I padded with him silently as we headed to the fresh kill pile. He pushed a sparrow toward me and nodded at it. I bent over slowly and took a bite. It was fresh.
"I just caught it. Is it good?" He asked, a concerned look on his face.
"It's fine." I answered.
He shuffled his paws.
"Look, I'm sorry about the other day. I was just angry, and, I guess I overreacted. Please forgive me." He pleaded.
I looked at him. I stared into his eyes. They were deep green pools of warmth. He was being honest.
"Waspclaw, I..." I cut myself off remembering that night with Timberstar.
His hopeful eyes turned to sorrow.
"I understand." He said briefly.
Before I could open my mouth, he got up and padded away with his head and tail drooped.
    Three days had passed since the gathering. Waspclaw had barely left the den. I was eating by the entrance, when I saw him pad toward the fresh kill pile. I got up to follow him, but just then, Smokeytail came bursting into camp. Fear struck in her gaze.
"What are you doing here?" Timberstar growled.
She was panting hard, but when she caught her breath, her words made me freeze in my tracks.
"FireClan, Lightningstar is leading them here to ambush your camp!" She screeched.
"Everyone! Get ready for battle! Moonheart, Shadefur, protect the nursery! Marrowpelt, Swiftwhisker, help the elders out of camp through the back! Everyone else, surround the edge of the wall! Prepare for attack on all sides!" He shouted.
"Lightningstar likes to overwhelm his enemies." He added to himself.
I got into position near the entrance, I heard a loud yowl near the top of the hill, and all around camp, FireClan filled the arena.